VOLUME 10 ISSUE 19

VOLUME 10 - No. 19

MAY 31ST – JUNE 7TH, 2014

Website: www.suntci.com

Email: sun@suntci.com

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SIPT TRIAL POSTPONED

by Hayden Boyce

T

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

he highly-controversial Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) corruption trial has now been officially pushed back from July 7th 2104, until October 6th this year.

However, there have been recent significant developments surrounding the payment of legal aid fees for defence lawyers which can potentially delay the start of the trial for an even longer period.

On Wednesday May 28th, Mr. Justice Paul Harrison set October 6th as “the final date” for the trial commence, after hearing fresh arguments for trial by jury by Queen’s Counsel Courtenay Griffiths, the lead lawyer for former Premier Michael Misick, and Andrew Mitchell, QC, the lead prosecutor for the SIPT, who wants the case to be heard by a judge only.

Judge Harrison told the court he will deliver his ruling on whether there will be a trial with or without jury on Monday, June 23rd, this year. In the event that his judgment is appealed, the next sitting of the Court of Appeal will be in September.

However, all of the Legal Aid defence lawyers, led by the UK-based attorneys, are threatening to boycott the case unless they are properly paid.

In a document date May 24th, 2014, which was obtained by The SUN, 11 UK-based lawyers stated: “It is accordingly submitted that the quantum of remuneration of the legally aided defence teams is now wholly inadequate and requires an urgent upward review.

It should not be forgotten that UK lawyers have to pay income tax, significant chambers expenses and professional indemnity insurance.

The brief fee is no longer proportionate given the more than doubling of the size of the Prosecution case. The expenses are wholly inadequate. They fail to provide any reasonable sum to compensate for the cost of accommodation, subsistence and

car hire for the trial period.”

The document was endorsed by Howard Godfrey and Louise Oakley, the lawyers for Lillian Boyce; Michael Turner, QC, and Roy Ledgister for Floyd Hall; Ann Cotcher, QC for McAllister Hanchell; Malcolm Bishop, QC for Chal isick; Icah Peart QC and Stephen Akinsanye, for Jeffrey Hall; Richard Bendall for Clayton Greene and Cairns

Nelson, QC, and James Shepherd for Melbourne Wilson.

Copied to Governor Peter Beckingham and Registrar of the Supreme Court David Chetwynd, it added: “It is feared that in the absence of an appropriate review of remuneration, some, at least, of the defendants will be left unrepresented. Leading and junior counsel from the UK cannot be expected to

undertake lengthy pre-trial preparation and a long trial in the TCI without reasonable funding. The changed circumstances outlined above together with the level of accommodation and subsistence costs render the current level of remuneration uneconomic for defence attorneys.”

Continued on Page 2

OSETA JOLLY PRIMARY STUDENTS PROTEST SCHOOL’S NON-CLEANING:

Teachers and students at the Oseta Jolly Primary School in Blue Hills, Providenciales earlier this past week staged a demonstration on the school compound to protest the protracted non-cleaning of the kindergarten section of the institution. The placard-bearing students picketed inside the campus for the better part of the day with signs bearing a variety of messages. The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services has however, expressed displeasure at the demonstration, and insisted that the public has not heard the end of it. Both the ministry and the school said that the matter has been resolved, as a cleaner for the kindergarten section has been sourced. In photo, some of the students can be seen with their placards, registering their disgust at the non-cleaning of their school. SEE PAGE 10 FOR FULL STORY.

Terminally-ill Haitian robber deported – Page 2 Canada not interested in TCI as a colony – Page 7

Delton Jones now an advisor in South Pacific Islands

– Page 8

Civil Recovery team bashed for adverts

– Page 10

Page 2

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

LOCAL NEWS

SIPT trial postponed Continued from Page 1

All of the UK attorneys have discussed the matter and their united view is that their involvement in the case will have to be reviewed subject to the resolution or otherwise of the issues raised.

According to the document, the September 2013 Legal Aid Scheme concluded that due to an increase in the number of pages served at that time, from 20,000 pages at the time of the July 24th Scheme to approximately 30,000 pages in September 2013, there was “a substantial change in circumstances”.

