VOLUME 9 ISSUE 18 by The SUN Newspaper

MAY 11TH, 2013 - MAY 18TH, 2013

Website: www.suntci.com

VOLUME 9 - No. 18

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A bulldozer demolishing one of the houses in the Five Cays area.

BULLDOZED!

Several helpless residents weep as their homes are demolished BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

n a move that has been described as inhumane, high-handed and totally irresponsible, government and police ofﬁcials bulldozed several houses in the area of Five Cays, Providenciales on Friday May 10th, much

to the disgust and anger of several many residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Policemen armed with machine guns kept guard as ofﬁcials from the Department of Lands gave instructions to demolish the houses, including some owned by citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Dr. Rufus Ewing described the action as “irresponsible and inhumane”, a sentiment echoed by Lillian Boyce, former Deputy Premier and former Member of Parliament for Five Cays, who said it was insensitive, inhumane and heart-breaking for the authorities to have treated

JW MARRIOTT HOTEL WILL BE PDM LEADER CALLS GUN AMNESTY SEVEN STOREYS NOT NINE A SET-UP PAGE 8

US SENATORS CALL FOR SPEEDY PROBE INTO TOURISTS WITH BULLETS PAGE 12

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YAHOO! HOLDING MAJOR CONFERENCE IN TCI PAGE 13

human beings in such an insensitive manner. The Physically Planning Department, which spearheaded the demolition undertaking, told the media that the area was targeted because it was the fasting growing illegal squatter settlement in all of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Of all the structures demolished, about three of them were almost ready for occupancy, with the majority either coming out of foundation or halfway to the belting area. Commissioner of Lands Tatum Clerveaux told the media that the exercise was a microcosm of a wider project taken by Government to contain illegal squatting in the Turks and Caicos Islands, further explaining that the endeavor was line with the Crown Land Ordinance. And while there has been some level of controversy surrounding the structures that were demolCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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BULLDOZED! CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ished, Clerveaux asserted that only the unoccupied and incomplete were targeted, stating that they carried out the measure to avoid displacement. “Structures that were demolished were unoccupied, incomplete development. During the demolition process, one of the exercises is for the Planning Department and the Fire Department to inspect the structures before giving the go ahead to demolish. So every structure was inspected and there were no one (living) in the structures. “The Crown Land Unit has a responsibility to the people of these is-

lands to protect them against squatting and the ills associated with that. There are poor sanitary conditions in those areas. The buildings are tightly packed that, it is a hazard in terms of environmental hazards, ﬁre hazards, hazards in terms of diseases and health,” she explained. Clerveaux added: “The initiative was only to demolish unoccupied, incomplete structures. No other development was touched during this exercise.” Explaining the procedures leading up to the demolition, Clerveaux said: “We go out, we expect, we noted, took photographs of the development, we posted notices on development that are unoccupied,

incomplete structures, and we advised them (owners) that we would have been demolishing them.” Evelyn Beaubrum Landy, owner one of the destroyed homes that was almost ready of occupancy, told The SUN that she spent more than $40,000 – which was all her savings - to construct the building, and that all hopes have now been lost. Armed with her Turks and Caicos Islands Passport and Belongership documents, Beaubrum Landy said that the Planning Department rolled in with the demolition crew two days after serving her with the notice. “You come in and told me to leave in 30 days, and after two days of giving me notice, you come and break down my house. I feel bad, because you told me 30 days. You supposed to wait for me to ﬁnd another place to move all my things, but you don’t wait for that. I work Beaches, and next month Beaches is going to close, so I don’t know what to do now,” Beaubrum Landy lamented. For her part, Lillian Boyce, former Member of Parliament for the Five Cays Constituency is not happy that the Rufus Ewing administration did nothing to address the demolition exercise. Boyce described the exercise as heart-wrenching for her, telling The SUN that it was hard to watch. She said what was even harder was that the elected government appeared as if it did not care about the welfare of the citizens there, some of whom she said were Belongers, and who voted in the last election. Boyce said that she was disappointed with the responses given by

the Ministers of Government who she contacted and told them of the issue and for them to address it. “They are saying that it was conducted by the Attorney General’s Chambers. The people did not elect the Attorney General’s Chambers, they elected you, and they elected you to assist them. If you are going to blame the Brits for everything then what did the people elect you for?”Boyce argued. In the meantime, occupants of houses in the area are given 30 days to vacate the settlement following which another round of demolition is expected to take place. But Clerveaux said that government would not leave the illegal occupants in the cold, but would endeavor to make provision to have them housed elsewhere. “The Government is looking to work with Social Welfare Department and other aid departments to assist them in ﬁnding alternative locations. So a part of this over the next couple of days will include us going in a doing surveys and undertake a study to determine their economic status and to see what type of development they would be able to afford, to relocate to, and try to assist them in that aspect,” she said. In the meantime, Sean Astwood, Member of Parliament for the area, told the media that he was not told of the exercise, explaining that heard of it on the street. However, Astwood promised the agonized residents that he would make representation on their behalf and relay the responses to them as soon as he met with the relevant authorities.

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LOCAL NEWS

Will Trinidad and Tobago lead the Caribbean? T

here is an unfortunate pride that is linked to owning national airlines in the Caribbean. It is a pride that goes before a fall. Successive Jamaican governments held on to Air Jamaica although the airline bled money and depended heavily on massive financial support from tax payers. The taxpayers’ money could have been used to finance sustainable projects that would have created and maintained employment and generated revenues. But in the minds of decision-makers in successive Jamaican governments keeping Air Jamaica flying was important for national pride. It was not until the Jamaican economy reached stagnation and the government had no choice but to approach the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for loans it could get nowhere else, that Air Jamaica was finally sold with the insistence that the Air Jamaica brand be maintained. The airline was sold to Caribbean Airlines – another state-owed enterprise; in this case the government of Trinidad and Tobago. The insistence by the Jamaica government to maintain the Air Jamaica brand at least for the flights plying the Jamaica route was more illusory than real. Effectively, Air Jamaica had ceased to exist, but keeping up the appearance that the national symbol remained intact seemed important. In its previous incarnation as BWIA, Caribbean Airlines was also a heavy loss making airline. Like Air Jamaica, BWIA was kept operational only through huge subsidies by governments using tax payers’ money. The reasons in Trinidad and Tobago for propping-up an airline, which would have collapsed and disappeared if it were privately-owned, were the same as in Jamaica – a false pride in the existence of a national airline which, in the minds of some decision-makers, demonstrated the “power” of the country in the international community. Of course, the “power” was an expensive illusion. As in Jamaica with Air Jamaica, the money used to prop-up BWIA could also have been used in Trinidad and Tobago on projects to improve the lives of the majority of citizens of the country. Finally, six years ago, the Trinidad and Tobago government – bleeding from the large sums of money being sunk into BWIA – decided to collapse the airline and to restart it as Caribbean Airlines. Like the government of Jamaica which took up the debts of Air Jamaica when it was sold to Caribbean Airlines, the government of Trinidad and Tobago absorbed the debts of BWIA. Caribbean Airlines, therefore, started with a clean slate, and with considerable continuing support from the government in the form of a fuel subsidy. That fuel subsidy gave Caribbean Airlines a significant ad-

vantage over competing airlines, including - within the Caribbean – the small airline, LIAT. LIAT is also owned by governments, mostly the governments of Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines and, more recently, Dominica. LIAT is also losing money. Despite starting off with no debt and a substantial fuel subsidy, Caribbean Airlines is now reportedly losing money. The losses are put at US$43.6 million in 2011 and another US$83.7 million in 2012. The reasons offered for the losses are linked to an ambitious plan to compete with British Airways on flights between London Gatwick Airport in the UK and Trinidad, for which 767 aircraft had to be wetleased, as well as the financing of five ATR 72 turboprops that are being used on Caribbean routes – mostly in competition with LIAT. Caribbean Airlines’ mounting debt is now said to be in the vicinity of US$200 million, and unless the government of Trinidad and Tobago is prepared to throw considerably more tax payers’ money at it, the airline could face bankruptcy. The business of nationally-owned airlines in the Caribbean has long been costly and vexed. Hence, angst is being expressed in Jamaica over Caribbean Airlines’ decision to cut the number of flights into Jamaica from the United States on the basis that they are unprofitable. And the governments that own LIAT are bitter over LIAT’s rising debt in its efforts to compete with Caribbean Airlines and its subsidised fuel. Unfortunately, the solution to the problem has never been sought in a collective approach by the 15 governments that constitute the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM). Even though the idea of a regional airline – jointly owned by all the governments of CARICOM – was a prime objective of the regional grouping going back to its infancy in 1968, the urge of political one-upmanship dressed-up as national symbolism skewered attempts to fashion a regional airline. There are some experts who feel strongly that a “Caribbean” airline is necessary if only as a means of countering foreign carriers that could cherry pick lucrative routes and arbitrarily set the frequency of flights as well as prices. There may be some merit to that argument, although there are many successful tourism destinations in the world that do not have national airlines; they have depended entirely on the competitiveness of their destination to attract foreign carriers at no cost to themselves. There is a more compelling argument for a an inter-regional airline that serves the interest of CARICOM by transporting goods and Caribbean people involved in commercial activity and social intercourse

Turks and Caicos Sun Suite # 5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 946-8542 Fax: (649) 941-3281 Email: sun@suntci.com Read us online at www.suntci.com Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce Senior Editor: Vivian Tyson Oﬃce Manager: Dominique Rigby Distribution Manger: Kelano Howell Design by Design2pro.com The Turks and Caicos SUN is a subsidiary of The SUN Media Group Ltd. We are committed to excellence in journalism, educating and informing our readers, serving and satisfying our advertisers and assisting in the overall development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

within the region. An airline providing inter-Caribbean links for tourism also continues to be a vital necessity. The virtues and merits of an inter-regional airline have been stated time and again, and more than one expert report exists on how it could best be achieved. Its achievement depends now – as it has done in the past – on political will by the leadership of CARICOM, and, at this time, more particularly the government of Trinidad and Tobago which is in the best position to give leadership. The starting point must be a readiness to accept the idea that successful national airlines are non-starters, and that the government resources they absorb could be better spent on sustainable projects that would lift the standard of living of the mass of people. In setting the notion of national airlines aside, CARICOM governments could then focus on the crucial need to provide, on a joint and collective basis, an inter-regional air transportation system that serves the interest of the region. In light of Caribbean Airlines going the way of BWIA and Air Jamaica, the Trinidad and Tobago government has a chance to lead the region to a regionally owned and operated airline dedicated to limited and necessary operations in the Caribbean’s collective interest.

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LOCAL NEWS

Ministry of Education Town Hall meetings T

he Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands is guided by the principle that our highest priority is the educational development of our people. It is in this context that we have begun a review of several key areas in our education system. We want to ensure that we have a system that meets the developmental needs in an evolving, multicultural society such as ours. We want to ensure that all levels of the system are interconnected and are working toward the same goal as our children progress seamlessly through the system from Early Childhood to Primary to Secondary and on to College. We as a government have stated our commitment to ensuring that our educational system develops into a world-class system that will produce world-class citizens. This is a major priority. The Ministry of Education has the critical task

of overseeing the a system that is responsible for shaping the lives of our citizenry, driven by the philosophy that our education system should provide opportunities for individuals to learn how: to live together, to be, to know, to do, to think, to communicate, and to change. We are therefore inviting all stakeholders in education and in the community in general to participate in our National Consultation on Education. You are being encouraged to make your input in several ways: 1. Attend the National Consultation discussions to be held on Grand Turk, South Caicos, North Caicos, and Providenciales during the month of April 2013. (Deﬁnite dates will be sent later). 2. Send an email or comment to educonsult@ gov.tc . The emailed ﬁles should be no more than 5 megabytes and in Microsoft Word or Power

Point. 3. Send your comments and suggestions in a letter addressed to: • National Consultation on Education • Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture • Government Square, Pond Street • Grand Turk • Turks & Caicos Islands 4. Visit the website (http://tcig.net/educonsult/ home) and make your contribution on any or all of the areas by clicking on the Citizen Feedback link. 5. Complete a brief survey form and drop it in the boxes wherever you may ﬁnd them. The Ministry of Education thanks you for the time and attention that you will invest in this consultation, and for encouraging all whom you come into contact with to do the same.

There’s a new Insurance Broker in Town E

ffective the beginning of April, Turks and Caicos has a new insurance broker operation. Colonial Insurance Brokers Limited (CIB) ofﬁcially commenced operations earlier this month and is located at Courtyard Plaza on Leeward Highway. CIB may be new to the Island, but the insurance products on offer are not. Allow us to explain… CIB is a member of Colonial Group International Limited (CGI), a Bermuda-based company which provides a

full range of insurance, investments and employee beneﬁts through its group of specialized companies in Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands. CIB has taken over the business of International Insurance Agency Ltd (IIA), which has been operating in Turks and Caicos under the ownership and management of Colin and Edna Sterling since 2001. The group and individual medical insurance offered through IIA has been provided by Colonial Medical

Insurance, a Bermuda-based company which is a member of CGI. The home, motor and business insurance offered through IIA has been provided by Security & General Insurance, a Bahamas-based company, which is also a member of CGI. The existing relationships between these companies along with the on-going assistance of Colin and Edna Sterling will allow for the seamless transition of the business from IIA to CIB. According to Colin Sterling, “Colonial Medical and Se-

curity & General have been trusted partners for a number of years now. Their claims services and efﬁcient administration processes have made them a pleasure to work with, both as an agent and a customer. We are pleased that Colonial Insurance Brokers will continue to offer these products and services in Providenciales.” Mr. Sterling also noted that all clients and services offered by the sister company to IIA, CSC Insurance Brokers, will not be affected in this transition.

HAB MANAGEMENT LTD.

COOK

Main Duties Prepare food items of consistent quality in accordance with production requirements and quality standards while maintaining a safe sanitary work environment. Start prep work on food items needed for the menu of the day. Organize all of the various prep items needed from different areas to ensure that all items are in place and ready for service. Inform the Executive Chef of any shortage of supplies that need restocking before items completely run out. Requirements Applicants must have a minimum of three-year culinary experience working in a restaurant. Comprehend and follow recipes and cooking techniques. Must have thorough knowledge and understanding of food service sanitation standards. Thorough knowledge and understanding of standard kitchen equipment and its use. Applicants must be willing to work varied shifts, split shifts, nights, weekends and holidays as required by management. Perform other duties as assigned, requested or deemed necessary by management. Applicants will be required to work on a full time basis. Must be able to walk, stand or stoop for the duration of shift (at least 8 hours). Applicants must be able to understand/ speak/read/write English proficiently. Applicants must be detail oriented, must be hardworking and a team player. Work with minimal supervision. Salary ranges from $2,400.00 - $3,000.00 monthly commensurate with experience and training. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by May 13, 2013 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

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LOCAL NEWS

JW Marriot will be seven storeys, not nine BY VIVIAN TYSON

he Physical Planning Department has stated that the plan submitted by the developers of the JW Mariott Resort in Grace Bay is for a seven storey building and not for a nine ﬂoor construction, contrary to an announcement made on Monday (May 6) at the Caribbean Hotel and Resort and Investment Summit in Miami. The project is the product of an agreement signed between Desarrollos and the government of Turks and Caicos penned in October 2012. At that time, the cost of the project was estimated at $500 million. A web story published on Tuesday (May 7), noted in part: “The nine-story hotel, scheduled to open in early 2016, will be built on an 11-acre site and is located on the world-famous Grace Bay beach along the north coast of Providenciales, 15 minutes from the Providenciales International Airport.” But when contacted, Ogail Awad, Deputy Director of the Physical Planning Department said that the report was erroneous, since the plan submitted to his ofﬁce for approval by the de-

velopers bears a seven storey building plus basement. “It (plan to construct a nine-storey hotel) is not so. The plan submitted is for a seven floor and basement hotel, just like Seven Stars (Resort). Seven Stars has seven floors and basement,” Awad clarrified. He told The SUN that approval was yet to be granted for the property, but could take place at the next Physical Planning Board’s monthly meeting to be held within a week or two. Meanwhile, Walter Gardiner of Horton Realty, who initiated the land sale deal for the hotel, also denied the nine-story resort report, telling The SUN that as far as he was concerned, the density of the JW Marriott Resort should not exceed the height of the Seven Stars. Meanwhile, government is considering a reviewing of the Planning Ordinance to determine as to whether provisions can be granted to increase the height of developments in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Recently there has been much debate on whether or not to revisit the Planning Ordinance after a Canadian consortium proposed to build a

28-storey European Plan (EP) resort and conference centre on Grace Bay in Providenciales. The approximately $200 million, 4.5 star high density mixed use property was to be cited at an undisclosed area on the world-famous hotel strip. On completion, the development was expected to house three towers with a minimum of 200 branded hotel rooms, 408 condominiums and conference centre. But some members of the public and hotel interests said that such a development would kill local tourism, since among other things, the structure would stand out along the hotel strip like a sore thumb. The development was however, supported by the Tourist Board on the primary basis that land was running out on the Grace Bay strip thereby cramping the capacity to build sprawling resorts, and so it was time to go for tower-type developments. In the meantime, the 380-room Marriott property will also feature 16 condominiums. The hotel is projected to open in early 2016. Marriott International will operate the property as part of a long-term agreement with Desarollos Hotelco Turks and Caicos, Ltd.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Imperial Dry Cleaning & Laundry Centre is currently seeking qualiﬁed individuals to become members of our growing Team. Laundry Manager

Sales Associate

Job Description: ŏ Directs the overall activities of the laundry facility through development and administration. ŏ Implementation and enforcing that universal accepted policies and procedures are adhered. ŏ Manages departmental ﬁnancial processes of forecasting, budgeting, and purchasing. ŏ Payroll and inventory control ŏ Analyze data and compile reports on expenditure and supplies. ŏ Select, train, monitor and evaluate team members’ performance. ŏ Ensures laundry facility and equipment are in optimum operating condition ŏ Ensure over all cleanliness and sanitation of the laundry premise ŏ Weekly productivity report Requirements: ŏ 5- 10 yrs experience as a Laundry Manager ŏ 3-5 yrs commercial laundry experience ŏ Team player ŏ Ability to work with a diverse team ŏ Knowledge of DCC System ŏ Knowledge of Textiles and Chemicals ŏ Knowledge of Laundry Equipment, Techniques and maintenance ŏ Knowledge of QB, Word and Excel ŏ Must have written and oral skills ŏ Customer Service Focused Salary Scale: $20,000.00 to $29,000.00 per annum based on qualiﬁcation and experience.

Laundry Technician Requirements: ŏ Install, repair and maintain laundry equipment, electrical, plumbing and related systems. ŏ Identity and source specialised components and tools. ŏ Prepare and maintain an effective preventive maintenance program and spare parts inventory. ŏ Excellent analytical and problem solving skills. ŏ 5 years experience in a commercial laundry with additional knowledge of water management and maintenance residential, commercial and industrial properties. ŏ Knowledge of relevant building codes, legislation, regulations, polices and current standard procedures for installation and maintenance. ŏ Effective communication and negotiation skills Salary Scale: $7. 00 to $10.00 per hr. based on qualification and experience.

Job Description: ŏ 3-5 yrs commercial laundry experience ŏ Bachelors Degree in Finance & Banking ŏ Knowledge of DCC System ŏ Monitor and handle all telephone calls and response to queried ŏ Arrange Meetings ŏ Draft letters, memos and proposals ŏ Maintain systematic ﬁling system ŏ Oversee outgoing and incoming correspondences ŏ Assist in daily operations ŏ Perform weekly bank deposit and record in QB ŏ Must be able to work on weekends ŏ Knowledge of QB, Word, Power Point and Excel ŏ Customer Service Focused Salary Scale: $17,000.00 to $19,000.00 per annum based on qualiﬁcation and experience.

