Vol 6 Issue 42

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

Tel: (649) 946-8542 VOLUME 6 No. 42

Fax: (649) 941-3281

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NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

By Hayden Boyce SUN Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

DAVID SMITH, WHO was picked up by United States marshals from the Grand Turk jail and flown to Florida on Thursday November 18, is looking at spending the rest of his life behind bars in the United States of America (USA), if he is convicted on several financial crimes.

United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill, said in a statement obtained by The SUN, that on August 18, 2010, Smith was charged by an Information filed in the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division, with four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and eighteen substantive counts of money laundering.

“If convicted, Smith faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count,” O’Neill stated.

On Thursday, a team of federal agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) traveled to Grand Turk, in order to pick up David A. Smith, who is charged in the Middle District of Florida with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering.

Smith was handed over to U.S. authorities pursuant to an official request by the United States government for him to be brought to Orlando, Florida to face federal charges.

The Jamaican was serving a 6½ year prison sentence in Turks and Caicos for fraud and conspiracy offenses. He pleaded guilty to those crimes in September 2010. Smith’s lawyer, Oliver Smith (no relation), flew to Orlando to represent his client.

O’Neill stated that Smith was notified that that the United States intends to forfeit certain items of property that are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense, including a money judgment in the amount of $128 million; a residence located in Windemere, Florida; precious gemstones, precious metals; jewelry, and $40,103.90 involved in a wire transfer that was conducted on July 24, 2006.

Continued on Page 2

David Smith

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LOCAL NEWS

David Smith now in US jail

Continued from Page 1

According to the Information, for more than three years, Smith executed a scheme to defraud over six thousand investors located in the Middle District of Florida and elsewhere out of over $220 million. In addition to defrauding those investors, Smith conspired to launder the proceeds of his criminal activities.

“One of ICE-Homeland Security Investigations’ critical missions is investigating the flow of illicit money across U.S. borders and the criminal enterprises behind that money,” said ICE Director John Morton.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

“Not only do these kinds of financial schemes damage the lives of the thousands of victims, but the international money laundering involved poses a direct threat to the security of the U.S. financial system.”

Upon Smith's arrival in Orlando, he was remanded in Federal custody, and was scheduled to make an initial appearance before a Federal Magistrate Judge.

A banker, well-known philanthropist and supporter of a popular church attended by wealthy Jamaicans, Smith lured investors with promises his investments in foreign currency trading would provide monthly average returns of 10 percent, according to U.S. court documents.

The case marked the latest high-profile Ponzi scheme to affect investors in Florida, who have been hit by fallout from the massive fraud scandals surrounding convicted Wall Street swindler Bernard Madoff and accused Texas financier Allen Stanford.

Many prominent Jamaicans, including leading politicians and doctors, were also among his victims.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), National Futures Association (NFA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

Scholarship cuts put Community College in problems

PROBABLY ONLY DIVINE intervention will be able to save the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College from running into the ground, as the country’s only public higher learning institution has been pushing against the tide ever since Government’s scholarships cash has dried up.

President for the institution, Rev. Julia Williams told The SUN that the bulk of the institution’s business comes from Government scholarships, which are provided to local students each year. Rev. Williams said scholarships to students have been cut in half this year and that the funds for that half were yet to be paid – throwing the operation of the institution into a bind.

She said last year there were 255 students on scholarships at the Community College, and so far this year the institution has received 68 letters of scholarships commitment

from Government for first year students, with another 25 letters for second year students still to be worked out.

“I would say that the scholarships to the college have been cut practically in half, but to date we have not received payments as yet from the Government. We are expecting, but we have not got anything yet,” Rev. Williams said.

According to her, the scale-down in disbursement of scholarships coupled with the delay in such payments could not only jeopardize the operations of the college but also students’ chances of sitting exams later this month, since it is the policy of the college to ensure that full tuition payments are collected before candidates are allowed to sit an exam.

“It is not good; there are several students here that we are hoping that by

the end of November they would be able to pay. Because our policy is, by the time the first exam comes around you should pay all your fees. Exams starts 29th of November, so normally, we accept fees before that, since it is the policy of the college to collect.” Rev. Williams said.

She noted that some parents have been made to fill the scholarship breach left by Government, in the payment of their children’s school fees, saying that those who could not afford a lump sum payment have been making pledges to pay certain amount each month.

“Parents have been coming in and they have been signing pledges that they would pay so much every month, and we are hoping that by then they would be able to complete payments,” Rev. Williams further pointed out.

Added Rev.Williams: “We will survive. As long as I am there I will

Rev. Julia Williams, President of the TCI Community College

strive for us to survive because it is a need in the country and it has to be fulfilled because we can’t get anywhere if we don’t educate our own people some of the positions that they can very well takeover.”

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010 NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

Gun Amnesty for Turks and Caicos Islands

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

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LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

By Hayden Boyce SUN Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

ANYONE IN THE Turks and Caicos Islands who is in possession of illegal firearms, explosives or ammunition, has until November 30th to hand them over to the police or pastors without being arrested and charged.

After that date, if they are caught with guns and/or ammunition, they must appear before the Supreme Court, and, if found guilty, they will have to spend at least five years in jail.

The gun amnesty and the new, tough sentencing measures were announced by Governor Gordon Wetherell on Saturday November 13th, the same day he left for the United Kingdom to attend the Overseas Territories Consultative Council, the Governors’ Conference and have meetings with UK Ministers and Members of Parliament with an interest in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Governor Wetherell stated: “The amnesty is specifically to allow for any persons who, for whatever reason, may be in possession of an illegal firearm, explosive or ammunition to voluntarily surrender or disclose the location of such items.

This is a final opportunity for people to surrender offensive weapons without the threat of arrest.

Thereafter, anyone found to be in possession of such items will be taken before the Supreme Court and, if found guilty, will be subject to a minimum five year prison sentence with the prospect of a longer period of imprisonment depending on the nature of the offence.”

He added: “We hope that the majority of weapons will be surrendered to Police Officers.

However, arrangements have also

Anyone in the Turks and Caicos Islands who is in possession of illegal firearms, explosives or ammunition, has until November 30th to hand them over to the police or pastors without being arrested and charged.

been made with a number of Churches for weapons to be surrendered to their Pastors. I would urge anyone in possession of an illegal firearm to take this opportunity to surrender their weapon or weapons now. Failure to do so for whatever reason will result in individuals facing the much stiffer penalties that will come into force immediately the period of the amnesty ends on 30 November.”

The list of churches, Pastors and Ministers of the Gospel to whom illegal guns can be handed over, is as follows: Grand Turk; Pastor Vernon O. Malcolm, Pastor Echoes of Calvary Church, Chairman of the Grand Turk Ministers Fraternal, Tel: 946 2730 South Caicos; Pastor John Malcolm, Mount Oliver Baptist Church, Tel: 231 2894 Providenciales: Pastor Pedro Williams, Jericho Baptist Church, Tel: 232 170, Reverend Samuel Goldstein Williams, Paradise Baptist Church, Tel: 231 2672, Reverend Derek Hamilton, Bethany Baptist Church,

APPEAL TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF GRAND TURK TO STOP THE REMOVAL OF PLANTS FROM THE RECREATIONAL PARKS

THE DEPARTMENT OF Environment and Coastal Resources is appealing to the general public to stop the removal of plants from the Recreational Parks.

“The parks are for the enjoyment of residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands and visitors alike, and removing the plants means the area loses its appeal,” the department said in a release. “ The Department is appealing to the public to report anyone seen taking plants from the parks to the Police Department. Persons caught stealing should be aware that they will be prosecuted for theft.”

Tel: 231 4077, Reverend Derek Browne, Providenciales Methodist Church, Tel: 232 1966; Pastor Octa, Church of God of Prophecy, Kew Town Providenciales, Tel: 343 4109; Pastor James Prospere, All Saints Baptist, Tel: 241 5942.

Salt Cay: Pastor Noel Hamilton, Salt Cay Methodist Church, Tel: 242 4625 North Caicos: Pastor Fuller Gardiner, Light House Church Kew, Tel: 946 7073 or 946 7142; Reverend Llewellyn Handfield, Providence Baptist Church, Whitby, Tel: 946 7118 At its meeting on November 9th, the Consultative Forum endorsed the proposed changes to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons legislation, in accordance with a statement which the Governor made last month.

These changes will provide the courts with greater powers to deal with offenders charged with the possession and use of firearms and other offensive weapons. The relevant pieces of legislation are the Firearms (Amendment) Bill 2010, Firearm

Governor Gordon Wetherell

Related Offences (Detention and Bail) Bill 2010 and the Theft (Amendment) Bill 2010.

The Firearms (Amendment) Bill removes certain offences under the Firearms Ordinance from the jurisdiction of the Magistrates Court.

They will now be heard directly by the Supreme Court whose sentencing powers have been significantly increased.

The amended legislation now provides for the Supreme Court to impose a minimum penalty of five years for unlawful possession of a firearm or use of a firearm in the commission of an offence; with a maximum sentence of 15 years.

The Theft (Amendment) Bill 2010 provides for a mandatory sentence of not less than 5 years and a maximum of life imprisonment for any person convicted of using a firearm or offensive weapon in the commission of an aggravated burglary.

The Firearm Related Offences (Detention and Bail) Bill provides that applications for bail for all firearm related offences will only be heard by the Supreme Court.

NO WIDENING OF FRANCHISE IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

CONSTITUTIONAL CONSULTANT KATE SULLIVAN has changed her mind about widening the franchise in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In a newest of revised recommendations which were released this week, Sullivan said: “It remains the fact that the clearest consultation message I received is that the Belongerpopulation is resistant to any 'expansion' of the franchise, as has been suggested in the Commission of Inquiry report and several previous reports. At the same time, many accept that the lack of a clear and documented process for obtaining Belongership has led to these calls for revision of the franchise.”

She said there is now wide support for the introduction of a system for acquiring Belongership based on clear criteria. This is in keeping with the recommendations of the 2004 Immigration Review Commission. I believe that the operation of such a scheme will answer many of the concerns around the franchise's definition. I recommend that the TCIG be

required to establish an objective and transparent process for the acquisition of Belongership. If this recommendation is accepted, no change need be made to the status qualification in the franchise.”

She said the wider participation in her second round of meetings demonstrated opposition to asuggestion from the first round, that Belongers abroad should be enfranchised for a specified period of time.

“Given the two sets of divergent views, I am amending my initial recommendation in this area.

There was support for the enfranchisement of Belonger students abroad and so the existing residency provision in the Constitution will need to be redrawn to allow the elections ordinance to provide for this,” she added.

She recommended that the franchise be retained as 18 year old Belongers, with special provision made to enable the enfranchisement of Belonger students abroad.

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COMMENTARY

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

REVISED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGES TO CONSTITUTIONAL AND ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, BY KATE SULLIVAN Revised recommendation 1: That the enforcement of fundamental rights be enhanced by including a provision explicitly requiring TCI courts to take account of relevant decisions on Convention Rights.

Revised recommendation 2: That a new provision be inserted in Part 1 to improve protection of the TCI’s natural and built heritage.

Revised recommendation 3: Amend Section 6 of the 2006 Constitution so as to remove the automatic right to a trial by jury in criminal cases in the Supreme Court.

Revised recommendation 4: Introduce a Statement of Governance Principles and empower the Governor to enforce compliance with the Principles in government policies and decision-- making.

The Principles are to be issued by the Secretary of State following consultation with the TCI Government. At a minimum, the Governor should be able to both reject the advice of Cabinet and exercise his or her reserve legislative powers to ensure TCI Government compliance with the Governance Principles.

Revised recommendation 5: Redefine role of Deputy Governor to specifically act (a) as Head of the TCI Public Service and (b) in support of the Governor. The Deputy Governor should attend but not be member of Cabinet, and will have no vote in Cabinet. The Deputy Governor’s role should be subject to an open merit-- based competition but should remain reserved for Belongers.

Revised recommendation 6: That the number of Ministers to be appointed in addition to the Premier be no more than five. Quorum for cabinet meetings should be five, of whom at least three must be Ministers.

Revised recommendation 7: There should continue to be separate provision for an office of Deputy Premier, and the Deputy Premier should be the first to act in the office of Premier in the absence or illness of the incumbent.

Revised recommendation 8: That cabinet meetings be held at least once a fortnight, and that the Governor publish a summary of the business of each cabinet meeting within two weeks of each meeting.

Revised recommendation 9: Provide that a Minister will be removed from the ministry if (a) the Integrity Commission finds that they have breached the code of conduct for persons in public life or (b) the Integrity Commission finds that a Minister has failed to comply with the registration of interests requirements on two separate occasions during a term of the Assembly.

Revised recommendation 10: Provide that the Governor may act contrary to the advice of Cabinet in an area of ministerial responsibility if to act in accordance with the Cabinet’s advice would be contrary to the Statement of Governance Principles.

Revised recommendation 11: Abolish the national security council Revised recommendation 12: Remove the office of Cabinet Secretary from the Constitution Revised recommendation 13: That the Attorney General be defined in the Constitution as follows: a) The Attorney General is the legal adviser to the TCI Government and the House of Assembly; b) The Attorney General is a member of the Cabinet; and c) The Attorney General, or their nominee, has the right to be present and to be heard at all

sessions of the House of Assembly.

Revised recommendation 14: That a Director of Public Prosecutions for the TCI be established in the Constitution, and that all powers of the Attorney General relating to the bringing and undertaking of criminal proceedings be assigned to the Director of Public Prosecutions instead. The Director of Public Prosecutions will be required to publish and maintain a prosecution policy. The Director of Public Prosecutions should be classified as a ‘watchdog institution’.

Revised recommendation 15: That the legislature continues to consist of a single House of Assembly.

Revised recommendation 16: That the legislature consist of fifteen elected Members and a Speaker drawn from among the elected Members or from outside the House.

Revised recommendation 17: That the franchise be retained as 18 year old Belongers, with special provision made to enable the enfranchisement of Belonger students abroad.

Revised recommendation 18: That the voting system for the Assembly be changed to be a mixedMember proportional system, electing six island Members on a first past the post basis and nine 'at-- large' or territory Members on a compensating proportional basis.

Revised recommendation 19: That a system of political party regulation be established in the TCI to provide for the following: a) The registration of political parties; b) A scheme of permissible donors to political parties, and a ban on donations from non-permissible sources; c) Public disclosure of income and expenditure of the party; d) A comprehensive scheme of offences; and e) The administration of the scheme by the Supervisor of Elections as detailed in Appendix B of this report.

Revised recommendation 20: That the Constitution require intending candidates for election to the House of Assembly to make a written declaration that they are qualified for election and that no disqualification applies to them. The Supreme Court should be empowered to hear a challenge to such a declaration during a period of five days from the publication of nominations. Such a challenge could be lodged by an elector or by the Attorney General.

Revised recommendation 21: Recast the disqualifications relating to candidates and Members being beneficiaries of government contracts so that: a) An intending candidate would be required to disclose such an interest to the Integrity Commission during the nomination period, and the Integrity Commission will publish interests so disclosed at the close of nominations; b) The Integrity Commission should publish guidelines to define under what circumstances an already elected Member can become a beneficiary of a government contract without this becoming an unlawful interest; c) Elected Members would be required to disclose any new government contracts to theIntegrity Commission who would assess the circumstances against the guidelines; d) If the Integrity Commission found that a Member of the Assembly had become party to an unlawful interest, then the Speaker would declare their seat vacant; and 26 e) A Member affected by such a declaration could

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

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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. appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

Revised recommendation 22: That the period of disqualification due to sentence of imprisonment be increased from five to ten years.

