VOLUME 10 ISSUE 13 by The SUN Newspaper

APRIL 19TH - APRIL 26TH, 2014

VOLUME 10 - No. 13

$1.00

POLICE DROP 61 CASES

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ver the last three months, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has been forced to drop a whopping 61 cases against suspects who they had arrested and charged with numerous offenses, including some serious ones, The SUN has been reliably informed. A reliable police source, who revealed the stunning situation to this newspaper, said that the cases include child molestation, burglary, firearms possession and possession of drugs. The source said that the seemingly holey evidence-gathering by some of the force’s officers has drawn the ire of the law enforcement’s top brass, who at times have come down heavily on especially the supervisors of some of those investigators. The source said that the high number of dropped charges cast a suspicious shadow over the force in the eyes of the public in some respects, as some members of the public are starting to believe that some officers are targeting some members of the community and are locking up certain persons for no tangible reason. “Some officers in the force, including the commissioner, are very angry at the rate that some of our officers are being forced to drop charges against suspects. Some people start to believe now that we are just targeting them, and that we arrest and charge them with the hope things the charges will stick when it goes to court,” said the source who asked to remain anonymous. “But it is embarrassing when we go to court and because of lack of proper evidence or poor information gathering, we have to drop the charges against those persons. I will be the first to tell you that some of those guys that we are forced to drop charges against are in fact guilty, but because the evidence-gathering is so poor, the officers investigating the case are forced to backtrack when they take the matters to court. Sometimes the judge would say to us that they can’t go forward with the cases because the evidence is just that there,” the source lamented. At the Monthly meeting of the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce on Monday, April 7, Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar raised the con-

cern. The Commissioner told the meeting that while many of the officers are trying their best to ensure that criminals are place behind bars, believe that lots more could be done to allow the officers to create air-tight or open and close cases, hinting that some of the evidence-gatherings are below par. He told the Chamber meeting that pressure are being placed on the investigators’ superiors to make sure that the crime sleuths under their direction pay more attention to every detail of evidence-gathering, so that their cases would not be so fragile to the point that it cannot stand up in court at the outset. “I want to assure you that the officers that we have are very good officers, they are hardworking. The only thing that I would say from a general perspective is we need to get better at

documenting our things (case investigation and evidence), getting them to the courts and making sure that everything is done to ensure good prosecution,” the commissioner told the Chamber meeting. He added: “ As far as being critical, that’s is one of my criticisms, and that is one of the things that I am asking my deputy and divisional commanders to do a better job of; is making them (ofﬁcers) accountable; making sure that everybody does the paperwork so that we do get a successful prosecution.” In the meantime, the source said that some persons who were held for protracted period of time and later released over lack of evidence are threatening to sue the force for what they claim as unlawful detention. “Right now, many of the persons who the police arrested and charged

but later released are threatening to file law suits against the force. Some of them believe that they were targeted by the police for prosecution because they have been locked up so long, and when it came to court time charges have to be dropped against them because of lack of evidence. “Certain persons in the community already have the feeling that we are targeting them, and that can be changed only if, when do our homework before locking up people and then say we do not have sufficient evidence to charge. Some of them see it as the police punishing them for no reason at all. “While saying that, we have a number of officers who are working their tail off to make sure that the right people are prosecuted, and so we have to commend them,” the police source said.

Kadra Handfield wins over $1000 in meat with LIME from IGA

Lack of confidentiality in Police Force

Police issue $10,000 in traffic tickets each month

TCI’s First Unity Concert

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GOVERNOR, PREMEIR, CARIFTA TEAM SHARE QUEEN’S BATON MOMENT: Members of the 2014 Carifta Team join His Excellen- Islands baton run leg held in the country’s capital Grand cy Governor Peter Beckingham (second left standing) and Turk and its business district of Providenciales. The group Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing (second from right stand- joined in the photo opportunity just before the start of the ing) in a photo shoot with the Queen’s Baton, the symbol Provo run. Governor Beckingham started the run and reof the Commonwealth Games. The games, to be held in layed it to Premier Ewing, who turned it over to OpposiGlasgow, Scotland later this year had its Turks and Caicos tion Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson.

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LOCAL NEWS

etty Been, Director for the Turks and Caicos Islands Special Needs Department is calling relatives of persons with special needs, and those with needs but are able to do so, to register with that department so that the relevant resources can be sought on their behalf. Been made the plea while attending the presentation of a specialized wheelchair for Little Andrew Adams, at the Marion Williams Special Needs Association of Providenciales (SNAP) Centre in Kew Town, Providenciales, on Friday, April 4. “I want to make the appeal for persons with disabilities throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands to be a part of our national registry. We are in the process of conducting, in terms of preparing services and programmes for disabilities throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, so come on board. If you know someone with disabilities, special needs, encourage them to register with us as we plod forward with the different programmes and services,” she said. For her part, Minister for Health and Human Services Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith has made an appeal for assistance both ﬁnancial and human resources for the special needs programme, telling the event that the country needs persons with background in special needs to volunteer their time towards the programme. “I would want to say to the general public, partner with us to ensure that we have the proper resources. The SNAP Centre, which we are having the presentation in; I am asking you to visit our SNAP Centre, as the Rotary does regularly. They help us with the yard-cleaning; they help us with resources for our special needs persons. “We are asking you to reach out to us. Our department headquarters is located in Grand Turk; our director is Mrs. Betty Been. We also have a unit in South Caicos, where Mrs. Norene McCoy (Special Needs Programme’s Coordinator for South Caicos) is very active in the community with the special needs programme,” she said. She added “What we need from you is the resources. We need your money, we need your time. If you are qualiﬁed in the area of special needs and you are

living here, and we don’t know about you, or you are a temporary resident here, please stop by and see us. Our government exchange is 946-2801. We need your support.” McCoy, for her part, said that the wheelchair for little Andrew has been specially designed for his daily use. She said that the device was obtained through the efforts of the One World Foundation – a Rotary Club-supported international organization - from funds provided by Governor’s Ofﬁce, and assisted by the Ministry of Health and Human Services and the Rotary Club of Provo, Interhealth Canada. I trust that we, as stakeholders will continue to champion the cause for children with special needs in the Turks and Caicos, until every child receives the support services needed to enhance their development. In the meantime, President of the Rotary club of Providenciles Raymond Cushne, said that the Rotary Club of Providenciales was extremely pleased to have been part of the process to have the wheelchair delivered to little Andrew. “We proudly represent at this organization, One World Foundation, which is a group of health care and other professionals from New York, United States and Ontario, Canada that look all around the world for opportunities to give back to the wider community. “They take special interest in Turks and Caicos. They have been involved with us for many, many years. And because some (chapters of One World Foundation) are ﬁlled with Rotarians, they look for Rotary Clubs in countries that they want to assist,” Cushne said. He said that the sourcing of the wheelchair was the second such project that the One World Foundation had undertaken in TCI. “They came here and conducted special needs assessments at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre last August. And one of the needs that came out of that assessment is to provide a specialized wheelchair for little Andrew,” Cushne said. Bridgette Adams, mother of little Andrew expressed her appreciation to all the parties that had joined forces to land the wheelchair for her son. She said that her son would be more mobile than before that before.

EDUCATION OFFICER SARAH KENNEDY ATTENDS ASCD CONFERENCE IN CALIFORNIA

ducation Ofﬁcer and Public Primary Schools Supervisor, Sarah Kennedy joined thousands of educators from more than 100 countries in Los Angeles, California between March 14 and 17 to take part in the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development’s (ASCD) 69th Annual Conference and Exhibit Show. Kennedy said that the Sarah Kennedy event is geared to provide professional development for participants so that they would be able to return to their respective countries and relay the information to other educators, thereby bolster capacity-building. “This conference was indeed the most informative and engaging professional development event. There were educators from every level: - Teachers, Guidance Counsellors, and Administrators, Principals, Supervisors, Professors, Authors and more. It was delightful to see so many young teachers in attendance. “For me, the highlights of the conference were topics that dealt with Instructional Strategies, Assessment and Technology therefore I eagerly signed up for these sessions - Putting the Teach back into teaching; Lead with Instruction Enhance with Technology; The Power of Assessment; The Visible Learner; Three Keys for Improving Teacher Effectiveness; You’ve Given a Negative Teacher Evaluation: Now What?” Kennedy said. She added: “As an associate member for nearly 10 years I thought it would be beneﬁcial to attend this year’s annual conference as over the years I have shared articles and webinars with colleagues and teachers and encouraged principals and teachers to sign up for ASCD newsletters.” She said that the general sessions presenters included Daniel Pink, Michael Fullan and Sir Ken Robinson, “who inspired us on ‘How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TCI BUSINESS COMMUNITY REMAINS TOTALLY OPPOSED TO INTRODUCTION OF VAT T

he Turks and Caicos Independent Business Council (TCIBC) has full confidence in the measures the elected government has taken to ensure that the large public debt is being reduced as quickly as is possible. The TCIBC said in a press release that the elected government is being fiscally responsible and raising more revenue each year than it is spending – unlike the UK, USA and most European countries. “The current level of taxation is more than 30% of GDP, which is at the high end of the range recommended by leading economists,” the TCIB said. “It is not clear that a new tax, like the suggested payroll tax, or any other tax, is necessary at all when current taxation methods provide an efficient and low cost

means of raising extra revenue, if required. Further, any additional taxation runs the risk of slowing the fragile economic recovery and having a negative affect on the TCI. Noting that the Expansion of the economy must surely be the way forward, the TCIBC is not in favour of the introduction of any new taxes at this time. “The TCIBC believes the UK should reward the prudent stewardship of the current TCI government and provide a loan guarantee, at a reduced level, after 2015. If the UK is unwilling to provide such a guarantee, the TCIBC is in favour of exploring ways to guarantee the debt without UK support. This is the best way to avoid excessive taxation, encourage

foreign investment and improve the growth of the TCI economy. The TCIBC remains committed and conﬁdent that VAT is a totally inappropriate and unrealistic option. We are pleased that the elected government, the elected opposition and the business community remain opposed to the introduction of VAT,” the release added. According to the TCIBC, leading experts agree that VAT is not a sensible taxation method for the TCI. For example, a recent report (21st February, 2014) by the chief of the Central Bank of Barbados Dr. Delisle Worrell - states that VAT is “ horribly complicated” to administer and “ anti-tourism”. There are no advantages for the TCI in introducing VAT, but there are many disadvantages.

CHECKMATE INC. PRESENTS FIRST ANNUAL UNITY CONCERT IN TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS I

n collaboration with various sponsors, Checkmate Inc. is hosting its ﬁrst annual Unity Concert at the ZANZI LOUNGE on April 25th, 2014 featuring Gramps Morgan, Jemeri Morgan of Morgan Heritage Dion the Butcher from 100 Jamz Bahamas, of course our very own Smooth T and the Prime DJs. The promoters at Checkmate INC believe that it is critically important to host a social event where persons

from all spheres of life in the Turks & Caicos Islands can come together for a night of fun and entertainment. “We see this event as a mechanism in helping to bridge the divide with all ethnic, social and racial groups in our country thereby reminding us that at the end of the day as residents of this beautiful country we all ought to strive to promote harmony and unity among us,”

said Llewlyn “Blow” Basden, CEO of Chekmate Inc. In attendance will be Members of Parliament from both sides of the political aisle as well as other prominent persons from throughout the community. “We invite all of you to come out, interact and have fun with people who we do not usually get to see or hear from on a regular basis in a relaxing social environment,” said Bas-

den. “For the ladies, this occasion presents you with the opportunity to wear your ﬁnest apparel; for the guys, this is the time for you to dress to impress your special lady and perhaps make a new acquaintance. Who knows, you just might be up all night to get lucky.” Tickets will go on sale at select locations beginning 4th April 2014. Admission by ticket is $50. At the door $60

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Canadians to grant local youths green energy scholarships BY VIVIAN TYSON

ommunity College student Nevsky Been is one of about three Turks and Caicos Islands youngsters targeted by a local businessman and a group of Canadian alternative energy engineers and investors for the granting of green energy engineering scholarships in Canada. Ian Hurdle, owner of Green Energy Trail Ltd., - a locally-based alternative energy company and Steve Vandusen of Tri- Canadian Energy – a science and research development company out of Canada- who have teamed up to install the $50,000, 10 kilowatt off-the-grid solar panel at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre in Providenciales – made the revelation on Saturday, April 12, at the ofﬁcially unveiling of the alternative energy power system. “Steve has agreed through his Canadian connections that we are going set up a scholarship programme here so that we can send kids off to Canada, the can become licenses green technicians. And whether it’s my company or if there is another local company that is being established, they can come back as qualiﬁed technicians, they can start their own businesses. This country needs help and we are looking to create that stepping stone to allow them to do that. “We already have three great young men 17 to 18 years of age,

Nevsky Been (second right) along is pictured with (from left) Steve Henderson of Tri-Canadian Energy; Ian Hurdle of Green Energy Trail; Steve Vandusen of Tri- Canadian Energy and Queen’s Counsel attorney Stephen Wilson share the lens at the unveiling of the solar grid at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre. looking for opportunities, looking for a chance to educate themselves, thoroughly enjoying the experience of working with our team this week. And right now those three will be deserving, and the more we get, the better it is for all of us,” Hurdle told The SUN. Been, one of the three youngster, who assisted the Canadians in installing Edward Gartland Youth Centre solar panels, which gives the entity the option to operate completely independent of light and power company Fortis, was elated on learning of the scholarship possibility. The architecture student told

The SUN that learning to become a green energy engineer would tremendously enhance his career goal. “What it has done for me is that I always want to do architecture, as everyone knows already. And the thing about architecture, you have to find new ways to innovate. You have to find new ways to change. You have to find ways to make your project stand out from any other project, and I think that renewable energy is something that comes into my mind. “Mr. (Steve) Vandusen has inspired me, and hopefully he has inspired more people in the Turks and Caicos Islands as well,” Been said.

He told The SUN that combining architecture with green energy technology would give him the edge over conventional architect, since he could combine the two to create more innovative developments. “It (being a green energy engineer) has not changed my mind from architecture but what I think it does is inspires me to become a better architect – a green architect – to build my projects, not hurting the environment but to incorporate the environment in my designs,” Been said. In the meantime, Been pointed out that Vandusen’s company is searching for young Turks and Caicos Islanders with the propensity to learn green energy technology to assist them in becoming engineers, as part of preparing the country for the energy future which will be alternative energy. “His company along with other green energy companies in Canada is looking to the TCI for young individuals. The market in the TCI is limited for many careers, and he realizes this, and having green engineers in Turks and Caicos would be a plus. And the programme would basically take students from the Turks and Caicos Islands – those who are already academically-inclined and those that are in the education system already – and give them an opportunity to become green engineers,” Been said.

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Confidentiality in police force a major concern P

olice Commissioner Colin Farquhar said that the police high command is investigating at least one report of breach of confidentiality within the force after it was reported that an officer released vital investigation information to someone who is apparently being investigated by other officers. The commissioner was forced to address the issues after the ball was tossed in his court by members of the Chamber of Commerce media practitioners during the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce Monthly Meeting at the Blue Haven Resort in Providenciales Monday, April 7. The commissioner told the meeting that the issue of confidentiality in the police has become a recurring problem in recent time for the top brass of the organization, after members of the community raised issue on a frequent basis. “The confidentiality issue keeps coming up, and it is an area of concern for myself and the deputy (commissioner of police), and in fact we have just talked about it the other day because there was an accusation out; somebody (police officer) gave information to somebody else (apparently someone under investigation),” he said. He said that the file for the officer and the accusation has been sent to the desk of Deputy Commissioner Wayne Jones, who heads the force’s disciplinary portfolio, but did not give a timeline as to when the investigation would come to an end and the police hierarchy would release its findings. “The deputy (commissioner) has that file, and he would be following up if there was some release of information. We do take them seriously; it is a code of conduct

– investigation. It is a concern, and we are looking into it. Any complaints that I get I give them to the deputy because he is responsible for discipline and for matters of code of conduct, and so, he has been task on following up on those,” the commissioner said. The commissioner and his team, based on public apathy to give critical information, now have the overwhelming task of working to regain public trust, as some persons have expressed openly that they would not pass on information to the police out of fair that the individuals they give information against could hurt them upon receiving information from rogue cops. Last week, a member of the force told The SUN that he and few other colleagues once got great deal of information from the public while working as a unit, which enabled them to crack a number of cases. But since the team has been broken up and its members assigned other officers to work with, some of his informants vowed that they would not give him any more information because they did not trust the officers they are now working with. The officer said that the morale of he and other offices are taking hit from such blanket public aspersion, and would love if the police deal with it in a hurry. It appears that recent pronouncements from the police information arm, gives the perception that the police are coming to grips with confidentiality issue, and so they have been pushing for the public to use its 911 system, whose calls are received by the Miami-Dade Police Department, and who, if there is a reward to be granted, would arrange it.

VACANCY – DYNAMICS AX MECOMS CONSULTANT Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of DYNAMICS AX MECOMS CONSULTANT with FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands.

DESCRIPTION • Perform consulting duties related to the implementation of the Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP system and the MECOMS Utility Solution • Develop software customizations using the X++ programming language to meet unique business requirements • Develop reports using Microsoft SSRS with Dynamics AX

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSBILITIES • Meet with department heads and business users to understand business processes and requirements related to the ERP Solution • Configure Dynamics AX and MECOMS to meet the business requirements • Design and develop software customizations using X++ to meet unique business requirements • Design and develop reports using SSRS to meet unique business requirements • Migrate data from existing sources to Dynamics AX and MECOMS • Train users to productively use the system • Support go live and post production phase of new system

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS • 2+ years’ experience as a Microsoft Dynamics AX Consultant • 2+ years’ experience using X++ to customize Dynamics AX to meet specific business requirements • Significant experience using Microsoft SSRS to meet custom reporting requirements in Dynamics AX • Business experience with the Dynamics AX Trade and Logistics Modules • Experience using the MECOMS Utility Solution from Ferranti Computer Systems

ABILITIES AND SKILLS • Experience mapping complex business processes to ERP solutions • Understanding of primary corporate trade and logistics business processes • Ability to function under pressure and meet agreed deadlines

Deadline for submission of applications is April 26, 2014: Dr. Kellie-Ann Evans-Hall Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or khall@fortistci.com Fax: 649-941-4304

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Easter message from Leader of The Opposition BY SHARLENE CARTWRIGHT-ROBINSON

his week must be the most important week on any Christian Calendar. Recognised as Holy Week, it calls us to remember the ﬁnal days of Jesus’ life and Ministry on earth. The triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the condemnation of an innocent man (yet fully God) to endure the agony and shame of the cross shows us human failure at best.

