VOLUME 9 ISSUE 31

AUGUST 19TH - AUGUST 24TH, 2013

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VOLUME 9 - No. 31

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MERVIN COX WINS CASE AGAINST AG

BY HAYDEN BOYCE

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

L

ocal businessman Mervin Cox, and two of his associated companies, Coxco Construction and Coxco Airport Company, have won a significant case which was brought against them by Attorney General Huw Shepheard and lawyers for the Civil Recovery Unit and Special Investigations and Prosecution Team.

Chief Justice Edwin Goldsborough on August 6th handed down a judgment in favour of Cox and his companies and ordered that the Attorney General pay the businessman’s legal costs plus interest.

The case, which was originally heard on May 21st, this year, centered around an originating summons in which the AG was seeking an order that Cox and the two companies disclose the minimum documentation necessary, or in the absence of documents, the minimum information necessary to identify payments made to political parties and/ or government ministers over the period 1998 to 2010.

This covered a period when both the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) and the Progressive National Party (PNP) were in power.

In a ruling that was delivered in a hushed and expectant courtroom, the Chief Justice said that lawyers for the Attorney General made a “fall at the first hurdle”.

LOBSTER SEASON OPENED IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS ON THURSDAY 15TH AUGUST 2013.

In a message to mark the occasion, Minister of Home Affairs and the Envoronment, Hon. Amanda Missick said there is no doubt that fishermen, plant operators, and exporters as well as islanders look forward to this season.

She noted that the season this year is shorter than previous years, because in recent years, DEMA has recorded a significantly decline in the lobster catch.

In order to allow lobsters adequate time to complete their reproductive cycles and facilitate the recovery of the stocks, the opening of season was post-

poned until August 15th. The season will close at its usual time on March 31st, which is just prior to the commencement of breeding cycles.

Missick said she realized that the shortened season will cause some difficulty for stakeholders; however, these measures are necessary to ensure the recovery of lobster stocks, in accordance with sound principles of sustainable management of our fisheries.

In this photograph, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing poses with a lobster at the Fish Plant in Five Cays.

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Lord Ashcroft does not believe in inherited wealth PAGE 6

SIPT lead lawyer Phillip Misick heads lawsuit against United Nations slams Premier and Integrity Commission condemn detention PNP Ministers centers Chairman PAGE 16

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MERVIN COX WINS CASE AGAINST AG CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The Chief Justice stated: “They (lawyers for the Attorney General) have not demonstrated that they have a case of wrongdoing, or an arguable case of wrongdoing, against the defendants (Cox and the companies) based on the material they put before this court.

It is clear who it is said was guilty of wrongdoing, but the plaintiff (Attorney General) has not established that they have even an arguable case against those defendants based on the material placed before the court. This plaintiff (Attorney General Huw Shepheard) in this application, as set out earlier, had to show that a wrong, or an arguable wrong, had been done and they have, in my view, failed to demonstrate that on the balance of probabilities. This summons is dismissed.”

Cox and the companies were represented by Conrad Griffiths, QC, Stephen Rubin, QC, and David Cadman, while the AG was represented by David Phillips, QC, Laurence Harris, Patrick Patterson and Khalila Astwood.

The Chief Justice noted that he did not, “for obvious reasons not heard counsel on the question of costs and so order that, in the absence of any request to be heard on costs, the plain-

tiff (AG) shall pay the costs of the defendants (Cox and companies) such costs to be agreed or taxed.

Up to press time, neither Cox nor his business partners could be reached for comment, by when contacted by The SUN, Queen’s Counsel Conrad Griffiths said: “Our clients are pleased that the claim seeking disclosure of documents has been dismissed. Our clients now look forward to working on their core businesses and to putting this matter behind them. They will not be making further public comment.”

Meantime, not many details of the Cox and Coxco case were made public because an application was made during the hearing for the proceedings to be held in the judge’s Chambers and without the presence of the media. Lawyers for both sides agreed that such an order was “appropriate in the circumstances”.

According to the Chief Justice’s judgment, the basis of that agreement is that there is no formal complaint contained in any writ taken out against any of the three named defendants (Cox and his companies).

The country’s top judge stressed: “The allegation implicitly contained within this application is therefore not yet public. That allegation will or may become public dependent on the

Millionaire Turks and Caicos Islands businessman Mervin Cox won case brought by Civil Recovery Unit and SIPT. determination of this application. If the application is successful the allegation will become public. If the application is unsuccessful then the parties agree that the allegation should not have been aired in public.”

The court also ordered and further determined that two versions of the judgment be produced; one a judgment in full for the parties, and the second, a judgment setting out the principles considered in the application and the determination of the court without specific allegations of conduct appearing in the latter for publication.

The case against Cox and the two companies was the latest in a string of high profile cases which were lost by the Attorney General cases in recent times, the most being a landmark case against former Minister of Natural Resources, McAllister “Piper” Hanchell whose case of unjust enrichment was dismissed by Supreme Court judge, Madame Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale.

On Friday July 19th Ramsay-Hale ruled against claims which Attorney General Huw Shepheard and the Civil Recovery Unit brought against the politician and businessman.

The Attorney General had alleged that Hanchell and his company Akita Holdings were unjustly enriched by benefits received from land (at the South Dock Road headquarters of Caicos Oil) being transferred to them by the Crown which was obtained at an undervalue, or alternatively, that Hanchell and his company were in knowing receipt of the land which was transferred to it in breach of a fiduciary duty.

The AG also brought claims against Hanchell and his company for arrears of rent which fell due under the Commercial Conditional Purchase Lease of land in South Caicos. These sums have since been paid, so the AG’s claim was limited to a claim for interest.

During the trial which was heard between June 4th and June 6th, 2013, Hanchell was represented by Queen’s Counsel Ariel Misick of the law firm Misick & Stanbrook, while the Attorney General’s lawyers were British lawyers David Phillips, QC and Patrick Patterson and Khalila Astwood.

In her eight-page judgment, Madame Justice Ramsay-Hale noted that the primary issue which she had to resolve was whether Hanchell acquired the land at an undervalue, because it was that particular allegation that es-

sentially underlies both the claim of unjust enrichment and the claim for knowing receipt.

Ruling in Hanchell’s favour, the judge stated that the AG failed in the claim he brought against Hanchell and his company for “knowing receipt of trust property in respect of the land”.

Madame Justice Ramsay-Hale ruled: “The Crown’s case is that Mr. Hanchell breached his fiduciary duty by taking a lease of Crown Land for a value which he knew, or ought to have known, was wrong and that the Akita (Holdings) received the property with the knowledge of his breach. For the reasons which I have already given, I am not prepared to make such a finding.”

She added: My finding with respect to Mr. Hanchell’s knowledge of the undervalue is not affected by the valuation of 2006 in which Mr. Alwell expresses the opinion that the Land’s value had increased to $600,000. The value he ascribes to the land is still not based on any comparable evidence of value. In my view, in the absence of any comparables or any evidence of sales indicating strong or rising demand for land in the area for commercial purposes which could account for the increase in value, the Court should be slow to dismiss Mr. Hanchell’s evidence that he believed the increase in the value to be attributable to his own investment in the Land.”

The AG also lost a case at the Court of Appeal which ruled that Governor Ric Todd unlawfully suspended Auditor General Albert Edwards from his duties because of circumstances surrounding an investigation into a leak that appeared on the TCI Post.

In a ruling handed down on Thursday January 24th, the Court of Appeal which comprised President Rt. Hon. Edward Zacca, Hon. Mr. Justice Elliott Mottley (who wrote the decision) and Hon. Justice Richard Ground, ruled that “the decision of the Governor dated December 16th 2011 suspending the appellant (Edwards) from the performance of his duties as Chief Auditor was made in breach of the rules of natural justice and is therefore unlawful”.

Queen’s Counsel Ariel Misick of the law firm Misick and Stanbrook appeared for Edwards, while Rhonda-Lee Brathwaite-Knowles appeared for the Governor.

Edwards, a native of St. Kitts, was first appointed the Chief Auditor of the Turks and Caicos Islands in May 2008. On September 16th 2010 a new contract was entered into for a period of two years commencing July 3rd 2010 until July 2nd 2012.

Acting on the advice of Mr. Hugh McGarel-Groves, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the Attorney General Huw Shepheard, Governor Todd informed the Chief Auditor by letter dated December 12th, 2011, that his contract of employment was terminated with immediate effect. The letter of December 12th 2011 was withdrawn and another letter was written by the Governor. This subsequent letter, which is undated, was delivered to Edwards on December 16th.

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LOCAL NEWS

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Lord Ashcroft: ‘I have never been a great believer in inherited wealth’ Conservative peer Michael Ashcroft explains why, like Bill Gates, he is pledging to donate more than half of his money to good causes

BY LORD ASHCROFT

I

have taken the pledge. No, I am not giving up alcohol – I enjoy the occasional glass of fine wine far too much to do that. Instead, I have signed up to The Giving Pledge, thereby making a public promise to donate more than half of my money to good causes.

On Tuesday, it will be formally announced that my name has been added to the list of other like-minded individuals – including Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and Mark Zuckerberg – who have already put their names to the cause.

In the words of the founders’ website: “The Giving Pledge is a commitment by the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to dedicate the majority of their wealth to philanthropy.”

So why have I done this?

My parents instilled in me a work ethic and social responsibility: I believe these values formed the roots of my eventual commitment to philanthropy. During my career as an entrepreneur and businessman, I have been fortunate enough to have created wealth. It is the major proportion of these earnings that I intend to put to good causes over the years and decades ahead. During the Eighties when I started investing in the United States, I discovered that one of the most appealing traits of American life is the tendency of many wealthy individuals to see it as part of their civic duty to support charities.

Over the years, I became a convert to philanthropy and I started donating to deserving and innovative causes. I saw that some of the best ideas to emerge in the US had their roots in charities and the freedom to innovate that they provided.

Philanthropy is, of course, not a modern concept. It was Gamaliel Bailey, the 19th-century American journalist, who wrote: “Never respect men merely for their riches, but rather for their philanthropy; we do not value the sun for its height, but for its use.”

However, Michael E Porter, a business guru from Harvard Business School, was right when he said some years ago: “Billions are wasted on ineffective philanthropy. Philanthropy is decades behind business in applying rigorous thinking to the use of money.”

As a self-made man, I am determined that when I donate to charitable causes, the donation should not be frittered away or lie stagnant in a bank account. I therefore favour in most cases a hands-on approach, driving a charitable project forward in the same way that I would seek to progress with a business.

I also prefer to donate to subjects close to my heart: for example, to fighting crime, to supporting education, and to championing the military in general, and gallantry in particular.

I am proud, for example, that my first major charitable enterprise, Crimestoppers, is this year celebrating the 25th anniversary of its formation, which to date has led to 120,000 arrests.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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 Information Technology and Production Manager: Kelano Howell Design by Design2pro.com

And I am equally proud that a more recent project, the opening of a gallery bearing my name at the Imperial War Museum in London, has enabled tens of thousands of visitors to champion bravery through access to the world’s largest collection of Victoria Crosses and George Crosses, the Commonwealth’s most prestigious gallantry awards.

The Giving Pledge is a moral commitment, not a legal contract. However, I consider my pledge to be binding, as I am sure does everyone else who has made a similar promise. The project resulted from conversations that Bill and Miranda Gates and Warren Buffett had with other philanthropists in the US and abroad.

The pledge is made publicly because the founders’ goal is to talk about giving in an open way and to create an atmosphere that can draw more people into philanthropy.

I would like to see a situation in which the richest members of our society increasingly believe it to be their obligation to support good causes.

The Giving Pledge was founded in 2010 when 40 US billionaires went public with their promise. Since then, dozens of others have signed up to the cause, and earlier this year it was decided that The Giving Pledge would expand its reach globally. It was this decision that has enabled me and other wealthy Britons to join the project begun on the other side of the Atlantic.

There are some very basic “rules” for those who make the pledge, but it is up to individuals to decide whether they want to donate their wealth during their lifetime, after their death, or a mixture of the two.

It is also entirely up to individuals to decide how much they give and which charities and other organisations they support.

The pledge simply asks for an individual to promise more than half of his or her wealth to charitable causes: many have and will continue to exceed this minimum percentage.

The Giving Pledge’s website puts the aims of its founders extremely well: “We live in an exciting time for philanthropy, where innovative approaches and advances in technology have redefined what’s possible. Grassroots movements are proving every day how a single individual, regardless of wealth, can make a lasting impact on the lives of others.”

Similarly, Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, and his wife, who have set up a foundation in their names, have also articulated their reasons for giving away so much of their

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.

fortune. “We have been blessed with good fortune beyond our wildest expectations, and we are profoundly grateful.

“But just as these gifts are great, so we feel a great responsibility to use them well. That is why we are so pleased to join in making an explicit commitment to the Giving Pledge,” they have said.

I have never discussed the amount of my wealth, and would never do so. However, it is public knowledge that I have already donated tens of millions of pounds to good causes. While some of my donations have become public, many others will always remain private.

In my will, I have left instructions about how my estate should be dispersed. When I die, I have decided to leave the majority of my assets to a charitable foundation in my name.

I have never been a great believer in inherited wealth. After my death, my family will be trustees of the foundation so that they will be able to enjoy making donations to worthy causes in my name.

What does my family think of this decision? I have discussed it with them over the years and I am glad to say they wholeheartedly support the move. They fully understand why I am so keen to support good causes as part of my commitment to philanthropy.

I also intend, however, to provide well for my family so that they have a financially secure and, hopefully, happy future. Some selfmade men and women have declared publicly that they will not leave their children a penny in case it spoils them, but I consider this a little harsh.

I take enormous pleasure from giving something back to society and to making a positive difference to other people’s lives. I feel honoured to put my name to The Giving Pledge and I would be delighted if it encouraged others to make a similar commitment to philanthropy in the future. *Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC is a Conservative peer, businessman and author.

(Reproduced from the Telegraph newspaper)

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LOCAL NEWS

SIPT top lawyer heading lawsuit against Integrity Commission chairman

BY HAYDEN BOYCE PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Q

ueen’s Counsel Andrew Mitchell, the lead prosecutor in the Helen Garlick-led Special Investigations and Prosecution Team (SIPT) that is investigation corruption in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is spearheading a team of high profile lawyers who have filed a major law suit against Sir David Simmons, the former Barbados Chief Justice who is presently chairman of this county’s Integrity Commission.

Mitchell, a British lawyer, is now the lead lawyer for Austin “Jack” Warner, Trinidad’s former Acting Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, who has been accused of corruption and committing massive fraud following a Commission of Inquiry that was headed by Sir David earlier this year.

In a twist of irony, Andrew Mitchell, the sharp and flamboyant SIPT lawyer is being retained at a rate of at least US$2000 daily to prosecute allegations of corruption by former TCI government officials, local lawyers and developers arising from a Commission of Inquiry led by Sir Robin Auld.

Mitchell is representing Warner along with Keith Scotland and Asha Watkins-Montserin, said the Trinidadian MP was defamed in the April 2013 report which was done

by Sir David. They want a ”substantial amount” of money in damages.

In a letter dated August 12, 2013, Scotland confirmed that Mitchell is the lead lawyer in the case against Sir David.

The letter stated: “My client (Jack Warner) is concerned about and complains of certain defamatory statements attributable to and/ or published by you and contained in the CONCACAF Integrity- Committee Report of Investigation dated 18 April 2013. The Report was released and made public on 19 April 2013 and also placed on the World Wide Web.” Warner, who left the Trinidad Government a few weeks ago under a cloud of controversy, is now the interim leader of the Independent Liberal Party and the party’s elected Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West, which he won in a by-election. He was in the footballing world one of the foremost leaders of the development of football in the region and was recognised across the world as someone who had done more than anyone to develop the game of Football in the CONCACAF region.

The letter from Andrew Mitchell’s legal team pointed to certain statements in Sir David’s report which allegedly defamed Warner.

Austin “Jack” Warner

Andrew Mitchell, QC

REPORT ACCUSED WARNER OF FRAUD A section of the report stated: “The evidence reviewed by the Integrity Committee establishes that Jack Warner committed fraud against CONCACAF and FIFA in connection with the ownership and development of the Centre of Excellence. Warner committed fraud in (two ways. First Warner secured funds from CONCACAF and FIFA by falsely representing, and intentionally creating a false impression, that the COE was owned by CONCACAF when he knew that the property was in fact owned by his own companies. Second, Warner induced FIFA to transfer funds that were intended for development of the COE to himself personally by falsely representing that the bank accounts to which FIFA should send the funds were CONCACAF accounts when he knew that in fact he controlled them personally.”

Another section of Sir David’s report stated: “CONCACAF and FIFA were both victims of Warner’s fraud. Warner’s conduct was primarily directed at securing funds and a loan guarantee from FIFA, and Warner succeeded in obtaining such funds and guarantee through fraud Warner’s fraudulent conduct also deprived CONCACAF of the financial assistance that FIFA provided to the organization with the intention of supporting CONCACAF *s efforts to develop football in the region. Allocation of these funds to the COE required CONCACAF’s approval which Warner obtained through fraud CONCACAF was also fraudulently induced to undertake obligations to repay funds that Warner obtained for the COE in the form of loans to CONCACAF: In the end\ as a result of his fraudulent conduct. Warner CONCACAF and FIFA of approximately $26 million, and Warner obtained title to the COE property) which rightfully belongs to CONCACF. Andrew Mitchell and his team of lawyers are complaining that all those statements which were

Sir David Simmons made and published about their client mean and were understood to mean that Warner committed the criminal offence of fraud against CONCACAF and FIFA; that he committed the criminal offence of larceny by stealing funds; that he participated and/or acquiesced in criminal activity; that he is dishonest; a fraudster; a criminal; and is not to be trusted.

The letter from Mitchell’s legal partners added: “You have categorised the said statements as findings of fact in the Report and there cannot be disputed that these statements constitute allegations of fact as opposed to comments.

Mr Warner is clear that you knew or ought to have known that any allegation of criminal fraud on his part should have been proven beyond reasonable doubt. However, in the Report, you have deliberately made your most damning findings of criminal culpability on a balance of probabilities, notwithstanding your statement at page 67, paragraph 6.2 of the Report that: “The Committee was not in a position to apply the more stringent tests of proof that would apply to a case in a court of law and hesitates to make dogmatic statements as to the guilt of any person. In that regard, further investigation would be required.”

In the letter which was written to Sir David, Mitchell’s legal team stressed that in light of the numerous clear allegations of fraudulent and criminal conduct, which were also highlighted in the Report’s Executive Summary, they can only conclude that the report was “actuated by a desire to castigate, malign, convict and punish my client by the publication to the world at large of your findings of fact”.

The letter added: “This conclusion is further substantiated by the fact that the Report commissioned and/or paid for by CONCACAF had the appearance of targeted judgment for CONCACAF and in this regard the Report and attendant investigation cannot be described as

independent. In fact the Epilogue to the Report (page \1 3) indicates the true motive of the Report and its Authors in advancing the interests of the new and present CONCACAF administration, when you stated: “... and we hope this investigation and its findings and conclusions assist the new administration of CONCACAF in achieving its worthy objectives - transparency, accountability and integrity. “

WARNER SAYS REPORT CAUSED HIM PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL EMBARRASSMENT Similar to what has occurred to many persons in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Jack Warner’s lawyers said the publication of such defamatory statements has “caused and continues to cause him enormous professional and personal embarrassment, distress and vilification and has adversely affected his professional and political career”.

The letter continued: “For example, in a Reuters report dated 19 April 2013 headlined “Warner and Blazer accused of fraud by CONCACAF”9 it was reported that one CONCACAF delegate described my client and Mr. Chuck Blazer as “white collar thieves” As a consequence of the said damning, unjustifiable, reckless and clearly ii statements published in the local, regional and international media and on the Wide Web, my client’s good name and reputation has been and continues to be damaged. “ Andrew Mitchell and his legal colleagues are demanding an unqualified public retraction of all of the allegations referred to about Jack Warner and a proper apology to him on terms to be agreed. The public apology is required to be released to the international media and placed on the World Wide Web and in a manner no less prominent than the allegations complained of. They also want an undertaking by you never to repeat the said allegations or make similar allegations and the payment of a substantial sum in damages to a charity or charities of Jack Warner’s choice to demonstrate the baselessness of the allegations and to compensate him for the injury to his reputation, financial loss and the considerable distress that he has suffered.

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LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

United Nations critical of detention centres in Turks and Caicos Islands and the Caribbean

BY HAYDEN BOYCE PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

D

etention centres in Caribbean countries, including the Turks and Caicos Islands, have been strongly criticsed and condemned by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights (UNHCR).

In a recent report, the UNHCR says many Caribbean countries are using detention centres are a means of controlling illegal migration and persons fleeing persecution, conflict and other forms of violence.

To this end, the UNHCR is calling upon all governments in the Caribbean to “ensure refugee and asylum-seekers are treated humanely and fairly in a manner consistent with international obligations”.

In a statement, the UNCHR said that at the end of 2012, it had recorded over 2,500 persons intercepted in the Caribbean region over the course of the year.

“Many Caribbean states use detention to control these migration flows within their territories. Overcrowding, poor sanitation and inadequate procedural safeguards cur-

rently characterize immigration detention centers throughout the Caribbean region,” it added.

UNCHR said that it has a global mandate to ensure the protection and fair treatment of persons fleeing persecution, conflict and other forms of violence and that it works with individual states in the Caribbean region to promote regional cooperation to achieve this end.

The agency said that recent reports in the media have drawn attention to conditions in the Carmichael Road Detention Centre in the Bahamas where Cuban and Haitian refugees and asylum-seekers are held. The UNHCR said it was calling upon the Bahamas government “to institutionalize this asylum process into law, making it accessible to persons of all nationalities and to fully implement the reforms proposed to improve detention conditions.

DENTENTION CENTRES USED AS DEFAULT RESPONSE “Similar facilities (to those in The Bahamas) are used throughout the region as the default response to managing migration flows,”the UNHHCR stated.

Another report noted that people of concern to UNHCR continue to move to or through Caribbean countries in mixed migratory flows, the vast majority of whom are people from the sub-region striving to reach North America.

“They often use unseaworthy vessels and need to be rescued at sea. Maritime interceptions by the authorities, often without adequate protection screening and safeguards, are common and may lead to people of concern being forced to disembark in countries unable to provide adequate protection. In some instances they may be sent back to their countries of origin,” the report stated.

The UNHCR also stressed that a significant number of individuals, mostly descendants of Haitians migrants born outside Haiti or children unable to acquire nationality from their mothers due to nationality laws, have become, or are at risk of becoming, stateless in the Caribbean.

UNHCR said its strategy for North America and the Caribbean will focus on consolidating and building on States’ pledges made at the December 2011 Ministerial Conference; maintaining political and financial support for global humanitarian programmes; raising public awareness on priority issues of concern to UNHCR; and gradually increasing private support for global programmes.