Revised recommendation 23: Include a disqualification for persons convicted of offences in relation to political party regulation and the misuse of public money. Increase penalty for sitting while disqualified to $1,000 a day.

Revised recommendation 24: Require the House of Assembly to meet at least nine times in a calendar year, and within six weeks of the previous meeting.

Also require the House to meet within two weeks of a general election. Make arrangements for the use of the power to prorogue so that the Governor will consult the Premier on whether to prorogue the Assembly and provide that the Governor should have no power to prorogue the Assembly if the Premier wished to keep the Assembly in session.

Revised recommendation 25: That the Governor be entitled to use his or her reserved legislative powers to ensure compliance with the Governance Principles.

Revised recommendation 26: Remove the upper limit on the number of Supreme Court judges, and include that the Governor would consult the Chief Justice on the number of judges required.

Revised recommendation 27: Change appointment conditions of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges so that their individual terms and conditions are protected during their tenure.

Revised recommendation 28: Bring the protections for magistrates into line with those of judges by extending the protections for individual terms and conditions and removal from office to magistrates.

Revised recommendation 29: In regard to the Judicial Services Commission a) Include the power to appoint deputy registrars in the remit of the JSC, not the PSC b) Allow the JSC to make regulations for the operation of the JSC c) Require the JSC to make public their complaints policy and how complaints are to be investigated.

To be continued NEXT WEEK

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Consultative Forum holds special hearing on TCI Bank

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

THE CONSULTATIVE FORUM has invited five prominent indivuals to a special hearing on November 23rd into the collapse of the TCI Bank.

The persons iinvited are: Mr Joseph Connolly – Auditor of the TCIB and NIB, Mr Ervine Quelch – Chairman, NIB, Mr Kenneth Higgins – Managing Director FSC, Mr Norman Hamilton – Chairman TCIB and Mr Anthony Kikivarakis – Liquidator Deloitte and Touche A press release from the Forum said the request to have the five appear at the Grand Turk sitting, had the “backing of the Governor and Attorney General”.

“We also asked them to ensure that the Consultative Forum receives their updated Curriculum Vitae by the end of business on 12 November 2010,” the release stated.

The statement said: “The sudden closing of the TCI Bank on April 9 caused considerable anxiety amongst TCIslanders - not only about the reasons why but also, more importantly, about the fate of our hard-earned savings. The Supreme Court’s ruling on October 29 to put the Bank into liquidation then turned our anxieties into outright fears. Regrettably, the Consultative Forum had no power to affect the closing of the bank or subsequent negotiations to rescue it. It does have the power however to demand an accounting - on every aspect of this national tragedy - from the principals involved.”

It continued: “And, with all due respect to the Interim Administration’s CEO, a review by the Financial Services Commission of its own failure of oversight, if not culpability, in this regard is hardly

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

The now defunct TCI Bank

reassuring. The findings of such a review are bound to be dismissed as a whitewash or, worse, a cover up. Instead we feel the public would be far better served by having all of those involved appear before the Consultative Forum in an open hearing to address our concerns and, hopefully, allay our fears.

It clearly falls to others to determine whether anyone involved in this national tragedy is guilty of any wrongdoing.”

“In the meantime, however, we believe the

people of the TCI have a right to have these witnesses address, in a forthright and transparent manner, the facts and circumstances surrounding the formation and failure of the TCI Bank, the appointment of Deloitte and Touche as provisional liquidators, and the reasons why none of the offers to rescue the Bank was accepted – just to name a few. The Consultative Forum is uniquely positioned to honor this right, and we intend to do so zealously.”

Rifle handed in to police station

A RIFLE HAS been handed in at Providenciales Police Station by a concerned citizen under the Amnesty, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police Dave Ryder.

In a press statement, Ryder issued a reminder that the Firearms Amnesty has been in place since Sunday 14 November 2010 and persons are strongly encouraged to hand in firearms to the Police, Pastors and Ministers of the Gospel.

“This is a golden opportunity for

people to hand weapons and ammunition in with no consequences under the terms of the Amnesty and to make the Turks and Caicos Islands a much safer place,” the statement noted.

The penalties for the illegal possession and use of firearms have recently been increased significantly and anyone in illegal possession of a firearm can expect at the very least, five years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment for certain offences.

Detective Superintendent Hilda Whittaker, CID, stated: “We encourage members of the public to come forward with information that will help us take the fight against crime to the criminals and make our country the safest place in the region and beyond.”

The statement said the force underlined their continuing resolve to tackle all crimes but with a particular emphasis on gun related and violent crime.

“As operation Alpha 2 continues, it is clear that crime levels have reduced to very low levels on Providenciales. In particular, the main focus of Alpha 2, violent crimes, have seen significant reductions of late. The Police continue to appeal for help and information from the community that will help take firearms off the streets and persons who would commit violent offences,” according to the release.

ROSHEEDA RUSSELL is seeking to employ a DOMESTIC WORKER to work 5 days per week.

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Page 8

Church grounds saves man from AK47 gunman

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

By Vivian Tyson SUN Senior Editor

THE FAITH FELLOWSHIP Centre Assemblies of God Church grounds located along the Leeward Highway in Providenciales literally saved a man from being shot to death by a gunman who was said to have been carrying an AK47 rifle, Thursday morning.

The incident which reportedly took place minutes past 8a.m., left a number students of the Community Christian Academy School, which shares premises with the church, frightened, as some of the pupils who were outside witnessed the victim dashing past them and running into a class room, with rifled gunman in hot pursuit.

Luckily, the gunman reportedly stopped at the entrance of the compound and did not follow the man in the yard.

Bystanders said they saw a man, who alighted from a white truck in the vicinity of the church begin chasing another man sporting a Rastafarian hairstyle, who eluded the aiming gunman by zigzagging along the roadway before dashing into the church/school yard for refuge.

Principal for the school Rawle Gill told The SUN that he was in a class room with more than a dozen children when the incident took place.

Gill told this newspaper that in the

The compound which houses the Community Fellowship Centre Assemblies of God Church and the Community Christianity Academy, saved the life of a man who was chased by another man allegedly sporting an AK47 rifle

mornings he would normally have math class with his grade six students at about 7:45.

He said while he was teaching the class, he heard a shuffling and then he saw a frightened-looking man burst violently through the door and shouted for him to call the police, saying that he was being chased by a man slinging an AK47 rifle.

“So yesterday morning in the middle of the lesson, this guy just came and pushed the door open and it slammed into the wall. I just spun around and I saw this guy wearing an army jacket, and he was shouting ‘get the police, get the police’. But I said

(to myself) he was probably a mad man,” Gill said.

He explained that when the man ran into the classroom, he locked the door behind him, shutting out some of the children who were about to enter the match session.

“So, I said to him, ‘what is the problem. Why are you here?’ And he said, ‘get the police, get the police, a man is out there with a gun, a man is out there with a gun’. Then I looked into his face and saw fear, and that was when I realized it was something serious,” Gill said.

The principal said at that time he locked the door and the windows and

secured the children in one corner of the room and placed the frightened man in a separate corner, so if the gunman entered the room, the children’s lives would not be in danger.

Gill said after seeing the man on his cell phone frantically trying to make a call, he asked him why wasn’t he calling the police, but the man replied saying that he made number unsuccessful attempts.

The principal said when he tried to get 911 for himself, the phone rang out on a number of occasions before he finally got through. He said before the lawmen’s arrival, the gunman apparently jumped in a white truck which sped away seconds later. He said, while he saw the white truck leaving the scene, he did not see the gunman.

He said pastor for the church, Bradley Handfield, ushered the man from the classroom to his office, where he was kept until the police came.

Eyewitnesses said the gunman was being chauffeured by another man at the time of the incident.

The principal said the gunman may have decided not to chase behind the man onto the school compound after seeing the children in the parking lot. The school’s PTA is now considering added security measures, including erecting gates to the entrances of the compound.

Upcoming winter season looks positive

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

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LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

By Vivian Tyson SUN Senior Editor

THE UPCOMING WINTER season is looking up for Turks and Caicos Islands with projections from forward bookings showing that the country could be in for one of its best season ever.

Chief Executive Officer for the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, Caesar Campbell told The SUN that he is hopeful that the industry could be in for wonderful season.

According to him, the increase airlifts that JetBlue and Continental Airlines would serve as a spurring factor for tourism interests to be hopeful for a buzzing season.

“We are cautiously optimistic. The numbers are looking relatively strong right now. We are expecting a positively strong winter season arising from the airlifts that we have secured. I think we will have the same frequency of flights from Canada this winter, but out of the US we have increased airlifts with Continental and JetBlue introducing new services. Canada will remain strong for us, I believe,” Campbell explained.

The Hotel and Tourism CEO, noting that while forward bookings this time last year has been neck and neck with the current period, stressed that this year’s number could eclipse last season’s owing to the consideration that there will be greater air carriage accessibility to the Turks and Caicos

Chief Executive Officer for the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, Caesar Campbell

Islands in the coming months.

“We are hoping that we would have an increase in visitor arrivals over last year with the increased airlift, and more airlift should translate into more visitors,” Campbell said.

JetBlue will be starting daily service to Turks and Caicos from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on February 17, 2011, making this territory its 17th Caribbean destination and 40th nonstop destination out of Boston, filling a void created when US Airways and American Airlines stopped flying the route from Logan International Airport in May. Tickets went on sale in October.

Continental Airlines will begin nonstop flights between its New York

JetBlue (top) and Continental will be introducing new services

hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and Providenciales, on Feb. 18, 2011. Providenciales will be Continental's 26th Caribbean destination. Initially, flights will operate four times a week, on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, converting to daily service on March 6, 2011.

In the meantime, Campbell pointed that scores of United States citizens want to spend Thanksgiving in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but a number of them might not be able to make it, due to the current lack of air seats.

He said a number of the association’s members have been expressing their concern about this scenario, stating that at this time there was little that the body could do about the situation.

“One of our challenges right now is that we don’t have enough air seats for Thanksgiving; that is one of our challenges right now. The demand is very strong for persons coming here to spend Thanksgiving. There is room for accommodation at the hotels, but there are not enough airlifts, so that is one of our challenges right now,” Campbell noted.

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LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

HALLMARK BANK IS NOT CLOSING

This was stated by Brian Trowbridge, Chief Executive Officer of Hallmark, in response to widespread rumours that his institution was closing.

“The rumors that Hallmark was about to close are totally without foundation. Hallmark has a strong balance sheet and will continue to operate its credit card and trust business as it has in the past,” Trowbridge said.

“It is unfortunate that certain members of our society feel that the spreading of malicious rumors is a sport. It is not and the fabrication of such rumors damages the reputation of the Island at a time when we have already suffered enough.”

Hallmark has been in operation in the Turks and Caicos for 19 years.

Trowbridge added: “Hallmark is Belonger-owned and has been a strong supporter of the community and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It will continue to do so for many more years.”

TOY MAKER AT IT AGAIN

Walter ‘Bobby’ Morris, popularly know as the ‘Toy Maker’, shows off three of his latest model airplanes, which he said were fashioned by way of order from individuals in the community.

The models – an Air Turks and Caicos plane; Bahamas Air and the third model, which he said was named Stubbs and Diamond Express. He said the third place was ordered by Peter Stubbs of PTV fame. Morris said that this time around he was batting for students that are not academically inclined, arguing that they should be taught life skills such as art and craft – a field he now takes as a hobby. He said art and craft is vital to tourism, and persons who graduate from school and cannot find jobs, could sell such items to tourists, instead of resorting to a life of crime.

PROVO WATER COMPANY LTD.

We are currently seeking a qualified to fill the position of Pipe Fitter:

REQUIREMENTS: o Minimum of 5 years experience in waterworks and piping networks. o Must be available for emergency maintenance calls on evenings and weekends according to rotational schedule.

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

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Pipe fitter is responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining pipes, fixtures and other plumbing used for water distribution in residential, commercial and industrial connections.

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

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

3. Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required angle, using hand and power tools or machine such as pipe cutters, pipe threading machines and pipe bending machine.

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

6. Repair and maintain plumbing, replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes.

7. Attend Emergency callout when necessary.

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

Salary Range: US$ 12.00 - $15.00 per hour All applications must be submitted by November 22nd, 2010. Turks & Caicos Islanders need only apply.

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

INTERISLAND AVIATION SERVICES GROUP

STORES CLERK

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Ambergris Cay homeowners, employees stunned at receivership

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

INDIVIDUALS WHO OWNED homes on Ambergris Cay are forming themselves into an association to lobby British Caribbean Bank into allowing them to gain access to certain amenities on the island, including the airport, electricity, running water, and the sewerage system.

British Caribbean Bank assumed responsibility of Ambergris Cay on Friday, November 12, by way of receivership, immediately putting scores of employees out of work.

This SUN understands that the private island can now be accessed only by boat, as the airport has been shut down, thereby denying a number of home owners there the right to their homes. Power on the island to homes has also shut down, while running water has been cut off.

DPS Sporting Club is responsible for the development of Ambergris Cay, through a subsidiary company – Ambergris Cay Partnership (ACP).

DPS Sporting Club, according to its website, develops properties all over the globe. It also developed Deep Water Cay Club in Grand Bahama and Ford Plantation in Savannah, Georgia, USA. While DPS and ACP primarily oversaw the development of the islands, the Turks and Caicos Sporting Club was assigned as the management

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Ambergris Cay

company.

It was rumoured that that island’s whole operation, including the Turks and Caicos Sporting Club was taken into receivership, but a source close to the affairs said such rumour was untrue, explaining that British Caribbean Bank seized operation of ACP. However, all the assets that belonged to the Turks and Caicos Sporting Club on the island used to manage the cay were seized by the bank. Private homes and private land were not seized.

The source said Turks and Caicos Sporting Club an independent

management company, which was contracted to oversee the operations of the interests on the island.

The source further revealed that employees were busy carrying out their daily routines when a representative from British Caribbean Bank turned up and informed them that operation there would be ceased with immediate effect. Later someone explained to the workers that DPS Sporting Club Development Company, though its subsidiary had defaulted on payments to British Caribbean Bank hence the takeover.

The source noted that weeks

Page 11

LOCAL NEWS leading up to the seizure of the island by the bank, DPS representatives packed up and left the island, adding that it appeared that not even the top brass of ACP knew that the company was insolvent.

The source outlined that even though the majority of persons who worked on the island, were employed by the Turks and Caicos Islands Sporting Club, they have nowhere to go for recourse, since the top manages for that company all resigned their posts recently and have been working elsewhere.

“The director resigned his position and is now working at a bank. The human resource manager also no longer works for the Turks and Caicos Sporting Club. She also works at a bank. There is no one to go to if we had grievances to air, all the top management left. We did note even get our termination letters, there was no one to write it, so technically we are not dismissed.

“All we know, someone came on the cay and said that we should leave the cay, so we left the cay – that’s it,” the Source pointed out. The developers cut their losses and gone, but we are left without anything. Now only alternative is to go look another job,” the source lamented.