The revised Scheme raised the “brief fee from $105,000 to $125,000” to be divided between each defence team. It was noted that the Registrar declined to increase daily rates for hearings, rates payable for non- hearing days, the accommodation allowance or the provisions for travel, which are economy class flights.

The lawyers stated that “the dynamic of the case has materially changed” since the September 2013 Scheme was

proposed and accepted.

They stated: “Since September 2013 there has been a fundamental change of circumstances and a woeful disparity between both the fees and the allowances paid to SIPT employees as opposed to Defence attorneys.

“We appreciate that the Registrar states that he is not concerned about what the members of SIPT are being paid and what subsistence allowance they are being provided, however, at the very least, it should provide him with a marker for what is required to prepare the case whilst either commuting to or living on Providenciales.

For example, SIPT employees have their accommodation paid for and receive, in addition, a subsistence allowance of approximately $100 US per day, a hired car is provided and, even the most junior member of the team flies Premium Economy.

The latter two provisions may be scoffed at on first blush but not when one considers the lack of public transport on the island, the cost of taxis and, as far as class of travel is concerned, the need

Disappointing turnout at police town hall meetings

The hierarchy of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are still trying to determine what could have caused the inexplicably low turnout by members of the public at its series of town hall meetings that it has been staging across the country the past week and half.

The meetings were to outline the crime-fighting and other plans the police has for the community and to get residents’ feedback as to how the police can serve them even better. But it appears that the public, for the most part, is not interested in the meetings.

The meeting were so sparsely attended that at one venue – the Five Cays Community Centre the police decided to pull the plug because only five persons from this vast community actually turned out. For the Grand Turk meeting only three persons showed up.

Special Constable Audley Astwood, the Police Media Liaison Officer told The SUN that South Caicos, which Audley Astwood had a little more than 30 people in attendance, was the best turnout so far. A meeting at the Gustarvus media and community groups such as Lightbourne Sports Complex was churches.

“I don’t want to go and speculate why planned for this past Friday, but at press time The SUN could not report members of the public didn’t turn up.

What I can say is that the meetings were on the attendance.

“We had a meeting in South Caicos, properly advertised on five different which was well attended, about 30 radio stations ranging from 88.1FM, plus persons came; Middle Caicos had 92.5FM, 102.5FM, 91.5FM and also six; North Caicos had three; Blue Hills 107.7FM. Also, both television stations and Wheeland had six persons showing and the two newspapers advertised the up; Five Cays had three persons that meetings. So, we did our part.

“We even went as far as to contact showed; Grand Turk had three persons pastors and asked them to announce showing up,” Astwood noted.

Asked about his take as to the the meeting in their churches, so it was apparent apathy by member of the well publicized. As to why the public public towards the series of meetings, did not come out, I think you may have Astwood said that it was not for him to take that to the street to do a street to speculate, since the police played poll, because I don’t want to speculate its part to get the word out using late,” Astwood said.

to be properly rested on arrival because work invariably starts the following day at either end of the journey.”

The lawyers also argued that further, delays in payment by the Registrar to the defence teams are inexcusable.

“At the time drafting this document the monthly instalments of the brief fee agreed to be paid monthly in advance, have only been paid up to March 2014, and travel and hotel expenses laid out by counsel who attended hearings in January and March 2014 have yet to be refunded,” they complained.

“Some attorneys from outside of the jurisdiction have received only one monthly payment on account so far from their TCI attorneys. This is an issue that the Registrar made clear he would address should it occur.

“The stark reality of the delays in payment, lack of reimbursement for travel and subsistence for previous mentions, the unnecessary payment by some for work permits and the very high costs of living in the TCI means that it is economically unviable to properly prepare this case in advance of

any trial.”

The lawyers said that the present scheme, assuming matters had remained unchanged from September 2013, has “proved unworkable and is in disarray”.

They added: “In particular, the sum of $150 per day is wholly inadequate compensation for accommodation and subsistence, even for the low season in TCI. The preparation of the case has been made all the more difficult, both economically and practically, as a result of the total number of pages of prosecution witness statements and exhibits being more than doubled since the estimate of 30.000 was arrived at in September 2013 and the fee of $125,000 per team was proposed. At today’s date a total of 73805 pages of used evidence has been served. This material has to be reviewed as well as the approximate 300,000 pages of evidence, unused by the prosecution, but of possible relevance to one or more defendants.”