But in this horrible turn of events, we see the bigger picture and a redemption plan unfold. As Christians, the message of this season on our Christian calendar ends with great hope and joy as we celebrate His resurrection. The message of hope and eternal joy remains alive. During these difficult times we ought to be encouraged by the fact that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead can live within us and give us a blessed peace and hope. I encourage us residents and visitors alike to enjoy our heritage and attend a service over this weekend and may we reflect with grateful and repentant hearts on the sacrifice made on our behalf. The People’s Democratic MovementParty, our families and I wish for us all a Christ filled Easter season.

www.etradeprovo.com Earn US $15.00/hour Must be extroverted, computer literate, self motivated goal oriented, persistent, hardworking and have own transport. Job is to promote our new website: www.etradeprovo.comto the public. Please email neilburrowes@hotmail.com with you resume Only people with right to work in Provo need apply.

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Kadra Handfield - LIME & IGA’s Shopping Spree winner It was all about the meat M rs. Kadra Handﬁeld claimed the title of the winner of the third LIME & IGA Shopping Spree. Customers participated by texting “Fish Fry” to 4946 for a chance to be entered. Kadra joins the list of previous winners Shemika Parker and Talesiya Missick. Her number was randomly selected from among the many who participated in the promotion. LIME & IGA’s third Shopping Spree winner racked up $1007 in meat as she raced down the aisle, straight to the Meat Department to complete her shopping early Saturday morning. Kadra commented, “I would always receive the LIME text messages and I would sometimes wait to read them if I was busy when they came in.” She continued, “I had a spare moment one day when I read the text to be entered for the competition and I decided that I would try and I did.” She recalls how shocked she was when she received the call that she had won and looked for-

Kadra Handﬁeld having a conversation with Delleriece Hall of LIME ward to the spree. Kadra went into IGA the evening before to solidify her strategy. She stated, “I want to thank LIME and IGA for giving me this opportunity.”

LIME’s Delleriece Hall commented, “Kadra’s total was $1007 in meat and she mentioned that Talesiya’s total was just over $1500 and Shemika’s total was just over $1100.” She continued, “This is what LIME is about, it is about giving value to our customers and giving an opportunity to win with LIME and IGA.” Mrs. Hall thanked the partners at Graceway IGA who were fully supportive during the three Shopping Spree sessions. Mr. Ken Burns from Graceway IGA noted, “We would like to thank LIME once again for a well organized shopping event and the chance for IGA to host the Shopping Spree.” Mr. Burns thanked his team as well for preparing the store for the event. There were winners all around, a customer participated in a LIME text to win promo and she won free shopping from LIME and Graceway IGA. Who knows? Next promotion might be you!

FSC bids farewell to its Registrar of Companies, Patent and Trademarks. T

he Financial Services Commission (FSC) announced this week, the retirement of Mr John James, Company Registrar after 14 years with the Commission. Originally from St Lucia, Mr James has had a long career history in the Turks and Caicos public service. He initially joined the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force in June 1975 serving for twenty-three (23) years and rising to the position of Superintendent. He subsequently served as Director of Immigration

in TCIG from 1998-2000 and was appointed as Registrar of Companies, Patent and Trademarks on May 22nd 2000 by Former TCI Governor H. E. Mr. Mervyn Jones. Mr James contributed significantly to the work of the Commission over the years and was seen as a very knowledgeable professional who was firm but fair. He drafted the new trademarks ordinance, which is still in use today and was instrumental in the Nice Classication (NCL), the international classification of goods

and services applied for the registration of marks. Mr Sandy Lightbourne, ex chairman of the FSC Board of Director noted that Mr James joined the FSC at a critical period and managed to assist the transition to a more modern regulatory authority as well as overseeing day-to-day operations. He said: “Mr James will be greatly missed by his peers and by many professionals in the Financial Services Industry. He has worked tirelessly for the past 14 years to develop

his department and to serve the Business Community of these Islands.” During a reception held in his honour in Grand Turk, Mr James received well wishes from management and the entire staff. A second farewell cocktail reception was hosted by the Association of Company Managers and Agents in Providenciales where many professionals from the Financial Services Industry took the opportunity to deliver personal messages and anecdotes on Mr James’ years at the Commission.

-2% 352),/( Primary Objective of the Job: The IP/VAS Engineer will be responsible for the real-time management of all VAS and IP based networks which support the technical operations and services of Digicel TCI. They will assist in the design and implementation of all new Packet Core, Charging System and IP based systems, ensuring adherence to Group IP network Primary Objective of the Job: security standards and policies. They will provide first-line identification and resolution of faults, and ensure The Engineer will be responsible for thein real-time management of all VAS and IP based networks which that IP/VAS all required documentation is maintained a timely basis.

-2% 352),/(

support the technical operations and services of Digicel TCI. They will assist in the design and implementation of all new Packet Core, Charging System and IP based systems, ensuring adherence to Group IP network Main Duties Responsibilities: security standards and& policies. They will provide first-line identification and resolution of faults, and ensure •that Responsible for the design, installation and support of all Packet Core and IP based systems to support the all required documentation is maintained in a timely basis.

technical operations of the business. • Design IP Numbering&anResponsibilities: addressing schemes, Development, Configuration and Implementation of IP based Main Duties systems • Responsible for the design, installation and support of all Packet Core and IP based systems to support the • Performoperations dimensioning andbusiness. capacity planning of IP network technical of the Responsible for the operation and maintenance of all PacketConfiguration Core systemsand which include, Ericsson • Design IP Numbering an addressing schemes, Development, Implementation of IP based systems SGSN-MME, Ericsson Mobile Packet Backbone Network (MPBN). • Perform dimensioning and and capacity planningofofall IP VAS network Responsible for operation maintenance Ericsson Charging Systems including Ericsson • Responsible forNode the operation and maintenance of all Packet systemsand which include, Charging Control (CCN), Service Data Point (SDP), AccountCore Information Refill (AIR) Ericsson SGSN-MME, Ericsson Mobile Backbone NetworkCisco (MPBN). • Responsible for all IP basedPacket systems, which include network devices (Routers and Switches), SUN • Responsibleservers, for operation and maintenance all VASSecurity EricssonIDS Charging Systems including Ericsson Solaris/Linux Checkpoint Firewalls andofAbove to ensure their high availability. Charging Control Node (CCN), Service Data Point (SDP), Account Information and Refill (AIR) • Perform all required software and hardware upgrades for above mentioned systems and services • Responsible for all IP based systems, which include Cisco network devices (Routers and Switches), SUN •Solaris/Linux Develop andservers, schedule preventative and corrective maintenance policies and procedures, such as regular Checkpoint Firewalls and Above Security IDS to ensure their high availability. backups, inventory, to ensure high availability of all andmentioned IP based systems systems.and services • Performspares all required software and hardware upgrades for VAS above •• Ensure that Digicel TCI continue to operate on secure local and wide area networks with the implementation Develop and schedule preventative and corrective maintenance policies and procedures, such as regular of VPN technologies and firewall policy backups, spares inventory, to ensure highmanagement availability of all VAS and IP based systems. • Provide proactive of WANtodata and on voice linkslocal (VSAT, lines)networks to provide 100% availability of all Ensure that Digicelsupport TCI continue operate secure andleased wide area with the implementation of VPN technologies policy IP services, including and VoIP,firewall ITP (SS7 overmanagement IP) and internet, and to ensure continued connectivity to other Digicel • Provide and proactive support locations external partiesof WAN data and voice links (VSAT, leased lines) to provide 100% availability of all IP services, includingwith VoIP, (SS7 over and internet, and to and ensure continued connectivity to other Digicel • Ensure adherence IPITP Security GroupIP)(Jamaica) standards policies as they relate to new and existing locations and external LAN and WAN network parties infrastructure, IP traffic, and network configuration procedures • IP Security Groupmonitored (Jamaica)and standards as they relate tonetwork new and existing • Ensure Ensure adherence that networkwith metrics are closely capturedand sopolicies as to provide proactive LAN and WAN network infrastructure, IP traffic, and network configuration procedures management, as well as regular feedback on network performance in the form of reports to management • Ensure that network metrics are closely monitored and captured so as to provide proactive network •management, Provide IP Support to other departments and external parties as required as well as regular feedback on network performance in the form of reports to management • Provide IP Support to other departments and external parties as required

Academic qualifications and experience required for the job • 4-5 years’ experience in VAS administration and IP based network design, implementation administration Academic qualifications and experience required forand the job CCNA and Microsoft certification and Solid experience withimplementation Cisco devices and administration • 4-5 years’ experienceMCSE in VAS administration and IPhands basedonnetwork design, • CCNA andknowledge Microsoftof MCSE certification on experience with Cisco devices In-depth switching, routing,and LANSolid andhands WAN technologies • In-depth switching, routing, LANsystems and WANtotechnologies Hands onknowledge experienceofwith UNIX and/or Linux support applications Splat and Solaris. • experience with and/or Linux systems to support applications Splat and Solaris. intrusion • Hands Design,onimplementation andUNIX operational knowledge of network security (VPN, firewall management, • Design, implementation and operational knowledge of network security (VPN, firewall management, intrusion detection) detection) • Minimum of a Bachelors Degree in Computer Sciences or equivalent field • Minimum of a Bachelors Degree in Computer Sciences or equivalent field • Knowledge of Intelligent network setup and operation. • Knowledge of Intelligent network setup and operation. •• Knowledge Knowledge of of CAMEL CAMEL and and roaming roaming configuration configuration

interested Applicants should should forward forward their their resumes resumes interested Applicants to hrtci@digicelgroup.com by April 25, 2014.

VACANCY – PROJECT MANAGER Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of PROJECT MANAGER with FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands.

DESCRIPTION • Manage and supervise the successful implementation of the Microsoft Dynamics ERP System with MECOMS Utility Solution • Function as primary Financial Consultant for the ERP Implementation

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSBILITIES • Manage the end to end process of implementing the Dynamics AX ERP/MECOMS System from initial planning through go-live and post production support. • Meet with department heads and end users to understand and document requirements and develop strategies to meet business requirements using Dynamics AX/MECOMS. • Communicate project status through appropriate channels to ensure all stakeholders are aware of their responsibilities and the status of the project. • Communicate problems and issues on a timely basis and work with stakeholders to ensure timely resolution. • Supervise project consultants to ensure a timely and successful delivery of the solution • Supervise custom development and test plans to ensure accurate function of system. • Coordinate training plans and delivery to ensure users are capable of using the system productively. • Function as key Financial Consultant to ensure end to end success of the financial component of the Dynamics AX/MECOMS implementation

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS • 4 Year Accounting degree from an accredited institution • CPA Certification • 7+ years’ experience managing ERP implementations in complex organizations • 7+ years’ experience implementing Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions in complex organizations • 4+ years’ experience using the Dynamics AX Finance and Trade and Logistics modules • Experience with the Ferranti MECOMS utility solution • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) • Significant experience using the Dynamics SureStep Project Management Methodology

ABILITIES AND SKILLS • Experience mapping complex business processes to ERP solutions • Deep understanding of primary corporate financial business processes • Leadership • Ability to function under pressure and meet agreed deadlines

Page 12

APRIL 19TH - APRIL 26TH, 2014

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Governor has “complete confidence” in Police Commissioner BY VIVIAN TYSON

he call by the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson for Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar to resign has been tagged by Governor His Excellency Governor Peter Beckingham as regrettable, reputational damaging and unhelpful. Addressing the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce on Monday (April 7th), the Governor said that he has no reason to not have total conﬁdence in the commissioner of police and the job that he has been doing so far, and warned that while there has been a series of regrettable criminal incidents lately, one should not use the situation the sully someone else’s reputation. “I can say that I have complete conﬁdence in the gentleman on my left. I regret the fact that the leader of the opposition has called for his resignation. The leader of the opposition is, of course, completely entitled to do so, and I would never dream of stopping her doing so. I am not convinced at this particular juncture that it is a particular helpful thing to have been done. But I gather this morning that the commissioner’s predecessor faced the same calls for his resignation before he eventually left. That does rather raise the question that at the moment there is a spike and some unpleasant and some very disturbing incidents that we immediately call for the resignation of the person in charge,” the Governor said. Governor Beckingham questioned the wisdom behind calling for Farquhar’s resignation at a time when solutions to tackling the problem at hand should be sought. He said that calling for the top of the police force to resign

Governor (standing) Peter Beckingham speaks at the Chamber of Commerce on Monday (April 7), while looking on is Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar looks on

when there is a crisis, could impact the tourism industry. “I am not convinced that it is right way of going about things. But as I have said to some people last week and on the radio - I do worry and I think that this is where we need to think more carefully – that if we agitate that we need a change at the top, what sort of message are we also sending to the tourism markets in North America and other countries,” Governor Beckingham said. He said also that the manner in which the opposition leader went about calling for the

VACANCY – SENIOR DYNAMICS AX MECOMS Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of SENIOR DYNAMICS AX MECOMS with FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSBILITIES • Meet with department heads and business users to understand business processes and requirements related to the ERP Solution • Configure Dynamics AX and MECOMS to meet the business requirements • Design and develop software customizations using X++ and deep knowledge of Dynamics AX and MECOMS to meet unique business requirements • Migrate data from existing sources to Dynamics AX and MECOMS • Train users to productively use the system • Support go live and post production phase of new system

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS • 5+ years’ experience as a Microsoft Dynamics AX Consultant and X++ software developer • Detailed knowledge of the Dynamics AX Trade and Logistics and Project Modules • Training Certification on the MECOMS Utility Solution from Ferranti Computer Systems • 7+ years’ experience implementing Dynamics ERP solutions in complex organizations

ABILITIES AND SKILLS • Experience mapping complex business processes to ERP solutions • Deep understanding of primary corporate trade and logistics business processes • Ability to function under pressure and meet agreed deadlines

commissioner’s resignation could strain relationship between Canada and the TCI. “We have a commissioner with a long and highly successful career in Canada, I do worry that if the premier or I were to meet senior representatives from the Canadian government they might well say, ‘why some of your country people trying to get rid of this person that we, the Canadian government, have supported?’,” he said, adding that the call by the opposition for the commissioner to resign has been latched onto by media entities in parts of Canada the United States. “I just think that it’s just an issue that we should think carefully about, because, of course the reports of calls for resignation are reported instantly in Ottawa, in Toronto, and in New York. And let’s think carefully before we try and whip up even more reputational damage that we already have had from the two murders in the last three months,” the Governor said. He further noted: “In Australia I saw the equivalent of the police commissioner treated as a national hero for a time – he was a British policeman and he was the commissioner of New South Wales, which has a population of about eight million (people). But I subsequently saw his career was completely destroyed by the media and end the end he had to resign, which in my view was exceptionally sad. He was cruciﬁed by one particular radio journalist, who just went for him.” Meantime, Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, who was also in attendance at the meeting, has said that now was not the time for persons to be calling for the commissioner of police to resign, but instead work with the authorities to ﬁnd ways to ferret the criminals who go into hiding after committing their dastardly deeds.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

APRIL 19TH - APRIL 26TH, 2014

Page 13

LOCAL NEWS

Getting down to business in the Turks and Caicos Islands BY HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR PETER BECKINGHAM

met earlier this month with the Business Advisory Group that I have invited to meet periodically. The Group represents a cross section of businesses including retail ( the Do It Store and IGA), construction (Coxco), tourism and new developments ( the Hotel and Tourism Association, InterCaribbean Airways, the Grand Turk Cruise Centre and Sailrock), financial services (Scotia and the Accountants’ Association) and the Chamber of Commerce. I’m pleased that it also involves business people from or representing interests in Grand Turk and North and South Caicos, as well as Providenciales. The Group is intended to provide an opportunity to hear the views, informally, of representatives of the business community. On occasions I hope that we will be joined by the Premier, Minister of Finance, the leader of the opposition and visiting senior business people or British Ministers. The first meeting got off to a lively and instructive start, with discussion around a short paper prepared by one of the members, Robert Brace( who used to be on the main board of BT, one of the UK’s largest companies). We looked at some of the barriers to growth in TCI, and what are some of the country’s main attractions. At the outset we were all agreed that TCI needed to try and maintain its ”high end ” tourism appeal to North Americans, including to long stay visitors and wealthy retirees. But we also noted that there remained impediments to business developing as quickly as it should. Some of these included the difficulties for small business acquiring sufficient funding, and a sense that small companies needed more support. We also discussed the current work permit arrangements, and many local and expat business people felt that there were too many inconsistencies in the system. A more simplified system could help.

There were also concerns about the high cost of energy in TCI, and the need to look at alternative, renewable energy sources. There was a general agreement that the customs operation worked well, and we also noted the fundamental importance of ensuring that visitors to TCI received a warm, friendly but professional greeting when they arrived and departed, from immigration ofﬁcers to customs, police and taxi drivers. First and last impressions count. Our discussion was so animated that we were only able to consider about half of the topics in Robert Brace’s paper. So we will reconvene in three or four months time, including with the Premier or Minister of Finance – to whom the key decisions

about business development fall. The Group is advisory, so nothing is going to change instantly. But I hope that our discussions, and the frankness and openness with which they were held, will mean that I and the Government will be in a better place when we discuss the ways in which we can grow TCI’s economy to the beneﬁt of all our citizens. As I stressed when I arrived here six months ago I am keen to see the business environment prosper, and to use my experience of working with many major UK and foreign companies. I am conﬁdent this small Group will make an important contribution to that aim. A happy, peaceful and, I trust, restful Easter!

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APRIL 19TH - APRIL 26TH, 2014

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Caicos Pride Products Ltd.: A leading seafood processing plant located in South Caicos is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates for the following position:

COST CONTROL CLERK The successful candidate must possess the following attributes: • Minimum of 5 years cost accounting and manufacturing experience. • BSc. in Accounting or equivalent. • Strong Accounting, Finance and Information technology experience. • Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Professional software programs. • The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. • Ability to work independently and effectively in a multi task environment.

