FEBRUARY 8TH - FEBRUARY 15TH, 2014
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VOLUME 10 - No. 3
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CITIZENSHIP FOR MORE FOREIGNERS BY VIVIAN TYSON
A
top United Nations (UN) official has given tremendous hope to the hundreds of foreigners who were born in the Turks and Caicos Islands to parents who are not from here, but who now find themselves unable to get legal documentation that will allow them to live and work freely here. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative Mr. Buti Kale clarified the controversial issue of statelessness at a joint news conference with Minister of Border Control Donhue Gardiner on Thursday January 6th at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. Kale explained that countries signed on to the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness have a responsibility to ensure that individuals are not stateless, and so must try to either give them state in the country of their birth or the ones that his or her parents were born. “From the perspective of international law you have two conventions that govern the issue of statelessness. We have the 1954 convention relating to status of stateless persons and you also have the 1961 under the reduction of statelessness. The 1954 convention we are commemorating the 60th anniversary of this particular instrument this year. “The UNHCR has run a campaign together with other partners, and we are in the process of negotiating a partnership with Caricom on the specific issue, to encourage a lot of states to accede to the1954 convention but also to the 1961 convention on the reduction of statelessness. “The 1961 convention on the reduction of statelessness is all about avoiding people become stateless. So if a person is born in a country and cannot acquire the nationality of that country, and the person is stateless, it means that this person is likely to be or confirmed to be stateless. So if the
Clement Howell principal resigns PAGE 7
BUTI KALE, DEPUTY REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE UNHCR (RIGHT) DISCUSSES THE ENTITY’S MISSION IN THE TCI, WHILE LOOKING ON AT CENTRE IS MINISTER FOR BORDER CONTROL AND LABOUR HON. DON-HUE GARDINER AND SIMONE SCHWARTZ- DELGADO, SENIOR REGIONAL PROTECTION OFFICER OF THE UNHCR AT RIGHT.
country in which the person is born is party to 1961 Convention, is bound by that convention to make sure that there is no statelessness – the person does not stay without a nationality,” he said. He added: “If you are in a country it is now incumbent on the authorities of that country to ensure that that person does have a nationality. But you do not automatically designate that country (that the persons was born in as) the one to confer nationality. “What you do is do something that is called ‘statelessness determination procedure’, to make sure that you don’t leave out any other country that should be responsible for giving nationality
to the particular individual, and that is also what UNHCR does to try and reduce the phenomenon, because as we know it, 10 million people are stateless in the world.” Responding to a question from The SUN newspaper, Minister for Border Control and Labour Hon. Don-Hue Gardiner is insisting that there are no stateless people living in the Turks and Caicos Islands, declaring that if the TCI does not grant citizenship to someone who born here to an expatriate that individual could seek citizenship in the country of their parents.
Dolphin Cove project in Grand Turk on, but one in Provo off
Mike Misick lawyers deny Deandrea Hamilton story
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Provo Airport Expansion on target PAGE 9
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Jais at The Regent Village (649) 941 4324 ~ info@jais.tc ~ www.jais.tc
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Answering specifically to the claim that there were hundreds of children born in the TCI to illegal Haitian nationals, who passed through the public school system but unable to gain status, Gardiner explained that if they are not granted status in the TCI they would always have their Haitian status to claim. “I am not sure what the international law is. I know however, that the TCI law said that if a child is born in TCI, with that child be able to live in TCI illegally until that child turns 10 years old, then he or she will apply for British Overseas Territory Citizenship by having connection to TCI and have a passport and the right to work. “That same child of Haitian descent, for example, would also be entitled, from birth, to a Haitian passport and as always at the day the child is born, is a Haitian citizen. And so to suggest that he or she may be stateless is not a true representation of what the law in the TCI is, or the law as represented to me, in Haiti is,” Gardiner pointed out. He pointed out that if a child in the TCI is deemed stateless they can seek shelter under the British Nationality Act. “The British Nationality Act, which governs citizenship in the Turks and Caicos Islands is clear; a person that is stateless is covered under the British Nationality Act and they may apply for British Overseas Territory Citizenship. And with that they would be able to live in the TCI, Travel free throughout the world and to work in TCI. “It is not my responsibility to go out there and to sit down with people and fill out their forms and when they turn 10 years old, to sit them on my lap and have them fill out a form. It is my responsibility to make the law, and the law is made whether it is in the TCI or in the UK,” he said. Gardiner noted also that persons born in another country and comes to the TCI to reside at age five could also be entitled to some form of citizenship, providing that they pass through the school system. “A person that has come to the TCI from another country before they turn five years old, and if they can show that they went through the Primary and Secondary school here they are entitle to apply again for permanent residency.
“And any of those persons – certainly if they are from Haiti – for sure they are entitled from the time that they were born, for their Haiti Passport and be able to get it. And so, to suggest that they are stateless, and is a problem for Turks and Caicos making them stateless, it’s not so,” the minister continued. He added: “The question of the grant of British Overseas Territory Citizenship is a matter for the government of the TCI in its discretion following obviously the law. The ministry accepts those applications, we vet them, and anybody is able to apply for anything. Sometimes someone would say to an applicant, ‘based on what you are telling me, you do not qualify’. “And rather than wasting your time and money – a percentage of which is not refundable – you should reconsider whether you want to apply or not’. And sometimes when that happens, people choose not to apply. But if you want to apply, you can apply for anything. “It is not my call whether you get naturalized or not. It is not a matter for the Ministry of Border Control and Labour. And anyone feels aggrieved (after they have been denied), there is a system that they can appeal through to the Supreme Court.’ Gardiner outlined that it is not an obligation to confer citizen on any expatriate, stating also that it has not come to his knowledge where someone who met all the requirements, applied and was turned down. “I don’t know of a situation where someone would have applied in the TCI to be registered, who was qualified at the age of 10 years old and they were refused. I am not aware of that at all. I know of persons who have applied as adults, who, because of their criminal history, may have been refused, and that is legitimate. However, the person who are applying for registration at 10 years old, I am not sure that they have ever been refused,” the minister stated. In the meantime Gardiner said that there were persons who applied minus some of the requisite document and are expecting to be processed. However, he said under such scenario, that individual’s application would be refused until he furnishes all. “Half of an application is not an application. If you make an application that says you have to have 10 pieces of documentation and you produce eight, it is not an application, and there is nothing we can do with it. If we say to persons ‘provide X,Y,Z’, and they do not pro-
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 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.
vide then it has to be refused. There are a number of reasons why an application is refused, but an application that is incomplete is not an application. “We insist that when you make an application that you have everything in order because it becomes a burden; then you have files stacking up that you can’t deal with because they are not complete. Rather than have that I would rather you do not bring it in until you have everything. And once you have everything we would process it. ‘Sometimes we are able to process these applications some times in as little as a week, and invariably it goes beyond six weeks. So, yes, they may have been horror stories in the past. However, this is a new, more energetic, more results oriented operation,” he said. In the meantime, Minister Gardiner said that the TCI is governed by the British Nationality Act of 1981, and that if such law was to be amended, it solely up to the British to do so. “I wish to make it clear that the question of statelessness from the TCI context is covered in the British Nationality Act of1991. It is not something that the local government has any control over in the sense that we cannot enact the law, we cannot amend the law. It can only be amended by the Palace of Westminster, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. And that is the law that they have enacted on the question of statelessness back in 1981.
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LOCAL NEWS
Clement Howell principal resigns BY VIVIAN TYSON
T
he Education Department is already on the hunt for a new principal for the Clement Howell High School , as current principal Gerald Persaud will not renew his contract for the new school year which begins in September. Efforts to contact Persaud to ascertain his reason for leaving proved futile. Should Persaud leave at the end of this school year he would have spent two years as principal of the institution, having succeeded Lloyd Fearon, who left under a cloud of controversy two years ago. Minister of Education Hon. Akierra Missick told The SUN that she knew of Persaud’s resignation through an advertisement prepared by the Ministry of Education, but was not sure what had triggered it. She said however, that the principal had discussed furthering his personal developing with her, but she did not know specifically what his intensions were. “I know that he resigned because I saw the advert and based on the salary, I knew it was Clement Howell’s salary because I believe that salary is $1,000 higher than the other high schools. I know he was talking about continuing his professional development,” she said. It is believed that Persaud had decided to step away from the administrative head position because of pressuring situations at the school. However, a veteran teacher there told The SUN that the principal told some members of staff some time ago that he had a pending scholarship at a Guyana university, which if it came through, he would take up. The teacher said that recently he told them that the scholarship had finally come through and he would be accepting it.
Clement Howell High School Principal Gerald Persaud
“He told us some time ago that there was a pending scholarship in his home country, which could come through by the summer, and if that in fact happened he would not return in September. The other day he told me that the scholarship had come through and so he would be leaving the school to take up that scholarship,” the teacher said.
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The source added that Persaud did not disclose his intentions to the general teaching population because he was not certain when the scholarship would have come through, but now that it has come through, believes that he would do so. “Almost everyone at the school heard that he could leave at the end of the school year, but few of them knew why. And so, a lot of them fashioned their own theory, and almost all of the theories have some negative connotations to them,” the source said. In the meantime, The SUN understands that there have been mixed feelings and reactions to the news that the Clement Howell High School principal is leaving. The source said that a number of persons would want him to stay on a bit longer, while a few would like to his exit. “I have been a teacher for close to 20 years, and all of the administrators that I have worked with, he is the least arrogant. He gets things done without having to breathe down your neck. When saying that, he is firm whenever the need arises, but what he does not do is belittle people in public. When he straightens you out, he does so in the most respectful manner. “He is the kind of administrator who abides strictly to the Education Department’s rules and regulations, and of course, not everyone would like that. He is someone who I would like to describe as a textbook principal – he just follows the rules,” the source said. In the meantime, the education minister said that she is delighted to know that Persaud had secured a scholarship and will be moving on to further his education. “I am glad that he obtained a scholarship. I am happy for him,” the minister said.
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LOCAL NEWS
Dolphin Cove development in Grand Turk on the table, but Provo is off BY VIVIAN TYSON
W
ithin the next six months residents of Grand Turk could see the development of the popular aqua tourism attraction, Dolphin Cove, but for those on Providenciales it may not happen, according to developer Neil Burrowes. In an interview with The SUN, Burrowes said that the land on Grand Turk had already been bought and individuals have already been employed to carry out a number of varying tasks before shovels are put into the ground. “We are getting a lot of support from the people of Grand Turk mainly locals, the politicians, the government. We have hired a bunch of people to do work - surveyors, water quality, escalators – different people,” Burrowes said. He said that there had been a slight setback with the land purchased but the kinks are being ironed out between the Attorney General Chambers and the Dr. Rufus Ewing cabinet. “The piece of land we bought was controlling the entrance to the creek. So the attorney general diligently put in some requests for the protection for the people, waterways and future growth and we cooperated. So now our land has been mutated,” Burrowes said. He explained that the Attorney General Chambers has already made its recommendations concerning the land, and the matter is now in
the hands of Cabinet, which he said should make a ruling in the very near future. “We are moving along slowly. We are ready. The money is ready. Obviously there are millions of dollars in the (TCI) economy that’s absent because of us not opening yet. But we are defenders of the people of Grand Turk, we love the people of Grand Turk and we are going to fight for the people of Grand Turk, even if it takes six months, six years or 16 years, we are going to fight for the people of Grand Turk. I would love to see it done in three to six months, but realistically it might be a year,” he said. In the meantime, Burrowes hinted that due to the pushback from some residents on Providenciales, Dolphin Cove would direct that energy elsewhere in the Caribbean and Central America where there are great demand for such development. One of the countries that is interested in the attraction is Barbados, where the Sandals/Beaches chain is undertaking a massive development. “Provo is off the table, but it is not a big deal. Beaches and Sandals have bought a bunch of hotels in Barbados. We have a lease from the government of Barbados and we are pressing on over there. If Provo 10 years from now wants a marine park with sharks and stingrays, birds and dolphins, then we would do it. As far as we are concerned there are a lot of people who want this thing. I am on a plane every two weeks of the month because
Neil Burrowes somebody has called me to put one in. “You could say the lack of speed in Grand Turk means that some of the resources are going other places, not directly Barbados because Barbados is still doing their EIAs on water quality and stuff. Several other places want this attraction; they want more tourism; it is recognized as one of the highest draws; we just had visits from several places that have asked us specifically to come and invest. If an invitation is made to us (concerning setting up a dolphin park in Provo) we would definitely look at it seriously,” Burrowes asserted. In the meantime, Burrowes claimed that that the pushback faced on Providenciales largely has to do with other
marine operators not wanting competition from the dolphin park. “The opposition that we face in Grand Turk and in Provo largely stems from other tour operators from a competitive point of view. Because you and I know that for the entire Caribbean 90 percent of its tourism comes from America. Americans happen to love aquariums; 186 million Americans paid their hard-earned money to go to Disney aquariums; I didn’t make it up, the AVA has the numbers. They love animals, so what we are doing is catering to Americans. “But if you listen to the activists who are being funded by the tour operators, you would hear how horrible it is. You hear all these stories that are told that are not true. We don’t want a debate in the press; we are not going to respond to false allegations. We are not in the business of trying to defend ourselves. If Americans did not support the Caribbean, we would be wholly poor,” he said. In the meantime, Burrowes said that the setting up of a Dolphin Cove could see Turks and Caicos Islanders going home with more than living wages. “The question of hiring locals is all a function of pay. By paying a little higher in Cayman Islands all of a sudden we have a bunch of young people working for us, who defend their job, they show up on time, they don’t talk on the phone. They are very, very diligent to protect their job because it is not a US$4 an hour job it’s a US$10 an hour job,” Burrowes said.
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LOCAL NEWS
Provo Airport expansion on target BY VIVIAN TYSON
T
he $10 million, 72-week phase two expansion of the Providenciales International Airport is on target for its slated December 2014 completion according to Lavern Reynolds, Terminal and Marketing Manager at the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority. She said that great deal of work has been done and soon some parts of the new facility could be put to commercial use within the next month. Already a newly-constructed bathroom facility located at the domestic section of the airport has already in use, with the old one once located in front of Gilley’s Restaurant demolished, creating more space for passengers to move freely. “The Providenciales International Airport terminal redevelopment has been moving steadily with roofing and construction works well underway. At the center of the roof a new metal building is being erected to add office space with primal views of the airport surroundings,” Reynolds said. Offering The SUN a tour of the facility, Reynolds pointed to the progress of the roofing and flooring at a section of the airport. She said that a vast part of the roof has been likewise a large are of the floor, which could make it possible for the public to begin using that vicinity. “The flooring for this roof structure was completed before the holiday season and works will continue throughout the year,” she explained. She said that the old terminal building has already been connected to the new structure, forming one terminal expanded area. “The exterior metal framing now connects the old metal framing to the new addition to complete a solid single building structure. The new domestic bathrooms are now in operation and have been open for the holiday season. The old Domestic bathrooms have been demolished to give more floor space to the terminal. The new bathrooms highlight the standard at which this project will be carried
A section of the newly-constructed bathroom facility at the domestic section out as it offers travelers a higher level of service,” she explained. On completion the expansions will increase the facility from 51,462 square feet to 92,321 square feet, nearly doubling the size of the terminal to better accommodate the 500,000 passengers that pass through the Airport each year. Once completed passengers will be able to enjoy expanded check in counter areas and self check in facilities, additional bathroom facilities, larger retail space for shops and restaurants, and improved medical amenities. Phase two, according to the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authorities, will be done in three segments. Is the construction of a new traffic circulation system and extensions to the existing west car park and departure lounge. The second stage is the
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extension to the international check-in area, security check point as well as the arrivals hall, while the third stage is an expansion of the domestic departures and arrivals area, completion of the car park and aesthetics, including water features. The existing car park at the front of the airport is to incorporate into the terminal expansion. John Smith, Chief Executive Officer for the TCIAA said that over the past few years, the facility has been seeing double digit growth in passenger arrivals, resulting in serious visitor, airline counter space and car-parking challenges. Smith said the focus would be to focus on improving the passenger experience, since the Providenciales International Airport is the gateway to the Turks and Caicos Islands and also contributed significantly to the economic growth of the country.
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LOCAL NEWS
Strike action gets Provo Post workers temporary home
BY VIVIAN TYSON
G
overnment officials during a news conference on Friday, February 7, said that postal workers on Providenciales were to move into a new temporary location on Monday, February 10, until government decides whether to demolish and rebuild or refurbish the aging Airport Road Building they once occupied. The new office is now located inside Town Centre Mall, once used as the Electoral Office. A large portion of mails, up to Friday (February 7), were already moved into the building. Post Master General Elizabeth James and her staff were taken on a familiarization tour of the building by Ministry of Government Support Services officials on Friday. Operations at the crumbling Providenciales Post Office came to a halt this past week after postal workers withdrew their services on Monday (February 3) to protest working conditions there. The employees at the agency have publicly complained time and time again that the building had degenerating around them, compounded by it being overrun with rodents, roaches and other crawling insects. One employee told The SUN that a customer visited the post office to collect and package, a rat sprang from document after it as handed to the customer. The strike action inconvenienced a lot of customers, who turned up at the building only to be greeted by a closure notice affixed to the entrance door.
From left – Acting Premier Hon. Akierra Misick; Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams; Post Master General Elizabeth James; and Ian Astwood, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Government Support Services with responsibility for the post office addressing a news conference. The worker complained that the building was crumbling around them. They said at times droplets from the ceiling fall on them as they work. They said, too, that the roof leaked when it rained, forcing them to take evasive actions for themselves and office documents. During the news conference, Her Excellency Governor Anya Williams, along with Acting Premier Hon. Akierra Missick; Post Master General, Elizabeth James; Ian Astwood, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Government Support Service with responsibility for the post office, along with other ministry officials held a news conference to inform the media on the relocation and plans for the old building. Acting Governor Williams explained
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that plans had been in the making to relocate not only the staff but also the boxes, but that undertaking was causing a bit of difficulty. Williams said that the staff could not be blamed for refusing to work in building because it was dilapidated. “First and foremost the concern is to be the safety of our staff, and second, we have to be concerned about the security. The post office carries an essential service, its vital organ in government, and certainly we have to make sure that the situation right,” Governor Williams said. She said that the post office is looking to set up satellite stations across Providenciales, but security is a consideration. She said that a few sites have already been identified and work is
underway to have them prepared for installation of the boxes. Acting Premier Missick indicated that a meeting conducted with staff at the facility earlier in the morning on Friday, fleshed out a number of concerns the workers had, stating also that as time goes by, those concerns would be addressed by government. “(Relocation) solutions have been arrived at, and so now we are taking the steps to ensure that the decisions made here today between the staff, the Acting Governor and the Government Support Services Ministry are able to bring these solutions to fruition,” Acting Premier Missick said. In the meantime, she is calling on the public to exercise patience and understanding while the post office makes transition from the old location to the new one. After the staff decided that they would not enter the old building on Monday (February 3), the Government issued a statement notifying the public of the post office’s closure and relocation of the staff to the Town Centre Mall on Tuesday, but that relocation did not take place. In the meantime, Opposition Leader, Hon. SharIene Cartwright-Robinson expressed outrage that the workers had to resort to such action in order to gain the authorities’ attention. Cartwright-Robinson expressed the hope that the staff will not be penalized for their actions, saying that it was their human rights to withdraw their services under such conditions.