The agency said its ultimate aim is to promote a favourable protection environment for all persons of concern, including by making accessible fair and timely services for asylum-seekers, refugees and victims of trafficking through national asylum procedures.

In addition, it will seek to ensure that protection safeguards are respected by States in their management of mixed migration flows by land and sea. Nine of the Caribbean countries (Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago) have acceded to the 1951 Refugee Convention, but national legal frameworks have been adopted only in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. The UNHCR added that the region thus suffers from a lack of administrative frameworks and effective protection mechanisms and, more generally, from the absence of political will to find solutions to asylum, refugee and statelessness problems. UNHCR covers a vast geographical area in the Caribbean, largely without presence, which does not allow for effective advocacy.

ASYLUM IS A BASIC HUMAN AND LEGAL RIGHT Meantime, the UN refugee agency has signed an agreement with the International Detention Coalition (IDC) to strengthen joint efforts in addressing detention issues faced by asylum-seekers and stateless people.

The partnership, signed in Geneva in June, seeks to prevent or reduce the use of detention by governments of people seeking international protection.

“Seeking asylum is a basic human and legal right. The 1951 UN Refugee Convention provides that asylum-seekers should not be penalized for their illegal entry or stay, including by way of detention,” the UN added.

“UNHCR is concerned about the treatment of people who are forced to cross international borders in search of safety and end up in detention, often in substandard or prison-like conditions,” said Volker Türk, UNHCR’s director of international protection.

Under the new agreement, UNHCR and the IDC will work together and with governments to improve detention standards, provide technical cooperation and capacity building to authorities on alternatives to detention, carry out research and monitoring of detention facilities and share information on asylum-related detention and alternatives.

The IDC is a consortium of more than 300 non-governmental organizations working in more than 60 countries to defend the rights of individuals detained in mixed migratory flows, including asylum-seekers, refugees and the stateless.

“The IDC is a valuable partner of UNHCR and we look forward to working with them, together with governments, to provide real alternatives to detention. There are now many good examples of workable alternatives to detention that question the heavy and, in some countries, increasing use of detention,” Türk said. He added that detention of refugees, asylum-seekers and stateless people should be avoided, be considered a measure of last resort and only be applied according to international standards of necessity and proportionality.

The IDC and UNHCR have been working together in areas of capacity building, technical advice and research in different countries where detention is heavily used for newly arrived asylum-seekers. NGOs, under the IDC umbrella, are working with detained people and on migration related detention issues, sharing resources and information to promote greater respect and protection for the human rights of refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants.

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LOCAL NEWS

Sunrise Airways spreads its wings to Turks and Caicos Islands S

unrise Airways, a new start-up airline based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, announced that it will start regularly scheduled passenger service between Cap Haitien and Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, beginning August 26, 2013.

The new route marks the ďŹ rst international service for the airline, an important initial step in its efforts to establish a hub in Haiti to better serve the Western Caribbean.

The airline applied to the Turks and Caicos Islands Air Transport Licensing Authority for a licence on February 20, 2013 and it was granted on July 25th.

Philippe Bayard, the airline’s president, said “Haiti is moving forward, and Sunrise Airways right along with it. All of us at Sunrise and Haitians everywhere can all take pride in the type of modern, professional airline we’re building from the ground up here in Port-au-Prince to enhance air travel options throughout the region. Our thanks go out to our partners in the Turks and Caicos Islands with whom we’ve worked closely in recent months to make this new route a reality.

Providenciales will always hold a special place in our hearts as the foundation of our international route system.�

New Sunrise Airways ights will operate daily ights, leaving Haiti at 8:10 a.m. and arriving in Providenciales at 8:50 a.m., and then leaving Providenciales at 9:15 a.m. and arriving in Cap Haitien at 9:55 a.m.

Connecting service is also available from Portau-Prince, with two morning departures from the Haitian capital feeding the northbound ight from Cap Haitien to Providenciales. Sunrise

One of the Sunrise Airways 19-seater planes also offers two afternoon departures from Cap Haitien to Port-au-Prince providing added convenience. “Our Providenciales schedule has been carefully designed to ďŹ t the needs of both business and leisure travelers,â€? said Hamish Davidson, COO of Sunrise Airways. “Port-au-Prince originating corporate travelers arrive in Provo at the start of the business day, while those traveling in the opposite direction can make meetings downtown or in Petion-Ville ahead of the lunch hour. Similarly, those vacationing in Provo can now easily include a side trip to Cap Haitien’s historic attractions, while also enjoying the restaurants and nightlife in Haiti’s capital all in one trip.â€?

Sunrise Airways will deploy 19-seat Jetstream 32 EP aircraft on its new Cap Haitien-Providenciales service, providing ample head- and leg-room, plus the added comfort of refurbished cabins and fresh upholstered seating.

Initial fares starting at US$285 are on sale now for departures beginning August 26, 2013.

For reservations and more information, vis-

CAICOS EXPRESS AIRWAYS LTD. Requires a PILOT with the following minimum qualifications:

9Total time 1200 hours minimum 9600 hours multi-engine 9200 hours on Type C402 9License: Commercial Pilot 9Multi-engine and Instrument ratings 9Radiotelephone license 9First Class medical certiďŹ cate 9Should be between 25 – 40 years old 9Salary commensurate with experience 9Must be willing to work weekends and holidays Please fax resumes to (649) 941 3864 or email to info@caicosexpressairways.com Deadline for receiving resumes is Monday, 26th August 2013

BELONGERS NEED ONLY APPLY

it www.SunriseAirways.net, or call +(509) 2811 2222 or +1 (305) 433 2707.

Customers in Providenciales can also book excursions to Haiti featuring round-trip air transportation aboard Sunrise Airways via Marco Travel and Caicu Naniki Adventure Tours. Two of the premier travel agencies in the Turks & Caicos, Marco Travel and Caicu Naniki Adventure Tours each carry 10+ years of experience organizing trips to Northern Haiti, including tours to the Citadelle, for groups of all sizes.

Sunrise Airways is a new Haitian owned commercial airline launched in November 2012 that aims to establish a hub in Port-au-Prince to better serve air travel needs within the Western Caribbean. The airline currently operates daily scheduled passenger service within Haiti, as well as charter service to various gateways throughout the Western Caribbean. New service to Holguin, Havana and Santiago in Cuba, Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos, and Kingston, Jamaica are planned for 2013.

Sunrise Airways owns and operates a eet comprised of Jetstream 32 EP aircraft offering the comfort of leather seating and ample in-cabin cargo room for a maximum capacity of 19 passengers.

Headquartered in Port-au-Prince with a dedicated maintenance facility in Santiago, Dominican Republic, Sunrise Airways is owned by noted Haitian businessman and philanthropist, Philippe Bayard. Members of the airline’s leadership team average more than 15 years of aviation experience with such well-known industry brands as Aerocaribbean, Air Jamaica, BAE Systems, Condor Airlines, Jamaica Air Shuttle, and LAN Airlines.

CARIBBEAN MANAGEMENT SERVICES LIMITED

CORPORATE ADMINISTRATOR Caribbean Management Services Limited is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Corporate Administrator. Key responsibilities include:

Â&#x2021; /LDLVLQJ ZLWK FOLHQWV Â&#x2021; ,QFRUSRUDWLRQ RI FRUSRUDWH HQWLWLHV Â&#x2021; 3RVW LQFRUSRUDWLRQ DFWLYLWLHV Â&#x2021; ,PSOHPHQWLQJ .<& UHTXLUHPHQWV Â&#x2021; (IIHFWLYHO\ FRPPXQLFDWLQJ ZLWK WKH )LQDQFLDO 6HUYLFHV &RPPLVVLRQ The successful candidate will have at a minimum a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree (or equivalent) in a business-related field and have at least five years corporate management experience with a corporate management firm. An additional professional qualification (such as STEP) would be an asset. The candidate must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and QuickBooks accounting software and have strong analytical and organizational skills as well as strong written and verbal communication skills. Salary will be dependent upon skills and experience.

Applicants should send their details and rĂŠsumĂŠs to the Managing Director at FPV#PLVLFNVWDQEURRN WF RU E\ ID[ WR Closing date: 12th August 2013

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Pursuant to Section 72 of the Registered Land Ordinance Cap 72, HALLMARK TRUST LTD as Trustee as Chargee in exercise of its power of sale hereby gives notice that they shall cause to be sold by Public Auction property known as Parcels 60611/3 Norway and Five Cays, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. The Property is .62 Acres located on South Dock Rd. There is a dwelling House and workshop on the property.

Registered Proprietor is Rogerio Heringer Gomes The Auction shall take place at Unit 2A at Courtyard Plaza, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands on Tuesday, the 17th day of September, 2013 at 10:00 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock in the forenoon.

A reserved price shall be fixed.

Conditions of sale, a draft contract and more particular description of the property may be had from the offices of Hallmark Trust Ltd, Telefax number 946-5316. Please send all correspondences to the attention of Brian Trowbridge, Attorney at Law, email btrowbridge@hbtl.tc.

Page 10

AUGUST 19TH - AUGUST 24TH, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

PROVIDENCIALES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT- TERMINAL BUILDING GOING UP P assengers and airport visitors may see the continued movement within the protected fenced area directly in front of the existing terminal. Construction crews are in the process of building “up” as structural elements for the new terminal building are being put in place.

Large concrete bases have been poured to hold the foundation works for the building expansion that will almost double the size of the terminal building.

According to Lavern Skippings-Reynolds of the Airport Authority, over forty, three-feet bases will be set in place to support the terminal building and the majority has already been positioned. An industrial size pump truck is used to carry out the pours as it has the ability to mix the cement on site to the correct PSI and better manage flow of cement. These bases will set the foundation for the tons of steel that is to come and form the frame of the terminal building.

Installation of the steel is currently taking place and works will be carried out at full force during the slow months of September and October.

The overflow West Parking Lot is currently having the curbing and bumper strips installed. The bumper strips will mark out each parking spot and serve as a barrier to prevent one vehicle driving forward to the next vehicle.

The project is on schedule and moving toward a winter 2014 opening date.

Man arrested for fatal accident O

n Wednesday 14th August 2013 a 24 year old male of Providenciales was arrested suspicion of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving.

This is in relation to a Fatal Accident which occurred on Thursday 1st August 2013 around 10pm in the vicinity of Suzie Turn on the Leeward Highway and which involved a Blue Sirion Daihatsu car and a White Ford E-350 bus.

The driver of the Blue Sirion Daihatsu car Cynthia Roberts Hinsey, 25, of The Baha-

A photo of the collision in which Cynthia Hinsey lost her life.

Butterfield Motors, Ltd. Is looking for experienced applicants for the follow position

Automotive Electrical Mechanic An automotive electrician mechanic helps build, maintain and repair vehicles. This specialist focuses on the electrical components of a vehicle to ensure that everything, including hard wiring, is functioning properly.

Job Duties and Tasks • Responsible for diagnosing problems with the major electrical systems in cars, including the battery, the ignition, the electronic fuel injection, anti-lock braking, cruise control, fixtures and general wiring. This includes listening to complaints by vehicle owners, diagnosing a vehicle's electrical problems and isolating the specific malfunction.

• Repairs Equipment, after identifying a specific problem, will fix it. This can include replacing faulty wiring, repairing ignitions, putting in new fuses and installing headlights, lamps or other electrical fixtures.

• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Test Electrical Systems, Electricians will often be asked to test a car's electrical systems for performance and safety. Using a variety of diagnostic tools, the electrician will make sure that the car's wiring and major systems are functioning to specification • Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

• Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

• Complete Documentation, Electricians are required to fill out documentation specifying their observations and modifications made before, during and after the individual job.

• Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to the job.

Skills • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternatives to repair vehicles.

• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a big plus.

• Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Knowledge, Experience, Education • Mechanical certification from accredited institution.

• Thorough knowledge of all vehicle repair aspects • 10+ years experience in Automotive Repair, with minimum 5 years in Chevrolet Brand vehicles.

• Mechanical Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Proficiency with computers to input necessary data and communicate with management.

• Experience with Customer and Personal Service. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

All interested applicants should submit an updated resume by e-mailing info@butterfieldmotors.tc

mas but a resident of the Turks and Caicos Islands succumbed to her injuries while the passenger who is the deceased daughter was taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and was flown to the Bahamas for further medical assistance.

The driver of the White Ford E-350 received no injuries.

The Blue Sirion Daihatsu car sustained extensive damages to its right side and the White Ford E-350 bus damages to its front right fender, bumper and hood.

LABOURER

Turks & Caicos Water Company Limited is seeking a suitable applicant to fill the following position: Applicants must be physically capable of hard manual labour outside on a daily basis. Previous experience is necessary.

Candidates must be drug free, have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and clean criminal record. Position requires the successful applicant to be willing to work weekends and holidays when needed.

Resume with cover letter must be addressed to the Plant Manager via email at TCWC@express.tc or faxed to 649-946-5830.

Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

Wages starts at $7.00 per hour based on experience.

All resumes must be received by August 23, 2013.

TURKS & CAICOS WATER COMPANY LTD. REVERSE OSMOSIS OPERATOR Turks & Caicos Water Company Limited would like to fill the following position for a Reverse Osmosis Operator immediately. Applicant must have 5 years experience in Sea Water Reverse Osmosis, working for facilities producing a minimum of 2.0 MGD of potable water. Applicant must be proficient with RO Pro software, customized SCADA systems, design of membrane arrays, rebuilding of high pressure pumps & energy recover devices, TIG welding, and laboratory analysis of potable water. Applicant must be drug free, have high school degree, valid driver’s license, dependable transportation and clean criminal record. Position requires swing shift hours and 24/7 on call for emergencies.

Resume with cover letter must addressed to Plant Manager and be mailed to PO Box 483, Providenciales or faxed to 649-946-5191. Suitable resumes will be required to complete an application process, which includes basic written examination regarding safety and process technologies, police background check and drug test. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview. Wages starts at $8.00 per hour based on experience.

All resumes must be received by August 23, 2013.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 11

AUGUST 19TH - AUGUST 24TH, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

CX students congratulated

by Government and Opposition M

inister of Education Hon. Akeirra Missick and Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, have congratulated students who excelled in this year’s Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations.

Hon. Missick said it is worth noting that despite all the challenges within the system, Turks and Caicos Islands’children were able to produce exceptional results overall and specifically in many areas.

“On behalf of my Government and Ministry I extend heartiest congratulations to all our CXC students especially those who worked hard and are now reaping the rewards of their efforts,” the Minister of Education said.

“Of course special congratulations must go to parents and guardians who pushed and motivated these students to keep working towards their full potential. To those teachers who regard teaching as a passion and held extra classes for these students and went above and beyond the call of duty; we appreciate and thank you for your contribution.”

Hon Missick noted that there was marked improvements in the pass rate for English A, Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Principle of Accounts.

She added: “Subject passes remain at a high standard with four

Minister of Education Hon. Akeirra Missick subjects recording one hundred percent pass, namely Music, Physical Education and Sport, Electrical and Electronic Technology and Visual Arts. My Ministry and Government is hearted by these results and we continue to be committed to strengthening this sector and providing opportunities for students who work hard and excel to continue their educational development.

We are again proud to mention that the top three performing students in external examinations will be honored later this year at the National

Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson Awards Ceremony. Those students will be announced at a later date after the CXC board meets all three will be awarded full scholarships toward their Bachelors’ Degree.”

Hon. Missick said the continued improvement in the level of passes in External Examinations by students is a further motivation for her ministry to continue its efforts to increase access to scholarships for our true scholars.

“We are committed to rewarding outstanding performances and

this year’s crop certainly exemplifies this,” she added.

Meantime, the Opposition Leader said she is proud when students apply themselves and yield the best results.

“We await the Education’s analysis of these results and encourage the Ministry of Education to not only present an analysis but to advise us of its strategy to address core areas of weaknesses,” Hon. Cartwright-Robinson said. “We encourage those who have not been as successful to not stop there and to re-sit examinations where possible as this level is fundamental to moving forward in many respects. We call on the Government to make greater sacrifices in its Budget to reward our students who continue to excel and do their part through scholarships. We are also calling on the Government to make every effort to work with Banks and other Agencies to ensure that a Student Loan Program is established for all persons who are prepared to fund their own studies through a Program designed for the intricacies of the Studies. We remain committed to working with the Education Sector as we recognize that Education is key to developing this country and to ensuring that our people move along with our country’s growth.”

Page 12

LOCAL NEWS

AUGUST 19TH - AUGUST 24TH, 2013

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

More than $1million spent repatriating illegal Haitians last year

T

he Turks and Caicos Islands spent just over $1million repatriating 800 illegal Haitians last year.

This was revealed by Governor Ric Todd who revealed that it cost around US1300 to repatriate each illegal Haitian.

However, Governor Todd says he is satisfied that Haitian president Michel Martelly is serious about tackling the problem of immigration between Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Todd, who recently visited Haiti along with Minister of Border Control Donhue Gardiner and his Permanent Secretary Clara Gardiner, said when they met with the Haitian president and some of his senior ministers, they indicated that they wanted to do more about the nagging problem which poses serious challenges and risks to the TCI and eats up one percent of the Budget each year.

The Governor, who was speaking at a recent news conference at the Environmental Centre, said that based on his meeting there was a strong political will on the part of Haiti to stem the flow of illegal immigrants, because they recognise that it is also their problem.

Governor Todd said that another aspect of the visit was to build better relations between Turks and Caicos Islands and Haiti.

The Governor, the Minister for Border Control and Labour, the Hon Don-Hue Gardiner, and Permanent Secretary Clara Gardiner visited Haiti from 11 - 13 August. They met President Martelly, who was accompanied by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Justice and Interior; International Organisations working in Haiti including UN, OAS, UNHCR and IOM; the US and Canadian Ambassadors; and the Haitian Coast Guard at the Killick Base in Port au Prince. They also laid a wreath

Governor Ric Todd shakes hands with Haitian President Michel Martelly, while Minister of Border Control and Immigration Hon. Donhue Gardiner (right) and his Permanent Secretary Mrs. Clara Gardiner (left) look on. at the National Heroes Monument and visited the National Museum.

In parallel there was a visit to Haiti from 9 - 13 August by a TCI business delegation, led by Deputy Premier the Hon Akierra Missick.

The centre of the visit was the meeting with President Martelly. This was warm, friendly and constructive, demonstrating the strong shared desire to build bilateral relations and work together on areas of mutual interest. The meeting noted the many ties between TCI and Haiti and it underlined the interest taken by President Martelly in TCI. At the meeting we agreed to work together to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding covering the key areas of deterring and combating illegal migration from Haiti to TC and the actions which would be taken to this end. They further agreed on the importance of the Haiti/TCI relationship, its shared history and potential in the future and that we should develop and strengthen the

TCI/Haiti relationship, particularly in business, trade and human contacts, including through cooperation with International Organisations on the ground in Haiti. President Martelly also welcomed the visit by the TCI business delegation and stressed his support for the further development of business and human contacts between TCI and Haiti.

During the discussion we noted the increasing relationship between Haiti and TCI, including the visits to TCI in the past year by the Deputy Foreign Minister, Foreign Minister and Premier.

In taking further developing the relationship it is a major asset that the UK now has an Embassy in Haiti and Haiti has a Consulate General in Providenciales.

The Governor and the Minister will present a report to Cabinet at its meeting on 21 August.

The Governor said: “This was a valuable visit, building on a series of contacts between Haiti and TCI in the recent past. That President Martelly and three senior Ministers met the TCI team is clear evidence of the importance that they attach to the relationship between TCI and Haiti and their desire to deepen co-operation. They understood our concerns. Both sides stressed their commitment to working together, not only in combating illegal migration but equally in building a broader, deeper and mutually valuable relationship between TCI and Haiti”.

Minister Gardiner said: “I am really encouraged by the understanding we found for the issues TCI faces and the Haitian commitment, led by the President, to working with us. I am grateful for the lead the Governor and his office set and for the invaluable support from the British Embassy in Haiti which made the visit such a success.”

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands: 1. Parcel 60002/355 North West & North Central, Providenciales, this property forms part of the Phase Two of the Priton Homes affordable housing scheme which consists of an extensive residential estate. This residence has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a laundry room and open living areas.

Registered Proprietor: Jameka Lashawn Williams 2. Parcel 20314/97 South Caicos, this property comprises of a detached single storey residential home with two bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining areas. There have been a number of upgrades on this property such as wall finishings & moldings, windows, along with internal upgrades.

Registered Proprietor: Shantell Lehomean Harris The auction will be held at the offices of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 30th day of August 2013 A reserve price will be fixed on all parcels. A deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.

Terms and Conditions of Sale by Auction are available by request from Scotiabank Collections Department

(649) 339-7100.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

A

Page 13

AUGUST 19TH - AUGUST 24TH, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

SIPT FINALLY MOVING TO NEW LOCATION

fter three years of occupying the top floor of the Hilly Ewing building on Leeward Highway, the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team is moving to another location.

The investigators and lawyers who are led by British lawyer Helen Garlick, will soon be moving to the top floor of a building in the IGA Complex, upstairs the Flamingo Pharmacy.

SUNtv understands that SIPT staff has been moving their equipment over the past few days, making way for Premier Dr Rufus Ewing to move into the building which is named after his father, who was a former Deputy Chief Minister under a former People’s Democratic Movement Administration.

The Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands will also have an office upstairs the Hilly Ewing Building.

Before the SIPT moved into the building in 2010, it was the location for former Chief Minister and the country’s first Premier Michael Misick.

Earlier this year, Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing gave the SIPT an ultimatum to move out.

Ewing stated: “We told SIPT to get out. And I already told my Minister of Works (Government Support Services, Hon. George Lightbourne), and I also

put the PS and put that department on notice that they (SIPT) need to get out. I know it is probably difficult finding other places in Provo that suit their location, but I need them out A.S.A.P.” The Premier said that by virtue of the SIPT occupying the building, Government’s thrust to be effective was being impeded. He said that ministers, when on Providenciales to conduct the country’s business, are being forced to conduct those affairs in available department buildings.

“It is hampering our efforts because this building, where we are now holding this press conference; it’s because of the upstairs of the Hilly Ewing building not available. And that is the same reason why we find ourselves in different offices, because those offices (at the Hilly Ewing Building) are not available.

“Ministers now operate out of the various ministries that they are assigned to. Most of them have ministry departments that they operate from, like Hon. (Washington) Misick, here, the Tourist Board falls under his ministry, so he has the pleasure of using this particular office. I will have the pleasure of using the Ministry of Health’s Office, which I used to use before (while being Chief Medical Officer).

Tourist Board launches aggressive digital marketing push in Brazil

T

he Turks and Caicos Islands may soon bid farewell to the typically slower, summer tourist season as the Tourist Board launches an aggressive digital marketing push in Brazil. Aimed at attracting beach lovers, yachters, and divers seeking a luxury escape from the Brazilian winter months, July to August, the Board partnered with Ocean Eyes Productions and Viajan Turismo of Brazil to commence a series of campaigns.