In the meantime, the source noted that while the bank is not prohibiting homeowners from accessing their homes, they would not have access to the utilities, and that was the reason for them forming an association to lobby the financial institution for an amicable solution.

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NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

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NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

ERIC MORGAN SEEKS

1 LABOURER Must be hardworking and reliable Salary $5.00 per hour 5 days per week Contact 245-8121 SAMUEL WILSON SEEKS

1 SALES PERSON Salary $100.00 per week Three days per week Interested person should contact 341-4343

INTERNATIONAL BEAUTy SALON seeks 1 Hair Stylist Must have at least 5 years experience professional and courteous able to work long hours Apply to the Manager P.O Box 401 Provo or Contact 344 1296

Pregnancy-killing bacteria found in Turkey products

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH Department is warning the general public not to purchase certain turkey products which is said to have been contaminated with bacteria which terminate pregnancy and are being recalled by its manufacturers.

According to the Environmental Health Department, New Barunfels Smokehouse of Texas is recalling 2,609 pounds of fully cooked turkey breast products which is believed to have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

The products, according to the Environmental Health Department are: • 1-pound packages of “New Braunfels Smokehouse Sliced Smoked Turkey” with package code “2210” on the label; • 4 to 6 lb. packages of “New Braunfels Honey-Glazed Spiral Sliced Smokehouse Hickory Smoked Boneless

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needed to work at a school Provo Christian School Salary $150 per week Please contact 941 5775

Page 15

Breast of Turkey” with package code “2180” on the label; • 4 to 6 lb. whole breast packages of “Stegall Boneless Hickory Smoked Turkey Breast” with package code “2210” on the label; and • 4 to 6 lb. whole breast packages of “Stegall Spiral Sliced Hickory Smoked Turkey Breast” with package codes “2180” or “2210” on the label.

The Environmental Health Department noted that each package bears the USDA mark of inspection and the number “P-975” inside the mark of inspection. The fully cooked, ready-to-eat smoked turkey breast products were produced on August 4, 2010.

Listeria monocytogenes bacteria cause spontaneous abortion in pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy and are responsible for numerous cases of diarrhea and vomiting occurrence annually.

“As a precautionary

measure, the Environmental Health Department is asking consumers who have purchased any of the products mentioned in the recall to discard them and to check labels against this information when shopping for sausage or ground beef products.

“Consumers should report to the Turks and Caicos Medical Department or any medical officer acting on behalf of the Turks and Caicos Government, if suspected to have suffered or is suffering from any illness relating to the consumption of the recalled products,” the Environmental Health Department noted.

Food retailers with such products on their inventory have been asked to withdraw from sale and discard them. Contact should be made to the Environmental Health Department for a seizure and condemnation certificate should there be a need for compensation from the product supplier.

Page 16

Students outstanding performances celebrated

LOCAL NEWS

Rashunda Campbell of Raymond Gardiner High School first Top CXC student to come from North Caicos.

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL of External Examinations and the Ministry of Education have expressed pride in the outstanding overall performance of TCI students in this year’s overseas exams. The Council in collaboration with the Ministry hosted the annual awards ceremony last Friday under the theme “Celebrating the Past; Igniting the Future. It was held for the first time in North Caicos, at the Horse Stable Beach Complex.

Chairman of the National Council of External Examinations David Bowen in his report said there have been great improvements in the

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

Amelie Speer of British West Indies Collegiate received an award for second place

number of students graduating with five passes or more and an increase in the number of students passing at the General One level, instead of Two and Three.

Director of Education Edgar Howell in addressing the students and many well wishers said, “Today we are here to celebrate the achievements of our youths, The Ministry and the Department salutes you all, you’ve done well and made us all very proud”.

Rashunda Campbell, who was born in North Caicos and attended Raymond Gardiner High School did herself, her parents, school, community, and country proud by

Graduating students from high schools across the country came together to celebrate their success in the this year’s external examinations.

becoming the first Top CXC student to come from North Caicos. She was adjudged best student for ten CXC General 1’s, one General 2, and two General 3 passes. Miss. Campbell told fellow students at the ceremony, “Today I know the difference one grade can make, I urge you all to challenge yourselves in the years to come and never settle for less. No one can determine your destiny but you.”

Brenesha Cox and Amelie Speer of British West Indies Collegiate, and Kenya Jones of H J Robinson High received awards for second place.

These three and top CXC student, Rashunda Campbell were awarded scholarships up to the Bachelor Degree level.

• Students Achieving Five or more Passes were presented by the principals

of each high school. Students held CXC passes from 5 to 13. Clement Howell High School held the most passes with (62) students, followed by H J Robinson High (41), Raymond Gardinger High (21), Majorie Basden High (12), Marantha High (18), British West Indies Collegiate (9), New Age Academy and Language Centre and Wesley Methodist School (8).

• Students Achieving Five or more General Ones/A’s at One Sitting. 14 awards were presented by the Permanent Secretary in The Ministry of Education, Dr. Beatrice Fulford.

Students with the most passes were Raymond Gardiner High’s Rashunda Campbell and British West Indies Collegiate’s, Brenesha Cox, and Amelie Speer. Thirty-one students received awards for obtaining 10 or more passes.

Big Rick’s Bar and Café is looking for

IMMeDIaTe oPeNING FoR eXeCUTIVe sTaFF soLUTIoNs LTD Requirements: • excellent verbal, written and computer skills including word, excel, Quickbooks and access with ability to create and maintain complex databases • strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize competing tasks and work with no supervision Duties Include: • Conducting sales calls and all follow-up related thereto • Maintaining databases and corporate accounts • Drafting correspondence, documents, applications and contracts for the company and for clients wages are commission only with no set salary and depend entirely on sales and collections by the executive Interested applicants should email resume and reference letters to HR Manager at staffsolutionslimited@gmail.com within 1 week of this notice. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

3 BaR woRkeRs salary: $5.50 per hr Contact 242-3148

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

ONE LUCKY LIME customer stands to win a year of living expenses including rent or mortgage plus groceries and telecoms expenses paid in full by telecommunications giant LIME courtesy of its “LIME Pon De Remix” Christmas promotion, which had its local media launch on Monday, November 15, at the O’Soleil Restaurant.

In addition, two other customers will stand the chance of winning attractive consolation prizes – the second prize being a family of four vacation, and the third being a home entertainment system equipped with surround sound. The telecoms company noted also that all postpaid customers will receive free calls all day every Sundays during the month of December.

According to Country Manager for LIME, Drexwell Seymour, customers stand the chance of winning six weekly draws in its ‘Wacky Wednesday’ promotion, which will feature several attractive prizes such as home and personal makeovers; car makeovers and gasoline vouchers; handset giveaways, including the much talked about BlackBerry Torch; an Ipad; and shopping sprees. The grand prize winner and runners up will be drawn from the weekly winners.

To qualify customers will be required to make a top-up of $20 or more; text m-e-r-r-y to 5473; sign up for a new postpaid voice plan or the

LIME doles out Xmas goodies

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Drexwell Seymour, Country Manger for LIME

purchase of an Android handset.

Customers who purchase a Blackberry Torch, Pearl, Curve or the Bold at full price and sign up for Blackberry plan will not only be entered in the drum for the weekly and main prices, but also will receive a Blackberry 8520 at half price.

Giving reasons for embarking on such a campaign for the upcoming Christmas season, Seymour noted that from the looks of things, the holidays appear that it would not be the merriest for a number of persons living in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and as a result, the telecoms company has seen it fit to assist a least one person in the payment of their bills for a year.

Page 17

LIME models show off the impressive line of handsets that the company now has in stock

“Many people are unemployed, companies have gone into receiverships, so a number of our friends and families cannot afford to pay for their rent; they cannot afford to pay for mortgage; they can’t even afford to put meal on the table. And so, what we are doing this year at LIME is to certainly try to alleviate the burdens that some of our customers are experiencing. So that is why we are having these prizes,” Seymour explained.

Recently the telecoms company, which has been operating in the Turks and Caicos Islands for approximately

a hundred and ten years, completed a rebranding exercise with the new slogan now being “LIME. For Living.

Everyday,” which it said is the impetus behind the company’s captivating 2010 Christmas Campaign featuring a number of top Caribbean artistes including Beenieman, Cecile and Elephant man.

At the launch, media representatives on hand were surprised with Apple Ipads, which the company said was a gesture of its appreciation for country’s news entities for their support over the years.

Page 18

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People have more confidence in 911

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

IT APPEARS THAT a growing number of residents are beginning to have stronger faith in the new 911 communications system as evidenced in the growing number of persons now using the entity, this according to assistant 911 Programme Manager, Elery James.

James, who was speaking to the media at the official launch of phase one of the 911 Radio Communications System at Williams Plaza, Old Airport Road in Providenciales on Tuesday, September 16, said the new system is a comprehensive one, since it encompasses the police, fire department and medical personnel.

Echoing earlier sentiments expressed by the 911 Manager Juliette Gooding, during the ceremony, James said the system has evolved from the use of telephones to the use of two-way radios, which he said covers all of Providenciales, North Caicos and parts of Middle Caicos.

Gooding noted that the system average approximately 400 real emergencies per month for Police and Fire in total and approximately 60 medical calls for Providenciales and Grand Turk per month.

Both Gooding and James noted that there has been a great number of prank calls being made also, which is why they are hoping that the legislation to hold those making such calls accountable be enacted into law soon.

“The results have been significantly improved simply because the response time has improved, simply because where we have limited resources in terms of

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LOCAL NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Juliette Gooding (centre), the 911 Programming Manager explains to attendees of the system launch how the program works.

police officers and stuff for the amount of crime that has been happening; while one maybe assisting at a crime scene, the other one may simply be at a routine traffic stop.

“And that traffic stop officer, as illustrated today through the radio system, would be able to go to a more serious incident as a result of where we are using our resources more efficiently,” James said.

Explaining how the system worked in the past, Gooding noted: “You would pick up a cell phone or telephone and call another and hope that they get the message and go quickly. The fire service would send off a pager, but that the pager is activated, then they had to call us to find out what the problem was.

So, if you think about that that is a lot of time wasted before you can get your emergency services

responded. So now we have radio communication, thanks to all of you (donors), which means at any time we can send a message simultaneously to different groups of people.

Phase two will comprise setting up the system in the country’s capital Grand, which for the most part is still using the semi-effective telephone system. The 911 managers noted that once that system is setup in Grand Turk, police, fire and medical personnel on that island would be connect to their counterparts on the other islands that are already using the service.

In the meantime, Gooding expressed gratitude to corporate and civil Turks and Caicos, which she said responded with great zeal to the setting up of the system. A number of those making the system a possibility were in the audience celebrating its launch.

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is seeking : 4 LABOURERS 3 DOMESTICE WORKERS Salary $5.50 per hour 5 days per week Please contact 649 231 0931

Page 20

TCI Community College Foundation launched

LOCAL NEWS

PERSONS FROM VARYING professions of the society’s ladder turned out on Friday, November 12, to witness the public launch of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Foundation, held at the Veranda Resort on Providenciales.

President of the College, Rev. Julia Williams, who deemed the Foundation launched, told the gathering that the body was established in October 2002 courtesy of a soft launch during its graduation ceremony. However, she said the public launch was necessary, since the body was desirous of bringing public awareness to the institution, especially at this time when financial support from Government has been dwindling.

“We have visualized the foundation as a means of assisting the college of furthering its development, fixing it to achieve its objective of providing quality tertiary education to every deserving young person in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is a non-profit organization, legally registered in the Turks and Caicos Islands with limited liability under the Turks and Caicos Islands Companies Ordinance, 1981,” Rev. Williams noted.

She noted that the Foundation, which will focus on needy individuals, will be devising ways to ensuring that qualified Belongers, who are desirous of attending the college in order to further their education, thereby becoming positive contributors to the growth and development of the country, be able to do so.

She said the body will also assist the institution in getting equipment and materials outside of what its budget will be able to fetch, and supporting the college in its programmes and projects.

She said support for the college can be tendered through membership and or donation.

The college’s board of directors is drawn from professionals in the community, who have been volunteering their time to ensuring the success of the institution. They include Dr. Carlton Mills – Chairman of the Foundation; Mrs. Basia Dellamano – Secretary/Treasurer; Dr. A.V. Butterfield – Director; Mrs. Josephine Connolly – Director; Mr. Iwall

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Rev. Julia Williams

Ramon Andrews

Stanbrook – Director; Mr. Ivan Brown – Director; Roger Cheesman – Director; and Rev. Williams herself.

For her part, Joan Connolly, stressed the need for a college that is reputable and caters to the need of students both academically inclined and those who drawn towards vocational studies.

“Now more than ever, we need a college that is advanced in computer technology and experienced, competent teachers, so that students can grow and develop. Now more than ever, we need the financial support of the community in order to give our children an opportunity.

I understand that the economic circumstances of the country have changed. The booming years are behind us, and the days of the government dispensing scholarships both local and overseas are long gone, or at least with the numbers by which we have become

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NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

Clement Howell High Cultural Group in action

Ivan Browne

familiar,” she said.

In the meantime, Ivan Brown, Head of International Banking Group, told the audience that his achievements were due to a scholarship obtained while working as a teacher in his homeland Montserrat, to the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies, Jamaica.

Pointing out that as a result of scholarship he educational journey had taken him to many countries spanning the Caribbean, Africa and parts of Asia, Mr. Browne noted that he joined the Community College Foundation because he wanted to see young qualified Belongers, also achieving their goals through education.

Guest Speaker for the event was Ramon Andrews, Resident Manger at Veranda, and past student of the college.

Andrews, during his keynote speech, told the audience that the time spent at the college changed his life, and served

as a springboard for him to further his education.

“As many of you know, I started out at the Royal Bay Resort, now known as Beaches Resort, and worked my way through the ranks as restaurant manager – managing three restaurants before I left to attend college at Johnson and Wales University. Fifteen years after my humble beginnings I stand before you as resident manager of a five-star luxury fully all inclusive resort here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“For most growing up in the Turks and Caicos, tertiary education was only for the fortunate few who could afford it; my family nor I could not afford the schooling I so longed for; It was dream and desire that I kept in my heart. As faith would have it, and time progressed, the Turks and Caicos Government offered overseas scholarships to those who would first attend the Turks and Caicos Community College; it was there that my educational journey began,” Andrews revealed.

Dr. Mills, who chaired the programme, broke the news that a past student of the college, proposed to fund an annual associate’s degree scholarship in business management, which would go towards a Belonger student.

Entertainment was provided by Barbara Johnson and the Clement Howell High School Cultural Group, coached by Director of Culture David Bowen. The Miss Gospel TCI Contestants were also on show at the event.

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NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

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NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

LIME PON THE REMIX

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Telecoms company LIME launched its Christmas promotion on Monday, November 15, during breakfast setting at O’Soleil Restaurant in Grace Bay. The “LIME Pon De Remix” promotion promises a slate of lucrative giveaways leading up to the holidays, with customers standing the chance of winning a free rent/mortgage, grocery and utility bills for a year. The company also announced weekly prizes and promotions leading up the holiday season. Media representatives in attendance were presented with ipads which the company said was its appreciation to the media for promoting its product through the year WIV's cameraman accepts his iPad from LIME

Mr. Seymour presents iPad to WIV reporter

Media & staff at O'Soliel

Darrold Miller shares a light moment with Mr. Seymour as he receives his iPad

Devon Williams from Blaze is happy about his iPad

LIME TCI's phones and models at TCI's launch

Imtiaz Mohammad from Blaze receives his LIME iPad

Staff Annaleila Capron & Dorothy Malcolm

LIME's Alco & Cynthia Adams

VP Retail Sales Althea Been introduces the models

More phones being shown.