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LOCAL NEWS
Ericsson officially takes over LIME’s technical support operations in Turks and Caicos Islands
T
he multi-million-dollar deal in which LIME Turks and Caicos Islands will be outsourcing its technical support services to Ericsson, the world’s biggest supplier of equipment for wireless networks, became official on Saturday, February 8th. In a press release, LIME confirmed that it has entered into an exclusive managed services agreement with Ericsson in an effort to restructure its operations. Under the deal, which comes into effect on February 8, 2014, Ericsson will manage the external component of LIME’s fixed, mobile, Internet and data networks. “This commercial decision is in an effort to reduce the cost of running our network. LIME remains committed to enhancing customer experience across our range of services and this decision best fits that goal. We felt it was strategically important to team up with a global leader in the industry and it is from this perspective that we agreed to go with Ericsson as a partner,” said LIME’s Acting General Manager Lacal Palmer. “When we consider Ericsson’s domain knowledge, economies of scale, net-
LIME’s Acting General Manager Lacal Palmer work design, optimization and field maintenance, we are confident that we will be well positioned to provide service that is on par with best-in- class operators across the globe.” This agreement saw 18 members of LIME’s Service Support and Delivery and associated customer support teams separating from the company on February 7, 2014. As part of the agreement and to maintain employment levels, all of the impacted LIME employees will have the opportunity to reapply for roles with Erics-
son. Palmer also shared that in May of last year a similar model was implemented at LIME Jamaica. “The Jamaica implementation is already yielding positive results with them seeing a quantum leap in installation performance,” she explained. Under the contract, Ericsson will manage, install and repair LIME’s fixed, mobile, Internet and data networks. This means, for example, that Ericsson will install devices in homes, and monitor activity while repairing damage to cell towers. A similar arrangement between LIME and Ericsson is already in place in Barbados and Jamaica. Ericson, which is based in Sweden, has over one thousand networks in more than 180 countries using its network equipment. More than 40 percent of the world’s mobile traffic passes through Ericsson networks. The company manages networks that serve 1 billion subscribers worldwide and has more than 110,000 people that speak more than 100 languages working with customers in more than 180 countries.
TAXI DRIVERS WANT HAITIAN NATIONAL STRIPPED OF BELONGERSHIP BY VIVIAN TYSON
S
ome locals are contesting the intent by the Governor’s Office to grant Belonger Status to Haitian national Ovanel Cean, whose upgraded immigration status is said to have been settled through marriage, according to the notification. Cean is a taxi operator and it appears that the majority of his detractors are his own colleagues. One of the taxi operators leading the charge to have Cean’s Belongership withdrawn visited The SUN’s office this week armed with a letter with almost two dozen signatures addressed to Governor Peter Beckingham to be placed as an open letter advert asking the governor take back Cean’s Belongership status. The taxi operators claim that Cean continuously breaks the law of the Turks and Caicos Island by illegally operating taxi service and those who caution him are threatened with witchcraft. “This requested denial and forfeiture of status is based on principle of law and respect for the legal frame and foundation of our country, whereas Mr. Cean had deliberately and continuously defies the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands, which can be verified by Provo Road Traffic (Road Safety) Department by the many reports of unlawful acts,” the letter says in part. The letter goes on the say: “Particulars are that Mr. Cean has and continue to operate a non-public service vehicle under the disguise of a taxi in and around the hotels and the airport. Officers have cautioned him many times against this illegality to which he response aggressively and with threats of ‘Obeah’, which is witchcraft.” The letter stated that Cean does not show a propensity to operate his vehicle within the confines of the law and as such, he should not receive Belongership status. They said that their drive to have the government stripping of his Belonger Status is neither hateful nor unkind but merely trying to rid the country of people like Cean. “It has become evidently notable that Mr. Cean does not intend to operate in this country within the confines of the law so therefore, this contest is neither malicious nor personal but for the better good of the community we intend to continue to build positively and in the interest of all,” the letter noted.
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LOCAL NEWS
CAESAR CHARGED IN CONNECTION Prank calls are a major concern LORENZO WITH PAWN SHOP ROBBERY ATTEMPT for 911 Emergency services T L VIVIAN TYSON
he 911 Emergency Services, which celebrated its fourth anniversary on February 5th, has expressed great concern about the number of prank calls it receives, especially from children. “One of the major challenges faced by 911 is the large volume of prank calls and false reports made by mainly children playing with old cell phones. These calls are a burden on the system as it ties up the telephone lines and responders, which can delay callers with a real emergency from receiving timely assistance. Parents and guardians are reminded to be vigilant and monitor their children to prevent misuse of telephones,” the emergency services said in a press release. Launched on 5th February 2010 by then Programme Manager, Ms. Juliette Gooding, 911 is a unit within the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force and operates twenty-four hours daily. Calls requesting Police, Fire and Ambulance Services from all inhabited islands of the Turks & Caicos are answered from one central location at Providenciales Police Headquarters. 911’s achievement to date include the Street Naming and numbering project in collaboration with the Mapping & Survey Department which is almost completed on Providenciales and is expected to commence in Grand Turk and South Caicos within the first quarter of 2014. Radio communications among agencies have improved as all agencies are informed simultaneously of incidents at the same time. This has contributed to better coordination among agencies as they all receive timely notifications of incidents.
Quicker response times of all agencies as once a call is received emergency responders are informed simultaneously which lead to apprehension of criminals caught in the act, prevention of major damage to properties in the case of fires and lives being saved as 911 Telecommunicators are trained to assist callers to deliver babies, administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and other life saving procedures. 911 Manager, Tammika Lall advises callers to remain calm since it is important to cooperate with Telecommunicators when calling 911 by answering questions and providing all pertinent details as this helps to paint a picture for responders who need to be aware of the type of incident they are responding to. It is vital that we continue to work together to keep our communities safe. Ms. Lall extends sincere thanks to the staff for their hard work and continued dedication to this job as 911 Telecommunicators are unsung heroes and the true first responders in an incident. She said, “We are also grateful to our colleagues in the Police, Fire and Medical Departments who continue to operate with professionalism in challenging situations many times without all the required resources.” Former 911 Programme Manager, Ms. Gooding said, “The role of a 911 Telecommunicator is not an easy one as it requires dedication, sound decision making skills and a commitment to be at work taking care of the needs of the community even under difficult circumstances while others are home celebrating holidays, birthdays and other events.”
orenzo Caesar, the 29 year-old alleged gunman who reportedly held up and attempted to rob the Cash Wiz Pawn Shop on Monday (February 3) has been slapped with seven criminal charges. He was charged with carrying a firearm, possession of firearm with intent, possession of firearm with intent
reports of several gun crimes being recorded on Providenciales. Just before day-break on December 30, Odisse Jocelin was shot to death by one of three men who invaded a Leeward Highway restaurant and bar that he operated by with his girlfriend. About two weeks ago, a police officer who went to the Leeward Highway branch of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, to make a late
Police personnel are seen on the compound of Cash Wiz pawn shop shortly after apprehending alleged hold-up man Lorenzo Caesar to endanger Life, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of ammunition with intent to enable endangerment of life, discharging ammunition and taking motor vehicle without authority When he appeared in the Providenciales Magistrate’s Court on Friday, February 7th, Caesar was not required to enter a plea. He is booked to appear in the Supreme Court on April 4, when a sufficient hearing to take place. Between late December and to early February, the police have received
evening deposit had to canter for his life after gunmen emerged from the shadows and ordered him to drop the package. After he did not head to their request and began running, the discharged a barrage of bullets at him, one of which caught him on his arm. A motorist, who was passing along the highway, was injured after stray bullets shattered both his back and front windshield and cut him. Both injured were taken to hospital where they were treated and released. At press time Caesar was not charged.
Applications are invited for the position of:
Financial / Management ent Ac Accounta Accountant tant LOCATION – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS – Bachelors degree in finance and accounting or equivalent PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS – US Certified Public Accountant or UK Chartered Accountant some practical experience in the financial services sector, management accounting and according IT Systems in preferred. ONLY BELONGERS NEED APPLY PLEASE SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO: HUMAN RECOURSES P.O. BOX 270 PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Women in Sports get Canadian backing BY VIVIAN TYSON
I
n an effort to end the marginalization of women in the sporting arena and also to prevent female apathy towards that discipline, Women in Sport has begun the capacity-building exercise to create change. To make sure that they are equipped with the knowhow to get the job done, the organization this week invited Nora Sheffe of Commonwealth Games Canada, not only to impart her expertise in organization and capacity-building, but also to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Canadian Commonwealth Games Association and the Turks and Caicos Islands Commonwealth Games Association. Sheffe, who arrived in the country on February 3, is to spend 10 days meeting with female sport administrators and enthusiasts to get them on board. Florence Bennett, President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Women in Sports, during a welcome in Sheffe’s honour, said that the Canadian would be taking part in workshops on Providenciales and Grand Turk. “In these workshops we are hoping to connect with leaders of women in sports associations and ignite stronger women in sports body. We also like to bring together members of the wider community with women and sports interests, and discuss barriers and solutions for women’s elevations in sports,” she said. She added: “We also like to increase the involvement of women and girls in sports and physical activities as athletes, coaches, administrators and even volunteers. We are going to also try and identify the grassroots projects that would enhance participations of women and girls in sports.” For her part, Sheffe said that her visit
Rita Gardiner, Head of the TCI Commonwealth Games Association; Lillian Boyce, Former Minister of Sport; Lora Cheffe of the Canadian Commonwealth Games Association; Florence Bennett, President of Women in Sports and Edith Cox, Vice President of Women in Sports. should equip Women in Sports to, among other things, increase the number of sporting programmes available to women as well as engaging them at the community level to get them involved in sporting activities. “That would be a success for us if we can get more people involved and quite deliberate with the number of things that are happening. Another outcome for the week is to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between Commonwealth Games Canada and TCI Commonwealth Games, to recognize and formalize that partnership,” she said. Bennett said that the organization came about as a result of the glaring disregard for women in most sporting discipline. Rita Gardiner, Head of Turks and Caicos Islands Commonwealth Games Association explained that added that the workshops would be used to formalize
a strategic working plan for women in sports over the next three years, but emphasis would be placed on this year. “Women, here in the Turks and Caicos are powerful at just about every level, but somehow another, sports is lacking. It is not a level playing field, we don’t see gender equity and equality when it comes to sports. So that is one of the areas that we will tackle to ensure that women take their rightful place on the field, on the track, wherever. We will look at the barriers and try and find solutions,” she said. Former Deputy Premier and Minister of Education and Sports, Lillian Boyce, who Bennett described as one of Women in Sports’ key pillars, said that the establishment of the body was long in coming and should serve as a huge support to women in general. “I am just thankful that Lora came and I am just thankful to work along with the resident and Rita, who I worked with
in sports, during my time as minister of Sports. This is a very important organization, and it is a very important step that we are embarking on, and it has my full support,” Boyce said. In the meantime, Bennett explained that Women in Sports came about under the guidance of the Gender Desk and the TCI Commonwealth Games Association, which saw the need some time ago but couldn’t find enough committed women to lead the charge. “We had a launch in April, and the Hon. Minister Akierra Missick was there. She opened up for us in Providenciales and also in Grand Turk. The association came together in August (2013), and so far we are getting out into the wider community to make ourselves known,” Bennett said. She said that the organization would be visiting schools to get young girls to become part of whatever sporting discipline that interest them, while getting women who once played sport not only back into the game, but also to assume administrative roles or serve as mentors to young girls. She said that while Women in Sport would generally play supporting roles to sporting activities involving females, it intends to spearhead several sporting activities during this year, including domino, softball tournaments, volleyball and possibly swimming. She said that the tournaments are not only for the females to participate as athletes but also to officiate. “We are trying to get these leagues together throughout the communities just to encourage the girls, if they are interested in even becoming a referee for a particular game, we can get them practice on some practice games until we can get them up to international level,” she said. Edith Cox, Vice President of the organization, was also in attendance.
Are you a high performing, result driven Sales Professional? If so, we would like to speak with you to join our dynamic team in the capacity of: Applications are invited from individuals with a solid sales background who will work directly with key stakeholders to sell LIME’s Telecommunications solutions hardware, software and services to existing & new major corporate accounts.
Corporate Sales Executive (Based in Turks & Caicos) The successful candidate will be responsible for developing new & existing business opportunities directly to the end users. He/She will be also expecte d to meet or exceed assigned revenue quota through the selling of new & existing products and services from LIME product portfolio.
Minimum Experience and Qualifications: • Ideally, a first degree in Marketing/Business Administration/Sales or equivalent qualifications • Greater than five years field sales experience in the enterprise market, selling to ‘C’ Level • Knowledge of functions & operations of the Telecommunications industry • Knowledge of wireless, fixed voice & data products & service offerings • Working knowledge of Target Account/Solution Selling Methodology or equivalent • Working knowledge of CRM & contact management systems, ACT, Gold Mine or Salesforce.com
To explore this exciting career opportunity please send your application and resume no later than February 3rd 2014 to recruit@lime.com
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EX-HEAD OF HELEN GARLICK’S FORMER WORKPLACE SERIOUS FRAUD OFFICE ACCUSED OF RUNNING CHAOTIC AGENCY
R
WRIGHTFULLY FIT
SEEKS 1 Dance Instructor Must have at least 10 years experience Salary $200.00 per week plus 30% commission
Contact 331-0221
Chiraag Ltd. Seeks a Sales Clerk Responsibilities include greeting customers, presenting and selling merchandise, and inventory control. The successful applicant must have a minimum of 3 years sales experience, be honest, hard-working and self-motivated. You must be available to work Monday through Saturday, with flexibility to attend training sessions outside work hours. Working holiday hours may also be required.
Chiraag Ltd. The Regent Village Grace Bay Road Providenciales, TCI
649-941-4374
Position
Seeking to hire a
CLEANER
to work 3 days a week. Salary $6.00 per hour Interested applicants please call
(649) 339-4501 Between the hours of 9:00am to 4:30pm
Air and Sea Agency is currently seeking
1 Account Clerk Requirements: . At least 6 years experience in Accounting . Bachelors Degree in Accounting or Finance is preferable . Software knowledge: QuickBooks, Excel and Word. . Demonstrated ability to manage a large workload including completing multiple task to deadlines. Compensation: Based on qualifications and ability Deadline of submission of applicants if February 7, 2014. Kindly submit an applicant to: Air and Sea Agency Alliance Business Center Providenciales, TCI Email Address: airseaagency@gmail.com
ichard Alderman, the former head of Britain’s leading fraud prosecution authority, oversaw a chaotic agency that was unable to keep records and documents in order, a London court heard on Thursday. Alderman gave evidence at Southwark Court in a hearing to consider whether there had been an abuse of process by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) when it issued fraud charges against the founder of Weavering Capital, a $600 million hedge fund that collapsed in the wake of the credit crisis in 2009. The SFO could be forced to drop the high-profile case, which is scheduled to go to trial in October, if Judge Andrew Smith decides that Alderman acted unlawfully when he delegated the power to launch the investigation to Phillippa Williamson, his former chief operating officer, in 2008. Helen Garlick, who is now the special Prosecutor in the Turks and Caicos Islands, was appointed as the first Head of the SFO’s Overseas Corruption Unit and led the BAE investigation from its start in 2004, until she left under pressure in mid 2008. The hearing was initiated by Weavering’s Swedish founder Magnus Peterson, who has been charged with 16 fraud-related offences between 2003 and 2009, ranging from false representation to false accounting, forgery, obtaining a money transfer by deception, fraud by abuse of position and fraudulent trading. He has pleaded not guilty. Alderman said he had wanted only to make the gov-
ernment agency more efficient and had asked Williamson, who joined the SFO on secondment in mid-2008, to review and speed up the process of launching investigations. Though Williamson had started taking decisions about which cases the SFO should investigate shortly after her appointment, Alderman told the court that he had frequent meetings and communication with her, was aware of her decisions and was “heavily involved” in Weavering. “Ms Williamson would not have taken these decisions had I not given her the authority to do so,” he said. But he conceded that he did not have any document detailing the delegation of authority.
DEEPLY DISTURBING
The case hinges in part on whether Alderman had the power to delegate decisions to launch investigations, whether delegation was to the right person and made with appropriate care and whether there was serious misconduct. Peter Lodder, a senior lawyer for Peterson, said he found Alderman’s answers “deeply disturbing”. “In essence ... we are saying there is an element of almost chaos in the way the office is run ... You cannot rely on this evidence. There is no actual firm evidence of this delegation having taken place - just the assumption it must have happened.” The judge will make his decision over the next few weeks.
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Delinquent firearm owners at risk of losing licence F
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irearm owners who have not yet paid to renew their licences are at risk of having them rovoked or suspended. The Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force advised fFirearm licence holders who have not renewed their Frearms licence for the year to immediately do so at the most convenient time, or otherwise turn in their Firearm and ammunition to the Police, at a Police Station until they are able to do so. A police press release stated: “A review and an inventory is currently being conducted by the Firearm’s Department on the status of all persons who are in possession of a Firearm License. Strict measures will be imposed on those persons with expired Firearm’s licence. These measures may result in the suspension, revocation and/or the possibility of being charged with unauthorized possession of a Firearm and ammunition.” The RTCIPF last week urged all persons with Firearms licences to visit the Firearm’s
department in Providenciales or the Police Station in Grand Turk to renew their Firearm’s licence for the year 2014. Gun owners are required to have in their possession their firearm, all ammunition and a valid photo ID. Persons with Firearm License in the other Islands are to visit the Police Station nearest to them for the renewal of their license. All Firearms licence issued in the Turks & Caicos Islands last year expired on December 31st, 2013. “You are reminded that Firearm licences are generally valid for one year, and it is the licence holder’s responsibility to renew their licence in a timely manner. All firearms must be cleared and made safe before attending the Firearms department or any Police Station. If anyone has any doubts, concerns or questions relating to Firearms, please contact Superintendent Darron Williams at 231-7009 or Sgt. Thomas of the Firearms Unit at 2316262,” the release added.