The Helen Garlick-led Special Investigation team began its investigations in April 2010.

Terminally ill Do It Centre armed robber deported Haiti

by Vivian Tyson Frantz Bellevue, a Haitian-born gunman who was shot and seriously injured in a robbery gone wrong at the Do It Centre in Providenciales on December 20, 2010, and was at her Majesty’s Prison serving out time has been deported to his homeland after it has been discovered that the bullet lodged in his body has left him with stage four cancer causing his health to rapidly deteriorate.

Governor’s Office Media Liaison Officer Neil Smith, while confirming that the crook was terminally ill and has been sent back to Haiti, did not state what terminal illness he was suffering from. But The SUN was informed he was suffering from cancer.

Smith said that Bellevue was examined by doctors, who diagnosed that there was a sky-scraping likelihood that he would not survive surgery, and so deemed that the best next option would be to have him sent back to his homeland to spend out the rest of his days.

“Serving inmate at Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk, Frantz Bellevue, was given a respite of sentence and returned to Haiti yesterday morning.

Following a period in which he has had deteriorating health, health professionals assessed him as terminally ill and advised that there was a high probability that he would not survive any recommended surgery.

Five days before Christmas in 2010, Bellevue and another man staged a highway-style robbery on a money transfer vehicle laden with the day’s takings from the Do It

Centre, a construction material and household appliance store located along the Leeward Highway.

Eyewitnesses said that the two masked men, who were lying in wait behind an entrance wall, brandished handguns and signaled the driver of the vehicle to stop. They then forced out the two the security occupants at gunpoint and frisked them for weapons before letting them go.

But after they commandeered the vehicle and attempted to drive away one of the security officers, whose weapon was stashed in the back of his waistband, sprang into action and rained bullets on the vehicle almost instantly badly injuring the criminal in the front passenger’s seat, who fell from the vehicle as the driver tried to flee the scene. The driver, however, managed to leave the scene, with the armed security guard in hot pursuit.

The driver, who was later identified as Bellevue, managed to leave the scene of the holdup but crashed in a motor vehicle exiting the Do It Centre back gate along the Discovery Bay main road, and before he could escape, was surrounded by police officers.

It was discovered that he, too, was shot and injured. Both were taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where Bellevue was admitted in serious but stable condition, while his accomplice succumbed to his injuries.

Smith said that the decision to send ailing criminal home was constitutional and falls under the Powers of Pardon.

“These actions took place under the Powers of Pardon, Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution 127,” Smith pointed out.

May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 7

LOCAL NEWS

Canada has no interest in Turks and Caicos Islands as a colony Monday in Ottawa, where he said the “Canada needs its own Hawaii”.

The US-based Huffington Post has two leaders spoke about exploring a reported that the idea of TCI joining Canadian Foreign Minister John more formal relationship.

The site said that the premier Canada has been around for nearly 100 Baird had to make it abundantly clear that Canada has no interest in having referred to the meeting as a “courtship,” years.

It said that in 1917, Prime Minister but pointed out that they did not discuss TCI as an overseas territory.

Mr. Baird stated: “We’re not in the the possibility of Turks and Caicos Robert Borden tried to persuade Great Britain to allow Canada to annex the business of annexing islands in the becoming Canada’s 11th province.

Baird, the news site claimed, advised TCI, “but was given the brush-off”. The Caribbean to be part of Canada, so that’s not something that we’re exploring. that even creating closer ties (with the Huffington Post said also that in 1974, We’re not looking at any sort of formal Turks and Caicos Islands)” is a long a private member’s bill from NDP MP shot”, and that “the Harper government Max Saltsman examining annexation of association with the islands.”

The subject as to whether the Turks is not exploring stronger trade and the Turks also failed.

According to The Globe and Mail, the and Caicos Islands should be annexed investment, let alone annexing the Turks and Caicos Islands sent a “serious to Canada has once again come up for British colonial territory.”

The news site showed mixed reviews offer” to discuss joining Canada in the debate during the Canada leg of the local tourism expedition to that country and about the idea, stating that while the 1980s, but it was “politely ignored” as the United States, headed by Premier premier was in Ottawa, P.E.I. (Prince politicians focused on the Canada-U.S. Edward Island) Premier Robert Ghiz free trade agreement instead.

Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing.

And in 2004, the three political parties Leafs Connected – a Canadian news tweeted to Saskatchewan Premier, Brad website – is reporting that Premier Wall that “he’d be happy to partner with in Nova Scotia voted unanimously to Ewing, when confronted with the topic, the Prairie province on the Turks and invite Turks and Caicos to join the province, if the Caribbean islands ever said that he “is leaving the door open Caicos project.”

Conservative MP Peter Goldring has become part of Canada. But Goldring to that prospect, even though he has been pushing for the Turks and Caicos has been the most active Canadian opposed the idea in the past.”

The website also paraphrased Islands to become much closer with trying to woo the TCI to join the Great White North.

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Canada.

The Tory MP was reported as telling He however, told The SUN last year John Baird, who the site said suggested “Canadians are dreaming if they think that he was not seeking an annexation of the National Post’s Tristin Hopper they’ll have a province in the Caribbean the TCI with Canada, but said he would that a Caribbean province could mean rather see a more economically-binding development of a strategic, deep-water any time soon.”

The website said that Premier Ewing relationship. Leefs Connected, however, trading port for Canada and do wonders met Prime Minister Stephen Harper stated that the MP has suggested that for national unity.

Meanwhile, Dr. Gilbert Morris, Advisor to the Resort Board, who weighed in on the matter, reiterated Blue Haven Resort & Marina that the agreement sought by the TCI is is inviting suitable applications for the following positions: a mutually-beneficial one though trade

by Vivian Tyson

Asst. Financial Controller Responsibilities

• Supervise the operations of the accounts office and Night Audit at Blue Haven Resort and Marina • Assist with the Management of the finance function and overseeing the finance team.

• Assist in the preparation of end of Month journals and conducting of the closing process.

• Assist in the installation of any new software – document retention, inventory management, payroll, POS. • Assist the FC with the preparation of budgets, forecasts and cash flows.

• Maintenance of financial ledgers and accounting processes.

• Preparation of Monthly P&L and Balance Sheet • Ensuring that appropriate systems and internal controls are implemented and maintained.

• Overseeing the Payroll process.

Requirements

• Must possess a minimum of 5 years 4 star background in same or similar position • Diploma or Degree from an Institution/University is required • Must be a highly organized individual • Must be computer literate and have excellent, clear communication skills written and oral

Gardener

To qualify for this positions you should be able to push/pull carts weighing up to 150 lbs.

Must be able to ensure the cleanliness of all areas assigned, which may include, walls, floors, gardens and grounds. Must be able to stand for long periods of time and also have the ability to climb several stairs several times each day.

Salaries for these positions will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Please Submit Applications to: cgibbons@wihl.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department.

Submissions to be no later than June 13th, 2014 Turks and Caicos Islanders need only apply.

While we would like to thank, every applicant for their interest in the Blue Haven Resort & Marina, only short-listed persons will be contacted. At that time a complete compensation package and job description will be discussed.

Premier Rufus Ewing and education, and not annexation to Canada.

“The Canadian media has demonstrated an irritating tendency for sensationalism that is surprising. There will not be and cannot be annexation; nor do I think or expect that Turks and Caicos Islanders would find such a thing welcome.

“What was actually laid out was the foundation for a mutually beneficial formal relationship, between TCI and the only G-8 nation likely to take our overtures seriously. Education and Trade was the foundation and The Hon. Stephen Harper MP in his wisdom rejected the Canadian media’s insistence on discussing TCI as Canada’s possible Hawaii,” Morris said.

The Turks and Caicos Islands’ tourism pitch in Canada appears timely, since according to Toronto Journalist Chris Selley of the National Post, it tourism lags way behind some of its Caribbean neighbours.

“In 2012 1.6 million of us went to Mexico; 1.1 million of us went to Cuba; 766,000 of us went to the Dominican Republic; and 243,000 of us went to Jamaica. And, yes, 32,000 of us went to Turks and Caicos,” Selley said in his May 30, 2014 article.

New ferry arrives in Provo

GET ready for the trip of a lifetime including inflatable life rafts, flares and on Caribbean Cruisin’s brand new, life jackets. Says Ferrington Gardiner, state of the art ferry – launching soon. one of the owners of Caribbean Cruisin; It is here on island and will soon be “because of energy efficiency of this new ferry, we anticipate being able to hold ready for operation.