Pressers/Seamstresses Requirements: ŏ 2 – 5 yrs experience as a Presser ŏ A minimum of 2 yrs working in a commercial laundry ŏ Knowledge in Textiles and Chemicals ŏ Makes garments, such as dresses, coats, and suits, according to customer specifications and measurements. ŏ Discusses with customer type of material, pattern, or style to be used in making garment. ŏ Measures customer to determine modification from pattern, using tape measure. ŏ Alternations of garments. ŏ Drafting standard pattern according to measurements of customer and adapt pattern to obtain specified style. ŏ Be able to maintain productivity standards on a daily basis ŏ Operational Knowledge of Machines ŏ Ensure that dry cleaning standards and practices are used with client’s linen/garments. ŏ Must be able to suggest treatment care to clients ŏ Customer Service Focused Salary Scale: $5. 00 to $7.00 per hr. based on qualification and experience.

Application giving full details of qualifications and experience should be addressed to: Office Manager or Fax to: 946-5627 Attn: Office Manager The Administrative Department Imperial Dry Cleaning and Laundry Centre in Receivership Long Bay Road Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI and should reach no later than May 25, 2013, for further information/appointment you can contact us at Tele: 649-946-5633.

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LOCAL NEWS

Opposition Leader Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson says gun amnesty is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;set-upâ&#x20AC;? BY VIVIAN TYSON

he one-month gun amnesty that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force will hold between June 1 and July 1, may fail if law enforcers do not scratch ballistic testing with the possibility of persons being jailed, from the plan.

This is the view of the Opposition Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Democratic Movement (PDM), which also said that it would not support the amnesty under such condition, even while it endeavors to see guns be removed from the streets. During a news conference on Tuesday (May7) at the party headquarters Down Town Providenciales, Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson labeled the amnesty as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;set-upâ&#x20AC;?, rather than a plan to seek solution to the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rising gun problem. She argued that if the police gave illegal gun owners the slightest inkling that they stand the risk of prosecution if they turned in their weapons, they would not take part in the programme. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am not sure how success-

Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson and Deputy Leader Hon. Sean Astwood at the news conference ful the last one (gun amnesty) was, but it was not as successful as they had hoped, and they were able to retrieve, I think, two ďŹ rearms. This time around, the commissioner of police has made a statement that the period would happen, and there would be persons to receive them (guns). But they would test the guns to see if they were involved in any robberies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; any offenses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and charges would be brought. That is a sure way to make sure that not one

ABRAHAM & GALLIS GRAND TURK LTD. and its affiliated chain of signature brand stores trading as Ron Jon Surf Shop, Pirana Joe, Del Sol, Silver Sun and Splash Down, at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, South Beach Grand Turk, is accepting applications along with CVs/Resumes from interested and suitably qualified persons for the following positions:

SALES SUPERVISORS and SALES CLERKS Requirements: t A sound educational background t A minimum of five years (Supervisors) and two years (Sales Clerks) general merchandising experience in a highly trusted or related field of employment or business t Proven and unblemished track record of employment t Positive and disciplined attitude and aptitude toward work in a customer service oriented business t Excellent communication, inter-personal and customer service skills t Trustworthy and reliable disposition t Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and public holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business. t Clean criminal record t All candidates must be proficient in the English written and spoken word. Command of a second language will be a definite asset Suitable candidates that do not meet the above requirements may, at the sole discretion of the Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s management team, be eligible for consideration in circumstances where they demonstrate a clear willingness to embrace the Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in-house training initiatives and established standard operating policies and procedures. Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders. Written applications only and accompanying CVs/Resumes must be addressed to the Regional Manager at the following address: Via mail or delivery:

Via email to:

Abraham & Gallis Grand Turk Ltd. Ron Jon Surf Shop Grand Turk Cruise Center Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Is. pedro@loscincosoles.com

gun is off the street. You will not hear the Opposition supporting that. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know that that is an amnesty â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a set-up. The PDM supports gun amnesty programmes but cannot support the gun amnesty programme under the terms set out recently by the commissioner of police. We believe that this term will doom the programme to fail and we believe that no one is going to turn in illegal guns under these conditions,â&#x20AC;? Cartwright-Robinson surmised. The opposition leader said also that the PDM would support the amnesty when the police remove the term, and as such, strongly suggest that they do, especially if they want the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe that this Programme can work and we want it to work but the objective must be to get the guns off the street and not to deter persons to turn in il-

legal ďŹ rearms,â&#x20AC;? Cartwright-Robinson lectured. In the meantime, she said that the plan by the police to increase the cost for gun-carrying license is outrageous. She argued that if the plan to increase ďŹ rearm carrying license fee was a kneejerk reaction from recent incident where a legal ďŹ rearm holder reportedly used his weapon in an unconscionable manners, then it is wrong to punish every legal ďŹ rearm holder as a result. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe that the plan to increase the cost of licenses to carry legal ďŹ rearms is also not a good move. From reports, recent criminal incidences that made the media are believed to have involved the use of illegal ďŹ re arms. It is not fair to ask law abiding citizens licensed ďŹ rearm carriers to pay more as a result. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe that if there is a problem with licensed carriers that the individual or individuals ought to be dealt with and if necessary have their licenses revoked. We believe that every effort must be made to encourage legal carriage of ďŹ re arms where necessary and nothing should be put in place to deter this,â&#x20AC;? she noted. Cartwright-Robinson added: We believe that the time is right for a gun amnesty but we believe that every effort must be made to encourage the widest possible participation in the programme.â&#x20AC;?

BCQS LIMITED Seeks A Chartered Surveyor The successful applicant must possess t "TTPDJBUF .FNCFSTIJQ PG UIF 3PZBM JOTUJUVUJPO PG $IBSUFSFE 4VSWFZPST PS FRVJWBMFOU t #4D JO 6SCBO &TUBUF .BOBHFNFOU PG 3*$4 SFDPHOJTFE RVBMJĂśDBUJPO t 'JWF ZFBST QPTU RVBMJĂśDBUJPO XPSL FYQFSJFODF t $PNQVUFS MJUFSBUF XJUI FYQFSJFODF JO 8PSE &YDFM .4 1SPKFDU t 2VJDLCPPLT %VUJFT XJMM JODMVEF BOE DBOEJEBUFT TIPVME IBWF FYQFSJFODF JO t .BSLFU BQQSBJTBMT BOE TFDVSFE MFOEJOH WBMVBUJPOT t %FWFMPQNFOU GFBTJCJMJUZ TUVEJFT t 'BDJMJUJFT BOE "TTFU QPSUGPMJP .BOBHFNFOU "O BOOVBM TBMBSZ PG QMVT QFSGPSNBODF SFMBUFE DPNNJTTJPO JT PĂ˛FSFE GPS UIJT QPTJUJPO 5IF TVJUBCMF DBOEJEBUF XJMM CF BHFE ZFBST PME BOE CF BCMF UP XPSL VOEFS IJT PXO JOJUJBUJWF BOE CF BCMF UP TFF UISPVHI QSPKFDUT GSPN DPODFQU UP DPNQMFUJPO 5IJT QPTJUJPO JT BWBJMBCMF JNNFEJBUFMZ BOE DMPTJOH EBUF GPS BQQMJDBUJPO JT UI .BZ Apply in writing to BCQS Limited, P. O. Box 158, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands or fax to 946-7184. Contact Simon Taylor on email: staylor@bcqs.com

HAB MANAGEMENT LTD.

HAB Management Limited is seeking suitable applicants for the following position:

LABOURERS (4) Candidates must be physically capable of hard manual labour outside on a daily basis. Previous experience is preferred. Candidates must be willing to work holidays and weekends when required.

Wages starts at $6.00 per hour. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by May 6, 2013 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

AA, US Air merger could sideline one local ground handler BY VIVIAN TYSON

viation players at the Turks and Caicos Islands are convinced that the merger of US Airways and American Airlines could result in one of the two ground handling companies at the Providenciales Airport could lose its contract. But the operator of one of the ground handling entity is cautioning against such conclusion, since it is too early to tell whether or not such steps would be taken, because neither of the companies has indicated that it would take such direction. The two ground handling companies currently operating at the Providenciales International Airport are TCA Handling, which is part of the Butterﬁeld Gold Group of Companies and Flight Support, which is a division of Air Turks and Caicos. TCA Handling manages ground service for American Airlines, while Flight Support administrates ground handling operations for US Airways. “One of the handlers is going to be jeopardized, we don’t know which one,” an aviation industry source told The SUN. “The only way that does not happen IS unless US Airways and American decide to keep operation

separate; that would be the only way one of the two handlers won’t lose their contract.” “But I believe that once they consolidate their operation, somebody is going to lose their contract, because once they consolidate their airline operation, it is highly likely that they are going to consolidate their ground operation as well,” the aviation source argued. The source warned that SkyBlue the company seeking to operate ﬂight and ground handling services into the Turks and Caicos Islands - should not be ruled out of getting the nod ahead of the two current handlers. “I am pretty sure they (SkyBlue) are working on something in the quiet, they are not going away. They could come into the mix and take away the contract from the two existing ground handling operators currently on the ground. “It’s either TCA Handling, who handles American Airlines now, acquires US Airways operation or Flight Support, who has US Airways now, acquires American Operations or SkyBlue, who comes in and takes from everybody. All sorts of possibilities exist at this time,” the source pointed out.

Albray Butterfield But Albray Butterfield Jr., of TCA Handling said that a talk of one of the two ground handlers being axed was premature, since a decision has not taken by either of the two companies. “No one knows how it (merger) is going to affect the ground handling at this particular point. We probably won’t know that for another year. For this whole merger to finalise it is going to take them about another year. At this time things are pretty much premature and up in the air,” Butterfield noted. He said that none of the two airlines was apparently willing to divulge certain information on its operation and so, a lot of the talks out there would be speculations. “At the moment, American Airlines and US Air have been keeping its future plans on how they intend to divide up the airlines close to their breast. They have made the announcement that they will keep the American name and logos on all of their planes

and, eventually the airline, once the merger is completed, will be known as American Airlines. “Now, how they intend to divide it up and so on, American Airlines and US Air are still in the process of fine-tuning this. For example, they (US Air) are going to be relocating their headquarters, according to press statements put out jointly by the two, from Charlotte to Texas (American Airlines Headquarters). And they are going to be consolidating,” Butterfield pointed out. He added: “As far as if they are going to continue and how long they are going to operate as US Airways and American Airlines, no one knows as yet because they have not disclosed that. But in the long run, as put forward by both companies, they are saying that at the end of the day, they would be able to provide a better service to the consumer.” He stressed that the merger could have implications across the Caribbean, but at this stage it was anybody’s guess as to what extent. “How exactly that is going to affect the Caribbean, no one really knows as yet because American Airlines has been the dominant carrier to the Caribbean and US Air was its competitor to certain parts of the Caribbean. So, once those two have become one; then we don’t know if there is going to be one less competitor in the market. So therefore, as far as its fares, its pricing, what routes they are going to continue to maintain etc, no one knows that as yet,” Butterfield emphasized.

CAICU NANIKI SPORTS ADVENTURES Assistant Manager responsible for: • Swim training • Swim race management • Whale watching packages • Import and marketing of surf and stand-up paddle boards • Tours to Northern Haiti Must have extensive open water swim training and swim competition experience with proven ability to teach swimming in pool and open water and take triathletes and open water swim clients on open water swim excursions. Must have at least 3 years hands-on experience in all aspectsof organizing, promoting, and managing swim races. Must havedemonstrated ability to design open water swim race courses.Must have demonstrated ability to develop and implement open water swimrace safety plans. Engagement with local and international swimming organizations a plus. Must demonstrate ability to set up and schedule whale watching packages for tourists. Must demonstrate ability to import and market surfboards and stand-up paddleboards and related equipment in Turks & Caicos. Ability to surf and paddle board a plus. Must have at least 10 years experience organizing trips to northern Haiti,including setting up tours to the Citadelle and arranging for travel and accommodations for clients going to Haiti. French or Creole a plus. Must show ability to work with hotels, insurance agencies, airlines, local government officials, and tourists.

Contact Chloe 232-4030

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 11

MAY 11TH, 2013 - MAY 18TH, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

Former Chief Executive Patrick Boyle appointed Director of Reform and Strategy in Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office F

ormer Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Government Chief Executive Patrick Boyle has been appointed the Director of Reform and Strategy in the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OfďŹ ce with effect from 1 July, it was announced today, Friday 10 May 2013. Boyle takes over the role from Philip Rushbrook who is returning to his home department in the UK Cabinet OfďŹ ce at the end of his secondment to the Foreign and Commonwealth OfďŹ ce (FCO) in the TCI in June. In addition to playing a central, senior role in managing the affairs of the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OfďŹ ce as the Deputy Head of Mission, Boyle will also be in charge of the FCOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s substantial technical assistance programme in the TCI. He has been developing this programme of support for the continuing public sector reforms in TCIG with the head of the TCI public service, Deputy Governor, the Hon Anya Williams, since standing down as TCIG Chief Executive of the Interim Administration. The technical assistance programme invests in the people and government of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overseas territories to develop local skills and competencies, recognising that there is not the same opportunity for personal or professional development in countries with small populations as there are in larger jurisdictions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am very pleased that we are able to provide such a senior level of continuity in the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OfďŹ ce,â&#x20AC;? said TCI Governor Ric Todd. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At this time of handover, I must reďŹ&#x201A;ect upon the crucial role that Philip Rushbrook has played here in the TCI over the past two years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That the country would see a return to democratically elected government in 2012 was by no means certain when Philip ďŹ rst arrived

Former CEO Patrick Boyle here in the summer of 2011. During this time he worked tirelessly with our team, colleagues in TCIG and elsewhere, to progress a hugely challenging body of work to ensure there was sufďŹ cient progress made against the eight milestones in order that UK Ministers were persuaded that fresh elections could take place. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am sure that I speak on behalf of all of his many friends, colleagues and acquaintances here in the TCI when I simply say thank you to Philip, a dedicated and professional public servant, for all of his hard work and support to me personally and to pay tribute to his signiďŹ cant contribution on TCI over the past two years. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish him all of the very best on his return to his ministry in Whitehall.â&#x20AC;?

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Responsible for cleaning and the general upkeep. All positions require the following: t &YDFMMFOU DPNNBOE PG UIF &OHMJTI MBOHVBHF o SFBEJOH XSJUJOH BOE TQFBLJOH 4"-"3: t (PPE DPNNVOJDBUJPO TLJMMT $0..&/463"5& BOE UFBN QMBZFS t %FUBJM PSJFOUFE PSHBOJ[FE 8*5) &91&3*&/$& JOEJWJEVBM t "CJMJUZ UP XPSL TIJGUT FBSMZ #&-0/(&34 NPSOJOHT MBUF OJHIUT XFFLFOET BOE )PMJEBZT /&&% 0/-: t $MFBO QPMJDF SFDPSE "11-: t "CMF UP XPSL VOEFS QSFTTVSF

Interested applicants should apply to HR@flyairtc.com or via fax to HR Department 649-946-4040. No phone calls please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview

We, The Family of the Late

James Arthur Bassett Snr

wish to extend sincere thanks to all that supported us during our time of bereavement whether by telephone calls, house visits, emails, cards, flowers, etc. Your kind gestures did not go unnoticed.

Thank you and God Bless

The Bassetts

Page 12

MAY 11TH, 2013 - MAY 18TH, 2013

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

Two US Senators want quick investigation into cases of American tourists charged with bullets T

wo U.S. senators have asked for an expedited State Department investigation into the arrests of two older American tourists — one from Sarasota — by Turks and Caicos police, who allege they tried to leave the British protectorate within a day of each other carrying a single bullet in their luggage. Sens. Bill Nelson of Florida and Ted Cruz of Texas sent a letter requesting the investigation to John Dinkelman, Charge d’Affaires at the American Embassy in Nassau, The Bahamas. Embassies are part of the State Department. Nelson was responding to retired Sarasota surgeon Horace Norrell, who was jailed on Providenciales, the main island in the Turks and Caicos, for three days in late April, without a hearing after the incident. His arrest occurred as he was preparing to board his American Airlines flight back to the U.S. with his wife. With a checked piece of luggage out of Norrell’s sight, an airport security official claimed to have discovered a 9mm bullet inside. Norrell finally was allowed to return home temporarily after posting a cash bail bond of $4,000. He said he was surprised at the in-

HORACE NORRELL terest shown by Nelson, a Democrat, and Cruz, a Republican. “Because we are relatively small ﬁsh in the scheme of things, when they are working so hard on the immigration bill and other quote unquote important things,” he said. Cruz intervened on behalf of the other recently accused tourist, 60-yearold Dallas real estate agent Cathy Davis. A security ofﬁcer at the same Providenciales International Airport claimed to have discovered a bullet in

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her carry-on bag immediately after it emerged from an x-ray machine. “While we do not seek to interfere in the judicial matter, we ask that you convey to the proper authorities that the investigation needs to be expeditious, thorough, transparent and independent,” stated the senators’ May 9 letter. “We also want to know whether any other Americans have been arrested there on similar charges since January.” Nelson read the letter, which also

asked the embassy official to keep the senators informed of any developments, during a speech on the Senate floor Thursday. Norrell and Davis each face court hearings scheduled for June 7. Norrell told the Herald-Tribune that he has consulted an extradition expert in Miami on whether to attend the hearing, at which the judge is expected to push the matter toward trial or dismiss the charges. Norrell said he wants to know “if we travel outside the U.S. to Great Britain or any British protectorates, whether we would be extradited to the Turks and Caicos.” Today Nelson plans to meet in Coral Gables with extradition expert Marcia Silvers, who is advising both American tourists. They plan to hold a press conference at 10:45 a.m. in Nelson’s Coral Gables office. Norrell told Nelson’s office the only gun he has owned was a shotgun, and that was a long time ago, concluding the bullet must have been planted in his luggage. If found guilty, each American could be sentenced to a two- to fiveyear term in the British protectorate’s prison on Grand Turk Island.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 13

MAY 11TH, 2013 - MAY 18TH, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

Public blasts Government, Opposition on lethargic approach to crime BY VIVIAN TYSON

Some members of the public are blaming both the government and the opposition for not paying the same attention to crime as it did with Value Added Tax. But at least one politician is making it clear that efforts have been made to the other side to approach the matter from a bi-partisan perspective, but was still waiting on a response. Over the past weeks, news have surfaced about robberies of tourists and businesses in the Grace Bay area of Providenciales, in addition to a number of reported shooting cases, one of which left 23 year-old Kaziah Burke dead and the shooting up of a Blue Hills home occupied by a former Miss Turks and Caicos beauty queen. Some members of the public, while acknowledging that crime-ďŹ ghting falls in the lap of His Excellency Governor Ric Todd, pointed out that there are roles to be played by the Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing government as well as the Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson-led opposition. One member of the public noted that both parties came together to ďŹ ght against Value Added Tax, which the British Government was seeking to implement against the wishes of the majority of Turks and Caicos Islanders and business owners. And so, the community was expecting the same level of cohesive ďŹ ght from the two as it relates to crime, since it remains a national security as well as an economic issue. But during a news conference on Tuesday,

May 7, Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said that she had taken the initiative to reach out not only to the Government but also the police hierarchy and the clergy, for a meeting to hammer out strategies to tackle the crime scourge. However, she said while she received a response from the police, she was still waiting to get a reply from government. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the issue came up regarding Mr. Burkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passing I wrote the police, the governor and the premier, asking for a meeting; not just a meeting of all of us that were copied but I also included the clergy, to come together on that matter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was a couple of solutions that I put forward, especially in bringing the community together, and say that apart from politicians, if we are going to bring the people together, we also had to use the clergy. I got a response from the commissioner of police. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a response from the government,â&#x20AC;? she claimed. Reiterating that the governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ofďŹ ce is responsible for the crime portfolio, Cartwright-Robinson said notwithstanding, both the government and opposition could play secondary, yet effective roles on the issue, also taking into consideration that they were elected by the people, to address challenging issues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You do know that crime falls directly under the governor, but there are some things that we can do below that, as elected representatives. And I believe that call is still on the table from

us, and I would like to believe that it is being considered by the government of the day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We did make an approach; we did ask for us to come together on the issue in terms of the whole matter of crime and ďŹ ghting crime, particularly since that (Burkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s murder) came on the heel of (the) Blue Hills (shooting) and (robberies) in the Grace Bay area and also the issue of the (Clement Howell) High School,â&#x20AC;? Cartwright Robinson said. In the meantime, the opposition leader has sided with the premier that there is the existence of violent gangs in the Turks and Caicos Islands, in the face of police denial. And so, she has called for a broad-based approach to tackle the issue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A couple of months ago, we were in total denial that there are gangs in this country. We have come to a milestone, I would say â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I hate to use the word â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but the premier himself has acknowledged we do have gangs. And it is my position that, as long as young people or people believe that they are operating together for the same goal, and unfortunately for illegal activities, and they believe themselves to be gangs, they are in fact gangs,â&#x20AC;? Cartwright Robinson emphasized. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And it calls for a holistic approach; it canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a ďŹ ght by the government alone, for the police alone, for the church alone. We must come together as all community leaders. And I am hoping in short order to hear from the government on any initiative.â&#x20AC;?