Since embarking on the marketing initiative, the Turks and Caicos have been featured in an 8-page spread in Mergulho Magazine, one of Brazil’s leading dive publications, and in subsequent full-page advertisements to establish a base among the magazine’s audience. Promotional reprints with exquisite photography of Providenciales and Grand Turk and a 2-minute promotional video, narrated by Brazilian journalist and singer/songwriter Susana Bragatto all in Portuguese, have been created to capture the market’s attention. In addition, Ocean Eyes Production and Viajan Turismo will spearhead four dive presentations at major dive showcases in several cities, namely Santos, Piracicaba, Jundiaí, and in São Paulo. Ocean Eyes Production has also maintained a blog, Oceano Vivo, showcasing their travels throughout the islands and updates about the dive presentations.

According to Banco Central’s Hotel Price Index, Brazilians spent US$6 billion on foreign travel during the first quarter of 2013, an 11.5% increase compared to the same period in 2012. They also set a record by spending another US$2.2 billion in foreign travel in May 2013, 22% more than in May 2012. Moreover, Brazilians rank #7 in the world in terms of the amount they pay per person for hotel stays: they spend an average of R$364 (US$160) per person, more than Americans or Australians.

With a rapidly expanding middle class of about 90 million consumers, Brazil is a market that no sound brand can afford to ignore. “There is no doubt that the Brazilian market presents

immense potential for the Turks and Caicos Islands,” commented Mr. Ralph Higgs, Director of Tourism. “We have been studying the trends of the Brazilian consumers for quite some time and we’re very confident, with new development projects in the works and with the redevelopment of the Providenciales International Airport in progress, now’s a pivotal time to increase our visibility and position the Turks and Caicos as an easily accessible, luxury destination of choice.”

Brazil is Latin America’s largest luxury market; their consumers are brand loyal and value quality goods and services. Also of key insight for the Tourist Board is the Brazilians extremely friendly disposition; they enjoy socializing around food, sports and culture. Brazilians are very connected to the internet and are extremely social media savvy with 71% of Brazilians purchasing plane tickets via the internet; Brazil is also the #2 Facebook and Twitter Market in the world, yet newspapers and magazines sales continue to flourish.

Due to these findings, the Tourist Board has also expanded their social media plan to include a Turks and Caicos Facebook Fanpage in Portuguese. “The ‘Ilhas Turks e Caicos’ Facebook Fanpage was launched in July and has seen promising growth within a short time for a new market,” says Tourist Board’s Senior Public Relations Officer, Oehleo Higgs. “Analytics from Facebook Page Insights show as at July 30th our Portuguese Fanpage received 15,667 views with 100 active users being engaged from 68 posts – consisting of 38 beautiful images of the Turks and Caicos, 1 video and an average of 8 shares per post.”

Throughout the remainder of the year, the Tourist Board will continue to examine new leads and engage with Brazilian journalist and travel wholesalers to strategize further plans to increase our Islands visibility throughout the Latin American region.

END

Air Turks and Caicos (2003) Ltd. PROVO GOLF CLUB is seeking suitable qualified pilots to operate its EMB120 fleet.

Applicants must have the following:

CAPTAINS : Valid Air Transport License, Pic type rating 3500hrs fixed wing total time including 1,500 hrs Multi engine, 500hrs Turbine and minimum 100hrs on Type.

FIRST OFFICER : Commercial Pilot License, Sic type rating 500hrs fixed wing total time, 250hrs Multi engine and 25hrs on Type.

Please send resume to HR@flyairtc.com

Provo Golf Club is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the following opening. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and schedule maintenance processes and procedures.

• Instruct, train and direct staff in golf course maintenance.

• Oversees fertilizer, chemical and pesticide applications.

• Run irrigation systems, including daily setup and maintenance.

• Proven organizational skills to maintain accurate records of all processes.

• Responsible for the safe operation, storage and effective use of all equipment.

• Responsible for the proper use, storage and preservation of all associated materials, supplies and assigned equipment.

REQUIREMENTS

Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 1990 An application, registered as PR-11658 by P. and V. Firmenich, has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of a project to provide a beach and safe open water access for the property owners and their tourist guests. It is proposed to excavate approximately 7,500 CY of rock soil material for construction of a tiered system that lowers to the beach. All natural resources (i.e. rock) will remain on the property. Approx. 600 CY of beach quality sand will be placed in a cove configuration to create a recreational lagoon beach. A narrow cut in the lagoon rock shoreline will allow for access to the Caicos Bank. The project is located at block/parcel 61003/106.

Anyone wishing to make any representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk, or through the Department of Planning, Downtown, Town Center Mall, Providenciales within twenty eight (28) days of publication of this Notice.

Notice dated: July 26, 2013

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree or Associate degree in Agronomy or Horticulture plus a minimum of six years experience on a golf course with three years experience as an Assistant Golf Superintendent.

• Must have at least a Class C Membership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

• Must have advance knowledge of agronomy and turf grass management practices.

• Require extensive knowledge of golf course maintenance.

• Requires knowledge of landscape construction and materials.

• Ability to analyze data and prepare reports.

• Strong computer skills using Microsoft Word and Excel • Must have a thorough understanding of the game of golf.

The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $80,000 per annum, commensurate with experience, training and qualification. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by August 23, 2013 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191.

Only persons selected for an interview will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

Page 14

AUGUST 19TH - AUGUST 24TH, 2013

KIRK’S CONTRACTING

Is looking for a

TURKS AND CAICOS RESORTS TAKE TOP HONOURS ON TRAVEL + LEISURE’S “WORLD’S BEST”

D LABOURER

To work 6 days a week Salary $7.00 per hour

(649)232-5858 DOMESTIC WORKER

RAQUEL HENFIELD

WANTED

SEEKS

1 Labourer

Applicant must be ƪ English, Spanish & Ƥ

CPR

To work six days per week Salary $5.00 per hour

246-1492

Contact 242-0388 Universal Mechanic Shop & Auto Parts Ltd

seeks

ONE MECHANIC Salary commensurate with experience.

All in favor of position please drop off resumes at 007 SDR Complex 176 South Dock Road Providenciales Private Company looking for

a Recreational Water Analyst No experience necessary.

Must be a Belonger, or have Resident status with the right to work. Strong Verbal, Written, and Mathematical skills are required. Must work on weekends and holidays. Income: $2000.00 - $3000.00 per month.

Interested applicants can email a one page resume to amservices649@gmail.com

New Salon/Day Spa Seeking 4 Hair Stylists (Certified) 2 Estheticians (Certified) 3 Nail Technicians (Certified) Salary based on experience

Contact: 441-1984 231-2760

Psychic Olga

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518-618-5673 Janine & Simon TAYLOR C/o BCQS Limited P.O.Box 158, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands.

Professional couple in search of a DOMESTIC WORKER

iscerning readers of Travel + Leisure were once again asked to cast their votes for the hotels and destinations that define the very best in travel. One of the most robust lists to date, Travel + Leisure’s 18th Annual Poll saw four Turks and Caicos resorts ranked amongst the ‘Top Resorts in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas’.

Making its ‘World’s Best’ debut on the list at #23 is the Key West Luxury Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos (formerly the Veranda Resort) with a score of 88.65.

Claiming its prominence at #19 the Somerset on Grace Bay also makes its debut with a score of 89.33. The publication noted the Somerset on Grace Bay for its European façade, décor and top-of-the-line amenities.

No stranger to the list, the Grace Bay Club makes a splash on the Travel & Leisure list with a score of 89.49, well enough to claim #17. According to Travel + Leisure, the luxurious Grace Bay Club is one of the original sirens of the Turks and Caicos. The Mediterranean-style resort is revered for sporting a clean, contemporary look (sleek, dark wood furniture, a white-and-cream color palette), its family-friendly villas, and their eco-conscious kids’ program. Grace Bay Club previously made Travel + Leisure’s ‘World’s Best Hotels’ list most recently in 2009 and 2007.

The sole resort cracking the Top 10, and making an impressive ‘World’s Best’ debut, with a score of 90.75 is the Seven Stars Resort at #9. Travel + Leisure likened the resort’s 113 spacious rooms to mini apartments, with marble flooring, four-poster beds, and fully equipped kitchens. The beachside scene is described as posh, with the publication giving an extraordinary nod to service, noting that attendants roam the resort and beach offering Evian spritzes to lounging guests.

“These rankings further solidify the caliber of accommodations and standard of hospitality services offered in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” commented Mr. Ralph Higgs, Director of Tourism. “They help to strengthen our brand in the marketplace and encourage our resorts and their teams to continue to give visitors optimal satisfaction throughout their stay.”

The four resorts gave the Turks and Caicos the second highest number of resorts making the Top 25 list behind Jamaica with seven resorts. Nisbet Plantation Beach Club in Nevis was ranked #3 ‘Top Resort in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas’, whilst two resorts in St. Lucia, Anse Chastanet Resort, and Jade Mountain claimed second and first respectively .

In the same pubTravel + LeiYOUR CHOICE TCI lication, sure readers may have noticed treSeeking to employ mendous co-branding for the Turks and Caicos with Ford, a well-known American icon. The advertisement, promoting Ford’s 2014 Explorer, essentially plays Salary $6.00 per hour on quality by asking, “Turks or Caicos?”, communicating that Contact when you choose Ford, you’re guaranteed quality; same as selecting a visit to the Turks Islands or the Islands.

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AUGUST 19TH - AUGUST 24TH, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

Disaster Management Directors warns of disastrous climate change impact D

irector for the Department of Disaster Management and Emergency (DDME), Dr. Virginia Clerveaux, has painted a grim picture of what the impact of climate change can do to the Turks and Caicos if policy makers do not enact the necessary laws and the common man not play his part.

Speaking at the recent opening of a two-day Phase II “Mainstreaming Climate Change and Disaster Management in the Caribbean” workshop, at the DDME office on Providenciales, Dr. Clerveaux warned that the impact of climate change could result in disaster for these islands of proper measures are not influenced, since the impact if phenomena has already begun to be felt here in the TCI. Clerveaux warned that if we continue with business as usual, exponential rise temperature as well as in sea levels could be experienced. She said that amid concerns over global economic pressures, climate change has slipped to the backburner of policy governments’ priorities.

“The evidence of climate change, due to human behavior is quite literally undeniable. And the evidence leads to models and predictions which have become clearer about the extent of the impact we are likely to experience. For example, atmospheric warming is leading to greater variability in climate, as more extreme climatic events, flood and drought will continue to become more common, and storms more intense.

“We will see more rain-induced floods, heat waves and tidal surges. Waters for drinking and irrigation will be in short supply in areas that use to have plenty. Food crops will become more difficult to grow in areas of historic cultivation. We

Dr. Virginia Clerveaux will see disease outbreaks in human beings and in food crops as environmental stresses increase,” she warned.

She said that as temperatures rise, disease organisms are likely to migrate to inexperienced populations and affect them severely. “Malaria and mosquito vectors are a good example,” she said.

“The lack of resistance will mean higher deaths and debility rate in human beings, livestock and cereal crops. Large number of species will become extinct – a trend we already seen happening in the developing countries,” she noted.

Clerveaux also warned that climate change would also lower ecosystems resilience and creates greater outbreaks of opportunistic species.

“We are already experiencing some of these impacts. Over the past decade, we experienced more tropical storms that in the entire history of these islands. (The storms included) Wilma in 2005, which brought about 11 inches of rainfall to

the Turks and Caicos Islands, then tropical storm Hanna, (Hurricanes) Ike and Irene. There is also noticeable rise in the sea temperature, with the more frequent occurrence of coral bleach. For us, yes, global warming is real. And so, we must prepare and militate against its impact,” she urged.

The workshop was held not only to study the realities of climate change but also to devise ways to soften its impact on the TCI. It was also held to incorporate its planning in the country’s development goals as well as to ensure that its national policies are climate smart.

The workshop was spearheaded by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

For her part, Mabs Holder, CDEMA’s Project Assistant said that climate change, as a result of global warming, must be factored in the disaster management equation. She said the agency continues to work with member states to build capacity on climate change and disaster risk reduction through the enhancement and implementation of CDM (Clean Development Mechanism), country work programmes and community-based intervention programmes.

Russell Cox, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Government Support Services, said that government does not take the threat of climate change lightly, and with this consideration, pledges to enact legislation along that line, in the near future.

The project is being funded by the Austrian Development Agency. Representatives from private and public sector bodies were in attendance Lyndon Robertson of CDEMA spearheaded the workshop.

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AUGUST 19TH - AUGUST 24TH, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

RESIGNATION LETTER OF HAROLD CHARLES AS LEADER OF THE PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE PARTY Dear Comrades, I am deeply saddened that after much thoughtful consideration, I have made the decision to resign as the leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) effective 15th August 2013. I will hasten to say that this decision was not arrived at lightly but it is painfully necessary for me and the party to close this chapter in its short political history.

As you are all aware, I am one of the founding members of the PPP. In large part, because my encouragement most of you made the decision to join the party in its quest to bring about meaningful change to the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands. We made a valiant effort in the November 2012 elections campaign. During our contributions we brought the issues regarding inward investment and education to the forefront of the political debate. But as with other third parties that have preceded us, our message did indeed resonate but the electorate at the end gravitated to the more established political parties.

It is extremely difficult for third political parties to survive. This is even more profound in this present political environment where it has become virtually impossible to secure the funding requirements that are necessary to meet the basic daily expenses for a political organization such as the PPP to function properly. Even as members who would naturally have the viability of our Party to heart, our personal contribution is restricted to $30,000 annually.

I am still very passionate about both investment and educational opportunities for our peo-

PREMIER EWING SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON PAY IN INCREASE FOR PERMANENT SECRETARIES

P

remier Hon Dr. Rufus Ewing is setting the record straight regarding reports on an increase in salaries for Permanent Secretaries.

In a press statement, the Premier said that as of April 2012, Permanent Secretaries were employed on a 4 year contracts with a basic salary of less 10% and no allowances. He said the increase in salary provided for in the budget, was due to the reinstatement of 10% salary of those Permanent Secretaries and all other Civil Servants who were employed at the time, and received a salary pay cut a few years ago.

This increase was in keeping with the return of ten percent salaries to civil servants.

According to the Premier, a salary pay and grade review exercise was concluded last year and it is the intention of the government to implement the new salary scales with adjustments where necessary, in April 2014.

He said this will increase the salaries of those civil servants who are working in posts for which the salary is not in keeping with the level of skill and responsibility required for the job. It will also help to remove discrepancies in salaries across the civil service.

The Premier said this will be the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants.

Harold Charles ple. And given my vast international contacts, I still do believe that I can make an invaluable contribution to our beloved country regardless of my political affiliation. Regrettably, the nature of our local politics suggests that if I am going to have a realistic chance to make a meaningful impact in my personal capacity to the growth of our country it would be best that I do so as a private citizen. Otherwise, in some quarters, my efforts could mistakenly be seen as confrontational or adversarial to the prevailing political discourse.

Whilst this would be the furthest from the truth as far as I am concerned, in reality it is completely a different story. I would not want to unnecessarily embroil the PPP in my personal dealings nor would I want for my legitimate efforts to help our country be looked upon suspiciously.

The time is long overdue for the blossoming of new ideas to put people back to work; to educate as many of our people to the tertiary level and beyond; and just as importantly, to open

the channels for new investment to come to fruition in our country. Inflamed political discourse will not help at this time to achieve these objectives. Rather, a helping hand to bridge the divide and open lines of communication are essential in this journey. I believe that I can be of assistance in these areas and will be reaching out to all Turks & Caicos Islanders to join me in making the Turks & Caicos Islands the gem that it is capable of being. It is still my ultimate dream to see the Turks & Caicos Islands become the Singapore of the Caribbean. We have a shared history and many of their past experiences can be a teaching moment for us going forward.

My resignation would not be complete without my thanking the many supporters who voted for me in Five Cays and for the Party overall in Providenciales. These supporters took the risk of stepping out on faith and being true to their individual political convictions to defy the odds and render to us their support. We owe them at a minimum our heartfelt words of appreciation.

In closing, I have come to know all of you in a very personal way over the past months and I genuinely believe that my life experience has been enhanced because of you. I take away many pleasant memories of my tenure as leader of the PPP. In bidding farewell to all the Party’s members, I take this opportunity to say thank you and wish all of you the very best in your political and personal endeavors going forward.

I remain yours truly, Harold Charles

The Silent Majority

BY PHILLIP MISICK

I

t’s with a tremendous amount of disappointment and frustration I find myself writing this article. Not because I want to be adversarial with this government but to highlight my everyday conversation with the average working man on the street, many of whom are ardent supporters of this Progressive National Party (PNP) Government and thus are concerned about the future of the country first and second standing of the party with voters and supporters.

It was very clear to this writer even before elections were called that it would be a difficult four years of governing by whichever party emerged as victor at the polls. What I did not expect was the faster than Hussein Bolt world record in which this PNP government moved to adopt the ideals, agenda and forward plans of the interim administration. It is now impossible to tell them apart.

I was elated by the victory at the polls, and I was even more elated when VAT went down in defeat. I was also elated when the opposition members brought motions in the house to form a bi-partisan committee to set a national agenda and to investigate the divesture of the people’s share in the only public- private owned utility company on Island in order to pay British advisors.

The cries on the street are deafening. People are crying out for jobs, business opportunities, representation, immigration control, crime control, land to build a home and respect. Instead, what they are getting are New Taxes as far as the eye can see, one excuse after another and a government that is allowing wasteful spending by the Attorney General on

frivolous cases, one after another.

The government has assumed the role of the governor (the figure head )while the governor has inserted himself as the ultimate dictator. The governor is setting policies leading delegations to other countries with minister in tow as bystanders. The Governor and his English cohorts are continuing to employ less qualified retired foreign nationals to key position in various government departments while TCI Islanders are being pushed aside or in some cases pushed out.

The governor, the SIPT, The DPP and The Attorney General continue to occupy lavish offices while the government ministers have no office from which to work. The Governor and his minions continue to instill fear and intimidate hard working Turks and Caicos Islanders who have opposing points of views or who challenge them.

The Brits continue to export millions of this country money back to England on a witch hunt expedition of an investigation by SIPT. The expats workers in government continue to receive exorbitant salaries while local staff are paid minimum wage. The Governor and AG continue to dictate to the walls of justice to achieve the outcome they desire. The local work force are continually being mistreated by employers and sidelined for expat workers. Scores of locals continue to be unemployed while jobs are handed out daily to nonnationals. The opposition seems to be more visible and is putting up more of fight against the injustices being meted out than the government. Instead of Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing and the guys/girls taking a bold statement and stand up as the elected governing government and say not on my watch they sit in silence as the majority.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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AUGUST 19TH - AUGUST 24TH, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

THE OPPOSITION PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT GIVES GOVERNMENT A FAILING GRADE ON CONSULTATION T

he Official Opposition People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) said it believes that the Progressive National Party (PNP) Government can do more in the area of consultation and believe that its track record to date is totally unacceptable.

In a press release, the PDM which is led by Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson said the plight that these Islands are now in calls for all hands on deck so that we can all enjoy the best for these Islands, a vision shared by all.

“The Matter of VAT was the start of Government’s apparent allergic reaction to consultation. For months, the Opposition insisted that it join the Government’s fight against VAT. The Opposition recognizes and still do recognize the importance of working with the Government on matters of national importance that are in the best interests of our people. However, it appears that the lesson learnt on the strength of working together was short lived and the Government has reverted to making decisions without engaging in critical consultations,” the press release stated.

“Even when required by the Constitution to consult on the Financial Framework for the Budget, the FSPS, it has failed. Now it seems to have

taken a page from those they criticized when it now calls for consultation on GCT, a tax already approved by themselves and the FCO, and due to start in October. This is an informational process and certainly not a consultative process in the way that we expect.”

The PDM noted that after the slew of taxes have already been agreed, the Government now has appointed the Blue Ribbon Commission but has appointed itself as Chair. This, the PDM said, is totally inappropriate as the Committee which the Minister of Finance Washington Misick chairs will report to him.

“He has also appointed a Body that excludes a representative from one of the largest and long serving Private Sector Association, Turks and Caicos Real Estate Association (TCREA).

The Opposition believes that TCREA should be a part of the Blue Ribbon Commission considering the amount of revenue that Government derives from the land sector,” the statement continued. “We see instances already where the Government has failed to consult and where advice was ignored by the Opposition who consulted the practitioners in areas.

There is correspondence now laid before the Government as to the recent

TOWNHALL MEETING Protect the TCI “Beautiful by Nature” Brand Join us to learn about the status Wednesday, of our legal 21 August 2013 challenge and how you can 7 PM Regent Palms help prevent the keeping of Hotel captive dolphins in the TCI. TCI cannot afford to blemish the “Beautiful by Nature” image that has taken decades to establish.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson amendment to the Companies Ordinance. There was no consultation again with the practitioners as to the practicality for the Industry neither did the Government give ear to the Opposition’s lead person in Parliament on this issue. Hon Vaden Williams asked pointed questions showing the impracticality but the Bill was passed by the Government.”

The PDM statement added: “Similarly this was the same result as it related to the amendment to the Stamp Duty Ordinance and the introduction of the Tax on Freight and Insurance.

The Opposition prior to the Meeting held a Press Conference citing its concerns in the timing of the amendment to the Stamp Duty as well as the impact of the new tax on freight and insurance but especially as it related to construction materials when there were already several major projects “costed” already and due to come on stream. The Real Estate Association: practitioners in the area were not consulted and we are hoping that the rebounding Industry would not be adversely impacted. However we see less than a month after the passage of the tax on freight and insurance and more than a month since the Oppo-

sition warned the Government in a Press Conference, that the Government is now rolling back the amount citing the concerns that were raised already by the Opposition. This level of governance has no place in this era of TCI politics when we need investors to not be frustrated along the way.”

We see now that the Minister, even after the House of Assembly had agreed and passed a Motion to establish a National Symposium that will bring the Government, public and private sector together to discuss issues affecting TCI, the Minister has plans to introduce another forum styled a “Think Tank” session to discuss issues affecting the Islands.”

The PDM said it believes that the Government is ignoring the voice of the people.

“The people are calling for jobs, better healthcare and easier access to healthcare, a practical solution to the overcrowding at CHHS, more scholarships and financial assistance who have performed and a greater sacrifice in favor of scholarships and Youth Programs. The Civil Service and the Police continue to call out for attention and more resources, the elderly, juvenile, prisoners and special needs clients as well and the Business community needs to have more open communication with the Government.

It is time the Government listens to the people it was elected to serve.

It is a Government’s prerogative to operate as it chooses but a Government that governs best is one that governs closest to its people. Everyone needs help and it is time that the Government realizes that it needs help and that it takes no authority away from it, to hear and heed sound advice and opinions of others,” the statement ended.

BENEFICIARIES OF HURRICANE IKE HOUSING PROJECT RELEASED

T

he full list of 125 beneficiaries of a $6m European Union fund to help the Turks and Ciacos Islands recover from hurricane Ike is being published across the Territory, it was announced today, Thursday, 15 August 2013.