Travel to South Caicos in style fares at the same level.”

Caicos Endeavour is an exciting and comfort on the custom built 47 foot, completely enclosed, aluminum new addition to the Caribbean Cruisin’ accommodating increased craft which holds 50 passengers plus fleet, luggage and is equipped with comfy passenger demand due to the success seats and a head (bathroom) on board. of new developments on South Caicos The new ferry, aptly named, ‘Caicos such as the East Bay and Sailrock Endeavour’ is powered by twin diesel resorts.

Trips to South Caicos take place engines and jet drives. It has GPS, full night vision radar and as with on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays all of the vessels in the fleet, it has a from Walkin Marine at Heavin’ Down full compliment of modern safety gear Rock in Leeward.

Is seeking application for:

THREE LABOURERS

• Needed to work shifts and heavy lifting.

• Must be able to read and write English well.

TWO AIRCRAFT MECHANICS:

• Experience working on piston and turbo-propeller Aircraft.

• Responsible for inspecting, servicing repairing and testing Aircraft.

• Engines and related systems as directed. Read and understand and work from Aircraft maintenance manuals and specifications. Salary will commensurate with experience.

RAMP AGENT

• Over 5 years experience in Ramp Supervising.

• Over 5 years experience in maneuvering heavy duty equipment e.g.(pushing and towing Aircraft) • Experience in general handling of General Aviation. Narrow body and wide body Aircraft.

• British Airways, JAR OPS, Supervisor Aircraft loading qualified.

• US Airways fleet service door opening trainer.

• Awareness Certification of acceptance/ refusal of hazardous material as per IATA regulations.

• Comprehensive knowledge in the operation of all Ground service Equipment(GSE)

Belongers only have to apply. Contact HR@intercaribbean.com Tel:9464181

Page 8

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

LOCAL NEWS

Delton Jones now an advisor in South Pacific islands

by Vivian Tyson Delton Jones, former Permanent Secretary of Finance is one son of that the soil the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands can be proud of, as he has taken his financial skills beyond the borders of the TCI and has been assisting several Pacific countries with his talent.

Jones, who was the Chief Economist during the former Progressive National Party (PNP) administration and later became the Permanent Secretary in the Finance Ministry during the Interim Administration, and at one point acted as governor, is employed as Economic Adviser with Economic Development Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).

The SPC, according to Jones, is a regional organization which provides technical assistance to South Pacific Island states and governments to address their development challenges to assist them in realizing their development objectives.

“I provide economic inputs on a multi-professional team,” Jones told The SUN. Explaining what he has done so far in the Pacific, Jones, who is based in Fiji, noted: “So far I have worked on projects involving sustainable energy and transport services in five countries as diverse as Tuvalu, Tonga and Republic of Marshall Islands.”

He has deemed his assignment as a tremendous opportunity for him to lend his skills and expertise to the Pacific area, while being educated about the region at the same time, noting that the challenges faced by that region are akin to those of the Caribbean.

“It is a good opportunity to learn from and share my experiences in the Pacific Island states since as developing island states challenges here are similar to those in the Caribbean. It has been an enjoyable privilege being here in the Pacific, which fulfills a major professional

development goal I’d set for myself,” Jones noted.

Jones is one of the pioneers of the shelved 2007 10year development plan. He as public expressed his disappointment with the British Government when they decided not to use the plan. When he spoke at the Fortis Plenary Session earlier this year, Jones explained that the document, which encapsulated recommendations from persons near and far, was allowed to grow dust rather than being used to institute policies for nation building. “…I was equally disappointed that a lot of resources were expended by the former administration to prepare a national and social economic development strategy for the period 2007 to 2017, which seems to be largely forgotten, lying on the shelf graveyard. This strategy was prepared consulting over 500 people at town hall meetings, focus groups and 22 subcommittees, addressing topics such as revenue and tax policies, local government, health, education, crime and security, climate change adaptation, empowerment strategies, diversification and sustainable tourism,” he told the session at the time.

He said that the Island plans were prepared for all the inhabited islands, adding the development strategy was comprehensive, ambitious and flexible, while allowing for monitoring and adjustment to addressing emerging issues.