Interisland Aviation Services Group is seeking: Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Ć¤Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2021;Â&#x2019;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â?Â&#x192;Â?ÇŁ Must have 15 years on the job training at a TCI CAA Approved Maintenance Organization/Exposition. Â&#x192;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2014;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Ć¤Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?Č&#x20AC;Â&#x192;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x153;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x201E;Â&#x203A; Â&#x192; Approved Maintenance Organization/Exposition. Willing to work Shifts, weekends and Holidays. Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2022;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201E;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; and the general upkeep. All positions require the following:

Âž Â&#x161;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x160; Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x2014;Â&#x192;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021; Č&#x201A; reading, writing and speaking. Âž Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â?Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2022;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; ÂžDetail oriented & organized individual Âž Â&#x201E;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â? Â&#x2022;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022;ÇĄ Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A; Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x2022;ÇĄ Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021; Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2030;Â&#x160;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022;ÇĄ weekends and Holidays. ÂžClean police record ÂžAble to work under pressure

Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â?Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2022;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160; Â&#x2021;Â&#x161;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Ç¤ Belongers need only apply.

Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x192;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2022;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020; Â&#x192;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; ĚˇĆŞÂ&#x203A;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2026;Ç¤Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x192;Â&#x161; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2021;Â&#x2019;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â?Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013; Í&#x161;Í&#x2DC;Í?ÇŚÍ?Í&#x2DC;Í&#x161;ÇŚÍ&#x2DC;Í&#x201D;Í&#x2DC;Í&#x201D;Ç¤ Â&#x2018; Â&#x2019;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Ç¤ Â&#x2014;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Ć¤Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021; contacted for an interview

Page 14

MAY 11TH, 2013 - MAY 18TH, 2013

BIG JOSH FOOD SERVICES

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1 Labourer 1 Domestic Worker 1 Caretaker Salary $6.00 per hour

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

GLOBAL SECURITY ELECTRINICS SERVICES SEEKS

Three financial companies cease operation in TCI

1 SECURITY GUARD Male/Female Must have at least 3 to 5 years experience Salary $7.00 per hour

BY VIVIAN TYSON

Contact

Contact 342-6297

Wanted One Labourer to work 6 days per week - hours vary. Must be proficient at gardening, yard work, able to life heavy objects. Contact Management at 941-3321 The Proprietors, Strata Plan No. 38 (The Grandview on Grace Bay)

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244-9040

he decision to revoke the business licenses of ICSL Trust Corporation and Accordia Insurance Brokers stemmed from requests made by the two entities to cease their operation in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Managing Director for the Financial Services Commission, J. Kevin Higgins explained to The SUN. The closure of the two companies came on the heels of the Cayman-controlled International Banking Group (IBG) relinquishing its operation in the Turks and Caicos Islands recently. Both ICSL Trust Corporation, situated in Grand Turk and Accordia Insurance Brokers, located at Graceway House, Leeward Highway in Providenciales, were would up in March of this year, according to news releases obtained by this newspaper from the FSC on Thursday (May 9). Individuals in the community, having learned of the closing down of the companies wanted more information on that front, whether they were shut down by the FSC for running afoul of its regulations or have decided to close shop as a result of hard times. When contacted, Higgins explained that ICSL notified the financial regulatory body that it would cease doing business in the Turks and Caicos, for no clear-cup reason, while the operator of Accordia had advised the FSC that he would be moving to a new company, and so was no longer interested in operation that entity. “ICSL has requested that the FSC revoke the license because they are going to stop doing business, so that is a voluntary request. And in the case of Accordia, the gentleman who owns it has moved to a new company, so he is running down the old company. So in both cases, its voluntary,” Higgins explained. ICSL had been operation in the Turks and Caicos Islands for 19 years. December 3, this year would have made 20 years. It was granted a license to operate here on December 3, 1993. Accordia has been doing business in the TCI for 13 years, having been granted a license to set up shop here on March 24, 1997. In the meantime, the International Banking Group (IBG), which had constructed its own building in the vicinity of the Graceway IGA Supermarket along the Leeward Highway, had also asked that their licenses be annulled as a result of the Cayman Bank-owned institution bleeding financially with no end in sight. The decision to pull the plug on the IBG was made in late December, 2012. “IBG was a subsidiary of Cayman National Bank. They came in here and started their own operation from scratch. But first of all, then the recession, the suspension of the Constitution, and of course, TCI Bank was closed, so they were not able to gain any traction. “And so, it was costing them a lot of money, and as you know, the recession is continuing, so they decided to shut down their operation here and concentrate their resources on their Cayman operation. That was a business decision, because they were operating here about two years, I think, but they were not able to generate a profit, and so they decided to focus on Cayman,” Higgins explained. Higgins noted that the reasoning behind his organization’s decision to make the releases informing the country of the closure was to protect the public in general. “The Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission considers it necessary to issue this public statement in order to protect the public interest, and the interest of any of the customers and creditors of the Accordia Insurance Brokers and ICSL Trust Corporation. This public statement was issued pursuant to Section 39 of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance,” Higgins noted.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 15

MAY 11TH, 2013 - MAY 18TH, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

Governor Todd Not Getting Involved In Tourist Ammunition Court Case T

urks and Caicos Islands Governor Ric Todd said he will not get involved in the cases of two American tourists whose separate charges of possessing ammunition have sparked raging debates in social media and scathing reports in some US newspapers. In a statement released through his spokesman Neil Smith on Tuesday, Governor Todd said: “I have received a high number of calls and emails from well meaning supplicants who mistakenly believe that I can or should intervene in an independent investigation and judi-

cial process, seemingly on the basis that these are damaging the tourism sector here. I appreciate that these are most unfortunate incidents for everyone concerned, but the legal system in TCI is independent. I would therefore ask everyone to show restraint and allow the investigation and legal process to take its course and allow the authorities to complete their investigations.” Horace Norrell, an 80-year-old retired neurosurgeon of Sarasota, Florida, and Cathy Sulledge Davis, a 60-year-old co-owner of a Dallas

real estate firm, were arrested and charged by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for carrying ammunition at the Providenciales International Airport on Thursday April 25th and Friday April 26, respectively. In the press statement, JoAnn Meloche, Turks and Caicos Islands’ Director of Public Prosecutions, confirmed that both Americans have been released on $4,000 cash bail and the matters adjourned to a sufficiency hearing before Chief Justice Edwin Goldsbrough on Friday 7 June 2013.

Governor Ric Todd “The investigation into these incidents is ongoing,” said Meloche, a Canadian native.

Wesley Clerveaux transferred to office of the Premier and Tourism T

he Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Office of the Premier and Ministry of Tourism is to be strengthened by the appointment of Permanent Secretary (PS) Wesley Clerveaux to oversee and develop its portfolio it was announced on Friday, 10 May 2013. The new joint office was set up by the Premier’s recent ministerial reshuffle. Clerveaux is to be transferred from his role as PS in the Ministry of Government Support Services (GSS) with effect from Monday, 13 May 2013.

He will be acting PS of the new office and will assist the Premier in overseeing all ministers and ministries in government, making use of his wealth of government knowledge and experience, having served several years in a range of ministries. The permanent full-time rank and office of the senior civil servant in the Office of the Premier and Ministry of Tourism will be decided in the future. This appointment was initiated by the Deputy Governor, Anya Williams, in consultation with

Governor Ric Todd. The Premier Hon Rufus Ewing has also welcomed the move as a key aspect of his delivering on his manifesto commitments, and also to fully engage his Ministry in the budget planning process. It is the TCI Government’s intention to present the budget to the House of Assembly in mid July. Ian Astwood has been appointed as the Acting Permanent Secretary in GSS where he will be assisted by recently appointed Deputy Secretary Russell Cox.

HAB MANAGEMENT LIMITED

BELLMAN Job Description To provide baggage services between the lobby area and the guestroom. To provide information on hotel services and facilities. Requirements Should have six years or more experience as a Bellman. Must be able to read and write in English and understand verbal and written instructions. Must be well presented and physically fit. Should be a team player. Salary $12,000 per annum. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by May 13, 2013 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

DIRECTOR/CEO Trade Wind Industries, Ltd., (TWI) is seeking a Director/CEO to expand conch farming and develop a commercial fin fish farming industry for the TCI. The ideal candidate will possess a university degree from a recognized institution and have a minimum 15 year verifiable work history of experience in the areas of professionally developing new business, contract negotiations, business law fundamentals and must also demonstrate expert communication skills. The Director/CEO creates a specific business development plan, identifies potential contributors, partners, required technical advisors, investors or financiers and initiates direct contact as the TWI representative and thereafter evaluates proposals, outlines and negotiates contracts and organizes and coordinates the implementation of new business. Knowledge is required in the areas of tank mariculture and commercial fin fish farming, as well as state-of-the-art Open Ocean and submerged cage farming techniques. This position reports directly to the TWI Board of Directors. Salary commensurate with experience. Interested persons should submit a resume of qualifications to: Saunders & CO Town Centre Building Down Town Providenciales Attention: TWI Board of Directors

Career Opportunities: Grace Bay Club is looking for candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner. They love to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization. Their management style is one that balances a commitment to people and their development with business/financial accountability and delivers an exceptional guest experience.

Group Director of Food & Beverage Job Requirements (Chef N B) to be responsible for overall Food & Beverage and Culinary Operations for Grace Bay Resorts by overseeing concepts for front and back of house operations, creating total guest experiences. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in achieving food & beverage revenues, profit and guests satisfaction goals by developing and implementing menu designs and concepts that are current with international and local trends, ensuring that the Grace Bay Resorts are culinary Destinations. The successful candidate must meet the following qualifications and experience: • 10+ years experience in a Senior Culinary Role, either as Executive Chef or Culinary Director. • Extensive culinary skills, with exposure and intimate knowledge of international cuisines and food trends. • Educated in Culinary Management, Food & Beverage Management, Restaurant Management and 5 Diamond requirements • International Hotel and Restaurant experience a must. • Caribbean experience considered a definite plus. • As an Executive Committee Member, work closely with the company’s senior management team to develop and implement strategies for food & beverage and kitchen operations that support achievement of the company’s goals. • Oversees the inventory, purchasing and disbursement of all supplies, while maintaining strong P&L statements. • Extensive experience overseeing multiple food & beverage units simultaneously, while driving revenue. • Ability to “think outside of the box” as it relates to menu design, concepts, trends and culinary events. • Ability to create the “WOW” factor for entertaining VIP guests. • Demonstrated experience overseeing and developing exceptional Front and Back of House teams to meet and exceed guest expectation, revenue generation and employee satisfaction. • Ideal candidate will be a “strategic thinker”, skilled at identifying company development opportunities as it relates to overall food & beverage strategies and growth of the Brand. • New Hotel Opening experience considered a definite asset. Qualified Belongers need only apply Salary: Commensurate based on qualification and experience Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than January 28th 2013 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1050 Email: veronica.clare@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies

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LOCAL NEWS

Mixed reactions to National Consultation on Education BY VIVIAN TYSON

he country-wide Consultation on Education series, which is geared to develop consensus on improving the education system in the Turks and Caicos Islands, began Monday (May 6) on Providenciales and is to end next week. Several persons with educational backgrounds have been asked to head up the panel and travel around the country to gather perspectives from individuals so as to come up with a ﬁnal proposal for what the local education system would look like. Recently the minister for education, youth and sport Hon. Akierra Missick said that government was considering changing from the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) system to the Baca Laureate system, which is used in a number of developed countries, including the United States. The panel members are Rev. Dr. Conrad Howell, whose responsibility is Partnership, Safety and Security issues; Mrs. Noreen Lightbourne, whose undertaking is Special Education, Access and Inclusion, and Infrastructure; and former permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Ed-

Some members of the public that they were invited to take part pooling ideas for National Consultation on Education. ucation Dr. Beatrice Fulford, who is dealing with Curriculum, Information Technology, Education Management System and Human Resource Issues (training, recruitment and retention). Tamera Robinson, Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, said that the consultation seeks to gather views from the general public on how they believe the future of the education system should be shaped in order for it to be improved and yield better results. Robinson told The SUN that the need for the National Consultation on Education was triggered by several factors, chief among them was an

incident that took place at the Clement Howell High School in November last year. “With the incident with the Clement Howell High School last year November, we realized that there are some things that need to be changed in the education arena. But before we make any changes from the ministry’s perspective, the Minister (of Education, Hon. Akierra Missick) thought it necessary to hear from the general public on these various topics. “I think the point is to leave it (discussions) wide open right now and to hear from the general public, what it is they would like to see coming out of our education system

and, then together, to hear from the people and then to gather the right vision for the way forward,” Robinson said. On Tuesday, the team traveled to North Caicos to meet with the public there. On Monday, May 13, the consultation moves to the country’s capital Grand Turk, and on Tuesday, May 14, the consultation will end with a meeting in South Caicos. In the meantime, the Opposition People’s Democratic Movement is not in favour of replacing the CXC curriculum. Opposition Leader said that Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson as well as her shadow minister of education and the Opposition’s Appointed Member to the House of Assembly Hon. Clarence Selver, said at the news conference on Tuesday, May 7, that the CXC curriculum has a more in depth and all round offer, which caters to make students well-formed. They said also that there is a cost ramiﬁcation that will attach to the change, since more training and/or recruitment of teachers would have to be made, but better job security in order for them wanting to stay here. The PDM also stated that tinkering with the education system at this time could lead to current teachers leaving the system in droves, for reasons of job insecurity. The opposition noted that while it was not secret that the education system needs adjustments, it should begin by input of the educators themselves, since they are the ones in the system every day.

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

The Alexandra Resort & Spa is inviting applications for the following positions: DIRECTOR OF SALES In this key role, you are responsible for developing, growing, and managing the resorts sales. you will be responsible for the overall sales function for all aspects of the resorts operation and lead the development and execution of Sales Plans and initiatives that maximize profitability for the resorts. Create awareness and promote resort services and amenities through advertising, direct mail, E-mail campaigns, collateral, online sales, customer relationship sales etc. Positions and enhances the resort’s image in the local community as well as nationally and internationally.

Requirements: ¾ 3-5 years Sales/Marketing experience in Condo resort/hotel sales, preferably in full-service property with meeting space. ¾College degree in sales/sales, hospitality management, or business – a plus. ¾Caribbean Resort with multiple units and familiarity with Caribbean Sales ¾Flexible Schedule: Due to the critical nature of the hospitality industry, employees may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the resort. In addition, attendance at all scheduled Sales meetings is required plus travel to key accounts in key markets for Sale shows, conventions, meetings with Travel wholesalers and Travel Agents.

Skills and Abilities ¾Highly motivated, self-directed sales management professional with results-oriented drive, sense of urgency, and proven abilities to close deals and sell. ¾Must have demonstrated results in leading sales team, improving market share, and developing sales staff. ¾Knowledgeable on room merchandising, hotel revenues, etc. and able to evaluate and revise programs. ¾Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills. Must have a thorough knowledge of English language to communicate with customers, associates, and vendors. ¾Attention to details, very organized, and timely completion of projects with strong skills in MS Word, sales and accounting applications. ¾Fully knowledgeable on all areas of hotel and departments’ interdependencies and limitations that could impact sales strategies. ¾Proven success in maintaining and building relationships with existing accounts while aggressively developing new business. ¾Represent the resorts in a professional manner internationally, with community, vendors, customers, and staff. ¾Available to travel and work weekend/evening as needed with excellent knowledge of the local market with existing contacts and networking relationships.

REFRIDGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING TECHNICIAN Responsibilities: Installing, troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining the refrigeration and air conditioning systems Fabricate and assemble refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Carry out all necessary changes to air in the system, test lines, components and connections for leaks Install expansion and control valves on units and adjust and replace parts as needed

Requirements: Must possess a minimum of 5 years 4 star background in same or similar position Certification or diploma from a formal Electrical or Technical institution is required Must be a highly organized individual Must be computer literate and have excellent, clear communication skills written and oral

The Alexandra Resort is also looking to fill the following line positions: Gardeners, Housemen, Janitors, Labourers and Room Attendants…to qualify for these positions you should be able to push/pull carts weighing up to 150 lbs. Must be able to ensure the cleanliness of all areas assigned, which may include guest rooms, public areas, linen closets, walls, floors, gardens and grounds. Must be able to stand for long periods of time and also have the ability to climb several stairs several times each day.

***Salaries for these positions will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Only persons selected for an interview will be notified. At that time a full job description and compensation package will be discussed. Resumes along with references should be delivered in person or emailed to hr@alexandraresort.com

A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department. Submissions to be no later than May 17th, 2013 While we would like to thank, every applicant for their interest in the Alexandra Resort & Spa, only short-listed persons will be contacted. At that time a complete compensation package and job description will be discussed.

Kitchen Steward Duties Include: • Clean & sanitize all areas of the kitchen. • Operate dishwashing machine in a safe, accident free manner • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $5.50 per hour not including service charge. Boiler Mechanic Technician Requirements: • Knowledge and experience in repair and maintenance including preventative maintenance of property systems and equipment. Duties include: • Maintain proper preventative maintenance to laundry equipment and boilers • Maintain proper inventory on designated parts to avoid down time • Maintain proper amount of chemical injection on boiler feed tank and proper conductivity at boilers. • Preventative maintenance to steam traps and steam lines • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $10.00 per hour not including service charge. Spa Therapist/Esthecian Requirements: • Diploma in massage therapy or equivalent. • Prior experience in a 5-star luxury environment. • Extensive knowledge of Eastern style massage, wraps, facials and other treatments. • Proficiency in English. Duties Include: • Providing spa treatments to resort guests and day spa guests. • Maximize the revenue of the department through massage and retail product sales. • In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the supervisor. • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $5.50 an hour not including service charge Room Attendant/Public Area Attendant/Houseman Requirements: • Ability to work with heavy cleaning machinery. • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Duties include: • Ensuring that standards of cleanliness and organization are met at all times in assigned areas. • Responsibility for care and maintenance of all equipment and machinery • Restock linens and amenities on carts • Run needed items to guest floors • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $5.25 not including service charge Landscaping Manager Requirements: • Minimum of 5 years experience in managing the landscaping department of a 5 star Luxury Caribbean Resort. • Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience • Expert knowledge of Zone 9 Caribbean landscaping. • Vast knowledge in horticulture, native plant species and chemical usage towards the prevention of plant disease and insect control. • Must have extensive experience with Irrigation systems and landscape maintenance. • Must have strong supervisory skills and demonstrated experience managing a grounds department. • landscaping, tool safety, chemical usage and operation of lawn equipment.

• Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts. Duties Include: • Impeccable maintenance of grounds and landscaping. • Ability to identify areas for improvement and keeps abreast of latest trends in regards to plants, irrigation, landscape maintenance and chemical applications. • Ensuring proper utilization and maintenance of equipment. • Managing overall cleanliness of work, storage and space areas. Starting salary $35,000 per annum, not including service charge Waiter Duties Include: • Serve food and beverages to guests in a prompt manner and anticipate guest needs. • Knowledge of food and beverages on the menu included. Mix drinks and be aware of any menu items which are not available. • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting Wages $5.50 per hour not including service charge. Internal Technology Technician Requirements: • Minimum of 3 years experience as an IT Technician • Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience • Must have experience working with Opera and Visual One, Mitel Phone System, Cisco CCTV System, Fiber Optic Music System (fiber optic), Micros, Data Works and Premier Spa • Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to diagnose and resolve hardware and software problems for all systems, and document tracks and reports on deficiencies, progress and follow-up • Must read, speak and write English fluently • Must be able to work all days and shifts and be on call for emergency service request Duties Include: • Providing routine maintenance of hardware, software and systems • Installing/configuring computers/telephones and point of sales equipment and other systems equipment. • Installing, maintaining and repairing wifi system equipment • Installing/maintaining/repairing CCTV System • Repairing/upgrading hardware and software. • Troubleshooting printers/scanners/copiers. • Maintaining inventory of equipment and supplies. • Maintaining server room(s) and ensuring proper security for such. • Completing system backups according to required schedule. • Providing infrastructure support: • Installing cabling • Researching, learning and evaluating new software and hardware • Documenting and maintaining record keeping for all systems • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $32,000-$35,000 not including service charge Pool and Beach Attendant Requirements: • Must be able to work in all outdoor element, rain, sun, etc. as required • Must be able to work long hours on feet • Must be able to lift 30lbs or more • Must be trained and certified in CPR, First Aid. • Life guard experience is a plus • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Duties Include: • Creating a luxury guest experience through delivery of high level service for all pool and beach services Starting salary $5.50 per hour not including service charge

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

TCIG Cracks Down on the Illegal Occupancy of Crown Land

TCI MARKS HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK, MAY 12 TO 18

he Turks and Caicos Government has restarted its Informal Settlement Containment Programme which aims to minimise squatting on public lands. On Tuesday May 7, 2013 the Joint-Law Enforcement Committee resumed governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initiative to curtail the illegal occupancy of Crown Land. The team comprising of personnel from the Lands Division, Planning and Immigration Departments, the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, among others, took to the area of Five Cay known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wellsâ&#x20AC;? and posted notices on structures that were built without proper authorisation. Notices to cease construction were placed on structures that are unoccupied and currently under construction. Eviction notices were served on individuals occupying structures that were constructed after November 2009. The developments being targeted are all located on Crown Land. The Programme dates back to November 2009 when the

initial joined-up government informal settlement containment operation was mounted. At that time Government announced its zero-tolerance policy on squatting. Due to the economic downturn and the need to balance resources there was a decrease in the number of coordinated and consistent operations to tackle squatting in the last few years. The Crown Land Ordinance prohibits any individuals without the lawful authority to use or occupy, to construct any building or structure, or abandon any vehicle on Crown Land. Anyone found guilty of such an offence is liable upon summary conviction, to a ďŹ ne of US$10,000 or to imprisonment for six months and upon conviction on indictment to a ďŹ ne of US$50,000 or to imprisonment for two years. The actions undertaken by the Government this week, is in accordance with the law and is in an effort to minimise and eventually eradicate the problem, Director of Crown Lands Mr. Leroy Charles noted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is recognised that indi-

viduals will be displaced as a result of the exercise; however the intention is not to forcibly remove persons and leave them without a home, but to give them adequate notice to ďŹ nd an alternative,â&#x20AC;? Mr. Charles said. He continued: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The vision is to cleanup the areas on which individuals are building without permission. You will also ďŹ nd that persons have built in low-lying areas and within these squatter communities the houses are stacked at just a couple of feet apart and, generally, with poor sanitation; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a hazard which must be rectiďŹ ed because in the case of a natural disaster the consequences could be catastrophic.â&#x20AC;? Mr. Charles also stated that the Joint-Law Enforcement Committee will continue to carry out its activities with emphasis detecting emerging incidents through continuous monitoring. In addition, links are being forged with land owners to assist them in identifying the various options that are available to them to combat this problem on privately owned lands.

TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION

OFFICIAL NOTICE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION ORDINANCE SECTION 34 NOTICE OF REVOCATION OF LICENCE(S) The Financial Services Commission has on 31st October 2012 revoked the license for the listed companies pursuant to Section 34(1) (a) of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance:

Gulf Insurance Limited J. KEVIN HIGGINS MANAGING DIRECTOR FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION

Interisland Aviation Services Group is seeking: Uncertified Aviation Repairman: Must have 15 years on the job training at a TCI CAA Approved Maintenance Organization/Exposition. Have Qualification/authorization issued by a TCI CAA Approved Maintenance Organization/Exposition. Willing to work Shifts, weekends and Holidays. Salary commensurate with experience. Belongers need only apply. Interested applicants should apply to HR@flyairtc.com or via fax to HR Department 649-946-4040. No phone calls please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview

he Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) will kick start the Turks and Caicos Islandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; preparation for the 2013 Hurricane Season with the launch of Hurricane Preparedness Week on Monday March 13, 2013. The week will run from May 12 to 18 under the theme â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be Ready! It only takes one stormâ&#x20AC;?. The DDME is utilising the week of activities to increase awareness among the residents of the TCI to the various hazards associated with storms and hurricanes, and to encourage communities to take a proactive approach to preparedness. During the week, the DDME also will promote the importance of early preparation in mitigating the impact of storms and hurricanes. Hurricane Preparedness Week is being celebrated for the ďŹ rst time on the islands and aims to bring together stakeholders by promoting partnership between the TCIG, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and civil society. Activities to mark the week include Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s press launch; An inter-islands Communications Test on Tuesday May 14; a Regional Communications Test on Friday May 17 and on Saturday May 18, clean-up campaigns on Providenciales, Grand Turk, South Caicos, North and Middle Caicos. The Hurricane Week activities are supported by all departments of the TCIG and community partners such as Fortis TCI, the Rotary Club of Providenciales, Cove Construction, Projetech, Airports Authority, TCI Red Cross and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).

DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL GRAND TURK STORESTORES

ARE RECRUITING SALES PERSONS NEEDED REQUIREMENTS: Â&#x2021; $W OHDVHW \HDUV RI VDOHV H[SHULHQFH LV PDQGDWRU\ Â&#x2021; ([SHULHQFH LQ MHZHOU\ VDOHV Â˛ DGYDQWDJH Â&#x2021; ,PSHFFDEOH UHIHUHQFHV DQG SROLFH FOHDUDQFH Â&#x2021; ,PSHFFDEOH (QJOLVK RWKHU ODQJXDJHV Â˛ DGYDQWDJH Â&#x2021; +LJK OHYHO RI FXVWRPHU VHUYLFH DQG FXVWRPHU DWWHQGLQJ VNLOOV Â&#x2021; 6DOHV UHIHUHQFHV DGYDQWDJH

FAX NUMBER IS 649 946 1988 ARCHITECT POSITION AVAILABLE Fully qualified Architect required for the following role: Job Summary x The successful applicant will be expected to undertake the traditional role of a professional Architect. x This includes detailed architectural design work, planning submissions, preparation of tender documents, construction contract administration, contract cost control and direct liaison with clients, consultants and contractors. Essential Skills/Experience x RIBA Parts 1-111 Professional Qualification x Fully qualified RIBA/ARB registered Architect. x Minimum 5 years post-professional qualification experience as Project Architect with direct Client liaison. x Minimum 5 years experience in contract administration and cost control on JCT contracts. x Minimum 5 years experience in managing an architectural team. x A strong background of technical detailing. x Excellent skills in AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, Photoshop, Sketch-up, Excel and Word a pre-requisite. x Experience in the design and production of presentation and marketing materials including website programming. Salary rated according to experience, between $4k & $6k per month. Interested applicants should contact Mr. C Davies via e-mail by May 24, 2013 with current CV to info@coasttci.com or in writing to the address below. Only applicants meeting the minimum requirements listed above will be contacted for interview within 5 days of receipt of their application. Only suitably qualified Turks & Caicos Islanders need apply. Coast Architects, 82 Cherokee Road, PO Box 941, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

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LOCAL NEWS

UK joins USA and Australia in hunt for tax evaders

MARCO TRAVEL MOVES TO GRACE BAY

rovo’s popular and longstanding travel agency, Marco Travel, has relocated to Caicos Cafe Plaza in Grace Bay. Chloe Zimmermann, owner / manager, explained that while the previous address at Graceway House had been an excellent central location for Marco Travel customers, the new place in Grace Bay would attract more visitors, as well as serve it’s large base of established clientele. Many of Marco Travel’s residents and business customers book their trips and vacations because of their conﬁdence in Ms Zimmermann and her staff’s ability to get good deals and give them the “peace of mind.” “The peace of mind comes when you can call someone right away to solve unexpected problems along the way far from home,” says Ms Zimmermann. “Even in the age of internet ticketing, nothing beats a human on the other end of a cell phone when things go wrong. And while we do charge a small fee, we can almost always get a deal that more than makes up for the slight added expense.” Marco Travel opened in 1982 and has since served all of Provo through ups and downs in the economy with an experienced and knowledgeable staff. Ms Zimmermann has a vast amount of travel experience herself, speaks three languages ﬂuently, and thus able to advise clients on foreign country conditions and best places to stay and things to do. Most recently, an international economic consultant group has sought Ms Zimmermann’s guidance and expertise on travel trends and procedures in the Caribbean. Co-located with Marco Travel is the sports adventure company Caicu Naniki Ltd and Turtle Tours, both of which compliment Marco Travel services with local excursions and sports activities. Email: Marco.Travel@tciway.tc Phone: (649) 946-4393

joint effort by Britain, the United States and Australia to track down people who conceal wealth in offshore tax structures has helped identify more than 100 individuals, the UK’s tax authority said on Thursday. “The message is simple: if you evade tax, we’re coming after you,” said Britain’s Finance Minister George Osborne. After a string of high-proﬁle multinational companies were shown to be paying little or no tax in the UK, Britain has been pushing the European Union and other major economies to clamp down on tax evasion and avoidance. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said it had teamed up with Australian and U.S. authorities to help speed up analysis of 400 gigabytes of data they have obtained. Michael Danilack, a deputy U.S. Internal Revenue Service commissioner said the United States was willing to share this information with other countries. UK and U.S. ofﬁcials declined to identify the source of the information. “This data is another weapon in HM-

RC’s arsenal,” Britain’s Osborne said. The data may overlap with data leaked to The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), the watchdog group said on Thursday. In April, the ICIJ and media partners began reporting on alleged tax evasion cases stemming from 260 gigabytes of information, including cash transfers and incorporation dates. “The files illustrate how offshore financial secrecy has spread aggressively around the globe, allowing the wealthy to avoid taxes,” the ICIJ said in a statement. Britain’s HMRC said some of those identified as a result of the three-country collaboration were already under investigation for tax evasion, and more than 200 other accountants, lawyers and advisers face scrutiny over their roles in setting up offshore tax structures. Early results from the project with the U.S. IRS and the Australian Tax Office highlighted the use of trusts and companies in territories such as Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands and the Cook Islands.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT THE TURKS AND CAICOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the following full-time lecturing positions at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College for the semester commencing 3rd September 2013. Providenciales Campus Building and Design Technology with AUTOCAD Business Studies (2 positions) Hospitality and Tourism Studies Grand Turk Campus Building and Design Technology with AUTOCAD Lecturers and required to teach across different academic levels from the G.C.E. Advanced level, Caribbean Advanced Proficiency and up to the Associate and Bachelor Degree levels Minimum qualifications for these posts are a Master’s Degree from an accredited and recognized institution plus a Teaching Certificate/Diploma or postgraduate Diploma and no less than three years post qualification teaching experience. A Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of a second class honors or other postgraduate qualifications, teaching certificate/Diploma and experience in teaching at Tertiary level may be considered. Salary is in the scale Level I US$27,399.90-$39,102.30 per annum. Level II US$40,210-$43,488.40 per annum. Entry point will depend on qualifications and experience. In the case of staff recruited from overseas, appointed is on contractual terms for an initial period of two years. A gratuity is payable at the end of satisfactory contractual service at the rate of 10% of salary drawn during the period of service. A housing allowance is payable at existing rates. The College is also seeking Part-time, qualified Lecturers at the Grand Turk Campus in the areas of HVAC Plumbing Electrical Engineering Auto Mechanics Applications with copies of qualifications (including official transcripts), two character references, a police record and a recent testimonial from current place of employment should be sent to the PRESIDENT, TCI COMMUNITY COLLEGE, P.O. BOX 236, LIGHTHOUSE ROAD, GRAND TURK, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS to reach not later than 31st May 2013. Where possible applicants should email or fax their applications.

FAX 649-946-1661, TELE 649-946-1163 EMAIL president@tcicomc-edu.com

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CIBC FCIB says it is not closing C

IBC FirstCaribbean International bank has denied widespread reports that its branches in the Turks and Caicos Islands will be closing. In a statement from corporate communications manager Debra King, the bank said: “Following rumours circulating in TCI, CIBC FirstCaribbean wishes to inform the public that we are not closing our offices in TCI. CIBC FirstCaribbean remains committed to maintaining our presence and operations in TCI including the full and ongoing support of our clients. We refute rumours that suggest otherwise.” The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have launched a major investigation into Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce First Caribbean International Bank (CIBC FCIB) in tahe Turks and Caicos Islands and 17 other Caribbean countries. On Tuesday April 30, 2013, a federal court in San Francisco entered an order authorizing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to serve a John Doe summons seeking information about U.S. taxpayers who may hold offshore accounts at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce FirstCaribbean International Bank (FCIB). The order was signed by Senior District Judge Thelton E. Henderson. The IRS summons seeks records of FCIB’s United States correspondent account at Wells Fargo N.A., which will allow the IRS to identify U.S. taxpayers who hold or held interests in financial accounts at FCIB and other financial institutions that used FCIB’s Wells Fargo correspondent account. Reliable sources in Washington told the SUN that the Turks and Caicos Islands branches of CIBC FCIB will also be under scrutiny, because several Americans are known to have accounts in here. According to an official document from the US Department of Justice, which was obtained by The SUN, pursuant to a petition filed by the United States, the Court granted the IRS permission to serve what is known as a “John Doe” summons on Wells Fargo. The document stated that the IRS uses John Doe summonses to obtain information about possible violations of internal revenue laws by individuals whose

identities are unknown. This John Doe summons directs Wells Fargo to produce records identifying U.S. taxpayers with accounts at FCIB and other banks that used FCIB’s correspondent account. According to the declaration of IRS Revenue Agent Cheryl R. Kiger ﬁled in support of the petition, although FCIB does not have U.S. branches, it maintains a correspondent account in the United States at Wells Fargo Bank N.A. As alleged in Agent Kiger’s declaration, the IRS learned that U.S. taxpayers were using FCIB to help them keep

their offshore accounts undetected by the IRS and not to pay U.S. federal income tax on money placed in those offshore accounts. Kiger’s declaration describes her review of the information submitted by more than 120 FCIB customers who participated in the IRS’s Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program. According to the Kiger declaration, many of the FCIB customers in the John Doe class may have been under-reporting income, evading income taxes, or otherwise violating the internal revenue laws of the United States. “The Department of Justice and the IRS are commit-

ted to global enforcement to stop the use of foreign bank accounts to evade U.S. taxes,” said Kathryn Keneally, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Tax Division. “This John Doe summons is a visible indication of how we are using the many tools available to us to pursue this activity wherever it is occurring. Those who are still hiding should get right with their country and their fellow taxpayers before it is too late.” “This summons marks another milestone in international tax enforcement,” said IRS Acting Commissioner Steven T. Miller. “Our

work here shows our resolve to pursue these cases in all parts of the world, regardless of whether the person hiding money overseas chooses a bank with no ofﬁces on U.S. soil.” When contacted for a statement, Debra King, Director of Corporate Communications for CIBC FCIB’s head ofﬁce in Barbados, stated: “We are committed to complying with all laws and regulatory requirements.We are working with Wells Fargo, our correspondent bank, to understand the nature of the order. It is our intention to cooperate with authorities in accordance with the respective laws of all jurisdictions involved.”

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FANTASIA Side Effects Of You lyrics I was looking for a cure to pull me through Try to decide which medicine to use And every bottle has your name on the label Doctor said you keep me stable So now, I’m taking three a day to help me smile They said I should wait and try it for a while So I’ve been ignoring my symptoms And the small print on the back of my prescription What I’m gonna do is Fever over 98, you hold me and my body shakes See nobody told me, nobody told me The side effects of you Losing balance, falling down Sleepless nights whenever you’re around Nobody told me, nobody told me

The side effects of you The side effects of you I double checked the recommended dose Cause recently my headaches getting worse Sometimes every part of me is shaking Is this the right pill that I’m taking What I’m gonna do is Fever over 98, you hold me and my body shakes See nobody told me, nobody told me The side effects of you Losing balance, falling down Sleepless nights whenever you’re around Nobody told me, nobody told me The side effects of you

You’re supposed to take away the pain But it hurts the same And it’s getting harder I thought you were taking care of me But I can’t breathe And it’s getting harder Fever over 98, you hold me and my body shakes See nobody told me, nobody told me The side effects of you Losing balance, falling down Sleepless nights whenever you’re around Nobody told me, nobody told me The side effects of you The side effects of you Baby, the side effects of you

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News CARIBBEAN

Barbados Prime Minister comments on the role of money in elections

RIDGETOWN, Barbados -- The role of money in election campaigns nowadays has increased exponentially, to the point where large numbers of voters have become accustomed to a variety of goods and services being provided as part of the election exercise. Prime minister of Barbados Freundel Stuart expressed this view on Wednesday while addressing a regional forum on strengthening the regulation of political parties and political financing systems in the Caribbean. Stuart stated that, while he accepted that large campaigns stimulated some economic activity, it was not sufficient justification for allowing expenditure to get out of control. He noted that the use of money to compromise democratic processes was a universal problem and said data collected by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance’s (IDEA) Study of 2012 highlighted the need, not only for limitations on donations and expenses so that small parties have a chance, but also for regulations on disclosure, enforcement and sanctions worldwide to curb corruption. “But, the fact that the problem is widespread, and exists all over the world, is no excuse for us to do nothing about it! I strongly believe that if the journey towards the realisation of our Caribbean civilisation, distilled in the crucible of suffering, is to be successfully completed, then we must take responsibility for curbing these excesses, without, however, denying genuine funders, political leaders and voters their human and constitutional rights to finance projects of their choice, and to do so with a degree of confidentiality. We, in our moments of creativity, should not create the chains that bound us in, and to, the past,” he contended. The prime minister explained that political parties took responsibility for most of the fund-

Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart raising and expenses for election campaigns, therefore the published income and expenditure of candidates gave no indication of the total receipts and expenses, simply because “that business” was handled by their parties. “This is a loophole that must be plugged if we want to make progress in regulating campaign finances,” he said. Acknowledging that a lot of what was done in the past was within acceptable limits, he stressed that ignorance of what was taking place within political parties had led to assumptions of corruption, and the related danger of possible manipulation of political systems for the benefit of aspiring monopolists, modern “carpetbaggers”, money launderers, criminal organisations, foreign governments and international swindlers. He said that, during the OAS regional consultation on the model legislation for the registration and financing of political parties in 2010, some national politicians warned that competition for state contracts had the capacity to increase the tendency for bribery. It was stated that politicians responsible for important areas of procurement and large infrastructural contracts could be targeted by donors with funds to finance expensive

election campaigns. “Donations are then perceived, not as just donations, but as investments, guaranteed to yield returns. The link between these acts and potential large scale undermining of democratic ideals is clear. Hence, the gains intended to be achieved in the Caribbean during the past 60 years by the enlargement of democratic practices can be wiped out by this menace. Moneyed groups, both domestic and international, can conceivably, in this way, regain control of the democratic process through the back door,” he suggested. The draft model law on the registration and regulation of political parties was drawn up in 2009 with the help of the OAS. Stuart said some might argue that that legislation was “idealistic and downright unrealistic”. He expressed the view, however, that it was an excellent starting point to reinforce the ethical dimension of politics, plug some of the loopholes and resolve many of the contradictions that result from existing inadequate legislative framework. “This model provides us with a framework for drawing up legislation to protect our political systems from penetration and control by individuals and agencies that do not represent the interests of the majority of the voters. What is needed is knowledgeable representatives of the people in each country, who would be able to adapt the model to suit the special circumstances of their jurisdictions, in order to ensure the sustainability of the regulations,” he stated. Forty-two participants representing electoral management bodies, as well as governing and opposition parties in 14 Caribbean countries are attending the two-day meeting in Barbados, which was organised by the Organization of American States and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.