In all 43 homes will be rebuilt and 82 repaired, from an initial 238 applications which were sifted on strict needs based criteria that supported the elderly, infirm and those on lower incomes.

All the properties are on the islands worst affected by Ike, according to UNESCO in 2009, Grand Turk, South Caicos and Salt Cay. “All applicants whose applications were declined were allowed the time to appeal and in all 24 appeals were heard, with 10 of those being finally approved,” said project manager Sue Breetzke. “Although this took longer than anticipated, we are extremely pleased with the

thoroughness of the process.”

Chair of the Disaster Recovery Board, Governor Ric Todd added, “We are very pleased to now release the final list of 125 beneficiaries and to confirm that rebuilding of 43 new homes will start at the end of the 2013 Hurricane Season.”

Beneficiaries are now being supported by the project staff in regularising any unresolved land registry issues and in the signing of the contracts and permissions to carry out the work on their homes.

Work is also underway to cost the work required to repair the 82 homes that do not require rebuilding and engineering surveys of the 59 homes that will need more extensive repairs are being carried out.

Copies of the list are displayed at the One-Stop-Shop on Grand Turk, and the DC’s offices on South Caicos and Salt Cay as well as various key points on each island.

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AUGUST 19TH - AUGUST 24TH, 2013

SECTION

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

The Sands is now accepting applications/résumé for the following positions.

Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply: MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORY & SKILLED POSITIONS GENERAL MANAGER Responsibilities: • Full responsibility for operating success of the Resort • Ensuring that the selection, training and ongoing direction for Resort associates is such that it maintains high level of job satisfaction, morale and teamwork among associates in all areas • Achieve financial/budgeting goals and expectations as established in the annual business plan for all areas of responsibility, and organize/implement strategic and tactical plans to facilitate this aim • Achieve high levels of quality guest service and customer satisfaction for Resort guests Requirements: • Must have at least 8 years managerial experience at a property of similar size and quality.

• Strong operational expertise in rooms; marketing; facilities/systems (including preventive maintenance); recreation and other ancillary disciplines • Must have managerial experience in the Condo Strata Management • Ability to inspire, train, and develop people for promotion by encouraging and supporting career development, and driving continuous learning • Ability to implement a highly consistent customer service culture • Ability to instill a highly consistent guest service attitude in all employees OWNER’S RELATIONS MANAGER Requirements: • Executive Assistant to the CEO • Must have 5 years experience as a direct executive assistant to GM or higher of a large scale property • Must have at minimum of 5 years managerial experience at a destination resort property of similar size and quality • Must have managerial experience and knowledge of Condo Strata Management • Must have at least 5 years of experience in Condo Style Owner Relations position • Ability to inspire, train, and develop people for promotion by encouraging and supporting career development, and driving continuous learning • Ability to instill a highly consistent satisfaction rate for all owners Responsibilities: • Primary liaison to owners with refurbishment, product and accounting inquiries • Responsible for solving all accounting inquiries as requested by owners • Responsible for all guest and owner unit scheduling as well as inquires of a similar nature • Achieve high levels of quality product, customer service and guest satisfaction for resort owners • Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace • Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process • Requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written • Must possess basic computational ability (word, excel, outlook) HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR Responsibilities: • Ensures maximum efficiency in the performance of Housekeeping staff in guest rooms and surrounding areas • Familiarizes him / herself with and carries out the policies and procedures of the Sands at Grace Bay. • Offers all possible assistance to guests, initiates corrective action on complaints regarding guest cleanliness and servicing of guest rooms.

• Evaluates and periodically updates the Executive Housekeeper about the performance of Housekeeping staff.

Recommends appropriate action such as disciplining and commendation.

Requirements: • High school diploma • Must have supervised a minimum of 15 employees • Most work tasks are performed indoors and outdoors.

Temperature is moderate and controlled by hotel environmental systems • Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 3 hours in length • Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis • Must be able to push and pull carts and equipment weighing up to 200 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis • Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space • Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch to fulfill cleaning tasks • Must have minimum of 3 years supervisory experience in the Hotel/Resort and/or Hospitality Industry • Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace • Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process • Requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written • Must possess basic computational ability (word, excel, outlook) POOL & BEACH SUPERVISOR Responsibilities: • Oversees and maintain complete safety in and around pool and beach areas • Follows operating standards in accordance to TCI laws and hotel procedures on job duties and life-safety • Maintains proper levels of service and equipment furniture and maintenance • Assist in the conducting of guest activities in the pool areas • Monitor entire cleaning operations for the cleanliness, health and sanitation of the pools and surrounding area • Assist in every way possible to assure proper customer service is being upheld.

• Enforces pool and beach sanitation and safety rules and requirements • Supervises pool and beach areas for safety and customer service • Monitors and upholds guest areas ( No Solicitation policy is enforced and facilities for registered hotel guests only) • Trains new employees on proper protocol and customer service • Ensures all furniture setting are inline, organized and set to hotel resort standards • Complete all tasks for the day and oversee all duties/projects in a timely fashion • Ensure safety precautions are followed in pool area and identify possible safety hazards and reports to management • Monitor supplies and reports all damaged furniture to management • Perform all other duties as assigned by the Property Manager Requirements: • High School Diploma • Must have prior pool/beach supervisory experience • Prior experience at a luxury property or hotel • Life-safety training and certification CPR, AED, First Aid, Water Safety required • Being an excellent swimmer is required period certification may be required • Working with Pool Chemicals is required • Working during inclement weather • Hands on knowledge of non-motorized sports equipment set-up and handling is required • Cleaning and skimming pools is required • Must be able to stand and work outdoors for an extended period of time • Weekend and flexible shifts are a must • Must have excellent written and oral communication

• Must have outstanding customer service and leadership skills • Must be reliable and professional • Must be proficient with computers, including Excel, Word and Outlook.

• Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

• Must be able to multitask and follow direction.

• Must be detailed oriented.

RESERVATIONS/SALES AGENT Responsibilities: • Handle incoming reservations, utilize up selling and value-added techniques • Process advance deposits • Process all electronic and faxed requests • Perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy • Be able to prioritize and organize incoming and outgoing work flow • Be a clear thinker, remaining calm and resolving problems using good judgment • Follow directions thoroughly • Understand guest service and request needs • Work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team • Work with minimal supervision • Maintain confidentiality of guest information and pertinent hotel data Requirements: • High school diploma • Must have experience in the Hotel/Resort and/or Hospitality Industry • Visual One/Opera experience is highly preferred • Must be able to type more than 40 words per minute • Strong Grammar, Reading and Writing Skills • Must have great Customer Service Skills and telephone etiquette • Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.

• Must possess basic computational ability (basic mathematics, word, excel, outlook) COMMERCIAL ASSET MANAGER Responsibilities: • To create and execute project work plans and updates in accordance with changes in need • To identify resources needed and assign individual responsibilities • To manage day-to-day operational aspects of a project and scope including cost and time-line estimates, diagrams, and work team • To follow the communication process as established by the Brand which facilitates a single point of contact providing knowledgeable and reliable support for product and renovation information.

• Be fully knowledgeable and conversant on established core-brand and multi-product line standards and specifications • Act as a resource to determine and support hotel compliance with company specifications involving products and project related activities • Provide written documentation on all drawing, plan, specification and interior design / FFE submittal reviews to the Owner and appropriate consultants • To assist Project Managers in producing operating budgets, plans and strategies for property development.

• Assist in the development of maintenance plans and capital replacement projections for commercial property.

• Assist in and facilitate projects, renovations and resource for departments of multiple properties/companies within the organization • To coordinate the preparation and review of annual property budgets.

Requirements: • Strong communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills • Excellent qualitative analysis skills as evidenced by prior work history • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Documents • Must have a Bachelors Degree in Business • Accounting/Commerce Degree preferred • At least three years experience in a relevant management position CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Requirements: • BA/BS Degree or equivalent.

• Accounting Designation (CA, CMA, CPA) • At least 10 years post qualification experience.

• At least 10 years management/supervisory experience at a property of similar size and quality.

• Experience in Condo Hotel environment, including STRATA Association set up.

• Extensive Resort pre-opening and renovations experience.

• Ability to liaise with investors at high level.

• Advanced knowledge and skills in computer systems, most specifically, Excel, AccPac, Quickbooks and Visual One. • Complete understanding of Executive Committee level functions.

• Sound knowledge of both European and American Accounting Plans.

• Solid training in all areas of Accounting from A/P, A/R, General Ledger, Credit, Collections, Audit, Inventory control, Payroll, Budgeting, Costing, P&L preparation and analysis, etc.

• Ability to inspire, develop and train people for promotion.

Responsibilities: • Overseeing the overall finance departments of multiple properties/companies including outside contracts within the organization • Assisting executive management, ownership and related associations with the production of financial reports, detailed analysis and business outlook.

• Directing departments in the preparation and consolidation of financial budgets and projections.

• Prepare, present and provide interpretation of operational reports as they impact group business finances.

• Developing and maintaining chart of accounts and master lists.

• Actively involved in yield management and revenue enhancement.

• Coordinating internal and external audits.

LINE POSITIONS HOUSEKEEPING ROOM ATTENDANT FRONT OFFICE AGENT

HOUSEMAN LABOURER

For the above line staff positions, resort experience is an asset but not a requirement. Applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as be willing to work holidays and weekends. They should also enjoy serving people and be willing to learn. Minimum experience in the areas of interest required.

Turks & Caicos Islands citizens only need to apply to the Assistant Human Resources Manager, Sheena Smith at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales or e-mail: humanresource@thesandstc.com, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. Deadline is Sept 13, 2013.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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AUGUST 17TH - AUGUST 24TH, 2013

Position: Director of Reservations & Sales

Location: West Bay Club

Hours: Full Time

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: t 5SBWFM BT OFFEFE UP DPOEVDU TBMFT WJTJUT QSFTFOUBUJPOT USBEFTIPXT BOE FWFOUT t *EFOUJGZ OFX QPUFOUJBM DMJFOUT XIJMF NBJOUBJOJOH FYJTUJOH DMJFOU QBSUOFS SFMBUJPOTIJQT t $POEVDU PVUTJEF TBMFT DBMMT BT XFMM BT TVQQPSU UIF PQFSBUJPOT UFBN XIFO OPU USBWFMJOH t .BJOUBJO B IJHI WJTJCJMJUZ XJUIJO BTTJHOFE UFSSJUPSZ CBTFE PO CVEHFUT t .BJOUBJO FรณDJFOU TBMFT PรณDF QSPDFEVSFT BOE JOTVSFT UIF NBJOUFOBODF PG BDDVSBUF BOE VQEBUFE BDDPVOU รถMFT BOE GPMMPXย VQ QSPDF EVSFT t .BJOUBJO BMM TBMFT TZTUFNT TVDI BT TBMFT SFDPSET BOE SFQPSUT DPOGFSFODF DBMFOEBS USBWFM DBMFOEBS BOE EBUBCBTF BOE BOZ PUIFS TZTUFNT UIBU BSF JO QMBDF PS BSF BEEFE t "TTJTU JO EFTJHOJOH OFX TBMFT QSPNPUJPOT BOE DBNQBJHOT UP ESJWF BEEJUJPOBM TBMFT GSPN WBSJPVT NBSLFUT t *EFOUJGZ BOE BOBMZ[F DPNQFUJUJPO JO CPUI MPDBM BOE SFHJPOBM NBSLFUT t .BOBHF BOE NBJOUBJO B 4BMFT .BSLFUJOH 5SBWFM #VEHFU t .VTU USBWFM B NJOJNVN PG XFFL QFS NPOUI UP 64 4BMFT PรณDF USBWFM BHFODJFT BOE UPVS PQFSBUPS PรณDFT UP DPOEVDU TBMFT QSFTFOUB UJPOT BOE EFTUJOBUJPO TFNJOBST XJUIJO /PSUI "NFSJDBO t .VTU IBWF B WBMJE 6OJUFE 4BUFT ESJWFST MJDFOTF t .VTU CF BCMF UP CPPL NBOBHF BOE TDIFEVMF BMM SFRVJSFE USBWFM QSFTFOUBUJPOT BOE TFNJOBST t "CMF QFSGPSN EVUJFT BOE SFTQPOTJCJMJUJFT JO B DPOรถEFOUJBM NBOOFS XIFO BQQMJDBCMF t 'PMMPX VQ XJUI BMM FNBJM BOE QIPOF JORVJSFT JO B QSPGFTTJPOBM BOE UJNFMZ NBOOFS t 8PSL XJUI (FOFSBM .BOBHFS PG QSPQFSUJF BOE BMM PUIFS EFQBSUNFOUT XIFSF BOE XIFO OFFEFE t 1MBO BOE DPPSEJOBUF USBWFM BSSBOHFNFOUT BOE BQQPJOUNFOUT BT PVUMJOFE BOE TDIFEVMFE t 'PMMPXย VQ XJUI BMM BDDPVOUT BOE QBSUOFS SFRVFTU JO B UJNFMZ NBOOFS t 1BSUJDJQBUF JO XFFLMZ TBMFT BOE NBSLFUJOH DBMM BOE SFDBQ VQEBUF UIF UFBN EJTDVTT BOZ GFFECBDL FUD t 1BSUJDJQBUF JO XFFLMZ ZJFME DBMMT UP EJTDVTT QSFWJPVT XFFL BDUJWJUZ QJDLVQ BOE NBLF EFDJTJPOT UP CFTU ZJFME SPPNT t 8PSL XJUI UFBN UP DPPSEJOBUF BOE BSSBOHF BMM DMJFOU TJUF WJTJUT BOE '". T SKILLS & EDUCATIONS REQUIRED: t .JOJNVN ZFBST FYQFSJFODF XPSLJOH XJUI LFZ BDDPVOUT t 4USPOH FTUBCMJTIFE SFMBUJPOTIJQ LFZ QBSUOFST 7JSUVPTP 4JHOBUVSF &OTFNCMF -FBEJOH )PUFMT PG 5IF 8PSME BOE "NFSJDBO &YQSFTT 'JOF )PUFMT 3FTPSUT t $PNQVUFS MJUFSBUF SFRVJSFE t 1SPรถDJFOU JO TFUUJOH SPPN SBUF TUSVDUVSFT BOE FYUSBOFU QBSUOFS TJUFT t &YDFMMFOU TQPLFO BOE XSJUUFO &OHMJTI t &YQFSUJTF XPSLJOH XJUI .JDSPTPGU 0รณDF 4VJUF JO 8PSE &YDFM 1PXFS 1PJOU 0VUMPPL "EPCF "DSPCBU "EPCF *MMVTUSBUPS t *04 "QQMF QSPรถDJFODZ ,FZOPUF /VNCFST 1BHFT BOE ESPQ CPY t ,OPXMFEHF PG 1.4 3FTFSWBUJPOT 4ZTUFNT BOE JOUFSGBDFT SFRVJSFE t &YUSFNFMZ EFUBJM PSJFOUFE t "CJMJUZ UP DPNNVOJDBUF UP CPUI JOUFSOBM BOE FYUFSOBM DVTUPNFST JO B QPMJUF DPVSUFPVT BOE DPOTUSVDUJWF NBOOFS t $BQBCMF PG NVMUJย UBTLJOH BOE BCMF UP QSJPSJUJ[F EVUJFT t 4PNFPOF XIP JT BCMF UP XPSL BVUPOPNPVTMZ

Position: Pool & Beach Attendant

Location: West Bay Club

Hours: Full Time

SUMMARY OF POSITION 1PPM #FBDI "UUFOEBOUT TFU VQ UIF CFBDI QPPM BDDPSEJOH UP PDDVQBODZ 5IFZ HSFFU BOE TFBU BMM HVFTUT BU UIF QPPM BOE PS CFBDI JO B DPVSUFPVT NBOOFS BOE JOUSPEVDF PVS CFBDI TFSWJDFT UP UIFN 1PPM #FBDI "UUFOEBOUT QSPWJEF UPXFMT XBUFS BOE GPPE CFWFSBHF TFSWJDF UP UIF HVFTUT 5IFZ NBJOUBJO UIF 1PPM #FBDI BSFBT JO B DMFBO BOE PSHBOJ[FE DPOEJUJPO 5IF 1PPM #FBDI "UUFOEBOUT DMFBO UIF CFBDI BOE CSFBL EPXO BT QFS TUBOEBSE MBZ PVU PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE/QUALIFICATIONS t 1SFWJPVT IPUFM 1PPM #FBDI FYQFSJFODF t 1SFWJPVT IPUFM 'PPE #FWFSBHF TFSWJDF FYQFSJFODF t .VTU CF DFSUJรถFE JO 'JSTU "JE BOE $13 "CMF UP XPSL JO UIF TVO EP IFBWZ MJGUJOH BOE CF PO UIF GFFU GPS IPVST B EBZ .VTU CF BCMF UP TXJN t &YDFMMFOU DPNNVOJDBUJPOT TLJMMT BOE IVNBO SFMBUJPOT TLJMMT OFDFTTBSZ t "U MFBTU IJHI TDIPPM MFWFM SFBEJOH XSJUJOH BOE DPNQVUBUJPO TLJMMT "CMF UP DPNNVOJDBUF XFMM JO &OHMJTI

Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than August 27, 2013 @ (649) 946-8550 | Email: humanresources@thewestbayclub.com | Fax: (649) 941-3772 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies

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Roar by Katy Perry [Intro] I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath Scared to rock the boat and make a mess So I sat quietly, agreed politely I guess that I forgot I had a choice I let you push me past the breaking point I stood for nothing, so I fell for everything You held me down, but I got up Already brushing off the dust You hear my voice, your hear that sound Like thunder, gonna shake your ground You held me down, but I got up Get ready ‘cause I’ve had enough I see it all, I see it now [Chorus] I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire Cause I am a champion and You’re gonna hear me ROAR Louder, louder than a lion Cause I am a champion and You’re gonna hear me ROAR Oh oh oh oh oh oh You’re gonna hear me roar Now I’m floating like a butterfly Stinging like a bee I earned my stripes I went from zero, to my own hero You held me down, but I got up

Already brushing off the dust You hear my voice, you hear that sound Like thunder, gonna shake your ground You held me down, but I got up Get ready ‘cause I’ve had enough I see it all, I see it now [Chorus] I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire ‘Cause I am a champion and You’re gonna hear me ROAR Louder, louder than a lion ‘Cause I am a champion and You’re gonna hear me ROAR Oh oh oh oh oh oh You’re gonna hear me roar Roar-or, roar-or, roar-or [Chorus] I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire ‘Cause I am a champion and You’re gonna hear me ROAR Louder, louder than a lion ‘Cause I am a champion and You’re gonna hear me ROAR Oh oh oh oh oh oh You’re gonna hear me roar

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ENTERTAINMENT

Usher Retains Custody of Kids After Emergency Hearing, Pool Accident U

sher will retain primary custody of his two sons with ex-wife Tameka Raymond after an Atlanta judge dismissed her emergency custody motion this afternoon.

“What happened here was an awful accident [but] I’m not certain that any single person ... could have done a better job than [Usher’s aunt and the kids’ caretaker] Ms. [Rena] Oden,” Judge John G. Goger ruled. “So I’m dismissing the motion but I will say, Mr. Raymond, in the future, you should be well-advised to keep your former spouse informed about your whereabouts and who is taking care of the kids.”

The request for an emergency custody hearing was granted after the Raymonds’ five-year-old son, Usher Raymond V, was involved in an accident in the singer’s pool earlier this week. After the boy got his hand caught in the pool drain, his aunt and a housekeeper were unable to pull him loose. Finally, a man who had been working in the home intervened, pulled him out and resucitated the child by using CPR. In her testimony, Tameka Raymond, 42, alleged that Oden, who called 911 after the incident, was an unfit caregiver.

second son, Naviyd, 4.) She also said he failed to give her basic information about the accident after it happened.

“I was still trying to figure it all out -- I was just reacting as any father would, out of concern,” “The Voice” coach said during his testimony, adding that the moment he’d learned of an accident, he rushed home to ride in the ambulance with his “hysterical” child. “Once I figured out how serious, I called Ms. Raymond.... I didn’t know what happened and wanted her to remain calm.”

Usher’s ex-wife Tameka Raymond “It was chaos, pure chaos,” she said, sobbing.

“She’s a good person and nice family member, but a nanny? No. ... I don’t know if my son is going to have a brain defect. ... I don’t know if he’ll be 100 percent the son he was before this accident. This is an emergency.”

The distraught mother also accused her ex-husband of not spending time at the hospital with their son (Usher’s lawyer said he’d been spending all of his time there), and said that her ex-husband does not keep her informed of details of the boys’ day-to-day lives. (The two also have a

USHER’S WIFE POSTS PHOTO OF SON POST-ACCIDENT A lawyer for Usher Raymond, who said his client works one exit away from the Atlanta home he shares with the boys, painted a rosy picture of the boys’ life with their dad, which, on the day of the accident, included a pizza lunch together and a trip to the aquarium with Oden while the singer was at his music studio.

After the judge’s ruling, the ex’s hugged.

“I just want what’s best for my babies,” the superstar said.

2. Usher

Michael Jackson’s ex-wife says doctors took advantage of singer M

ichael Jackson’s doctors competed for his business and over-prescribed medications to help overcome his “incredible” fear of pain, the late pop singer’s ex-wife testified on Wednesday in a wrongful death trial.

“His fear of pain was incredible. I think the doctors took advantage of him that way,” Debbie Rowe said in Los Angeles Superior Court, which is hearing a lawsuit brought by the late singer’s family against concert promoter AEG Live.

“Unfortunately, some of the doctors decided that when Michael was in pain they would try to see who could give him the best painkiller,” added Rowe, 54, who met Jackson while working as an assistant for a dermatologist who treated the singer.

Rowe, who has rarely spoken publicly about Jackson, said the King of Pop was treated for several ailments, including lupus and severe scarring from burns on his head, which he suffered while shooting a television commercial for Pepsi in 1984.

She cried during parts of her testimony and grew frustrated under questioning about a timeline of Jackson’s medical history, at one point shouting at AEG Live attorneys.

Rowe and Jackson were married from 1996 to 1999 and she is the mother of his two eldest children, 16-year-old Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., known as Prince, and Paris, 15.

Rowe has no custody over the children, who live with their grandmother, Katherine Jackson.

Michael Jackson’s ex-wife Debbie Rowe Rowe, who now raises horses at a ranch near Los Angeles, will continue testimony under cross-examination by Katherine Jackson’s attorneys on Thursday.

Katherine Jackson and Jackson’s children are suing AEG Live over the singer’s 2009 death in Los Angeles from an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol, alleging that the privately held company negligently hired Conrad Murray as Jackson’s personal physician and ignored signs that the singer was in poor health prior to his death.

Murray, who was caring for Jackson as the singer rehearsed for his series of 50 comeback “This Is It” concerts, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for administering the propofol that killed the star.