TCI NATURAL CURE & DIET PHAMACY SEEKS

1 Pharmacist 1 Sales Person 1 Cleaner Spanish & Creole is a must Salary negotiable

344-8224

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES: • Computation and allocation of unit product costs. • Evaluation of cost effective solutions related to operational efficiencies and preparation of variances reports. • Assist management team in plant operations. • Inventory control, including identification of processes and procedures impacting product costs and expenses. • Compilation of quarterly and annual management accounts and annual operating budgets. • Assist management in the implementation of effective cost accounting policies and procedures. • Such additional duties and responsibilities as directed by management. Written applications only and accompanying Resumes must be sent to: Caicos Pride Products Ltd. Fax number: (649) 945-3571 or email: islandcrops@tciway.tc Note: Suitably qualified Turks & Caicos Islanders need only apply

AMBERGRIS CAY FACILITIES LTD POSITION AVAILABLE Ambergris Cay Facilities Ltd is seeking a suitably qualified applicant to fill a post on Ambergris Cay on a MONTH TO MONTH basis. The available post is for a

PLUMBER.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

SUPERNATURAL PATCH & TOUR SEEKS

1 COOK 1 CLEANER 1 WAITRESS Spanish, French & English is a must Starting Salary $5.00 per hour

344-8224

• Maintaining all aspects of the Water and Sewage Treatment Plants (watering, osmosis station, water heaters, swimming pools and lodging) in accordance with international standards; • Check and maintaining all piping for fire Hydrant system • Check and maintain all underground distribution water piping system • Daily reading of all water meters • Maintaining all kitchen equipment in all of the buildings • Maintain and control safety of all LPG Gas (Propane) operating equipment • Control stocks of LPG Gas (Propane) • Being responsible for maintenance of irrigation and performing trouble shooting for irrigation system • Ordering of spare parts to ensure consistent functioning without discontinuity;

Requirements - Applicants must have and or be: • At least Ten (10) years of experience in plumbing • A high school diploma or equivalent • Attentive to details and self-motivator • Able to understand and speak English fluently • Able to work with little or no supervision • Physically fit, dependable and hard working • In possession of clean police record and valid TCI Driver’s License • Willing to work on a Month to Month contractual basis • Required to work and live on Ambergris Cay with rotated weekends off • Must be able to live and work in a isolated island environment with only 20 or so other persons. Closing Date for Applications is Wednesday May 2nd, 2014 Salary: $30, 000 to 35,000 per annum. Applications must be in writing addressed to: Ambergris Cay Facilities Ltd Unit 51, Salt Mills Plaza, Grace Bay Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands E-mail: burkley.malcolm@ambergristci.com Tel: (649)-941-3777 Fax: (649)-941-3778

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 15

APRIL 19TH - APRIL 26TH, 2014

LOCAL NEWS

Police issue $10,000 worth of traffic tickets each month BY VIVIAN TYSON

he police rake in an average $10,000 each month into government coffer through traffic fines, Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar revealed while addressing the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce Monthly meeting at the Blue Haven Resort on Providenciales on April 7. Farquhar made the disclosure while fielding questions from Chamber members and media representatives at the event. He was asked to reveal the figure for the monthly traffic fines and asked whether or not those fines, if enough, were able to purchase vehicles for the police force to ease its traffic woes, was it was grappling with even up to last week. “I have talked to the CFO about that (using funds from traffic fines to purchase vehicles for the police) because with traffic enforcement there is quite a revenue stream that comes in. A couple years ago I sent them (Finance Ministry) the figures of monthly fines that were added up, which is anywhere between $8,000 and $10,000 a month in fines that were coming in, and so I was suggesting (that the fun from the fines used to purchase vehicles). (But we were told that) we cannot buy new cars with the fine money, it’s a different process,” he revealed. A police source told The SUN that over the past two weeks during Operation Assure, it is estimated that the police could have surpassed $30,000 in traffic tickets, since a number dozens of persons were cited for varying traffic offences and were levied huge fines, as high as $700 tickets. The commissioner also bemoaned the fact that poor technology by the force were actually preventing the police from citing even more traffic violators even though his administration was moving albeit slowly to addressing the issue.

He said that one of the main hindrances to technologically equipping the police is the security threat to its current platform. “We are trying to embrace technology. One of the things we are trying to put in place is the intra-net system for the police; we are at that stage right now. But right now we don’t have great security in our system – it is pretty fragile – so once we get a more stable platform (we will build the system),” Commissioner Farquar said, as he threw out invitation to LIME and Digicel to partner with them to provide a more secure ICT system. In the meantime, Farquhar told the Chamber meeting that the force’s current operating budget is lower that what it was ﬁve years ago. “The budget was actually more ﬁve years ago than it is now. One of the things that I did was I went back on the budget over previous years, and there was 2009 – the year that they had all the crimes – the budget then was $17 million. Our (current) operating budget is fairly good – it’s just over $16 million. Could it be a little bit more? Yes. The biggest area, I think, is things like vehicles – there are capital expenditures – those are the things I think we need to get a little better at planning for,” he said. In the meantime, the commissioner said that the police force, in recent time, has become more prudent in its spending. “In talking about the budget though, I think we are getting better at spending our money. We are working better with vendors; we are making sure that we pay our bills on time. We are making sure that where we can we can buy in bulk – that is improving. It s not so much how much we have, it is how we use it, and I think we are getting a lot better at spending more prudently. We did a good job last year providing a lot of training, providing a lot of equipment for the vehicles,” he said.

Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force Home security audit checklist The Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) are encouraging home owners and renters to use the following guide to conduct their own home security audit. The more ‘yes’ boxes you can circle, the harder you make it for burglars.

¾ Is your house number clearly visible from the street? Y N ¾ Are your trees and shrubs trimmed so it’s hard for burglars to hide behind? Y N ¾ Do you have solid core doors? Y N ¾ Do you have locks and deadbolts or deadlocks fitted? Y N ¾ Do you have security screens on doors and windows? Y N ¾ Does your door have a peephole? Y N ¾ Do your windows have key-locks or security devices? Y N ¾ Does your house have an automatic light timer or sensor lights? Y N ¾ Do you leave lights on when you go out at night? YN ¾ Are the entrances to your home well lit? Y N ¾ Is your home fitted with an alarm? Y N ¾ Is the garage or shed kept locked? Y N ¾ Are your tools and ladders stored away? Y N ¾ Is the meter box locked? Y N ¾ Are your contents and valuables engraved or marked for easy identification? Y N ¾ Have you recorded the serial numbers? Y N

HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR Requirements: t Possess at least 3 years experience in a Supervisory role at a luxury resort t Possess knowledge of proper cleaning techniques, requirements and use of equipment t Supervise the staff on various shifts t Possess knowledge of proper cleaning supplies and chemical handling t Ensure that the standards of the hotel are met t Assist with administration duties, such as timesheets and tracking lost and found property. t Able to work morning or evening shift and on weekends t Must have good oral and written communication skills and be computer literate t Must be able to resolve problems in a timely manner and provide exceptional customer service Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualifications and experience Contact: humanresources@thewestbayclub.com

CARPENTER Responsibilities: t Responsible for constructing and maintaining the facility such as furniture, stairs, repairs internal and external structures. t Maintain building and facilities for services and repairs t Perform electrical repairs t Maintain doors, windows, furniture and other items t Monitor and replace weather strippings t Maintain building interiors and exteriors Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualifications and experience Contact: humanresources@thewestbayclub.com

Page 16

LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 19TH - APRIL 26TH, 2014

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Beaches Honors Employees at 2013/2014 Prestige Award! I

t was all glitz, glam, and celebration last week as Beaches Resorts Villages and Spa honoured top performing employees in 23 categories at the 2013/2014 Prestige Awards. The annual award recognizes and rewards individuals whose performance has consistently made a positive impact on the quality of services offered at the resort. The annual ceremony has earned a top reputation for excellence for those who have worked diligently and have a proven record of professionalism and appreciation for Beaches and Sandals Resorts International. Hosted by Executive Assistant Manager Rommel Forbes and Entertainment’s Nastassia Davy, this year’s Prestige Award brought out top musical talents such Dexter Landy, Elroy Simmons and talented new comer Apple Astwood. Miss Turks & Caicos Universe Snwazana Adams as well as 2nd runner up Vanessa Hall were also in attendance as special guest. The ultimate winners were concierge agent, Paul Lewis, who took the top title of Team Member of the Year, with Raphael Sashwell from the Engineering Department as his runner up. Supervisor of the year went to the Security Department’s Patrick Giddens while Food & Beverage Manager, Horatiu Boaca was awarded Manager of the year. Beaches Resort also acknowledged the Most Nominated Team Member which was awarded to Beverley Myers of Housekeeping and the Smile & Courtesy Award went to Gener Mondelus also of Housekeeping. Most improved Team Member was captured by Food & Beverage’s Jahaira Taveras Trinidad, while the GM’s Awards went to Dave McNish and Michelle Parker. The coveted prize of Financial Comptroller Award and the Revenue Earners which recognizes the top revenue generating individuals went to Carlton Biggs and Leydi Zapata. Ultimate winners Paul Lewis and Raphael Sashwell both lead outstanding records for the year beating out over 17 hundred employees for the top prestige titles. “My job as a concierge agent to go the extra mile for our guests and winning this award says a lot about my contribution and commitment in delivering excep-

tional customer service to my team members and our valued guest,” Paul Lewis said, “Big thanks to management and staff recognizing my commitment and dedication and presenting me with this wonderful award.” Runner-up Raphael Sashwell, who has been with the company for the past eight years said that he is ecstatic that he was chosen as runner-up team member of the year, “I am overjoyed. I cannot believe I have won, it’s an amazing feeling to be selected as the top prestige winner among so many hard working colleagues,” Managing Director, Don Dagenais also commented on the success of the 2013/2014 Prestige awards, he said, “I am proud to be a part of this great resort that continue to win the industry’s most prestigious awards year after year because these top performing Team Members who go above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in this resort,” he said, “I applaud and congratulate all of this year’s winners.” Other awards for the evening included, ‘Department of the Year’ which went to the Wedding Department, ‘HM’s Heart of the House Award and HM’s Heart of the house honoree was won by Housekeeping’s Ana Almonte and Security Assistant Managers Mario Stubbs & Eterel Clarke, , The Sandals Foundation Community Spirit of the Year Award won by Matthew Bailey, Top Trained Team Member of the Year went to Renee Wood while Best Team Player went to Public Relations Manager Elanor Finﬁn Krzanowski. Other winner winners included, Domingue Delva who won the Unsung Hero Award, Elliott Johnson who won the title of Rookie of the Year and the Culinary Concierge Chef Marlene Campbell who captured the grand prize of Special Service Award for the year. In addition to engraved trophies and certiﬁcates, winners were also presented with fantastic prizes which included all expense paid vacations, laptop computers, home theatre systems, plasma televisions, Apple IPads, IPods, IPod Touch and lavish cash prizes. Team member of the year Paul Lewis will go on to represent Beaches Turks & Caicos at this year’s Sandals Ultimate Team Member Award in Jamaica this summer.

WINNING TEAM 1. Team Member of the Year— Paul Lewis, Concierge 2. Runner-up Team Member of the Year— Raphael Sashwell—Engineering 3. Supervisor of the Year— Patrick Giddens, Security 4. Manager of the Year—Horatiu Boaca, Food & Beverage 5. Department of the Year — Weddings 6. Smile & Courtesy Award—Gener Mondelus, Housekeeping 7. Most Guest Nominated Team Member—Beverley Myers, Housekeeping 8. Most Improved Team Member—Jahaira Taveras Trinidad—Food & Beverage 9. Sandals EarthGuard Team Member, Maxine Salmon—Kids Camp 10. HM Heart of the House Award—Ana Almonte, Housekeeping 11. Best Team Player—Elanor Finﬁn Krzanowski, Public Relations 12. Top Trained Department— Resort Shop 13. Top Trained Team Member —Renee Wood, Bar 14. Revenue Earner’s Award—Leydi Zapata, Gift Shop 15. Financial Controller’s Award— Carlton Biggs, Stewarding 16. GM Awards— Dave McNish, Engineering 17. Trip Guy Award—Eric Johnson, Kitchen 18. GM’s Honoree Award — Michelle Parker, Departure Lounge 19. HM’s Honoree Award— Mario Stubbs & Eterel Clarke, Security 20. Special Service Award—Marlene Campbell, Culinary Concierge 21. Sandals Foundation Award—Matthew Bailey—Administration 22. Unsung Hero— Domingue Delva—Transportation 23. Rookie of the Year—Elliott Johnson—Food & Beverage

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 17

APRIL 19TH - APRIL 26TH, 2014

LOCAL NEWS

Interhealth Canada advises public on proper us of Emergency Department BY VIVIAN TYSON

nterhealth Canada – the entity which manages the Cheshire Medical Centre in Providenciales and the Cockburn Town Medical Centre in Grand Turk – is advising the general public that there are facilities available for non-medical emergencies other than the Emergency Departments. InterHealth Canada said that it has become concern that the general public is not sure about the proper use of the Emergency Department at the two hospitals. The entity said that Emergency Departments are to be used for emergencies and or urgent medical problems but not every day minor ailments. “Deciding on whether to go to the Emergency Department is not always a clear cut decision. For example if you thought you were having a Heart Attack and or Stroke, or a small child has swallowed a corrosive substance or has eaten some pills you would quickly get to the Emergency Department,” Interhealth Canada said. A doctor at Cheshire Hall Medical Center said the public should be advised that ED is not for routine care but for symptoms that suggest more serious medical problems. Jill Magri, Chief Executive Ofﬁcer for Interhealth Canada, ac-

Jill Magri, Chief Executive Oﬃcer for Interhealth Canada

knowledges that there is an outpatient department developed to quickly handle high routine of potentially non-urgent medical problems. Magri also stated that patients who use the Emergency Department for non-urgent medical matters have to wait longer to be seen by a physician. She is in agreement with doctors assigned to the Emergency Department, who said that one of the problems encountered is the difﬁculty to deter-

mine the “urgency” of a visit until the patient is seen and examined. She said that it is at this point doctors realize that the patient’s perception of the symptoms is different from the physician’s, and conclude that the patient’s visit may not be deemed an emergency. Boasting of the outpatients department, Dr. Dawn O’Sullivan, Liaison Ofﬁcer between InterHealth Canada and the community said: “This is where all non ur-

gent medical problems should be seen during working hours and appointments can be made by telephoning, or visiting the Hospitals.” Interhealth Canada said that the government health clinics are capable of stabilizing patients in emergency situations before transporting them to the ED. It said also that those clinics are fully equipped to deal with non urgent medical matters. “For example, a patient presenting with chest pains and concerned of a possible heart attack only to be examined ad diagnosis with severe indigestion,” Interhealth Canada said. Explaining the proper use of the Emergency Department, Interhealth said reiterated: “It is for emergency matters only. The Emergency Department is on the front line of the community‘s prepared efforts and responses to natural disorders, trauma cases and or mass casualty and out break from various diseases that are considered public health emergencies.” It said that the ED took on the role of assisting with primary health care because it believes that no one should be turned away, but said that the situation got out of hand when a wide range of health problems, which include many patients with minor ailments and or non urgent medical problems begin to occur.

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER POSITION Applications are invited for the Financial Controller position at a Providenciales FBO. An individual with leadership, customer relations, and results focused abilities is required to oversee all aspects of the FBO accounting operations. Responsibilities will include: • Production of monthly, quarterly and yearly financial reports • Developing annual operating budget • Forecasting results, analyzing variances, and providing associated commentary • Preparation of ad hoc reports and presentations for the Board • Full involvement in product pricing and maintenance of the billing system • Responsibility for a/r collections • Group consolidation • Establishment and maintenance of detailed fixed asset register • Preparation of audit information and management of the external audit

Experience required for this position: • Professional membership (CA, ACCA, CPA) in good standing with 2-3 years post qualifying industry experience • Experience in producing financial reports in compliance with IFRS • Experience in audit liaison • Problem solving ability, and effective at working under pressure • Strong computer skills with proven experience using GL programs • Proven staff management experience • Experience of managing perpetual inventory a definite advantage • Experience in the aviation industry would also be advantageous

Remuneration package commensurate with experience Please submit a letter of application and resume to marsha@misickstanbrook.tc before 30th April, 2014

Page 18

APRIL 19TH - APRIL 26TH, 2014

LOCAL NEWS

Tough new rules for for new police vehicle usage BY VIVIAN TYSON

he high command of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands police Force has vowed that there will be strict checks and balances relating to the usage of the new vehicles in the wake of public concerns that officers are treating caring the units poorly because they are government-owned. Eight of 19 police vehicles – 18 SUVS and a van – arrived in the TCI from Florida on Monday (April 7) and were commissioned into service the following day, and tongues are already wagging as to which officer will take the lead in wrecking the units, with some members of the public even jesting wagers as to which officers they believe would make the first crash. Against that background, the question was posed to Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar, as to what checks and balances would be implemented to make officers accountable when using the vehicles. The top cop, as well as Kendall Grant, Superintendent of Police in charge of Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos, said that a strict logging system would be put in place so as to track drivers operation of the units. He said that a log sheet similar to that used by renta-car agencies would be used to keep track of the vehicles operations. “There will be turning over of the vehicles, so there is a turning over sheet that has to be completed. It is no different than renting a car, you have to make sure that there are no scratches, dents, and if there are, there has to be some kind of report that has to be done on it. There are going to be log books in each of the vehicles and turnover sheets,” Commissioner Farquhar said. Grant pointed out the inspectors responsible for shifts would be put in charge of the logging system. “We do have our vehicle programme in place already, and that will continue to go on. When the vehicles come back into the station, and being handed over to a different shift, the inspectors of those shifts

One of the new Police vehicles will come out and inspect those vehicles before they take them back on the road. Any damages are listed will identify the exact location of the car, and so we will know who the driver is, and they will have to submit reports in that relation,” Grant said. In the meantime, Commissioner Farquar said that he would like to see a system of replenishment of vehicles for the force every four to five years. “According to TCIG policy (the shelf life for a police vehicle) is four to five years. It will depend on the amount of use the vehicles get; it will depend on a lot of different factors. One of the things that I would like to see is a proper programme of ever-greening our system, by bringing in four or five vehicles every year, and so what you do is perhaps have the police have them for four or five years, and then turn them over to another government department that has maybe less miles, maybe Planning one of those departments,” he said. In the meantime, Commissioner Farquar said that driving trainers from the Bahamas was to have arrived in the country in time for the vehicles’ arrivals to train approximately 45 members of the force to operate the vehicles, but that programme, he said, experienced some delay. As a result, the commissioner said that until the training is done, only specialist drivers will be allowed to operate the vehicles.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

4TH ANNUAL PIG ROAST A SUCCESS!

harity Beach BBQ and Auction raises money for the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre The 2nd Annual Pig Roast held on Friday 11th April 2014 at Bay Bistro was a huge success, raising over $12,000 which will go directly to beneﬁt the youth of the Turks & Caicos. Funds raised from the weekend will be put towards programs and operational costs at the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre in Downtown, Providenciales. As with each year the event featured a variety of performances from Youth Centre members, TCI Youth Chorale, Rhythmic Flavors and excellent music from DJ Dayoh. The event also included poetry readings from Towers of Babel, free style, hip hop and cultural dances and singing. The show captivated the audience with the energy and skills that the youth presented. According to Director Roxann Wake-Forbes “These funds allow us to provide young people with programs and services in an environment that enhances their ability to make smart, healthy choices. We were very fortunate to have had another great turn out from the local community and appreciate them coming together to support the centre. We would like to congratulate everyone who performed and truly made the event a huge success!” Centre Director Roxann Wake-Forbes described how the funds will be used: “One of our main objectives is to support and empower young people by helping to teach and guide them as they transition into adulthood. Through generous donations from community events as successful as this one, we are able to do just that,” Wake-Forbes stated. “We continue to offer a variety of programs, workshops and opportunities to the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands including tutoring, homework help, arts & crafts, basketball, tennis. We also offer involvement in a range of programs that enhance their entrepreneurial skills and encourage participation within the community they live in such as Young Enterprise, Interact and Red Cross Youths.” The event would not have been successful without the support of our local business community.