Former Haitian President Aristide makes rare court appearance P

ORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Former Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide on Wednesday held a threehour, closed-door audience with a Haitian investigative judge, as part of the ongoing murder investigation into the unsolved assassination of agronomist-turned-journalist Jean Léopold Dominique. At the urging of Dominique’s widow, former radio journalist Michèle Montas, Judge Yvickel Dabresil has been trying to determine the “intellectual author” behind Dominique’s murder and that of a security guard 13 years ago in the courtyard of Dominique’s Radio Haiti-Inter here. “It has been a long, bloody and tortuous investigation, but I feel there is now a light at the end of the tun-

nel,” Montas told reporters afterwards. “Will we ever ﬁnd justice? I don’t know, but I think we have moved forward. “I hope this testimony and other crucial ones the judge has gathered in the last few months will allow the truth to ﬁnally come out on who engineered, planned the assassination and paid for the crime,” she added. Dr. Maryse Narcisse, Aristide’s spokeswoman, who accompanied Aristide inside the courthouse in a rare public appearance, declined to say what was discussed during the secret testimony.“Jean-Dominique was a friend, a brother to him,” said Narcisse about Aristide. “He believes that as a citizen when the justice summons him, it is his duty to collaborate,” she added. “Today was

an occasion for him to exercise his right as a citizen by being present in court.” Aristide, 59, a former Roman Catholic priest, is the founder and head of Fanmi Lavalas, once the most powerful political party in Haiti, Aristide was twice exiled during his two separate presidencies. The former Haitian president returned to his native land two years ago after a seven-year exile in South Africa. Judge Dabresil had summoned a long list of persons in the court hearing, including former President René Préval, who testiﬁed last month. Préval, a close friend of Dominique’s who reopened the case during his 2006-2011 presidency, spent about four hours inside the judge’s cham-

bers. He told reporters afterwards that it was only natural for the judge to call him, given his close relationship with the activist. He was the second former Haitian president to appear in court in weeks. In February, former dictator JeanClaude “Baby Doc” Duvalier answered questions about his dictatorial past as part of an appeals hearing. He’s ﬁghting to avoid standing trial on corruption charges, and dozens of alleged victims of his regime also want the court to try him on human rights abuses. The appearance came after Duvalier had repeatedly refused to show up. Like Aristide, Duvalier also returned to Haiti in 2011, after 25 years in exile in France, marking the ﬁrst time in Haiti’s history that all of its living presidents are in the French-speaking Caribbean country.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

Compensation for people who lost in Ponzi scheme operated by David Smith K

INGSTON, Jamaica – The United States says people who lost money from investments in companies operated by convicted Jamaican fraudster David Smith may be eligible to receive compensation from Washington. But the Association of Concerned OLINT Members here said it is adopting a cautious approach to the payment, noting that there have been failed attempts in the past to compensate victims. Chairman of the Association, Dr Godfrey McAllister said given discussions with the District Attorney’s Ofﬁce dealing with the David Smith case, no new money has been found nor are the authorities in a better position than they were a year ago to compensate. The US Department of Justice said the com-

pensation for those who invested money in the failed Ponzi scheme, Olint, will be done through a process called “remission”. A date for the payout has not been set but only those who invested during the period February 3, 2005 through to July 15, 2008 will be eligible. Smith claimed that the companies were private investment clubs that purportedly traded in foreign currency on investors’ behalf. He made false and fraudulent statements indicating that members could expect high returns on their investment with low risk to principal. Rather than investing the funds as promised, Smith used them for personal gain and paid returns using new investors’ money. He was convicted in the U.S. District Court

for the Middle District of Florida in September 2011 on multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering. In July last year, Smith was convicted in the Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands after pleading guilty to two counts of money laundering and two counts of conspiracy to defraud. The conviction triggered a mandatory conﬁscation hearing under the Turks and Caicos Islands Proceeds of Crime Ordinance. He is now serving a sixyear sentence in the Turks and Caicos Islands and recently applied to be released from prison early. The US Department of Justice said to be considered for remission, a petition for Remission Form must be submitted to the remission administrator.

Caribbean American legislator enters not guilty plea on embezzlement charges N

EW YORK, United States - A powerful Caribbean American legislator has pleaded not guilty to embezzlement charges in the latest corruption case involving New York State politicians. New York State Senator John Sampson, who represents the largely Caribbean 19th Senatorial District in Brooklyn, pleaded not guilty to the charge after he surrendered to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents. Judge Viktor Pohorelsky set bail at US$250,000. US federal prosecutors have charged the son of a Guyanese national with stealing funds from the sale of foreclosed properties and using the money to help ﬁnance his race for Brooklyn district attorney. Sampson, 47, a lawyer and a former leader of New York State’s Democratic caucus, is currently the rank-

ing Democrat on the State Senate Judiciary Committee as well as the Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. According to the indictment unsealed in US federal court in Brooklyn, the legislator faces two counts of embezzlement, five counts of obstruction of justice and two counts of making false statements. Zachary W. Carter, a lawyer for Sampson, objected to the bail that prosecutors requested, saying his client was a prominent member of the Brooklyn community and didn’t pose a flight risk. “You will always be able to find where he is,” said Carter, who served as Brooklyn US attorney from 1993 to 1999. “I am fully confident that Mr. Sampson will make all appearances,” he added. But prosecutors argued that bail

was essential in light of Sampson’s alleged prior conduct. He ﬁts a “pattern of someone who doesn’t follow the rules and doesn’t obey court orders,” Assistant US Attorney Daniel Spector told the judge. Sampson, whose Brooklyn district encompasses the predominantly Caribbean sections of Canarsie and Flatlands, is accused of stealing as much as US$440,000 from foreclosure proceedings while acting as a court-appointed referee. Brooklyn US Attorney Loretta Lynch charged that Sampson used some of the money to ﬁnance an unsuccessful campaign to become Brooklyn District Attorney in “one of the most extreme examples of political hubris that we have seen”. The case comes in the wake of last month’s announcements of bribery- related charges against New

John Sampson York Assemblyman Eric Stevenson of the Bronx and State Senator Malcolm Smith of Queens by prosecutors in Manhattan federal court. Stevenson pleaded not guilty. In January, former state Senator Shirley Huntley, also of Queens, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit mail fraud in an unrelated scheme. All are Democrats. US federal prosecutors said they have offered Sampson a deal under which he could opt to plead guilty to one embezzlement and one obstruction-of- justice charge, and face a possible sentence of 37 to 46 months in prison.

EU provides millions in aid to St Lucia C

ASTRIES, St. Lucia – The European Union is providing EC$37 million (One EC dollar = US$0.37 cents) over a five year period to St. Lucia under the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) to finance the government’s Agricultural Transformation Programme (ATP). “Today marks another milestone on our journey towards the restructuring of our agricultural sector. This we hope to achieve through specific interventions in a bid to make it more sustainable and competitive for the future,” said Prime Minister and Minister and Finance, Dr. Kenny Anthony. He said the Euro 10.3 million is St. Lucia’s share of the Euro 190 million provided by the European Commission to cushion the losses being experienced by African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries as a result of the EU’s preferential regime for bananas. Anthony said the funds will be provided over a five-year period (2013-2018), with the island receiving EC$5.9 million this financial year under the ATP, which is divided into four areas. “The four areas of focus were carefully chosen and are in consonance with the identified needs for modernising the agricultural sector. These

needs were identiﬁed by the National Adaptation Strategy and the Multi-Annual Support Strategy documents. They all called for a major overhaul of the agricultural sector,” Anthony said. Funds will also be provided for disaster risk reduction, research and technology and agri-enterprsie youth and facilitation. Prime Minister Anthony said under the agri-enterprise youth initiative, more than 150 young people will be intensively trained to “mould a new cadre of agro-entrepreneurs” and that arm equipment will be acquired to encourage mechanised production. “As I understand it, the plan is to train these young farmers to apply the latest technologies to enhance production. The net impact should be a repositioning of our human capital and capacity. I welcome, in particular, the emphasis on technology adaptation. “Of course, government has already committed that land assets under the Crown that are suitable for agriculture should and will be used for agriculture and so you have that guarantee. The government will also take steps to establish the long championed Land Bank to hold our agricul-

tural resources in trust for future generations,” he added. Prime Minister Anthony said that there also exists opportunities for creating value chains to take products from rural communities and market them for the shelves of supermarkets and hotel kitchens in and out of the island. “Beyond training, brand development and market facilitation, this programme would also retroﬁt infrastructure for the creation of at least two incubators for agro-processors,” he said, noting that a signiﬁcant amount of the ATP funds will be spent tackling disaster risk in the agricultural sector and promote resilience against vulnerabilities. “We will update our pest and disease management systems, including for the dreaded Black Sigatoka. Changes will also be made to the legal framework to facilitate better management of pest control. “This component will also seek to reduce vulnerability by the construction and rehabilitation of much needed and longer lasting agricultural feeder roads as well as the stabilisation of river banks. Other watershed management measures will also be implemented.”

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Ruling UNC in TNT leader hints at expelling Warner P

ORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Leader of the ruling United National Congress (UNC), Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar has hinted that her embattled former national security minister Austin “Jack” Warner could be expelled from the party if he decides to contest an up-coming by-election as an independent candidate. But in an almost immediate response, Warner, who said he has been a UNC member for the past 15 years, has said he would keep his options open, if he is not chosen as the candidate of the party in the Chaguanas West constituency. “As a member of the UNC, I will go for screening; if I am not successful, I will keep my options open,” he told reporters. Prime Minister Persad Bissessar told reporters that while no candidate has been decided, “ I repeat, the party is open for nominations; after the nominations, the process will be the screening process that will take place and then a candidate will be decided. “No candidate has been approached. I have not spoken to any person to be or not to be a candidate. There are persons who have expressed interest; I have received a few text messages, e-mails, but it is for the party process at party headquarters,” she added. Warner, 70, a former international football executive last Sunday launched his bid for re-election to the Trinidad and Tobago parliament after resigning his ministerial post as well as the UNC chairmanship in the wake of a damning report by the Confederation of Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) that was released in

Panama last month. The report by the CONCACAF Integrity Committee, headed by former Barbados Chief Justice Sir David Simmons, slammed as “fraudulent in their management” the conduct of the soccer confederation’s affairs by Warner, who headed the body for 20 years, and American Chuck Blazer, who served as general secretary. Neither Warner nor Blazer cooperated with the investigation. Prime Minister Persad Bissessar said the party’s constitution outlines the sanctions and provisions that would prevent a member from contesting a seat as an independent candidate. “The constitution of the party provides for what will happen if a person should go up on any other ticket except that of the party. I think the constitution provides that such a person would be expelled,” Persad-Bissessar said. “When there’s an election, people get more excited, but been there, done that as they would say. All will be well. The party remains, as I said on Monday night, solid as a rock, will continue to work together and in any mass of humanity, any gathering of persons, you will have different views from time to time, but the democracy will prevail in the end,” she said. The prime minister also indicated that her “hands were tied” as it regards the naming of the date for the by-election, after Warner indicated he hoped the authorities would take into consideration the holy month of Ramadan. “I did not trigger this process. This process was triggered by the resignation of a member of parliament, and given the constitution time frame, it

New study finds cholera could be eliminated in Haiti with necessary investments P

ORT AU PRINCE, Haiti – A new study has found that cholera could be eliminated in Haiti with the necessary investments to restrain its transmission. The study by a team headed by French epidemiologist, Dr. Renaud Piarroux has also found that the epidemic “is still evolving with a changing transmission pattern as time passes. “Such an evolution could have hardly been anticipated, especially in a country struck by cholera for the first time. These results argue for the need for control measures involving intense efforts in rapid and exhaustive case trafficking,” they said in the report titled “Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Cholera” Dr. Piarroux, who teaches a lecturer at the Aix-Marseille University in France, said cholera is “only shrinking and has not yet disappeared. “But it can disappear if the fight is correctly managed,” he said, adding that it is import-

ant for Haiti to view eliminating cholera “as an emergency” issue. “We can stop cholera transmission before providing safe water to the entire population,” says Dr. Piarroux, who has studied the deadly waterborne disease in Haiti since it first appeared in October 2010. “Of course, the end of cholera will not be a reason to stop investments in water supply.” The new study comes five months after UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon promised to “use every opportunity” to push for funding to eliminate cholera from Haiti and the neighbouring Dominican Republic. Government officials in both nations, however, say they are still waiting on donors to open their wallets. Jake Johnston, international research associate and lead blogger on Haiti’s relief and reconstruction for the US Center for Economic and Policy Research, said the “feet-dragging” comes as the rainy sea-

son begins in Haiti. “This isn’t a sign of cholera’s disappearance, but rather its persistence; and the reasons are simple: Funding for the cholera response has greatly declined, and the response capacity has, therefore, diminished,” he said. Johnston said he is not surprised by the UN’s inability to mobilize funding to eradicate cholera in Haiti, where more than 654,000 have been sickened and more than 8,100 have already died. More than three years after the international community pledged US$5.4 billion to help Haiti rebuild after its devastating January 12, 2010 earthquake, the UN said more than two billion US dollars remains outstanding. Christophe Boulierac, a spokesman with the United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) in Haiti, said the UN has discussed funding with the government and is awaiting approval of how the money should be disbursed.

has been triggered in the month of Ramadan. “I cannot go outside the Constitution to hold it after. I have to work with the hand that has been dealt to me, which is to say that I have to count to 90 days (from the date of the declaration of the vacancy), which takes us to August 10, and I am being advised that Eid may be 9th or 10th August. “So I cannot change that process, which was triggered not by my doing. I will have to follow the Constitution,” she said, adding that elections have taken place during the Muslim holy month before” Meanwhile, the Congress of the People (COP), the second biggest partner in the coalition People’s Partnership government, says it will not contest the seat if the UNC, the biggest partner in the coalition, decides to contest the vacant seat. COP leader and Minister of Legal Affairs Prakash Ramadhar told the Express newspaper “our agreement is, and we are co-parents of the Partnership, we will not contest where it is agreed one of the partners will be contesting. “The COP is a national party working within the Partnership, and until a decision is made within the Partnership, I think all parties have an opportunity to say what their interest might be. “We had an apportionment of seats (in the 2010 elections) but we need to know from our colleagues if they are ﬁelding a candidate; if it is, we work within the agreement of the partnership of 2010,” he said. Media reports said that the UNC is likely to back Trade Minister Vasant Bharath as its choice for the seat.

BRITAIN SUSPENDS FUNDING FOR MAJOR ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN MONTSERRAT BRADES, Montserrat – Britain has suspended funding for a major road project here citing improper accounting and an absence of a clear plan of action by the Reuben Meade administration on the project. The Department of International Development (DFID) programme representative Kato Kimbugwe said London has “just completed an annual review of the project with particular emphasis on its management and implementation. “DFID have consistently asked for a detailed programme outlining activities and timelines to completion. This has not been forthcoming and the chaotic nature of the implementation does not give us confidence that the project is delivering as planned. Equally, it is difficult to argue that the project is demonstrating value for money let alone meeting the needs of the Montserratian public,” he said. The government has estimated that EC$23.1 million (One EC dollar = US$0. 37 cents) would be needed for the road project and Kimbugwe said the lack of proper reporting on the project has meant that they cannot accurately account for how much of the money has already been spent for road works. But a government statement said that officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) are working on complying with the requests from DFID. PWD director Ron Beardsley, said the authorities are working to bolster the management supervision of the road programme and will shortly complete negotiations with a project manager so that can could resume. He said another problem hampering the project is the availability of aggregate and that the authorities here are awaiting the arrival of material from overseas.

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News W

RLD

Prosecutor to seek murder charges against accused Ohio kidnapper

n Ohio prosecutor said on Thursday he will seek aggravated murder charges, which could carry the death penalty, against a former Cleveland school bus driver accused of kidnapping and raping three women during a decade of captivity in his house. The charges would stem from the forced miscarriages that police say were suffered by one of the women at the hands of Ariel Castro, who is accused of holding them captive at his house in a low-income neighborhood of Cleveland. Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy McGinty told a news conference that his office intends to pursue charges of kidnapping and sexual assault as well as aggravated murder. Prosecutors also planned to file charges relating to the many abuses endured by Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight as well as Berry’s 6-year-old daughter who was born in captivity, he said. “I fully intend to seek charges for each and every act of sexual violence, rape, each day of kidnapping, every felonious assault, and each act of aggravated murder for terminating pregnancies that the offender perpetrated,” he said. The prosecutor’s office will launch the official process to determine if the death penalty is appro-

priate, he said.

ARIEL CASTRO “Capital punishment must be reserved for those crimes that are truly the worst examples of human conduct,” McGinty said. Knight suffered at least five miscarriages that she told police were intentionally caused by Castro starving her and beating her in the abdomen, according to an initial police report. The three women and child escaped on Monday from the house, where police said Castro used ropes and chains to hold them captive for around a decade, inflicting starvation, beatings and sexual abuse. Berry, now 27, disappeared in 2003, the day before her 17th birthday. DeJesus, 23, vanished in 2004, and Knight, 32, went missing in 2002. The city of Cleveland has already filed kidnapping and rape charges against Castro, who appeared brief-

ly in a municipal court on Thursday. Felony charges stemming from crimes that occurred in the city are first handled in municipal court and then transferred to the county court. FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE Castro’s court appearance was the first time he has been seen in public since his arrest on Monday. Municipal Court Judge Lauren Moore set bond for Castro at $8 million. Castro’s home “was a prison to these three women and the child,” Cuyahoga County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Brian Murphy told the judge. “Today the situation is turned on him,” Murphy said. “Mr. Castro stands before you a captive, in captivity, a prisoner.” The judge also ordered Castro to have no contact with the victims or their families. Their imprisonment came to an end on Monday when Berry, helped by neighbors who heard her screams, broke through a locked door. During the municipal court proceedings that lasted less than five minutes, Castro neither spoke nor entered a plea. He kept his face turned away from the gallery that was crowded with media and spectators. Castro’s court appointed lawyer, Kathleen DeMetz, said he would be placed on suicide watch in jail and is expected to be held in isolation, the

lawyer said. He would need $800,000 cash - 10 percent of the bond amount - to get out of jail. “The man doesn’t have any money,” Metz said. “He clearly doesn’t have that,” noting that Castro had been unemployed since being fired from his job driving school buses last November. BIRTH IN A PLASTIC POOL Berry told police that her escape on Monday had been her first chance to break free in the 10 years that she was held, seizing the opportunity during Castro’s momentary absence. Her baby was born in a plastic inflatable children’s swimming pool on Christmas Day, 2006, authorities said. A paternity test will be conducted to determine the girl’s father. The women told police their abductions occurred when Castro offered them rides and they accepted, authorities said. McGinty, the county prosecutor, said assembling a multitude of charges against Castro could take time, considering the ordeals the victims experienced. “They need a chance to heal before we can seek further in-depth evidence from them,” he said, describing them as having “found the internal strength and courage to outlast their tormentor and survive a decade of torture and depravity.” Berry and DeJesus went home with family members on Wednesday, while Knight remained hospitalized in good condition.