LIME's Sandra Lightbourne

Angie Toussaint from PTV was happy for her iPad as well.

PTV's cameraman got his new iPad from LIME

Entertainment by Craig Archibold

Darcia shows off one of the BlackBerry devices

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NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

TURKS & CAICOS SUN TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

Jesus’ 10th Annual American Thanksgiving Dinner hosted at Sharkbite in Turtle Cove A Benefit for the Salvation Army

Thursday, November 25, 2010 4:00 p.m. till whenever… $25.99 per plate, all proceeds will benefit the the Salvation Army Please join us as we celebrate American Thanksgiving and show our support for the Salvation Army.

The $25.99 donation includes a Turkey Dinner with all the fixin’s. Come out to watch the football games on widescreen TVs and enjoy all the festivities including raffles.

Ticket sales begin at 4:00 p.m. and Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m.

Any and all additional donations are appreciated, all proceeds go directly to the Salvation Army.

Also, if you have the time… Full coverage of the Thanksgiving U.S. Football games from 12:00pm on.

For more info. Call 331Ͳ2238.

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LIFESTYLE

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NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010 TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

WE R WHO WE R Ke$ha

Hot and dangerous If you’re one of us, then roll with us ‘Cause we make the hipsters fall in love And we’ve got hot-pants on enough And yes of course because we’re running this town just like a club And no, you don’t wanna mess with us Got Jesus on my necklace I’ve got that glitter on my eyes Stockings ripped all up the side Looking sick and sexy-fied So let’s go-o-o (Let’s go!) [chorus] Tonight we’re going hard Just like the world is ours We’re tearin’ it apart You know we’re superstars We are who we are!

We’re dancing like we’re dumb Our bodies go numb We’ll be forever young You know we’re superstars

We are who we are!

DJ turn it up It’s about damn time to live it up I’m so sick of being so serious It’s making my brain delirious!

I’m just talkin’ truth

I’m telling you ’bout the s— we do We’re sellin’ our clothes, sleepin’ in cars Dressin’ it down, hittin’ on dudes (HARD!) I’ve got that glitter on my eyes Stockings ripped all up the side Looking sick and sexy-fied So let’s go-o-o (Let’s go!) [chorus] Tonight we’re going hard Just like the world is ours We’re tearin’ it apart You know we’re superstars We are who we are!

We’re dancing like we’re dumb

Our bodies go numb We’ll be forever young You know we’re superstars We are who we are!

DJ turn it up DJ turn it up DJ turn it up DJ turn it up

Tonight we’re going hard Just like the world is ours We’re tearin’ it apart You know we’re superstars We are who we are!

We’re dancing like we’re dumb Our bodies go numb We’ll be forever young You know we’re superstars We are who we are!

OW!

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“Hold My Hand” from Michael Jackson’s posthumous album officially released

ENTERTAINMENT

Michael Jackson’s much anticipated posthumous album “Michael” is all set to hit the music stores on December 14.

One of its single “Breaking News” leaked online last week, however, Sony and Epic Records has released another single “Hold My Hand” from the same album featuring R&B singer Akon. The media outlets reports that “Hold My Hand” is the official first single from the album “Michael” and it has been released in King of Pop’s official website for the listeners.

The Sony officials say that “Hold My Hand” is an universal prayer for peace where Akon and Micheal Jackson has shared the mike together to sing for their fans. Akon reportedly went to the studio few days back to give finishing touches to his song. In

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

Micheal Jackson and Akon

his interview “Mr. Lonely” singer told a repute media source that he recorded the song with Michael Jackson back in

2007 in Las Vegas but the song was reportedly not ready for release back then. However, while speaking about

JAY Z LAUNCHES NEW BOOK: DECODED

"My life after childhood has two main stories: the story of the hustler and the story of the rapper, and the two overlap as much as they diverge. I was on the streets for more than half of my life from the time I was thirteen years-old... The feelings I had during that part of my life were burned into me like a brand... I lost people I loved, was betrayed by people I trusted, felt the breeze of bullets flying by my head... I went dead broke and got hood rich on those streets. I hated it.

I was addicted to it. It nearly killed me. It was the site of my moral education, as strange as that may sound. It's my core story, and... that core story is the one that I have to tell." -- Excerpt from the Introduction (pg. 18) Shawn Corey Carter, aka Jay-Z, wasn't always a cultural icon married to Beyonce' who had parlayed his success as a rap artist into a multi-millionaire empire with a host of diverse holdings ranging from a record label to a music publishing company to a clothing line to a nightclub chain to an NBA team. No, he spent his formative years in the Marcy Housing Projects in Bed-Stuy, before moving to Trenton where he dropped out of school to sell crack on

the streets while pursuing a hip-hop career.

Jay-Z went on to maximize his potential by keeping it real via raw rhymes which reflected his rough roots in the ‘hood. Now, the gifted wordsmith has decided it's time to expound upon the deeper meaning of those evocative lyrics which have so resonated over the years with his

legions of fans from the Hip-Hop Generation. The upshot of that yeoman's effort is Decoded, a mixed-media memoir delineating the derivation of 36 of JayZ's greatest hits. An entertaining collage of personal reflections, political philosophy, photographs, drawings, slam poetry-style stream of consciousness, the illuminating opus reads like a serious lecture on pop culture being delivered by a sagacious historian off the present who has done time in the trenches.

For example, there's an incendiary line, "F government, n… politic themselves" from the song, "Where I'm From" which Jay-Z analyzes with "A lot of our heroes, almost by default, were people who tried to dismantle or overthrow the government - Malcolm X or the Black Panthers - or people who tried to make it completely irrelevant, like Marcus Garvey, who wanted black people to sail back to Africa. The government was everywhere we looked, and we hated it."

Relatively-sophisticated musings making sense of rants about a "Hard Knock Life" coming from an insightful 40 year-old ostensibly no longer full of the angst which had helped skyrocket him to the heights of super-stardom.

Rihanna ready to move to London Rihanna who was born in Barbados and now settled in Los Angeles, said that she wants to move permanently to London, England.

‘Umbrella’ singer is claimed to want to set up home in London and for the time being will live in one apartment.

Currently, Rihanna was looking for a suitable apartment for residence.

“I spent a lot of time in London than Los Angeles. And that’s where my true home, “said Rihanna.

Baseball star Matt Kemp’s girlfriend,

recently revealed that she had been aware that the important things in her life are for sure depend on her own decision and not doing things just to please others.

“The important thing is to be happy and be true to yourself. I do not want in the next 30 years, I regret it and say ‘I do all this for their own good but I did not enjoy it’,” said Rihanna.

Rihanna want people to like it because it is. “People will have respect for us, while we being ourselves and see our imperfections,” he said again.

the legendary singer Michael Jackson, the rapper said that when he was recording the song with the King of Pop in the same room, he felt that he has achieved everything in life.

If media reports are to be believed, “Hold My Hand” is going to be one of Michael Jackson’s famous love ballads. The critics have commented that Akon has lead the verses and choruses of the song. The song starts with Michael Jackson saying that this life “don’t last forever”. will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas seemed to be unhappy with the single as he feels that Sony music released King of Pop’s unfinished works. In one of his interviews will.i.am said that for him the whole thing came as a “disrespectful” attitude towards Michael Jackson.

UPSET BY BRISTOL'S 'DANCING' LUCK, MAN SHOOTS TV

Viewers shocked and frustrated by Bristol Palin's inexplicable dance floor success (and there are plenty of you out there) have nothing on one disgruntled “Dancing With the Stars” fan.

Steven N. Cowan of Town of Vermont, Wis., was seemingly unable to confine his ballroom rage to the usual online comment or water cooler rant and instead, chose to shoot his television for daring to air the offending footage of Palin at all.

According to documents posted to The Smoking Gun, Cowan’s guntoting drama began during Monday night’s semifinals performance show.

Yes, that means the man is said to have shot the set before Palin went on to beat out Brandy for a spot in the finals.

Good thing he was in police custody by then. “(Cowan’s wife) Janice reported that she was on the couch in the living room, watching television,” a criminal complaint read. “The ‘Dancing With the Stars’ show came on a 7:00 p.m. Janice estimated that at approximately 7:30 p.m., Sarah Palin’s daughter was dancing. Steven jumped up and swore, saying something to the effect of, 'The f---ing politics.' Steven was upset that a political figure’s daughter was dancing on this particular show when Steven did not think she was a good dancer.”

Cowan is hardly alone in that sentiment, but the following actions set him apart from the crowd. After disappearing upstairs for some time, he returned with a single-shot shotgun and allegedly fired a round into the TV screen.

Cowan’s wife told police, “He scared the Bejebees out of me.”

The man, said to suffer from a mental health condition, went on to threaten to kill himself and now faces disorderly conduct and weapons charges after a standoff with police.

KFWS • MindGym Page 31

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November 15, 2010 FUN & GAMES

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

King Features Weekly Service

FUN & GAMES

November 15, 2010

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NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

November November 15, 201015, 2010

King Features WeeklyService Service King Features Weekly

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Don’t feel sheepish about looking to spend more time with that special person during the upcoming holidays.

Do it because it’s the right thing to do.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Never mind letting misunderstandings repair themselves. Consider speaking up while the healing process can be shorter and sweeter and leave fewer scars.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Romance is easily awakened in the Geminian heart, especially around the happy holiday season. So go ahead and make those plans with that special someone.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Moon Children can glow with their own inner light as the holiday season magic takes hold. It’s a very special time for Cancers and Libras together. Enjoy.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) It’s a good time for you fabulous Felines to take pleasure in your special gift for, well, taking pleasure! Look for this holiday season to give you every reason to purr.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) This is a good time to let others who are in your life get a little closer to you. You’ll both find out what you’ve been missing for —13— far too long.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Open up your eyes and see some welcome surprises you’ve missed or

JUST LIKE DUMPTY

HUMPTY

One of the things that makes bridge so appealing is that, every once in a while, you can accomplish something that seems absolutely impossible. Consider this deal where it appears that declarer must go down one in five diamonds after a spade lead by West. If you study the matter more closely, however, it turns out that 11 tricks can be made with normal, but careful, play.

Declarer wins the spade lead—13— and sees that he can’t afford to tackle trumps right away, which would allow the defenders to score a spade trick in addition to their two trump tricks.

He therefore plays the QK-A of clubs, hoping the suit

overlooked for too long.

What you find can lead to other favorable changes.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) What you expect to be potentially troublesome might simply be especially challenging and well worth your efforts to check out. Good luck!

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A friendship might not seem as trustworthy as you’d like.

OK. Ask your questions, get your answers and settle the matter once and for all.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A family situation moves into a new area because of (or, maybe, thanks to) some decisions you might have felt you could not avoid making.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You could be cutting it very close if you hope to make those holiday plan changes in time to avoid problems. Get a friend or family member to help.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Friends show how important you are to them. Keep these precious relationships thriving. They affect much that will happen to the fabulous Fish in the new year.

BORN THIS WEEK: Time spent at home alone nurtures your mystic self.

Spending your time with others nurtures them.

• It wa preneur Esther D followin “The Int in some ates wh anyway. a loner, alone. If nect, it connect.

• In jing Tr Bureau, license ly stop number tags. Ev sounds “death” consider • Here tic: If y age, you $600 in every ye • If y vacation near futu to keep Leisure recent c rankings food or c this par voted on most- a

© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.

is divided 3-3, in which case he can discard dummy’s remaining spade. But West ruffs the ace of clubs with the three of trumps, forcing dummy to overruff. The spade loser is still there, but the effort to avert it is not yet over.

Declarer cashes dummy’s ace of hearts, trumps a heart and ruffs another club in dummy, establishing his fifth club. He then trumps another heart (East cannot afford to ruff) and leads the nine of clubs.

If West were to ruff with the ace of trumps, South would discard dummy’s spade and easily make the contract. So let’s say West does not ruff.

In that case, South discards the spade from dummy as East ruffs with the seven.

This is the first trick for the defense, and although the AK of trumps are still at large, the contract is now safely in the harbor.

East returns a spade, ruffed in dummy, and when declarer next plays a trump, the A-K come tumbling down.

As a result, South makes the contract. By progressive steps he compels the defenders to expend their two small trumps, eliminating the spade loser in the process, and then, like Humpty Dumpty, he creates a great fall. ©2010 King Features Synd., Inc.

Sinatr Way

by Tim (Runn Review

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In hi Tim K 59 film appear RKO’s from 1 his fin The Li release in 199 ers eac behind and hu and b tograp ultima of Fran This book basic p and Fa Croon 1959” 1960-1 Hollyw

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King Features Weekly Service

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

November 15, 2010

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FUN & GAMES

—

—2— —2—

—23—

British Overseas Territories leaders meet the Queen

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NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

LONDON, England -- This year, heads of government of Britain’s Overseas Territories were given a special audience with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in The Green Room at Windsor Castle.

Following the more formal presentation of each leader of the Overseas Territories and their partner, where applicable, each was afforded a more direct exchange on an individual basis.

The new Bermuda premier’s discussion with Her Majesty was personal to Bermuda and began with their reflecting on her trip to the island last year. Her Majesty inquired about Left to right: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; Chief Minister of Anguilla, Hubert Hughes; Premier last week’s visit of HRH the Duchess of Bermuda, Paula Cox; Premier Cox’s spouse, Germain Nkeuleu; and Premier of the British of Gloucester and the Presentation of Virgin Islands, Ralph O’Neal Colours to the Bermuda Regiment and was assured the Duchess was warmly blue seas. I could not help but and her family all the best. received by the residents of our Island. compliment her on her choice of Following the visit at Windsor The exchange continued with colours and this brought a ready smile Castle, Cox attended a reception pleasantries that ranged from the to her face. It indeed was a pleasant hosted by the Cayman Islands and premier’s current trip to the UK, the exchange and a fine afternoon.” presided over by their premier, numbers attending the OTCC and a On behalf of the leaders, president McKeeva Bush. As he acknowledged chuckle about Her Majesty’s corgis of the Political Council of the United the Cayman Islands governor, senior and their lack of affinity for cats. Her Kingdom Overseas Territories Majesty concluded by sending her best Association (UKOTA), Chief Minister leaders such as Premier O'Neal of the British Virgin Islands and Chief wishes for Bermuda and her people.

Reuben Meade (Montserrat) gave the Minister Hughes of Anguilla, he also Of the audience, Bermuda’s Premier Paula Cox said, “It is always a official thank you to Her Majesty for welcomed Cox as the newest premier distinct honour to meet heads of state her gracious invitation and hosting of present.