H.A.B. MANAGEMENT LTD. H.A.B. Management Limited is seeking applicants for the following positions:

RESERVATION ATTENDANT Job Description

The successful candidates will be required to welcome and serve guests in a courteous, efficient and friendly manner, both face-to-face and on the phone. The candidates will also be required to take reservations via the telephone, email and walk-in requests. Candidates will also be responsible for promoting the resort at all times.

Requirements

Candidates should have five years or more experience as a Reservation Attendant. Candidates should also have an extensive knowledge of Visual One Property Management System. Candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Office. Candidates will be required to check guests in and out; perform certain accounting procedures, such as preparing bills for guests, performing audit duties, balancing work and preparing paperwork for the following day; present a friendly, outgoing, energetic and guest service demeanor. Candidates will also be required to work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team. Must be able to speak, read and write in English and understand verbal and written instructions.

Job Description

BARTENDER

This position requires an individual with an outgoing personality as well as excellent customer service skills. The successful candidates should be well versed in bar service and drink preparation.

Requirements

Candidates should have five years or more experience as a Bartender. The Bartender will be responsible for taking orders, preparing and serving alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages to guests, courteously and efficiently according to the restaurant specifications. Maintain stock/supplies and cleanliness of bar and equipment. Assist where necessary to ensure optimum service to guest. The candidates will also be required to work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team. Must be able to speak, read and write English and understand verbal and written instructions.

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to Veronica Rigby by May 5, 2014 via email to ronnie@habgroup.com or fax to 649-946-5191. Only persons selected for an interview will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

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Serious injury and even death can occur from tampering with power lines Those found stealing power are subject to penalƟes and fines as well as possible jail Ɵme

35 Cases are in liƟgaƟon or have already been tried in court

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Spot the difference:

SOME OTHER BANKS K up to $601 per month

RBC ROYAL BANK approx. $404 per month

Same car, same price. Just a lower monthly payment at RBC. Keep more cash in your wallet with financing options from RBC Royal Bank™ that lower your monthly payments. Save thousands of dollars in interest paid on your car loan with very competitive interest rates and terms! Enjoy no payments for two months! Win 2 Plus get: mont h > Affordable monthly payments paym s car ents!* > Up to 7 years to repay > Pre-approval for easy car shopping > Fast turnaround on your application > Option to ﬁnance 1st year’s insurance premium > A chance to win FREE gas and insurance The car you want can be yours with a little help from RBC Royal Bank. Call or visit any RBC Royal Bank branch or go online at rbc.com/caribbean

Calculations based on a $30,000 new vehicle at 90% ﬁnancing at current competitive terms and conditions. *Up to $3,000. Special conditions apply. Subject to normal lending criteria. The cost of borrowing will be made available upon application. Campaign ends May 31st, 2014. ®/TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence.

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LOCAL NEWS

Global United Fellowship Installation and Launch in TCI The Turks and Caicos Islands witnessed a little bit of history on Tuesday (April 15) when the Bishop Neil Ellis-led Global United Fellowship was launched and its RIÂ¿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Intentar forzar las líneas eléctrica puede ocasionar heridas graves y tambien puede ocasionar muerte

Las que se encuentran el robo de energía eléctrica están sujetas a sanciones y multas, así como posible encarcelamiento

En el 2013 tuvimos 35 casos de robo de electricidad llevado a la corte

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KELLY ROWLAND

“UNITY (STAY WITH ME)” [Verse 1:] Picking up the pieces of a love that i once knew What will tomorrow bring Grey skies all around me I don’t know where to turn Can you help me with this fame A shooting star, A ray of light A breeze that calms me in the night I got your message yesterday I feel you here, I wish that you could

I got your message yesterday I feel you here, I wish that you could

[Chorus:] Stay with me, Two hearts forever You were the spark that lit the ﬂame Oh if you Stay with me, This love’s forever And in my heart you will remain Till we meet again

Ooh I got your message yesterday I feel you here, I wish that you could

[Verse 2:] Sitting in a corner waiting for the sun Will we ever shine again Catch your frames to better days A swirling in my head Will i ever ﬁnd a way A shooting star, A ray of light A breeze that calms me in the night

[Chorus:] Stay with me, Two hearts forever You were the spark that lit the ﬂame Oh if you Stay with me, This love’s forever And in my heart you will remain Until we meet again

[Chorus:] Stay with me, Two hearts forever You were the spark that lit the ﬂame Oh if you Stay with me, This love’s forever And in my heart you will remain Until we meet again Oh Until we meet again OhhOhhhOhhh wooowooo You gotta slow down, just slow down You gotta slow down, just slow down

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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 Administrative Department requires: 9 9 9

Off Site Departments requires:

Senior Executive Assistant Manager Executive Assistant Manager Zone Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience in F&B, Rooms Division and operations o Experience in managing a boutique hotel or an operation encompassing rooms, restaurant and environs

o o o

9 9 9 9

Rooms Division Department Requires: 9

Executive Housekeeper Requirements include but are not limited to: o Schedules staff according to forecasted occupancy and maintains productivity standards. o Oversee the financial processes of budgeting, purchasing, payroll and inventory control. o Maintain quality standards to ensure the highest level of cleanliness o Maintain all safety and security policies. o Minimum of 10 years housekeeping management o Experience in managing a team of over 300 persons

o o o o o o o

9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Watersports Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience managing a waterparks, pools, beach and dive portfolio o PADI certification to dive o PADI certification to teach instructors o First Aid Certification

9 9

Supervisor Shift Leader Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience leading a team on a shift o Knowledgeable of in related fields both in theory and practical

9 9

Labour Painter Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically Fit o Ability to carry out labour intensive task

The Housekeeping Department requires: Assistant Executive Housekeeper Requirements include but are not limited to: o Minimum of 5 years housekeeping management o Maintain quality standards to ensure the highest level of cleanliness o Maintain all safety and security policies. o Experience in managing a team of over 150 persons

The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $11.00 an hour. Photoshop Department requires:

Spa Department requires: 9

Spa Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience in managing multiple spa retail outlets o Knowledge or certification in Dermalogica Brand an assist o Ability to sell services and product o Ability to meet targets and sales quotas

Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience supervising Staff located in two retail outlets

9 9 9

Underwater Photographer Photographer Shop Attendant Requirements include but are not limited to: o 2 years’ experience in field o Ability to sell and make quotas o Ability to dive (Underwater Photographer)

The rate for the positions listed above is $6.00 to $11.00 an hour.

The Photoshop Department requires: 9

The Watersports Department requires:

Photoshop Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience managing multiple photo retail outlets o Experience meeting sales targets o Ability to cross and up sell o Three (3) years relevant experience

9 9

Dive Instructor Scuba Instructor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically Fit o Certified in first aid o PADI Certified

Supervisor Requirements include but not limited to: o Ability to lead and train a water sports team members o PADI Certified

Kids Kamp Department requires: 9

Electrician Plumber Room Technicians A/C Technicians Stove Technician Mechanic Senior Plant Operator 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 $6.00 to $13.00 an hour.

Project Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: Prepare budgets, programs and monitor expenditure Working experience over 20 years. Hotel Industry over 5 years Review all design drawings, and prepare design drawings where necessary Co-ordinate all shipments, and quantify and orders FF&E items Strong Knowledge of BMS, RO plants, Fire, Chill Water System and irrigation system Co-ordinate ALL Local building approvals eq Health, Planning, Environmental, Fire Software knowledge: ACAD, Microsoft Projects, MSWord, MSExcel, Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat

The salary for the positions listed above is negotiable

Caretaker Groundsman Labour Cleaner Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically fit o Ability to carry out labour intensive task o Willing on be on call and flexible

Engineering Department requires:

The Project Department requires: 9

Certified in a least on technical Discipline Ability to be a Ken-Fix-It Willing on be on call and flexible

The rate for the positions listed above is $6.00 to $13.00 an hour.

The Watersports Department requires: 9

Technician

Assistant Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Certification as a Nanny or other child care qualification o 3 Years’ experience developing and implementing children’s programs o Physically fit o Ability to manage a multi-cultural team

The rate for the positions listed above is $6.00 to $8.50 an hour

The salary for the positions listed above ranges from $25,000.00 to $65,000.00 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 th

and should reach not later than April 26 2014

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News

CARIBBEAN

World Bank concerned about cost of remittances to the Caribbean

ASHINGTON – The World Bank has voiced concern about what it described as the exorbitant cost of sending remittances to the Caribbean and other places, saying that forcing migrant workers to pay as much as US $50 to send US $200 is “wrong.” The Washington-based ﬁnancial institution said this is especially so when workers are “sending salaries they have earned in the hope of supporting their families back home.” It said US $200 often is a very signiﬁcant sum for migrants’ family income. “There was little price transparency and no global effort to address this problem until the World Bank helped form a coalition to monitor the process and create a ‘one-stop shop’ information system to help remittance-senders compare services and costs,” the statement said. The World Bank said the high cost of transferring remittances internationally has typically been caused by a combination of obstacles in each local market, both in sending and receiving countries. These include a lack of transparency and consumer protection, legal and regulatory obstacles, a

lack of payment system infrastructures and access to payment systems, a weak market environment without a proper competition, and weak risk-management and governance practices. These problems were discussed as the World Bank-led coalition joined in creating a new international standard called the General Principles for International Remittance Services, published in 2007. The World Bank noted that, in 2009, Heads of State of the world’s industrialized powers made a commitment to reducing the global average cost by 5 percentage points in ﬁve years – the so-called “5×5 objective.” In addition, the World Bank said it has provided a “variety of effective solutions” to addressing a high cost of sending remittances at the global, country, and municipality levels. It said the Global Remittances Working Group that it has established has provided technical inputs and advice to partners to achieve the objective, together with monitoring the global remittance costs through RPW. At the country level, the Bank said it provided technical assistance to client countries to improve

their remittance markets by addressing problems and obstacles through implementing the General Principles for International Remittance Services. As a result, the bank said the cost of sending remittances has been reduced to about US $42.48 billion from 2009 to 2013 at the global level. It said the global average of sending a remittance of US $200 came down from 9.81 per cent to 8.95 per cent in the normal average and from 8.58 per cent to 6.62 per cent in the weighted average from 2008. “Remittances are proven to be essential for the poor not only for their income but also for ﬁnancial inclusion, education, health, and investments,” the World Bank said. “A reduction of remittance costs means more money is kept in the hands of migrants and their families.” The World Bank has also said that remittances to the Caribbean and other developing countries are expected to remain robust this year, despite increased deportations of migrant workers. The bank said migrants from developing countries, including the Caribbean, are expected to send US $436 billion in remittances to their home countries this year.

Caribbean countries yet to ratify convention allowing children to complain directly to UN about human rights abuses

NITED NATIONS – No Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country has yet ratiﬁed an agreement that went into effect Monday, allowing children the right to complain directly to the United Nations about alleged violations of their rights. UN child rights experts Monday hailed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a Communications Procedure that came into force three months after Costa Rica became the 10th country to deposit its instrument of ratiﬁcation. The other countries to ratify the accord are Albania, Bolivia, Gabon, Germany, Montenegro, Portugal, Spain, Thailand and Slovakia. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely and rap-

idly ratiﬁed human rights treaty in history with only the United States and Somalia yet to ratify the agreement. “Today marks the beginning of a new era for children’s rights,” said Kirsten Sandberg, Chairperson of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, Marta Santos Pais, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Violence against Children; Leila Zerrougui, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conﬂict; and Najat Maalla M’jid, UN Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. “Children are now further empowered as this Optional Protocol recognises their capacity to exercise and

claim their own rights,” they said in a joint statement. The UN said the Optional Protocol will enable children and their representatives to submit complaints to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child about specific violations of their rights under the Convention, as well as under its other two Optional Protocols (on the involvement of children in armed conflict and on the sale of children, child pornography and child prostitution). But children can only complain if their government has ratified the new Optional Protocol, and if they have exhausted all legal avenues in their own country. “We hope that this new treaty will give voice to children’s testimonies and help them to obtain the neces-

sary remedy and reparation. We applaud those States which, by ratifying this Protocol, have conﬁrmed their determination to improve children’s access to justice,” said the experts. The experts hoped the new Optional Protocol will soon reach universal ratiﬁcation, saying this will signify that States take their obligations seriously and are ready for any scrutiny concerning individual allegations of child rights violations. “In order to reach out to the most vulnerable and marginalised children, the Optional Protocol should be widely publicised and countries should inform the public and raise awareness amongst children of their right to complain and seek redress,” they added.

Political parties accused of playing economic “blame game” C

ASTRIES, St.Lucia — As the Government prepares for the presentation of April 29th budget the minority opposition St. Lucian People’s Movement (LPM) has denounced the “blame game” approach of both ruling St.Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the main Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) to the country’s pressing economic woes. In a statement, LPM leader, Therold Prudent, said St Lucians remain resilient as they endure the economic storm of high unemployment and rising prices. He noted t hat the UWP and the current SLP government continue to use “childish political tactics” in their attempt to shift blame for which party has actually placed the country in enormous debt.

Prudent, has denounced what he calls the futile dispute over St Lucia’s actual debt-to-GDP ratio and questioned whether “this unproductive defensive behaviour” may indicate that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may soon intervene in St Lucia’s “disturbing ﬁscal situation”. “I have always questioned the inconsistent methodology that governments use to measure true GDP value (current value of GDP) and, in our 2011 LPM manifesto, we made critical recommendations on how Government should proceed consistently in this respect,” he said. In its manifesto, the LPM recommended that the budget process be boosted by holding an annual public debate on the “Estimates of Government Revenue and Expenditure,” prior to the annual

budget presentation, to give greater accountability and increase awareness regarding the tracking of previous financial allocations and new intentions to spend taxpayers’ money. “An approach of that magnitude,” added Prudent, “is consistent with the democratic way of doing business and will serve as an official endorsement of public acceptance and resilience during these difficult times.” Prudent further stated, “The bottom line is that our people need to know the truth, and when political leaders cannot get the facts straight on whether the debt-to-GDP ratio is 9%, 14% or 17%, all thoughts turn to the misappropriation of government funds, bad accounting practices and the loss of public confidence in the national agenda.”

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

Homicide rates double in Haiti over a five year period, according to UN study A

United Nations survey has found that Haiti, grappling with weak rul e of law and impunity, has more than doubled its homicide rates during a five year period. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reporting on its 2013 Global Study on Homicide, noted that post-conflict societies awash in arms and grappling with weak rule of law and impunity are conducive to organized crime and interpersonal violence. It noted that Haiti for example, homicide rates doubled between 2007 (5.1 per 100,000) to 2012 (10.2 per 100,000). UNODC said that almost half a million people across the world lost their lives in 2012 as a result of intentional homicide, with the highest murder rates logged in the Americas and Africa, and the lowest in Europe, Asia and Oceania. “Too many lives are being tragically cut short, too many families and communities left shattered. There is an urgent need to understand how violent crime is plaguing countries around the world,

particularly affecting young men but also taking a heavy toll on women,” said Jean-Luc Lemahieu, UNODC’s Director for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs. The survey found that while almost 15 per cent of all homicides stem from domestic violence (63,600), more than two thirds of domestic violence fatalities were women (43,600, almost 70 per cent). “Home can be the most dangerous place for a woman,” said Lemahieu, adding that “it is particularly heart-breaking when those who should be protecting their loved ones are the very people responsible for their murder.” Over half of all homicide victims are under 30 years of age, with children under the age of 15 accounting for just over 8 per cent of all homicides (36,000), the study highlights. UNODC also spotlights that almost 750 million people live in countries with the highest homicide rates – mostly in the Americas and Africa – meaning that almost half of all murders occurs in countries that are home to just 11 per cent of the earth’s population.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, three billion people – mainly in Europe, Asia and Oceania – live in countries where homicide rates are relatively low. The study found that while men are mostly killed by someone they may not know, almost half of all female victims are killed by those closest to them such as their intimate partners/family members, in domestic violence situations. The study also spotlights that the consumption of alcohol and/or illicit drugs increases the risk of perpetrating homicide, revealing that, in some countries, over half of homicide offenders acted under the inﬂuence of alcohol. Although the effects of illicit drugs are less well documented, cocaine and amphetamine-type stimulants have also been associated with violent behaviour and homicide. Firearms are the most widely used murder weapons, causing 4 in 10 homicides globally, whereas about a quarter of victims are killed with blades and sharp objects and just over a third die through other means such as strangulation, poisoning etc.