Jones pointed out that since the plan is a 10-year one, which expires in four year’s time, elements of it could still be implemented. He pointed out that in short order another plan would be needed, and warns the powers that be not to allow it to waste away like the current strategic plan.

“Preparation of the national development plan would present an exciting opportunity for us to agree and debate some specific national development targets and progress indicators along the lines of the millennium development goal. When we embark on the next development planning initiative, as we must, we need to ensure that it does not Delton Jones become a next shelf document,” he said.

Vacancies at the Caribbean Court of Justice The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission invites applications for the following contract positions on the Judicial Reform and Institutional Strengthening (JURIST) Project being executed by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Contracts are offered for a period of three (3) years with an option for renewal. Applications are invited from citizens or permanent residents of countries in the Caribbean region.

PROJECT MANAGER The Project Manager is responsible for the planning, management, execution, monitoring and evaluation of the JURIST Project and is required to collaborate with national and regional project teams and other stakeholders. The incumbent works under the direction and guidance of a Project Director and supervises a Project Management Unit.

PROJECT OFFICER The Project Officer works under the direction and guidance of a Project Manager and provides technical assistance in the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the JURIST Project to ensure the achievement of the goals and objectives of the project.

PROJECT ACCOUNTANT The Project Accountant is responsible for designing, establishing and implementing accounting systems; ensuring financial controls and procurement in compliance with the CCJ’s policies and procedures; and providing financial advice to support the JURIST Project. The incumbent reports to the Project Manager and Financial Comptroller, CCJ.

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST The Communications Specialist is responsible for designing, developing and executing a broad range of communications strategies to promote the JURIST Project activities both internally for the project and externally amongst participating jurisdictions. The incumbent, who will report to the Project Manager, will also be required to develop, monitor and advance the communication skills of the project teams in the participating jurisdictions.

Further information on these vacancies can be accessed at the Careers page of the CCJ website at

www.caribbeancourtofjustice.org

Deadline for receipt of applications is Wednesday 4th June 2014 The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission offers a competitive, tax-exempt remuneration package inclusive of Allowances and Benefits.

Graceway IGA Supermarket is looking to recruit an articulate, enthusiastic IT Support Technician to work to ensure the smooth operations of the Graceway Trading systems and support all its users.

IT Support Technician Requirements/Qualifications: • Proven experience in an IT support role, certifications or educational background in a role related field is a plus.

• A wide awareness and keen interest in the computing field. Detail orientated, self-motivated, with a drive to improve skills and systems. Ability to multitask, prioritizing work and performing well under pressure.

• Practical experience with Microsoft systems, including Active Directory, Windows XP,7,8.

• Exposure to vSphere, Ubuntu, Cisco, Web technologies and programming is desirable.

• Good understanding of network design, TCP/IP, routing, wiring, wireless technologies.

Duties and Responsibilities include: • Hardware maintenance, including printers, desktops, scales, POS registers, everything associated with day-to-day operations.

• Maintain backup integrity, checks, recovery and contingency planning.

• Maintaining good work-logs and documentation on system operations.

• Diagnose network faults, running cable, terminations, routing, DNS and DHCP management.

• Maintain and improve physical (CCTV, electronic locks) and digital (AntiVirus, Malware, Firewall) security systems.

• Generate reports, exposure to SQL a plus. Data entry as required.

• Out of hours availability-- Graceway is operationally a 24/7 business.

Pay will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Deadline for submission of applicants is June 22nd 2014 Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com Please Note: Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews.

May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 9

LOCAL NEWS

The Governor must act now and stop the unlawful acts of the Government

by Hon. sharlene caRTWRIGHT-robinson Opposition Leader

The PDM are outraged about the way that the Government has dealt with the matter of the Business License fees and is calling on the Governor to intervene and stop the unlawful acts of the Government.

Firstly, its sudden assault with hiking the fees without consultation flaunts the requirement for consultation as set out in the Statement of Good Governance Principles. And even when exposed, the Premier’s response was less than transparent and honest.

Secondly, the Government set July 1, 2014 as the date for which the new fees would take effect and without legal authority has refused to accept payments for renewals before this date.