Following an early morning start and our unique relationship with the the Overseas Territories members. As part of the thank you, he expressed on Wednesday, this year’s participants United Kingdom makes this congratulations to her on the in the Overseas Territories introduction extra special. I found Her engagement of her grandson, Prince Consultative Council Meeting, the first Majesty warm and relaxed and the William, whose announcement had under the new British coalition dress she chose to wear for the meeting, aquamarine and green in been made just prior to the meetings. government, spent the entire the day colour, reminded one of Bermuda’s Also, on their behalf, he wished her grappling with issues from the UK/OT

Haiti cholera deaths pass 1,100

1 CASE IDENTIFIED IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Haitian President Rene Preval pleaded for calm as the death toll from a cholera epidemic soared over 1,100 yesterday and more desperately ill people sought treatment in overcrowded hospitals.

"Disorder and instability have never brought solutions to a country going through hard times," Preval said late Tuesday in a recorded message, hitting out at those fanning discontent.

"Gunshots, throwing bottles, barricades of burning tires will not help us eradicate cholera bacteria. On the contrary, it will prevent the sick from receiving care and to deliver medicine where it is needed."

Health experts are scrambling to teach Haitians how to ward off cholera as anger over the epidemic has erupted into violent street protests, the head of the US Centres for Disease Control told AFP. Less than two weeks before elections to choose Preval's successor, political forces are being blamed for whipping up tensions in northern CapHaitien where two Haitians died -- one shot by a UN peacekeeper — in Monday riots.

Haiti's health ministry said yesterday that 1,100 people had now died since cholera was first detected in the nation in late October. The number of people hospitalised also grew to a total of 18,382.

The disease has also surfaced for the first time

in neighbouring Dominican Republic, with officials there are also appealing for residents to stay calm.

Dominican Health Minister Rojas Gomez said yesterday that one person, who had crossed over the border from Haiti, had been treated for vomiting and diarrhoea. He had been isolated and was being treated in hospital.

The Dominican Republic, a popular tourist destination, was in a "pre-epidemic phase", Gomez added in an interview with local television.

In a bid to keep the disease at bay, Dominican authorities have banned the Haitian traders from crossing the border to sell clothes and shoes in a popular border market.

Health officials fear the cholera epidemic could spread like wildfire if it infiltrates Haiti's squalid refugee camps around the capital where hundreds of thousands of quake refugees live in cramped and unsanitary conditions.

The cholera outbreak — the first in half a century in the impoverished Caribbean nation -- is bringing new chaos to Haiti ravaged in a January quake, which killed 250,000 people and left 1.3 million homeless.

Thousands of protesters went on the rampage Monday in Cap-Haitien, setting a police station ablaze and threatening to torch a UN compound before being broken up by gunfire and tear gas.

relationship, criminal justice, the environment and identity and passport services. A break-off session with the Bermuda Caribbean Overseas Territories centred on financial services and public finances.

Session six of Wednesday's meetings, identity and passport services, was led by Bermuda's Premier Cox on behalf of the Overseas Territories. During the session, she noted the critical importance of timely information so that necessary internal operational issues could be addressed well ahead of an implementation date of new procedures for passports.

Further, a matter raised by the premier that will continue to be discussed is the security of delivery of passports to Territories.

Following the session, Cox was invited by Chief Minister of Montserrat, Reuben Meade, to thank Wednesday's participants.

In doing so she coined a phrase, “We came, we saw and we dialogued.”

At the conclusion of all meetings, there reportedly appeared to be a clear change in tone from the British government that signaled a more cooperative approach to matters of both concern and cooperation. There was cautious optimism from the Territories as they agreed; the proof would be in the pudding.

“It will be key to see demonstrable progress that when measured up to the words will be telling,” Cox said.

‘DUDUS’ YET TO GET NEW DATE FOR COURT APPEARANCE NEW YORK, USA — Former Tivoli Gardens strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke is yet to receive a new date to appear in court to answer to drug and gun charges.

Coke was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday but the court appearance was postponed at the last minute. However, officials at the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York did not provide a reason for the postponement.

Coke, who remains in solitary confinement in a jail here, is facing charges on allegations of illegal drug dealings and gun-running.

He was extradited here after waiving his extradition rights to an hearing in a Jamaican court.

Meanwhile, there are indications that the question as to whether or not Jamaica's interception law is admissible in a US court is likely to play an important part of Coke's defense.

Steve Zissou, a member of Coke's defence team, confirmed that the matter could form part of motions to be filed by the defence.

United States authorities have maintained that the evidence against Coke were obtained in accordance with Jamaican laws.

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Decriminalisation of ganja has serious implications

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

JAMAICA- The decriminalisation of ganja in Jamaica is no simple task as such action has serious foreign policy implications, Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Goldingsaid.

The prime minister said talks were ongoing with the United States to determine how any reform of Jamaica's ganja laws would be compatible with the ongoing fight against illegal drugs.

He was responding to questions from the Observer about the lack of implementation of the recommendations of the nine-year-old report of the National Commission on Ganja, which was chaired by the late Professor Barrington "Barry" Chevannes.

"There is a major challenge we face in actualising some of the recommendations, and that has to do with the foreign policy implications of decriminalisation," Golding said.

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Bruce Goldings

"Decriminalisation can invoke international consequences which would pose severe challenges for us."

However, he said discussions on the issue were ongoing. "We are continuing to engage particularly the United States in terms of how our policy on the use of ganja can be

CARIBBEAN NEWS

addressed", he said.

The prime minister noted that each year the US publishes a report certifying countries on their level of conforming with anti-drug policy.

"That certification has significant impact in terms of our trade arrangements with the United States...

The discussions to see to what extent there is compatibility between the reform of our ganja laws and our international obligations in relation antidrug policy, those discussions continue," he said.

Golding made the comments minutes after the Order of Jamaica was presented posthumously to Chevannes

by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and accepted by his widow Pauletta at King's House.

The report of the National Commission on Ganja, delivered to then prime minister PJ Patterson in 2001 by the seven-person commission after nine months of consultation and

Trinidad PM apologises to the region

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar has apologised to the region for public comments she has made in the recent past few weeks.

Appearing on a radio programme in Jamaica on Monday night, the leader of the six-month-old coalition People’s Partnership government said her remarks were “most unfortunate”.

“I do apologise for the statements that have been taken in this regard. I remain committed to regional integration and to our CARICOM (Caribbean Community) brothers and sisters,” she said.

Attending her first regional heads of government conference since her coalition grouping won the May 24 general election in her country, Persad Bissessar said that regional countries should no longer regards Port of Spain as “An ATM card” and last month, she

told reporters in her country that Port of Spain would provide aid to regional countries affected by Hurricane Tomas once it proved beneficial to the oil-rich twin island republic.

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent -- Voters in St Vincent and the Grenadines will go to the polls on Monday December 13.

The election date was announced on Sunday night by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves at a rally held at Calliqua.

Parliament will be dissolved on Monday and Nomination Day is November 26.

Gonsalves said that this is the fourth time that elections will be held in the multi island state during the month of December pointing out that the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) lost all three elections, and they (the NDP) will likewise lose the upcoming one on December 13.

The election date is scheduled to be held two days before the date that opposition leader, Arnhim Eustace,

had predicted at a meeting of his party last Saturday night.

The incumbent Unity Labour Party (ULP) has won the two previous elections and is optimistic of gaining a majority of the 15-member parliament for a third consecutive term.

Gonsalves boasted of his achievements during his nine years in office and spoke of his education revolution and his plan to complete the international airport by mid-2012, while the NDP has accused the Gonsalves administration of mismanagement of the economy.

Both the ULP and NDP are confident of victory, but political pundits anticipate that it would be one of the keenest elections in the history of St Vincent and the Grenadines, which celebrated its 31st anniversary

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar

inquiry, made a number of recommendations, including: * that the law be amended so that ganja be decriminalised for the private, personal use of small quantities by adults; * that decriminalisation should exclude smoking by juveniles or by anyone in public premises; and * that ganja should be decriminalised for use as a sacrament for religious purposes.

The commission also recommended a sustained education campaign in the media and in schools at reducing demand among young people; that the security forces intensify interdiction of large cultivation of ganja and trafficking of all illegal drugs; and that an agency be set up to research all aspects of ganja, including its epidemiological and psychological effects, and its pharmacological and economic potential.

Persad Bissessar later said that her remarks about the aid to the Caribbean countries were taken out of context.

She told radio listeners in Jamaica that since the controversial comments were made, her administration has extended the hand of assistance in the form of several shiploads of containers dispatched to the islands affected and that Haiti would also receive assistance from Port of Spain.

“The way I envisioned it is that, I can only give from my home, I think St. Lucia Prime Minister Stephenson King put it in these words and I appreciate, when he said what Kamla is saying…that we don’t expect her to go out and shop for us and so she would give us goods and supplies out of Trinidad and Tobago, that is what I meant really. It is most unfortunate the way my comments have been received and I do apologise for that,” she said.

St Vincent elections to be held December 13

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves

of independence on October 27 last.

The incumbent ULP lost a referendum by a relatively large

margin on November 25 last year, but this is not necessarily an indication that it will lose next month's general elections, since the referendum was seeking a mandate to amend the constitution to replace the prime minister as head of government by a president and to remove the Privy Council as the final appellate court, among several other changes.

The ULP, at its rally on Sunday night, also announced the dates of a series of meetings that will be held throughout the country to rally support for the December 13 elections.

Elections are constitutionally due

by March 29, but the opposition NDP has not been caught off guard by the date, since it started its campaign a few weeks ago and will no doubt go into full gear like the incumbents.

Billionaire Donald Trump may run for US presidency

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

US property tycoon Donald Trump has said he is considering running for president in 2012.

In an interview with ABC News, the billionaire Republican said he could "easily" spend more than $200m (£126m) of his own money on his campaign.

"It could be fun because I'd like to see some positive things happen for the country," he said.

He added that he would happily

take on former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who many believe will join the race.

Mr Trump, who stars in the American version of TV show The Apprentice, said he believed that "everybody's ripping America off".

The 64-year-old real estate mogul singled out China, saying that the country was "getting away with murder" by manipulating its currency.

He said he believed the US was

being used as a "whipping post".

"The respect for this country is just not there," he said.

'Led by fools' "I have many people from China that I do business with, they laugh at us. They feel we're fools. And almost being led by fools. And they can't believe what they're getting away with."

In the interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos, he added that

TSA Looks at G-Rated Body Scanners Amid International Security Headaches Critics have blasted the Transportation Security Administration for putting passengers through graphic body scanners and enhanced pat-downs -but technology and political pressure may move American scanners in a more G-rated direction even as foreign countries are getting more invasive. The TSA is testing new X-ray technology that will show a "stick figure" instead of a passenger's full-body image. Viewers on the other end of the X-ray would see anomalies -- anything from a suicide vest to a cell phone on a belt clip - highlighted on the anatomically-ambiguous figure.

No images were available to illustrate what the new scan would look like.

But despite the debate over body searches and scans here in America -- illustrated by Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, introducing the American Traveler Dignity Act Wednesday to protect against "physical and emotional abuse" at the hands of TSA employees -- the United States is not the only country employing unpopular security methods.

Canada installed full-body scanners at 16 major airports this past January, which also is when it started aggressive pat-downs with airport officials running hands inside pants waistbands.

Just this week, the Canadian Arab Foundation accused officials at Toronto's Pearson International Airport of racially profiling Yemini citizens and Arabs for secondary checks.

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION The Financial Services Commission, a statutory body of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government responsible for the licensing and regulation of financial services businesses, is seeking qualified applicants for the following posts:

1. INSURANCE ANALYST

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES The holder of this position will carry out the following duties: • Assist in developing annual plans for onsite inspections/reviews of insurance entities • Perform off-site reviews of insurance organizations • Monitor and report on trends in the financial performance of insurance entities • Assist in evaluating and processing applications for insurance licenses • Collect, collate and analyze statistical information relating to the insurance industry and licensees • Investigate, as directed, complaints by the public or queries in respect of the policies, practices and procedures of insurance entities • Any other duties as set out in the Job Description of Insurance Analyst or as assigned by the Head of Insurance.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Preferred qualification is a Degree in Accounting, Economics, Business Administration or equivalent professional qualification such as ACII or equivalent.

Four (4) years related working experience in a senior position in the insurance industry or in insurance regulation, or auditing field.

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

he would probably make his decision

by June.

He was asked about the possibility of challenging Mrs Palin, who ran for vice-president in 2008, for the Republican ticket.

"I would take her on. I like her, but I'd take her on," he said.

Mrs Palin has not formally declared that she will stand, but many commentators have said they believe she will

Over in Europe, London's Heathrow Airport has been using body scanners for the last eight months as part of a pilot program.

Nearby countries, security experts say, also are looking into body scanners.

"Europe is certainly looking into the way the technology is being implemented in the U.S.," said Rafi Ron, CEO of New Age Security, a security consulting firm. "I think we can expect sometime soon similar technology [will] be another European standard."

For those who think airport security in the United States is a hassle, try flying out of Tel Aviv sometime. International security experts, including guests from the U.S., were given a rare glimpse of Israel's procedures on Tuesday.

Security measures at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport are near-legendary: Unmanned vehicles secure the runway, cameras scan license plates and check them against a database of suspicious vehicles, 700 closed-circuit cameras monitor the main terminal and trash cans are bomb-proof.

This position falls within Grade 6 of the Commission’s pay scale with a range of $35,701 to $$42,651 p.a.

2. SENIOR INSURANCE OFFICER

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES • Assist in development of operational plans, budgets, policies and procedures for the Insurance Department • Develop and, upon approval, implement standards and procedures for the Insurance Administration section • Manage the Department in the absence of the Head of Insurance • Contribute to or collaborate on the evaluation of license applications etc.

• Ensure that applicable fees are paid by licensees • Any other duties as set out in the Job Description of Senior Insurance Officer or as assigned by the Head of Insurance.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Preferred qualification is a first Degree in Accounting, Economics, Business Administration or equivalent professional qualification such as ACII. Six (6) years related working experience, of which at least three (3) must be in a managerial position.

This position falls within Grade 5 of the Commission’s pay scale with a range of $42,683 to $$51,589 p.a.

OTHER INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO BOTH POSTS The duties for the above posts may be carried out at either of the Commission’s offices in Grand Turk or Providenciales.

Actual salaries payable will be determined by reference to the degree of qualification, experience, knowledge base and other criteria that the Commission may assess.

Applications should be received no later than December 15, 2010 and may be emailed to dmorrison@tcifsc.tc or dstrose@tcifsc.tc or faxed to 649-946-2369/649-941-8379

NOVEMBER 16, 2010

Page 37

A royal wedding next year for Prince William, Kate

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

LONDON – Thirty years after the fairy-tale nuptials with the unhappy ending, Britain will finally have another big royal wedding: Its dashing helicopter-pilot prince — second in line to the throne — will marry the lovely commoner who may someday become queen.

Prince William and Kate Middleton bubbled with joy Tuesday evening in their first public appearance since the palace announced their engagement after more than eight years of dating. Their wedding will be next spring or summer.

In a poignant symbol for William, his betrothed wore the sapphire and diamond engagement ring that belonged to his late mother, Diana.

"I thought it was quite nice because obviously she's not going to be around to share any of the fun and excitement of it all. This was my way of keeping her close to it all," William said.

While the romance of the two 28year-olds is the stuff that dreams are made of, it is no exaggeration to say that the future of the Windsor dynasty depends to no small degree on the success of their union.