The Bahamas to conduct needs assessment H

ONG KONG – The Bahamas says it will conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to analyse the resources needed to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and develop a plan that outlines how the country could utilise the United Nations to achieve the MDGs by 2015. Bahamas Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell, addressing the Annual High-Level Conference for SouthSouth Cooperation and Sustainable Development Hong Kong, said given the most recent report on climate change, his country’s needs assessment will also include the monies that will be needed to ameliorate the expected effects of higher tides, rougher seas, more intense rains and more severe storms and droughts. “The building of sea defences and the like are a major priority in a country where 80 per cent of the land is said to be one metre or below,” he added. Mitchell told the two-day conference, which is ending later on Monday, that it was critical as it reviews the most recent report on climate change and its effects that the conference pushes the agenda of closer cooperation.

“It is becoming ever more urgent for the very survival of small island developing states. The ﬁnancial costs are ever increasing. Yet the demands of our people are greater than ever for education, and for equity,” he said. Mitchell noted that the last year, the High Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda released “A New Global Partnership: Eradicate Poverty and Transform Economies through Sustainable Development”, which sets out a universal agenda to eradicate extreme poverty from the face of the earth by 2030, and deliver on the promise of sustainable development. He said the report calls upon the world to rally around a new global partnership that offers hope and a role to every person in the world as well as calling for a new post-2015 goals to drive ﬁve big transformative shifts including putting sustainable development at the core of socio-economic development. “There was also a call for a data revolution for sustainable development, with a new international initiative to improve the quality of statistics and information available to citizens. We embrace and adopt all of these goals in the report on the Global Partnership. There is no turning

back,” Mitchell said, adding “our region is dedicated to the goals”. He said the Bahamas was therefore proposing several initiatives including actively participating in the elaboration of the post-2015 development framework. “The Bahamas is considering contributing to the UNDP and its associated funds and programmes, in order to demonstrate the Country’s commitment to the UN development agenda and its operational activities. The Bahamas stands to benefit from more direct participation with these funds and programmes in the way of technical assistance and information sharing in the post-2015 context.” Mitchell said that South-South Cooperation could complement these efforts, adding such cooperation “is a useful addition to the traditional modes of cooperation; they should be seen as complementary to them”. He said the Bahamas would also seek to increase the benefits of its UN membership, particularly in the areas of: aid; resources; technical assistance and UN staffing posts, especially at the higher echelons of international Secretariats. Mitchell said that financing for development continues to be a vex-

ing problem “especially since our countries in the region are plagued by the insistence on GDP (gross domestic product) per capita as the measure for the availability of that assistance. “We again urge less use of this as a policy instrument. In the meantime, we are looking toward private public partnerships in order to move the country forward toward development,” Mitchell said, adding that his country would also be looking to develop its information, communication and technology (ICT) sector. “ ICT is key to the development of a modern and progressive state. It is good for development and good for governance. The main telecommunications player was privatized in our country but the results have been uneven and universally disappointing in terms of the quality of service and the delivery of the product. “We believe that this will be modiﬁed now that competition is available, the pernicious monopoly has ended and there is an open market for other telecommunications companies to enter our markets. We are dedicated to improving access to telecommunications and to the internet,” he told the conference.

Grenada wants IMF agreement by May S

T. GEORGE’S, Grenada, Apr 15 – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell says the international Monetary Fund (IMF) is likely to meet and approve the island’s “Home Grown Structural Adjustment Programme” next month. Mitchell, who has returned here from Washington, where he attended the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank, told reporters the international lending financial institution had signaled its desire to meet and approve the package early next month. He said a senior IMF official, who is likely to chair the meeting, had met with Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of finance, Timothy Antoine, on the matter. “He did ask Timothy to work with his team to look for a date, early, most likely in May. We were hearing, before that, they were talking about the end of May. But we were a bit nervous about that because we wanted to see the resources start flowing before the end of May,” Prime Minister Mitchell said.

“From all indications now it looks like we will be up and running sometime early in May which is an excellent thing for the country as a whole because given the fact that we know people are hurting in every respect we want to start delivering on some of the programmes as early as possible,” he added. Last month, the IMF said it had reached agreement in principle with the Grenada government for a three-year US$21.9-million Extended Credit Facility to support an “ambitious programme” to correct the island’s ﬁscal imbalances and lift sustainable growth. “The agreement reached with the authorities is subject to approval of the IMF’s Executive Board and is contingent upon the timely completion of prior actions to be taken by the Grenadian authorities and obtaining the necessary ﬁnancing assurances,” said Aliona Cebotari, IMF mission chief to Grenada. As a result of the IMF agreement, the government has said it would also be able to secure

US$100 million in soft loans and grant funding from regional and international lending agencies. Mitchell described his meetings in Washington as a success and that the IMF had welcomedGrenada’s structural adjustment programme. “I consider the meeting highly successful because basically we were trying to ﬁnalize the date of start for the implementation of the programme as far as their side is concerned and the need for the board to meet to conclude on the homegrown programme as far as their support. “I am more than pleased with the results in the sense that the directors of the IMF that we met, all expressed tremendous support for Grenada’s Homegrown Programme and the fact that we have started implementing some of it and they indicated that they felt we were courageous in what we were doing and because of this they were behind us 100 per cent,” he added.

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NOTICE

THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION

The Companies (Amendment) Ordinance 2012 which came into operation on 1st April 2013 states in Section 5 (3), that;“The Registrar shall strike from the Register any registered not IRU SUR¿W DVVRFLDWLRQ WKDW IDLOV WR PDNH DQ HOHFWLRQ XQGHU VXEVHFWLRQ & DQG WR FRPSO\ ZLWK WKH RWKHU UHTXLUHPHQWV RI WKDW VXEVHFWLRQ ZLWKLQ RQH \HDU DIWHU WKH GD\ RI FRPLQJ LQWR RSHUDWLRQ RI WKLV 2UGLQDQFH.” REG. NO.

NAME OF COMPANY

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ABUNDANT LIFE MINISTRIES INT'L., INC. ALL SAINT EVANGELICAL ASSEMBLY ALL SAINTS BAPTIST CHURCH APOSTOLIC & PROPHETIC RESTORATION STAGE ASSOCIATION OF LICENSED TRUSTEES B.R. COX FOUNDATION BETHANY’S EDUCATUIONAL & SOCIAL TRAINING INSTITUTE BLUE HILLS CONCH FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION BLUE WATER SQUASH CLUB CHALK SOUND COMMUNITY ACTION GROUP CHESHIRE HALL NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH ASSOCIATION CHRIST IS THE ANSWER MINISTRY CHURCH OF GOD ABUNDANT LIFE MINISTRIES CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS MINISTRY CHURCH OF HARVEST (INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES)

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O.12246

CHURCH OF HARVEST (INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES)

O.12896

PROVIDENCIALES BEACH VENDORS ASSOCIATION PROVIDENCIALES BURIAL & SAVINGS ASSOCIATION PROVIDENCIALES CRICKET ASSOCIATION PROVO BUS ASSOCIATION PROVO TAXI ASSOCIATION REDISCOVER PURPOSE MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL GRACEWAY OWNERS ASSOCIATION LTD ROTARY CLUB OF GRAND TURK ROTARY CLUB OF PROVIDENCIALES SAMANA BAY MISSION SHEKINAH GLORY GLOBAL MINISTRIES SHILOH HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION SOUTH CAICOS CONCERN CITIZENS ASSOCIATION SOUTH CAICOS REGATTA COMMITTEE SPECIAL NEEDS ASSOCIATION OF PROVIDENCIALES (“SNAP”) TCI CHILD ABUSE PROTECTION AND AWARENESS ASSOCIATION

O.9319 O.13257 O.10939 O.11137 O.10286 O.7673 O.9429

CONFERENCE OF THE LIGHTHOUSE CHURCHES IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS CONSUMERS PROTECTION AND HUMAN RIGHTS BUREAU CORNER STONE HEALING CENTER CRIME STOPPERS TURKS & CAICOS DAUGHTERS OF ZION GLOBAL NETWORK TCI LINK DISADVANTAGED YOUNSTERS LIFE INSPIRATION TRAINING & ENTERPRISE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FOUNDATION END TIME DELIVERANCE MINISTRIES INT’L (HAITIAN BRANCH) END TIME DELIVERANCE MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL EXAMPLE OF CHRIST CHURCH FAITH TABERNACLE CHURCH OF GOD FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION FREEDOM INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES, PROVIDENCIALES, T.C.I.

O.13109

FRIENDS OF WHOLE GOSPEL FOUNDATION

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O.10940

GOD’S INSTRUMENT MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL

O.11942

O.10629 O.10901 O.10559 O.13280 O.11626

GOSPEL VISION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH GRAND TURK GAME FISHING COMMITTEE GRAND TURK SENIOR CITZENS FOUNDATION GRAND TURK TAXI ASSOCIATION HAITIAN HERTITAGE & CULTURAL FOUNDATION

O.13866 O.10751 O.12621 O.10431 O.9019

O.12987

HILLTOP MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL

O.13227

O.13768 O.13078 O.8904

HOLY GHOST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE HOUSE OF MIRACLES APOSTOLIC CHURCH INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PRAYER MINISTRIES

O.6820 O.9888 O.8471

O.8007

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE TRAINING CENTER

O.9004

O.11665

JUBA SOUND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

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O.10766 O.6932 O.9975 O.12947 O.13337

LEEWARD PALMS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LIGHTHOUSE AND BOTANICAL GARDEN SOCIETY LIL G YOUTH MINISTRIES LIVING FAITH CHURCH OF HARVEST INT. LIVING WORD CENTRE MINISTRIES CHURCH

O.8350 O.12870 O.12969 O.8534 O.5722

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LONG BAY COMMUNITY CENTRE

O.12891

O.10938 O.8475 O.11264 O.13482 O.8369

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NATIVES UNITED FOR BETTER BUSINESS

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NEW BIRTH AGAPE CENTER FELLOWSHIP

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NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST NONE PROFITABLE ORGANIZATION O.11911

TURKS AND CAICOS LAW INSTITUTE

O.13513 O.10509

NEW HOPE WESLEYAN CHURCH P.M. MINISTRY NEW HOPE WESLEYAN CREOLE CHURCH

TURKS AND CAICOS MARITIME HERITAGE FEDERATION TURKS AND CAICOS SPORTS FOUNDATION (T&CISF)

O.13230

NEW LIFE GLOBAL HARVEST APOSTILIC OUTREACH MINISTRIES INC. O.12795

TURKS AND CAICOS STAR FOUNDATION

O.13017

ONE PEOPLE ONE WORSHIP ONE GOD MINISTRY PENTECOSTAL (INDEPENDENT) CHURCH OF GOD INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT PENTECOSTAL TABERNACLE (TURKS & CAICOS) PHILADELPHY BAPTIST CHURCH OF SAINTS PLANTATION HILLS HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION PROVIDENCIALES (PROVO) CHURCH OF CHRIST

O.10942

UNITED BAPTIST CHURCH

O.9128

UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH TURKS & CAICOS

O.12751 O.10958 O.11997

UNIVERSAL CHURCH OF GOD ARCH OF THE COVENANT WHOLE GOSPEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY WOMEN IN ACTION (PROVIDENCIALES CHAPTER).

O.8378 O.7502 O.13098 O.11906 O.12358 O.12231

O.9276 O.10353 O.11307 O.5008 O.13400

O.11996

TCI FOUNDATION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

O.13478 O.13126 O.11627 O.13020

TCI GOSPEL BEST TCI SPORTING ASSOCIATION TCI TEAM SPORTS ASSOCIATION TCIPS FOUNDATION

O.12818

TEMPEST BRASS BAND

O.12764 O.7388 O.12894 O.13084 O.12927 O.13186 O.11871

THE ARBO DE VIVO FOUNDATION THE BIGHT COMMUNITY AWARENESS ASSOCIATION THE CARACOL ORPHANGE THE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY INC. THE GS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION THE JAMAICAN (TCI) DIASPORA FOUNDATION THE LE REVE CHARITABLE BALL THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH OF GOD PENTECOSTAL MOVEMENT INT’L THE NATIONAL DRUG COUNCIL OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS THE NUTRITION IN DEMAND FOUNDATION THE PEOPLE DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT THE PRUDENCE FOUNDATION THE SOLID ROCK APOSTOLIC MINISTRIES INT'L THE TCI NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS FITNESS AND BODY BUILDING FEDERATION THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION THE TURKS & CAICOS NATIONAL BALL HOCKEY ASSOCIATION THE TURKS & CAICOS NATIONAL SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION THE TURKS AND CAICOS ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE MANAGERS THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION THE WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT CHARITY TIARA COMMUNICATIONS TURKS & CAICOS ASSOCIATE TAXI ASSOCIATION TURKS & CAICOS FRIENDS OF THE ARTS FOUNDATION TURKS & CAICOS ISLAND CHARITABLE FOUNDATION TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS MISSION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS TURKS & CAICOS NATIONAL MUSEUM FOUNDATION TURKS & CAICOS REAL ESTATES ASSOCIATION TURKS AND CAICOS HOUSING FOUNDATION TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS CRICKET ASSOCIATION TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS DIABETIC ASSOCIATION TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS EDUCATION, TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIP FOUNDATION AND ITS AFFILIATED INSTITUTES TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS SAILING ASSOCIATION

O.9793 O.12049

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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News W

RLD

Viceprincipal of South Korea school in ferry disaster commits suicide

he vice-principal of a South Korean high school who accompanied hundreds of pupils on what turned out to be a disastrous ferry trip has committed suicide, police said on Friday, as hopes faded of finding any of the 268 missing passengers alive. Kang Min-gyu, 52, had been missing since Thursday. He appeared to have hanged himself with his belt from a tree outside a gym in the port city of Jindo where relatives of the people missing on the ship, mostly children from the school, were gathered. Police said Kang did not leave a suicide note and that they started looking for him after he was reported missing by a fellow teacher. He was rescued from the ferry after it capsized on Wednesday. Of the 475 passengers and crew on the ferry, 28 people had been officially been declared dead before Kang’s suicide and 179 were rescued. The overwhelming majority of the missing are students from the Danwon High School on the outskirts of Seoul, who were on a holiday trip. Divers are fighting strong tides and murky waters to get to the sunken ship but the likelihood of finding any of the missing alive is slim. At the high school in Ansan, an industrial town near Seoul, many friends and family of the missing gathered in somber silence, with occasional sounds of sobbing breaking the quiet. “When I first received the call telling me the news, at that time I still had hope,” said Cho Kyungmi, who was waiting for news of her missing 16 yearold nephew at the school. “And now it’s all gone.” In the classrooms of the missing, fellow students have left messages on desks, blackboards and windows, asking for the safe return of their missing friends. “If I see you again, I’ll tell you I love you, because I haven’t said it to you enough,” reads one message. Investigations into the sinking, South Korea’s worst maritime accident in 21 years based on pos-

on the ship who was off duty and resting at the time. “He calmly asked by how much the ship was tilted, and tried to re-balance the ship,” said Oh who was speaking from a hospital bed in the city of Mokpo on Friday, where the injured have been taken.

NORMAL PRACTICE

The massive search operations for hundreds of passengers missing after their ferry sank yesterday off South Korea’s southern coast continue. sible casualties, have centered on possible crew negligence, problems with cargo stowage and structural defects of the vessel, although the ship appears to have passed all of its safety and insurance checks. The 69-year-old ship captain has also come under scrutiny after witnesses said he was among the first to escape the sinking vessel that was on a 400km (300-mile) voyage from the port city of Incheon to the Korean holiday island of Jeju. According to investigators, Captain Lee Joonseok was not on the bridge at the time the Sewol ferry started to list sharply, with a junior officer at the wheel. Prosecutors on Friday issued arrest warrants for Lee, the officer at the wheel and one other crew member for failing in their duty to aid passengers. “I’m not sure where the captain was before the accident. However right after the accident, I saw him rushing back into the steering house ahead of me,” said Oh Young-seok, one of the helmsmen

Handing over the helm is normal practice on the voyage from Incheon to Jeju that usually takes 13.5 hours, according to local shipping crew. Divers gained access to the cargo deck of the ferry on Friday, although that was not close to the passenger quarters, according to a coastguard official. Other coastguard officials said that divers made several attempts to reach the passenger areas but failed. “We cannot even see the ship’s white color. Our people are just touching the hull with their hands,” Kim Chun-il, a diver from Undine Marine Industries, told relatives of the missing. The ferry went down in calm conditions and was following a frequently travelled route in familiar waters. Although relatively close to shore, the area was free of rocks and reefs. Lee has not commented on when he left the ship, although he has apologized for the loss of life. He was described as an industry veteran by the officials from Chonghaejin Marine Co Ltd, the ship owner, and others who had met him described him as an “expert”. “I don’t know why he abandoned the ship like that,” said Ju Hi-chun, a maritime author who interviewed the captain in 2006 as one of the experts on the route to Jeju island. But he added: “Koreans don’t have the view that they have to stay with their ship until the end. It is a different culture from the West.” Some media reports have said the vessel turned sharply, causing cargo to shift and the ship to list before capsizing.

Obama urges Congress to pass immigration reforms W

ASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has urged the Republican leadership of the Congress to pass the comprehensive immigration reform, which he said would improve the national economy and strengthen the security as well. “It (immigration reform) would strengthen our economy, it would help with our security, and it would provide relief to families who have lived here for years their children and other members who are US citizens,” Obama told reporters at a White House press conference yesterday. Asserting that the Congress should act, Obama alleged that the House Republican leadership for holding back on immigration reform. The “House Republican leadership is not willing to go ahead and let the process move forward,” he said. During the news conference, he disputed the Republican version of the telephonic call he had with the House majority leader, Eric Cantor. “You are always kind of surprised by the mismatch between press re-

President Barack Obama leases and the conversation. I wished him happy Passover. What I said to him privately is something that I would have said publicly, which there is bipartisan support for comprehensive immigration reform,” he said.