‘AT THE END OF HIS ROPE’ Rowe said that she first time she saw Jackson use propofol was to sleep in Munich during his HIStory tour in 1997. Rowe said she observed him being administered the surgical anesthetic twice by doctors.

“Michael was at the end of his rope. He didn’t know what to do,” Rowe said, adding that the singer’s hotel room looked like a surgical suite.

“He was more worried about not sleeping than dying because he couldn’t perform (without sleep),” she said.

AEG Live has argued that Jackson, who was 50 at the time of his death, had prescription drug and addiction problems for years before entering into any agreement with the company.

It also has said that it did not hire or supervise Murray and could not have foreseen that the physician would have posed a danger to the singer.

Rowe, who has recently rekindled a relationship with daughter Paris, said that she first grew concerned about Jackson’s prescription drug use in the early 1990s after he underwent surgery on his scalp.

“I don’t remember if it (Jackson’s drug use) was worse and worse, but it wasn’t better and not lessening,” she said.

Rowe testified that she took a prescription bottle of powerful narcotic hydromorphone from the singer’s dresser at that time.

“You can’t do narcotics forever.

He (Jackson) knew that.”

Members of the late singer’s family including his mother, his eldest son and his nephews, T.J. and Taj Jackson, have already testified.

Neither Paris nor Jackson’s youngest child, Prince Michael Jackson II, known as Blanket, are expected to take the stand.

Video-taped depositions of Paris and Jackson’s younger brother, Randy, have been entered as testimony in the trial, which started in April and is expected to finish in September.

ABC NEWS DETHRONES NBC IN CRUCIAL RATINGS RACE

O

ne year after a significant reordering of television’s morning shows swept ABC into first place in the ratings race, the same thing might be happening in the evening.

ABC’s 6:30 p.m. newscast, “World News With Diane Sawyer,” bested “NBC Nightly News With Brian Williams” among 25-to-54-year-old viewers last week, ending a winning streak of almost five years by NBC and rekindling interest in the once-predictable ratings competition.

NBC remained on top among total viewers. But ABC’s win was significant because television ads on news programs are bought and sold based on the coveted demographic of 25- to 54-year-olds. Ms. Sawyer has been seeking to snap Mr. Williams’s streak in that category ever since she took over “World News” from her colleague Charles Gibson in 2009.

ABC said the victory was its first since the week of Nov. 17, 2008, shortly after the election of President Obama.

It was a narrow victory: 38,000 viewers in the relevant age group separated the two shows. Partly for that reason, people at NBC News cautioned that the results could be a one-time aberration. Last spring and summer, though, those same people saw their prized morning show, “Today,” fall to second place behind ABC’s “Good Morning America,” first in total viewers and then in the 25-to-54-year-old demographic. The first time “G.M.A.” won, the gap was just 31,000 total viewers.

Now its streak is nearly a year old, and it wins every week by an average of 650,000 viewers.

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News

CARIBBEAN

Cayman Islands strict immigration policy to remain

D

espite some public discussion to the contrary, the Cayman Islands government’s often-maligned “rollover policy” will not be eliminated by proposed changes to the country’s Immigration Law. The term-limit period for non-Caymanian workers’ residence will change from a maximum of seven years to a maximum of 10 years, if and when the Progressives-led government administration’s plans are approved. The government has set a late October deadline for the approval of those changes in the Legislative Assembly.

Home Affairs Ministry Chief Officer Eric Bush confirmed last week that foreign workers reaching their 10-year term limit who have not applied for or been granted permanent resident status would be required to leave the islands for at least a year, as per the current policy. After the year break, former work permit holders would be allowed to apply for jobs in Cayman.

Mr. Bush said the issue is still under discussion and would not go to Cabinet for approval until next month, but that no change had been contemplated in the current break in stay requirements.

The only facet of the existing policy that will be removed, as envisioned by the Progressives administration, will be the key employee designation. Key employee status allows non-Caymanian workers who receive it to stay an additional two years beyond the typical seven-year term limit, if they continue to hold a valid work permit. The two-year extension allows those workers to stay in the country long enough – eight years – to apply for permanent residence.

That two-year extension will no longer be required under the new regime as long as the foreign worker continues to obtain work permit

Premier Alden McLaughlin renewals. Once an individual has been continuously resident for eight years under the new scheme, he becomes eligible to apply for permanent resident status.

However, the requirements for being granted permanent residence are likely to become more stringent following a review of the existing law in the coming months. That review will focus on redefining criteria for the awarding of permanent residence to align with government’s “economic, social and cultural objectives”.

“The aim is to ensure persons granted permanent residence are drawn from a diverse cross-section of our society and are also assets to the community,” Mr. Bush said in an earlier statement.

“The revised criteria will also take into account the impact of the removal of the initial filter afforded by the key employee feature of the term limit process.”

Premier Alden McLaughlin said that under the existing immigration system, it is likely that a person awarded key employee status will eventual-

Government says more Jamaicans could be employed in Canada and United States

K

INGSTON, Jamaica– The Jamaica government says it is seeking to expand the overseas employment programme so that more nationals can benefit from employment opportunities in Canada and the United States.

Labour and Social Security Minister, Derrick Kellier, said the move comes as the demand for skilled Jamaicans continue to grow in the two North American countries.

He said the Canadian farm work programme should see a 10 to 15 per cent growth this year.

“The same goes for the United States where we were down a couple years ago, but the numbers are creeping up again and we expect to see, based on new legislations that President Obama is trying to get through the Congress and the Senate, additional opportunities for us here in Jamaica, if that legislation is approved . So, there is going to be growth.”

Kellier met with representatives of Caribbean Airlines (CAL) to formalize agreements for flying Jamaican workers to the United States and Canada.

He pointed out that Canada, in particular, has a huge labour market that needs to be filled and that Jamaica is currently doing well in filling some of that demand, but “we can double the numbers in another three years”.

He said the programme is of mutual benefit to the countries involved, as it provides work for Jamaicans, so that they can take care of their families as well as help to generate economic activity within the US and Canada.

“So, it is a cross border win, win situation for both of us and hence we in Jamaica have something to protect and to uphold, to ensure that this programme runs smoothly and that it develops and expands for the benefit of all our citizens who have the ability to participate in it; and that the employers in North America can be satisfied that they get good quality workers to expand their business in a productive way.”

Kellier noted that the government has put in “a lot of effort to grow the programme,” and warned against any illegal activity that might compromise the programme.

“We have put in a lot of resources to ensure the integrity of the programme at all levels. We want to ensure that we stand up to the highest level at scrutiny… We cannot afford to have persons travelling on the aircraft with illegal substances,” he said, adding that the overseas employment programme benefits the country immensely, through the foreign exchange that is remitted.

ly be granted permanent residence. The same approval rate cannot apply if a significantly greater number of individuals are allowed to apply for permanent residence, he said.

Under the existing system, local businesses essentially make the first decision on who gets to stay and who must leave when they choose workers to designate as key employees. The difference under the newly proposed system is that government will be the sole arbiter in the decision, once a permanent residence application is received.

Cayman’s newly elected government is taking a slightly different tack in amending the islands’ immigration policies than the UK overseas territory of Bermuda did earlier this year.

It was the Bermudian policy, created in 2001, that initially informed the Cayman Islands’ similar plan that first took effect in January 2004.

According to Bermuda’s Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy, “[The rollover is] a policy that has been identified as a barrier to job creation.”

In an address announcing the cancellation of the policy at the start of 2013, Mr. Fahy said that the country’s work permit system should be adequate to ensure that qualified Bermudians are given jobs ahead of non-Bermudians.

“I want to remind all Bermudians that every work permit holder is in Bermuda for a defined period based on the length of their work permit,” he said. “When a one, two, or three-year work permit expires, the job must be advertised. Where a qualified Bermudian applies for the job, the employer must extend the job to the qualified Bermudian applicant.”

The same rules apply under the Cayman Islands Immigration Law with regard to the granting of work permits.

PANAMA TO OFFER HUMANITARIAN EXILE TO DETAINED CUBANS

N

ASSAU, The Bahamas -- The government of Panama intends to offer humanitarian exile to 19 Cuban nationals who are detained in The Bahamas, Honorary Consul General of Panama to The Bahamas David McGrath said on Monday.

“At this point Panama has confirmed that the president of Panama wishes to offer humanitarian exile to the 19 Cubans, once they establish who they are, what travel documents they have and how the logistics can be arranged,” he said.

“To that end he plans to send a special emissary here from Panama to meet with the government before the end of the week.

“He will be a roving ambassador and his function will be that of trying to get some, if not all of the 19 people re-established and moved to Panama on a humanitarian exile basis.”

This comes after a group of protestors from the Miami-based Cuban advocacy group Democracy Movement engaged in a hunger strike over the alleged abuse of Cuban detainees in The Bahamas.

Democracy Movement representative Ramon Saul Sanchez told The Guardian on Monday that the group called off its weeks-long protest against The Bahamas after Panama indicated its intention to accept the migrants.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

Barbadian students no longer to enjoy free university studies B

RIDGETOWN, Barbados– The Barbados government says it will no longer pay tuition fees for nationals studying at the University of the West Indies (UWI).

Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Chris Sinckler in his 2013-14 budget presentation on Tuesday, said that effective 2014, Barbadian students purusing studies at the university’s three campuses will be required to pay their own tuition fees, while the government continues to fund economic costs.

Sinckler said the tuition fees range from BDS$5, 625 to BDS$65,000 (One Barbados dollar=US$0.50 cents) and that the new policy would reduce the transfer to UWI by an estimated BDS$42 million a year.

“The government of Barbados recognizes that access to education at all levels has been a key factor in the success of Barbados as a society and an economy,” Sinckler said, adding that the Freundel Stuart administration “remains committed to, and fully supportive of, the continued growth and development of UWI Cave Hill and increased access to tertiary education for Barbadians”.

He said in 2003/04 the Cave Hill Campus began a major expansion in terms of the numbers of students and the amenities offered.

“In 1999 for example, there were around 3,568 undergraduate students at the Cave Hill and by 2007 this number had increased to around 6,718 and currently stands at around 7,200 students.

The expansion has meant major increases in the

government of Barbados’ contribution to UWI.” He said in 2007, the financial contribution of the Barbados government to the university was BDS$79.3 million, a figure that increased to BDS$120.5 million a year later.

“To put things in context, for the entire period 1999 to 2007 combined, the total contribution required from the government of Barbados to the Cave Hill Campus was $543.2 million, compared to the $636.3 million dollar contribution required for the 2008 to 2012 period. The reality is that the amount required in the last five years was $93 million greater than the previous nine years combined.”

Sinckler said the “stark reality” is that since 2006 the total contribution by the government to UWI has exceeded the combined contribution to all of the island’s nursery, primary, secondary schools as well as the Barbados Community College and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic.

“While remaining committed to providing continued access to university education, the government cannot simply continue to preside over a situation where the growth and development of the non-university component education system is severely retarded. The country needs to be able to build capacity at all levels of the education system.

“As a consequence, the government has decided that in an effort to assist it in meeting the exploding costs of university education it has now

Fidel Castro surprised to be alive F

ormer Cuban leader Fidel Castro has said that he decided to step down and transfer power to his younger brother, Raul, because he was diagnosed with a fatal illness in 2006.

In an article published to mark his 87th birthday, Fidel Castro said he didn’t expect to survive the stomach ailment and live for so long.

“I was far from imagining that my life would extend for another seven years.”

Mr Castro had been in power since the Cuban Revolution in 1959.

Mr Castro left office for treatment in 2006 but only formally resigned as commander-in-chief and president of Cuba in February 2008.

“As soon as I understood that it would be definitive, I did not hesitate to cease my charges as president,” he said in the article.

Mr Castro also revealed that Cuba had received weapons from North Korea in the early 1980s.

The North Korean weapons shipment was provided after Soviet leader Yuri Andropov warned that his country was no longer prepared to step in to defend the communist-run island.

“He told us that if we were attacked by the United States we would have to fight alone,” wrote Mr Castro.

The Soviet Union renewed its commitment, however, to continue providing weapons to the island. But Cuba decided to gather weapons from “other friends” to arm “one million Cuban fighters.”

Che Guevara (left) and Fidel Castro became an inspiration for generations of leftwing activists across the world “Comrade Kim Il Sung, a veteran and exemplary soldier, sent us 100,000 AK rifles and accompanying ammunition without charging a penny,” writes Mr Castro.

The North Korean leader, who was succeeded by his son, died in 1994.

The revelations come as a team of United Nations experts investigate an incident in the Panama Canal involving a North Korean ship carrying an undeclared shipment of weapons from Cuba.

The ship was seized last month on suspicion of carrying drugs, but Panamanian officials found weapons - including two Soviet-era combat jets - stashed under bags of sugar.

Cuba came forward saying the “obsolete weapons” were being sent to North Korea to be repaired.

Panama called in the UN to investigate if the shipment breached sanctions imposed on North Korea over its nuclear programme.

become necessary to ask students attending and desirous of attending the University of the West Indies to contribute to their education in a more direct manner,” Sincker told legislators.

He said that the Ministry of Education will provide further details on a Means Testing Mechanism to ensure no deserving student is denied access to university education because of the means of their parents.

He said there will also be adjustments to the Student Revolving Loan Scheme to ensure that adequate access to loans with attractive repayment terms is available while the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs will in the coming week work with local finance houses to establish a National Registered Education Savings Plan with appropriate tax allowance provisions for savers. We also expect that our commercial banks, credit unions and other lending agencies will come forward with other attractive packages.

“We appreciate that this is a major shift in policy not just for this administration but for the country as a whole and it will meet with its fair share of criticism. We expect that and will take on board all constructive suggestions as to how we can deal with this very challenging issue.

“However my hope is that the discourse that will no doubt ensue will also take cognizance of the reality that the government simply cannot continue to contract such huge amounts of expenditure for which it knowingly has no sustainable means of meeting,” Sinckler added.

ST LUCIA GOVERNMENT DENIES POLICE COMMISSIONER SENT ON LEAVE

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ASTRIES, St. Lucia– The St. Lucia government Monday denied regional media reports that Police Commissioner Vernon Francois had been sent on leave in the wake of a decision by the United States to bar him from attending a conference in that country.

“The attention of the government of St. Lucia has been drawn to a story on the online news site, Caribbean News Now allegedly written by a ‘Caribbean News Now Contributor’.

“The story alleges, among other things, that the Commissioner of Police Vernon Francois “has been requested to take accumulated vacation leave totalling some 400 days.”

But in the statement, the Kenny Anthony administration said also there was no intention to have the Commissioner replaced or even sent on leave.

“On that count, the story is false. While the Government of St. Lucia cannot dispute that individuals do make insinuations or suggestions from time to time, be it to cause mischief or otherwise, it wishes to make it absolutely clear that there is no intention to replace the Commissioner of Police.”

The statement said that the only authority that could replace or dismiss the Police Commissioner is the Public Service Commission and that it had made no such request to that body.

The Caribbean News Now on line report follows a statement by the government last week that it was aware of the concerns and anxieties expressed by the public over the decision by Washington to disallow officers of the St. Lucia Police Force from participating in several training programmes arranged or financed by the United States.

The statement said Prime Minister Anthony will early address the situation later this week.

Discussion on the matter, which has dominated both the local media and the social websites, heightened last Thursday after the police commissioner confirmed that he was recently denied entry into the United States.

He told reporters that he was unaware of the reason for the action taken to prevent him from attending a United States sponsored training programme and other police officers have in recent times been similarly denied entry to attend training programmes organised by Washington.

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Caribbean countries courting Indians for economic citizenship N

EW DELHI, India– Cricket may soon not be the only connection Indians have with the Caribbean, according to reports here.

The Times of India in a report on Sunday said St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and Antigua & Barbuda have “rolled out attractive cash-for-citizenship programs to woo Indian immigrants.”

It said that Antigua & Barbuda is the latest to launch a citizenship-by-investment (CIP) program, opening up its borders to Indian immigrants in a month. The paper said that Antigua and Barbuda is giving full citizenship to Indian nationals for an investment of at least US $400,000 in an approved real estate project.

It said in order to become a citizen of St Kitts and Nevis an investment of US $400, 000 is also required while Dominica is even cheaper at US $100,000.

The Times of India said both countries have set their sights on wealthy Chinese, as well as Indian immigrants.

“Since the program was announced in March,

we have had a number of inquiries from Indian citizens,” the paper quoted Jason Taylor, chief executive officer of Janik Partners, an Antigua-based company that specializes in CIP. “Most of them view it as a lifestyle investment.”

The report stated that an Antigua passport can get one visa-free travel to 126 countries, including Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Europe. St Kitts and Nevis, on the other hand, gets one to over 100 countries, while and Indian passport only gets one to 55 countries, the paper said.

“Most Asian clients are keen on providing a western education for their children, and this is one of their primary reasons for seeking a citizenship,” said Eric Major, chief executive officer of Henley & Partners, considered the global leader in international residence and citizenship planning. “Another reason is mobility, thanks to visa-free travel.”

The Times of India said Henley and Partners recently advised the Antiguan government on the

design, implementation and administration of its CIP, and also reformed the CIP of St Kitts and Nevis.

“We get about a 1,000 such applications each year in total, and the overall numbers are growing,” he said, stating that NRIs (Non Resident Indians) account for much of the demand “because of the Dubai situation.

“Even though many Indians work there, most don’t have the privileges of residency,” he added. “Those who have done well there but don’t have status often want a better standing, passport ranking wise. This is the new breed of people we call global citizens, and we are helping them become that.”

The Times of Indian said the fact that the Caribbean nations are “serious about Indian immigrants became clear when Denzil Douglas, PM of St Kitts, who was in India in April, asked Indians to look at its citizenship program and invest in it.”

The paper said St Kitts and Nevis has “the world’s oldest CIP” that was launched in 1984.

Bermuda MP refuses to comment about whether she was charged by police A

Bermuda Government MP Nandi Davis is refusing to speak publicly about reports that she is the subject of a police complaint relating to the causing of wilful damage.

Media reports last week suggested the St George’s West MP had been involved in a domestic incident.

The Royal Gazette attempted to speak to Ms Davis at her Hamilton workplace but when invited by a reporter to discuss the matter, Ms Davis declined to comment.

“I’m not going to make a statement or anything,” Ms Davis said.

Asked if she could say whether or not she had been charged with

one count of causing wilful damage, the MP repeated that she would not comment.

Repeated attempts to contact One Bermuda Alliance chairman Thad Hollis to discuss the matter were unsuccessful.

And a Government spokeswoman also declined to comment.

Last Friday the spokeswoman acknowledged that police were “looking into” a complaint, but made no mention of any charge.

But an OBA source did state that party members were being “as supportive as possible”.

In June it was reported that a se-

ries of offensive messages was sent from Ms Davis’s Facebook account.

The MP claimed that her account had been hacked and that she had filed a complaint with the police.

Last month a woman who claimed to have received the messages had her car vandalised, with offensive words scratched into the paintwork. The 24-year-old reported that incident to the police.

Ms Davis, 26, a recently-married executive assistant, won the St George’s West seat at last December’s general election, ousting incumbent Kim Swan and beating PLP candidate Renee Anderson-Ming by just four votes.

Bermuda MP Nandi Davis

Lack of discipline contributes to regional airline LIAT’s problems

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INGSTOWN, St. Vincent– Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is blaming a “lack of discipline” by some members of the regional airline, LIAT, for some of the problems being experienced by travellers in recent months.

Speaking on a radio programme here on Monday, Gonsalves, who is chairman of the LIAT shareholder governments, recalled instances over the past few days where the airline had been delayed as a result of non-scheduling circumstances.

He said on Friday last week, he was schedule to fly to Barbados to sign a multi-million dollar loan agreement on behalf of the airline, only to depart the island 40 minutes late.

He said the lateness was not due to the LIAT aircraft but a taxi contracted to pick up LIAT passengers who overnighted here.

“Frankly speaking, people who are engaged to do pickups, we will have to insist that they do their pickups on time. And if a passenger was late when you are picking up, leave the passenger.

They can’t hold the other 49 passengers because they got up late.”

Gonsalves said on another occasion, his Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Godfrey Pompey, reported that when he arrived at the airport only one LIAT agent was on call.

“Now, one person can’t deal with 40-something persons in an hour. … These kinds of actions must have consequences,” Gonsalves said.

Over the weekend, Prime Minister Gonsalves said he was also called and informed that a LIAT plane had arrived here without aviation oxygen on board resulting in a significant delay.

“Well whoever is responsible for that plane moving between the various places, [should have ensured] that when it left the last stop … there had been a sufficiency of oxygen aboard,” he said.

“Now, these personnel issues, these issues of a lack of discipline in relation to some members of staff of LIAT and some persons who provide services for LIAT, it is just not acceptable and we have to speak out about this.

“I know the management, they have a lot of problems on their hands, but they’ve got to address these urgently.

“Because even when we get the 12 new planes, if these service problems remain, we are going to have improvement in one sense but we will be held back in another,” Gonsalves said.

Gonsalves had telephoned the radio programme on Monday after a caller complained about LIAT service.

Prime Minister Gonsalves said also the delays result partly because the airline has been retraining its pilots to fly the new ATR-72 aircraft.

On Monday, LIAT, Monday warned passengers to brace for more travelling woes this week after one of its new aircraft was grounded “as a result of a technical issue”.

In a statement, the airline told passengers that “its operations continue to be affected by numerous challenges throughout its network” and that despite the re-fleeting exercise LIAT continues to operate its scheduled passenger and cargo service and carry out scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on its entire fleet of aircraft including the Dash 8 and new ATR 72.

“LIAT is also responding to traditionally high demand during the summer peak. This combination of factors has resulted in significant challenges for the company exacerbated by the grounding of one of the company’s new ATR aircraft in Barbados Sunday as a result of a technical issue.”

Earlier, prominent Dominican businessman Gregor Nassief said LIAT is contributing to the damage of fragile economies in the Caribbean through its poor service, especially over the past few weeks.

In an open letter to the board of directors of the cash-strapped airline, Gregor Nassief, a hotelier and president of Tecsys Latin America, wrote of a eight weeks of customer service “which continues to this day due to lack of foresight and planning on the part of LIAT’s executives, and second because of LIAT’s disastrous public relations which has revealed the depth of your executives’ indifference to your customers”.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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RLD

Egypt Day of Rage turns violent, protesters killed

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rotests by supporters of ousted Islamist President Mohamed Mursi turned violent across Egypt on Friday, with witnesses reporting four dead in central Cairo and at least 12 killed in northern cities as the Muslim Brotherhood staged a “Day of Rage”.

The army deployed dozens of armored vehicles on major roads around the capital after Mursi’s Brotherhood movement called the demonstrations, and the Interior Ministry said police would use live ammunition against anyone threatening public buildings.

The violence followed Wednesday’s assault by security forces on two Brotherhood sit-ins in Cairo that left hundreds dead, as security forces tried to end weeks of turbulence following the army’s toppling of Mursi on July 3.