LOCAL NEWS
Jimmy’s Dive Bar owner spared prison sentence after posting bail for international criminal J
ames Ardavary, owner and operator of Jimmy’s Dive Bar in Grace Bay, Providenciales has been spared six months in prison after belatedly coughing up with $50,000 he committed to pay the court as surety for absconded criminal David Crofts, former manager of the Ports of Call Resorts. Crofts, former manager of the Ports of Call Resort in Grace Bay was charged for embezzling more than $100,000 of the hotel’s funds, last year. The funds were reportedly stolen over a two-year period. He was placed on $50,000 bond, which was posted by Ardavary. Crofts was employed by owner of the resort and fellow Canadian national Dale Papke, in 2011, after buying the property once named Comfort Suites Hotel. Over the two year period it is alleged that Crofts secretly pocketed portions of the hotel earnings and blamed especially front desk employees for the shortage. After his alleged misdeeds were discover, Crofts was fired by Papke, who later involved the police, and following investigations, the former
general manager was arrested and charged with theft. When Crofts made his initial appearance in court, he was placed on $50,000 bond, which he could not post, and that was when Ardavary stepped in as surety. However, shortly after he was able to secure bail, the Canadian fled the island resulting in the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) issuing an international arrest warrant for his arrest. He has not been caught since. The alleged thief was required to report to the police on July 1,2013, but failed to do so. And upon further investigations by lawmen from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, it was revealed that Crofts had fled the country. Ardavary was then required to come up with the funds by a certain period or spend six months in prison. He however, failed to do so, and on Monday (January 3) he was arrested by the police. He was scheduled to be shipped to Grand Turk and Thursday (January 6) to serve the sentence, but came up with the funds in the nick of time.
INTERISLAND AVIATION SERVICES COMPANY Is seeking to fill the position of: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/ BILLING OFFICER Qualifications and Experience 1. Diploma in accounts 2. A minimum of 5 years accounting experience 3. Able to fluently read, write and understand English Must be computer literate.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Verification and checking of invoices Booking invoices in to accounting system Ensure all customer bills are booked into the system in a timely manner and ensure that all services have been captured. Review outstanding debtors and chase for payments Perform all tasks in line with Accounts Department monthly timetable. Process purchase orders from company stores department Check, verify and book all invoices into system Ensure all expenses are approved by the relevant manager. Provide information to financial accounting manager to aid booking of accruals and prepayments. Check all customer invoices over 30 days have been paid by customers Follow up outstanding debtors with phone calls/ emails/ letters Suitably qualified applicant should send resume to
HR@flyairtc.com
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LOCAL NEWS
MISS TURKS AND CAICOS UNIVERSE PAGEANT DENIM AND DIAMONDS PARTY A SUCCESS
O
ver the weekend, Friday January 31st, the Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Org. hosted a ‘Denim and Diamonds Party’; a fundraising event that saw scores of guests at the newly opened Zanzi Bar and Restaurant cheering on their favourite contestants. With a grand entry, making their first public appearance were the 2014 Miss Universe Turks and Caicos Pageant Contestants dubbed “The Sassy Six” earlier unveiled at a private ‘Meet the Press’ event hosted by Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa Monday January 27th 2014. Celebrated at the ‘Denim and Diamonds Party’, Gabreann Capron, Codee Coalbrooke, Todeline Defalien, Tashy Forbes, Shanice Williams and Shante Williams are the stunning beauties vying for the coveted title Miss Universe Turks and Caicos 2014, in one of the country’s most exciting national traditions and leading beauty and fashion competitions. Other than receiving awards and prizes, The Miss Universe Turks and Caicos 2014 titleholder will become affiliated with many organizations as a goodwill ambassador. As titleholder, Miss Universe Turks and Caicos 2014 will be an inspiration to hundreds of youngsters wishing to emulate her image of a well-spoken and well groomed personality. The winner will also play a major role in promoting the Turks and Caicos Islands, which like her, is beautiful by nature and represent the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Miss Universe 2014 Pageant. Leading up to the grand finale, the competitions of April 25th and 26th, there are mandatory workshops including coaching sessions on confidence, elegance and poise, interviewing and presentation skills and workout sessions and fitness routines courtesy of Rock It Hot Fitness. There will also be a number of promotional and community events to
(L-R) Shante Williams, Shanice Williams, Todeline Defralien, Miss Universe Turks and Caicos 2013 Snwazna Adams, Codee Coalbrooke, Tashy Forbes and Gabreann Capron. showcase the contestants. One of the major events is Turks and Caicos Islands Fashion Week 2014 March 26th – 29th 2014. As the competition progresses, the Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Organization will facilitate an online voting ballot for the public to cast its vote for its favorite 2014 Miss Universe Turks and Caicos Contestants. The Contestant with the most votes will be awarded Miss Popularity. The results will be announced on coronation night. To date, the Miss Universe Turks and Caicos 2014 Pageant Premiere Partners are the Turks and
Caicos Tourist Board, Saint George Fashion House, Digicel TCI, Beaches TCI Resort Villages and Spa and interCaribbean Airways. Sponsors include Rock It Hot Fitness, Jai’s, SUN TCI Newspaper, BowTie VIP Transfers, Villa Del Mar, West Bay Club Resort, Magnetic Media, Nirvana Magazine, Kiss 102.5FM, Power 92.5FM, Turks and Caicos Friends of the Arts Foundation, Ports of Call Resort, Philosophy Boutique, Everything TCI, Parrot Cay Resort, Regent Palms Resort, Paradise Smiles Dental Clinic, Tremm Jocale, Digicel TCI Cinemas and Courtyard Chiropractic.
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LOCAL NEWS
PDM backs postal workers strike action BY VIVIAN TYSON
T
he opposition Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) is charging that post office workers on Providenciales should have been relocated from their hazardous Airport Road location long before the start of the year based on adverse conditions there. Deputy Leader Hon. Sean Astwood, who, with colleague Hon. Josephine Connolly, conducted a tour of the facility on Thursday (February 6), told The SUN that the condition under which the postal workers conducted their daily routine was appalling and not fit for human occupancy. “The place is very deplorable and it is not a proper working environment to be in. The problem was stated from last year when the leader of the opposition (Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson) and Hon. Delroy Williams came by and took a look at the facility. Astwood explained that the tour of the facility revealed sickening and unpleasant feeling, and also one that should not be wished on anyone to work under. He said that conditions there, was among other hazards, leptospirosis waiting to happen. “From that time (last year) until now it (conditions) only got a lot worst, there are rodent faeces all around on the floor, the ceiling has developed mold from leakages (when it rained), packages are torn open by rats, and it is just not something that you think would go on in a country like ours,” Astwood lamented. He said that while everyone it is fair game for the general public to hold government workers to high
Opposition Member of Parliament Josephine Connolly (right) talks to individuals congregated at the Providenciales Post Office standards, the conditions under which they work should also be of high standard and suitable for them to carry out their daily duties. “We stressed and demand that our civil servants work hard and possess the skills that the business community has and what the population demands. And when we look at the environment that we ask them to work it is not right. The reality is that I would not suggest that no one goes into the building because of health issues among other things,” Astwood continued. Astwood said that he is in solidarity with the workers, who, since Monday, turned up at work but refused to go into the building to do their work. Their action resulted in a number of persons, without post office boxes, unable to send and receive mail. Persons who went there to purchase stamps for immigration and other
matters were also turned away as a result of the strike action. “The stance that they have taken was the right stance,” Astwood insist-
ed, while asking the general public to be sympathetic to the postal workers’ plight, saying also that they are standing up for a critical cause. “The people should be well aware and I am asking the general public to be patient with them, and if you cannot access your mail, put pressure on the government to ensure that their situation is taken care of as soon as possible, because it is not their (workers’) fault. If the public at large would see where they work they would fully understand what they are going through,” Astwood argued. Government had issued a statement earlier in the week after learning that the workers had staged the strike action that they would be relocated to the Town Centre Mall by Tuesday, but it was not until Friday that they were able to relocate there since the building had to go through minor repairs including painting and retrofitting of cubicles.
MIKE MISICK CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY IN CHURCH:
Former Premier Michael Misick celebrated a birthday on Sunday, February 2. To mark the milestone, Misick attended the Abundant Life Ministries International Church to worship. Family members as well as some of his supporters also attended the service to celebrate with him. Among the attendees were Minister for Education, Youth and Sport Hon. Akierra Missick and the former premier’s son, Kristin Misick, who is seen here, presenting his dad with a gift.
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LOCAL NEWS
What’s in the Box winners collect prizes
BY VIVIAN TYSON
T
he 2013 What’s in the Box winners collected their prizes on Friday (January 30) during a brief presentation at LIME’s corporate office located along the Leeward Highway in Providenciales. Radio announcer Diana Swann was the top prize winner of an all expense paid trip to New York plus accommodation and in iPad. Swann said that when she received the call from Rachel Harvey, the LIME Public Relations Manager, who notified her that she had won the contest, at first she believed it was a hoax. “Actually, when they called and Rachel spoke to me, I could hear Mr. (Carlton) Mills’ (of Grace Bay Club Foundation) voice in the background. I thought they had called to ask me if 88.1(the stations she works for) was coming to cover the event. And when she said ‘no, I am serious (you are the top prize winner)’, I was just lost for words. I never won anything before, so to me it was a good feeling,” Swann declared. The radio announcer said that she was unsuccessful in her 2012 bids, but decided once again to try again last year. She said that the early clues were not as clear as she would have wanted to them to be, but said the answer became clearer as the competition wore on. “At first I was very, very excited. I tried last year (2012) and didn’t win, but I found that texting and being able to assist the schools in Providenciales was great. I really enjoyed that. But the thing is, we kept looking at the clues, and kept texting and texting, and I think the clue that says ‘what complements the sea’ really did it for me. The icing on the cake was when they said it was a model,” Swann explained. Swann said that she is looking forward to the trip, which she describes as a mini vacation. She said also that she is looking forward to collecting her iPad. “I am excited about it. I am ready to go to New
Boat builder Albert Higgs, presents main What’s in the Box winner, Diana Swann with her prize. A model cruise ship designed by Higgs was the item in the box. York, I am also looking to use my iPad, and I think the trip for me will be great. It will be like a mini vacation, I’d be able to go to Broadway, see some plays and relax,” she said. In the meantime, the What’s in the Box winner is encouraging the general public to take part in the competition even for participation’s sake, since it is going toward a worthy cause. “I think you should (enter). I think it is fun. It is mind-boggling to read the clues and find out what is in the box. And not only that, you are (also) having fun and you are also donating to the schools at the same time. So, it is a wonderful way to give back to education in this country, and it is a wonderful way
to have fun. And it sparks a lot of competition between friends and siblings because everyone is trying to guess what is in the box,” she said. Deserika Glinton captured the second prize, which is a stay at the West Bay Club. The third price, which is a grilling experience, and donated, by the Do-It Centre was won by Mavis Smith. Lynda Williams was declared the fourth place prize winner, which is an account at CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, while Kenrick Walters won the fifth price - a smartphone from LIME. The 2013 What’s in the Box quiz was a model cruise ship designed by longstanding boat builder Albert Higgs.
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LOCAL NEWS
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Win a trip for two to the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ ‡, courtesy of Visa ‡ Ask us how!
Win with your RBC Visa credit card!
- Special conditions apply ® /™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. ‡ All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner(s).
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National Cancer Society TCI Because you CARE Because of your UNWAVERING SUPPORT Because of your COMMITMENT Because of your GENEROSITY We are grateful that the National Cancer Society (NCS) was able to assist patients from TCI undergoing treatment for cancer, locally and abroad, to the order of $35,000 in 2013. Our annual campaigns for mammography screenings have made a difference in the lives of women throughout the TCI since 2007. Your willingness to participate in our community efforts for cancer awareness and prevention - helped to SAVE LIVES. If you have contributed separately, or joined in successful fundraising events, the National Cancer Society extends its PROFOUND THANKS. THANK YOU! In 2014 the battle to defeat cancer continues. The National Cancer Society again asks for your continued commitment in support of promoting cancer awareness and prevention. "Touching Lives.... Making a Difference�
Contributors: Graceway IGA Supermarkets Cheshire Hall Medical Centre (InterHealth) CIBC First Caribbean International Bank National Health Insurance Board La Perfumerie Royal Bank of Canada Beaches Resort Caicos Resorts Ltd. Turks & Caicos Sun Ministry of Education
Baptist Health South Florida In the Pink: Regent Palms Parrot Cay Resort Amanyara Resort JAI'S Nutrition in Demand Patty Place Susan Kellof Josh Carlton & The Source Ltd. Fortis TCI Science Fair
Phone: 231-4374 232-8177 231-7653
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”LET HER GO” BY PASSENGER Well you only need the light when it’s burning low Only miss the sun when it starts to snow Only know you love her when you let her go
Well you only need the light when it’s burning low Only miss the sun when it starts to snow Only know you love her when you let her go
Only know you’ve been high when you’re feeling low Only hate the road when you’re missin’ home Only know you love her when you let her go And you let her go
Only know you’ve been high when you’re feeling low Only hate the road when you’re missin’ home Only know you love her when you let her go
Staring at the bottom of your glass Hoping one day you’ll make a dream last But dreams come slow and they go so fast You see her when you close your eyes Maybe one day you’ll understand why Everything you touch surely dies But you only need the light when it’s burning low Only miss the sun when it starts to snow Only know you love her when you let her go Only know you’ve been high when you’re feeling low Only hate the road when you’re missin’ home Only know you love her when you let her go Staring at the ceiling in the dark Same old empty feeling in your heart ‘Cause love comes slow and it goes so fast Well you see her when you fall asleep But never to touch and never to keep ‘Cause you loved her too much And you dived too deep
And you let her go (oh, oh, ooh, oh no) And you let her go (oh, oh, ooh, oh no) Will you let her go?
‘Cause you only need the light when it’s burning low Only miss the sun when it starts to snow Only know you love her when you let her go
Only know you’ve been high when you’re feeling low Only hate the road when you’re missin’ home Only know you love her when you let her go ‘Cause you only need the light when it’s burning low Only miss the sun when it starts to snow Only know you love her when you let her go Only know you’ve been high when you’re feeling low Only hate the road when you’re missin’ home Only know you love her when you let her go And you let her go
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TCI Middle School Planting for the future
On Monday 3rd February students from TCI Middle School teamed up with the Department for the Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) to improve our environment to recognise World Wetlands Day (February 2nd) 50% of Turks and Caicos are classed as «Wetlands» and whilst most of these areas remain productive habitats on some islands, on Provo many have been compromised or destroyed by human actions. Therefore, 30 students from the school worked with Eric Salamanca from DEMA to re-establish a wetlands area along Venetian Road. Approximately 100 red mangrove seedlings were planted by students which, as they mature, will provide a much needed habitat and feeding area for fish and wading birds in Flamingo Lake.
«We often talk about preserving our environment so it was fantastic to get the opportunity to actually do something practically that will make a positive difference», said Mr. Dunbavand, the Principal. Students enjoyed the experience, learned about the wetlands and realized the impact they were having. «A great opportunity to prove you can make a difference», said one student as his classmate added, «It was great fun too»!
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The Basic Needs Trust Fund Seventh Project (BNTF 7) was approved on October 23, 2012, by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and provides grant funding to ten participating Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) viz. Belize, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St.Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Governments of the ten participating BMCs provide counterpart funding. The Terminal Disbursement Date for BNTF 7is December 31, 2016. 2. The infrastructure component of BNTF 7 provides, inter alia, for the implementation of an unspecified number of sub-projects consisting primarily of minor civil works including buildings for education, water supply and sanitation, footpaths, bridges, drains and minor road developments. The maximum cost of each sub-project will not exceed the equivalent of US$600,000 and construction works will be done either by private contract, force account, self help or a combination of the afore mentioned modes of execution. 3. Additional information on BNTF7 can be obtained at CDB’s corporate web site, viz. http://www.caribank.org/programmes/basic-needs-trust-fund 4. The overall objective of BNTF 7 is to reduce poverty and vulnerability in targeted communities through enhanced access to basic social and economic infrastructure and human resource development services. 5. CDB now invites submission of expressions of interest from consultants who are interested in providing architectural and/or engineering services for individual sub-projectsor groups of sub-projects. Services contracts will be awarded either for a single sub-project or groups of sub-projects, as funding for these are approved by CDB for each BMC. Each contract price will be fully paid for, directly by CDB.Under previous BNTF programmes, consultants in the participating BMC where sub-projects are located were engaged by CDB, and provided the majority of similar services. 6. The brief description of services required under the proposed services assignments include: a) consultation with and advice to the BNTF Project Manager (PM) of the
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respective BMC, at all stages of the execution of the services; b) preparation,or review and completion,of designs and tender documents, including consultation with beneficiary communities; c) assistance to the PM with the pre-qualification of contractors, and preparation of bid documents; d) assistance to the PM with the evaluation of bids and the negotiation of the construction contracts as necessary; e) provision of technical inspection of construction works for the government, under the terms of the construction contract including issuing of payment certificates, preparation of monthly reports, final handover and training of key beneficiaries in minor preventative maintenance practices for the completed works. 7. In relation to consulting services, a consultant, each member of a joint venture or consortium and any sub-contractor shall be eligible for procurement if: a) in the case of the body corporate, it is legally incorporated or otherwise organized in an eligible country, has its principal place of business in an eligible country and is more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen or citizens and/or bona fide resident or residents of an eligible country or countries or by a body corporate or bodies corporate meeting these requirements; b) in the case of natural persons and unincorporated firms, the person or persons is or are a citizen or citizens or bona fide resident or residents of an eligible country; and c) in all cases, the tenderer has no arrangement and undertakes not to make any arrangement whereby any substantial part of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person not a citizen or bona fide resident of an eligible country. 8. Consultants, whether acting singly or in joint ventures, are required to submitfull details of his/her individual practice or firm, inclusive of general experience in the field of the assignment, including specialist knowledge and qualification of each of the proposed personnel who will undertake
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assignments. In the case of firms, the documents must include articles of incorporation and audited financial statements for the last three years. Submissions are to be sent to the Portfolio Manager (BNTF), at the address below by February 27th2014 at 4:00pm. The names and address of the applicant shall be clearly marked on the envelope containing each submission. All information must be submitted in the English Language. 9. Consultants should indicate the type of work in which they are interested and the total value of work they have the capacity to perform concurrently. CDB will request an update of this information as and when needed. 10. After evaluation of the information submitted, a shortlist of consultants and/or joint ventures of consultants drawn from the response to this notice, as well as from similar notices circulated regionally and locally, will be created and those consultants will be requested to submit proposals for the provision of services. The Terms of Reference for specific services will be made available to short-listed consultants. 11. CDB reserves the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel the present notice partially or in its entirety. CDB will not be bound to assign any reason for not short-listing any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in preparing applications. 12. Applicants will be advised in due course, of the results of their applications. 13. Additional general notices for expressions of interest will be issued at least once annually, during the life of BNTF 7.CDB expects to issue Request for Proposals to short-listed individuals, firms and/orjoint ventures for an individual sub-project or group of sub-projects, approved at various times, during the implementation period of the current programme.