“It was a pretty friendly conversation. I think in his press release, I gather he was referring to the observation that we made a day earlier that it had now been a year since the Senate had passed a strong bipartisan bill, and that although we had heard

a lot of talk about the House Republicans being interested in doing something, nothing had happened yet, and suggesting that we need some urgency here. I still feel the same way,” Obama said. Obama said that many Republicans in the House and Senate are supportive of the immigration reform. “I know it is hard politics for Republicans because there are some in their base that are very opposed to this. But what I also know is that there are families all across the country who are experiencing great hardship and pain because this is not getting resolved,” he said. “I also know that there are businesses around the country that could be growing even faster, that our deﬁcits could be coming down faster, that we would have more customers in our shops, if we get this thing resolved. We know what the right thing to do is”, Obama said. It is a matter of political will. It is not any longer a matter of policy. And I am going to continue to encourage them to get this done,” Obama added.

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WORLD NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Bill and Hillary Clinton, announces she is pregnant W

ASHINGTON: Chelsea Clinton and her husband, Marc Mezvinsky, are expecting their first child later this year. The 34-year-old daughter of former US President Bill Clinton and ex-secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton made the announcement on Thursday at the end of a Clinton Foundation event in New York on empowering girls. Joined on stage by her mother, Chelsea Clinton said she feels “all the better whether it’s a girl or a boy that she or he will grow up in a world with so many strong female leaders.’’ “I just hope I will be as good a mom to my child and hopefully children as my mom was to me,’’ the former first daughter said. The former first lady, secretary of state and New York senator, who is considering another presidential campaign in 2016, said she was “really excited’’ about becoming a grandmother. “It makes this work even more important because we’ve made a lot of progress,’’ Clinton said. “I want to see us keep moving and certainly for

Chelsea Clinton and her husband Marc Mezvinsky future generations as well so that maybe our grandchild will not have to be worried about some of the things that young women and young men are worried about today,’’ Hillary Clinton said.

Chelsea Clinton said in an interview with Glamour magazine last year that she and her husband were hoping to start a family soon, calling 2014 “the year of the baby.’’ The younger Clinton is vice-chairman of the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation, which was previously known as the William J Clinton Foundation. Chelsea Clinton has taken a leading role in the organization, helping direct its humanitarian and philanthropic efforts around the globe. She has avoided commenting on her mother’s potential presidential campaign except to say that she’ll support her in whatever she does. But she would be a strong voice for her mother among young voters if the former secretary of state decides to seek the presidency. After the announcement, Bill Clinton weighed in on Twitter: “Excited to add a new line to my Twitter bio...grandfather-to-be! (at) HillaryClinton and I are so happy for Chelsea and Marc!’’

Oscar Pistorius trial: Prosecutor Gerrie Nel queries tears T he prosecutor at the Oscar Pistorius murder trial has suggested the South African athlete is using his emotions “as an escape”. He broke down in tears four times on Monday and has also vomited in court. “Now you trying to be emotional and it’s not working,” said prosecutor Gerrie Nel. Mr Pistorius admits killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in February last year, but says he ﬁred his gun after mistaking her for an intruder. Mr Nel said the Olympic sprinter, 27, had deliberately shot Ms Steenkamp, a model, after the couple had had an argument. As the prosecutor resumed his cross-examination on Monday, he accused Mr Pistorius of “tailoring his evidence” as he went along to suit the defence case, which had been “concocted”. “Your version of events is untrue,” Mr Nel said. Shortly before the case adjourned for the day, Mr Nel said: “You’re getting emotional now because you’re getting frustrated because your version [of events] is improbable. The prosecutor, known as “bull terrier” for his ﬁerce style of questioning, then asked: “You’re not using your emotional state as an es-

cape are you?” The BBC’s Pumza Fihlani in the South Africa capital Pretoria says Mr Nel spent much of the day trying to highlight apparent inconsistencies between Mr Pistorius’ bail application and his evidence in court. On one occasion, when Mr Pistorius corrected Mr Nel, the prosecutor said this showed Mr Pistorius was a “stickler for detail” and yet on many aspects of the case, the athlete was being vague.

‘CHANGED AIM’ Earlier, Mr Nel again pressed Mr Pistorius on the moment he shot Ms Steenkamp. The athlete, a double amputee, said he had not intended to kill anyone. “I fired out of fear,” he said. This prompted Mr Nel to say Mr Pistorius was changing his story from self-defence to saying he shot by accident. The prosecutor said this was because the truth was: “You fired at Reeva.” “It’s not true,” Mr Pistorius replied, breaking into tears and prompting the court to briefly adjourn. After the break, Mr Nel said that, as Mr Pistorius was trained to use fire-

Oscar Pistorius had been going out with Reeva Steenkamp for three months arms, the court could not accept he had fired by “mistake”. He also said that the athlete had changed his aim to hit Ms Steenkamp after she had fallen down when she was hit by the first bullet. This was denied by Mr Pistorius. The prosecutor said the fact that a pair of Ms Steenkamp’s jeans was lying on the floor showed that she was in the middle of getting dressed in order to leave Mr Pistorius’ house when she was shot after the couple had argued in the early hours of Valentine’s Day 2013. This, too, was denied. The sprinter also started sobbing as he recalled shouting at the burglars he thought were in his house. When asked why he broke down, Mr Pistorius said: “I am traumatised” by the events of that night. The pros-

EDWARD SNOWDEN DEFENDS PARTICIPATION IN VLADIMIR PUTIN PHONE-IN

ondon: Fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden on Friday defended his decision to question President Vladimir Putin in a televised phone-in over the extent of Russia’s surveillance activities. Snowden, writing in Britain’s Guardian newspaper, said he was taken aback at criticism of his decision to take part in the show during which Putin greeted him, to laughs from the audience, as a fellow “former agent”. Snowden asked Putin: “I’d like to ask you: does Russia intercept, store or analyse in any way the communications of millions of individuals?” Putin replied: “We have strict legal regulation of the use of special surveillance by special services, including tapping phone conversations, surveillance on the Internet and so on,” Putin said. “This is not done on a mass scale and indiscriminately in Russia,” he added. Snowden, who appeared via video-link, said in the article that Putin “denied the ﬁrst part of the question and dodged on the latter”.

The man behind the US National Security Agency leaks said he was surprised “that people who witnessed me risk my life to expose the surveillance practices of my own country could not believe that I might also criticise the surveillance policies of Russia, a country to which I have sworn no allegiance, without ulterior motive”. Even some of Snowden’s supporters have criticised his involvement in the Putin phone-in. Snowden was granted asylum by Russia last August after rocking the US intelligence establishment with his leaks. Snowden said he had anticipated some ﬂak for appearing in the annual phone-in which he said was renowned for “softball” questions. “But to me, the rare opportunity to lift a taboo on discussion of state surveillance before an audience that primarily views state media outweighed that risk,” he wrote. “Moreover, I hoped that Putin’s answer -whatever it was -- would provide opportunities for serious journalists and civil society to push the discussion further.”

ecutor also pointed to forensic evidence that showed Ms Steenkamp had eaten within a couple of hours of her death. The athlete says the couple had last eaten together about 19:00, some eight hours before she was shot. Mr Pistorius says there was no row and they had a quiet evening together, before he woke up on hearing a noise in the bathroom. Mr Nel said he would resume on Tuesday with a series of questions about the toilet. Prosecution witnesses have testiﬁed to hearing a woman scream, but the defence disputes their testimony. The Olympic sprinter faces life imprisonment if convicted of murdering the 29-year-old model and law graduate. If he is acquitted of murder, the court must consider an alternative charge of culpable homicide, for which he could receive about 15 years in prison. Mr Pistorius also faces charges of illegally ﬁring a gun in public and of illegally possessing ammunition, both of which he denies. There are no juries at trials in South Africa, and his fate will ultimately be decided by the judge, assisted by two assessors.

MOUNT EVEREST AVALANCHE KILLS 12 GUIDES

ATMANDU, Nepal — An avalanche swept down a climbing route on Mount Everest early Friday, killing at least 12 Nepalese guides and leaving three missing in the deadliest disaster on the world’s highest peak. The Sherpa guides had gone early in the morning to fix ropes for other climbers when the avalanche hit just them below Camp 2 at about 6:30 a.m., Nepal Tourism Ministry official Krishna Lamsal said from the base camp where he is monitoring rescue efforts. Rescue workers pulled out 12 bodies from under mounds of snow and ice and were searching for the three missing guides, Lamsal said. Two Sherpas who were injured were taken by helicopter to hospitals in Nepal’s capital, Katmandu. Hundreds of climbers, their guides and support crews have gathered at the base camp to prepare for attempts to scale the 8,850-meter (29,035-foot) mountain early next month when weather conditions become favorable. They have been setting up camps at higher altitudes and guides have been fixing routes and ropes on the slopes above. As soon as the avalanche hit, rescuers and fellow climbers rushed to help. Ang Tshering of the Nepal Mountaineering Association said the area where the avalanche hit is nicknamed the “popcorn field” and is just below Camp 2 at 6,400 meters (21,000 feet).

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WORLD NEWS

UK opposition Labour party hires Obama’s poll guru L

ONDON: British opposition leader Ed Miliband has roped in US poll guru David Axelrod as his strategic adviser to fight a “tight” election next year. Axelrod, a key architect behind US President Barack Obama’s two presidential triumphs, will work alongside shadow foreign secretary, Douglas Alexander, who is to run Labour’s general election strategy. The party will pay Axelrod a six-figure sum and use his consulting firm AKVD in its bid to win power in the May 7, 2015 election, the BBC reported. Axelrod, 59, was a key architect of US President Obama’s back-to-back presidential victories in 2008 and 2012. Alexander said Axelrod had three great strengths: he had shown an ability to win the middle class over to a progressive cause; he knew how to build large majorities; and he was an expert in handling negative campaigning. “We anticipate this is going to be a tight election and a tough campaign

and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have alongside me in the trench than one David Axelrod,” he added. After masterminding Obama’s election to the White House, Axelrod went on to become a senior adviser to the president. He quit the post in 2011 in order to work on the successful 2012 campaign to re-elect Obama. He has since acted as a media commentator and as a director of the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago. Axelrod told the Guardian that he had signed up “because I have had some long conversations with Ed Miliband over the course of the past year and it was less about politics, and more about this issue of how in the 21st century you create healthy economies in which opportunity is broadly available, and people can stay ahead of the cost of living”. Miliband hailed Axelrod’s appointment as “excellent news” and predicted the strategist would be a “huge as-

David Axelrod set to our campaign as we work to show the British people how we can change our country for the better”. Axelrod said he had been struck by the power of the Labour leader’s ideas and the “strength of his vision”. He drew a comparison between Miliband’s economic policies and

the arguments articulated by Obama in 2008, saying both have at their core “the experience of everyday people”. He said: “I think candidates who can win are candidates who articulate a vision that speaks to the lives and concerns of the people they are running to represent. “Ed Miliband understands the struggle that people are going through in Britain to make a living wage, to support their families, to retire with some dignity. “He understands that a growing economy demands that you have broad prosperity and not just prosperity that’s hoarded by a few. And so I think you can build a movement.” Axelrod is expected to travel to London for two days of strategy meetings in mid-May led by Miliband and deputy leader Harriet Harman. After that he will participate in “regular” discussions with the team, the Labour Party says.

Russia and Ukraine Agree on Steps to End Crisis D

ONETSK, Ukraine – Diplomats agreed on Thursday that all sides in Ukraine must end violence though the groups that have been provoking conflict in several cities - pro-Russian Ukrainian militants - were not party to the agreement. The agreement in Geneva came a day after a clash outside a Ukraine military base ended with the first deaths in an anti-militant operation. And it came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had the authority to invade East Ukraine as he admitted he did in the Ukraine province of Crimea. In Geneva, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the words agreed to on paper must be followed by actions. Andrii Deshchytsia, Ukraine’s foreign minister, said the “joint efforts to launch the de-escalation … will be a test for Russia to show that it is really willing to have stability in this region.” Kerry said that if Moscow does not abide by the agreement, “we will have no choice but to impose further costs on Russia.” But Russia denies it is doing anything in East Ukraine, where pro-Russian militants have taken over offices and government buildings in at least 8 cities. So it was unclear what Russia would have to do under the agreement. Also, Europe has been able to agree on whether to impose sanctions on Russian experts, which would hurt its economy as well as Russia’s.

Experts noted that Kerry and other Western diplomats agreed to hold off on imposing more sanctions against Russia if it went along with the agreement. Steven Pifer, who served as ambassador to Ukraine under President Bill Clinton, said the big question now is whether the statement will be implemented. If the militants do not end their occupations, the West “should take it as evidence the Russians did not do their part” to uphold the agreement, Pifer said. “If the Russian government came out and told people to knock it off, my guess is these things would stop or at least they would begin to decrease in number.” The participants agreed not to issue new sanctions on Russia, but that obligation should be abandoned if the groups do not disband, he said. “If there’s no move to disarm these groups or get them to evacuate buildings, that the West should consider harsher sanctions,” Pifer said. Meanwhile, Putin admitted for the ﬁrst time in a wide-ranging radio interview in Moscow that the troops in unmarked uniforms who captured Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula before its annexation last month by Moscow were indeed Russian soldiers. “They acted politely, but resolutely and professionally,” he said. “There was no other way to hold the referendum in an open, honest and honorable

way and allow the people to express their opinion.” Putin said Russia had to act to prevent what he said was NATO’s intention to make Ukraine a member and limit Russia’s presence in the Black Sea region. NATO, the European military alliance, had no plans to do so and Ukraine had not moved to revoke a lease it had with Russia for its base on its Black Sea port. Putin described as “nonsense” charges by Ukraine that Russian secret forces have also inﬁltrated East Ukraine and are assisting pro-Russian militants in their confrontation with the central government. But he maintained he had the authority to invade Ukraine, saying he hoped it would not be necessary. “I remind you that the Federation Council has given the president the right to use armed forces in Ukraine,” he said, referring to the upper house of parliament. “I really hope that I do not have to exercise this right and that by political and diplomatic means we will be able to solve all of the sharp problems.” The Geneva action may end for now Ukraine’s anti-militant offensive it had just begun this week to root out occupiers of government buildings. On Wednesday, three pro-Russian militants were killed in a skirmish outside a Ukrainian National Guard base in the Black Sea port of Mariupol in an attack Ukraine’s interior ministry called the bloodiest to date by militants.

DISAPPROVAL OF BRAZIL’S PRESIDENT GROWS AHEAD OF ELECTION

isapproval of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff is steadily mounting less than six months away from an election in which she is still favored to win a second term, according to a poll published Thursday. Rising inﬂation and a slow-moving economy have undermined her popularity to the point where more Brazilians now disapprove of the way she is governing their country than those that think she is doing a good job, the Ibope polling agency said. Rousseff’s personal approval rating dropped to 47 percent in April from 51 percent in March, while her disapproval rating has risen to 48 percent from 43 percent a month ago. The poll published on the G1 news website of TV Globo showed approval of her government slid 9 points in the four months since December to 34 percent in April.

Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseﬀ attends the inauguration ceremony for the South Pier of the Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport in Brasilia April 16, 2014. Rousseff’s popularity recovered last year from massive protests over the lack of adequate public services, a high cost of living and expensive stadiums built for the soccer World Cup Brazil will host in June, when more demonstrations are expected. Recent allegations of corruption

and mismanagement at state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA, or Petrobras, have damaged Rousseff’s image as a competent manager. The mushrooming scandal may lead to a congressional probe sought by her opponents and complicate her re-election bid. Yet Rousseff’s main rivals have not managed to capitalize on discontent with her government and the president has so far held on to a comfortable lead in polls of voter intentions ahead of the October 5 election. While the once-booming economy is entering its fourth year of slow growth, unemployment remains low and welfare programs expanded by Rousseff have maintained popular support for the ruling Workers’ Party after more than a decade in power. In line with other recent surveys, the new poll showed support

for Rousseff among voters slipped to 37 percent in April from 40 percent a month earlier, but backing for her main opponents remains stagnant. Aécio Neves, the pro-business leader of the main opposition party PSDB, has 14 percent of voter support, and Eduardo Campos, a former state governor, has 6 percent, the poll found. The survey was done before Campos announced on Monday that popular environmentalist Marina Silva would be his running mate. Brazilian ﬁnancial markets rallied late on Thursday ahead of the poll’s publication on hopes that Rousseff would lose support in the survey, increasing the chances of a more market-friendly government in 2015. The Ibope poll of 2,002 people was conducted from April 10 to 14 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Rooms Division Department Requires:

Supervisor 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

9 9 9 9 9

Concierge Agent Front Office Agent Departure Lounge Agent Receptionist Soon Come Back Agent Requirements include but are not limited to: o Certified Guest Service Professional o Experience in resolving guest concerns o Sales experience (Soon Come Back Agent) o Ability to go above and beyond for guest

9 9

Bellman Minibar Stocker/Attendant Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically Fit o Outgoing and friendly attitude

The rate for the positions listed above is $6.00 to $10.00 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

The rate for the position listed above is $5.00 to $5.75 an hour.

The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $6.75 an hour.

Department requires: 9 9 9 9

Security Department Requires:

Bartenders Bar Porters Cocktail Waitress/ Server Beach/Pool Server 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

9 9 9

The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $5.75 an hour. 9

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 o Physically fit

The rate for the positions listed above is $6.00 to $10.00 an hour. Rooms Division Department Requires: 9

The rate for the position listed above is $6.00 to $9.00 an hour. Housekeeping Department requires: 9 9 9

Room Attendants Housemen Public Area Attendants/Cleaner Requirements include: o One year’s experience in a hotel environment an asset. o Physically fit

Linen Room Controller Requirements include: o Experience with inventory and maintaining par levels. o Physically fit

Kitchen Department requires: 9 9 9 9

Experience leading a team of cooks (supervisor) Must have worked in a Resort kitchen or medium to large sized restaurant Must have over three years’ experience Professional qualification an asset

The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $10.00 an hour.