Two days ago the protesters’ camps were broken up, leaving at least 638 dead and causing international condemnation.

In Cairo gunshots echoed around the huge Ramses Square, focal point of Brotherhood protests in the capital, and police fired salvoes of tear gas. Four people were killed and many more wounded by gunshot and birdshot in the square, a witness said.

Nile TV showed footage of one gunman among Islamist protesters firing from a city center bridge. Injured men, one with a bloody wound in the middle of his chest, were rushed away on the back of a pick-up truck.

Emergency services also said eight protesters were killed in clashes in the Mediterranean town of Damietta, and four people died in the northeastern city of Ismailia. Violence was also report-

ed in Egypt’s second city Alexandria and in the Nile Delta city of Tanta.

A police conscript was killed in a drive-by shooting in the north of the capital, state news agency MENA reported.

Deeply polarized after months of political turmoil, Egypt stands close to the abyss of chaos with Islamist supporters refusing to accept the toppling of Mursi, which followed mammoth rallies castigating his trouble-plagued, year-long rule.

They have demanded the resignation of army commander General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and the reinstatement of Egypt’s first freely elected president, who is in detention and has not been seen in public since his downfall.

“Sooner or later I will die. Better to die for my rights than in my bed. Guns don’t scare us anymore,” said Sara Ahmed, 28, a business manager, joining a march of thousands of demonstrators heading downtown from northeast Cairo.

“It’s not about the Brotherhood, it’s about human rights,” said Ahmed, one of the few women not wearing a headscarf, a sign of piety for Muslim women.

When a military helicopter flew low over Ramses Square, protesters held up shoes chanting “We will bring Sisi to the ground” and “Leave, leave, you traitor.”

As the sound of teargas canisters being fired began, protesters - including young and old, men and women - donned surgical masks, gas masks and wrapped bandannas around their faces. Some rubbed Pepsi on their faces to counter the gas.

“Allahu akbar! (God is Greatest)” the crowd chanted.

Death toll in Egypt continues to rise as the protests escalates Signaling his displeasure at the worst bloodshed in Egypt for generations, U.S. President Barack Obama said on Thursday normal cooperation with Cairo could not continue and announced the cancellation of military exercises with Egypt next month.

“We deplore violence against civilians. We support universal rights essential to human dignity, including the right to peaceful protest,” he said, but stopped short of cutting off the $1.55 billion a year of mostly military U.S. aid to Egypt.

The Brotherhood accuses the military of staging a coup when it ousted Mursi. Liberal and youth activists who backed the military saw the move as a positive response to public demands.

But some fear Egypt is turning back into the kind of police state that kept the disgraced Hosni Mubarak in power for 30 years before his removal in 2011, as security institutions recover their confidence and reassert control.

Friday prayers have proved a fertile time for protests during more than two years of unrest across the Arab world.

In calling for a “Day of Rage,” the Brotherhood used the same name as that given to the most violent day of the uprising against Mubarak. That day, January 28, 2011, marked the protesters’ victory over the police, who were forced to retreat.

NSA privacy rules broken thousands of times, Edward Snowden leaks documents show T

he former CIA contractor, who is currently in Russia with temporary asylum, handed over an internal audit and other top-secret documents detailing the illegal behaviour.

Most of the infractions involved unauthorised surveillance of Americans or foreign intelligence targets in the United States, both of which are restricted by law and executive order, The Washington Post said.

They ranged from significant violations of law to typographical errors that resulted in unintended interception of US emails and telephone calls, it said.

The Post said the documents it obtained were part of a trove of materials provided to the paper by Mr Snowden, who has been charged by the United States with espionage.

The documents included a level of detail and analysis that is not

routinely shared with Congress or the special court that oversees surveillance, the paper said. In one of the documents, agency personnel are instructed to remove details and substitute more generic language in reports to the Justice Department and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

In one instance, the NSA decided it need not report the unintended surveillance of Americans, The Post said. A notable example in 2008 was the interception of a “large number” of calls placed from Washington when a programming error confused US dialling code 202 for 20 – the international dialling code for Egypt.

The Post said the NSA audit, dated May 2012, counted 2,776 incidents in the preceding 12 months of unauthorised collection, storage, access to or distribution of legally protected communications.

The paper said most were unintended.

Many involved failures to make sufficient checks on the material which was intercepted or violations of standard operating procedure. It said the most serious incidents included a violation of a court order and unauthorised use of data about more than 3,000 Americans and green-card holders.

In 2008, the FISA Amendments Act granted NSA broad new powers in exchange for regular audits from the Justice Department and the office of the Director of National Intelligence and periodic reports to Congress and the surveillance court, the Post said.

In what The Post said appeared to be one of the most serious violations, the NSA diverted large volumes of international data passing through fibre-optic cables in the United States into a repository

where the material could be stored temporarily for processing and selection.

The operation collected and mingled US and foreign emails, The Post said, citing a top-secret internal NSA newsletter. NSA lawyers told the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court that the agency could not filter out the communications of Americans.

In October 2011, months after the program got under way, the court ruled that the collection effort was unconstitutional.

Some members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, including Democrat Ron Wyden of Oregon, have been trying for some time to get the NSA to give some kind of accounting of how much data it collects “incidentally” on Americans through various electronic dragnets. The Obama administration has strongly resisted such disclosures.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Michelle Obama says US is ready for a female president T

he United States is ready for a woman as president, Michelle Obama told Parade Magazine in portions of an interview out Thursday.

But the first lady took herself out of the running.

Will there be a female president in her lifetime, Parade asked?

“Yes, I think the country is ready for it. It’s just a question of who’s the best person out there,” Obama replied.

Will she ever run?

“No,” the first lady replied.

Will former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton get the job?

“She hasn’t announced anything, so I’m certainly not going to get ahead of her,” Obama replied. (Parade added the note [laughs] after that reply).

With the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech looming, the first lady told Parade that she thinks having the first black U.S. president and his family in the White House will help change the country.

“Children born in the last eight years will only know an African-American man being president

of the United States,” she said. “That changes the bar for all of our children, regardless of their race, their sexual orientation, their gender. It expands the scope of opportunity in their minds. And that’s where change happens.”

And Obama said she had “immense hope” for realizing King’s dream.

“We just finished our visit to Africa and spent time on Robben Island with one of President Mandela’s cellblock mates. Mandela took a lot of the lessons from Dr. King’s time to

NYPDs stop and frisk practice unconstitutional, judge rules A

U.S. judge ruled on Monday the New York Police Department’s “stop-and-frisk” crime-fighting tactic was unconstitutional, dealing a stinging rebuke to Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who vowed to appeal the ruling.

U.S. District Judge Shira Scheindlin called it “indirect racial profiling” because it targeted racially defined groups, resulting in the disproportionate and discriminatory stopping of tens of thousands of blacks and Hispanics while the city’s highest officials “turned a blind eye,” she said.

“No one should live in fear of being stopped whenever he leaves his home to go about the activities of daily life,” Scheindlin wrote in her opinion.

But Bloomberg stood his ground. “People also have a right to walk down the street without being killed or mugged,” he said at a news conference, repeating his conviction that the program resulted in a drastic reduction in crime that made New York the “poster child” for safe U.S. cities.

Political pundits said the ruling would tarnish Bloomberg’s legacy and may trip up NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly, who President Barack Obama has indicated may be a possible nominee

for U.S. secretary of homeland security.

“It will be a heavy lift to designate someone who’s been excoriated by a federal judge for civil rights violations,” said Eugene O’Donnell, a former police officer and prosecutor who is a professor at New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

As part of her ruling, Scheindlin ordered the appointment of an independent monitor and other immediate changes to police policies. Her “remedies” address two lawsuits, one brought by the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and the other by the Center for Constitutional Rights.

Several black and Hispanic men named as plaintiffs gathered at a CCR press conference, some choking back tears as they cheered the ruling for exposing racial profiling by U.S. authorities.

“When I got the call this morning the first thing I did was cry,” said David Ourlicht, 25, who was stopped at St. John’s University in Queens in 2008, ostensibly for walking in a suspicious way with a bulge under his winter clothing.

“It’s a really good picture of what’s going on in society,” said Ourlicht, who is a mixed race man of black and white heritage.

annah Anderson, the 16-yearold teen who was rescued Saturday from her alleged abductor following a multi-state manhunt, made her first public appearance since her ordeal.

On Thursday afternoon, Anderson attended a fundraiser in the San Diego community of Lakeside where she lived with her mother and brother -- both of whom were killed on August 4 prior to Anderson being allegedly kidnapped by family friend James DiMaggio. DiMaggio was killed in a shootout with police Saturday in Idaho.

The Lakeside Boll Weevil restaurant was holding a fundraiser with 20 percent of the sales going to the Anderson family. Wearing sunglasses, Hannah Anderson emerged out from a car and was quickly ushered into the restaurant away from the media. She offered no comment.

Later, Anderson’s father, Brett,

Hannah Anderson emerged and spoke to reporters.

“This is a small community that we are a part of. The community came together putting on this great fundraiser for Hannah... and this is how Lakeside rolls. So I just wanted to say how much we appreciate it from everybody, the community, family, friends for being here ... and local sheriffs and law enforcement.”

Brett Anderson said he spoke with the horsemen - who spotted Hannah that led to her being found in Idaho

heart,” she said. “To come back to the United States, with an African-American president who has been influenced by both King and Mandela, that is a reason to be hopeful about all that Dr. King sacrificed.”

Bloomberg told reporters his administration will appeal the ruling. That will take place as soon as the monitor makes any kind of request, at which time the city will seek an immediate stay pending the outcome of the appeal, said Corporation Counsel Michael Cardozo.

Bloomberg has resisted interference in his police policies, especially that of stopping, questioning and frisking anyone for “reasonable suspicion” in high-crime areas. An added benefit, he said at the press conference, was “the possibility of being stopped acts as a vital deterrent.”

The mayor has sought to preserve a legacy that includes a 30 percent reduction in violent crime since 2001, the year he was first elected.

Bloomberg will leave office on January 1 after 12 years in office.

All four leading candidates in next month’s Democratic mayoral primary have taken a stand against “stop and frisk,” but none of them has said they would abolish the police practice.

The judge, who presided over the nine-week trial without a jury, ruled that the effectiveness of “stop and frisk” was irrelevant.

“Many police practices may be useful for fighting crime -preventive detention or coerced confessions, for example - but because they are unconstitutional, they cannot be used, no matter how effective,” the ruling said.

HANNAH ANDERSON MAKES FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE SINCE HER RESCUE

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US First Lady Michelle Obama

-- by phone and thanked them.

“It was a chance encounter, but it did save my daughter’s life. Other than that, Hannah sends her love. She’s doing good day by day, and we’ll just keep moving forward from there.”

Meanwhile, search warrants unsealed Wednesday revealed that DiMaggio tortured Hannah Anderson’s mother and brother before killing them. The warrants do not describe the torture, but indicate that, when firefighters arrived at the property, they first discovered Christina Anderson’s body after noticing a pair of human feet sticking out underneath a green tarp in the garage. She was face-down and a crowbar was by her head, reports CBS San Diego affiliate KFMB-TV. DiMaggio and Hannah Anderson exchanged about 13 calls before Hannah was picked up from cheerleading practice on Aug. 4. Both

phones were turned off, and the home burned several hours later.

DiMaggio, 40, was like an uncle to the children and close to the parents for nearly two decades. The warrants describe how DiMaggio took Hannah on multi-day trips, most recently to Malibu and Hollywood.

Since her rescue, Anderson supposedly made online postings Monday evening in which she fielded questions on social media about herself and her ordeal. A mother of a close friend of Anderson confirmed the postings were from the teen. CBS News reached out to both Anderson’s family and the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. Neither denied that the online account is hers. It appears to be authentic because Anderson posted pictures of herself and had conversations before she was kidnapped.

When asked if she preferred DiMaggio would have been sentenced to prison for life instead of being killed by authorities, Anderson said, “He deserved what he got.”

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Flight recorders retrieved from UPS cargo jet in Alabama A

n initial investigation into the wreckage of the UPS cargo jet that crashed on approach to Birmingham, Alabama’s airport has found no evidence of pre-impact fire or engine failure, the National Transportation Safety Board said on Thursday.

The downed plane’s cockpit voice and flight data recorders were also retrieved.

The so-called black boxes will be sent to the NTSB headquarters in Washington for evaluation of possible clues about the cause of the fiery crash of the United Parcel Service Inc aircraft in which two pilots were killed, Robert Sumwalt, a senior NTSB official, told a press conference in Birmingham.

Sumwalt said the flight data and cockpit voice recorders were covered in debris and plastic that melted in the fire and then hardened onto them.

It took three hours to dig them out.

Investigators hoped to get them opened later Thursday and should know by Friday whether the data is still good.

“They weren’t made to be opened. They’ll have to saw into them,” Sumwalt said. “We are optimistic we will be able to obtain good data from those recorders.”

He said there was debris in the engine that was apparently sucked in when the plane clipped the trees. It was “indicative of an engine coming through trees and striking dirt,” Sumwalt said.

He said they would be also be looking at lighting and navigational issues that might be involved with the runway.

The cargo plane, an Airbus A300, clipped trees and nearly hit a house before plowing across about 200 yards of empty field well short of the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, the NTSB has said.

The pilots of UPS flight 1354 issued no emergency or distress calls before the plane crashed and burst into flames.

One of the doomed crew members has been identified as 37-year-old Shanda Fanning of Lynchburg, Tennessee, according to her local sheriff’s office.

The other pilot has been identified as Cerea Beal Jr., a resident of the Charlotte, North Carolina, area, the Charlotte Observer newspaper said.

Kevin Hiatt, president and chief executive officer of the Flight Safety Foundation, an Alexandria, Virginia-based international watchdog group, said Birmingham-Shuttlesworth can be tricky to land at because it is nestled into surrounding hills.

That is especially true of Runway 18, which the UPS jet was approaching when it crashed into a tall hill at the north end of the airport, said Hiatt.

A veteran former Delta Airlines pilot, Hiatt said he had touched down on the runway many times himself.

An investigator looks through debris of a UPS A300 cargo plane after it crashed on approach at BirminghamShuttlesworth International Airport, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013 in Birmingham, Ala. The two pilots aboard were killed.

“It is not a full instrument landing. You have to visually fly into that runway. Sometimes it takes nuance to land there. You have to realize that hill is there or you could come in too low,” Hiatt told Reuters.

The crash occurred shortly before dawn in rainy conditions as low-lying clouds hung over Birmingham.

“They were slanted south, coming in at a straight approach,” Hiatt said of the ill-fated UPS pilots.

“Since there was no distress call, everything seemed to be progressing normally,” he said.

“They must have gotten blindsided by something that happened, perhaps with the engines.”

Venezuela’s president Maduro to seek decree powers in graft fight V

enezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday he will ask for decree powers last used by his predecessor Hugo Chavez to ramp up a fight against corruption that has begun to cost him politically with supporters.

Maduro, who served as Chavez’s foreign minister and vice president, narrowly won an election four months ago after his socialist mentor died of cancer.

He has struggled with slowing economic growth and rising inflation while also trying to impose control on the diverse coalition he inherited from Chavez. It ranges from military officers to businessmen, leftist ideologues and armed militants.

A new anti-corruption drive that Maduro launched with great fanfare has led to the arrest of some relatively senior officials from staterun businesses and institutions.

Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela But it has suffered from a widespread public perception that “big fish” with political connections have been spared.

In a nationally televised speech, Maduro said he would ask the National Assembly, which is dominated by his supporters, to grant him decree powers to step up his battle to defeat graft.

“I’m going to call a national emergency in the fight against corruption, and I’m going to ask for special powers in order to change the

laws,” he said. “If I have to change all the laws to confront corruption, I’m going to do it.”

To be granted decree powers, Maduro would need the votes of three-fifths of the National Assembly, or 99 deputies. His ruling Socialist Party holds 98 seats, so he would need just one independent lawmaker to back him.

Chavez governed for months using decree powers that he requested from lawmakers in 2010 to push through reconstruction and relief projects after floods left nearly 140,000 homeless.

At the time, critics accused him of exploiting the disaster to sideline the Assembly before the arrival of a raft of opposition legislators elected that year.

Chavez later said he was being demonized around the world for ruling by decree, and at one point said he would give up the powers if

the post-flood measures were put in place quickly.

It was unclear what laws Maduro might change by decree, and he gave few details in his speech.

In its latest annual index of perceptions of corruption, global watchdog Transparency International ranked Venezuela as the ninth most corrupt country in the world.

Among the senior officials caught up in Maduro’s anti-graft campaign are five who are charged with embezzling $84 million from a China-financed development fund.

But many Venezuelans openly wonder why some individuals widely believed to be corrupt, including heavyweight figures close to the government, have not been brought to justice.

Some “Chavistas” see that as a betrayal of their late hero’s memory, so the perception that his administration is soft on corruption has become a challenge for Maduro that rivals violent crime and the economy.

Keita wins Mali presidency with 77.61 percent of vote: minister B

AMAKO - Ibrahim Boubacar Keita won Mali’s presidential election runoff with 77.61 percent of the vote, the government said on Thursday, handing him a strong mandate for sweeping reforms in the war-torn West African state.

Sunday’s vote marked a transition back to democratic rule after a March 2012 military coup plunged the West African nation

into turmoil, allowing Islamist insurgents to seize Mali’s desert north. A French-led military intervention in January liberated the region.

Former Prime Minister Keita, whose rival Soumaila Cisse had already admitted defeat on Monday, has said his first priority will be to forge a lasting peace in northern Mali with Tuareg separatist rebels. He has also pledged

to eliminate widespread corruption and revive Mali’s ailing economy.

General Moussa Sinko Coulibaly, minister for Territorial Administration, said turnout at Sunday’s vote fell slightly to 45.78 percent, from the record level of 49 percent registered in the July 28 first round.

Some 6.8 million Malians were registered to vote.

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WORLD NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Ferry sinks after collision in Philippine port M

ANILA, Philippines— A ferry with nearly 700 people aboard sank near the central Philippine port of Cebu on Friday night after colliding with a cargo vessel, and a survivor said he saw bodies in the sea.

The captain of the ferry MV Thomas Aquinas ordered the ship abandoned after it began listing and then sank after hitting the cargo vessel, coast guard officer Joy Villegas said.

He said two coast guard vessels and other nearby ships were involved in the rescue operation not far from the port of Cebu.

There was no immediate word on casualties, but passenger Jerwin Agudong told radio station

DZBB that some people were trapped and he saw bodies in the water.

“It seems some were not able to get out. I pity the children. We saw dead bodies on the side, and some being rescued,” he said.

He said the ferry was entering the pier when the cargo vessel, which was on the way out, suddenly collided with the ship. He said he and other passengers jumped in front of the cargo vessel.

“One of the persons who jumped with us hit his head on metal. He is shaking and he is bloodied,” Agudong said.

He said the crew of the ferry distributed life jackets while the ship was slowly sinking.

Rescuers saved 253 people from a ferry that sank after a collision in the central Philippines and were searching for hundreds still unaccounted for, a coastguard spokesman said.

Five people were confirmed dead after the incident late on Friday, Commander Armand Balilo said.

He said the ferry came from Nasipit in Agusan del Sur province

Republicans vote to boycott CNN, NBC debates if Clinton specials air T

he Republican National Committee has voted to boycott any presidential primary debates planned by CNN and NBC if they proceed with lengthy television features on Hillary Clinton, widely expected to be a 2016 Democratic candidate.

With no audible dissent, GOP officials approved a resolution backing the position at their annual summer meeting in Boston on Friday.

The RNC claims that a Clinton-themed documentary and a separate miniseries -- in the works from CNN and NBC, respectively -- will put a “thumb on the scales” in the upcoming 2016 presidential election.

The draft resolution, obtained by Fox News in advance and later voted on by RNC officials, calls on CNN and NBC to cancel what it describes as “political ads masked as unbiased entertainment.”

And if they don’t, the resolution states, “the Republican National Committee will neither partner with these networks in the 2016 presidential primary debates nor sanction any primary debates they sponsor.”

Before the vote, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus decried what he called the “obvious bias” of a network that would spotlight Clinton in this fashion.

“We’re done putting up with this nonsense. There are plenty of other

Spanish skyscraper going up but without an elevator?

I

f you are thinking of investing in an apartment at the Intempo skyscraper in Benidorm, Spain, be prepared to bring some good walking shoes: Its builders forgot a working elevator, says the Spanish news site El Pais.

According to a story surfaced on Gizmodo, the luxury high-rise tower, which started construction in 2007, was originally designed for 20 floors. But the the developers decided to push the design to include 47 floors with 269 homes. When completed, it will be Benidorm’s highest building at 650 feet.

There seemed to be just one important oversight: In going up to 47 floors, designers forgot to take into account room for an elevator shaft. El Pais reports that the architects on the project resigned in May 2012.

The building “represents a long story of incompetence,” according to El Pais. The coastal town had a building boom that led to the nickname “Beniyork” for its skyline of

high-rises.

But then the recession hit. Intempo’s developer, which had once advertised the building as the “banner of the future,” and the bank that provided the loan for construction both went bankrupt in 2009. The building has cost €100 million so far.

“We had heard reports on the elevator last week when we listed the building to generate advance interest,” wrote Terry Walker, a spokesperson for Walker Property Spain’s London office. In the light of the other problems that have been overcome at Intempo, we would be confident that a solution can be found,” Walker said.

Already 35 percent of the apartments have been sold to international buyers — the site describes the abodes as “Dubai style luxury.” The building is 95 percent complete, and it is expected to be done by spring 2014.

Expect, too, a built-in exercise regime.

outlets. We’ll still reach voters, maybe more voters. But CNN and NBC anchors will just have to watch on their competitors’ networks,” he said. “The media overplayed their hand this time.”

The resolution claims the programming would show “political favoritism” in the election and jeopardize the credibility of the networks.

Last month, CNN Films announced it was producing a documentary on Clinton to premiere next year, first in theaters and then on CNN. NBC also announced a four-hour “Hillary” miniseries starring Diane Lane, on the life of the former secretary of State and first lady.

CNN defended its planned documentary in a written statement in early August.

“This documentary will be a non-fiction look at the life of a former First Lady and Secretary of State. Instead of making premature decisions about a project that is in the very early stages of development and months from completion, we would encourage the members of the Republican National Committee to reserve judgment until they know more,” the statement said. “Should they decide not to participate in debates on CNN, we would find it curious, as limiting their debate participation seems to be the ultimate disservice to voters.”

VIRUS TARGETS THE SOCIAL NETWORK IN NEW FRAUD TWIST

I

n the world of cyber fraud, a fake fan on Instagram can be worth five times more than a stolen credit card number.

As social media has become increasingly influential in shaping reputations, hackers have used their computer skills to create and sell false endorsements - such as “likes” and “followers” - that purport to come from users of Facebook, its photo-sharing app Instagram, Twitter, Google’s YouTube, LinkedIn and other popular websites.