In an attempt to make legal its illegal instructions which has caused Businesses to operate without valid licenses between March 31, 2014 and July 1, 2014, the Government tabled an amendment to the Business Licensing Ordinance. Its withdrawal of the Bill removed the protection needed after giving unlawful and erroneous instructions. We were shocked when the Government withdrew this as this

Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, Opposition Leader. offered protection to those businesses that followed Government’s erroneous and unlawful advice.

After this issue was raised by the PDM, the Government has realized that it could not lawfully refuse to accept payments for renewals but it in its seemingly “corrective” approach has made another major illegal blunder

Turks and Caicos Sun Suite#5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 946-8542 Fax: (649) 941-3281 Email: sun@suntci.com

by collecting on the new fees that are not scheduled to take effect until July 1, 2014. For the Government to collect payments based on fees and rates which are to take effect July 1, 2014 is again unlawful.

The Governor as the President of Cabinet needs to stop the unlawful acts of this Government and the Opposition is calling on him to act.

The Government is fumbling too much on the issue of business licensing reform and in a Private Members’ item filed with Parliament since May 16, 2014, the PDM will raise this in a substantive Motion on June 5th during the next Meeting of the House. It is our position that the Government needs to withdraw the Regulations that are hiking the fees and causing confusion of Businesses and we will continue to agitate for this.

We encourage the Government to observe the actions of the Cayman Islands’ where in its attempt to provide relief to its people and businesses; it has taken on certain measures which include the ability to pay its license fees in installments.

We maintain that the Government is not a friend of businesses and it does not understand that its very actions are further hurting the economy.

Read us online at www.suntci.com Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce Senior Editor: Vivian Tyson Office Manager: Dominique Rigby Information Technology and Production Manager: Kelano Howell The Turks and Caicos SUN is a subsidiary of The SUN Media Group Ltd. We are committed to excellence in journalism, educating and informing our readers, serving and satisfying our advertisers and assisting in the overall development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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2007

7728

silver

$6800.00

Nissan March

2009

7404

blue

$9300.00

Toyota vitz

2007

7738

silver

$7100.00

Toyota passo

2009

7011

black

$10900.00

Toyota Vitz

2007

7740

silver

$7400.00

Daihatsu sirion

2009

7326

black

$8500.00

Toyota Vitz

2007

7742

blue

$7400.00

Daihatsu sirion

2009

7328

yellow

$8500.00

Toyota Vitz

2007

7743

silver

$7300.00

Mazda Demio

6599

white

$9600.00

Ford Escape

2007

7012

tan

$10000.00

Nissan note

2009

6894

silver

$9000.00

Nissan March

2008

7726

silver

$6800.00

Nissan note

2009

6895

silver

$8700.00

2009

Nissan March 2008 7729 silver $8300.00

Mazda Demio

2009

6775

navy blue

$9800.00

Nissan March 2008 7730 green $7300.00

Mazda Demio

2009

6784

silver

$10600.00

Toyota Passo 2008 7010 white $9400.00

Hyundai accent

2009

7501

dark grey

$7500.00

Toyota Vitz

$10700.00

Hyundai accent

2009

7651

dark blue

$8500.00

Toyota Vitz 2008 7016 silver $10300.00

Hyundai accent

2009

7652

dark grey

$8500.00

Toyota Vitz 2008 7435 blue $10500.00

Hyundai accent

2009

7653

silver

$8500.00

Toyota Vitz 2008 7655 grey $10500.00

Hyundai accent

2009

7654

silver

$8500.00

Daihatsu Sirion 2008 7329 yellow $8500.00

Hyundai accent

2009

7656

dark blue

$8500.00

Daihatsu sirion 2008 7330 green $8500.00

Hyundai accent 2009

7657

dark grey

$8500.00

Mazda Demio

2008

6759

silver

$9900.00

Hyundai accent 2009

7658

dark blue

$8500.00

Mazda Demio

2008

7441

navy blue

$9400.00

Ford explorer

2009

7593

silver

$22000.00

2009

7529

white

$36000.00

2008

7014

ocean green

Mazda Demio 2008 7731 green $7800.00

Suburban

Mazda Demio

2008

7733

Mazda Demio

2008

Jeep wrangler

2008

navy blue

$7800.00

Ford pickup

2009

7703

silver

$25000.00

7737

silver

$7400.00

Ford pickup

2009

7720

white

$24000.00

7704

grey

$19000.00

Town & Country

2006

6789

blue

$8500.00

Jeep wrangler 2008 7705 grey $19000.00

PLEASE CALL US FOR NEWER VEHICLES 649-941-3910

Page 10

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

LOCAL NEWS

Oseta Jolly Primary teachers could be punished Teachers at the Oseta Jolly Primary School in Blue Hills, Providenciales, could be in for a warm time with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Services for involving their students in a protest against the lack of cleaning in the infants’ classrooms.