Portfolio Manager, BNTF Social Sector Division Caribbean Development Bank P. O. Box 408, Wildey, St. Michael Barbados, W. I. Tel: 1-(246)-431-1600 Fax: 1-(246)-431-7269 E-mail: bntf@caribank.org
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Bahamas Businesses intensifying pressure against VAT
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ith the implementation of value-added tax (VAT) just five months away, more businesses are joining the anti-VAT campaign and are petitioning their customers to do the same. One business owner referred to VAT as “crazy”, while another said the implementation of VAT could push poor people “over the edge”. Several business owners have erected posters throughout their stores, highlighting the impact that VAT would have on the price of food, entertainment, shopping, travel, electricity, phone, cable and water. One such poster features the smiling faces of a family of four. The poster indicates that a family vacation before the implementation of VAT would cost $5,000. The cost after VAT is tagged at $5,750. Another poster highlights the weekly cost of groceries going from $165 to $182.The business owners are also asking their customers to sign petitions against VAT. Many people have signed the petitions featured in JBR Building Supplies store on Wulff Road. The company’s CEO Charles Albury said he hopes the government will reconsider VAT. Albury said the government has to look at a more comprehensive approach to taxation and should seek to collect the hundreds of millions of dollars in outstanding taxes. “They are just trying to add more taxes to already taxed out businesses,” Albury said. “And the problem that we have fundamentally is that it’s going to hurt the poor people because that’s who VAT is going to hit. The government has already admitted it.” With many Bahamians already struggling to make ends meet, Albury maintained that VAT is going to “push them over the edge”. “Everyone realizes that we have to do something, but this is not a fix-all,” he said. “There are a lot of other alternatives.”
Faced with revenue challenges, the government intends to implement VAT at a rate of 15 percent on July 1. VAT is expected to generate an additional $200 million in revenue, according to officials. But Albury said a simple payroll tax would be a better alternative. Dionisio D’Aguilar, president of Superwash, is also a part of the coalition against VAT. “The reason I don’t support VAT is simple,” D’Aguilar said. “It will cause prices to go up 10 to 15 percent, salaries will remain the same, and most people will get poorer. “You will be able to purchase less goods with your pay checks.” D’Aguilar said the government must find a more responsible way to raise revenue. He said VAT will cause “too much of a shock to the economy”. The coalition, of which D’Aguilar and Albury are a part, is calling on Bahamians to “wake up”, and demand the government delay VAT. According to co-chair of the Coalition for Responsible Tax Robert Meyers, it represents about 700 businesses with about 65,000 to 70,000 employees. The coalition has sent the government several alternative forms of tax. Up to yesterday, more than 2,200 people had signed the coalition’s petition on its website www.wakeupbahamas.com. Meyers said he hopes for about 30,000 signatures. Last month, Prime Minister Perry Christie revealed a group of American economists will undertake a final study on VAT to address concerns related to the tax regime. This is one of several studies the government has commissioned in the last few months. “So as to clearly demonstrate to all those who are speaking strongly, stridently, emotionally and even sometimes hysterically -- and to address every concern, my government has commissioned a final study by a team of internationally re-
nowned economists,” said Christie at the Bahamas Business Outlook at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort. However, the coalition wants to conduct its own study on the impact VAT would have on the cost of living. Meyers said previous studies had some “misgivings” in their projections. The coalition has therefore called on the government to provide it with the necessary data to carry out the study. “The intent of the coalition and the intent of the petition is to demand a delay, to demand the facts, and to demand a look at the alternatives,” Meyers said. “Our primary concern is because of the level of consumer debt and because of the average wage, we are very concerned that it would have a damaging effect on the economy overall,” he said. “And if it slows the economy or puts us back into a recession, the inevitable is that there would be layoffs, cuts, and...if consumers fail then businesses will fail.” Meyers said the coalition will deliver the petition to the government at the end of February or March. “This is a pivotal issue,” he said. “If we don’t get it right it could sink us.” Super Value owner Rupert Roberts also has several anti-VAT posters in his stores. Roberts has been particularly vocal about the issue. “VAT will kill the economy,” he said. Roberts said the government should consider income tax or some other alternative forms of taxation. Asked how it will affect his business, he said, “It would hardly affect our business at all. “We’ll survive but we’ll have to pass it on to the public. Our government is talking about introducing it in a recession...it’s crazy.” The government has steadily spent more than it has collected. Christie said previously the pace that the country is on is unsustainable.
Minister says casinos could make Bermuda more exciting H
AMILTON, Bermuda — Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell says government plans to issue three licences initially if parliament gives the go-ahead for the introduction of casinos in recession-hit Bermuda. He told a television audience on Monday night that casinos could help the island overcome its image as an “unexciting” travel destination. He said the One Bermuda Alliance government plans to legalise gaming were a “gargantuan” step that would redefine Bermuda and help the island rebrand and reposition itself in the tourism market. But Crockwell played down concerns that the island could one day resemble the Las Vegas strip, saying that Bermuda’s size (21 square miles with a population of 65,000) meant that a maximum of just three casinos — integrated into either new or existing hotels — were financially sustainable.
Crockwell told television viewers that Singapore had transformed its image as a tourism destination after introducing gaming five years ago. Crockwell and Attorney General Mark Pettingill spent a week on a fact-finding mission in the Far East city state last month. “Right now, people see Bermuda as an unexciting place, we need to change that,” Crockwell said. “Singapore had a greater resistance to gaming than we do here. They struggle at around 50/50 and they have for quite some time. Their government said they need to do it and they have doubled their tourism in the last five years. They have raised so much revenue that they’ve built all sorts of wonderful amenities for Singaporians like an opera house and other entertainment that has been paid for from the gaming. “Again we are on a whole different scale but the point is they have rebranded themselves as an exciting
jurisdiction,” Crockwell said, adding of the three casino licences to be handed out initially at least one would go to a new hotel development. “The financial data that we have received suggests that, based on the current tourism numbers that we have and the resident population — and it’s estimated that between 10 and 15 per cent of the resident population will participate — we can sustain financially three casinos,” he said. “The government is committed to reserving the first licence to new development and these things are a moving target — it all depends on what a prospective developer or existing owner may put on the table. “But we want to preserve that for new development. I, personally speaking, not on behalf of cabinet but as the minister, I don’t see more than two but who knows — if tourism grows, if we bring in an addi-
tional 100,000 tourists, we will consider it at that point.” According to Crockwell, around 50,000 New Yorkers travel to the Bahamas each year to gamble, while other US east coast cities report similar data. “We can go after some of that,” Crockwell said. Government initially promised to hold a national referendum on casinos before this month’s Budget but cancelled it — at a saving of US$500,000 — and said the island’s politicians would make a decision on the thorny subject. Premier Craig Cannonier claimed the opposition Progressive Labour Party had threatened to undermine the referendum — a claim the PLP denied. Government is to reveal more on plans to introduce casinos to the island at a series of public meetings starting on Tuesday night. Parliament reconvenes shortly.
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Haiti’s president Martelly meets Obama at White House W
ASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama met Thursday with Haiti President Michel Martelly and said he was encouraged with progress on scheduling long-overdue elections in the country. The Oval Office meeting was the first between the two and comes as Martelly faces increasing domestic and international pressure to schedule the long-delayed Senate and municipal elections in the country still recovering from the devastating Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake. Obama welcomed Martelly to the White House and also promised to stand with Haiti as it continues to rebuild after an enormous earthquake which killed 250,000 people four years ago. Nearly 200,000 people in Haiti remain homeless after the devastating 2010 earthquake shattered the country and its basic infrastructure. Obama noted Haiti’s progress since the devastation, including improvements in security and infrastructure, but said it’s been “a very slow and difficult process.” The US president great pleasure to welcome President Martelly to the Oval Office, noting that the US and Haiti “really brought about the trend towards independence in the Western Hemisphere, and we have had a longstanding relationship of many years”. Obama added: “ The bonds between our two peoples are extraordinarily strong, including the contributions made by Haitian Americans, who in all walks of life make enormous contributions to our own country. Obviously, over the last several years, our relationship has been shaped in part by our desire to help Haiti rebuild after the devastating earthquake that took place. We’re now at the four-year anniversary of that tragic event that devastated such a large portion of not only Haiti but also devastated the Haitian economy. The good news is that because of not just the mobilization of international support, which the U.S. helped to lead, but also because of strong leadership from the Haitian people themselves and President Martelly, we’ve begun to see progress. The economy is growing; security is improving; infrastructure is getting rebuilt rubble has been removed; health fa-
President Barack Obama and Haiti President Michel Martelly shake hands during a photo opportunity in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014. cilities are beginning to open up; schools are starting to get back into place, and businesses are starting to return to Haiti.” Obama said he was also pleased that Haiti had made progress on a new election law that will “help resolve some of the political roadblocks” and lead to elections this year. “It’s been a very slow and difficult process, and I think we are all recognizing that we have a lot more work to do. But my main message today to the President and to the people of Haiti is that the American people are committed to standing with you in this process. We want to make sure that all the children of Haiti can look forward to lives of opportunity and prosperity and security. And I’m very encouraged by the fact that Haiti has now made progress on an election law that could ensure elections this year and help to resolve some of the political roadblocks that stalled some progress in the country, and I appreciate the President’s efforts on that front,” Obama added. “I’m looking forward to hearing where we can help in other reforms that I know he cares about -- such areas as human rights, prison reform, the judiciary, dealing with issues of corruption that are inhibitors to progress in any country, including ours. And we will continue to stand by Haitian democracy, Haitian leadership, and the
Haitian people in this slow and steady progress that needs to take place.” On Wednesday, 53 political parties ended the first phase of negotiations with the Martelly administration to stage one election this year — it will also include the entire 99-member lower chamber, which is up in October. The 10 days of talks were mediated by the Catholic Church, and on Tuesday nearly two dozen political party representatives will sit down with the executive to fine-tune the accord. “We’re in a process of dialogue where today we’ve found a compromise,” Sauveur Pierre Etienne, leader of the opposition Organization of People in Struggle (OPL), said from Port-au-Prince. Martelly, who met Wednesday with members of Congress and Secretary of State John Kerry, said he wanted to thank the U.S. “for always standing by the Haitian people.” He said he looked forward to discussing security issues, his country’s fight against narcotics trafficking and his “engagement in building a strong democratic state.” Obama praised Martelly for making progress towards an accord that could see delayed legislative elections take place later this year. “I’m very encouraged by the fact that Haiti has now made progress on an election law that could ensure elections this year and help to resolve some of the political roadblocks that have stalled some progress in the country,” Obama said ahead of the talks. Obama also pledged to talk to Martelly about reforms in human rights, prisons, the judiciary and corruption. Martelly, speaking in English, said in short remarks that he would discuss security, narco trafficking and his engagement “building a strong democratic state” in Haiti. Martelly is currently in talks with the opposition and parliament to end a months-long political stalemate over holding parliamentary elections, which were due to take place two months ago. On Wednesday, he met Secretary of State John Kerry, who noted that economic and health care indicators were trending up in Haiti in a positive direction.
US president hints at deal offering undocumented Caribbean immigrants legal status
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ASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama has hinted that he may accept a deal offering undocumented Caribbean and other immigrants legal status rather than full citizenship. “If the speaker (of the House of Representatives) proposes something that says right away: Folks aren’t being deported, families aren’t being separated, we’re able to attract top young students to provide the skills or start businesses here and then there’s a regular process of citizenship, I’m not sure how wide the divide ends up being,” said Obama in a CNN interview on Friday.
“The question is, is there more that we can do in this legislation that gets both Democratic and Republican support, but solves these broader problems, including strengthening borders and making sure that we have a legal immigration system that works better than it currently does,” he continued. Obama said that under his immigration reform plan, illegal Caribbean and other immigrants would still have to go through “a very long process of earning citizenship” by learning English, paying back taxes and going “to the back of the line.”
During his State of the Union address on Tuesday, Obama urged the US Congress to enact immigration reform that will allow the more than 10 million immigrants without legal status, including Caribbean nationals, to apply for temporary legal status and, eventually, United States citizenship. His address was welcomed by Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, who had written to him on several occasions, urging him to suspend deportation of Caribbean immigrants. “A policy of comprehensive immigration reform will also support our economy by preventing the ex-
WOMAN APPOINTED NEW OPPOSITION LEADER IN ST LUCIA
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ASTRIES, St.Lucia - The appointment of Dr Gale Rigobert as the country’s new Leader of the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) has now been confirmed. Dr Rigobert was selected a week after Parliamentary Representative for Castries North, Stephenson King, was voted out of the post by his UWP colleagues. On Saturday, an official letter sent to the Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy to formalise the process, has been accepted. “Pursuant to Section 67 of the Con-
stitution of St Lucia and subject to the provisions of the said Constitution I do hereby appoint you the said Gale Tracy Christiane Rigobert, to be the Leader of the Opposition with effect from February 1, 2014, with all the powers, rights, privileges and advantages to the said Office belonging or appertaining,” the Governor General’s appointment letter read. Rigobert who lectured at the University of the West Indies, previously served as a member of the Senate, and advisor to the National Development in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and National Development.
Dr Gale Rigobert She won her Micoud North seat in the 2011 general election and was elected deputy political leader of the UWP
ploitation of workers who lack legal status despite, in some instances, living in the United States for almost their entire lives,” Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). Ahead of his State of the Union address, Clarke had again written to Obama to stop deporting Caribbean and other immigrants. In a joint letter with Arizona Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva, Clarke, appealed to the president to “respond to the crisis of deportation in the undocumented community.” in July 2013. In November 2013 she was made the Ambassador for peace for the Universal Peace Federation. She was due to take her oath of office on Tuesday, however this has now been rescheduled for February 11. On the weekend, Regobert began a series of pre-budget “community meetings” essentially to “listen to the needs of the people and assess priorities for the constituency.” She told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), that she would also respond to questions on recent developments in the opposition United Workers Party which has recently been plagued by disagreement over the expulsion of King as opposition leader.
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Cruise lines make millions from Cayman Islands turtle farm
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he cruise industry makes around $1.7 million in annual profits from selling tickets to the Cayman Turtle Farm at a 100 percent mark-up to passengers. A report by PwC on the economics of the tourist attraction concluded that while the heavily subsidized venue is unlikely to ever make a profit itself, it is a significant source of revenue for cruise lines. Roughly 70 percent of the farm’s visitors come from cruise lines, particularly family-friendly operators like Disney and Carnival. The report suggested government’s subsidy of the venue could be justified by its wider economic benefits to the tourist industry, according to the caymanian Compass. Part of the rationale for that judgment was speculation that if the cruise industry was unable to make such large profits from the turtle farm, it would seek to make them elsewhere – potentially putting the squeeze on smaller independent tour operators. Ticket sales have always been an important source of revenue for the cruise industry, but the extent of the profit margin the industry garners from the loss-making turtle farm had not been publicized prior to this report. According to the consultants, Cayman Turtle Farm ticket pricing data suggest a mark-up of around 100 percent. The market power of the cruise lines, which essentially control a huge portion of the farm’s customer base, is cited as a major factor in keeping wholesale prices low.
A young tourist looking at the turtles in the Cayman Islands Turtle Farm The consultants conclude, “In simplistic terms, this simply enhances profitability to the cruise lines and as such would have no wider economic impacts for the Cayman Islands. “However, interviews with the various Cayman Islands industry participants indicate that, in the absence of this margin on Cayman Turtle Farm tour excursions, the cruise lines would likely seek to recover these returns elsewhere, possibly through either squeezing wholesale prices or raising retail prices on alternative attractions and transport.” The report provides insight as to how cruise lines operate – making their money by acting as a broker or ticketing agent for island tour operators.
It appears to suggest that the Turtle Farm is acting as a buffer, protecting smaller operators such as Stingray City boat captains, from harsher margins. “With the closure of Cayman Turtle Farm, the cruise lines would seek to recover profitability possibly through sales to alternative attractions, or through downward pressure on wholesale prices for remaining attractions,” it states. The report adds that the relationship works both ways. The cruise lines are able to steer vast numbers of tourists to the farm. However, it points out that even with a vast increase in visitors, the farm will not break even unless it significantly scales down the size of the operation. The turtle farm, along with Stingray City, say the consultants, give the Cayman Islands a somewhat “unique offering” in comparison to the dolphinariums, water parks and shopping excursions seen elsewhere. It suggests the turtle farm is important to the cruise industry and features heavily in their marketing of cruises through the region, potentially even influencing tourists’ decisions to choose a cruise itinerary that offers Cayman. “To an extent, there is a symbiotic relationship between Cayman Turtle Farm and the cruise lines, as the farm represents the second most popular attraction in the Cayman Islands and is therefore a significant draw in the cruise lines’ marketing of their itinerary, as well as a significant source of the cruise lines’ all-important margin from tour sales in the Cayman Islands,” the report says.
Reports of foreign female assassin in Trinidad and Tobago P ORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad– A former member of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Pastor Clive Dottin has described Trinidad and Tobago as a “narco economic state” adding that a female assassin from Latin America arrived here to ensure compliance with the illegal trade. Speaking on a radio programme here, Dottin, a pastor with the Seventh Day Adventist, said that it was necessary for Trinidad and Tobago nationals to reclaim the land. “In fact we are no longer independent. We are now being owned by Colombians, Mexicans and Russians. We are being owned by all kinds of nefarious groups within the society,” he said, as the country observers a week of prayers to combat the escalating
crime situation, among other social issues. So far more than 40 people have been murdered here this year and the authorities have linked most of the deaths to drug-related gang activities. “I understand a female assassin is in the land. That is information that has come to me that an international foreign female assassin is in the land. My God, my God, we have assassins from Latin America in the land. “They are teaching our young men in an underground academy of crime of how to shoot, how to kill and … how to be experts,” he said. Dottin said it was important for the country to stop indicating that only 10,000 people are involved in the illegal drugs trade.
“We have a narco economic state right now and more than 200,000 people in the country depend on the drug flow into this society. “It dwarfs the budget. The budget of the mafia in this country dwarfs the national budget,” he said, adding “so we have a false almost artificial economy and that is why God has to heal this land and God has to give us the courage,” he told radio listeners. Earlier this month, United States Federal officials announced that they had found 732 pounds of cocaine last December 20 concealed in cans of fruit juice at the Port of Norfolk in Virginia. Investigators estimate the cocaine had a wholesale value of about US$12 million and a street value of up to US$100 million.