"We're massively excited," William said in the televised interview that marked the first time they have spoken publicly about the trials and tribulations of their love affair, which dates back to their days as university freshmen. "We're hugely excited.

We're looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together."

The royal wedding represents a chance for the Windsors to start anew.

Middleton brings youth and glamour to a monarchy tarnished by divorce and scandal. There is already warm public support for William.

News of the engagement was greeted with enthusiasm — and relief — in Britain. Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, said they were "absolutely delighted for them both," Buckingham Palace said. Prince Charles said he was "thrilled."

Middleton's parents, Carole and Michael, also gushed.

"We all think he's wonderful.

We're extremely fond of him," Michael Middleton said, standing near the couple's large house in the affluent Berkshire countryside.

William proposed during a vacation in Kenya last month and gave

WORLD NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Prince William is to marry his long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton next year, after an on-off courtship lasting nearly a decade, bringing months of speculation about his intentions to an end

Middleton the oval blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds from the jeweler Garrard that Charles had given his mother.

William said he carried the ring around with him for weeks as he sought the right moment to pop the question. Middleton showed the ring with obvious pride.

The union has important implications for the monarchy's line of succession. Kate and William's first child would move ahead of his younger brother, Prince Harry, to become third in line to the throne.

The two met as freshmen at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, starting out as just friends but quickly becoming boyfriend and girlfriend.

There is no firm date for the wedding, and the venue has not been specified. Speculation focused on St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

It is not yet clear whom the elegant Middleton will choose as a dress designer, and the royal titles the couple will assume when they become man and wife have not yet been revealed.

As a boy, he was traumatized by his parents' very public divorce and the tragic loss of his mother. Diana died with her boyfriend, Dodi Al Fayed, in a car crash as frenzied paparazzi chased the couple through the streets of Paris, causing their inebriated driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Both William and Harry enjoy tremendous public goodwill in Britain,

in part because they remind many of their mother.

While Charles and Diana often seemed tense at times during their brief courtship, William and Middleton seem relaxed and comfortable together. They are both the same age — unlike Charles and the much younger Diana — and they have lived together in shared student housing, giving them plenty of time to really know each other.

Many in Britain welcomed the royal engagement as a rare piece of good news in a time of economic uncertainty and cutbacks — a time much like 1981, when millions watched Charles and Diana's wedding.

Prime Minister David Cameron wished William and Kate "great joy in their life together," and said that when he announced the news during a Cabinet meeting, it was greeted by cheers and "a great banging of the table."

The formal engagement is likely to turn the poised, brunette Middleton — already depicted approvingly in the fashion pages — into a global fashion icon. With her confident good looks and long brown hair, Middleton has already become one of the most photographed women in Britain.

William and Kate shared a house along with other students in the seaside university town of St. Andrews, where William initially studied art history before switching to geography.

In 2002, William paid 200 pounds

to sit in the front row at a charity fashion show where Middleton was modeling in a daring see-through dress and black lingerie. They are thought to have started dating shortly afterward.

Middleton is the daughter of selfmade millionaires. Her father worked for an airline and her mother was a flight attendant before they started a mail-order business specializing in children's parties, run from their house in southern England.

She attended Marlborough College, an elite private school where she played tennis and field hockey, before studying art history at St. Andrews. After graduating in 2005, Middleton worked as a buyer for the fashion chain Jigsaw. She is now employed by her family's party planning business.

Palace officials said only that the wedding would be held in London. It was too early to estimate its cost.

Mark Niemierko, a luxury wedding planner based in London, said a high-end ceremony in the capital typical costs from a quarter-million pounds to a half-million pounds. ($397,000 to $794,000) Funds will likely come out of the Civil List — money provided by Parliament to meet official royal expenses, the queen's household allowance, or drawn from her personal wealth. That is, unless Parliament votes to give the royal couple extra money for the wedding.

Taxpayers will, at the least, have to pay for security at the event, which will require large numbers of police officers.

Jenny Jones, a Green Party lawmaker at London's City Hall, said the royal family should be asked to contribute to the likely high cost of policing the wedding.

"In this age of austerity, it's unrealistic to expect the taxpayer to pay millions of pounds for policing a wedding, however beautiful. We can keep costs down by making it a lowkey event or the royal family can contribute. That would seem the fairest solution," she said.

Others refused to let financial concerns mar a nearly perfect day.

"We've been waiting a long, long time for this," said Felicity Thompson, who rushed to St. James' Palace clutching a newspaper with a frontpage report about the engagement. "It's a piece of history."

Ohio mom pleads guilty to giving pot to toddler

PROSECUTORS SAY SHE USED HER CELL PHONE TO RECORD VIDEO OF GIRL SMOKING IT CINCINNATI — An Ohio woman on Thursday admitted giving her 2-year-old daughter marijuana and using her cell phone to record the child smoking it.

Jessica Gamble, 21, of suburban Cincinnati, pleaded guilty in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court to corruption of another with drugs and tampering with evidence, court officials said.

Prosecutors dropped a child endangering charge in exchange for the plea, prosecutor's spokeswoman Julie Wilson said.

Gamble had faced a maximum sentence of 11

1/2 years on all three charges. She now faces up to 6 1/2 years.

Gamble has suffered from learning disabilities and mental health issues, including depression, defense attorney James Hartke said.

He said he hopes the judge will sentence her to probation.

"That would allow her to go into parenting and substance abuse programs and come out of this situation a better person," Hartke said.

The child is now being cared for by a relative, but Hartke said he hopes Gamble can

eventually be reunited with her.

Gamble gave the toddler marijuana and used her cell phone to record video of the girl smoking at her home in August, prosecutors said. The video shows the child handling and puffing on a marijuana cigarette. It came to authorities' attention after another person gave a copy of the video to the state family services agency.

Judge Ethna Cooper ordered Gamble to be held without bond pending her Dec. 16 sentencing and undergo mental health evaluation.

Page 38

Iraqi president won't sign Tariq Aziz death order

WORLD NEWS

BAGHDAD – Iraq's president said Wednesday he won't sign off on a death penalty sentence against one of Saddam Hussein's closest confidantes, Tariq Aziz, setting the stage for a possible battle over the fate of the man known as the international face of the dictator's regime.

The decision to prosecute and execute members of Saddam's regime is a source of controversy in Iraq where many members of the country's Shiite majority, who suffered under the ousted Sunni-dominated regime, want vengeance for past crimes.

Aziz was Christian and not Sunni, but many in the Sunni community view his conviction and those of others as proof they'll forever be held responsible for actions carried out years ago. The Vatican has urged Iraq to not carry out the death sentence and said it may try to intervene diplomatically to halt it.

During an interview that aired Wednesday with France 24 TV, President Jalal Talabani cited a number of reasons for refusing to approve the execution.

"I cannot sign an order of this kind because I am a Socialist," Talabani said. "I feel compassion for Tariq Aziz because he is a Christian, an Iraqi

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Tariq Aziz, former Iraqi foreign minister and deputy prime minister

Christian."

"In addition, he is an elderly man — aged over 70 — and this is why I will never sign this order," Talabani said in Arabic through a translator. He was speaking in Paris, where he attended a meeting of the Socialist International this week.

Talabani has refused to sign off on death sentences for other former regime members, including former defense minister Sultan Hashim alTaie, who signed the cease-fire with U.S.-led forces that ended the 1991

NEWS CORP CONFIRMS TABLET PUBLICATION IS CLOSE

BARCELONA, Spain - News Corp is close to revealing a news publication developed especially for tablet computers like Apple's iPad, James Murdoch confirmed on Wednesday.

"It's a tablet-only product and it's very exciting," Murdoch, who heads the media group's operations in Europe and Asia, told journalists on the sidelines of an investor conference in Spain. "You'll hear more about that soon."

He said it was largely a U.S. product, but declined to elaborate further.

News Corp is leading a movement by some newspaper and magazine publishers to push consumers to pay for news they have been accustomed to reading for free on the Web. The group's British newspaper arm has already put the Times of London, the Sunday Times and best-selling Sunday tabloid the News of the World behind so-called paywalls, and is making big bets on applications for tablets.

"The tablet in general, it lends itself to a type of journalism that is really new," Murdoch said, highlighting the way print looks on tablets and the multi-touch screens that encourage interaction from readers.

"These really are becoming our flagship products, even though they're very much in their infancy," he said.

Apple has sold more than 7.5 million iPads since they became available in April. Samsung has followed with the Galaxy, and BlackBerry maker Research in Motion plans its own offering, the PlayBook, early next year.

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

Gulf war and remains in U.S. custody.

However, it was not immediately clear whether Talabani's opposition would necessarily spare Aziz's life.

Under the constitution, the president is supposed to ratify death sentences, but there are mechanisms for the execution to be carried out through parliament.

Justice Ministry spokesman AbdulSattar Bayrkdar told The Associated Press that death penalties can be carried out regardless of the president's refusal to sign an execution order.

"If the president refuses to sign an execution that is not a veto on a verdict," Bayrkdar said.

The 74-year-old Aziz was the highest-ranking Christian in Saddam Hussein's inner circle. He was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging on Oct. 26 for his role in persecuting members of the Shiite religious parties that now dominate the country.

Aziz, who surrendered to U.S. forces about a month after the war started in March 2003, has already been convicted in two other cases, receiving a combined 22 years in prison. In an interview with The Associated Press this summer, Aziz predicted he would die in prison.

In the long-running case for which

he received the death penalty, Aziz was accused of being part of a campaign of persecuting, killing and torturing members of the Shiite opposition and religious parties banned under Saddam.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is a member of one of the religious parties central to the case.

The death sentence came two months after Aziz was transferred from U.S. to Iraqi custody. Under Iraqi law, Aziz had 30 days to appeal the death sentence.

Aziz's supporters have argued that he was not responsible for the crimes for which he's accused but is being persecuted simply because he was a member of Saddam's regime.

Aziz's eldest son, Ziad, praised Talabani for his position.

"I want to reassert that my father's execution sentence was a political decision. Therefore, it's null and void," said Aziz's son, speaking from neighboring Jordan where he lives. "As a family, we thank the president and we appreciate his decision."

The pursuit of criminal cases against former members of Saddam's regime demonstrates the deep hatred that exists even today among the country's current Shiite leadership and within the Shiite population as well.

Afghan handover could run past 2015 in areas: NATO

The military handover from NATO-led forces to Afghans should start in the first half of 2011 but poor security in some areas could see it run past a 2014 target, a NATO official said.

With attention focusing on the security transition from foreign forces to Afghans over the next four years, newly appointed French Defense Minister Alain Juppe called Afghanistan "a trap for all the parties involved."

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has made 2014 the target for Afghan forces to assume full security responsibility from foreign forces, with Washington planning to begin a gradual drawdown of its forces from July 2011.

Others doubt enough Afghan forces will be ready in time to meet Karzai's target, but U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have called it realistic.

The 2014 target is part of a wider plan by Karzai that includes talks with Taliban-led insurgents, reintegration and reconciliation and the ramping up of the Afghan security forces to enable the transition.

"We expect that the transition process will start in the first half of 2011," said Mark Sedwill, the top civilian NATO representative in Afghanistan.

Sedwill said the transition could run "to 2015 and beyond" in some areas that could still face security problems.

"We expect to have strategic overwatch in large parts of the country by that time (2014)," he told reporters in Kabul, with civil administration to follow the security transition.

NATO troops would then assume support and training duties as Afghans took on the burden of combat roles. "The end of 2014 does not mean that the mission is over, but the mission changes. It's the inflection point, if you like," Sedwill said.

U.S. President Barack Obama, who will review his Afghanistan war strategy in December, has set July 2011 as the start of his drawdown and European leaders are following a similar timetable.

Juppe, for example, said France wanted to discuss in Lisbon how to draw down its 3,500-strong force in Afghanistan. Many European leaders are under pressure at home to justify their continued combat support for the increasingly unpopular war.

Violence across Afghanistan is at its worst since the Taliban were ousted by U.S.-backed Afghan forces in late 2001.

Military and civilian casualties are at record levels and an increase in attacks over the past week will likely send an even more sobering message to NATO leaders in Lisbon.

U.S. and NATO commanders have been talking up recent successes but there are still points of friction with their Afghan allies, most recently over the use of "night raids" on Afghan homes while hunting Taliban and other insurgents.

Karzai told The Washington Post he wanted the U.S. military to reduce its visibility and the intensity of its operations and that night raids "have to go away."

But Sedwill defended the tactic, saying the raids were as "surgical" as they could be and were an important weapon.

"We are under no illusion that you can run a counterinsurgency program without these operations," he said.

Sedwill said the timetable for transition would vary across Afghanistan and depend on conditions.

He said he and General David Petraeus, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, had their own assessment of what areas could be handed over and would discuss the transition with an Afghan ministerial committee in February.

Sedwill said that NATO and Afghan forces had regained the initiative in many areas but gains were still fragile.

"We think we are in a different mode than where we were in the last few years," he said, noting additional NATO resources that included 30,000 extra U.S. troops.

Page 39

2010 elections highlight Obama's eroding base

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

WASHINGTON – Near the midpoint of his presidency, Barack Obama's diverse voter coalition reveals giant cracks and he faces major work repairing his standing among independents in states crucial to his re-election chances. Catholics. Older people. Women. Young adults. They shifted toward Republicans in this month's elections and failed to support Obama's Democratic Party as they did in 2008.

Two years before voters render judgment on his tenure, Obama's most critical task may be winning back those who aren't affiliated with a party but who hold enormous sway in close contests. National exit polls from the midterm elections show these voters broke heavily for Republicans after helping elect Obama and Democrats in the two previous elections.

The trouble with this constituency appears even deeper for Obama in places expected to be closely contested in the next White House race, according to an analysis by The Associated Press of exit polls in 26 states. It shows just how much ground Obama must make up with independents between now and November 2012.

"Over the last two years, we've made progress.

But clearly too many Americans haven't felt that progress yet," the president said after the election.

"As president, I take responsibility for that."

It's impossible to predict a presidential election based on midterm results. That's even truer considering that 131.2 million people voted in 2008, when Obama was elected, compared with 87 million this month, based on an AP tally of official and unofficial results. The slow-moving economic recovery could speed up, lifting Obama and the Democrats.

November's exit-poll responses provide enough hints that Obama could be in serious trouble if he doesn't shore up his support in crucial areas.

"I'm not going to lie to you, I'm frustrated and I blamed him for some of the bad shape this country's in. We're struggling," said Earlene Durham, 32, of St. Louis, sounding like other independents who

Republicans are talking openly about President Obama's vulnerability for re-election in 2012, and one of them is Sarah Palin.

When ABC's Barbara Walters asked the former Alaska governor, "if you ran for president, could you beat Barack Obama?," Palin replied: "I believe so."

Palin -- tabbed by Walters as one of the "10 Most Fascinating People of 2010" -- again said she is weighing a White House bid.

"I'm looking at the lay of the land," she told ABC. "And ... trying to figure that out, if it's a good thing for the country, for the discourse, for my family, if it's a good thing."

The full interview airs Dec. 9.

If Palin does run for president in 2012, she'll no doubt count on support from the candidates she endorsed in this year's elections; our colleague Catalina Camia talks about how Palin picked some of those candidates over on our OnPolitics blog.