In the latest twist, a computer virus widely used to steal credit card data, known as Zeus, has been modified to create bogus Instagram “likes” that can be used to generate buzz for a company or individual, according to cyber experts at RSA, the security division of EMC Corp.

These fake “likes” are sold in batches of 1,000 on Internet hacker forums, where cyber criminals also flog credit card numbers and other information stolen from PCs. According to RSA, 1,000 Instagram “followers” can be bought for $15 and 1,000 Instagram “likes” go for

$30, whereas 1,000 credit card numbers cost as little as $6.

It may seem odd that fake social media accounts would be worth more than real credit card numbers, but online marketing experts say some people are willing to spend heavily to make a splash on the Internet, seeking buzz for its own sake or for a business purpose, such as making a new product seem popular.

“People perceive importance on what is trending,” said Victor Pan, a senior data analyst with WordStream, which advises companies on online marketing. “It is the bandwagon effect.”

Facebook, which has nearly 1.2 billion users, said it is in the process of beefing up security on Instagram, which it bought last year for $1 billion. Instagram, which has about 130 million active users, will have the same security measures that Facebook uses, said spokesman Michael Kirkland.

He encouraged users to report suspicious activity through links on Facebook sites and apps.

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usiness B AND

T O ECHN

LOGY

$30 million in $100 bills to be re-inspected and possibly destroyed after printing error

A

pile of one hundred dollar bills totaling $30 million must be re-inspected and possibly disposed of after a printing error by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

Taxpayers will be footing the not-yet-determined cost of the review and possible reprinting, in addition to paying to destroy the “blunder” that occurred crafted money.

The latest production problem, called “mashing,” occurred at the Washington, D.C. printing plant of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

During printing this summer, too much ink was used and thus the lines on the artwork aren’t as clear as they should be, a spokesperson for the Bureau told the Daily News.

The Federal Reserve rejected the batch once they discovered that some of the bills were spoiled. Now the entire batch has to be re-inspected but the Bureau suspects the “majority” of $100 bills in the order will pass muster since only a “marginal fraction” were faulty.

“We have confidence in our process and employees,” the BEP rep said, adding assurances that the new $100 bill will be released on time in October.

Newly redesigned $100 notes lay in stacks at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C., but the botched bills are going to be destroyed over faulty printing.

The Bureau wouldn’t comment on the cause for the blunder and said the plant with undergo a testing process on the printing cyle to prevent it from happening again. All money printed at the two plants, that employs 2,000, is inspected by both the Secret Service and the Federal Reserve.

The redesigned $100 bill has been a headache for the Fed since the new counterfeit-proof design was introduced.

The new bill will feature a chameleon-like Liberty Bell, miniaturized text in Benjamin Franklin’s collar and an array of 3-D images.

The modified money was supposed to be released in 2011, but as of yet, the new bill hasn’t seen the light of day.

For now, the Fed has put the D.C. printing plant on its blacklist and will only accept $100 bills printed at the Bureau’s plant in Fort Worth.

The agency is working to vamp up inspection and security to replace the “clearly unacceptable” currency, in order to meet the Fed’s deadline of October 8.

“There are dire consequences involved here because BEP sells Federal Reserve notes to the Board to finance our entire operation,” Larry Felix, BEP director, said, in a memo obtained by The New Yorker.

“If the BEP does not meet the order, the BEP does not get paid.”

New iPhone and 4G technology may mean Apple, China Mobile tie-up closer T

he stars may be aligning for a long-awaited deal between Apple Inc and China Mobile Ltd, the world’s biggest mobile carrier, that could help the iPhone maker claw back lost ground in its most important growth market.

Apple is expected to unveil its redesigned iPhone next month and may also release a cheaper, emerging market smartphone.

Crucially, it also now has Qualcomm Inc chips that can operate even on China’s obscure networks.

At the same time, Beijing is expected to grant 4G licenses by the yearend that favor the biggest of its domestic mobile operators.

Apple has so far ducked a deal with China Mobile as this would have required a redesign inside the iPhone to work on the operator’s inferior TD-SCDMA 3G technology.

For its part, China Mobile has been reluctant to commit to the huge cost of marketing and subsidizing sales of the expensive iPhone.

By offering a mid-market Apple smartphone, China Mobile, which has 740 million users, could draw in more sophisticated, data-crunching subscribers to grow net profit that last year was only 15 percent higher than in 2008, when Apple opened its first store in China.

While the 4G licenses are expected to be based on TD-LTE technology, rather than the more widely-used FDD-LTE, the new Qualcomm chips can handle both systems, saving Apple from a major re-design just for the Chinese market, albeit the world’s largest.

“The circumstances and the issues that were a hindrance in the past seem to be getting resolved.

So I think there’s a higher probability that potentially there’s something in the works,” said Anand Ramachandran, a telecoms analyst at Barclays in Singapore.

Apple CEO Tim Cook met China Mobile Chairman Xi Guohua in Beijing last month, his second China visit this year, prompting speculation that a deal could be edging closer.

“We are actively negotiating and both sides are keen,” Xi told reporters on Thursday after announcing half-year results. “There are still some commercial and technology issues that need time to resolve,” he added, without elaborating.

Apple may be keener now to partner with China Mobile as its sales in Greater China, its second biggest market, slumped 43 percent in April-June from the previ-

ous quarter, under pressure from mid-tier domestic suppliers such as Lenovo Group Ltd, ZTE Corp, Huawei Technologies and Xiaomi Technology. The California-based firm’s China smartphone market share has almost halved since last year to below 5 percent, according to industry researcher Canalys - well behind market leader Samsung Electronics.

The smaller China Unicom, which signed up with Apple in 2009, has seen annual net profits slide, largely due to the high cost of subsidizing iPhone sales - but more recently its growth has outstripped its rivals as it trims subsidies this year having already established its high-end user base.

January-June net profit jumped 55 percent to 5.3 billion yuan ($866 million).

Third-ranked China Telecom Corp Ltd entered a deal with Apple last year and, like Unicom, has seen net profit fall in recent quarters due to rising handset subsidies, though it expects profitability to improve in the long term. China Unicom and Telecom do not detail handset subsidies for iPhones.

China Mobile on Thursday posted April-June net profit of 35.2 billion yuan ($5.7 billion), up 2 per-

cent on last year and just ahead of estimates.

“Unicom has the fastest earnings momentum,” said Vincent Lam, managing director of VL Asset Management Ltd, who invested in China Unicom, but not China Mobile. “It will depend on how iPhones fare in China from now on.

My feeling is the iPhone may be losing popularity to some Android phones, so even if China Mobile gets an Apple deal, we will have to see how positive the impact is.”

China’s smartphone shipments are forecast to increase to more than 460 million by 2017, worth nearly $120 billion, from an expected 330 million, worth $80 billion, this year, according to research firm IDC. “Tim Cook says he expects China to be the largest market for Apple after the U.S., but I don’t see how that can happen if you don’t have the largest operator as your partner,” said Barclays’ Ramachandran.

China Mobile shares, valued at around $220 billion - half of Apple’s market worth - have fallen 7 percent this year, compared with declines of 8 percent at China Telecom and 1 percent at China Unicom.

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Oil prices inflated on Egypt and Libya turmoil, but ample global supplies help temper increase N

EW YORK — The price of oil has been inflated by turmoil and increasing violence in the Middle East, but ample global oil supplies are helping to keep the rise in check.

The price of U.S. benchmark oil rose 48 cents to $107.33 per barrel in afternoon trading Thursday. Brent crude, a benchmark used to price imported crude purchased by many U.S. refineries, rose 91 cents to $111.11 per barrel. he trouble spots right now are Egypt, which is under a state of emergency; Libya, where strikes at oil facilities have curtailed production; and Iraq, where a bomb attack halted oil flowing through an export pipeline. Analysts estimate that concerns about those countries have added $6 or more to the price of oil.

The higher crude prices are not expected to significantly boost U.S. gasoline prices because gasoline supplies are plentiful. The average retail price of a gallon of gasoline stayed at $3.54 Thursday. Wholesale gasoline futures, which signal the price drivers will pay at the pump, did not rise along with oil. The average retail price has fallen 9 cents so far this month and is 17 cents lower than at this time last year.

The simmering turmoil in Egypt erupted Wednesday, as clashes between police and supporters of ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi killed 525 people and injured 3,700. Egypt

is not a major oil exporter, but traders worry that the violence could spill over to more important oil exporting countries or disrupt major oil transport routes that cross Egypt.

“The situation in Egypt deteriorated significantly,” analysts at Commerzbank in Frankfurt said in a report. “This makes any return to a more peaceful situation in this country — which plays a key role in the entire region’s stability — impossible.”

Libya is having an even greater effect on oil prices, analysts say. Strikes at oil facilities have helped cut Libyan production by to 650,000 barrels a day from 1.65 million barrels a day a year ago. When the country’s oil production stopped completely during the revolution in 2011, oil rose by $20 per barrel over the span of two weeks. Occasional attacks on a pipeline linking Iraq and Turkey have also prevented supplies from reaching global markets in recent weeks.

Oil passed $100 per barrel in early July for the first time since September as Morsi was being ousted. It reached a high for the year of $108.15 on July 19 as Libyan output fell.

A drop in U.S. supplies has also pushed prices higher by raising hopes of an improving economy that would need more diesel, gasoline and jet fuel. Supplies have dropped six of the past seven weeks, declining by more than 30 million barrels

over that period, according to the U.S. Energy Department. The U.S. consumes 18.5 million barrels of crude and petroleum products per day.

But rising oil production in the U.S., Canada, and elsewhere in the Americas has helped keep the market well-supplied with oil. Even with recent decline, U.S. stockpiles remain near the top of their 5-year average and global demand growth is expected to be modest.

U.S. crude production rose to 7.6 million barrels per day last week, the highest weekly total since December of 1989.

Judith Dwarkin, chief economist at ITG Investment Research, says the higher prices are the result of “short-term nervousness” and that higher production and supplies are preventing a sharper rise in oil prices like the one seen in the spring of 2012 when Brent Crude surpassed $125 per barrel.

“It’s providing a psychological and actual cushion,” she says of higher production outside of the Middle East.

That has Dwarkin forecasting lower oil prices in the coming months.

She observed that the price of oil to be delivered next month is much higher than the price of oil to be delivered further in the future. That suggests prices will come down if the Middle East violence doesn’t spread.

Amazon founder Jeffrey Bezos buys the Washington Post for $250 million A

mazon.com founder Jeffrey Bezos, who revolutionized the book business, is now aiming to do the same with one of the nation’s most storied newspapers.

The Seattle billionaire has agreed to purchase the Washington Post for $250 million, saying Monday that he was “very optimistic” about the paper’s future.

The Post, like the newspaper industry as a whole, has been beset by a rapid decline in print advertising, a loss of subscribers and challenges in building up online revenue.

In a letter to Post employees, Bezos indicated that he wouldn’t make radical changes in editorial operations and would continue to emphasize accountability journalism. But he said the paper will need to “invent” and to “experiment,” focusing on the Internet and tailored content, to address the changing habits of readers.

Bezos, 49, was on nobody’s list of likely entrants into print media.

“This is the first time a true digital native is buying a newspaper publishing company,” said Alan D. Mutter, a media consultant and former newspaper editor. “Jeff Bezos has the means, motive and opportunity to re-envision what it means to be a newspaper in the digital era.”

Bezos will own the Post outright, buying it with his own money, not Amazon’s. By taking it private, he won’t be subject to shareholders seeking quick returns.

Bezos, a Princeton University graduate, founded Amazon in 1994 as an online book seller. He quickly added other services and built it into the world’s biggest online retailer, with $61 billion in sales last year and 97,000

employees worldwide.

Over the years, he also has made some eclectic investments, including unearthing old rocket engines from the bottom of the ocean and building a futuristic clock that is supposed to keep time for 10,000 years. But generally, he has focused on new technologies.

He’s known as a patient leader who is willing to absorb losses as he builds businesses.

Amazon lost $39 million last year, despite its revenue growth. Rather than focus on profit, the company has been making huge investments in warehouses and costly entertainment ventures such as the Kindle devices and Amazon Instant Video.

“His philosophy is to invest for growth, profits be damned,” media analyst Ken Doctor said. “If you apply that to a newspaper, you see a very different perspective than just cut, cut, cut, which is what everyone else has been doing.”

Bezos has a long-standing relationship with Donald Graham, chairman and chief executive of the newspaper’s parent firm, Washington Post Co. Graham advised Amazon in the devel-

opment of its Kindle e-reader and serves as a director of social media giant Facebook.

An emotional Graham, alongside his niece, Post Publisher Katharine Weymouth, broke the news of the sale late Monday. Reporters and editors gathered in the Post’s auditorium gasped.

“Our revenues had declined seven years in a row. We had innovated, and to my critical eye our innovations had been quite successful in audience and in quality, but they hadn’t made up for the revenue decline,” Graham said. “Our answer had to be cost cuts and we knew there was a limit to that.”

The paper, known for its political and investigative journalism, has won 18 Pulitzer prizes in the last decade. Its coverage of the Watergate scandal led to the resignation of President Nixon and inspired a generation of students to become journalists.

The Post has been closely held by a single family for eight decades and remains one of the most powerful media outlets in the country.

In a statement Monday, Bezos said he intends to keep current management, including Weymouth and Executive Editor Martin Baron, in place.

“I understand the critical role the Post plays in Washington, D.C., and our nation, and the Post’s values will not change,” Bezos said. “Our duty to readers will continue to be the heart of the Post, and I am very optimistic about the future.”

Tech analysts speculated that Bezos could help wean the paper off its dependence on conventional advertising, and some suggested that he might try to integrate the Post with Amazon products and services.

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REGIONAL NEWS EXTRA

Cuba Tourism Floodgates Are Already Open

BY JOE PIKE

I

t was about three years ago that experts in the travel industry were predicting about three to five million Americans would make a mad rush to Cuba in the first year the forbidden island opens for U.S. tourism.

Three years later, I think those experts may be lowering those figures a bit. And it’s not because the desire by Americans to see the unspoiled destination has wavered. It’s because by the time travel to Cuba is made legal, many Americans may have already been there - and legally for that matter.

It appears as though tour operators are starting to get the hang of this People-to-People initiative, something several operators still didn’t follow accordingly when it was first introduced. The People to People education program is an initiative that requires Americans to take part in various cultural experiences in Cuba, essentially, as the name implies, putting them in direct contact with the people of Cuba with hopes of learning about the way of life in the country.

It was implemented by President Clinton in 1999 and suspended by President Bush in 2004 before President Obama resurrected the program during his first term. Insight Cuba got the ball rolling in 2011. After Insight Cuba became the first licensed operator to sell Cuba through the People-to-People initiative, other operators joined suit, including Collette Vacations, National Geographic Expeditions and International Expeditions.

But requirements were tightened last year after criticism that many of the trips were masking recreational tourism to the Communist island.

Cuban-American Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida criticized the government for approving licenses for groups that included activities like salsa dancing.

But even the operators who failed at their first cracks of sending clients to Cuba have re-

fined their programs to adhere to the tighter restrictions. Back in 2011, Globus was looking into sending U.S. clients to Cuba in 2012 on religious tours approved by the Center for Caribbean Religion and Culture. Those plans, however, were scrapped after the U.S. Department of the Treasury began cracking down on who these operators were getting their licenses from.

In May, however, Globus announced that it obtained a license that allows the operator to sell Cuba legally to U.S. clients through the People-to-People initiative. And like Globus, Abercrombie & Kent USA, which had tried to enter the Cuba market in September 2011, but pulled its programs pending a review and clarification of Cuba regulations, has also been approved recently for a license through the initiative.

Abercrombie & Kent’s inaugural departure of Cuba: People to People is September 6-15, followed by additional departures throughout 2013 and into 2014.

Meanwhile, A U.S.-based tour company recently announced the launch of new People-to-People trips to Cuba that would transport U.S. citizens there by ship.

Road Scholar, a Boston-based company, is offering the trips from Jamaica and Miami, with stops in Havana and other parts of Cuba.

The U.S. Treasury Department confirmed in an email that transportation “whether by bus, boat or taxi” in Cuba is permitted as part of the People-to-People programs as long as it does not detract from a “full-time schedule of educational activities that will result in meaningful interaction between the travelers and individuals in Cuba.”

Central Holidays also recently added Cuba to the list with a new People-to-People “Discover Cuba” cultural exchange offer. The program allows travelers to connect with the country’s architecture, music, art and culture in an authentic way by facilitating exchange between them and residents.

Earlier this month, Tauck reported that it will again be offering departures of its People-to-Peo-

Barbados seeking bilateral trade agreement with Poland

B

RIDGETOWN, Barbados– Barbados is seeking to finalise a bilateral trade and tax agreement with Poland.

Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development Minister Donville Inniss met with the Venezuela-based Polish Ambassador, Piotr Kaszuba to discuss a wide range of issues including ways to attract more Polish tourists to the Caribbean island.

“Even though we may be miles apart and culturally different, the reality about it in today’s global village, (is that) there is scope for countries like Barbados and Poland to work together to expand investment in each other’s countries and we are satisfied that Barbados offers a good sweep of products for international investors who would wish to invest in Poland or for Polish investors who may wish to expand their reach beyond Poland or beyond Eastern Europe.

“We are determined to make this happen, to make it successful in a very transparent manner that would bring us benefits to each other, hence a Double Taxation Agree-

ment between Poland and Barbados would be fruitful,” he added.

Ambassador Kaszuba said Poland was “open to such an agreement, and was looking forward to exploring further investment opportunities between the two countries”.

“After 17 years of diplomatic relations, it is time that we have something that we can rejoice about across the ocean, country to country” Inniss said that Barbados “always welcome more Polish visitors to our shores. I know that you have a population of 40 million or so … If we could only get one tenth of that we would be very happy”.

He said there have been talks over the years of air links, but Barbados really does not have any chartered flights out of Eastern Europe.

“However, there are several airlines that fly here that fly to Poland …but I am sure that our Minister of Tourism and International Transport will explore all opportunities to increase air lift out of Europe to make it a little easier for your people to travel to our island.”

ple cultural exchange journeys to Cuba, following the recent renewal of its license to operate tours to the island nation. The Connecticut-based company had been among several tour operators awaiting license renewals from OFAC, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, Tauck notes. Tauck’s first departure to Cuba under its renewed license will begin on October 6, 2013, with additional trips scheduled throughout the remainder of the year.

Finally, with a two-year license renewal in hand, Insight Cuba, the tour operator that is arguably responsible for getting the People-to-People ball rolling, looks to the future regarding its partnership with General Tours World Traveler for travel through 2015.

The longest running operator of legal people-to-people trips to Cuba, Insight Cuba received an extended authorization from the OFAC. General Tours will continue to make travel agent referrals to Insight Cuba for its 150 published departures, presently scheduled through June 2014 with new dates forthcoming.

Presenting some of the broadest array of tours in the market, clients can choose from five signature itineraries. Departure dates and fares through June 2014 have been published; those through 2015 will be announced shortly. In addition to its five signature tours special group arrangements are available, providing unique access to people and places the average tourist rarely sees.

We may be a few years before all Americans can legally travel to Cuba, People-to-People initiative or not, but we advise trying to get clients there now. Once the embargo is lifted, the unspoiled glamour and charm of Cuba from its classic 1950’s American automobiles to miles and miles of unobstructed beach views will all be gone.

Get there while it’s still illegal for most, but legal for a few. There’s nothing more surreal than being in a place that most of your fellow countrymen and women are forbidden to go to. Just make sure you do it legally.

UNDERCOVER UNIT TO TACKLE BURGLARIES IN CAYMAN ISLANDS

C

overt teams of plainclothes officers will be on patrol in an effort to catch crooks “red-handed” as part of a new focus on tackling the only serious crime in Grand Cayman that is on the increase – burglary.

George Town officers faced a frustrated crowd of homeowners at a community meeting in the capital on Saturday.

One man told how he had been burgled three times this year, and another said he had been confronted by burglars in his own home during a raid.

Several said they frequently saw suspicious characters casing out their homes and were increasingly concerned about the number of burglaries and nuisance thefts in their neighbourhoods.

Detective Sergeant Sean Bryan said the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service is aware of the problem and is putting extra manpower and resources into tackling burglaries.

He said a new 10-officer unit, including six detectives, began operating in the George Town area on 5 August.

If the initiative, which will target burglary “hotspots”, is a success, it will be replicated across the island.

There were 262 burglaries in the Cayman Islands in the first six months of 2013, a small increase on the same

period last year. Almost every other crime category decreased.

Mr. Bryan told homeowners at Saturday’s meeting at the Family Life Centre that the new unit would combine high-visibility patrols with undercover work.

“The covert patrolling that is done is targeting hotspot areas,” he said.

“Through analysing where the crimes are happening, we can identify parts of the George Town district most vulnerable at any particular time to burglars and thieves.

“The intention is to keep covert patrols in these areas and hopefully catch these guys red-handed.”

He said studies have shown that when one burglary is committed, others are likely to occur in the same area within a week.

“By targeting where the burglaries first happen you can stop a pattern before it begins,” he said.

Mr. Bryan urged concerned residents to call the police if they see anyone acting suspiciously in their neighbourhoods.

“We can’t do this on our own. It has to be all of us together. We can’t do anything without your assistance,” he said. “Forget some of the stories you’ve heard in the press about some of the own goals we have scored in the past and give us a chance.”

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

China-Caribbean relations: a new footing needed

BY SIR RONALD SAUNDERS

I

n China recently (July 2013) one of the country’s leading academics told me that a former Chinese Ambassador to the Caribbean said that the region has “a two-party system” – one party during the day and another party at night.

What the academic was quoting the former Chinese Ambassador as saying is that Caribbean workers prefer to “party” than to work. This is a principal reason that Chinese companies advance for importing labour from China for construction projects in the Caribbean. Another is that they are pressured by Caribbean governments to deliver projects quickly and they cannot do so without importing Chinese workers to whom they do not apply the labour laws and practices of Caribbean countries.

The former Chinese Ambassador’s remark demonstrated a lack of appreciation of the historical, political and cultural development of Caribbean labour laws and industrial procedures. It showed little appreciation for the history of slavery and indentured labour in the region; the exploitation of workers; and the rise of the trade union movement to establish and protect workers’ interests and their conditions of work.

Yet, if the current practices continue in which Caribbean workers are, for the most part, spectators at projects employing Chinese labour, there will eventually be resentment and a backlash, particularly if the projects are financed by loans to Caribbean governments that taxpayers have to repay. Such a backlash will harm relations between China and Caribbean countries at a time when these relations should be improved and deepened at the economic level.

It has to be recognised, however, that Caribbean workers will also have to improve their performance if they are to compete in a global market where costs and output are crucial factors in production.