BARBADOS MINISTER SAYS GOVERNMENT USING WRONG MEDICINE TO DEAL WITH ECONOMY
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RIDGETOWN, Barbados – Less than a week after he publicly indicated that he would speak out on the economic problems facing Barbados, Agriculture Minister Dr. David Estwick says the Freundel Stuart administration as using the “wrong medicine” to deal with the economic problems facing the island. In an interview with the online publication, Barbados TODAY, Estwick, a former finance minister, said that while he understood the strategy being adopted by the government to turn around the ailing economy, it was not going to achieve the desired goal of fixing a BDS$1.4 billion (One Barbados dollar =US$0.50 cents) current account deficit. ”So you can’t cut and tax out of that, which is the old budgetary tool, which is a classic IMF [International Monetary Fund] way of delivering it. I am not afraid to say what I have to say because I stand by my inferences and by my reasoning and my common sense. Where that leads me, it will lead me,” he told the publication. Last weekend, the government began laying off the first batch of 3,000 public sector workers over the coming months. Workers employed at the National Housing Corporation (NHC) were among the first to receive dismissal letters after the government that had earlier this
month rejected proposals from the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) as not going far enough to meet the objective of a significant cut in public sector expenditure. Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Chris Sinckler said that the government has already drawn up the list of public workers to be dismissed. Sinckler said that the plan to cut public service jobs would result in the government saving as much as BDS$143 million (One BDS dollar = US$0.50 cents) and that the government had also agreed to institute a “strict programme of attrition” across the central public service, filling posts only where it is absolutely unavoidable, over the next five years, ending 2018-2019. Estwick said that instead of the government focusing on cutting wages and salaries, it should be concentrating on addressing what, he argued, was a $10.9 billion debt service. He said he plans to present an alternative plan to the Cabinet on Thursday ”What I have to do now is to ask the Prime Minister to accede to a full power point presentation with the entire Cabinet. “Once that happens, and the Cabinet is in agreement, then I am in a position, with the agreement of the Prime Minister, to come to the public and say,
Since then officials from the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have arrived here as part of their investigations and National Security Minister Gary Griffith said he was confident that those behind the illegal shipment would be caught. “Regardless of who it is or how high it goes, I can assure you that I will do all I can to ensure that the persons are brought to justice. People always ask about the ‘big fish’, well I want the ‘big fish’ badly,” he said recently. But the Public Relations Officer of the main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM), Faris Al-Rawi, has warned the country to be prepared for an upsurge in criminal activities including murder as a result of the bust.
‘Look, these are the things we think we can add and do, X,Y,Z. So what I was trying to do was to get a hearing, so they (Cabinet members) understand that these tools require supporting tools to achieve what I want to achieve; that is nationally economic development and growth. “So it’s not a matter of, as some people were trying to suggest, of fighting against Sinckler,” Estwick told the Barbados TODAY, adding “you need to look at other things. So that is really what I push for and it is the other things I will speak to fully, publicly, once I get the Cabinet concurrence and once I get the support of the other members and the Prime Minister. “But I am confident that the measures are going to be measures that will stand on their own reasoning and as a result of that, will stand on their own inferences as to what conclusions will come from those particular measures.” Estwick is insisting that the government cannot tax and cut out of a current account deficit of $1.4 billion at the end of fiscal year 2013/14 by the old traditional methods. “You cannot do it, if you don’t have concomitant growth going along the same time, so that you can absorb any of the public sector contractions by loss of jobs. We don’t have the growth strategy going, because the growth strategy is compromised by cost. And all that happens because of the high debt and the high fiscal deficit position. So we are in a vicious cycle,” he added.
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RLD
Cameron to Scotland: Don’t break away and erode UK’s global clout
rime Minister David Cameron made an emotional appeal on Friday for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom, warning Scots a vote for independence would undermine Britain’s global clout and imperil its financial and political stability. Speaking in London, Cameron, an Englishman whose Conservative party has only one of 59 UK-wide seats in Scotland, made his most passionate defense yet of the UK, which comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. “We would be deeply diminished without Scotland,” Cameron told an audience in the cavernous London velodrome used for the 2012 Olympic Games, saying he would fight with all he had to hold the country he governs together. “Together, we get a seat at the U.N. Security Council, real clout in NATO and Europe, and the prestige to host events like the G8. Make no mistake: we matter more as a United Kingdom - politically, militarily, diplomatically and culturally too. If we lost Scotland, if the UK changed, we would rip the rug from under our own reputation.” Scots will decide in a referendum on September 18 whether their nation, which has a population of just over 5 million and is a source of North Sea oil, should end its 307-year-old union with England and leave the UK. Cameron said a “yes” vote would imperil Britain’s stability and foreign direct investment. “We are quite simply stronger as a bigger entity,” he said. “That stability is hugely attractive for investors. Last year, we were the top destination for foreign direct investment in Europe.
RESULT “UP IN THE AIR”
Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron delivers a speech urging Scotland to remain part of the UK at the Olympic Park in east London February 7, 2014. That is a stamp of approval on our stability - and I would not want to jeopardize that.” It would be extremely difficult to make a currency union with an independent Scotland work, he added, casting further doubt on one of the pro-independence camp’s main policy ideas. Political analysts say a “yes” vote would place the future of Britain’s Scotland-based nuclear submarine fleet in doubt and could weaken London’s claim to a permanent seat on the United Nations and its influence in the European Union. People close to Cameron say he does not want to go down in history as the prime minister who lost Scotland. But he has conceded that his privileged background and center-right politics mean he isn’t the best person to win over Scots, usually more left-wing than the English.
Polls show Scots would vote to reject independence if a vote were held today, with only around a third keen to break away from the UK. However, there are still many undecided voters and Cameron said the outcome was “up in the air”. “Centuries of history hang in the balance. A question mark hangs over the future of our United Kingdom. There can be no complacency about the result,” said Cameron. Alex Salmond, the leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP), criticized Cameron for giving such a speech in England instead of Scotland and challenged him to debate him, something Cameron has so far refused to do. “I don’t think this is a prime minister who speaks for Britain, I don’t think he speaks for England, I think he speaks for a Westminster elite who are totally and utterly out of touch,” Salmond told BBC TV, accusing the prime minister of politicizing the Olympics of two years ago. “The main thing is that this is a speech delivered from London, ostensibly telling people in England what to do but actually arguing against Scottish independence instead of a debate that the prime minister must do in Scotland.” Cameron evoked the spirit of the 2012 London Olympics as an example of how the UK’s four nations work well together and said Scotland already has a large measure of independence when it comes to health, education and policing matters. Tapping into an opinion poll earlier this month which showed people in England and Wales want Scotland to stay in the UK, Cameron urged the English, Welsh and Northern Irish to tell Scots: “We want you to stay”.
Syrian government to take part in peace talks B
EIRUT — The Syrian government announced Friday it will take part in a second round of peace talks in Geneva next week, as a first batch of civilians prepared to leave besieged rebel-held areas in a battleground Syrian city under an evacuation deal struck with the United Nations after a threeday cease-fire was reached. The Syrian opposition has also said it will take part in the second round of talks. The first was adjourned with no signs of progress on Jan. 31. The negotiations aim to broker a political solution to Syria’s civil war. The nearly three-year conflict has killed more than 130,000 people, forced more than 2.3 million to seek refuge abroad, and sent sectarian tensions soaring across the region. State TV quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad as saying that the government delegation will head to the talks scheduled to resume on Monday in Geneva. Also Friday, the governor of the central Syrian province of Homs said the evacuation of civilians from besieged rebel-held neighborhoods in the provincial capital is expected to begin “within hours.” The Russian Foreign Ministry said the evacuation was the result of “difficult discussions over many days” that also led to a three-day cease-fire beginning Thursday.
A Syrian army soldier holds his automatic weapon, as he takes his position behind sand barriers, in the central city of Homs, Syria, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014. Since it began with largely peaceful protests in March 2011, the Syrian conflict has killed more than 130,000 people Evacuating and allowing food supplies into rebel-held Homs neighborhoods was discussed during the first round of Geneva peace talks, which are sponsored by the U.S. and Russia. Syrian officials have said the evacuation in Homs is not related to the Geneva talks, claiming that previous attempts at a truce were prevented by opposition fighters.
Homs Governor Talal Barrazi told Syrian state TV that all necessary security precautions were taken for the evacuation in Homs city. It will not include men between the age of 15 and 55, those most likely to be fighters. Barrazi says the first batch of about 200 civilians will leave the rebel-held neighborhood of Jouret el-Shayah. He said those who will leave can go wherever they want adding that “the
governorate has prepared a shelter that can take up to 400 people.” President Bashar Assad’s government announced Thursday that it reached an agreement with the United Nations to let hundreds of trapped civilians leave besieged parts of Homs and permit U.N. humanitarian relief convoys to enter. Around noon on Friday, about half a dozen U.N. SUVs, nine buses and two Red Crescent ambulances drove from government held areas toward a neighborhood under rebel control. They were expected to bring out civilians. In New York, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said the U.N. and humanitarian organizations have food, medical aid and other basic supplies on the outskirts of Homs ready for immediate delivery as soon as “the green light” is given for safe passage. “The atmosphere is positive” Barrazi said adding that the first batch of food supplies will be sent to rebel-held areas on Saturday. In the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, government forces launched a counteroffensive against rebels who stormed parts of the city’s central prison and regained much of the area, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The group said two days of fighting left 20 government troops and 17 rebels dead.
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Martin Luther King’s children back in court over his Bible and Nobel Peace Prize
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he estate of Martin Luther King Jr. has sued the late civil rights leader’s daughter over possession of his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize medal and a Bible used by President Barack Obama during his second inauguration. In a suit filed in Georgia on Friday, the estate, chaired by King’s elder son, Martin Luther King III, said Bernice King “has secreted and sequestered the property.” The estate is seeking an emergency court order forcing her to return the items. Bernice King said her brothers, Martin and Dexter King, told her last month that they wanted to sell their father’s medal and personal Bible to a private buyer, a move she opposes. “While I love my brothers dearly, this latest decision by them is extremely troubling,” she said in a statement on Tuesday. “Our Father MUST be turning in his grave. “While I love my brothers dearly, this latest decision by them is extremely troubling. Not only am I appalled and utterly ashamed, I am frankly disappointed that they would even entertain the thought of selling these precious items. It reveals a desperation beyond comprehension.”
Dr. Bernice King, daughter of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., and CEO of the King Center speaks during the Martin Luther King, Jr. 46th Annual Commemorative Service in Atlanta, Georgia, January 20, 2014. This is not the first time the family has been at odds over King’s legacy. Over the years, the siblings have sued and counter-sued one another. Bernice King and Martin Luther King III sued Dexter King in 2008, accusing him of converting “substantial funds from the estate’s financial ac-
count at Bank of America” for his own use. They later agreed to a settlement and avoided a public trial. “My brothers’ decision to sue me is drastic and grieves me greatly. I have absolutely no desire to be in court or to fight yet another public battle,” Bernice King said in her statement Tuesday. “Nevertheless, some actions are sacrilegious and some things are not for sale.” Bernice King is chief executive officer of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, a nonprofit group in Atlanta formed by King’s widow after his 1968 assassination. She said the items have been under her care in recent years and have remained in “a safe and secure location” since her father’s assassination and the death of her mother, Coretta Scott King, in 2006. The legal action was filed in Fulton County Superior Court in a suit that marks the latest public dispute between King’s heirs. In August, the estate sued the King Center, seeking to end the license that allows the center to use the King name and image. That lawsuit cited a “strained” relationship between the estate and the King Center, which includes a museum and the civil rights leader’s crypt.
Obama signing farm bill that trims food stamps W
ASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is carrying out a presidential duty that he hasn’t had a lot of opportunity to perform recently: signing into law a major piece of bipartisan legislation. Obama planned to sign a far-reaching farm bill Friday at Michigan State University, a rare celebration of Washington political compromise being held in heartland America. The bill expands federal crop insurance and ends direct government payments to farmers, but the bulk of its cost is for the food stamp program that aids 1 in 7 Americans. The bill cuts food stamps by $800 million a year, or around 1 percent, one-fifth of the cut approved last fall
by the Republican-led House. Conservatives remain unhappy with the bill and its subsidies for groups ranging from sheep farmers to the maple syrup industry. A partisan dispute over food stamp spending held up the legislation for two years, and last fall lawmakers were warning of an impending spike in milk prices without a deal on the bill, which contains federal dairy supports. The prospect of compromise seemed bleak at the time, when lawmakers couldn’t even pass a budget to keep the government running. The first thing Obama did after a deal finally was reached to end the partial government shutdown was to call on Congress to build on that
progress by passing the farm bill, along with a budget and an immigration overhaul. In four months he’s gone 2 for 3, with chances for achieving immigration legislation appearing increasingly iffy. Obama promised in his State of the Union address last week to make 2014 a year of action, using his presidential powers besides pushing a Congress that usually is reluctant to go along with his ideas. In that spirit, he’s coupling the signing of the farm bill with a new administration initiative to boost exports called “Made in Rural America.” According to a draft of the initiative, Obama plans to direct his administration to work on connecting ru-
ral businesses with federal resources that can help sell their products and services abroad. The steps he’s directing agencies to take include hosting five regional forums for rural businesses, training Agriculture Department staff in all 50 states to advise on export opportunities and putting on a national conference to highlight successful projects. The program’s creation comes as U.S. farmers are sending record exports overseas — more than $140 billion in the past year, driven in large part by increasing demand from China. But administration officials say additional opportunities exist for farmers and other rural business owners.
SPANISH FIRM DENIES HALTING WORK ON PANAMA CANAL
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he Spanish building company leading the expansion project on the Panama Canal has denied that work at the waterway has been halted. The president of Sacyr, Manuel Manrique, said no date had been set for construction work to stop. The Panama Canal Authority and the building companies involved are engaged in a dispute over who should foot $1.6bn (£1bn) in extra costs. The Panama Canal is one of the world’s most important shipping routes. The consortium says 10,000 jobs are at risk, but the canal’s authority says it will not “yield to blackmail”. Earlier today, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced that talks with the Spanish-led consortium behind the project had broken down. The Canal Authority also said that work had been halted at the site. Mr Manrique admitted that work may eventually stop, if the building companies run out of cash, but said no such decision had been taken by the consortium. “There is still room for negotiation with the ACP,” Mr Manrique told the Spanish radio network Cadena Ser. “This project, like many big projects, has unforeseen costs. We want an arbitration court to decide who will pay for that,” he added. The consortium is made up of Spain’s Sacyr, Impregilo of Italy, Belgian firm Jan De Nul and Constructora Urbana, a Panamanian firm. Canal Administrator Jorge Quijano accused the consortium of being “inflexible” in its negotiations. He did not rule out that a deal could still be reached, but said the window of opportunity was
The Panama Canal getting narrower “by the minute”. The Panama Canal Authority had earlier broken off talks, accusing the consortium of breaching its contract. The contract involves building a new larger set of locks to accommodate ships carrying up to 12,000 containers. At the moment the biggest ships that can navigate the canal carry 5,000 containers. Sacyr blames the Panama Canal Authority for the breakdown in talks, saying it had failed to respond to the consortium’s latest proposal to settle the dispute. “Without an immediate solution, we face years of disputes in national and international tribunals,” Sacyr said in a statement.
The secretary general of the International Chamber of Shipping told the BBC that “any delay will have an impact on the industry”. Peter Hinchliffe said: “Even at this stage, plans to look at the capacity dimensions of ships and routing are already going ahead, so we are very concerned.” Work began on the expansion in 2009. Construction was due to be completed in June 2015, nine months behind schedule, with the overall cost of the project estimated at $5.2bn. Any delay might be expected to cost Panama millions of dollars in lost revenue from toll charges. The canal, inaugurated in 1914, links the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific.
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South Africa to hold elections in May, ANC set for reduced majority S
outh Africa will go to the polls on May 7, President Jacob Zuma announced on Friday, with his African National Congress likely to easily extend its two-decade rule, despite rising discontent among its poverty-stricken grassroots supporters. Zuma himself has lost popularity amid allegations of using public funds for private purposes, and the announcement of the election date came as violent demonstrations by residents in largely black townships, against poor government services, spread. The African National Congress (ANC), which spearheaded the fight against apartheid, should retain the die-hard loyalty of an older generation whose memories of the apartheid system that discriminated against non-whites remain fresh. That should enable the ANC to win the vote with a comfortable majority, giving Zuma another five-year term in office. But the movement which has been in power since the end of white minority rule in 1994 faces charges of largely failing to lift millions of blacks out of grinding poverty. Underscoring the volatile atmosphere which has engulfed several townships, hundreds of youths danced and sang in Hebron, a township some 30 kilometers north of the capital Pretoria on Friday, ripping out street signs, lighting tire barricades and littering roads with boulders and rubble. “People are never going to vote for the ANC because they are so angry,” said Jerry Tlou, 26, outside a Pakistani-owned general store in Hebron, which had just been looted by rioters.
South Africa’s President and leader of the ruling ANC party Jacob Zuma (C) greets his supporters as he arrives for the launch of his party’s election manifesto at Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit January 11, 2014. “The ANC makes all these promises but they can’t deliver. No water, no electricity, they can’t fix the roads. I am going to vote for the DA,” Tlou, who is unemployed, said in reference to the opposition Democratic Alliance. Unemployment in South Africa is running at around 25 percent and growth in Africa’s biggest economy has slowed sharply to about 2 percent in 2013, disrupted by the global slowdown and labor unrest that has frequently halted production in the mainstay mining and auto sectors. The ANC will probably also fail to attract many of the “born free” voters, or South Africans born after the end of apartheid, as young blacks are not
overly impressed by its liberation movement credentials. The Democratic Alliance is the main opposition party but its drive to shed its image as a party that champions mainly white interests suffered a blow this month when a deal to merge with the Agang party and make prominent anti-apartheid activist Mamphela Ramphele the DA’s first black presidential candidate collapsed. Twenty four million South Africans have already registered to vote on May 7. “We have worked hard to build a peaceful and stable South Africa from the ruins of apartheid violence, divisions and hatred,” Zuma said in a brief statement announcing the election date on Friday. “Let us make this a vibrant, robust, exciting, peaceful and most successful election, and maintain our track record of successful elections.” But the ANC’s credibility has been undermined by its management of the economy and its inability to soothe tensions in the platinum belt, where miners are angry about their lack of economic progress two decades after the end of apartheid. Zuma, who has also come under fire for allegedly using $21 million of public money for a “security upgrade” to his private home that included a swimming pool, was booed and jeered at the funeral of revered former president Nelson Mandela in December. The ANC will probably win just 56.2 percent of the vote this time, compared with 65.9 percent in the last election in 2009, said Nomura International analyst Peter Attard Montalto.
Janet Yellen sworn in as US Federal Reserve chair J
anet Yellen has been sworn in as chair of the Federal Reserve, the US central bank, replacing Ben Bernanke in the role. She is the first woman to hold the post at the Washington-based bank. A respected economist, her main task will be managing the winding down of the bank’s bond-buying stimulus programme without damaging her country’s recovering economy. Ms Yellen, 67, had been Mr Bernanke’s deputy for three years.
She swore the oath to Governor Daniel K Tarullo in the Fed’s Board Room earlier, beginning a four-year term as chair of the board of governors of the Federal Reserve System. The new governor takes control of the world’s most influential central bank. Its phased reduction, or tapering, of its $85bn-a-month Quantitative Easing (QE) programme has already sparked unrest in emerging financial markets.