Housekeeping Supervisor Requirements include: o Supervises and may participate in housekeeping services including cleaning, mopping, scrubbing, sanitizing the floors and other surfaces

Stewarding Department requires: 9 9

Entertainment Department requires:

Chef Cook (Grade 1,2 and 3) Supervisor Junior Chef Requirements include but are not limited to: o o o o

The rate for the position listed above is $6.00 to $8.00 an hour.

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

The rate for the position listed above is $6.00 to $6.50 an hour.

The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $6.50 an hour. 9

Security Supervisor Security Shift Leader Security Officer Requirements include but are not limited to: o Supervise a team of officers (Supervisor and Shift Leader) o Responds rapidly to all incidents. o Ability to write reports. o Identify and eliminate risk. o Ability to work in the sun o Medically and Physically fit o At least 2 years relevant experience

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

Steward Labour Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically Fit o Ability to work with chemical

The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to $5.75 an hour. 9

Fun pals/ Players/ Dancers/ Clowns Requirements include but are not limited to: o An outgoing personality required o Ability to sing and dance

Shift Leader Requirements include: o Leads a stewarding team o Experience with cleaning and chemical o Physically fit

The rate for the position listed above is $5.75 to $6.50 an hour.

The rate for the positions listed above is $5.15 to $6.00 an hour. .

and

The Labour Commissioner Labour Department Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

and should reach not later than April 26th 2014

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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APRIL 19TH - APRIL 26TH, 2014

usiness B AND

T O ECHN

LOGY

Facebook launches friend-tracking feature

our phone always knows where you are. And now, if you want, your Facebook friends will always know where you are, too. Facebook is introducing a mobile feature called Nearby Friends that taps into that steady stream of location information so friends can track each other in real time. The idea is to make it easy for people to meet up in real life, so they can have conversations in person instead of comment threads, temporarily replacing Likes and LOLs with eye contact and actual laughter. A live meet-up is also an excellent opportunity to grab a selﬁe with your pal and upload it to the Facebook owned Instagram. In a refreshing change, the new Nearby Friends feature is not turned on by default. Friends will not be able to see where you are unless you decide live-tracking is something you want in your life and visit Facebook’s settings to turn it on. Making a potentially invasive new feature opt-in suggests Facebook has perhaps learned from some of its past mistakes and privacy problems. You can choose to share your general location with all your Facebook friends, close friends or a

customized list of people you feel most comfortable with. Further minimizing the potential stalking factor, your location is only shared with other people who are also using the feature and who have chosen to share their location with you. When turned on, Nearby Friends shows a list of approved Facebook friends who also use the feature and shows their approximate location. A push notification can tell you how many of your friends are nearby. Open the app to see a list of pals, the neighborhood or city where they are, how many miles away that is from your current location, and a time stamp of when they where there. There is an option to share your exact location with specific friends, which can be handy for coordinating large groups at concerts or finding someone in a crowded area. Your friends will see a little image of your face on a map for a set period of time. Nearby Friends will be available on Facebook’s iOS and Android apps, but will only work for select locations at first. Facebook, Instagram and many other apps already include features that let people “check-in” to locations, but those location features are different

because you decide if and when to share each specific location. You might check into a Starbucks downtown, but never into your home or other spot you’d rather keep private. Nearby Friends is continuously gathering details about where you are in the background instead of waiting for a manual check-in. This is not the ﬁrst time an app has used location information to physically connect friends. Similar apps such as Highlight, which got a ﬂurry of attention in 2012, mapped out the locations of nearby strangers. Facebook also purchased a startup in 2012 called Glancee that also connected strangers. That technology evolved into this new, more private feature. If you turn on the Nearby Friends feature, Facebook starts collecting data on your exact location and keeps details on where you’ve been in the past, not just places where you’ve used its app to check in. It also collects location information even when the Facebook app is closed. But you can turn off this location history in the Facebook app’s settings. It’s possible to delete individual locations from a history, or clear the whole thing and start from scratch.

Samsung Galaxy S5 Fingerprint Scanner Hacked! S

amsung launched the Samsung Galaxy S5 with a fingerprint scanner that claimed to rival Apple’s scanner. Both the iPhone 5S and Samsung Galaxy S5 come with fingerprint scanners and both boast of the same glitch. The Samsung Galaxy S5 fingerprint scanner was put to test by researchers at Germany’s Security Research Labs. The researchers took a fake fingerprint or a spoof of the original print and were easily able to hack the scanner. The technique used was amazing-

ly simple. The spoof was made in the laboratory using just a part of the fingerprint. A mould of the fingerprint was created using the smudged print available off the phone. The fake print was then dabbed with wood glue to make it seem more authentic. The new fake fingerprint was then used and it worked like a charm! Smartphone makers have tied up with payment gateways and apps that let users pay or get through the security maze without passwords or usernames. All that is required is the fin-

gerprint. However, as the previous iPhone 5S and now Samsung Galaxy S5 have demonstrated, it might not really be better to secure your accounts with a scanner. Though we doubt the people going to lengths to lay their hands on your ﬁnger and the print are relatively lesser, the risks these scanners pose cannot be ignored. Also, in the case of Samsung Galaxy S5, there are no limited number or tries that one can have if the ﬁnger-print doesn’t work. This adds another question mark to

the entire question of security. Smartphone makers are experimenting with different techniques to unlock devices and secure sensitive content. While facial recognition and voice recognition techniques are still under the initial phase, ﬁngerprint scanner seemed to be the answer. But looking at the lapse in security and the ease with which the scanner can be fooled, we guess sticking to those cumbersome usernames and passwords sounds like a good idea. For now.

SINGAPORE NO HOME FOR LUXURY DEVELOPERS AS COOLING MEASURES BITE

uxury property developers in Singapore are facing their worst sales outlook in six years as a raft of government measures to cool one of the world’s most expensive real estate markets bite. Sales of private homes, which account for just under one-fifth of the total property market, fell to their lowest in more than four years in January to March, official data showed this week. If the decline continues at the same pace for the rest of this year, analysts expect sales to halve from the 15,000 units sold in 2013. Prices of private residential properties are also expected to fall this year and the next by between 10 and 20 percent, analysts say. The drop began at end of last year, due to the government measures, reducing prices that had increased by around two-thirds since end-2009. The weakness in the market is likely to weigh on the sales outlook of smaller listed developers of premium properties such as Wheelock Properties (Singapore) Ltd (WPSL.SI), Ho Bee Land Ltd (HBEE.SI) and Wing Tai Holdings Ltd (WTHS.SI). Larger developers are less affected due to their more diversified portfolios, but they are also cutting prices. CapitaLand Ltd (CATL.SI), Southeast Asia’s largest listed property developer, is selling units at its Sky Habitat condominium for S$1,370 ($1,100) per square foot compared to as high as S$1,900 when it was launched two years ago, agents say. “It feels like we’re back in 2008,” said Christine Li, head of research at real estate firm OrangeTee, referring to the property slump that affected Singapore during the global financial crisis. “There’s quite a difference between the number of

people who express interest in a development compared to those who are able to commit,” she added. FEW LOANS FOR HOMES Singapore is the world’s fourth most expensive market for luxury property according to Knight Frank, with prices propelled by a scarcity of land and its popularity as an investment destination for wealthy Asians. Most of the country’s 5.4 million people, however, live in cheaper, government-built apartments. Private houses and condominium apartments account for about 18 percent of the market, but the value of contracts awarded each year to build these properties usually outstrips that for public housing. Last year, contracts worth nearly S$10 billion were awarded for private residential construction, a ﬁgure the building regulator estimates will fall by as much as a third in 2014 as developers avoid new longer-term projects in an unfavorable environment. Wary of a property bubble, the government of this island-state has initiated seven rounds of cooling measures since 2009. These had failed to put a major brake on price rises until a new rule last June took effect, limiting buyers total loan obligations to 60 percent of their monthly income. This has made obtaining mortgages harder, reducing the overall number of property buyers, and especially those looking for larger, expensive homes. Cheaper, smaller apartments are not as badly affected, as they remain relatively affordable. “Deﬁnitely at the high-end, the luxury end, the market is a bit slower because these are the people who are most affected by the policy measures,” said Lim Ming Yan, chief executive of CapitaLand.

Adding to developers’ conundrum, and the pressure on prices, is the threat of government charges on companies unable to sell all units within two years of completion. Penalties are based on a percentage of the unit price, and rise each year the home is left unoccupied. Developers generally start selling properties up to four years ahead of completion, and in the past, many sell out within a few weeks of their sales launch. Now things are slowing. Wheelock Properties is taking a write-down of S$110 million on its Panorama complex of 698 flats due to be completed in 2017. Of the 120 flats put up for sale so far, only 57 were sold by the end of March. Tuan Sing Holdings is also seeing slow sales at its ultra-luxury Cluny Park Residence, where a four-bedroom ground floor unit, complete with private pool, costs S$8.5 million. “Due to the various restrictive cooling measures, investors may feel no great urgency to buy as they wait for a more attractive entry point,” said Mohamed Ismail, chief executive of estate agents PropNex Realty. The dearth of buyers has created a supply glut which is only likely to worsen within the next four years. Government data shows 82,575 new, private residential units are expected to be built between 2014 and 2018. That means an annual rise in the supply of property of around 20,000 units, around twice the average of the last 10 years. “Either the population will need to increase tremendously in the next few years or else there will be a lot of vacant units,” said Nicholas Mak, executive director at SLP International Property Consultants.

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APRIL 19TH - APRIL 26TH, 2014

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

PASSION BEAUTY SALON

Seeking a

DOMESTIC WORKER

Salary $5.00 per hour

Contact 333-1235

AMBERGRIS CAY FACILITIES LTD

POSITION AVAILABLE Ambergris Cay Facilities Ltd is seeking a suitably qualified applicant to fill a post on Ambergris Cay. The available post is for a:

POSITION AVAILABLE Ambergris Cay Facilities Ltd is seeking a suitably qualified applicant to fill a post on Ambergris Cay on a MONTH TO MONTH basis.

GENERATOR TECHNICIAN MECHANIC Daily tasks will include, but are not limited to: • Overseeing all electrical maintenance operations of Prime Power Generators on Ambergris Cay. • Providing full maintenance services as a certified Level three (3) Power Generator Technician and an authorized supplier and dealer of Cummins Power Generation. • Cooperating and coordinating closely with the Employer and Cummins Power Generation so as to ensure the efficient functioning of all generators. • Any other related duties as may be required to ensure the smooth operation of the Prime Power Generators.

Requirements: Successful applicant must: • Highly technical - possessing a Level three (3) Power Generation certification authorized by Cummins Power Generation • Have at least Seven (7) full years of direct experience in servicing Prime Power Generators manufactured by Cummins Power Generation. • Be reliable, hard working and enthusiastic • Be attentive to details • Be able to work under little or no supervision • Produce a clean Police Record and a valid TCI Driver’s License • Be willing to reside on Ambergris Cay Salary: $25,000 to $30,000 per annum. Closing Date for Applications is Wednesday May 2nd, 2014 Applications must be in writing addressed to: Ambergris Cay Facilities Ltd Unit 51, Salt Mills Plaza, Grace Bay Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands E-mail: burkley.malcolm@ambergristci.com Tel: (649)-941-3777 Fax: (649)-941-3778

The available post is for a

MECHANIC.

Daily tasks will include, but are not limited to: • Trouble shoot & repair Hydrostatic & Hydraulics • Perform routine maintenance of power generators • Trouble shoot & repair diesel fuel injection systems • Chassis repair, including springs, shock & drive shaft • Keep golf carts available for use by conducting inspections through preventive maintenance. • Maintain golf carts condition by reviewing shop orders; listening to operators’ complaints; repairing failures. • Must be able to work and repair a 1-2 stroke engine. • Must be familiar with Yamaha and Kubota engines. • Must keep records of all repairs and services to carts. • Maintain appearance of equipment by cleaning and painting. • Must keep a clean working environment; keep shop equipment operational by calibrating electrical test equipment; following operating instructions; troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance and follow-ups.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND QUALIFICATIONS: • High School Diploma or equivalent required. • Minimum of 5 years experience as a Mechanic, preferably with Yamaha/Suzuki and Kubota engines. • Must possess some knowledge of computer literacy. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Have good working knowledge of electrical, hydraulics, and HVAC Systems • Have ability to troubleshoot and make necessary repairs to equipment • Must be attentive to details, reliable, hard working and enthusiastic • Must be able to work under little or no supervision • Must produce a clean Police Record and TCI Driver’s License • Will be required to work and live on Big Ambergris Cay with rotated weekends off • Must be able to live and work in a isolated island environment with only 20 or so other persons • Willing to work on a Month to Month contractual basis Salary scale: $40,000 to $50,000 per annum Closing Date for Applications is Wednesday May 13th, 2014 Applications must be in writing addressed to: Ambergris Cay Facilities Ltd Unit 51, Salt Mills Plaza, Grace Bay Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands E-mail: burkley.malcolm@ambergristci.com Tel: (649)-941-3777 Fax: (649)-941-3778

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

APRIL 19TH - APRIL 26TH, 2014

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CARIBBEAN SPORTS LOCAL NEWS

APRIL 19TH - APRIL 26TH, 2014

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

DELANO WILLIAMS LAUNCHES FOUNDATION By Vivian Tyson

orld Youth Champion and local spring sensation Delano Williams has launched his Foundation on Monday (April 14) at the Premier 2IÂ¿FH LQ 3URYLGHQFLDOHV 0LQLVWHU RI (GXFDWLRQ +RQ $NLHUUD 0LVVLFN 2SSRVLWLRQ /HDGHU +RQ 6KDUOHQH &DUWZULJKW 5RELQVRQ 3UHVLGHQW RI WKH 7XUNV DQG &DLFRV $PDWHXU $WKOHWLFV $VVRFLDWLRQ 7&$$ +HDG (GLWK 6NLSSLQJV WKH 7&, 3UHVLGHQW RI WKH &RPPRQZHDOWK *DPHV $VVRFLDWLRQ 5LWD *DUGLQHU DQG PHPEHUV RI WKH &DULIWD 7UDFN DQG )LHOG $WKOHWLFV &KDPSLRQVKLS DWKOHWHV ZHUH RQ KDQG WR ZLWQHVV WKH ODXQFK RI WKH 'HODQR )RXQGDWLRQ :LOOLDPV WKH Â¿UVW QRQ -DPDLFD WR HYHU ZLQ DW WKDW FRXQWU\Â¶V FHQWXU\ ROG DQQXDO %R\V DQG *LUOV $WKOHWLFV &KDPSLRQV SRSXODUO\ NQRZQ DV Delano Williams (Centre) is joined in front of his foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s banner by (from left) Â³&KDPSVÂ´ LQ UXQQLQJ IRU 0XQUR &ROOHJH Thelma VanAlstine or Morris Cottingham; Rita Gardiner â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Head of the Turks and Caicos KLJK VFKRRO VDLG WKDW LW KDV EHHQ KLV GUHDP WR Commonwealth Games Association; Delanoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother, Rita Barton; and Dr. Carlton Mills JLYH EDFN WR HVSHFLDOO\ \RXQJ DWKOHWHV RI WKH 7XUNV DQG &DLFRV ,VODQGV VLQFH WKH FRXQWU\ KDV GRQH VR *DUGLQHU WROG WKH JDWKHULQJ WKDW VKH KDV EHHQ FKDPSLRQ LQ 'HODQR :LOOLDPV PXFK IRU KLV GHYHORSPHQW IROORZLQJ :LOOLDPVÂ¶ SURJUHVV HYHU VLQFH KH ZDV D Â³, KDG WKH SULYLOHJH WR ZDWFK 0U :LOOLDPV LQ Â³,W KDV EHHQ P\ DPELWLRQ IRU D ORQJ WLPH WR FKLOG DWWHQGLQJ WKH (OL]D 6LPRQV 3ULPDU\ 6FKRRO LQ %HUPXGD DW WKH &DULIWD *DPHV WKHUH DV , VXSSRUWHG JLYH EDFN WR RXU FRXQWU\Â¶V \RXWK YHU\ PXFK LQ *UDQG 7XUN DQG VDLG WKDW KH KDV EHHQ GLVFLSOLQHG 7HDP 7&, DQG , ZDV QRW LQ D SURIHVVLRQDO FDSDFLW\ WKH VDPH ZD\ WKLV FRXQWU\ KDV SURYLGHG VXSSRUW IURP WKDW WLPH MXVW D IDQ RI WKH 7XUNV DQG &DLFRV &DULIWD 7HDP DQG DQG RSSRUWXQLWLHV IRU PH Â´ :LOOLDPV VDLG QRWLQJ Â³7KLV \RXQJ PDQ LV DQ LQVSLUDWLRQ WR DOO \RXWK ZDWFKHG WKH H[FHOOHQFH WKHUH 6SRUWV EULQJ SHRSOH WKDW WKH LGHD ZDV HQFRXUDJHG E\ KLV KLJK VFKRRO LQ WKH 7XUNV DQG &DLFRV ,VODQGV +H KDV EURNHQ DOO WRJHWKHU DQG GHVSLWH WKH 7XUNV DQG &DLFRV EHLQJ FRDFK 1HLO +DUULVRQ DQG RWKHUV +H VDLG WKDW WKH EDUULHUV DQG PDGH KLVWRU\ VR PDQ\ WLPHV 7R GDWH D FRXQWU\ ZLWK SHUVRQV IURP DURXQG WKH ZRUOG IRXQGDWLRQ VHHNV WR LPSURYH WKH OLYHV RI \RXWK KH LV WKH RQO\ DWKOHWH LQ WKH 7XUNV DQG &DLFRV ZKR ZH VWLOO JHW EHKLQG 7HDP 7&, ZH VWLOO JHW EHKLQG WKURXJK RXW WKH &DULEEHDQ WKURXJK VSRUWV KDV JLYHQ WKH 7XUNV DQG &DLFRV D QDPH +H LV D 'HODQR :LOOLDPV Â´ VKH VDLG Â³:H EHOLHYH WKDW D KHDOWK\ DQG SURGXFWLYH ZRUOG FKDPSLRQ Â± KRZ PDQ\ FRXQWULHV FDQ VD\ 2SSRVLWLRQ /HDGHU +RQ 6KDUOHQH &DUWZULJKW \RXWK SRSXODWLRQ PDNHV IRU D EHWWHU IXWXUH IRU DOO Â´ WKDW" /LWWOH 7XUNV DQG &DLFRV ,VODQGV ZH FDQ ERDVW 5RELQVRQ ZKR LV DOVR 3UHVLGHQW IRU WKH &DULEEHDQ :LOOLDPV VDLG DQG ZH FDQ EUDJ WKDW ZH GR KDYH D ZRUOG FKDPSLRQ Â´ %DSWLVW 8QLRQ VDLG WKDW VKH WRR KDV EHHQ IROORZLQJ :LOOLDPV VSRQVRUHG E\ VSRUWV JRRGV PDQXIDFWXUHU *DUGLQHU VDLG WKH FDUHHU RI :LOOLDPV ZKR VKH GHVFULEHG DV 1,.( XVHG WKH RFFDVLRQ WR SUHVHQW XQLIRUPV WR WKH 6KH VDLG WKRXJK WKDW GHVSLWH :LOOLDPVÂ¶ D Â³/LWWOH %DSWLVWÂ´ 6KH VDLG WKDW WKH VSULQW DFHÂ¶V 7XUNV DQG &DLFRV ,VODQGV &DULIWD 7UDFN DQG DFKLHYHPHQWV ODXQFKLQJ WKH IRXQGDWLRQ DQG JLYLQJ GHFLVLRQ WR UHWXUQ WR WKH 7&, DQG ODXQFK KLV )LHOG &KDPSLRQVKLS WHDP +H VDLG WKDW 1,.( KDV EDFN WR WKH 7&, KDV EHHQ KLV ELJJHVW DFKLHYHPHQW IRXQGDWLRQ GHVHUYHV PXFK DFFRODGHV SURPLVHG WR RXWÂ¿W WKH WHDP IRU WKH QH[W WKUHH \HDUV Â± 0LQLVWHU RI (GXFDWLRQ +RQ $NLHUUD 0LVVLFN VDLG +LV PRWKHU DOVR KDG ZRUGV RI DGYLFH IRU KLP WKDW LV KRZ ORQJ WKH FXUUHQW FRQWUDFW KH VLJQHG ZLWK WKDW VKH ZDV KDSS\ WKDW :LOOLDPV KDV UHWXUQHG WR 6KH WROG D VPLOLQJ :LOOLDPV WR SXW *RG Â¿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Â¶V PDLQ VSRQVRU