Queen Elizabeth to miss Commonwealth meeting F

or the first time since 1973 the Queen will not be attending the Commonwealth heads of government meeting this year, Buckingham Palace has said. She will be represented by the Prince of Wales at the summit in Sri Lanka in November. Buckingham Palace said it was reviewing the amount of long-haul travel the Queen undertook. The Queen, 87, is the head of the Commonwealth and every two years leaders meet to discuss global issues. The Queen was first present at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm) in Ottawa, Canada, in 1973 - missing the first one in 1971 - and has been at every summit since. The last one, in 2011, was held in Perth, Australia. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “I can confirm the Queen will be represented by the Prince of Wales. “The reason is that we are reviewing the amount of long-haul travel that is taken by the Queen.” BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said the Queen would not have taken the decision lightly and it was both surprising and significant. He said it was a significant moment for the

QUEEN ELIZABETH Prince of Wales and it was also a symbolic move. “It is about transition, about preparing this country for an elderly head of state who will be able to do less and less,” he said. “There is no intention of abdication. It will just not happen during her reign. It is the palace addressing the practicalities of her advancing age - you will see less of her and more of him.” It is expected that Prince Charles will be joined by the Duchess of Cornwall at the summit in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, he added.

By stepping in for the Queen, Prince Charles will be performing one of his most significant duties to date as a future King. He has never before attended in place of the monarch at the two-yearly gathering of Commonwealth leaders. In 2007, both the Prince and the Queen attended Chogm in Uganda. Prime Minister David Cameron said the Queen’s decision was “entirely understandable” and did not reflect any decrease in her commitment to the Commonwealth. He said: “I think we should all pay tribute to the incredible work that Her Majesty has done over six decades in support of the Commonwealth. I know that she is as passionate about the Commonwealth today as she has ever been.” The Queen was forced to cancel her appearance in March at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, the first time the monarch had missed the occasion in 20 years. It was one of a number of engagements she cancelled after being admitted to hospital suffering from the symptoms of gastroenteritis. The Queen is the Commonwealth’s symbolic head and has no formal powers over the 54 countries and two billion citizens which make up the voluntary association.

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WORLD NEWS

Jodi Arias death penalty proceedings postponed until May 15 P

HOENIX - The death penalty phase in the trial of Jodi Arias, the California woman convicted of first-degree murder in the brutal slaying of an ex-boyfriend, has been postponed until May 15, court officials said on Thursday. An Arizona jury on Wednesday found Arias guilty of murdering 30-year-old Travis Alexander, whose body was found in the shower of his Phoenix valley home in June 2008. He had been shot in the face, stabbed nearly 30 times, and his throat had been slashed. Arias, who was put on suicide watch and moved to a psychiatric unit after the verdict, had been due in court on Thursday to begin the part of her trial in which a jury will decide whether she deserves to be executed by lethal injection. But the proceedings were postponed, and are now due to resume at 10 a.m. (1700 GMT) on Wednesday. Court officials tweeted that trial proceedings were sealed on Thursday, but gave no reason for the postponement. A spokesman for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said Arias and her counsel had held a closed meeting with Judge Sherry Stephens. “After that meeting, the details of which are under seal, Judge Stephens canceled court for the day without providing a reason,” spokesman Jerry Cobb said. A call to defense attorney Kirk Nurmi was not immediately returned. Arias, 32, had tried to convince the jury during her four-month trial that she had acted in self-defense after Alexander attacked her because she had dropped his camera while taking photo-

Jodi Arias says she prefers the death sentence graphs of him in the shower. She teared up as the jury’s decision was read while a crowd of hundreds erupted into cheers outside the court. Jurors could have convicted Arias of a lesser crime such as second-degree murder or manslaughter, but instead found her guilty of the most serious charge possible. The trial, which aired graphic evidence including a sex tape and photographs of the blood-spattered crime scene, became a sensation on cable television news with its tale of an attractive and soft-spoken young woman charged with a brutal crime. ‘THE ULTIMATE FREEDOM’ In a television interview moments after the verdict, Arias indicated that she preferred a death sentence to life in prison. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce later moved Arias to a jail psychiatric facility after placing her on suicide watch on

Wednesday. “The worst outcome for me would be natural life. I would much rather die sooner than later,” Arias, speaking slowly and calmly, said in an interview with Fox affiliate KSAZ. “I said years ago I’d rather get death than life and that still is true today. I believe death is the ultimate freedom, so I’d rather just have my freedom as soon as I can get it,” she said. In a separate development on Thursday, the sheriff’s office said deputies arrested a man suspected of tweeting that he was going to put a bomb in the courtroom where Arias’ case was being heard. Laquint Cherry, 18, was booked into jail on a felony charge related to acts of terrorism. Sheriff’s office spokesman Joaquin Enriquez said no explosive device was found at the court and that the trial postponement was not related to the threat. In the next phase of the trial, the prosecution will present evidence trying to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that aggravating factors exist that merit the death penalty. The defense can also present rebuttal evidence. The decision will then be up to the jury. Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery said the state planned to present “evidence to prove the murder was committed in an especially heinous, cruel or depraved manner.” Nurmi has argued that the one-time waitress snapped in the “sudden heat of passion” in the moments between a photograph she took showing Alexander alive and taking a shower, and a subsequent picture of his apparently dead body covered in blood.

Syria “likely” to have used chemical weapons, says UK B ritain said on Thursday it was “very likely” the Syrian government had used chemical weapons, and Turkey announced it was stepping up testing of people ﬂeeing the Syrian civil war for traces. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry expressed gratitude to Russia for its willingness to try to arrange a “Geneva two” conference to negotiate an end to the conﬂict, in a sign of a thawing of the long diplomatic chill between Washington and Moscow, Syria’s strongest ally. Damascus and the head of the Arab League welcomed the apparent rapprochement between the United States and Russia this week. Syrian opposition leaders are skeptical of an initiative they fear might let President Bashar al-Assad hang on to pow-

er.

Kerry, in Rome, said however a transition government would have to have the “mutual consent of both sides, which clearly means that in our judgment President Assad will not be a component of that transitional government”. Syria’s foreign ministry said Damascus was convinced by the “the ﬁrm Russian stance which is based on the U.N. principles of non-interference in internal affairs or the threat to use force against the safety of any state”. Israel has asked Russia not to sell Syria an advanced air defense system which would help Assad fend off foreign military intervention as he battles a more than two-year-old rebellion.

The S-300 missile is designed to shoot down planes and missiles at 125-mile (200-km) ranges. It would enhance Syria’s current Russian-supplied defenses, which failed to deter Israel from launching air strikes around Damascus last weekend. “We have raised objections to this (sale) with the Russians, and the Americans have too,” an Israeli ofﬁcial told Reuters. Kerry said in Rome that Washington would prefer Russia not to sell weapons to Syria. Israel said its air raids on Syria were intended to stop Damascus sending powerful Iranian missiles to Hezbollah ﬁghters in Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in a speech on Thursday that Syria would respond to the raids by pro-

viding his group with sophisticated weapons, and Hezbollah would back any Syrian effort to recapture the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. CHEMICAL TRACES Western states have been reluctant to consider military action against Assad, but U.S. President Barack Obama has said the use of chemical weapons would cross a “red line” and trigger a strong response. Evidence of such use is so far fragmentary and disputed. Asked about reports that rebel forces had used the banned nerve agent sarin, a spokesman for British Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Our assessment is that chemical weapons use in Syria is very likely to have been initiated by the regime. We have no evidence to date of opposition use.”

Bangladesh factory fire collapse toll tops 900 E

ight people were killed when a fire swept through a clothing factory in Bangladesh, police and an industry association official said on Thursday, as the death toll from the collapse of another factory building two weeks ago climbed above 900. The fire, in an industrial district of Dhaka, comes amid global attention on safety standards in Bangladesh’s booming garment industry following the catastrophic collapse of Rana Plaza, on the outskirts of the

city, in the world’s deadliest industrial accident since the Bhopal disaster in India in 1984. “It is not clear to us how the accident happened, but we are trying to ﬁnd out the cause,” Mohammad Atiqul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), told Reuters. On Wednesday the Bangladesh government said it had shut down 18 garment factories for safety rea-

sons following the April 24 collapse of Rana Plaza, which housed ﬁve garment factories making clothes for Western brands. Six were cleared to re-open on Thursday after inspectors issued safety certiﬁcates. Salvage teams were still pulling bodies from the rubble of the Rana Plaza complex in Savar, around 20 miles northwest of Dhaka, and on Thursday a spokesman at the army control room coordinating the operation said the number of people

conﬁrmed to have been killed had reached 912. Roughly 2,500 people were rescued from the building, including many injured, but there is no ofﬁcial estimate of the numbers still missing. The government has blamed the owners and builders of the eight-storey complex for using shoddy building materials, including substandard rods, bricks and cement, and not obtaining the necessary clearances.

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Obama renews focus on jobs, economic growth on Texas trip P

resident Barack Obama pledged on a trip to Texas on Thursday to take steps to accelerate economic growth, turning his attention to job creation after concentrating on gun-control legislation and immigration reform in recent months. Obama was kicking off events he has scheduled across the country to draw attention to his efforts to boost economic growth through jobs that benefit the middle class, White House officials said. “Watching cable TV sometimes, you might get to thinking nothing’s going right. But the truth is there’s a lot of reasons for us to feel optimistic about where we’re headed as a country,” he told students and staff at Manor New Technology High School outside Austin. The first trip on his jobs tour comes as a poll shows that what Americans want most from politicians in Washington is job creation and action to help the economy grow. But the president’s economic efforts face opposition from congressional Republicans who remain set on cutting federal spending and shrinking the size of government as a path to stronger economic growth. Republicans have wasted no opportunity to blame Obama for an economy where the unemployment rate remains a relatively high 7.5 percent four years after the end of the deep 20072009 recession. The office of Texas Republican Governor Rick

Perry - who was one of the president’s greeters on arrival - said in a tweet, “Obama should have focused on jobs and opportunity five years ago.” At the Texas school he visited, Obama praised efforts to expand science and math education and watched students operate robots they had built. “You look like some serious engineers,” he told them. The president’s visit also included stops at Applied Sciences, a maker of semiconductors and other technology, and meetings with business people and ordinary citizens, including a visit to Stubb’s Bar-B-Q restaurant. Obama has suffered some recent policy setbacks. He failed to persuade Congress to accept expanded background checks for gun buyers following the December shootings of 20 children and six adults at a school in Newtown, Connecticut. He also is at an impasse with congressional Republicans over a deficit reduction deal he insists should include higher tax revenues, which Republicans oppose. While the president appears to be making headway in reforming immigration laws, final legislation is months off. SPARRING OVER THE ECONOMY White House officials on Thursday criticized congressional Republicans for reviving plans to use the debt ceiling as leverage to extract spending cuts and tax reductions, as well as for allowing deep spending cuts known as “sequestration”

to remain in place. “The status quo doesn’t serve any of the longterm objectives of job growth or competitiveness,” White House National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling told reporters during a conference call. “Those who are serious about our economic recovery, our economic stability, our economic standing, should not be contemplating putting our economy at risk of default,” he said. A Gallup poll released on Tuesday found 86 percent of those surveyed this month ranked creating jobs as their top priority for action by Congress and Obama, tied at 86 percent with helping the economy grow. Lower on the priority list were reducing the federal deﬁcit at 69 percent, reforming the tax code at 59 percent, reducing gun violence at 55 percent and reforming immigration at 50 percent. Obama in his speech on Thursday pointed to signs of economic recovery, such as improved corporate proﬁts, a resurgence in the auto industry and a boom in energy. The White House announced a competition for locations to house three manufacturing institutes where businesses, government and educational institutions will get funding to develop new technologies. The president also issued an executive order requiring that newly released government data be made freely available in easily readable formats.

Body of suspected Boston Marathon bomber entombed B

OSTON- The body of suspected Boston Marathon bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev has been entombed and is no longer in the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, where it had been held at a funeral home, the Worcester Police Department said on Thursday. The police did not disclose where the body had been moved. “A courageous and compassionate individual came forward to provide the assistance to properly bury the deceased,” said Worcester Police Sergeant Kerry Hazelhurst. The 26-year-old ethnic Chechen died in an April 19 gun battle with police, four days after he and his young-

er brother Dzhokhar are suspected of having set off bombs at the ﬁnish line of the Boston Marathon that killed three people and injured 264. The question of where to bury the elder Tsarnaev had proven to be a thorny one, with city ofﬁcials in Boston and in neighboring Cambridge, where he lived, refusing to accept the body for burial. His widow, Katherine Russell, had asked that Tsarnaev’s body be released to his family. An uncle, Ruslan Tsarni of Montgomery Village, Maryland, said on Sunday he had wanted his nephew to be buried in Massachusetts. A crowd had picketed outside the

Worcester Graham Putnam & Mahoney funeral home where the body had been held since it was claimed from the medical examiner last week. Dzohkhar Tsarnaev, who faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted on charges related to the April 15 bombings, is being held at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. He was moved there on April 26 after nearly a week in a Boston hospital where he received treatment for wounds sustained in the gun battle that left his brother dead. Tamerlan died of gunshot wounds as well as blunt trauma to the head and torso, which resulted from both

Daughter of Cleveland abduction suspect slashed her baby’s throat T

he daughter of Ariel Castro, the chief suspect in the Cleveland abduction of three women freed on Monday, is serving time in an Indiana prison for attempted murder after she slashed her baby’s throat four times with a knife, court documents show. Emily Castro, 25, was sentenced to 25 years and is at the Rockville, Indiana, Correctional Facility. She was found guilty in Allen County Superior Court of attempting to murder her 11-month-old daughter, according to a decision by the Court of Appeals of Indiana on November 5, 2008.

The current whereabouts of Emily Castro’s child, who would be aged around seven now, could not immediately be determined. Emily Castro slashed her daughter’s throat four times with a knife on April 4, 2007 the day after the baby’s father moved out of their Fort Wayne home, according to a court of appeals document. Police found Emily Castro covered in mud, water and blood after responding to the 911 call from Castro’s mother, Grimilda Figueroa, the court said. Figueroa, who died last year, was

married to Ariel Castro, who was arrested on Monday in Cleveland on suspicion of abducting three women and holding them captive for around a decade. The three were freed on Monday along with a six-year-old girl thought to have been born in captivity. Emily Castro, who was 19 at the time of the attack on the baby, had a self-inﬂicted knife wound to her neck and wrists and tried to drown herself in a nearby creek, according to the court. Emily Castro tried to rely on an insanity defense but was found com-

Boston Marathon bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev an exchange of ﬁre with police in Watertown, outside Boston, as well as injuries that resulted when his brother drove over him as he ﬂed.

petent to stand trial. She was found guilty but mentally ill on January 17, 2008, court records show. The appeals court said Castro was diagnosed for manic depression when she was 13 years old. She had a history of quitting and refusing medications and treatments for her mental illness, the court noted. Emily Castro appealed on the grounds that the state did not comply with competency hearing and sanity evaluation requirements and that her sentence was an abuse of discretion. The appeals court ruled against her on November 5, 2008. Attorneys who defended Castro in both the initial trial and her appeal were not available for comment Wednesday.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

WORLD NEWS

Imran Khan gains in Pakistan vote, Sharif remains frontrunner F

ormer Pakistan cricket star Imran Khan’s party was enjoying a late surge of support on Friday, the eve of a landmark election, raising the prospect of a fragmented parliament that could lead to weeks of haggling to form a coalition government. The failure of the major parties to capture a commanding lead raises the risk a weak government will emerge, clouding optimism over the ﬁrst transition between civilian governments in a country that has been ruled by the military for more than half its history. The party of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif looks set to win the most seats, returning Sharif to power 14 years after he was ousted in a military coup, imprisoned and later exiled. But Khan could end up holding the balance of power if there is no clear-cut winner. In a sign of his popularity, 35,000 supporters turned up on Thursday at a rally in Islamabad that he didn’t even attend. The 60-year-old is in hospital after suffering injuries in a fall from a mechanical lift at a rally this week, which may also win him sympathy votes. “While Khan was initially handicapped by the lack of party organization and the absence of a formal presence at the provincial level, he managed to overcome these challenges by establishing a network of volunteers who have campaigned frenetically and held massive public rallies in recent weeks,” said Shamila Chaudhary, senior editor at Eurasia Group. Khan, Pakistan’s most well-known sportsmen who led a playboy lifestyle in his younger days, has emerged as a tough challenger to dynastic politicians who have relied heavily on a patron-

Imran Khan has emerged as a tough challenger to dynastic politicians age system to win votes and are often accused of corruption. Campaigning ofﬁcially ended at midnight on Thursday. Election-related violence that has killed more than 110 people continued on the eve of the vote. Five people were killed in bomb attacks on party ofﬁces on Friday, one in Quetta, capital of the southwestern province of Baluchistan, and the other in the northwestern city of Peshawar. The al Qaeda-linked Pakistan Taliban, which regards the elections as un-Islamic, are responsible for the attacks that have made this the country’s bloodiest election yet, and on Thursday they revealed plans for suicide bombings on polling day. The militants have mostly targeted the more secular-leaning parties in the outgoing coalition led by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), severely restricting their ability to campaign. The bombers have largely spared the more conservative parties that have voiced doubts

about Pakistan’s participation in the U.S.-led campaign against militancy, including those of both Khan and Sharif. Pakistanis say they will still vote, despite the bloodshed. “I will vote for Imran Khan because he is a symbol of change,” said student Waqas Ali. “We have tested other leaders several times but they are useless. I will go to the polling station despite serious threats of terrorism.” “FRACTURED MANDATE” WARNING Voters will elect 272 members of the National Assembly and to win a simple majority, a party would have to take 137 seats. However, the election is complicated by the fact that a further 70 seats, most reserved for women and members of non- Muslim minorities, are allocated to parties on the basis of their performance in the contested constituencies. To have a majority of the total of 342, a party would need 172. Khan, who appeals mostly to young, urban voters, has won support by calling for an end to corruption, a new political landscape and a halt to U.S. drone strikes on Pakistani soil. Early opinion polls had put the share of votes for Khan’s Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) party as low as single ﬁgures. However, a survey released on Wednesday showed 24.98 percent of voters nationally planned to vote for his party, just a whisker behind Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N). The Herald magazine poll showed Sharif’s party remained the front-runner in Punjab, which, with the largest share of parliamentary seats, usually dictates the outcome of elections.

Africa’s emerging middle class drives growth and democracy A

fter years of headlines about Africa’s poverty, its emerging middle class is now grabbing attention as a driver of growth and democracy and an expanding pool of consumers for market-hungry retailers. Consumer demand is a motor of Africa’s economic and investment surge, and analysts see middle class buyers with swelling disposable income as fuelling this boom from South Africa to Nigeria and Kenya. In its Africa Pulse report last month, the World Bank said consumer spending accounted for more than 60 percent of Sub-Saharan Africa’s buoyant economic growth, which it forecast would accelerate to more than 5 percent over the next

three years, far outpacing the global average. “It’s probably the fastest growing consumer class in the world, as a region,” said Michael Lalor, director of Ernst & Young’s Africa Business Center in Johannesburg. From mobile phones, cars, food, and clothes to ﬁnancial services and entertainment, multinational companies are homing in on lucrative new markets as millions of Africans aspire to claw their way out of still widespread poverty. “The poor don’t drive demand in an economy, it’s the middle class that drive demand in an economy,” African Development Bank Chief Economist Mthuli Ncube told Reu-

ters. “Reducing poverty means creating a middle class. Sometimes people think pushing the middle class means forgetting about poverty, but it’s the other side of the coin,” he added. Global demand for African commodities, driven by China, has also boosted economic growth along with strong investment in productive industries and infrastructure. The World Bank forecast foreign direct investment in Sub-Saharan Africa will reach $54 billion by 2015, up from $37.7 billion in 2012. At the same time, a greater number of African countries are achieving relative stability in politics and economic policy, allowing the mid-

Southern California woman fatally mauled by pit bulls A

63-year-old woman was fatally mauled by a pack of pit bulls while walking near her home in Southern California on Thursday and authorities were still searching for the dogs as darkness fell, law enforcement ofﬁcials said. A driver called police Thursday morning to report that four dogs were

mauling the woman by the side of a road in the small unincorporated community of Littlerock, near Palmdale, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Captain Mike Parker said. When a sheriff’s deputy arrived on the scene a few minutes later, he found the woman being attacked by one dog, which repeatedly circled and

moved aggressively toward him as he approached, Parker said. The deputy ﬁred twice at the animal, apparently missing, before it ran into the desert. There was no sign of the other three dogs, Parker said. The victim, who was not immediately identiﬁed, died in an ambulance while being rushed to a nearby hospi-

dle class to emerge. Accurately quantifying this African middle class has become an obsession for institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) and World Bank, as well as consultancies advising corporate clients seeking an edge in this booming continent. But this is a challenging task in a very diverse region - still the least developed on the planet - where reliable data is patchy and whose more than 50 economies range from regional powerhouses South Africa and Nigeria to U.N. Development Index laggards such as Niger and Mozambique. “There are elastic deﬁnitions ... The middle class is very different in Kenya, for example, where you need far less disposable income than you might need in the United States,” said Ernst & Young’s Lalor.

tal, Parker said, who said the Los Angeles coroner would conduct an autopsy to determine cause of death. Authorities were still searching on the ground and by helicopter for the tan-colored dogs on Thursday evening and issued warnings to residents in and around Littlerock, about 65 miles east of Los Angeles. “Sheriffs deputies are knocking on doors in the neighborhood, patrolling and warning people in the area, but we have not picked up any leads since the deputy ﬁred the shots,” Parker said.