QE helped keep US interest rates low and has resulted in a large outflow of cash from the US into other currencies, as investors looked for better returns abroad. The tapering has reversed this trend, with a number of foreign currencies falling in value as a consequence. Ms Yellen is professor emeritus at the University of California at Berkeley, where she has been a faculty member since 1980, spe-
FAA TO EXAMINE AIRPORT TOWERS
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ASHINGTON — A lightning strike that injured an air traffic controller at Baltimore’s main airport has exposed a potential vulnerability at airport towers during storms and is prompting Federal Aviation Administration officials to inspect hundreds of towers nationwide, The Associated Press has learned. The FAA will look for problems with the lightning protection systems for airport towers, where air traffic controllers do the vital job of choreographing the landings and takeoffs of tens of thousands of flights each day. The FAA told The AP about the planned assessments of the towers’ lightning protection systems after responding to a Freedom of Information Act request about the Sept. 12, 2013, lightning strike at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The FAA said in a statement that the accident was “the first of its kind in FAA history,” and the agency plans on “assessing the condition” of lightning protection systems at the 440 air traffic control towers it is responsible for across the country. In particular, the agency said it will examine lightning protection at more than 200 towers that were built prior to 1978, when the FAA first issued standards for the protection systems. Because of their height, airport towers have a greater chance of being struck by lightning, and tower designers plan for the bolts. Towers are built with lightning rods and wiring to direct the electrical current from a strike harmlessly into the ground. That protects the tower and equipment from damage and protects the air traffic controllers working inside.
But the system in place at BWI’s airport tower failed last Sept. 12 during an afternoon thunderstorm. As lightning flashed and a wall of rain moved in, air traffic controller Edward Boyd, who was working in the tower, saw sparks and heard an electrical snap coming from a piece of equipment that controls runway lighting. A few minutes later, he turned on a generator to ensure the airport’s runway lighting stayed on, part of a standard procedure during a storm. Boyd had his right hand on the generator switch when he saw lightning flash outside and felt a shock on his ring finger. “It basically felt like somebody had whacked me on the tip of the finger with a tool of some kind,” he said during a recent interview, describing a stinging sensation. Boyd, an air traffic controller for more than 30 years, dropped to one knee and told colleagues: “I got hit.” Boyd was taken to the hospital and wasn’t allowed to return to work for about two months. He says lingering nerve problems in his hand will require surgery, and he called the incident a “fluke.” John Dunkerly, president of BWI’s chapter of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said he had never heard of a similar incident in his more than 30 years in air traffic control. Air traffic controllers ultimately stopped all arrivals and departures at the airport, one of the nation’s 30 busiest, for more than two hours because of concerns about the tower’s safety. More than 100 flights were canceled and about 75 delayed that afternoon and evening, according to the flight tracking service FlightAware.
cialising in business and economics. President Obama announced his intention to nominate her for the role of Fed chair on 9 October 2013, then the Senate confirmed her in the position on 6 January. Her predecessor Mr Bernanke is returning to academia after eight years as Fed chairman, and is joining the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think tank, as a resident fellow.
POPE’S HARLEY DAVIDSON FETCHES HIGH PRICE AT AUCTION
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Harley-Davidson motorbike that briefly belonged to Pope Francis has been sold for 241,500 euro (NZ$397,000), 16 times its highest original valuation, at an auction in Paris. The US motorbike maker gave the 1585cc Dyna Super Glide to the Pope in June to mark the brand’s 110th anniversary and while the 77-year-old never rode it, he signed it before donating it to Roman Catholic charity Caritas Roma. “It’s a record for a post-vintage motorbike, from the 21st century,” said Bonhams France, the auction house, adding the bike was purchased by an unidentified European buyer. The funds from the sale will go towards the restoration of the charity’s hostel and soup kitchen, based at Rome’s Termini railway station. A jacket that was also given to the Pope by Harley-Davidson was snapped up for 57,500 euros. The bike is on show at the Grand Palais in Paris - where the auction took place - among hundreds of other iconic vehicles such as Rolls-Royces and Cadillacs. According to Bonhams, Pope Francis has another Harley-Davidson, although the famously humble pontiff is more of a fan of buses. He opted to ride one the day after his election last year, instead of taking a limousine, and regularly used them in his homeland Argentina instead of taxis.
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After 22 years Leno bids farewell to ‘Tonight’
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URBANK, Calif. — Jay Leno has said goodbye to &quoThe Tonight Showow” before, but not like this. The comedian became tearful and choked up Thursday as he concluded what he called the “greatest 22 years of my life.” “I am the luckiest guy in the world. This is tricky,” said the emotional Leno, stepping down for the second and presumably last time as host of TV’s venerable late-night program. Jimmy Fallon takes over “Tonight” in New York on Feb. 17. Leno shared that he’d lost his mother the first year he became “Tonight” host, his dad the second and then his brother. “And after that I was pretty much out of family. And the folks here became my family,” he said of the crew and staff of “Tonight.” It was a tender finish to a farewell show that was mostly aiming for laughs, with traditional monologue jokes, clips from old shows and a wild assortment of celebrities helping to see Leno off. Jay Leno appears during the final taping of NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” in Burb … Leno first departure came in 2009, when he was briefly replaced by Conan O’Brien but reclaimed the show after a messy transition and O’Brien’s lackluster ratings. In ‘09, he was moving to a prime-time show on NBC; this time he’s out the door, and has said he’ll focus on comedy clubs and his beloved car collection. Looking sharp in a black suit and bright blue tie, Leno was greeted by an ovation from the VIP audience. The typically self-contained comic betrayed a bit of nervousness, stumbling over a few lines in his monologue. He didn’t trip over his opening line, though — a final dig at his employer. “You’re very kind,” he told the audience. “I don’t like goodbyes. NBC does.” Leno brought his show full circle with Billy Crystal, who was his first guest in May 1992 and his last guest Thursday. Crystal played ringmaster at one point, calling on Oprah Winfrey, Jack Black, Kim
Jay Leno appears during the final taping of NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” in Burbank, Calif., Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014. Leno brings his 22-year career as the show host to an end Thursday in a special one-hour farewell broadcast. Kardashian, Carol Burnett and others for a musical tribute to Jay with a “Sound of Music” song parody. “So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye. If Fallon tanks, you’ll be back here next year,” sang Jack Black. “The Big Bang Theory” star Jim Parson’s contribution: “We’ve watched you when we’re weary. Your great success is called the big chin theory.” In a videotaped segment, celebrities offered career advice to Leno. “Why would I give a (expletive) about what he does. He’s a grown man,” said Mark Wahlberg. President Barack Obama, like other politicians a favorite target of Leno’s, struck back in his clip. “Jay, you’ve made a whole lot of jokes about me over the years, but don’t worry, I’m not upset,” Obama said, adding that he was making Leno the U.S. ambassador to Antarctica. “Hope you have a warm coat, funnyman.” Crystal sang Leno’s praises during the show, saying the late-night host made America feel a little better at bedtime and invoking his predecessor, Johnny Carson. Leno’s “Tonight” tenure was second in
length only to Carson’s 30 years. “You were handed the baton by one of the alltime greats. But once it was in your grasp, you ran the race,” Crystal said. He and Leno, longtime friends, reminisced about the old days, with Leno recalling how Crystal and other comedians visiting his town, Boston, stayed in Leno’s apartment. “You’re calling it an apartment. I’m calling it a bomb site,” Crystal joked. Leno told how he was poised to make his network debut on Dean Martin’s show in 1974 when news came that President Richard Nixon had resigned in the Watergate scandal. Leno’s appearance didn’t happen. “Making me the last guy screwed by Nixon,” Leno said. Garth Brooks performed his touching song “The Dance” before Leno’s farewell remarks. “Now that I brought the room down,” Leno joked, he asked Brooks to lighten it up. Another Brooks’ song, “Friends in Low Places,” closed out the show. “It’s going to be difficult to not come in and do a show every day for our audience who has been so great to Jay,” lamented Debbie Vickers, Leno’s executive producer. “And also hard for this group of people (the staff) who have all been together for 22 years,” said Vickers, who worked on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight” before taking the top job with Leno. Leno, 63, said he plans to continue playing comedy clubs, indulging his passion for cars and doing such TV work as comes his way — other than hosting on late-night. “It’s been a wonderful job. This is the right time to leave,” he said last week, and make way for the next generation. Fallon, 39, starts his “Tonight” Feb. 17, with NBC hoping he rides the promotional wave of its Winter Olympics coverage the next two weeks. Closing his final show on Thursday, Leno gave a final shoutout. It was to his wife of more than 30 years, Mavis: “I’m coming home, honey!”
EU seeking to upgrade ties with Cuba B
RUSSELS — Europe is set to upgrade its ties with Cuba in a bid to broaden economic cooperation and demand more progress on respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, a senior European Union official said Thursday. The 28-nation bloc’s foreign ministers will endorse a mandate to negotiate a new, broad political agreement with Cuba at their upcoming meeting Monday, the official said. The agreement won’t include facilitating trade relations or more development aid for Cuba, but it will mark a crucial step in that direction by broadening and regularizing the two sides’ political exchanges, he said. The official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity ahead
of the decision’s announcement, declined to detail what progress on human rights the EU will specifically demand from Cuba, saying it would be counterproductive to cite specific benchmarks at this point. He insisted, however, that any progress on reaching the new political framework will hinge on “developments on the island since the idea is to accompany the process of reforms, modernization and further strengthening of fundamental freedoms and human rights.” Should Cuba’s progress stall, he suggested, then “the motivation to engage frequently will be much less. Other priorities will get the upper hand.” In Havana, Cuban officials did not immediately respond to a request for
comment about the forthcoming EU mandate. The EU resumed low-level contacts with Cuba in 2008, two years after Raul Castro became president and started granting Cubans some more freedom, including lifting some travel restrictions, while also slowly opening up the state-dominated economy to private businesses. Washington’s relations with Cuba are defined by the 52-year-old trade embargo, but European nations have long traded with Cuba, and thousands of sun-seeking Europeans flock to the islands’ Caribbean beaches every year. The EU official said the bloc’s move comes in “full understanding with Washington,” noting that the U.S. position on Cuba also is experi-
encing some relaxation. The U.S. and the EU are both hoping Cuba will implement further reforms, “therefore this is not an issue where out paths diverge,” he added. Cuba has received about 80 million ($110 million) in development aid from the EU since 2008. While that sum is small, experts say the EU would certainly be ready to provide more assistance, if the country took further steps toward democratization and respect for fundamental freedoms. The EU already is the Caribbean island nation’s second most important trading partner, trailing only Cuba’s socialist ally Venezuela, and one of the biggest sources of foreign direct investment. About one-fifth of Cuba’s imports currently come from Europe, according to EU figures.
US BANS CARRYON LIQUIDS ON DIRECT FLIGHTS TO RUSSIA
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he US government has banned all liquids from carry-on bags on nonstop flights to Russia, on the eve of the Sochi Winter Olympics. The restrictions come a day after US officials warned that explosives could be smuggled on flights to Russia in toothpaste tubes. Terrorists could attempt to assemble explosive devices in flight or upon arrival, the officials warned. Security has been elevated in the lead-up to the Games, which start on Friday. The US airline restrictions unveiled on Thursday temporarily ban carry-on liquids, gels or aerosols aboard direct flights to Russia. Russia has already banned all liquids, pastes and gels from its airports and internal flights last month. On Thursday, US President Barack Obama said
Russia had an “enormous stake” in foiling terrorism at the Games. He told NBC television network the US government was doing everything it can to ensure athletes’ safety. The US has already placed two warships in the Black Sea, ready to offer help in a case of a security emergency during the Games. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak has said the level of security at Sochi “is similar to that of any other safe city in the world”. Fears surrounding the Winter Olympics in Russia were heightened following two suicide attacks in Volgograd in December, as well as numerous threats from Islamist militants in the Caucasus region. Security has not been the only controversy surrounding the build-up to the Games, however. Russia’s controversial laws on homosexuality,
passed last year, have provoked international criticism. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon referred to the issue in a keynote speech he gave at a session of the International Olympic Committee in Sochi on Thursday. “Sport has an amazing power to spontaneously unite people,” he said. “We must raise our voices against attacks on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex people. “We must oppose the arrests, imprisonments and discriminatory restrictions they face.” Mr Ban also renewed his call for all warring parties around the world to observe an “Olympic Truce” and lay down their weapons during the Games. The Russian foreign ministry made a similar appeal, saying its call was “primarily addressed to the sides of the blood-letting in Syria”.
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ECHN LOGY Yahoo Mail targeted in hacking attempt
Y
ahoo says it has identified an attempted hack on customers’ email accounts. It said the usernames and passwords for accounts were likely to have been collected from a database owned by a third party that had been compromised. It has reset passwords on all affected accounts and has implemented an extra verification step when users sign in. The company said it was working with law enforcement to find out who was responsible for the attack. It has not revealed how many Yahoo email accounts have been affected. “Our ongoing investigation shows that malicious computer software used the list of usernames and passwords to access Yahoo Mail accounts,” said a statement on Yahoo’s Tumblr page written by Jay Rossiter, a senior vice-president at the company.
“The information sought in the attack seems to be names and email addresses from the affected accounts’ most recent sent emails.” No date was given for the attempted hack but the company said there was no evidence that the usernames and passwords had been obtained directly from Yahoo’s systems. It went on to say that it had implemented “additional measures to block attacks against Yahoo’s systems”. Customers were advised to change their passwords when prompted and reminded to pick new passwords on a regular basis. The statement warned that customers should never use the same password to log in to many different sites. “Using the same password on multiple sites or services makes users particularly vulnerable to these types of attacks,” it said.
This is not the first incident to affect Yahoo since its mail service was redesigned in October last year. At the time thousands of users complained about the removal of key functions and others reported technical problems. These included the removal of tabs, meaning users could not organise their inboxes. Others complained about the placing of the delete button next to the sender name and no longer having new emails in bold. Some reported that emails were disappearing from their folder after sending. In December some users were not able to access their accounts because of a hardware problem at one of its data centres that lasted several days. Yahoo shares fell more than 5% after it announced a drop in revenue for the fourth straight quarter in its latest set of results.
UK economy to grow by 2.5% this year T
he UK economy will grow by 2.5% this year and 2.1% in 2015, the National Institute of Social and Economic Research (NIESR) has forecast. The think tank said the UK’s economic recovery has become “entrenched”. The estimates are broadly in line with those of other forecasters, including the UK’s Office for Budget Responsibility. NIESR also said it expected unemployment to fall below 7% before the end of the year. Last year the Bank of England said it would consider raising interest
rates from their current historic lows if unemployment fell below the 7% threshold, though it has since played down expectations of rate rises in the near future. NIESR’s forecast follows similar raised UK growth forecasts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which are also increasingly optimistic about the UK’s economic prospects. Falling unemployment and rising house prices have helped encourage consumers to spend more, fuelling the recovery.
More sluggish sectors of the economy such as construction are also now showing signs of strengthening. But concerns remain - particularly levels of business investment, which remain low, and stagnant wage growth which means prices are continuing to rise faster than many people’s salaries. “The UK’s economic recovery is entrenched,” the NIESR said in a statement. “Above trend growth returned in 2013, while the remarkable performance of the labour market persists.” “We expect consumer spending to remain the key driver of recovery in 2014 and 2015, supported by con-
GM QUARTERLY PROFIT MISSES ESTIMATE
G
eneral Motors Co reported a weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter profit on Thursday as results in North America, Asia and South America disappointed, sending shares down about 2 percent in morning trading. Several analysts said Wall Street’s profit consensus for the No. 1 U.S. automaker in 2014 was likely to come down. Citi analyst Itay Michaeli said the quarter was disappointing, but GM’s story remained little changed from January, when it said pretax profit would rise modestly this year, and margins likely stay flat until 2015. “I don’t think the story will change much despite what seems to be a disappointing finish to 2013 because the regions that are hurting the most are now the very regions where GM is actually restructuring aggressively,” he said. GM said last month that modest growth in the U.S. and China markets in 2014 would help pay for $1.1 billion in restructuring costs in other harder-hit regions. Shares were down about 2 percent at $34.51 in early trading on the New York Stock Exchange. RBC Capital Markets analyst Joseph Spak said in a research note that GM’s strength in North America, where it has been able to raise prices, “should really shine through” in the second quarter, a period he called “make or break” for the Detroit company. GM Chief Financial Officer Chuck Stevens said that while Europe was improving, the downside
risk in South America was rising as Venezuela and Argentina dragged down results. The international regions outside China remained under pressure, he said. These included countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, India and Australia. He attributed the earnings miss to analysts not fully accounting for restructuring relating to plans to close a plant in Bochum, Germany later in the year, as well as a higher-than-expected tax rate. “Our view is that the sell-side consensus didn’t comprehend that restructuring,” Stevens told reporters. “The final announcement associated with that wasn’t done until early December. Due to that, we needed to book some of the restructuring costs, primarily related to the severance portion of that program.” Net income rose to $913 million, or 57 cents a share, from $892 million, or 54 cents a share, in the year-earlier quarter. The quarter included about $200 million in special items related to the exit of the Chevrolet brand from Europe, the end of manufacturing in Australia, offset by a gain on the sale of equity in Ally Financial and other items. The operating profit rose 58 percent to $1.9 billion. Revenue in the quarter rose 3 percent to $40.5 billion, below the $41.08 billion expected by analysts. GM’s North American operating profit was $1.88 billion, up from $1.14 billion a year earlier, but short
tinued buoyancy in the housing market.” It added that the rapid fall in unemployment seen in recent months had “raised questions over the credibility” of the Bank of England’s forward guidance, which saw 7% unemployment as an important threshold. The NIESR said it now forecasts a rise in interest rates as early as the second quarter of 2015, though this is expected to be a year after the 7% threshold is breached. The Bank of England opted to keep rates at 0.5% again on Thursday. They have been at the historic low since 2009.
of the $2.04 billion expected by analysts surveyed by Reuters. The increased profit was driven by stronger pricing for its redesigned full-size pickup trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Pricing accounted for a $1.2 billion gain in the quarter, but costs of $500 million were higher than Citi’s Michaeli had expected. The company’s international operations, which includes China, earned $208 million, down from $676 million a year earlier, as businesses outside China accounted for a loss of $200 million. Analysts had expected a profit of $310 million. However, Michaeli was concerned about weakening even in China, the world’s largest automaker market, as profit margins fell to 7.6 percent from 9.4 percent in the third quarter. South American profit of $27 million fell far short of the $151 million analysts had expected. “The risk profile of South America has increased significantly over the last several weeks,” Stevens said. “The devaluation of the peso in Argentina and fundamentally the economy is shut down in Venezuela, so that’s going to be an area that we’re going to have to manage through.” Losses in Europe, meanwhile, shrank by more than half to $345 million, smaller than the $399 million loss analysts had expected. Stevens stood by the company’s target to break even in the region financially by mid-decade. GM ended the year with $38.3 billion in total automotive liquidity, up $1 billion from the end of the third quarter.