CONTACT US TO COVER ALL YOUR SPORT EVENTS Delano Williams share in a photo moment with members of the 2014 Carifta Team that will participate in the championship in Martinique

Telephone : (649)-946-8542 Fax : (649)-941-3281 Email : sun@suntci.com

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

APRIL 19TH - APRIL 26TH, 2014

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Sports W

RLD

Bubba Watson runs away with his second Masters title in three years

UGUSTA, Ga. -- They lined the fairways five and six deep to see him, the Bagdad bomber with the pink driver and the overalls-clad club cover in his own likeness. Even the trees, it seemed, wanted to watch free-swinging lefty Bubba Watson do what he does like no one else when he’s on: paint the skies with inhumanly great golf shots. Watson birdied the 8th and 9th holes to separate himself from playing partner Jordan Spieth, birdied the par-5 13th hole after his drive ruffled the leaves of a tree and landed in the fairway, and signed for a final-round 69 to win his second Masters in three years. “A small-town guy named Bubba now has two green jackets,” Watson said after he donned the iconic coat in Butler Cabin with club chairman Billy Payne, CBS’s Jim Nantz, 2013 champion Adam Scott, and low amateur Oliver Goss. “It’s pretty wild.” Spieth, who birdied four of the first seven holes to briefly take a two-shot lead, shot 72 to finish second, three back, with Sweden’s Jonas Blixt (71) at 5 under par. Miguel Angel Jimenez, the 50-year-old ponytailed Spaniard, shot 71 to finish fourth alone at four under. This Masters was another reminder that when Watson is on, no one can match his prodigious length off the tee -- long-haul hooks and slices and moonshots that help make him the most audacious and imaginative shotmaker in the game. He felt so good with the driver he used it at every opportunity, even at the short, par-4 3rd hole. And while others hoped to hold the crusty greens with long second shots on the par-5s, Watson landed his as if they’d been dropped from a crane. He was so good, tee to green, that when his putter turned on him Saturday he still salvaged a 74 to keep a share of the lead. “I think that gives Bubba a little bit of an advantage, how high he hits it and how soft he can get the ball to come down,” one of his fellow competitors said this week. That the competitor was Rory McIlroy, who doesn’t exactly bunt the ball around the course, spoke volumes. Sunday looked as if it might produce a frenzied finish, with 11 men within four shots of co-leaders Spieth and Watson, but the shootout that many expected simply never materialized, putting the lie to the old adage that the Masters doesn’t begin until the back nine on Sunday. Rickie Fowler, who got within a shot of the leaders with a birdie on the first hole, bogeyed the par5 2nd and went dormant after that. He shot 73 to tie for fifth at two under, six back -- his best finish in a major. Matt Kuchar birdied the 2nd and 3rd holes to get to six under and a piece of the lead with Spieth, but was never the same after he four-putted the 4th hole for double bogey. He shot 74 to also tie for fifth.

Adam Scott, last year’s Masters champion, presents Bubba Watson with the green jacket after Watson won the tournament by a three-stroke margin at Augusta National Golf Club Blixt, 29, made 15 pars, two birdies and a bogey, hanging around but never seriously threatening for the green jacket. This was a strange Masters from start to finish. Tiger Woods missed the tournament altogether after undergoing back surgery. Phil Mickelson missed the cut. McIlroy lost to his non-competing marker, a club member named Jeff Knox, on Saturday, but came back to shoot a final-round 69 and finish even par, tied for eighth place. “I played the par-5s in even par this week,” said McIlroy, who had to rally just to make the cut Friday. “Which -- you just can’t do out here.” “He made nothing all week,” said his father Gerry, watching on 13. McIlroy wasn’t the only one. With no one outside the final twosome making a charge, this was a two-man race early. Watson birdied both front-nine par-3s, both times after it was clear Spieth was going to make a 2. The kid holed out from the front greenside bunker at the par-3 4th, then stuck his tee shot to within two feet at the par3 6th. He was, it seemed, unflappable. “He ain’t got no bills, ain’t got no kids,” Boo Weekley said as he watched the action Sunday. Weekley had missed the cut, but he was sipping a beer and following Steven Bowdich, with whom Boo shares a swing coach. “When you’re that age,” Weekley added. “It’s all about the golf.” Alas, it turned out Spieth was indeed flappable, because what came next was what both players would call the turning point of this Masters. Spieth’s bogeys on eight and nine each featured a missed par putt of roughly five feet. Combined with Watson’s birdies, they made up a four-shot swing that put Spieth in chase mode for the rest of the day. He took four to get down from just off the eighth green, and spun a 9-iron off the front of the ninth green and down the hill -- one of the same mistakes Greg Norman made in losing the 1996 Masters to Nick Faldo.

Spieth’s final hiccup came when he hit a 9-iron again on 12. He aimed at the TV tower, hit the water, and fought to make a bogey. The only person who was going to potentially beat Watson on this day was Watson, but unlike, say, your typical U.S. Open layout, Augusta National seems to smile down on his freewheeling style. Watson reared back and blistered a crowd-pleasing drive on 13 -- crowd-pleasing because after it reentered the earth’s atmosphere it fell harmlessly through a canopy of trees by Rae’s Creek and dropped in the fairway. “I knew when it took off it was cutting a little too much,” Watson said. “I knew I hit it really hard. Obviously, when you get a roar on your tee shot, you know it’s pretty good, and I could start breathing again once I hear them clapping and roaring [well down the fairway].” Watson had left himself only a 56-degree sand wedge to the green. “His drive on 13 I’ll never forget,” Spieth said. “I thought it was out of bounds, 70 yards left.” Told that Watson’s ball had been diverted by a tree, Spieth said, “I didn’t know that. It’s his day, I guess.” The only remaining drama came on 15, when Watson again got out of position off the tee, again missing left. He seemed to be blocked out by a tree, with 181 yards and a pond between him and the green. Surely he would chip out. He did not chip out -- that’s not Bubba Golf. He shot the gap with a six-iron, his ball soaring over the water hazard and pelting the green before rolling over it. The display of bravado wowed those closest to the ball, patrons just outside the ropes who saw exactly what a potential round-wrecker Watson had just hit through and over. “I did NOT know he was going to do that,” one man said, laughing. Watson made five straight pars to end the round, and broke down in tears in the embrace of his caddie, Ted Scott, and his wife, Angie. It was 2012 all over again, except Angie was here instead of Bubba’s mom, Molly. So was Caleb, the little boy Bubba and Angie had just adopted two years ago. He toddled out onto the back of the 18th green, and Watson scooped him up and began high-fiving the fans encircling the green. “It’s a dream to be on the PGA Tour,” Watson said. “It’s a dream to win, and winning any tournament is a big deal. Winning the green jacket is a little bit bigger deal. So, yeah, I’m going to cry, because why me? Why Bubba Watson from Bagdad, Florida? Why is he winning?” The answers hooked and soared and dove and left green vapor trails all around the National. There were 280 of them -- 8 under par. Watson didn’t ask it, but the better question was how many he’ll win.

Mark Cuban says $550M price tag for Bucks is a bargain M EMPHIS, Tenn. -- Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban considers the sale price of approximately $550 million for the Milwaukee Bucks to be a bargain, suggesting the true value of NBA franchises is north of $1 billion. Longtime Bucks owner Herb Kohl announced Wednesday that he had reached an agreement to sell the team to hedge-fund billionaires Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry, a deal subject to approval by the NBA and its board of governors. “I think they got off cheap,” Cuban said. “I think that was a bargain. I think it’s worth a lot more. I think it’s worth a lot more than that. I think

Mark Cuban someone got a bargain. You can’t look backwards. You’ve got to look forward. You don’t value teams based off what happened in the past.”

In January, Forbes valued the Bucks at $405 million, the lowest among the NBA’s 30 teams. But Cuban, who paid a then-record $285 million for the Mavericks in 2000, believes the NBA is in the midst of a business boom. Asked whether the league should consider adding an expansion team, Cuban said he would be on board, as long as the price was steep. “I’m not opposed to it,” Cuban said. “This is just me talking, but we’d be crazy to sell it for under a billion dollars.” After that comment, Cuban grinned and did a Dr. Evil impersonation, sticking the tip of his pinkie ﬁn-

ger in the corner of his mouth. However, he’s completely serious about the subject. “Let’s just say I’m bullish on the NBA,” Cuban said. “Call it the NBAIX, the NBA index. I think it’s underpriced right now. I’d invest money in that ETF.” According to Forbes, the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls are the only NBA franchises valued at $1 billion or more. Cuban’s Mavs, at $765 million, have the eighth-highest value among the league’s teams. “I don’t have any intention of selling it,” Cuban said. “But if I were offered a trillion dollars, I’d take that.”

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Manny Pacquio silences his critics T

hey say Manny Pacquiao has slipped a little. They say he would not have beaten Floyd Mayweather in their heyday and he hasn’t got a prayer against him now. They say he’s too old, got too much stuff going on in his crazily busy life. They might be right. But tell it to Timothy Bradley. For about 80% of their fight in Las Vegas on Saturday night, the old man who has won versions of world titles at eight weights in the course of 63 fights not only reminded the younger champion how good he has been. He also put to bed the injustice of their first meeting nearly two years ago, when two judges somehow handed the unbeaten American Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight belt. This time, the gap between them was obvious enough for the officials to get it right. Even allowing for a subliminal corrective urge, perhaps, on behalf of their errant colleagues who got it so wrong in the same ring in June 2012, Michael Pernick and Craig Metcalfe (both 116-112) and Glenn Trowbridge (118-110) did a competent job. Bradley was commendably gracious. Having oddly claimed he won eight of the 12 rounds in their first fight, he conceded in defeat, “Pacquiao was the better man tonight. He still has it. I have respect for him.” In the early exchanges, they swung like kids in the playground, short, muscled arms carving the air at the end of some ugly lunging. But once Pacquiao found his range – and it took him maybe five minutes – Bradley suffered. The American has been a good world champion, but the Filipino has a better take on the art of boxing. He’s just smarter, quicker, hits harder.

Filipino fighter Manny Pacquiao regained his WBO welterweight world title with a unanimous victory over Timothy Bradley Even on television, you could sense Pacquiao’s hunger. The Congressman is 35 and his wife will deliver him a fifth child very soon, but on Saturday night he was all business. There would be no coasting to the bell as when he gave the judges wriggle room last time. Bradley said later his calf went on him in early in the fight. Well, he hid the pain well and there was no visible evidence that it constrained his movement. In fact, he chased and harried with power and energy to take rounds three and four, and it looked like we had a war on our hands. Once that Desert Storm had blown through, however, it was difficult to give Bradley a round, even when he came to life in brief spurts. So, could Pacquaio give Mayweather a credible argument? Certainly, but, on this and other showings since his last dominant performance (and stoppage) – against Miguel Cotto in November, 2009 – I

very much doubt he would convince even sympathetic officials he had the measure of a champion who seems to get even better with age. Unlike Mayweather, Pacquiao’s problem is (and always has been) his defence. The older fighters get, the more punches they take; there are two good reasons for this: they slow down and they stop caring, because one punch seems no different to the thousands that have gone before – unless it is loaded, like the short, nuclear right from Juan Manuel Márquez that exploded on Pacquaio’s chin in December 2012. That knockout would have wrecked most fighters – as Pacquiao’s dramatic finisher on Ricky Hatton in May 2009, effectively did for the Manchester warrior. But Pacquiao has an eerily calm resignation about his trade. Defeat does not seem to unsettle him. He is philosophically comfortable with his fate. Maybe that’s down to his religion. This is, remember, a man who stands by his claim that he has actually clapped eyes on Jesus. However, he will need more than faith against Mayweather – if it ever happens. A lot of boxing people have stopped caring, because it is the fight that should have happened years ago. But they will care on the night. The fight business has no reliable memory. It sees only the bottom line, and fans will watch what they are sold because they are blood addicts. And, when the calculating Mayweather has a good look at the tape of this one, he will be comfortable offering a reduced version of his old foe a pension fight some time in 2015.

England are Rugby World Cup 2015 contenders E

ngland are now genuine contenders to win the 2015 World Cup in England, says All Black Dan Carter. The 32-year-old fly-half, currently on a break from playing, says England could prove their credentials with Test victories in New Zealand in June. England play the world champions in Auckland, Dunedin and Hamilton. “England will definitely be a threat. They are building momentum, getting a strong squad together and building confidence,” he said. “In every World Cup I’ve been involved in, the host nation is always a

team to look out for - they will deﬁnitely be there or thereabouts.” England’s last win in New Zealand came in Wellington in June 2003 as Sir Clive Woodward’s side geared up for their Rugby World Cup victory in November that year. Carter, who has 100 caps for the All Blacks, knows how much conﬁdence England took from that Test win in New Zealand and thinks there is “no doubt” the 2014 vintage will be a threat on tour in New Zealand this summer. “It’s going to be a great Test se-

LORD COE INTERESTED IN IAAF PRESIDENTIAL BID

ord Coe has indicated to BBC Sport that he will seek the International Association of Athletics Federations presidency next year. Lamine Diack, 80, will step down in 2015 after 16 years in charge of the body that governs world athletics. “I will have to think long and hard about it,” replied Englishman Coe, 57. But the double Olympic champion added: “It’s my sport and it’s the basis of everything I’ve ever done, so why wouldn’t I want to take that role?” Coe, who won 1500m gold at the 1980 and 1984 Olympics, is currently one of three vice-presidents of the IAAF, along with former Ukrainian pole vaulter Sergey Bubka and Qatari Dahlan Jumaan al-Hamad. He is also chairman of the British Olympic Association and led the team that staged the 2012 Olympics in London. Coe said he was sure other people would be interested in becoming IAAF president but added: “I’ve always said that if I’m given the opportunity to shape the future of my sport I will grab it.” Diack, a former long jumper from Senegal, has backed Coe, an ex-politician, as a potential successor. “He is a wonderful leader,” said Diack, who praised Coe for his organisation of the London Games. “He was a wonderful athlete and he is a competent man.”

ries. I’m sure they’ll love to challenge themselves against the best around,” he added. However, New Zealand’s recent record shows the enormity of the task England face this summer. The All Blacks won all 14 of their Tests in 2013 and have lost just one Test in 35, to England at Twickenham in December 2012. Carter himself hopes to be back in England for the World Cup next year after his sabbatical. He said: “I’ve been working hard on getting on top of a few injuries

and niggles and just freshening up mentally.” And he revealed that former England ﬂy-half Jonny Wilkinson, who currently plays for European champions Toulon but is expected to retire in the summer, has been an inspiration. “He’s the ultimate professional and probably works harder than any other player in the world,” said Carter, adding that Wilkinson’s exemplary attitude and determination forced him to raise his own standards. “If I was thinking about the best rugby players of all time, he would be up there.”

Sherone Simpson: Jamaican sprinter given 18-month drug ban J

amaican Olympic medallist sprinter Sherone Simpson has been suspended for 18 months after testing positive for a banned stimulant. Simpson, 29, said in January that a supplement provided by her Canadian trainer was responsible for the positive test. But a Jamaican anti-doping panel voted unanimously that Simpson was “negligent in all the circumstances”. Olympic discus thrower Allison Randall was suspended for two years. Simpson, an Olympic 4x100m relay gold and silver medallist, and her training partner, former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell, tested positive for the stimulant oxilofrine at last year’s national championships. Simpson and Randall’s bans have been backdated to 21 June 2013, the date they provided the samples. They will both miss the

Sherone Simpson

Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July. Randall, 25, who holds the Jamaican discus record with a distance of 61.21m, tested positive for the banned diuretic hydro-chlorothiazide. Simpson had previously said that she researched the “Epiphany D1” supplement for up to 14 hours online be-

fore taking it. She had added that nothing “raised a red ﬂag or an alarm bell” but acknowledged that she did not disclose the new supplement on doping control forms. The 29-year-old was training in the United States and was not able to ﬂy back in time for the hearing.

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