It should be noted that other Republicans think Palin would be very vulnerable in a race against Obama.

In an interview with The New York Times magazine, journalist Robert Draper asked Palin about what he described as "the Republican establishment's predominant worry" that "she would lose to Obama."

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

U.S. President, Barack Obama

backed Obama in 2008. "But then I thought, 'Well, he's trying the best he can.' The only thing we can do is wait and see what he does in the next two years.

Gotta give the man a chance."

Exit-poll questionnaires vary state to state, but on several issues that dominated the campaign this year, cross-state analyses are possible.

His job performance rating was more negative than positive among voters in states such as Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Obama won them all in 2008. In Indiana, where Obama was the first Democrat to win the state since 1964, just 37 percent approved.

Among independents: _More said their vote in a Senate race was to express opposition to Obama rather than to show support. This was true in every state where exit polls asked the question, and by margins of 2-to-1 or better in states such as Florida, Iowa, New

Republican, Sarah Palin

Palin's response: Then perhaps they should vent some of their paranoia toward all of the potential G.O.P. candidates. Because obviously there's no guarantee that any one of us would win. But I do believe that much of this is a threat to their hierarchy, because I've never shied away from a battle and because I'll put principle before politics.

Stay tuned.

WORLD NEWS

Hampshire, Ohio and Pennsylvania. _Majorities disapprove of Obama in all states but California, Delaware, Hawaii and Vermont, which traditionally lean Democratic during a presidential election. Obama's job performance rating is lowest in West Virginia, where 76 percent disapprove. In Indiana, 69 percent of independents disapprove, and in perennially contested Ohio, 65 percent disapprove. _Most express broad dissatisfaction with how the federal government is working. Roughly four in 10 are angry in Colorado and Missouri, while about one-third feel that way in Indiana, Ohio, Washington state, New Hampshire, Nevada, Wisconsin, Florida and Pennsylvania. _A chunk said they want the government to do less after two years of Democratic domination in the nation's capital. That's almost a direct reversal of how this voting group behaved in 2008. Majorities of independents in each state surveyed except Democratic-leaning Hawaii said the government is doing too many things better left to the private sector and individuals. _Supporters outnumber opponents of the tea party coalition in all but Delaware, Hawaii and Vermont. In Missouri, half of independents call themselves tea party backers, compared with 18 percent who oppose it. Nearly half of independents support the movement in 2008 swing states Colorado, Indiana and Ohio. _More than half say their financial situations got worse in the past two years in Florida, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nevada, Ohio and Wisconsin. One in seven or less across the states said their financial fortunes have improved during Obama's time in office. _About four in 10 in six states — Arkansas, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas — said the $814 billion economic stimulus package hurt the economy. At least half want the health care bill repealed in 20 of 24 states where the question was asked. The exceptions were California, Delaware, Hawaii and Vermont.

"I'm very disappointed," said independent Kris Rickert, 36, of Dousman, Wis., pointing to the skyrocketing national debt. "I understand his philosophy was trying to get the economy going, but I just don't think that's the right way of going about it."

After the election, Obama acknowledged that he's "paying a political price" for failing to make good on his promises to change the way Washington works and slipping in his pledge to "maintain the kind of tone that says we can disagree without being disagreeable."

Over the next two years, a divided government — with Republicans in control of the House and Democrats with a slim majority in the Senate — may give Obama more of an opportunity to shift his policies to the center and again woo independents, by compromising with the GOP. Yet, there's no certainty that will happen; both Obama and House Speaker-in-waiting John Boehner, R-Ohio, have suggested they're willing to compromise but only to a point.

Still, making an effort to change the ways of Washington could score him points with some independents.

"He is a progressive president, but he just doesn't have the chance to put his policies into effect because of the old ways that government works," said Sheree Sifferath, 67, an independent from Gold Canyon, Ariz.

She backed Obama in 2008 but voted for Republican John McCain for the Senate and GOP Rep. Jeff Flake in the midterm elections. She's open to supporting Obama in two years but hopes that he and Republicans can figure out a way to compromise.

"They can make it better if they just work together. They've got to change with the times," she added.

Page 40

Bank of America must return $500 million seized Lehman deposits

Bank of America Corp was ordered by a U.S. judge to return $500 million of deposits it seized from Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc shortly after Lehman's bankruptcy.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge James Peck said Bank of America violated federal law when it "brazenly" seized the deposits after having taken advantage of Lehman's weakened condition in the summer of 2008 in obtaining the money.

"It is difficult to understand how Bank of America could have thought that taking the money was the right thing to do without first seeking permission from the court," Peck wrote in a Tuesday opinion filed in Manhattan bankruptcy court.

"The actions taken were surprising and, quite frankly, disappointing for a leading financial institution that should care a great deal about its reputation," he wrote.

The decision is a victory for Lehman as it tries to repay creditors

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

still owed hundreds of billions of dollars following its September 15, 2008 bankruptcy.

Peck directed Lehman to draft an order calling for the return of the $500 million plus interest, and for the parties to meet to discuss "the amount of any further monetary award."

"We are disappointed with the court's decision, and we continue to believe that our actions were fully supported by well established New York law and the unambiguous language of the bankruptcy code," said Bank of America spokeswoman Shirley Norton. "We are considering our appellate options."

A lawyer for Lehman did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Lehman is also seeking to recover $8.6 billion it said JPMorgan Chase & Co extracted just before the bankruptcy, and an $11 billion "windfall" that Barclays Plc got in acquiring a U.S. brokerage unit. Peck

NOVEMBER 19TH - NOVEMBER 26TH, 2010

handles those cases as well.

ULTIMATUM Like JPMorgan, Bank of America is a "clearing" bank that acts as a gobetween in banks' dealings with other parties.

According to Peck's 46-page opinion, the Charlotte, North Carolinabased bank provided clearing services to Lehman for 16 years, but by the summer of 2008 was "particularly worried" about Lehman's health and sought to reduce its credit risk.

The judge said Bank of America gave Lehman an "ultimatum" that resulted in creation on August 25, 2008 of an account in which Lehman posted the $500 million as security.

Bank of America still held these funds when Lehman went bankrupt, and seized them on November 10, 2008, to offset alleged claims on unrelated derivative transactions. It then asked the bankruptcy court to approve the seizure.

But Peck said the August 25

Tycoon Carlos Slim is evaluating taking population identified itself as the iconic Mexican restaurant and retail Hispanic or Latino, according to the store Sanborns to Manhattan, in what U.S. Census Bureau. would be his latest foray into the United If he goes ahead, Slim will be States. hoping for more success than with Sanborns, a unit of Slim's holding his failed investment in computer company Grupo Carso is a staple of and gadget retailer CompUSA, a rare Mexican life, with stores across the misstep for the billionaire. Slim sold country where shoppers can buy the business in 2007 after struggling anything from underwear to a plate of to compete with Best Buy Co Inc spicy chilaquiles, a traditional dish, or and Wal-Mart Stores Inc . even pay their phone bills.

Sanborns tracks its origin to a "What we are looking at is the small drug store founded in possibility of opening a first Sanborns in downtown Mexico City in 1903 by Manhattan," Arturo Elias Ayub, a young American brothers Walter and spokesman and close aide of Slim, told Frank Sanborn.

Reuters on Wednesday. "There is The small business added a soda nothing defined yet." fountain that quickly drew an Shares in parent Grupo Carso rose eclectic crowd, from Mexican Tycoon Carlos Slim 1.17 percent to 72.88 pesos, in part President Porfirio Diaz, who was boosted by the news on Wednesday, traders said. fond of sundaes and banana splits, to Revolutionary Slim, a huge baseball fan who travels every now and leaders Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata, who went by then to New York to watch the Yankees play, is no for hot cocoa. stranger to doing business in one of the world's top The business, which keeps its logo of three owls financial capitals. atop a tree branch representing Frank Sanborn and his He holds about 6.9 percent of the New York Times two children, was sold to Slim's Grupo Carso in 1985.

Class A shares and earlier this year he bought, along with The chain has over 100 stores in Mexico and is a other investors, a landmark building near Central Park. sure stop for students on a budget who can easily hook Slim also is the second largest share holder in up to its wi-fi network while drinking inexpensive department store operator Saks Inc. He operates the coffee, consumers craving a milkshake and office brand in Mexico. He recently opened the second store at workers seeking an after-hours drink. his new business and entertainment complex in a posh The restaurant waiters are dressed in folkloric gear area in Mexico City. and Sanborns is one of the few places in Mexico where Elias Ayub said a Sanborns in Manhattan, home to U.S. expats can get a Thanksgiving menu every some of the world's most luxurious retail stores and November. hundreds of restaurants offering anything from Ethiopian Elias Ayub said the plan to bring Sanborns to the to Thai food, would not only appeal to Mexicans living United States, which has been under review for about a on the island but also to a wider cultural base. month, will largely depend on finding local suppliers Last year, nearly 24 percent of Manhattan's who can guarantee the same offering as in Mexico.

agreement gave Bank of America no right to offset its claims, and that both companies understood the purpose of that agreement given the "negative perceptions" then facing Lehman in the market.

He said Bank of America violated the "automatic stay" provision in U.S. bankruptcy law that halts actions to seize a debtor's collateral after a bankruptcy case begins.

"Bank of America brazenly elected to violate the stay with apparent disregard for the consequences of its actions," Peck wrote. "Bank of America, in the court's view, had a responsibility to approach the setoff issue with far more restraint than was shown here."

The case is Bank of America NA v. Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc et al, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York, No. 08-ap01753. The main bankruptcy case is In re: Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc in the same court, 08-13555.

Royal wedding seen giving $1 billion lift to UK economy The marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton next year could give a 620 million pound ($985 million) boost to the British economy, retail reseachers Verdict said on Wednesday.

The forecast came as Asda, Britain's second-biggest supermarket group, said it was already selling a 5 pound mug to commemorate the engagement of the heir to the British throne to his long-term girlfriend, announced on Tuesday.

[ID:nLDE6AF148] Verdict estimated the engagement could be worth 12-18 million pounds in merchandise sales, while sales of wedding-related products could top 26 million pounds.

The real boost to the economy, however, could come from creating a "feel-good factor" among consumers that proved elusive this year with the England team's dismal performance in the soccer World Cup. "If, as expected, it is a big set-piece event, it could well capture the nation's imagination and provide a fillip to the retail sector," said Verdict consulting director Neil Saunders.

Verdict forecast food and grocery retailers could benefit to the tune of 360 million pounds as shoppers buy treats like wine and champagne to toast the happy couple, while travel and tourism revenues could be boosted by an estimated 216 million.

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Gayle joins cricket elite after Test triple

Chris Gayle has given the people of the Caribbean 333 reasons to smile.

The powerful left-hander established a host of records en route to a monumental triple-century on the second day of the first cricket Test between West Indies and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium yesterday.

Gayle’s 333 – among other things – was the highest Test score by a West Indian outside the Caribbean, the highest Test score against Sri Lanka and the highest Test score at the ground.

In the process, Gayle, whose previous best was 317, also became only the fourth player in Test history to score two triple centuries, joining legendary Australian Don Bradman (334 and 309), double world-record holder Brian Lara (375 and 400*) and Indian opener Virender Sehwag (309 and 319). Lion-hearted opener Chris Gayle smashed several longstanding records en route to a career-best 333, but a clatter of wickets in the final session marred an outstanding West Indies performance on the second day of the opening Test against Sri Lanka

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Chris Gayle

yesterday.

The 31-year-old left-hander, resuming the day on 219, fashioned a Herculean effort in carving out the highest score by a West Indies batsman overseas, as West Indies marched to an imposing 580-9 declared at Galle International Stadium.

At the close, Sri Lanka were 54-1 after pacer Andre Russell plucked out opener Tillakaratne Dilshan without

scoring, with only his second delivery in Test cricket.

For the second day running, however, centre stage belonged to Gayle. In a marathon innings spanning 10 1/2 hours, the giant Jamaican faced 437 balls and struck 34 fours and nine sixes, to become only the fourth batsman in history to score 300 twice in their career.

His heroics were spoilt somewhat in the last session when mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis snatched 6169 to spark a middle- and lower-order collapse, which saw six Windies wickets tumble for 21 runs in the space of just 53 balls.

By then, the damage had been done and when Gayle finally trudged from the field to a long ovation from spectators and fielders alike after he played a tired defensive stroke and was bowled by Mendis, Sri Lanka's bowlers grabbed the opportunity to dominate for the first time.

Resuming at his overnight 219 with the Windies on 362-2, Gayle was more disciplined than he was dominant, adding a mere 36 runs during the session with a measured,

Long wait ahead as Jamaica stadium track removed

The eight-year-old Mondo all-weather running track at the National Stadium has been completely dug up and removed in preparation for rehabilitation work.

When the Jamaica Observer visited the Independence Park Limited (IPL) facility, tractor-trailers and a number of trucks were in the process of removing the torn up pieces of the non-slip material which was laid in 2002 ahead of Jamaica's hosting of the 9th IAAF World Junior Championships.

IPL general manager Major Desmon Brown told the Observer the existing surface had been removed ahead of an engineer's assessment later this week.

The engineer, from the Germany company BSW, will check the levels to determine the base quantities required to refurbish the track.

The surface of the stadium had been steadily deteriorating, especially in the area of the 100-metres start, over the past few years, but came under added pressure this year after meets usually held at the Stadium East field were moved to the 25,000-seater complex because the smaller facility was closed for repairs due to similar damage.

"They (German engineers) are coming to see the quickest way we can get this thing fixed," Brown said.

Technicians from the same company, which also laid the blue all-weather running surface at the University of the West Indies (UWI) earlier this year, were forced to do a quick-fix job on the stadium on the second day of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys' & Girls' Athletic Championships because of rapid deterioration caused by overuse within the past year.

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The 100-metre start had to be repaired overnight after athletes started slipping in the blocks.

The visit by the Germans comes more than a year after it was revealed the Singaporean government had agreed to give its Jamaican counterpart the US$500,000 needed to resurface the Stadium.

In exchange, several of Jamaica's top athletes, including Veronica Campbell-Brown, Asafa Powell and Dexter Lee, went to Singapore to help market that country's hosting of the inaugural Youth Olympics held last August.

"We were able to get them to agree to assist in funding the track that we need to re-lay at the Stadium East field. They have indicated that the funds have been identified, but it requires the delegation to go to Singapore, expense paid by Singapore, to consummate the arrangement," Minister of Sport Olivia Babsy Grange told the Observer at the time.

The repairs, Brown said, were to have started at the end of the season following June's National Senior Championships.

The state of the National Stadium has raised concerns about next year's track schedule, especially for the high school track and field championships, the Gibson Relays and the Jamaica International Invitational meet (JII), which are high-profile events held at the facility.

It takes at least six weeks for a new surface to be laid and dried before it can be used, while time for shipment of material must also be factored in, which could have the facility out of commission for up to 12 weeks.

watchful approach.

West Indies added only 67 runs from 30 overs as Sri Lanka's bowlers, led by off-spinner Suraj Randiv, applied the brakes on the scoring.

Randiv, tormented by Gayle on the previous day, accounted for the only wicket to fall in the session when he had Shivnarine Chanderpaul caught at slip for 32 by Mahela Jayawardene at 392-3.