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BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY
Barclays to pay nearly $4 billion in bonuses
B
ritish bank Barclays (BARC.L) will pay up to 2.4 billion pounds ($3.9 billion) in bonuses to staff for 2013, Sky News said, a year when it asked shareholders for nearly 6 billion pounds to bolster capital, and an 11 percent rise from 2012. Barclays will release pay details alongside annual results on Tuesday, and Sky said it will pay between 2.3 billion pounds and 2.4 billion pounds in incentive awards. Barclays declined to comment. A rise in bonuses at the bank could provoke a backlash from pol-
iticians and a public angered that banks are not reining in compensation. Excessive pay has been blamed for encouraging risk-taking and contributing to the 2008/2009 financial crisis. Sky said Barclays is expected to defend the increase in bonuses by pointing to a robust performance by its investment bank in the United States and the threat it will lose its top staff there to its Wall Street rivals. Barclays paid 1.85 billion pounds in bonuses across the bank in 2012,
with 1.3 billion of that going to its investment bank staff. The total figure for incentive awards was topped up by commissions and other payments. The 2012 bonus pool was 14 percent smaller than 2011 as Barclays said it was cutting pay to get the right balance between incentivizing staff and the needs of other stakeholders. Compensation in 2012 represented 38 percent of revenue across the bank, and 39 percent in the investment bank. That ratio is expected to rise as 2013 investment bank rev-
enues are expected to be down on 2012 levels. With the bonus season in full swing, payouts across the major banks have mostly been flat to slightly lower, although some firms are raising pay. Swiss bank UBS (UBSN. VX) increased its 2013 bonus pool by 28 percent after a cut in 2012. Bonuses paid by EU banks for 2014 will be capped at 100 percent of salary, or twice that with shareholder approval. Banks are expected to raise fixed pay and reduce bonuses to meet the rule.
Investors dump Twitter stock as results divide Wall Street T
witter Inc’s shares fell almost 25 percent on Thursday, wiping out about $9.8 billion in market value, after the company reported a sharp slowdown in user growth.
The stock, which debuted at $26 in November, hit a low of $50 in early trading. The shares hit a peak of $74.73 in late December as investors bet that the social media platform could become as ubiquitous as Facebook. Analysts, unlike investors, were divided on the company’s outlook a day after it reported fourth-quarter results. Twitter, according to broker assessments, is either the overvalued owner of a niche product whose potential is fading or an undervalued phenomenon that is set to give Facebook a run for its money in mobile. “We remain firmly in the latter camp...” said Deutsche Bank, one of one at least six brokerages that raised target prices or ratings on Twitter’s stock. Deutsche, in a note entitled “Great Quarter, Aside From The Most Important Metric”, said it was impressed by Twitter’s improving monetization and expected slowing user growth to re-
T
verse during 2014. The broker, which sees Twitter on its way to 1 billion user, maintained a “buy” rating on the stock and raised its price target to $65 from $50. Facebook has about 1.2 billion users. UBS, on the other side of the argument, issued a “sell” recommendation on the stock and cut its price target to $42 from $45. It was one of at least eight brokerages to cut their target prices or recommendations on Twitter’s shares. “A lack of mainstream adoption or a more simplified use case was a worry of ours coming out of the IPO and seems to have come to the fore faster than we had anticipated,” UBS analyst Eric Sheridan said in a note. Twitter reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue of $243 million in its first results since the IPO. Investors, however, zeroed in on the anemic user growth, as well as a sharp decline in a measure of user engagement. Twitter averaged 241 million monthly users in the December quarter, up just 3.8 percent from the previous three months. That was the lowest rate of quarter-on-quarter growth since
the company began disclosing user figures. But the company also said it made $1.49 per 1,000 timeline views, a 76 percent jump from the same quarter of 2012. “We believe the accelerating user growth and engagement, supplemented by improvements in monetization, will drive continued financial outperformance in the year ahead,” Goldman Sachs analysts said in a note. Goldman raised its target price to $69 from $65 and maintained its “buy” rating on the stock. Twitter CEO Dick Costolo expressed confidence that Twitter’s user growth would improve in 2014 once users get used to a change in layout to help new users and take to a new onboarding process for newcomers to Twitter’s mobile app. “Management offered lots of confidence in reaccelerating those (active user) figures, but that will likely become a ‘prove it’ story that will make stock outperformance challenging in the meantime,” BMO Capital Markets analyst Daniel Salmon said in a note to clients. Up to Wednesday’s close, Twitter shares had risen to about 30 times projected 2014 sales.
MICROSOFT NAMES NEW BOSS
echnology giant Microsoft has announced that Satya Nadella will be its next chief executive. Indian-born Mr Nadella is currently Microsoft’s head of Cloud and Enterprise, which builds and runs the firm’s computing platforms and developer tools. He takes over from Steve Ballmer who announced plans to step down last year. Company founder Bill Gates said there was “no better person to lead Microsoft”. Mr Gates is stepping down as chairman, it was also announced, but will take up a new role as a technology adviser and will also retain a seat on Microsoft’s board. Microsoft’s lead independent director John Thompson will take over as chairman. “Microsoft is one of those rare companies to have truly revolutionised the world through technology, and I couldn’t be more honoured to have been chosen to lead the company,” said Mr Nadella. “The opportunity ahead for Microsoft is vast, but to seize it, we must focus clearly, move faster and continue to transform. A big part of my job is to accelerate our ability to bring innovative products to our customers more quickly.”
Mr Nadella, 46, is Microsoft’s third chief executive. The Hyderabad-born executive joined the company in 1992 and has degrees in electronics, computer science and business administration. He previously led its server and tools business before being put in charge of the unit that built Microsoft’s Cloud OS service, which powers products such as Bing, Skype and Xbox Live. “During this time of transformation, there is no better person to lead Microsoft than Satya Nadella,” said Mr Gates. “Satya is a proven leader with hard-core engineering skills, business vision and the ability to bring people together. His vision for how technology will be used and experienced around the world is exactly what Microsoft needs as the company enters its next chapter of expanded product innovation and growth.” Mr Gates’ appointment as a technology adviser is seen as significant, suggesting he may again take a more hands-on role in the company he founded nearly 40 years ago. In a video statement, he said the job would mean “substantially increasing the time that I spend at
Satya Nadella the company”, working with product development teams. Mr Nadella’s appointment ends months of speculation over who would succeed Mr Ballmer, who announced his intention to stand down in August last year. At one stage incoming chairman John Thompson said more than 100 possible candidates had been identified. Rumoured to be among them
were the boss of car giant Ford, Alan Mulally, and Nokia chief executive Stephen Elop. Investors have been calling for new leadership at the Microsoft, saying it needs a significant shakeup in order to become more innovative and profitable. Some analysts suggest Mr Nadella’s background in cloud computing - a growth area for Microsoft will be advantageous. “Satya was really one of the people who helped build up the commercial muscle,’’ said Kirk Materne, an analyst with Evercore Partners. “He has a great understanding of what’s going on in the cloud and the importance of delivering more technology as a service.” But some critics have questioned whether Mr Nadella is the right man for the job. He has no experience of running a company, let alone one as big as Microsoft. There are also concerns that Mr Gates and Mr Ballmer will continue to exert influence over the direction of the company. “We do not want to see a continuation of the existing direction for the business, so it will be important that Mr Nadella be free to make changes,’’ said Nomura analyst Rick Sherlund.
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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Come and join our winning team!!!
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond all inclusive property in the Caribbean is inviting applications from suitably qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions. Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends. The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that only short listed applicants will be contacted for an interview. The Food and Beverage Department requires: 9 Director of Food and Beverage 9 Assistant Director of Food and Beverage Requirements include but are not limited to: o 10 years’ experience in F/B Management, 5 years of which as a Food and Beverage Director. o Knowledge of restaurant, bar/lounge, banquets, room service and kitchen operational experience. 9
Entertainment Department requires: 9 Animations Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Three years’ experience with managing animation characters o Knowledge of their care and maintenance o Maintain or exceed performance targets The salary for the positions listed above ranges from $30,000 to $35,000 per annum
Food and Beverage Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o 10 years’ experience in F/B Management, o Knowledge of restaurant, bar/lounge, banquets, room service and kitchen operational experience.
9
Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience supervising staff o Maintain or exceed performance targets
9
AV Technician Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience Dee Jay with ability to use turntables and digital o Ability to set up and breakdown sound system for an event o For Senior Tech supervise a team, conduct inventory and ensure equipment is maintained in a good working order.
Salary for the above mentioned positions are negotiable and based on experience Rooms Division Department Requires: 9 Butler Director Requirements include but are not limited to: o Manage a team of Butlers o Member of the Association of English Butlers o Ability to go above and beyond for guest
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.50 to $8.50 an hour Rooms Division Department requires: 9 Reservationist/ Supervisor Front Office Requirements include but are not limited to: o Assist with the supervision of the front desk o Assist with the supervision of all staff within the department o Must have 2 years’ experience in a related position
The salary for the position listed above ranges from $45,000 to $65,000 per annum The Weddings Department requires: 9 Weddings Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience managing multiple wedding retail outlets(Manager) o Proven sales track record in Weddings exceeding sales targets o Ability to up and cross sell
9
The Human Resources Department requires: 9 Assistant Training Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Qualified to teach English Butler Program to certification o Knowledge of Food and beverage, Front office, Concierge (this is not exhaustive) o Ability to design training programs o Over 3 years managing a wedding portfolio
The rate for the positions listed above is $9.00 to $12.00 an hour. Photoshop Department requires: 9 Supervisor o Experience supervising a team of photographers and shop attendants o Experience with Kodak digital programs
The salary for the positions listed above is $30,000.00 to $45,000.00 per annum Spa Department Requires: 9 Spa Attendant 9 Cosmetologist 9 Spa Therapist Hair Braider 9
The rate for the position listed above is $7.00 to $10.00 an hour. 9 9
Successful candidate will direct all efforts toward guest satisfaction, achievement of Spa standards and profit maximization.
o o
The Accounts & Cost Control Departments requires: 9 Assistant Store Keeper 9 Cost Control Clerk Requirements include but are not limited to: o Ability to meet deadlines o Knowledge of Accounting procedures o Computer literate
Certification in one or more of the following areas: Massage, Esthetics, Body treatments, Hair services, Tattoos and Nail services. Must be flexible with work schedule supporting the needs of the Spa covering evenings, weekends and Public Holidays. Must be sales driven with proven customer service skills, upgrading of services/ retail.
Remuneration: Bi-weekly base pay plus commission
9 The Administrative Department requires 9 Executive Secretary (to the Managing Director) Interested applicants must possess: o 10 years Administrative experience at that level of administrative responsibility o Confidential o Experience in guest complaint resolution o Highly detailed orientated and well organized
The Soon Come Back requires: 9 Soon Come Back Liaison/Agent Requirements include but are not limited to: o Knowledge of rooms and categories o Ability to up sell and meet sales targets o Manage the loyalty portfolio
Entertainment Department requires: Director of Entertainment Requirements include but are not limited to: o Ability to conceptualize a show and bring to completion o Manage the current entertainment portfolio and improve upon it o Ability to manage a portfolio which includes stage, character and kids Camps. o Maintain or exceed performance targets
The hourly rate for the position listed above ranges from $7.00 to $8.50 per hour The Administration Department requires: 9 Trainee Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Successful applicant and participant of the SRI Trainee Management program o This is part of the Management rotation of the SRI Management Trainee to the Turks and Caicos Islands
The rate for the position listed above is negotiable. Engineering Department Requires: 9 Technical Operations Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Have a First Degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering from a recognized College/University, or equivalent. o At least ten years’ experience in facilities management in the hospitality industry, with at least five years in senior management o HVAC & R Systems o Sludge activated waste water treatment plant o Reverse osmosis water plants o Standby generators o Spa, Pools and Jacuzzi equipment o Laundry equipment Environmental and computerized energy management systems o o Preventive maintenance systems and programs 9
Labour/Store Runner Requirements include but are not limited to: o Knowledge of inventory o Computer literate o Able to lift 50 lbs.
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $10.00 an hour
The salary for this position listed above is negotiable
9
Photographer Shop Attendant Requirements include but are not limited to: o 2 years’ experience in field o Ability to sell and make quotas
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.50 to $8.00 an hour.
The ideal candidate must satisfy the following criteria: o
Concierge Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Assist with the supervision of the Concierge desk o Assist with the supervision of all staff within the department o Must have 2 years’ experience in a related position
Salary for the above mentioned position is $16,000.00 The Accounts & Cost Control Departments requires: 9 Assistant Accountant Requirements include but are not limited to: o Professional Accounting designation preferred o 3 years relevant experience o 9 Cost Control Manager (Regional) Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience in controlling cost example fuel, electricity, water. o Experience in controlling a multi-million dollar portfolio o Ability to cover day and night shifts
Assistant Maintenance Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience in managing a team large of technicians o Knowledgeable of in related fields both in theory and practical
The Kitchen Department requires: 9 Executive Sous Chef 9 Sous Chef 9 Assistant Pastry Chef Requirements include but are not limited to: o To create recipes and production methods, as well as compile new banquets methods when required. o Oversee the training and development of staff.
The salary for this positions listed above is negotiable Concierge Department requires: 9 Concierge Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Three years managing two or more Concierge desk o Excellent customer service skills o Ability to multitask and give the guest more than he or she expects
Salary for the above mentioned positions is negotiable
The salary for the position listed above ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per annum Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn The Human Resources Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186 Lower Bight Road
and
The Labour Commissioner Labour Department Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
st and should reach not later than February 21 2014.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Come and join our winning team!!!
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond all inclusive property in the Caribbean is inviting applications from suitably qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions. Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends. The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that only short listed applicants will be contacted for an interview. Housekeeping Department requires: 9 Room Attendants/ Domestic Worker 9 Housemen 9 Public Area Attendant/Cleaner Requirements include but are not limited to: o One years experience in a hotel environment an asset. o Physically fit
Watersports/ Catamaran Department requires: 9 Lifeguard Requirements include but are not limited to: o o 9
Beach and Pool Attendants Requirements include: o Assist with the maintenance of the pool. o Keep the pool area tidy and well stocked o Ability to swim
9 9 9
Dive Instructor Dive Master Supervisor Requirements include: o International Dive certification required o An outgoing personality required o Strict adherence to safety procedures o Ability to swim
9 9
Deck Hand/ First mate Boat Captain Requirements include but are not limited to:
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $5.50 an hour. 9
Linen Room Controller/ Attendant Requirements include: o Knowledge of inventory, stock and par levels o Computer literate o Physically fit
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $7.00 an hour. 9
Housekeeping Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Supervises and may participate in housekeeping services including cleaning, mopping, scrubbing, sanitizing the floors and other surfaces as well as the refinishing, waxing and polishing of floors, tile work and other various floor and wall surfaces in stairways, hallways, restrooms, offices, laboratories, recreation and locker rooms.
The rate for the position listed above is $6.00 to $8.00 an hour. Kitchen Department requires: 9 Cooks (Grade 1,2 and 3) 9 Chef 9 Garde Manger Requirements include: o Must have worked in a Resort kitchen or medium to large sized restaurant o Must have over three years’ experience o No food allergies o Professional qualification an asset The range in the rates for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $10.00 an hour. Stewarding Department Requires: 9 Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Knowledge of the clean requirements of kittens and environs o Physically Fit o No Food or chemical allergies o Ability to supervise a team
o o o o
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $10.00 an hour. 9
Butler Requirements include but are not limited to: o Member of the Association of English Butlers o Ability to go above and beyond for guest
9
Store room controller Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience with inventory and maintaining stock levels o Physically Fit o Outgoing and friendly attitude
Food and Beverage Department requires: 9 Supervisor 9 Shift Leader Requirements include but are not limited to: o Three years supervising a restaurant with seating over 100 persons an asset. o Excellent customer service skills o Knowledge of wines
Steward Requirements include but are not limited to: No Food or chemical allergies o o Physically Fit Ability to carry out labour intensive cleaning task o
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.00 to $11.00 an hour.
The rate for the position listed above is $5.00 to $5.50 an hour.
9
Servers Requirements include but are not limited to: o One year’s experience in a restaurant with seating for over 100 persons an asset. o No food allergies o Ability to work in the sun o Physically fit
9 9
Dining Room Cleaner Labour Requirements include but are not limited to: o No food allergies o Ability to work in the sun o Physically fit
The Gift Shop Department requires: 9 Cleaner Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically Fit o Ability to conduct inventory The rate for the position listed above is $5.00 to $5.50 an hour. Engineering Department requires: 9 Electrician or Plumber 9 Carpenter 9 Room Technicians Requirements include but are not limited to: o Knowledgeable of in related fields both in theory and practical
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $5.75 an hour. Bar Department requires: 9 Bartenders 9 Bar Porters Requirements include but are not limited to: o Ability to mix a variety of drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic. o Outgoing personality o Ability to work in the sun o Physically fit
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $10.00 an hour. 9
Labour Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically Fit o Ability to carry out labour intensive task
The rate for the position listed above is $5.00 to $5.50 an hour.
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $5.75 an hour.
Grounds Departments requires: 9 Grounds man/ lady 9 Grounds Keeper Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically fit o Ability to carry out labour intensive task
9
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $5.50 an hour. 9
Boat Captain license (for boat captain position) Ability to Swim Knowledge of a boat and its handling operations First aid/ CPR Certification
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $7.00 an hour.
The rate for the position listed above is $6.00 to $7.00 an hour. 9
Ability to Swim First aid/ CPR Certification
Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Minimum 2 years supervising a team of grounds man o Experience with tropical or subtropical plants, Greenhouses and Irrigation o Physically Fit
The rate for the position listed above is $6.50 to $8.00 an hour. Security Department Requires: 9 Security Supervisor 9 Security Officer Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience managing a team of security officers (Supervisor) o Responds rapidly to all incidents. o Ability to write reports. o Medically and Physically fit o At least 2 years relevant experience
Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Knowledge of stock ordering and maintenance of par levels o Ability to mix a variety of drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic. o Outgoing personality o Ability to work in the sun Physically fit o
The rate for the position listed above is $6.50 to $10.00 an hour. Entertainment Department requires: 9 Kids Counselor/ Attendant Requirements include but are not limited to: o An outgoing personality required o Certificate in early childhood education an asset o First Aid qualification an asset 9
Fun pals/Players/ Dancers/ Clowns Requirements include but are not limited to: o An outgoing personality required o Ability to sing and dance
The rate for the positions listed above is $5.15 to $5.70 an hour.
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.00 to $11.00 an hour. Offsite Properties requires: 9 Labour/ Care taker Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically Fit o Ability to carry out labour intensive task The rate for the positions listed above is $6.00 to $9.00 an hour Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn and The Human Resources Department The Labour Commissioner Beaches Turks and Caicos Labour Department P.O. Box 186 Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Lower Bight Road and should reach not later than February 21st 2014.
Sports TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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CARIBBEAN
Bolt could miss London Anniversary Games due to UK tax rules
T
he London Anniversary Games will take place in Glasgow this July, but the participation of global athletics stars such as Usain Bolt is in doubt owing to UK tax rules. British Athletics confirmed this summer’s prestigious Diamond League event, which traditionally took place at Crystal Palace but moved to the Olympic Stadium last year to mark the one-year anniversary of London 2012, will be staged at Hampden Park on July 11 and 12. But, while non-resident athletes will be exempt from paying tax during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow two weeks later, participants at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix will not currently enjoy similar privileges. Treasury ministers could still decide to grant another temporary exemption, as they did with last year’s Anniversary Games and the London 2012 Olympics, but Her Majesty’s Revenue and
Star attraction - Organisers are desperate for Bolt to take part Customs (HMRC) described these cases as ‘exceptional’.