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usiness B AND

T O ECHN

LOGY

American agrees to pay $24.9 million to settle FAA safety claims

ORT WORTH — American Airlines has agreed to pay the Federal Aviation Administration $24.9 million to settle up to $162 million in claims made by the agency related to various problems. According to bankruptcy documents ﬁled late Thursday, the Fort Worth-based carrier also agreed to perform additional training of maintenance personnel and increase oversight of third-party maintenance providers. “This settlement recognizes the many changes, including enhancements to our maintenance and engineering processes, increased training, inspections and audits that have taken place at American over the past several years that address past FAA concerns,” American spokeswoman Andrea Huguely said. “The safety of our people and our

customers always has been — and always will be — our top priority.” Before the bankruptcy filing, the FAA had proposed $37.2 million in civil penalties against American and other AMR Corp. subsidiaries. Last summer, the FAA filed several claims with the Bankruptcy Court to potentially fine AMR up to $162 million as part of safety investigations. One claim relates to American’s MD-80 fleet, which was grounded by the FAA in 2008 after inspectors found improper wiring around the landing gear. About 3,000 flights were canceled during one week in April 2008. In 2010, the FAA proposed a $24.2 million fine. An FAA spokesman said the agency agreed to reduce the total claims in the settlement because American has made safety and compliance

Former Enron CEO Skilling in deal to cut prison term J

effrey Skilling, the former Enron Corp chief executive, could be freed from prison nearly a decade sooner than originally expected, under an agreement with federal prosecutors to end the last major legal battle over one of the biggest corporate frauds in U.S. history. The agreement calls for Skilling to see his federal prison sentence reduced to as little as 14 years, down from the 24 years imposed in 2006. It could result in Skilling’s freedom in late 2018, with good behavior. In exchange, Skilling, 59, who has long maintained his innocence, agreed to stop appealing his conviction. The agreement would also allow more than $40 million seized from him to be freed up for distribution to Enron fraud victims. A resentencing became necessary after a federal appeals court upheld Skilling’s conviction but found the original sentence too harsh. Once ranked seventh on the Fortune 500 list of large U.S. companies, Enron went bankrupt on December 2, 2001 in an accounting scandal that

remains one of the largest and most infamous U.S. corporate meltdowns. Thousands of workers lost their jobs and retirement savings, and images were beamed around the globe of staff carrying possessions out of Enron’s downtown Houston ofﬁce tower, past the company’s “crooked E” logo. Wednesday’s agreement, which is subject to court approval, recommends that Skilling be resentenced to between 14 and 17-1/2 years in prison, including time already spent there. Skilling has been in prison since December 2006. “The proposed agreement brings certainty and ﬁnality to a long painful process,” Skilling’s lawyer Daniel Petrocelli said in a statement. “Although the recommended sentence for Jeff would still be more than double any other Enron defendant, all of whom have long been out of prison, Jeff will at least have the chance to get back a meaningful part of his life.” Skilling had worked for Enron for two decades and was chief executive for six months, leaving

improvements with an estimated value of more than $50 million. American admitted no wrongdoing as part of the settlement, court documents said. It also covers safety claims against subsidiaries including American Eagle and Executive Airlines. The proposed settlement requires approval by the Bankruptcy Court. A hearing is tentatively set for May 30, with objections due to the court May 23. Also Thursday, AMR received Bankruptcy Court approval to borrow up to $3.25 billion as it prepares to exit bankruptcy protection. The company had asked for the ﬁnancing to reorganize and repay debt. The loans, approved by Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane, will be backed by airport gates, takeoff and landing slots, and routes between the U.S. and South America, according to court documents. AMR is preparing to merge with US Airways this year upon emerging from bankruptcy. The merger still needs to be approved by government antitrust regulators and US Airways shareholders.

the company fewer than four months before its bankruptcy. A Houston federal jury in May 2006 convicted him on 19 counts of securities fraud, conspiracy, insider trading and lying to auditors. In imposing the 24-year sentence, U.S. District Judge Sim Lake in Houston said Skilling had through his crimes “imposed on hundreds, if not thousands of people a lifetime of poverty.” Skilling’s sentence is the longest imposed over Enron’s collapse, which also led to the demise of the company’s accounting ﬁrm Arthur Andersen. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered a resentencing in 2009, but this was delayed as Skilling tried unsuccessfully to persuade appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, to overturn his conviction. Lake is now scheduled to resentence Skilling on June 21. U.S. Department of Justice spokesman Peter Carr said the sentencing agreement “ensures that Mr. Skilling will be appropriately punished for his crimes and that victims will ﬁnally receive the restitution they deserve. Mr. Skilling will no longer be permitted to challenge his conviction for one of the most notorious frauds in American history.”

Speedy gang stole $45M worldwide through ATMs after hacking into prepaid debit cards, feds say N

EW YORK — A worldwide gang of criminals stole $45 million in a matter of hours by hacking their way into a database of prepaid debit cards and then draining cash machines around the globe, federal prosecutors said Thursday — and outmoded U.S. card technology may be partly to blame. Seven people are under arrest in the U.S. in connection with the case, which prosecutors said involved thousands of thefts from ATMs using bogus magnetic swipe cards carrying information from

Middle Eastern banks. The fraudsters moved with astounding speed to loot ﬁnancial institutions around the world, working in cells including one in New York, Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch said. he called it “a massive 21st-century bank heist” carried out by brazen thieves. One of the suspects was caught on surveillance cameras, his backpack increasingly loaded down with cash, authorities said. Others took photos of themselves with giant wads of bills as they made their

way up and down Manhattan. Here’s how it worked: Hackers got into bank databases, eliminated withdrawal limits on pre-paid debit cards and created access codes. Others loaded that data onto any plastic card with a magnetic stripe — an old hotel key card or an expired credit card worked ﬁne as long as it carried the account data and correct access codes. A network of operatives then fanned out to rapidly withdraw money in multiple cities, authorities said. The cells would take a

cut of the money, then launder it through expensive purchases or ship it wholesale to the global ringleaders. Lynch didn’t say where they were located. It appears no individuals lost money. The thieves plundered funds held by the banks that back up prepaid credit cards, not individual or business accounts, Lynch said. She called it a “virtual criminal ﬂash mob,” and a security analyst said it was the biggest ATM fraud case she had heard of.

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BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY

BlackBerry goes back to the future with the Q10 W

ith reports that BlackBerry’s (BBRY) Z10 is not staunching the company’s decline in the smartphone market, BlackBerry’s next best hope for a comeback could lie with a handset with a retro feature — a physical keypad. BlackBerry’s Q10 is its ﬁrst next-generation smartphone, running the new BlackBerry 10 operating system, to have physical buttons for typing texts and emails and for other applications. BlackBerry built its brand on selling mobile phones with small Qwerty keyboards. The rounded buttons on the handsets even resembled the surface of blackberry fruit, hence the name. A big question is whether smartphone users have gotten too used to typing on virtual keyboards on glass touch-screens like Apple’s (AAPL) iPhone and its many imitators to go back. Are there are enough people

who want the tactile feel of a physical alphanumeric keypad to make the Q10 a success? The Q10 will appeal to a limited audience of die-hard BlackBerry customers who are still using BlackBerry keypad phones like the Curve, says Avi Greengart, an analyst with

research ﬁrm Current Analysis. “These are BlackBerry’s hard-core users and they’re also BlackBerry’s most proﬁtable users,” Greengart said. They are email- and productivity-centric users who don’t desire a lot of apps, like typical consumers, he said. Their handsets are often tied to a corporate server. The Q1 should shore up this core BlackBerry market, he said. Outside of the corporate users, some consumers still prefer phones with buttons. “There’s a small contingent of people who insist on a physical keyboard because they like the tactile feedback,” Greengart said. “I’ve talked to women with long nails who say the physical keyboards are better for them than virtual (keyboards).” The Q10 is available now in the U.K. and Canada. The U.S. launch is slated for late May, starting with

T-Mobile USA (TMUS). Other key markets such as the Middle East and South Africa will get the Q10 in midMay. Paciﬁc Crest Securities analyst James Faucette described the Q10 launch in the U.K. and Canada as “messy.” In a research note Tuesday, Faucette said his checks of retail stores in those countries found “spotty” availability of the product, with many retailers not knowing when they’d be receiving new supplies or even initial shipments. “We believe that initial shipment and sell-through volumes of the Q10 were just about one-half of those for the Z10,” Faucette wrote. “While we believe a lack of demand certainly played a role, a clear view on sellthrough has also been clouded by low overall shipment volumes and inconsistent distribution.”

Facebook in talks to buy Israel’s Waze for up to $1 billion F

acebook Inc is in advanced talks to acquire Israeli mobile satellite navigation start-up Waze for $800 million to $1 billion, business daily Calcalist reported. The deal, which would be Facebook’s largest acquisition, would give the social networking company a mapping service and allow it to better compete with Google Inc and Apple Inc. Maps and navigation services have become a key asset for technology companies as consumers increasingly adopt smartphones and other mobile devices. Waze uses satellite signals from members’ smartphones to generate maps and trafﬁc data, which it then shares with other users, offering real-time trafﬁc info. Due diligence between Waze and Facebook is underway after a term sheet was signed, Calcalist said, adding that talks began six months ago.

Officials at Waze and Facebook declined to comment on the report. Facebook’s largest deal to date is the September acquisition of photo-sharing app, Instagram. Facebook agreed to buy the company for $1 billion in cash and stock, though the actual price it paid was $715 million due to declines in Facebook’s share price. The four-year-old Waze, which has 47 million users, has raised $67 million in funding to date from firms including Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Blue Run Ventures and semiconductor company Qualcomm Inc. “A lot of these companies want to own mapping services as opposed to licensing. The advantage is that you could personalize it to your business,” said Raymond James analyst Aaron Kessler. For Facebook, which has shifted its focus to developing “mobile-first” products, having loca-

YouTube starts paid subscription service G

oogle’s YouTube video service is dipping its toe into pay television by starting on Thursday a subscription service with 30 content creators, including children’s programmers Sesame Street and Muppet creator The Jim Henson Co, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. YouTube, the world’s largest video website, allows creators to set subscription fees and accept advertisements, at their discretion, for the channels they create. For $4.99 a month, subscribers can get golf lessons from the PGA Golf Academy. The Laugh Factory charges $2.99 for clips of stand-up comedy routines and Henson charges $2.99 for full length episodes of “Sid The Science Kid” and “Fraggle Rock.” YouTube has spoken repeatedly about its in-

tent to experiment with paid channels, and has made no secret about its intent to be a major player in quality content. “If feels to me as if history is repeating itself, said Tony Vinciquerra, former chairman of News Corp’s Fox Networks Group. “In the early ‘80s cable providers subsidized channels to enhance offerings to consumers and increase penetration. Fast forward to today, and YouTube is subsidizing the development of new content offerings.” YouTube will feature content from traditional TV and ﬁlm producers, company executives said, and at the launch featured children’s videos from National Geographic and videos from cable channel HDNet. That could eventually be a threat to cable

tion-based services is important, said Kessler. There had been media reports earlier this year that Apple was in talks to acquire Waze. In September, Apple replaced the Google Maps app that once came pre-loaded on iPhones with a new maps service that Apple had created in-house. The Apple maps service contained embarrassing errors, drew ﬁerce criticism from consumers and reviewers, and forced Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook to offer a public apology. Waze and Facebook partnered in October 2012 when Waze released an updated version of its social mapping and trafﬁc app that allows users to share their drive with their Facebook friends. Waze has 11 of its 100 employees based in the United States, with the remaining staff in Israel. This would be Facebook’s third acquisition in Israel. It bought Snaptu in 2011 for $70 million and Face.com in 2012 for $60 million.

and TV operators, but no time soon, said Richard Greenﬁeld, a media analyst with BTIG LLC. “I think everyone who creates video programming should be worried about the growth of new content channels,” he said. “Broadcast TV has been hurt by cable. Broadcast is still a very large business despite fragmentation.” Content creators will get most of their revenue from subscriptions, as they already do from advertising on the site, according to company ofﬁcials. In March, YouTube said on its blog that it has more than 1 billion unique users a month. The new subscription service will be available in 10 countries at launch. YouTube has spent more than $100 million to help about 150 media partners create and promote specialized YouTube video channels dedicated to topics ranging from food to sports. “Consumers have gotten used to getting their content on the web,” said Laura Martin, senior analyst with Needham and Co. “The question is whether they will pay for it.”

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Sports LOCAL

Undefeated GT Stallions, defending champions Five Cays Flyers battle for PABA title

he PABA best of seven series league ﬁnals was set to kick off with back-to-back games starting on Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11 at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex starting 7 p.m. The ﬁnials are being contested by the undefeated Grand Turk Stallions and the 2012 champions Five Cays Flyers. The ‘Brother’ Will-coached Grand Turk stallions are currently 25 and 0 this season. Will take on the 2012 champions Five cays Flyers from FLYERNATION. ‘Brother’ Will is no strangers to winning the league having coached the Kingston Lions to championship honours in 2011, only to be robbed of a consecutive title by the athletic Flyers in 2012. After last year’s denial of the title, the Lions rebranded their team and renamed it the GT Stal-

lions, which boasts more than 95 percent of players from the capital. The fearless Flyers deﬁed all the odds, even after being whipped by the Stallions on two occasions, in the regular season, and leaving one of the title favourites the Harbor Boys, at bay, to advance to the ﬁnals. The youthful looking Ira Taylor, with his dominant rebounding style and supported by Marcuson lightbourne and Tamaurri lightbourne will lead the Stallions, while aggressive Ehli Seymour and speedster Anthony cash, Darin Williams and Anthony Pratt will try to run rings around the seasoned Stallions. The Friday night encounter will be the feature of a double header. The curtain raiser was sched-

uled to be between Supersonics and the Nazarene Rising Star Ballers. Saturday night’s game will also be a double header. The first encounter will be the final of the High School League featuring defending champions Clement Howell Eagles and Maranatha. Both teams advanced to the finals after sweeping their opponents in hotly contested semifinals. Clement Howell High School are the two time defending champions, after defeating Maranatha in the finals on both occasions. New coach Trevor Cooke will depend on star players Dwayne Hamilton, Raymeko Smith and Trayvaughn Penn, while the Eagles coach Kevin Harvey will bank on his top charges Peterson Sylvain, Guy Joseph and Wesley Cherry.

Women’s Beach Soccer League heats up T

he Captain Marvins Women’s Beach Soccer League reached the halfway stage and competition is certainly heating up as three teams are now level on points at the top of the league table. The Purple Pirates now lead the completion on goal difference courtesy of their 6-2 victory over the previous leaders, the Pink Mermaids. The Blue Knights also put themselves in contention after a nail-biting 6-5 victory over the Great White Sharks. This was the second time in succession that the Sharks have lost in overtime and will consider themselves unlucky not to have claimed their first victory of the season, leading 5-3 with just five minutes to go, victory was on the cards but Yarielca De La Cruz denied the sharks victory as she inspired her team to a dramatic comeback. The game was an open affair as De La Cruz gave the Marlins a 2-0 lead before goals from Simone Smith and Aylssa Laing leveled the score at 2-2 after the first period. Jancillia Cox scored twice and Smith added another for the Sharks whilst Amise Phanord scored for the Marlins to set up an intense final few minutes as De La Cruz came to the fore to level the game with two well-placed shots, sending the game into overtime. Both teams had chances to score in the final period but it was De La Cruz who settled

Action from the Beach Soccer League matters with a fierce free-kick that flew into the roof of the net. The White Sharks still languish at the foot of the table, but they are definitely imnproving and will still have a good chance of making the championship final if they can pick up a couple of wins during the coming weeks. The second game would determine who would end the day at the top of the table as the undefeated league leaders and last year’s cham-

pions the Pink Pirates took on the Purple Pirates. The Pirates started in fine style and took a three goal lead before the Mermaids sprang into action. Waldine Pierre, Sydnee Campbell and Sarah Cenary scored for the Pirates before Kadine Delphin scored an impressive volley and Gaya Smith added another as the Mermaids reduced the deficit to 3-2 going into the final period. However, the Pirates held firm in defence and three

more goals from Cenary was enough to ensure a hard fought 6-2 victory over the Mermaids. At the half way stage it is difﬁcult to predict which two teams will secure the top two spots and a place in the Grand Final as every team is capable of beating each other, however whatever the outcome the standard of play continues to improve as the ever increasing crowds are being entertained by the skill, passion and excitement on display.

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LOCAL SPORTS

Women can make a difference at FIFA T

he introduction of a female seat on FIFA’s executive committee is a significant step in gender inequality being eradicated from the game and not a token position, Australian candidate Moya Dodd told Reuters. A female seat on the executive committee was first proposed by FIFA president Sepp Blatter in 2011 before being adopted a year later with the first election due to take place this month. Dodd, a former player, commentator and current lawyer, is up for the role but faces competition. Also in the running are New Zealand’s Paula Kearns, Sonia Bien-Aime of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Lydia Nsekera, the President of the Burundi Football Association, who has been the co-opted member of FIFA ExCo since 2012. The successful candidate will be decided by a vote at the FIFA Congress in Mauritius on May 31 and Dodd believes whoever wins the seat on the all-powerful board, which rules on the sport’s significant issues, must seize the opportunity. “For me personally it would be a very significant step. I hope that whoever takes the seat makes a real tangible contribution and I suppose exceeds expectation as to what she can contribute,” Dodd told Reuters. “There are some absolutely outstanding women in football globally, some aspiring, very competent women and it would be great to see that contribution happening in the FIFA ExCo, the top table of world football.” FIFA has faced accusations of sexism in the past. In 2004, Blatter drew outrage when he suggested women footballers should wear tighter shorts. In March, anti-corruption expert and member of FIFA’s reform committee Alexandra Wrage accused the world governing body of ‘blatant sexism’ after she said an unnamed FIFA official told

Sonia Bien-Aime of the Turks and Caicos Islands her that it was not acceptable for a woman to hold such a role in the organisation. She resigned in April. Dodd said that women had long faced struggles at all levels in the game but that the newly-created role was not an attempt by FIFA to plaster over past sexism accusations. “Is it a token position? I wouldn’t treat it as that. If you are given an opportunity to contribute to the top table then you have got to make the most of that opportunity. “I do think the football world is tilted against women from the time they begin to play or don’t, as the case may be, right through to the opportunities for coaching, refereeing and other non playing on-ﬁeld activities through to the governance structures, committee rooms and boardrooms. “That is the world we live in and that’s why it’s so important that these positions are being created for female members around the world. “I have sat in boardrooms and it is easy for women’s football to slip off the agenda or become a low priority. If we have women in the boardroom advocating for it, then it is going to be much be much better represented and I hope I can do it.” Blatter was in Kuala Lumpur to see Dodd elect-

ed unopposed to the role of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) vice president on Thursday. The 77-year-old Swiss hailed Asia for including women in senior positions with Dodd and Bangladesh’s Mahfuza Akhter being joined on the AFC’s executive committee on Thursday by North Korea’s Han Un-gyong and Susan Shalabi Molano of Palestine. “What a realisation after 108 years, what a patience for the women and what a stubborn organisation for men not to accept women in their organisation but this will be changed now,” Blatter told AFC delegates last week about the newly-created FIFA seat. Understandably, Dodd is keen not to be pigeonholed. She has assembled an impressive resume, which includes a victory over Brazil in FIFA’s women’s invitational tournament in 1988, three years before the inaugural women’s World Cup. “One day I would love to get to the point where your gender is not a matter of comment,” said the 48-year-old, who ﬁrst joined the AFC in 2007, shortly after Australia’s inclusion in the confederation. “I don’t want to be famous for being female, I would just like to be good at what I do and become known for having made a contribution but that day is some way off.” Also some way off, but inevitable, is a time when men and women will go head-to-head for roles in FIFA, she says. “All things happen eventually, but it would be a long time. So creating seats for female members will accelerate something that would otherwise be a very slow process. “I’m not sure when you will get to the stage where female members are challenging for the seats that are not reserved for them. But this is a step towards it, so it’s a good thing.”