Gayle survived a huge lbw shout - and a subsequent referral -- off the day's first ball from Mendis but proceeded to gather his runs with uncharacteristic serenity, in an 86-run, third wicket partnership with the equally subdued Chanderpaul who resumed on 20.

At 222, Gayle surpassed the legendary Brian Lara's 221 for the highest score by a West Indian against Sri Lanka achieved nine years ago, and continued to score quietly before picking up his first boundary of the morning with a thunderous pull off left-arm seamer Dammika Pradad in the day's eighth over.

He added another record when he reached 238.

BOYZ DROP THREE PLACES IN FIFA RANKINGS, SOCA WARRIORS RISE

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - Russell Latapy has given Trinidad & Tobago Minister of Sport Anil Roberts another 28 reasons why he should keep his job as coach of the men's national team.

The Soca Warriors have risen that number of places to 78th in the FIFA World Rankings to reclaim the title as the best side in the Caribbean Football Union ahead of traditional rivals Jamaica.

Roberts put Latapy under pressure, when he publicly challenged the national coach to win the Digicel Caribbean Cup, which concludes later this month in Martinique, or resign.

Latapy and his side responded, when they emphatically won their second round qualifying group on home soil to advance to the Finals of the regional competition.

This achievement may be short of the minister's ultimatum, but Latapy and the Warriors can feel confident entering the Finals, knowing they are considered the best team in the region.

The Jamaicans — the reigning Caribbean Cup champions — fell marginally in the World rankings, down three places to 82nd, to hold-on to second place in the CFU. The Reggae Boyz's drop is mostly attributed to their inactivity, since they did not have to play any qualifying matches for the Caribbean Cup, and had no friendly internationals in the period under review to help boost their standing.

Breathing down their necks are Guyana, which moved-up 12 places in the World to an all-time best of 86, and makes them the CFU No 3.

In the wider CONCACAF region into which the CFU falls, the United States are the top side at 24th in the World, with Mexico second at 28th, and Honduras third at 57th.

Reigning World champions Spain is the No 1 side in the World, with World Cup runners-up Netherlands, five-time World champions Brazil, with three-time World champions Germany, and two-time World champions Argentina rounding out the World top five.

Tiger Woods launches effort to repair image

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There have been more difficult image-rehabilitation projects, but few will be more scrutinized than this one.

The Tiger Woods comeback is rolling like a Cadillac Escalade down the information superhighway.

Newsweek posted an op-ed piece

by Woods on Wednesday titled, “How I’ve Redefined Victory.” He is scheduled to be a guest for two segments today on ESPN Radio’s “Mike & Mike in the Morning.” He’s on Twitter.

Approaching the one-year anniversary of the Thanksgiving night car accident that wrecked his image, led to a divorce and so unhinged the best player in golf that he hasn’t won a tournament all year, the makeover is under way.

“It’s a positive step for him,” said Mark Steinberg, his agent at IMG. “He’s making the effort to do some things different.”

Woods has had a Twitter account

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Tiger Woods

since June 2009 — used solely to tout his Facebook page and a redesign of his website. Then came a tweet at 11:08 a.m. Wednesday: “What’s up everyone. Finally decided to try out Twitter!”

Woods had just more than 90,000 followers until that tweet. Within three hours, he had added more than 40,000 more. He later added this: “Yep, it’s me. I think I like this twitter thing. You guys are awesome. Thanks for all the love.”

Woods is identified at the bottom of the Newsweek op-ed piece as “founder of the Tiger Woods Foundation, which has helped educate more than 10 million kids.”

He writes about how much his life was out of balance and his priorities were out of order a year ago, when he was caught in numerous extramarital affairs that cost him three major endorsements and eventually led to his divorce from Elin Nordegren.

One of the things that has not been noted — given that Woods is in something of a sack-cloth-and-ashes phase — is the fact that he recently

moved into a new 10,000-square-foot, $50 million house.

Jeff Lichtenstein, a Florida realestate broker said that the yard “has one tee box in the southeast corner to hit drivers. The entire area just west of the lap pool can be used to hit long, medium and short irons into any of the four greens. Each green is guarded by a single trap, except the green in the northwest corner, which appears to have three pot bunkers.”

Rehabilitating his image might do more for Woods than bring in some new endorsement deals. If it helps him get his head straight, he might start winning again — and that make the purchase of the new mansion seem less frivolous.

Americans are fond of winners, but they particularly like humble winners. And for celebrities like that, there really is no such thing as bad publicity.

World Cup Panel Suspends, Fines Two Officials Over Vote-Sale Allegations

Soccer’s governing body suspended two executive committee members following a corruption probe into bids to host the World Cup, increasing uncertainty over the race to stage the 2018 and 2022 events.

FIFA’s decision-making body was reduced to 22 members today as Nigeria’s Amos Adamu was suspended for three years and fined 10,000 Swiss francs ($10,120) and Tahiti’s Reynald Temarii was banned for a year and fined 5,000 francs. London’s Sunday Times said Oct. 17 that the pair would trade cash for their vote. They won’t be replaced before the Dec. 2 vote on future hosts.

The Zurich-based organization has battled to protect the credibility of its World Cup selection process since the newspaper story. FIFA also fined and suspended four other officials who were secretly recorded by undercover reporters. FIFA said it didn’t find enough proof of a reported pact between the Spain/Portugal and Qatar bids.

“The way FIFA and the ethics committee reacted in such a short period of time, less than month, shows how important it is for us to make sure that things are under control,” FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke said at a press conference.

The U.S., which estimated that the competition is worth as much as $5 billion to the hosts, is competing with Qatar, Japan, South Korea and Australia to stage the 2022 tournament. Russia, England and a joint Netherlands/Belgium bid are contending for 2018 along with Spain/Portugal.

A Secret The Sunday Times said its story was based on evidence gathered by undercover reporters posing as lobbyists for a U.S. bid at meetings with Adamu and Temarii. Adamu asked for $800,000 to be paid into his bank account to build four artificial soccer fields, while Temarii asked for funds to finance a sports academy. No payments were made.

The suspensions mean the bidding countries may have to change their strategies.

Australia is the only candidate not to have

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someone of its nationality on investigated the claims, also the executive committee. criticized the way the Sunday Temarii, head of the Oceania Times obtained its information confederation that previously and claimed the information included Australia, had said wasn’t fairly presented. he’d support the Socceroos’ “What I cannot tolerate is bid. that they changed the way they “Let me tell you a secret: presented the truth,” he said.

We know more than one The investigation into the member of the executive allegations of collusion between committee,” Peter Hargitay, a the Iberian bid and Qatar didn’t strategist for Australia, told include interviews with any reporters last month. members of the executive England’s 2018 bid leader committee. The Sunday Times Andy Anson said yesterday and other newspapers named that his nation’s bid would seven of the 24 voters as agreeing remain on track whatever the to pick Spain/Portugal for 2018 verdicts. and Qatar for 2022.

“We can win in both “Am I’m sure that 2018 and scenarios,” he said. He 2022 are free of any collusion,” declined to say if Adamu or Nigeria’s Amos Adamu was suspended for three Valcke said in response to a Temarii had pledged their years and fined 10,000 Swiss francs ($10,120). question at today’s press support to England. conference. “I can’t answer this.

The remaining members of FIFA’s Executive I don’t vote and I have no idea what the discussions Committee will meet tomorrow in a special session are between various members.” convened because of the ethics panel’s While the Spain/Portugal bid repeatedly denied investigation. it had breached campaigning rules, Qatar didn’t Slim Aloulou, Amadou Diakite, Ahongalu comment during the investigation.

Fusimalohi and Ismael Bhamjee were banned and Rumors, Hearsay fined $10,000 because they told reporters they could “This puts an end to the rumors and hearsay facilitate access to the men who’ll decide where the which have dominated the agenda in recent weeks,” tournaments will be held. Adamu and Temarii have Hassan Al-Thawadi, head of the Gulf state’s offer, both publicly pleaded their innocence. Temarii has said in statement. “We have maintained a dignified also filed a lawsuit against the Sunday Times. silence to allow FIFA to deal with this issue. FIFA Officials, including FIFA President Sepp Blatter and the head of Asian soccer Mohamed Bin have now done so, they have given us a clean bill Hammam, have been critical of some of the of health and it is time to move on.”

The country has pledged to spend $50 billion on methods used by the U.K. media in recent weeks. infrastructure projects to ready itself for a possible That prompted a letter from England’s campaign to World Cup in 2022. It was the only one of the nine individual voters that sought to distance the bid bidders to receive a “high” operational risk rating from the country’s media.

Claudio Sulser, head of the commission that from FIFA’s inspection team.

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As Vick soars, memories of troubles fade

WORLD SPORTS EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Even Michael Vick did not see this happening. Vick, the Eagles’ starting quarterback, is one of the N.F.L.’s most electrifying talents and possibly its most valuable player in 2010. The fact that he is a convicted felon just more than a year out of prison simply makes him this season’s most complicated story.

“It’s as surprising to me as it is to everybody else,” Vick said of his jumpsuit-to-riches turnaround in a conference call with reporters on Wednesday. “But at the end of the day, I knew I had the talent and what it took to win football games. I just needed an opportunity.”

Vick, convicted in 2007 of operating a dogfighting ring, is the latest in a growing line of athletes who found themselves tangled in scandal and used the redemptive power of their athletic ability to scramble away from the sordidness. Few, if any, have done so with such unexpected aplomb.

With his attention-grabbing play, Vick has redirected the conversation away from what he did off the field to what he is doing on it.

“On-field performance is always going to trump off-field situations,” said John Lord, a professor and chair of the marketing department at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

It has become a familiar cycle in sports. The N.B.A. star Kobe Bryant (rape allegations), the baseball player Alex Rodriguez (admitted use of steroids) and N.F.L. linebacker Ray Lewis (charged with murder, later dropped in a plea bargain) are among those who have partly covered the collective memory of their troubles with sustained, stellar athletic performances.

To some degree, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who faced sexual-assault allegations (charges were not filed) and was suspended for the start of the season for violation of the league’s personal conduct policy, is still trying to do the same. And the golfer Tiger Woods, whose web of marital infidelities became public nearly a year ago, has yet to make people move on.

“If Tiger Woods had come back and won one or two majors, maybe eight tournaments this year, and reasserted himself as the world’s best player, much of the negative experience would have dissipated, much as it has with Vick,” Lord said.

The most stirring example came on Monday night, when Vick had one of the more memorably dynamic individual performances in the sport.

He completed 20 of 28 passes for 333 yards and 4 touchdowns, including one for 88 yards to DeSean Jackson on the game’s first play from scrimmage.

Vick ran eight times for 80 more yards and 2 more touchdowns. The Eagles won, 59-28. They had a 35-0 lead just nine seconds into the second quarter.

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Michael Vick, center, has managed a comeback from his troubles on a scale that has eluded other athletes like Ben Roethlisberger, left, and Tiger Woods, right.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame requested Vick’s jersey from the game.

The N.F.L. named him the conference offensive player of the week for the second week in a row. Chatter about his being the league’s most valuable player has reached a hum, as has speculation that Vick and the Eagles look like potential Super Bowl winners.

Vick and the Eagles will play the Giants on Sunday night in Philadelphia. The teams are tied atop their division with 6-3 records.

Giants Coach Tom Coughlin said he watched Monday night’s game. At some point, he said, he put the pencil down and became a fan.

Asked if he could truly be a “fan” of a player he now must try to stop, Coughlin came clean.

“No,” he said. “I got indigestion, a stomachache.”

That feeling might also describe the sickened feeling of Vick’s countless detractors, those disgusted that someone who systematically tortured dogs is back making millions of dollars in the N.F.L. Vick, viewed as an intriguing but undisciplined quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons when he signed the league’s biggest contract in 2004, served 18 months in federal prison in Leavenworth, Kan. Weeks after his release in 2009, he was signed by the Eagles, one of the few teams willing to absorb the publicrelations maelstrom of Vick’s mere presence. Amid heated debate over second chances, set against a disturbing backdrop of animal torture, Vick eased onto the roster as a thirdstring quarterback last season. After Philadelphia unexpectedly traded the longtime quarterback Donovan McNabb to the Redskins last spring, Vick assumed the relatively anonymous role as backup to Kevin Kolb.

But Kolb sustained a concussion in the season’s first game. Vick immediately dazzled and soon snared the starting job. He was the National

Football Conference’s offensive player of the month in September and, at 30, is having the best season of his career.

He will be a free agent at season’s end, which puts him in line for multiyear contract offers worth tens of millions of dollars — perhaps from teams that had no stomach for what he represented a year ago.

Until then, Philadelphia fans are increasingly daydreaming of the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory, with a convicted felon leading the way.

It is a tug of war of ambivalence.

“It’s a naïve notion in 2010 to want your victors to be virtuous, yet it is clearly part of the emotion invested in any favorite team,” Sam Donnellon, a columnist for The Philadelphia Daily News, wrote from the press box on Monday night.

On Wednesday Donnellon said that the pendulum of public opinion in Philadelphia is swinging in Vick’s favor.

“The pulse right now is to forgive him because he just scored a bunch of touchdowns,” Donnellon said in an interview.

There will always be a strongminded faction of people unwilling to forgive Vick and unable to muster a cheer for him. And there have long been some who never saw Vick’s actions as wrong — or wrong enough to deserve a prison sentence.

It is the gulf in between that seems to have been sloshing around, trying to keep separate what Vick did off the field from what he does on it, or making complicated judgments on whether forgiveness should be hastened by strong performances.

“Now do you go out hunting for a Michael Vick jersey for your 8-yearold, 10-year-old, 12-year-old?”

Donnellon said. “What are you saying to your kid? That everyone deserves a second chance? I’m O.K. with that.

But this soon?”

That internal struggle has plagued people, including Lord, the marketing professor and a longtime Philadelphia resident.

“To tell the truth, I’m changing my attitude a little,” he said. “I’m more willing to forgive and forget because that seems to be where the momentum is going.”

Since joining the Eagles, Vick has followed the well-worn path of public contrition. He has called his conviction the best thing to happen to him. On Wednesday he said that he speaks at schools and does work with the Humane Society, “just so I can help save lives and prevent people from going through difficult times and troubles that can be prevented.”

He admitted that his performance on the field was a big part of his reputational rehabilitation, too.

“Yeah, I think it is,” he said. “This league is about going out and showing improvement, and, you know, basically being a man of your word, and not just talking but doing. That’s what I try to do since I’ve been here, you know, just try to improve each and every time I’ve got an opportunity.”

It all feels far removed from 15 months ago, as Vick embarked on his postprison career. Fierce debate ensued in Philadelphia and beyond. Should he even be allowed to play? Did he pay a fair debt to society? And does forgiveness have anything to do with performance?

“You hate to say it, but there’s probably nothing that can repair his image like four touchdown passes and two 40-yard runs,” Andy Appleby, chief executive of Michigan-based General Sports and Entertainment, told The Daily Press of Newport News, Va. — Vick’s hometown — in August 2009. “Sports fans have a short memory.”

On Wednesday, his words ringing prophetic, Appleby said that Vick is creating an amazing story.

The question is just how much of his biography revolves around cruelty to dogs, and how much is about success in football.

“The beautiful thing about sports,” Appleby said, “is that you get to write history every day.”

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