Bolt, 27, did not compete in the UK in 2010 or 2011 as non-resident athletes are liable for 50 per cent tax on their appearance fee, plus a proportion of their worldwide earnings. He has already committed to complete in Ostrava on June 17, Paris on July 5 and Malmo on August 5, but has yet to confirm whether he will represent Jamaica at the Commonwealth Games. Organisers remain confident, however, that the world’s fastest man will run at least the 200 metres, with Bolt admitting last year the event is ‘on his todo list’. A HMRC statement said: ‘A tax exemption was granted for non-resident participants in the London Anniversary Games as an exceptional case to support the Olympic Legacy; a similar exemption was granted for non-resident participants at the Commonwealth Games to support the legacy of the Olympics in Scotland.’
Jamaican team at Winter Olympics finally gets gear K
RASNAYA POLYANA, Russia -- Everything’s cool and running with members of Jamaica’s bobsled team. They’re back inside the Olympic rings, and back on the track. After their equipment was delayed in arriving to the Sochi Games, driver Winston Watts and his teammates got in their first two runs down the Sanki Sliding Center track Thursday. The Jamaicans, who qualified for the first time since 2002, couldn’t train Wednesday because they arrived ahead of their luggage, which was on a later flight to Russia. Members of the Jamaican bobsled team practiced at the Olympic venue in Russia for the first time Thursday after their equipment was delayed a day.
Without their clothing, sliding suits, helmets or the expensive runners for their two-man sled, the Jamaicans couldn’t do anything but watch on their first day at the Olympic venue. Watts said they got their gear around midnight, enabling them to take part in the second day of “unofficial” training. It wasn’t until the Jamaicans got to the track that they realized their luggage had been inspected. Watts said security opened containers of protein powder and the contents spilled out on his clothes and equipment. He even got powder in his eyes after putting on his helmet. “Security went through them. I don’t know who, but the lids were
open,” he said. “I didn’t look at my bags last night and all of the stuff was all over my stuff. Protein. They take the seal off and open. They may think there was something else in there.” Not even the transit delay could dampen Watts’ enthusiasm in making it to his second Olympics -- he shrugged it off in Jamaican style. “We are from the sunshine,” he said, flashing his megawatt smile. The Jamaicans didn’t race on the World Cup circuit this season, but they qualified for the Games by accumulating enough points in lower-tier races in North America. Qualifying was one thing, but the Jamaicans weren’t sure they were going to be able to make the trip because they didn’t have enough to cover the
travel expenses as well as purchase additional sets of runners. Jamaica needed help, and got it as the team quickly raised $178,000 before telling fans and friends to stop donating. “We didn’t want them to think that we’re greedy people,” he said. “We said we wanted this to make it possible to get better equipment and that’s what our goal was. And apparently it went on and on because people want to achieve and they haven’t seen us for a long period of time.” Although they’re long shots to medal, the Jamaicans, whose inspiring journey to the Calgary Games in 1988 was told in the film “Cool Runnings,” have helped pull the spotlight toward bobsled.
SHELLY-ANN FRASER-PRYCE AWARDED UTECH CHANCELLOR’S MEDAL
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ONTEGO BAY, Jamaica - Olympic and World sprint champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, has been honoured by her alma mater, the University of Technology (UTech), which awarded her the Chancellor’s Medal for achievements in sport. The medal was presented to the 2013 International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Female Athlete of the Year by UTech Chancellor, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, during the Caribbean Regional Forum on Higher Education delegates’ banquet at the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel and Spa, Rose Hall, St. James on Friday last. The Chancellor’s Medal is the highest non-academic award which UTech can bestow, and is comparative to an Honourary Doctorate. In her response, Mrs Fraser-Pryce, who graduated from UTech in 2012, expressed gratitude for UTech’s recognition of her achievements, describing it as a “humbling” experience. “I have gotten so many medals before. But this one ranks among the best, because I started my journey as a professional athlete with the University of Technology in 2006,” she stated. In noting her early aspirations towards achieving all she has attained, to date, in sport and aca-
Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce after receiving the UTECH’s Chancellor’s medal from for Prime Minister, Edward Seaga. demics, Fraser-Pryce thanked all the persons supporting the realisation of her pursuits. She also expressed the hope that her achievements will empower and inspire other young women to believe in themselves, “and to understand that we are not a product of our environment, nor our social economic status; we are a product of what we believe in and what we strive to achieve each day.
Education Minister, Rev Ronald Thwaites, who was the guest speaker, said advances which Jamaica will and must make, particularly in education, are, to a great extent, contingent on stakeholder partnerships forged both locally and internationally. He said one of the activities which regional tertiary education institutions must undertake is a review of the primary and secondary school systems, to ensure that the appropriate and requisite research is being done to prepare graduates for higher education. “Because while more students are matriculating, very often, despite acceptable results, the competences necessary for university education are not assured,” he argued. Rev Thwaites also underscored the need for regional tertiary institutions to focus on “service to the nation”, adding that they be positioned as the “thinking arm” within their respective territories. “The task of the regional universities and, indeed, the national ones, is to make sure that there is a close tuning in with the needs of the nation… to ensure that national needs are being supplied by the research efforts and by the focused teaching of the tertiary sector,” he contended.
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David Beckham confirms Miami franchise in Major League Soccer
ince retiring he has been relaxing by building Lego models, but David Beckham is back in football -- and this time he’s got his very own team. Beckham, who retired from football in May 2013, unveiled his new project Wednesday after confirming he will establish a Major League Soccer franchise in Miami, Florida. “I want to create a team that is personal to me,” Beckham told reporters Wednesday. “I know this city is ready for soccer, football, and this is going to be successful. “ I know there was a team 10 years ago which folded. I wanted to create a team that can be very personal. “I want to make it my own team. We are very excited, Miami is a vibrant city with a lot of passion. I am looking forward to spending a lot more time and my family being here.” When Beckham signed for Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, a clause was inserted into his contract which gave him the option to create a new MLS team for $25 million. The announcement, which was made at the Perez Art Museum in Miami, comes after months of speculation. The MLS, which will begin its 19th season on March 8, currently features 19 clubs with teams in New York City
David Beckham and Orlando set to join the fray in 2015. The League is expected to add three more franchises by 2020, including Beckham’s. Beckham must wait to ensure his franchise meets the requirements over a stadium and financing before the MLS board can accept Miami as the league’s 22nd club.
But the former England captain will is confident his new project will be a huge success and bring great reward for the city. “There are a lot of things to do, nothing successful is easy in life,” he added. “There will be more fun times than difficult times. We are going to have a lot of interesting people that want to invest in this club. “When you have the right investors, with passion for the game, that is the place to start. “We are making a soccer club that is going to loved by millions of people. We plan on this being a global team.” Beckham and his representatives have also confirmed they will fund the club’s new stadium privately and have held talks with Miami Mayor Carlos Gimenez. He said: “We don’t want public funding. We will fund the stadium ourselves. “It’s something we’ve worked on very hard where we can fund it ourselves. “The support we’ve had so far has been incredible. We want to create a club which is the people’s football club.” In October 2013, Beckham revealed his desire to set up a new franchise during a show broadcast live on Face-
book to his 30 million followers. “I’m passionate about staying in football and being an owner of a team is something I’m passionate about,” he said at the launch of his new book last year. The news of Beckham’s project was revealed in more detail last November when NBA star LeBron James confirmed he was teaming up with the former England football captain. James, who plays basketball with the Miami Heat, said preliminary talks were underway and was keen to be involved in the venture. “David has become a good friend of mine over the last few years, and I think it would be great for this city to have a football club for sure. There’s interest on both sides. It’s preliminary talks but there is some open dialogue,” James said last November. If a partnership is agreed it would be James’s second investment in the sport -- the 28-year-old is already a minority shareholder in English Premier League team Liverpool. “I’ve grown a great interest in watching the game ... it’s a pretty intense sport and my kids love it as well. I’ve grown to the point where I know exactly what’s going on when I’m watching the game.”
Seattle comes alive as huge crowds cheer Seahawks S
EATTLE -- Amid the 700,000 fans who jammed downtown Seattle to celebrate the city’s first Super Bowl win stood Mark Formanczyk, 57-year-old man in a Seahawks jersey and a camouflage jacket, weeping in the parking lot outside the team’s stadium. ‘’I’m crying! I’m crying ... and I love it!’’ he said, pulling off his sunglasses to show the tears. ‘’I believed in Seattle years ago when I first moved here, and they finally came through. They brought this city alive!’’ Bundled in blue-and-green Seahawks gear - hats, shirts, jackets, stickers and wigs - the fans packed the sidewalks and streets along a 2-mile parade route, standing shoulder to shoulder on a freezing, clear day for a community catharsis after 35 years without a major sports title. They roared and chanted as the team rolled by on amphibious ‘’Ride the Ducks’’ vehicles usually reserved for tourists. Running back Marshawn Lynch sat on the hood of a vehicle carrying the Sea Gals cheerleaders. He tossed Skittles - his favorite treat - into the crowd. Other Seahawks players threw jerseys and T-shirts to fans while waving blue ‘’12’’ flags in honor of the 12th man, the fans. ‘’This is a historical event, once in a lifetime. To not show up would be blasphemy,’’ said Jesse Lake, 36, a carpenter from Port Orchard, who stood in the packed parking lot outside CenturyLink Field to greet the team as they arrived. Nearby, 23-year-old cook Jesse Rea, of Edmonds, watched highlights of the season on two massive screens, then bellowed loud
Seattle Seahawks celebrate first Super Bowl victory cheers for the players as they were introduced to the crowd inside the stadium. ‘’It’s overwhelming to see how much the city is supporting this,’’ he said. ‘’Finally we are able to see how much love and respect we have. What the 12th man means to me - they made me feel as much a part of this team as the players.’’ Thousands of students skipped school to attend. Seattle Public Schools said more than 25 percent of the district’s 51,000 students were absent in the morning. By comparison, about 5 percent were absent the day before. The school district also said 565 teachers were absent, far more than usual. Dakota Heaphy, 20, and friend Ellie Hergert, 20, drove all night from Cheyenne, Wyo. - more than 1,400 miles away. ‘’My boss is a Broncos fan and said we kicked their butts and deserved to go,’’ Hergert said.
The Seahawks’ 43-8 victory over the Denver Broncos Sunday gave Seattle its first major men’s sports championship since the SuperSonics won the NBA title in 1979. Along the parade route, which ended at CenturyLink Field, the Washington National Guard chauffeured some players in Humvees. Elected officials rode along, too. Boisterous fans observed a ‘’moment of loudness’’ at 12:12 p.m. Crowds also gathered in Spokane, Olympia and elsewhere in the state to celebrate. Many fans had camped out overnight to reserve front-row seats along the route, braving freezing temperatures. Others perched on window sills and balconies, climbed trees and pillars, or sat on sturdier shoulders to get a better view. At Westlake Center, smartphones and cameras were thrust into the air whenever players rolled by. Seattle city officials asked the public to keep cellphone use to a minimum to keep lines free for emergency use. There were some reported difficulties with 911 calls getting through, said Jeff Reading, a spokesman for the mayor. At a ceremony inside the stadium following the parade, the team thanked its loyal followers. Players were introduced by the order of their jersey numbers and ended with No. 3, quarterback Russell Wilson, who walked onto the field pumping the Lombardi Trophy in the air to thunderous applause. ‘’Our plan is to win another one for you next year,’’ Wilson said later.
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Fastest man in world rugby has to decide between NFL or the Olympics
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ith his quicksilver speed and ability to score breathtaking tries, Carlin Isles is blessed with a god-given talent. But the “fastest man in world rugby” is looking for divine inspiration as he weighs up the most difficult decision of his life. Isles is a standout for America’s rugby sevens team, which is one of the sport’s growing forces and has a realistic chance of qualifying for its Olympic debut in Rio in 2016. But he is also being courted by the NFL -- after training with the Detroit Lions he has signed a practice contract, the first step towards gaining a full-time place on the roster. So ultimately Isles will have to choose. Either a shot at Olympic gold or the chance to earn untold riches as a wide receiver or running back in American football. The 24-year-old from Ohio professes to be not influenced by money, but told CNN that he is being guided the power of prayer in making the toughest of choices. “When it comes down to the Olympics vs. the NFL I have to choose wherever God wants me to go,” he says. “I have to listen to my heart and do things for the right reasons.” Isles’ value to the American Eagles squad was no more apparent than at the HSBC Las Vegas Sevens last weekend, where his electrifying pace helped the United States team to win the Shield competition with a 31-0 rout of Spain to finish ninth overall. He suggested after the tournament that Vegas might have been his last sevens outing, but he has been included in the U.S. team for this weekend’s event in Wellington, New Zealand. A former collegiate track and field star with a personal best of 10.13 for the 100 meters and the ability to run 40 yards in 4.2 seconds, he is relatively new to rugby union, but since finding
“But for me, my work ethic and my stamina from playing rugby sevens played a big factor.” While clearly flattered to have the chance to play in one of the most lucrative sporting leagues in the world, the dilemma for Isles is there for all to see. “Even thinking about it I’ve been stressed,” he admits. “You know because it’s a big decision, both of them are both blessings because rugby has been the biggest blessing to me in my life and I love rugby to death. “To juggle the two is going to be a little difficult, but I thank God I have the ability to focus and always stay hungry.”
ULTIMATE GOAL Carlin Isles has a personal best of 10.13 for the 100 meters a spot on the American team in 2012 has terrorized the defenses of even the top nations such as New Zealand. Collections of his best tries have gone viral on YouTube, but may also have alerted the scouts from gridiron that a very special talent was under their noses.
LIONS IMPRESSED
As well as his track and field exploits, Carlin played college football as a wide receiver for Ashland University, a NCAA Division II school, and did enough in his week with Detroit to persuade them to take a further look at him as he signed a reserve/futures contract on January 10. “When I went there to train it was a lot different. There’s a lot of rest time, I can tell you that much,” he says. “They were impressed with my stamina and very impressed with my speed, I must say, which is a big key.
Under young coach Matt Hawkins, the American squad has been training full-time at the U.S. Olympic facility in San Diego with a constant reminder of the history and tradition of the Summer Games. Every day the drive through the gates with the Olympic rings above acts as a prompt of the importance of the ultimate goal and Isles knows that the 2016 Games is getting ever closer -almost within touching distance. “Yeah it’s coming up fast because this season is almost over and then 2015’s about to come, so two years is going to come quick,” Isles acknowledges. By a quirk of Games history, the United States, hardly a rugby superpower in the intervening years, would be defending the title it won back in 1924 in Paris when rugby was last part of the Olympic program. Then it was the full 15-a-side game, but when the IOC voted to reintroduce rugby for the Summer Games, it opted for the seven-a-side version of the game. With less players on a big pitch,
players with the pace and trickery of Isles are literally worth their weight in gold and it offers nations such as the United States the chance to compete on more equal terms with the likes of world champions New Zealand and other traditional powers such as Australia, South Africa and England. Hawkins has gone on record to say he will support Isles whatever he ultimately chooses to do with his talents. “We understand that we can’t hold on to everyone, and for some people our program is a stepping stone to other goals and achievements,” Hawkins told CNN. “We have enjoyed our time with Carlin and wish him all the very best for his new venture and we will be watching closely to see how he progresses.” If his star player does eventually make the breakthrough to the NFL, the calendars of the respective sports will collide -- the HSBC Sevens World Series stretches from October to May. “If I end up choosing just to do football, of course I won’t be able to play as many tournaments and basically I’d have to focus on football,” Isles admits. “I’m just trying to work out things and figure out what’s going to be the best for me.” Lions coach Jim Caldwell will be hoping the gamble of his sacked predecessor Jim Schwartz on the slight but lightning quick Isles -- who at 5 foot 8 inches (1.72 meters) and 159 pounds (72 kg) would be dwarfed by some of imposing physiques in the NFL -- does indeed provide a winning return. For Eagles coach Hawkins, ahead of next year’s Olympic qualifying program where Canada is likely the main opposition for a place in Rio, the decision Isles eventually makes could also influence his future. “The door is always open for Carlin,” he said.
Tiger Woods - Time running out to win more major championships
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ime waits for no man -- not even Tiger Woods. The man who dazzled the world of golf by accumulating 14 majors by the age of 32 has now gone five seasons without a single one. Every January he is asked if this will be the year he gets back on the trail to catch Jack Nicklaus’ record haul of 18 -- every year he says he’s determined to. But 2014 could hold particular resonance for him, as three of the season’s four majors are at venues where he has won before. And as he prepares for his first event on the PGA Tour -- a defense of his Farmers Insurance Open crown -- the world No. 1 has acknowledged he’s had to mold his game as the years have gone by. “I view it as every year’s a big year,” 38-yearold Woods told a press conference. “Every year that I get a chance to compete and play in tournaments and major championships for as long as I decide to do it, every year’s a big year, every year counts. “Looking back from the beginning of my career to now, I know that I don’t have 20 years in my prime. “I don’t see being 58 and being in my prime. Most guys don’t jump from the foul line at age 58, so it’s a little different but the outlook is still the same. “I still prepare the same, I still work my tail off to be ready to compete at this level and beat everything that I’m playing against.” Woods won five PGA Tour titles in 2013 -the tenth time in his illustrious career that
Tiger Woods has now gone five seasons without a major he’s done so. It took him to a total haul of 79 titles. That performance was enough to see Woods crowned the Tour’s 2013 Player of the Year, even though he failed to seriously threaten any major titles -- tied fourth his best showing at the Masters. And while his game is still in good enough shape to be way out in front at the top of the world rankings, Woods says it is, inevitably, less powerful than it used to be. “I’m still able to generate the same amount of club head speed as I did when I was younger, it’s just that I can’t do it every shot anymore,” Woods said. “I don’t have the rotational speed that I used to and that’s a fact of aging. I would think that as you get older your skills would start to decline.
“What’s happened is when I started working with (Dave) Pelz in 2004 on certain things with distance control, iron work, wedge work, putting and so forth, it’s all getting better now each year the more I’m able to work on it, the more I’m able to practice.” If Woods needed a reminder of where his game used to be in the majors, he will get it this season. He’s triumphed four times at Augusta, scene of the year’s first major -- The Masters -- and finished both second and third at Pinehurst, scene of this season’s U.S. Open. The British Open returns to Royal Liverpool -- where Woods won in 2006 -- before the final major of the season, the PGA Championship, is staged at Valhalla in Kentucky, where Woods took the title in 2000. With the 40-mark less than two years away, many commentators think these next two seasons will be vital for Woods. The player himself referenced another American sporting great -- legendary basketball star Michael Jordan -- as an example of someone who’d been able to adapt his game as he got older. “When you look at (Michael Jordan) when he first came out, he was able to dunk over everybody, but he got beat up by the Pistons three straight playoffs, he was out and next thing you know he built up his body and developed a fadeaway,” Woods said. “So you do it a different way. You evolve as you age and I think I’ve done that so far.”
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