KB Homes, Jaguar out front in HAB Cricket League T

he Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket Association T20 competition sponsored by HAB Group commenced on Saturday 4th May 2013 at the Down Town Ball Park, Providenciales. The ﬁrst match KB Homes against JamTurk. Jamturk who won the toss and elected to Bat and were bowled out for paltry 105 runs from 17.1 Overs the top scorers were Douglas Brown with 28 runs which consist of 5x4 and Daryl Williams with 10 runs. Bowling for KB Homes, Mark Butler captured 3 wickets for 30 runs from 4 overs and Paul McKenzie claimed 2 wickets for 17 runs from 4 overs. In reply KB Homes reached 106 runs from 9.4 overs with Gareth Butler scoring and unbeaten in 52 runs and Paul Collis not out with 17 runs. Bowling for Jamturk Calvin Aaron took 1 wicket for 12 runs for 1.4 overs and Delano Hall had 1 wicket for 22 runs from 2 overs. Meanwhile on Sunday as the competition continue at the same venue Kischo won the toss and asked Jaguars to take ﬁrst strike who then were dismissed for a respectable 174 runs from 19.4 overs top scorers were Mark Austin with 47 runs which was decorated with 6x4 and 1x6 and Terrence Thomas with 32 runs comprised 5x4. Bowling for Kischo, Vinod Panikar bagged 3 wickets for 41 runs from 4 overs and Pawankumar took 3 wickets for 31 runs from 4 overs. When Kishco batted they made a valiant ef-

The Jaguars tea fort but fell short and were Bowled out for 158 runs from 20 overs. Vasu Rao top scorer with 43 runs 5x4 and Pawankumar contributed 5x4 and 1x6 and Lyod Lynch added 20.

Bowling for Jaguars Wineck Caleb snatched 3 wickets from 28 runs from 4 overs and Terrence Thomas 1 wicket for 15 runs from 3 overs. Man of the Match Terrence Thomas.

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Sports CARIBBEAN

Usain Bolt returns to action at Cayman Invitational but disappoints with winning 100m time of 10.09 seconds

sain Bolt began his season with a 100 metres victory at the Cayman Invitational but the triple Olympic champion was far from happy with his modest winning time of 10.09sec. “I’m always disappointed if I don’t run under 10 seconds,” admitted the Jamaican, who edged out compatriot Kemar Bailey-Cole in a photo ﬁnish at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex on Grand Cayman in a slight tailwind of +0.3m/s. Bailey-Cole also clocked 10.09sec with Antiguan Daniel Bailey taking third place in 10.23sec. Bolt was forced to pull out of the Kingston Invitational last Saturday with a minor hamstring strain but he refused to blame his sluggish performance on the injury. “I felt it slightly,” he said. “It wasn’t a bothering pain so I can’t blame it

USAIN BOLT on that. “I just did not feel the power from the blocks and when I got to 50

metres it wasn’t the normal race. “It was just a bad race. I just have to

go back and figure out with my coach what went wrong.” Bolt, who was slow out of his blocks and never seemed to find top gear, took comfort from the fact that last year’s season began in a similar vein when he opened with a lacklustre 10.04sec at the Golden Spike meeting in Ostrava before clocking a super-fast 9.76sec at the Rome Golden Gala five days later. “Last year was the same thing and I bounced back very well, so now I just have to figure out the problem and just move from there,” he said. In the women’s 100m, American Carmelita Jeter triumphed in a world-leading time of 10.95 to beat compatriot Barbara Pierre, who ran 11.02sec. Jamaican Kerron Stewart was third in 11.10sec.

Darren Sammy replaced as West Indies captain for Champions Trophy BY EZRA STUART

ypical team man he is, Darren Sammy has pledged his “unwavering support” to fellow all-rounder Dwayne Bravo who was named to succeed him as West Indies One-Day International (ODI) captain for next month’s Champions Trophy in England. Sammy retains his place in the 15-member squad announced by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and will continue as Test and Twenty20 captain. Wicket-keeper Denesh Ramdin will be Bravo’s deputy for the June 6-23 tournament in England. Also selected in the squad are rookie Barbados fast bowler Jason Holder, experienced batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan and the Windward Islands pair of Johnson Charles and Devon Smith, who was the leading batsman in the just-ended Regional Super50 Championship. Kieran Powell of the Leeward Islands was not considered for selection due to a ﬁnger injury, paving the way for the recall of Smith, who played the last of his 42 ODIs in which he averaged 26.68, two years ago against Pakistan. Sammy, who is currently having his maiden stint in the Indian Premier League, immediately congratulated Bravo and said he would give the

DWAYNE BRAVO new ODI captain his full support. “He can be assured of my unwavering commitment to the team and our plans to be champions of One-Day cricket,” said Sammy, who has taken 69 wickets in 92 ODIs at 42.4 runs apiece and scored 1 143 runs at an average of 21.16. In accepting the job, Bravo, who led the side to a 3-0 home series win against Zimbabwe earlier this year when Sammy was rested, said he was honoured and truly humbled to have been appointed. “I am really looking forward to the opportunity to lead a great team that

has a combination of young talent and experienced players . . . . “The brand of cricket that I intend to bring is a never-say-die attitude and I am really looking forward to the opportunity,” Bravo said. “I must say congratulations to Sammy in his leadership of the team and I am very happy to be taking over from him. I am even happier that he remains in the team and I am looking forward to working with him along with the team management and all the players, especially vice-captain Denesh Ramdin, Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Kieron Pollard and Marlon Samuels,” Bravo added. Bravo has appeared in 137 ODIs, scoring 2 311 runs at 23.82 and capturing 160 wickets at an average of 30. In explaining the decision to have separate captains, the WICB revealed in a press release that the selection panel, chaired by Clyde Butts, recommended to the board of directors that Bravo be appointed captain of the OneDay team and that recommendation was approved. “Our results in Tests and T20s have been showing consistent improvement and Sammy deserves every kudos for the work he has done in leading and moulding the team in these formats. We remain conﬁdent in his leadership in these formats and will recommend that he continues as the captain

for Test and T20 cricket,” Butts said. “However, our ODI results have not been as strong and we believe that it is best that we freshen the leadership of the team in this format,” he added. Sammy led the West Indies in 51 ODIs, winning 19 and losing 30 with one no-result and a tie. Under his leadership, the regional side triumphed in only one ODI series outside the Caribbean (2-1 over Bangladesh in 2011). They were beaten in their last four overseas series – 4-1 in India in 2011, 2-0 in England and 3-2 in Bangladesh last year, 5-0 in Australia in February. Butts said Bravo was an experienced, seasoned and senior cricketer who had demonstrated leadership qualities. He has captained the West Indies in a Test match in South Africa while in 10 ODIs as captain, he has won and lost five. “He has served as West Indies vice-captain and has had some success when he has led the West Indies team on occasions. We believe that his transition to the position of captaincy will be a smooth one,” Butts said. “We have every confidence in Bravo as the leader of the ODI team and while his first assignment – the Champions Trophy – will be a challenging one we believe he will receive the full support of the players and the team management for a successful campaign.

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Sports W

RLD

Talks begin for next Mayweather fight

ust a few days removed from welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s dismantling of interim titleholder Robert Guerrero on Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN. com on Thursday that he already is working on Mayweather’s next fight. Schaefer said he is hopeful of finalizing a fight between Mayweather, the pound-for-pound king, and unified junior middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, a match that looms as one of the biggest in boxing. I am working on the fight,” Schaefer said. “I’m crunching the numbers. You should see my calculator -- it’s red-hot. I am working on a lot of fights, but this is my No. 1 priority.” Schaefer, who promotes Alvarez and works with the 36-year-old Mayweather (44-0, 26 KOs) on a fightby-fight basis -- but has promoted all seven of his fights since 2007 -wants to make the fight. “This is something I am pursuing and I am having conversations with

FLOYD MAYWEATHER both sides,” Schaefer said. “Canelo wants the fight and Floyd has never turned down an opponent.” When Mayweather announced in December that he would fight on May 4, he also said he would fight twice in 2013 with the second date, Sept. 14, back at the MGM Grand. It’s an ideal date to face Alvarez, one of

Mexico’s biggest stars, because it is the weekend of Mexican Independence Day, a traditional weekend for a major fight involving a top Mexican fighter. Mayweather’s fights against Victor Ortiz (2011) and Juan Manuel Marquez (2009) were on the same weekend. Alvarez (42-0-1, 30 KOs), 22, cemented his status as the top 154-pounder in the world on April 20 when he outpointed Austin Trout to unify two world titles in front of a sold-out crowd of 39,247 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Mayweather has not fought twice in a four-month span since 2003, but reiterated at the news conference after beating Guerrero that he planned to return quickly. “We’re going to be back in September,” Mayweather said. Mayweather has been on talk shows this week also saying he would fight again in September. The fight would be the second of Mayweather’s 30-month deal with Showtime/CBS for up to six fights, which he signed earlier this year after leaving longtime TV home HBO.

One of the key stumbling blocks to making a Mayweather-Alvarez fight, however, will be settling on the weight. Mayweather is the welterweight champion -- 147 pounds -who has twice won junior middleweight belts but never has weighed more than 151 pounds for either of those 154-pound maximum fights. Alvarez is a big junior middleweight and has said he was not interested in negotiating a catchweight that would require him to fight at a weight lower than 154. Whomever Mayweather fights in September, Schaefer said he needed to get the fight finalized in the next few weeks in order to launch the promotion properly. Alvarez initially was supposed to fight Trout on the Mayweather-Guerrero undercard as long as he had a signed deal from Mayweather promising him the next fight, provided he beat Trout and Mayweather beat Guerrero. Mayweather, however, declined to sign the deal and Alvarez-Trout was instead moved to its own card on April 20 and did big business.

Kobe says his mom was not given permission to sell his stuff C

AMDEN, N.J. -- Kobe Bryant is playing some of his toughest defense yet, demanding his mother keeps her hands off his merchandise. Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers guard, said in a court filing that he never gave his mother permission to sell mementos from his high school days and early professional basketball career. Bryant is in a court battle over whether hundreds of items - from high school jerseys to trophies and championship rings - can be auctioned off. Pamela Bryant said the NBA star told her the memorabilia was hers. She arranged earlier this year to auction it off through Berlin, N.J.-based Goldin Auctions and received a $450,000 advance. Last week, lawyers for the son wrote to the auction house demanding it cease the June sale. Goldin is suing to assert its right to sell. In a filing Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Camden, Kobe Bryant says his mother acknowledged to him recently that she did not have permission to sell the items. The suit was filed there because the auction house is located in southern New Jersey. Goldin dubbed the auction ‘’The Bryant Collection,’’ and the main page of its website shows three Lower Merion uniforms from his high school days and one familiar No. 8 Lakers jersey. There’s even a surfboard from when he won a

KOBE BRYANT Teen Choice award among the roughly 100 items listed. ‘’I never told my mother that she could have my personal property, let alone consign it for public auction,’’ Bryant wrote in the ﬁling. He also posted on Twitter, ‘’When u give Give GIVE and they take Take TAKE at wat point do u draw a line in the sand? (hash) hurtbeyondmeasure (hash) gavemenowarning (hash) love?’’ According to court ﬁlings, Pamela Bryant struck a deal in January with Goldin, which earlier this year sold a rare Honus Wagner baseball card for a record $2.1 million. She received $450,000 up front, which she intended to use for a new home in Nevada.

In its court filings, Goldin says Pamela Bryant told the auction house that she asked her son five years ago what he wanted to do with the items that were in her home. ‘’Kobe Bryant indicated to Pamela Bryant that the items belonged to her and that he had no interest in them,’’ the auction house’s attorneys wrote. So she put them in a $1,500-per-month New Jersey storage unit. The challenge came Tuesday when Goldin sent a news release announcing the auction. By day’s end, Kobe Bryant’s lawyer had sent a cease-and-desist letter telling the auction house to call off the sale and return the items to him. Kenneth Goldin, owner of the auction house, says he can’t cancel the auction because he’s already advanced $450,000 to Bryant’s mother and put money into advertising the auction. Kobe Bryant’s lawyer Mark Campbell said in a statement, ‘’Mr. Bryant’s personal property has ended up in the possession of someone who does not lawfully own it. We look forward to resolving this legal matter through the legal system.’’ Bryant has had a sometimes icy relationship with his mother and father, Joe ‘’Jellybean’’ Bryant, a former pro basketball player who is now coaching in Thailand. In the court filing, it states that the husband and wife are overseas this week.

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WORLD SPORTS

David Moyes leaving Everton to manage Man United M

ANCHESTER, England -- David Moyes inherited one of the toughest and most coveted jobs in soccer on Thursday - succeeding Alex Ferguson as manager of mighty Manchester United. Moyes is leaving Everton to join the 20-time English champions. He has a six-year contract and will take charge of the newly crowned Premier League champs on July 1. ‘’It’s a great honor to be asked to be the next manager of Manchester United,’’ Moyes said in a statement. ‘’I am delighted that Sir Alex saw ﬁt to recommend me for the job. I have great respect for everything he has done and for the football club.’’ Ferguson announced on Wednesday he is retiring after nearly 27 years at Old Trafford. ‘’I know how hard it will be to follow the best manager ever, but the opportunity to manage Manchester United isn’t something that comes around very often and I’m really looking forward to taking up the post next season.’’ The 50-year-old Moyes is replacing the most successful manager in British soccer history. Ferguson produced 13 of United’s 20 English titles and a string of other titles, including

DAVID MOYES two European Cups. Moyes’ arrival should help ensure a smooth transition, with the managing job passing from one Scotsman to another. The 71-year-old Ferguson remains at United as a director. ‘’When we discussed the candidates that we felt had the right attributes we unanimously agreed on David Moyes,’’ Ferguson said. ‘’David is a man of great integrity with a strong work ethic. I’ve admired his work for a long time and approached him as far back as 1998 to discuss the position of assistant manager here.’’ The former Celtic player made the switch to management at Preston North End in 1998. His club

was promoted to the League Championship two years later. He joined Everton in 2002 and turned the Merseyside club from a relegation contender into a regular qualiﬁer for European competition. In 2005, he guided the club into the qualifying rounds of the Champions League. Ferociously ambitious and with a sharp eye for emerging talent, Moyes has kept Everton near the top of the Premier League despite limited money to attract the best players. ‘’There is no question he has all the qualities we expect of a manager at this club,’’ Ferguson said. Moyes has shown loyalty and staying power in his 11 years with Everton - attributes that should suit him well in his next job. United is trying to avoid any radical changes to its structure after Ferguson joins the boardroom when the season ends. United is owned by the Glazer family, which will be relying on Moyes to maintain the club as a force in global soccer. In particular, it wants to make sure the team can service debts of $572 million, accord-

ing to the latest financial results. ‘’His hard-working style and steely determination are characteristics we value at the club,’’ co-chairman Joel Glazer said. ‘’He has impressed as a coach for many years now and we strongly believe he will be able to take up from where Alex is leaving off by continuing this club’s tradition of flair football played by exciting, world class players.’’ As well as his league titles and European Cups, Ferguson has won five FA Cups, four League Cups and the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup. ‘’I have always said that we wanted the next manager to be a genuine Manchester United man,’’ said former United striker Bobby Charlton, who is now a club director. ‘’In David Moyes, we have someone who understands the things that make this such a special club. ‘’We have secured a man who is committed to the long-term and will build teams for the future as well as now. Stability breeds success. David has tremendous strength of character and recognizes the importance of bringing young players through and developing them alongside world class talent. At United, I think David will be able to express himself.’’

Denver’s Karl named NBA Coach of the Year D

ENVER — Selfless and starless. These were the staples of the exhilarating Denver Nuggets’ NBA franchise-record 57-win regular season. George Karl kept with that theme Wednesday, sharing the credit far and wide after being named the league’s Coach of the Year for the first time in his quarter century as an NBA head coach. Karl thanked everyone from his middle school coach who got him into the game to his good friend, the late Rick Majerus, in an emotional news conference at the Pepsi Center. He credited Nuggets players, assistant coaches, scouts, trainers, front office, ownership and support staff as he eyed the bronze Red Auerbach Trophy in front of him. “What I hope is everybody understands this is not about me. It’s about a lot of people and a lot of people in my past and I am proud to have that trophy,” Karl said. The trophy depicts the architect of the great Boston Celtics teams back in the fledgling days of the NBA, Auerbach sitting at one end of the bench with his trademark cigar in his right hand, a rolled up program in his left. There’s a life-sized statue of it in Boston and Karl said he sat there once, imagining this very day. “When I was told of the award about a week ago, it was a very humbling, emotional experience, because it made me think about my career,” Karl said. “... A lot of times I wanted to win it and never did win it and now I’ve gotten calloused to winning it. And now I win it because this was probably in my career the most ‘oneness’ of an organization, a basketball team, a coaching staff, a support staff, administrative staff.

“I get the award in my name but it is totally because of the ‘oneness’ that we brought to the table this season.” Karl worked wonders with a lineup that lacked an All-Star, was beset by injuries to several starters and twisted its way through a brutal early-season schedule in which 22 of the team’s ﬁrst 32 games were on the road. Relying on an old-school up-tempo offense and a deep bench that wore out opponents, especially at altitude, the Nuggets led the league in scoring, fast break production and points in the paint with nary a dominant scorer — Ty Lawson led Denver with 16.7 points a game, which ranked 31st in the league. They went an NBA-best 38-3 at home, winning their last 23 games at the Pepsi Center in the regular season and going 24-4 overall after the AllStar break. The third-seeded Nuggets sorely missed forward Danilo Gallinari (knee) in the playoffs, however, and they lost in six games to Stephen Curry and the sixth-seeded Golden State Warriors. That was their fourth straight ﬁrst-round exit and the most disheartening in Karl’s 8½ seasons in Denver. “It was an incredible season. That’s why the disappointment is so immense,” Karl said. “I wake up every morning depressed. I woke up about 6 o’clock, I was hoping for sunshine and I got rain and it didn’t make me feel very good, and then I said, ‘Oh, God, I’ve got to put a suit and tie on. ... “Hopefully, come next Oct. 1 ... we’ll move on knowing that we have a great young basketball team that is growing, that got better this season,

GEORGE KARL that improved at such a fast rate that we got maybe too cocky and too ahead of ourselves,” Karl said. “And the coaches fall into that category, too. None of us are happy with the result, but I think we’re also motivated by the challenge.” Denver’s 57-25 record was the fourth-best in the league. Karl received 62 ﬁrst-place votes, followed by Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat with 24 votes from a panel of sports writers and broadcasters. New York’s Mike Woodson ﬁnished third and San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich, who won the award last season, was fourth. Karl had 404 votes overall, far outdistancing Spoelstra’s 190. Karl is 1,131-756 in his 25 seasons as head coach and 80-105 in the playoffs. In his time in Denver, Karl is 423-257 in the regular season with three division titles and 21-39 in the playoffs. Karl’s 21 straight non-losing seasons tie Phil Jackson for the longest streak in league history.

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