Chinese companies that secure contracts for construction and other projects should also be mindful of the importance of joint ventures with Caribbean companies especially as Caribbean firms cannot raise capital on the advantageous terms given to Chinese competitors by the China Development Bank and the China Import-Export Bank. If Caribbean businesses contin-

ue to be sidelined by Chinese firms in bids for projects in their own countries because of the comparative high costs of borrowing and also because they are required to adhere to Caribbean labour laws, they too will build up resentment.

Based on their experiences elsewhere – more particularly in Africa – Chinese companies are beginning to recognise the vital importance of understanding the culture and laws of the countries in which they operate. They know that even if governments blink at their own laws in order to secure Chinese financing, this is a rope that has an end and the end could have unhelpful consequences. But, there needs to be a constructive dialogue now between the government of China and the governments of the Caribbean to set down the terms of engagement including joint ventures, public sector-private sector partnerships, respect for labour laws and the requirement to employ local labour on projects financed

by Caribbean governments’ borrowing.

Chinese officials state quite clearly that the government of China would not be averse to such a discussion with Caribbean governments. It is, therefore, a discussion that should happen soon.

For their part, Chinese officials are clear about what China wants for its business people. In a recent China-Latin America and Caribbean Forum in which I participated in Beijing, China’s representatives proposed that governments should give China’s business people “a stable and better investment environment, in particular more facilities in such areas as national treatment, tax, visa and residence”. While it is appropriate that China should seek such conditions for its business people, reciprocal arrangements from Caribbean countries - even if they were agreed – would hardly be beneficial to the small states of the region. In this connection, Caribbean governments should be thinking through their own requirements from China including aid for trade, and Chinese companies putting up capital for much needed infrastructural projects on the basis that they would build and operate such projects until their investment is recovered at which time they would hand them over to the governments, or sell them to the Caribbean private sector.

Caribbean countries should be fully engaged with China. The urgency of doing so

stares the region in the face compellingly.

China is the world’s second largest economy, but more importantly it has US$3.4 trillion in foreign reserves. China needs to invest that money so that it gets a regular and sustained return.

The portion of these reserves that are tied up in US and European bonds is not earning a great return. Thus, China is investing overseas in owning real assets - like ports, utilities, natural resources, technology and financial companies.

The British Guardian Newspaper reported in May this year that, “since 2005, China has provided loan commitments of more than $86 billion to Latin American countries. That is more than the World Bank or the Inter-American Development Bank has provided to the region during the same period”. The Chinese investment and loans have contributed significantly to the growth of Latin American economies over the last eight years. For its part, China expects that the money it has invested in Latin American countries will give it returns not only in political influence on issues that are important to China in the international community, but also in financial benefits.

Caribbean countries should be active in securing investment and concessionary loan financing from China but not to continue the construction of vanity projects that do not earn revenues and that will quickly deteriorate unless they are maintained by draining national budgets.

Caribbean “cap in hand” diplomacy has elicited some response from China in the past, but it is not maintainable. The relationship has to be put on a mutually beneficial footing. In this connection, the Caribbean might focus on offering China and Chinese businesses the opportunity to invest in sustainable projects from which they will earn a return. Such projects could include energy generation from renewable sources; roads and bridges that can be financed from tolls; region-wide maritime transportation including fast ferries; the construction of modern sea ports; tourist resorts (not necessarily for the Chinese market); agriculture and fisheries projects.

Urgent work is required by Caribbean countries to take full advantage of the considerable resources that China has to invest in what the Chinese call “win-win” situations.

Jamaica government to amend Evidence Act to allow for computer generated evidence K

INGSTON, Jamaica– The Jamaica government is moving to amend the Evidence Act to facilitate easy admission of computer generated evidence in cases, Justice Minister Mark Golding has said.

“Our provisions in the Evidence Act are antiquated and require quite a convoluted series of steps in terms of proof of the working of the machine, before any computer-generated evidence can be admitted,” Golding said, adding that given the prevalence of computers, the govern-

ment wants to modernise the provisions and make them more user friendly.

In addition, the Portia Simpson Miller administration is also moving to amend the existing legislation to allow for among other things, uncontested expert reports within the court system.

Golding, said that the Act is being amended to allow for other agreed evidence, where the prosecution and the defence are not contesting it, to be introduced without having to call the actual witness.

“This is very important, for example, where you are dealing with evidence of a scientific nature, like autopsy reports and ballistic reports…where those issues are not in dispute in a case,” Golding said.

“We are going to amend the Evidence Act to allow those reports of certificates to be admitted by agreement, so we won’t have to call the actual expert,” he added.

Golding last week announced that the government is strengthening the criminal case management system in a bid to reduce

the backlog of cases within the justice system.

He said the aim is to have the parties to criminal proceedings and the judge proactively manage the cases, to avoid multiple mention dates and other delays. “(This) is a feature of our criminal justice system – a lot of time wasting, several mention dates and things are not ready – so the case cannot proceed and it gets put off many times. So, we want to intensively utilise criminal case management to avoid some of those delays,” he said.

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News

CARIBBEAN

Usain Bolt and Fraser-Pryce both golden

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OSCOW -- Usain Bolt stumbled on the track, even almost fell down.

Don’t worry, everybody, it wasn’t in the race.

With his victory Sunday, Usain Bolt moved to the top of the all-time world championships medals table with eight gold and two silver, edging Carl Lewis, who has eight gold, one silver and one bronze.

No, this near-tumble happened in the middle of his celebratory dance, when a barefooted Bolt hammed it up after winning a third gold medal on the last day of the world championships.

He even tossed his spikes into the crowd.

And why not? He certainly didn’t need them anymore. His work was finished.

In the very last race of the championships Sunday, Bolt grabbed the gold-colored baton for his anchor leg of the 4x100-meter relay and churned toward the finish line, huffing and puffing to generate more speed.

Not that he needed it.

Justin Gatlin couldn’t catch him. The rest of the field couldn’t catch him, either. Very few can catch him -- he’s simply in a class by himself.

“For me, my aim is to continue hard (toward)

Usain Bolt made light work of the other competitors the greatness thing,” said Bolt, whose team finished in a world-leading time of 37.36 seconds.

“Continue dominating.”

Oh, he did that all right, winning gold in the 100, gold in the 200 and even more gold in the relay. With that, Bolt became the most decorated athlete in world championship history with eight golds and two silvers, moving past Carl Lewis (8 golds, 1 silver, 1 bronze) and Michael Johnson (8 golds).

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION KIRANI JAMES BEATEN INTO SEVENTH PLACE IN 400 METRES AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

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OSCOW, Russia — Kirani James went into the men’s 400m final at the 14th IAAF World Athletics Championships, not only as favourite to take gold, but also to maintain Grenada’s place on the medal podium at a world event.

However, those wishes were blown away in less than 44 seconds by American LaShawn Merritt, who ran the race of his life, to finish in a personal best 43.74 seconds.

James came in as the only sub44 seconds man this season, but Merritt, the only man to beat him this year, went in with other plans. Merritt, drawn in lane 6, just ahead of James, never allowed his opponent to get too close.

Merritt was quick out of the blocks, sprinted down the backstretch and by time he got to the final curve, James was out of title contention.

James tried to push, but the harder he tried; he faded more and more, and in the end, just held on for 7th in 44.99secs.

The run left everyone, including James himself, asking what

Kirani James really went wrong.

“It didn’t go as planned, I actually died in the last 100 metres of the race, which never normally happened,” he said while adding he will wait to “go over the tape to see what went wrong.”

Tony McQuay, the American who finished second, added his voice saying “I was surprised by Kirani’s slow time, but he is still a great athlete. Everyone can have a bad day.”

However, according to Merritt he was hungry for victory “I’ve said it many times already, I was hungry. Probably the hungriest person in the field. No, I was starving. It’s been a while since I was able to perform at my highest level.”

“It’s not just about the talent, it’s about rising to the occasion. He understands what that means,” said Gatlin, who anchored the U.S. to a silver medal despite momentarily stepping outside his lane. “That takes you up another level. To be able to rise to the occasion when an entire stadium full of people are either rooting for you or want to see you fail and you’re able to hold it together, that takes talent.”

Overshadowed by Bolt mania was the performance of teammate Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who also won three sprinting events. She finished it off by breaking away from the field in the 4x100, easily beating an American squad that struggled to get the baton around -- again.

Originally finishing third after a bad exchange, the Americans were later bumped up to second after France was disqualified.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce also won her third gold medal, in the women’s 4x100 relay, giving Jamaica a sweep of the six sprint events at the world championships.

Still, the Jamaicans went 6-0 in the sprints against the U.S. in Moscow. These days, the proud sprinting nation owns this rivalry.

Desmond Haynes embraces T20 Cricket F

ormer West Indies opener, Desmond Haynes, has thrown his full support behind the Twenty20 bandwagon permeating throughout cricket today. Haynes, who once held the world record for the most ODI runs (8648), is currently coaching the Barbados Tridents in the first edition of the Caribbean Premier League. He highlighted the tournament as a case study of success.

“People focus too much on the cons and negatives but how many people look at the positives (of T20s)?

This needs to come out more,” Haynes said. “If I had T20 cricket to play in my day, I’d have jumped at it. Do you know how hard it was to earn a living back in my day? You had to travel all over the world to earn a living outside the international game. A lot of cricketers didn’t get the chance to see their families often and to see their kids grow up. T20 offers the financial means to ply your trade and make a living, especially for younger players.”

Desmond Haynes Haynes spoke about worldwide T20 tournaments that are refurbishing grounds, adding infrastructure such as pitches, cricket academies and training clinics. He also mentioned the protracted benefits of this renaissance within contemporary limited overs.

“While young players train for ODIs and Tests, they get the chance to play in T20 tournaments and land sponsors, money for tools and gears... and the stability for their futures, on and off the field,” Haynes said. “T20 helps settle a player’s career in ways we, the old guard, never experienced.”

Haynes cautioned that there would contin-

ue to be conflicts with players, T20 windows, international clearances from respective boards, and much more issues that would arise as the cricketing fraternity is still adapting to embrace this format of the game.

He said that a balance needs to be struck to allow all formats of the game to exist. Currently overseeing the table leaders Barbados, he stipulated that aspiring international batsmen needed to hone their craft to play all versions, and not be pigeonholed into one aspect of the game. Haynes spoke highly on the influx of sponsors, revenues and the boosts to the marketing, advertising and corporate industries of the sporting landscape.

“Seasoned veterans like myself, Andy (Roberts), Gordon (Greenidge) and (Curtly) Ambrose also get to coach in something like the CPL and help develop the game with the youngsters. It’s a great opportunity to get old players, young ones and international players mingling and learning from each other.

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Sports W

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MLB to expand instant replay in 2014

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OOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- Calling it a historic moment, Commissioner Bud Selig said Thursday that Major League Baseball plans to expand its video review process next season, giving managers a tool they’ve never had in an effort to dramatically reduce the number of incorrect calls made in games.

Selig made the announcement after two days of meetings with representatives of the 30 teams.

The proposal is to be voted on by the owners in November.

“I’m proud of them,” Selig said of the replay committee. “It’s worked out remarkably well. It’s historic. There’s no question about it.”

ESPN MLB Insider Jayson Stark talks about the potential changes to the MLB replay policy, Ichiro’s 4,000 hits in Japan and MLB, the success of the Red Sox and Dodgers and much more.

A 75 percent vote by the owners is needed for approval and the players’ association and umpires would have to agree to any changes to the

current system.

MLB vice president Joe Torre gave the replay presentation to representatives from all 30 teams on Wednesday and it was discussed Thursday morning.

Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz, a member of the replay committee along with Torre and former manager Tony La Russa, said the umpires were receptive to the change. Schuerholz said 89 percent of incorrect calls made in the past will be reviewable, but he did not provide a list.

Umpires have come under increased scrutiny following several missed calls this season.

“We believe this will be very impactful and very, very meaningful and useful for all sides,” Schuerholz said. “Managers will have a new tool that they’ll have to learn how to use.”

Managers will be allowed one challenge over the first six innings of a game and two from the seventh inning until the completion of the game.

Calls that are challenged will be reviewed by

a crew in MLB headquarters in New York City, which will make a final ruling.

A manager who sees a call he feels is incorrect can file a challenge with the crew chief or home plate umpire. Only reviewable plays can be challenged. Non-reviewable plays can still be argued by managers, who can request that the umpires discuss it to see if another member of the crew saw the play differently. Reviewable plays cannot be argued by the manager.

Challenges not used in the first six innings will not carry over, and a manager who wins a challenge will retain it.

The home run replay rules currently in use will be grandfathered in to the new system, Schuerholz said.

MLB expects to use the new system in the 2014 playoffs, and the system could be enhanced in the postseason. Training sessions for umpires will start in the Arizona Fall League this winter and continue into spring training.

Roof planned for US Open’s Arthur Ashe stadium T

he United States Tennis Association (USTA) will reveal plans to build a retractable roof over the centre court at Arthur Ashe Stadium as part of major changes to the U.S. Open venue in Flushing Meadows.

Bad weather has wrought havoc with the U.S. Open schedule in recent years with the men’s final, including last year’s epic between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, being pushed to Monday for each of the past five years.

The USTA announced a news conference for Thursday to detail the plans, which are part of a major overhaul of the venue, including the creation of two new stadiums at New York’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, was named after the first and only black man ever to win the singles title at Wimbledon Despite frequent calls for a roof, last year the organization ruled out including one as part of the redevelopment, citing logistical issues.

Center courts at Wimbledon and the Australian Open have retractable roofs, while the French Open has announced plans to cover its main court.

“For certain reasons it’s great,” Andy Murray, the reigning U.S. Open champion, told reporters after advancing to the third round of the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati. “For TV and stuff, it’s fantastic. Always good that you know matches are going to get finished.

“I don’t necessarily miss being rained off but rain delays and stuff, it used to be part of it; whereas now that’s kind of going away gradually.

“I don’t particularly like going from indoors to outdoors to indoors but it’s good for TV.” Opened in 1997, the Arthur Ashe stadium has a 22,500 capacity, making it by far the largest tennis

stadium in the world but some, such as four-times U.S. Open champion John McEnroe, argued a smaller arena with a roof would have made more sense.

The scale of the arena has been one of the main logistical challenges that has emerged from previous feasibility studies with the USTA previously saying a roof would be “technically complex and financially challenging”.

This year’s U.S. Open, which starts on August 26, has a Monday finish included as the official final day for the first time.

But the switch to a scheduled Monday finish, unique among the four grand slam events, was criticized by the men’s governing body the ATP.

CRICKETERS ADMIT BEING INVESTIGATED FOR CORRUPTION

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angladesh left-arm spinner Mosharraf Hossain and fast bowler Mahbubul Alam have confirmed that they are among the nine individuals accused by the ICC after ACSU’s investigation on alleged corruption during this season’s BPL. Mahbubul met BCB officials in Mirpur on Wednesday after which he spoke to the media, while Mosharraf is in the UK, playing league cricket.

Their confirmation follows those of Dhaka Gladiators team-mates Mohammad Ashraful and Kent all-

rounder Darren Stevens, although the ICC has declined to name any of the nine individuals.

“I have been given the charge letter,” Mosharraf told ESPNcricinfo on Thursday. “I have met the ACSU twice in Dhaka as part of their investigation. But the matches they have mentioned, the scorecard says I have done well. How can I do well and be involved in such a thing?

Someone must have made me a scapegoat.”

On Wednesday, Mahbubul issued a similar statement, claim-

ing his innocence. “I received a charge letter,” Mahbubul said. “I have been accused of fixing the matches that the Dhaka Gladiators played against Barisal Burners and Chittagong Kings. They, however, didn’t say as to what my exact offence was. The ACSU met me three times, but they only asked me what I did.

“I am completely innocent. I haven’t done anything wrong. I am going to appoint a lawyer for the forthcoming legal battle as soon as possible.” Mahbubul, who last

played for Bangladesh in 2009, featured in three matches for Dhaka Gladiators this season.

In his first match against Chittagong Kings, he gave away 26 in two overs, which included a nineball second over. In his next match, against Khulna Royal Bengals, Mahbubul conceded 21 in his only over, while in the third, against Barisal Burners, he didn’t bowl and only scored 6.

Mosharraf took 17 wickets in the tournament, and was Man-of-theMatch in the BPL final.

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WORLD SPORTS

Wimbledon champion Bartoli has no second thoughts about retiring at age 28 I

n the cold light of day Marion Bartoli said she was having no second thoughts about her shock decision to retire from tennis and was looking forward to starting a new chapter in her life.

Wimbledon champion Bartoli, 28, stunned the tennis world 12 hours earlier when she left the court after a second round defeat at the Western and Southern Open and told a news conference: “I feel it’s time for me to walk away”.

Despite calls from some past and present players to step back, take a deep breath and reconsider what appeared to be a snap decision, the French world number seven remained convinced the timing of her call was the right one.

“It just sounded crystal clear at the end of the match,” Bartoli told reporters by phone on Thursday.

“It felt so clear. It’s not things you can explain.

And you don’t say (to) yourself ‘well, if I lose that match, I retire’. You just feel it, feel that it’s the right time. I’m at peace with myself. I feel great mentally.

“I am not at all regretting anything. I am a tennis player, just not a professional tennis player.

I’m not dead.”

When asked what she would miss most about playing on the professional circuit, Bartoli’s answer was, as always, direct and to the point.

“Not much to be honest,” she said. “I just really felt I gave it all. The body has (a) certain amount of something that you can give and I gave it all and that’s it.”

Bartoli explained that her 13-year career had taken a tough toll on her physically.

MANY INJURIES “I still wanted to play. I had goals but my body can’t stand that anymore,” she said.

“Since the beginning of the year, I suffered a lot of injuries, everywhere - foot, ankle, shoulder.

I gave all I had to win Wimbledon. I touched my limits and I can’t stand to put (in) the same intensity on a daily basis anymore.”

Few people tipped Bartoli to win Wimbledon when the grasscourt grand slam event started,

Nikola Pekovic gets $60M T

he Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to terms on a new contract with restricted free agent center Nikola Pekovic.

Wolves president Flip Saunders announced the deal via Twitter, which sources told ESPN.com is a five-year pact worth $60 million and potentially up to an additional $8 million in incentive-related bonuses.

“Retaining Pek was our No. 1 priority this offseason, and we’re very excited that he’s chosen to continue his career in Minnesota,” Saunders said. “Thanks to a lot of hard work and determination, Pek has developed into one of the NBA’s premier centers and is entering the prime of his career. We envision Pek and Kevin Love being the ‘Bruise Brothers’ and forming one of the best frontcourts in the NBA for a long time to come.”

Rival teams scarcely tried to lure Pekovic away from Minnesota this offseason, so sure that the Wolves would match any offer sheet to the bruising big man.

Saunders nonetheless established re-signing Pekovic this summer as one of his foremost priorities since succeeding David Kahn in charge of the Wolves’ front office in May. Pekovic was set to reach the open market next summer as an unrestricted free agent.

Pekovic posted career highs last season by averaging 16.3 points and

Nikola Pekovic.

8.8 rebounds in 62 games in his third NBA season.

The deal was clinched, sources say, when Minnesota offered a fifth year. Initial indications are that neither side possesses an option in the new contract, making it a straightup deal for the next five seasons for the 27-year-old.

In addition to his low-post moves and underrated agility, Pekovic is valued by the Wolves for his work in pick-and-roll coverages defensively against the offensive sets that are so prevalent all over the league.

Pekovic has spent the summer at home in Montenegro and recently withdrew from his country’s national team ahead of next month’s Eurobasket tournament in Slovenia because he hadn’t yet finalized his Wolves contract.

The signing continues a busy summer for the Wolves since Saunders took over, following last month’s acquisitions of shooting guard Kevin Martin and swingman Corey Brewer.

including herself, after injuries ruined the first six months of her season. She was even battling with pain during the tournament.

“At Wimbledon, I spent so much time with my physio. I felt heavy pain in my Achilles tendon, in my shoulder. I needed 30 minutes to be able just to walk after waking up,” she said.

“That’s why I said I’ve reached my limits. And this is what I’m the more proud of - having been able to do it, overcome the pain to win there.”

Since she lost on Wednesday, to 21-year-old Romanian Simona Halep in Cincinnati, many people have tried to convince her to take a break and come back or face regret.

But Bartoli, who is regarded as a thoughtful person on the tennis circuit, ruled out the idea.

“I completely live with my decision. The people I’m close to know that I’m not a person who changes her mind,” she said. “I have always been uncompromising when deciding something and I won’t change my mind.”

Just hours into her retirement Bartoli had already begun to plan out a new life which would continue to include tennis.

Bartoli said she would go to watch friends play, cheer for them, take classical dance classes and go to galleries and museums.

“There are a lot of things I can do outside of hitting a tennis ball and I am sure I will enjoy them,” she said.

A-ROD’S ‘INNER CIRCLE’ LEAKED DOCUMENTS ON BRAUN

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ajor League Baseball has evidence that New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez used performance-enhancing drugs throughout the 2010-2012 seasons, and also purchased documents in hopes of thwarting its Biogenesis drug investigation, a person familiar with direct knowledge of the investigation told USA TODAY Sports.

The person spoke only on the condition of anonymity because of Rodriguez’s appeal of his 211game suspension.

Rodriguez used the documents he received from Biogenesis to also implicate Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun and Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli, according to “60 Minutes.’’

The allegations, which long had been suspected by those close to Braun, were denied by Rodriguez’s attorney, David Cornwell, who ironically represented Braun in 2011 when he successfully appealed his positive drug test for testosterone.

Per baseball’s collective bargaining agreement, any allegations of performance-enhancing drug use are to be handled privately before a player’s name is made public. Providing documents listing the names of players would be a direct violation of the CBA. “The allegations are untrue and are another attempt to harm Alex _ this time by driving a wedge between Alex and other players in the game,’’ Cornwell said in a statement. “While Alex focuses

on baseball and repeatedly states that he is going to respect the appeal process, the drumbeat of false allegations continue.

“These improper and viciously false leaks will not alter the fact that MLB exceeded its authority under the JDA (Joint Drug Agreement) and the 211 game (suspension) will not stand.’’

MLB, aware of the pending “60 minutes’’ story, informed its owners Thursday at their quarterly meetings that it would break within 24 hours, according to one National League owner.

Braun and Cervelli’s names were redacted in the original Miami New Times’ story in January, “60 minutes reports,’’ that Biogenesis clinic director Tony Bosch provided performance-enhancing drugs to baseball players and athletes in other sports. Yet, Rodriguez purchased the documents with the unredacted names, according to “60 minutes,’’ and sent them several days later to, Yahoo!, which reported the names of Rodriguez and Cervelli.

Braun and Cervelli accepted suspensions for their role in Biogenesis, with Braun serving a 65game suspension for the remainder of the season while Cervelli received a 50-game ban. Rodriguez was also suspended for 211 games, and is the lone player appealing. Rodriguez’s case is scheduled to be heard by arbitrator Fredric Horowitz, but players union chief Michael Weiner does not expect a decision until November

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