Armed with placards which spelt out their frustration, the students, on Wednesday (May 28), picketed the compound for most of the day as they trying to get the relevant authorities to address the environmentally unfriendly situation at their school.

The children bore placards such as: “Our teachers are the cleaners”; “Clean environment for learning”; “Five months we had no cleaners”; “Students should come to school to learn, not to clean”; “Does anyone care”; We are not comfortable working in a dirty classroom” and “Education Department, where are you?”

Rachel Handfield, Principal for the school said that both the administrative staff and the student body were happy that the matter is now behind them, as the Education Department has The placards these students bear tell their story. addressed the issue, and now they are able to carry on with the normal lives concerned, the matter is far from over. at the institution.

On Thursday [May 29] the ministry The matter has been resolved in that, we got a cleaner yesterday issued a stinging response to the event, [Wednesday], so the now the classrooms stopping just short of actually saying are being cleaned,” she told The SUN. that those who allowed the students But as far as the ministry is to participate in the demonstration would be punished.

Is seeking

TWO SECURITY GUARDS Must have 5 years experience Must be able to speak at least two languages Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons entering the premises.

Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of authorized persons, or unusual occurrences.

Salary commence with experience.

Belongers only need to apply.

Contact HR@intercarbbean.com Tel: 946-4181

Restaurant Position Available: Sommelier :

Minimum 5 years previous experience in a similar position.

Candidates with certification in Wine Studies or graduates from a trade College will only be considered.

Remuneration based on education level and experience.

Candidates must be willing to work split shifts six days per week including weekends & public holidays.

BELONGERS NEED ONLY APPLY. Please send resumes to: magnoliaprovo@live.com

The ministry claimed that it was notified that the teachers arranged the protest and then called a media house to cover the event, which it said was done while a solution to the matter was being arrived at.

She pointed out that the infant section of the school over which the contention arose has been without a cleaner for some time, and came to a head this week, hence the demonstration by the students.

“The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Services wishes to assure the public that it will not take lightly the event of Wednesday 28th May at the Oseta Jolly Primary School.

“The Ministry was informed that Teachers at the Oseta Jolly Primary School were reported to have called a media station and with cardboard signs proceeded to engage children in a demonstration to protest the lack of response from the Ministry of Government Support Services (GSS) regarding provision of cleaners for the school’s infant department The ministry said that the actions by the teachers break the spirit of cooperation within that and other ministries that work in tandem with the Ministry of Education. It said that while the ministry understands the frustration of teachers, believes

that there are avenues for settling administrative matters without what it describes compromising the purpose for which children are at school and for engaging the students without permission from the authorities or their parents.

“Although the Ministry understands the frustration regarding lack of cleaners; we were informed that at the time the principal was with the Ministry of GSS identifying a relief cleaner. The action violates all principles of cooperation designed to strengthen work between the department, ministry and other ministries who work closely with us,” the press statement said.

Handfield said that a report was made to the Education Department, notifying it of the situation but nothing was done.

“It was an on-going situation that we tried to address – taking it to the attention of the authority to provide us with (a solution) – but nothing was done. So the protest was in response to that situation and trying to show the seriousness of having classrooms not being cleaned.

“The cleaner was transferred to another department and wasn’t replaced. Bear in mind that cleaners have a certain area allocated to them, and so, that particular person had the infant department and probably one or two primary grades. But the rest of the classrooms were cleaned – we had cleaners in place for those areas,” Handfield pointed out.

Other than saying that it would not take the matter lightly, the ministry did not saw what action it would take against those who planned the protest action.

POSITION AVAILABLE

[1] MARKETING COORDINATOR Responsibilities include: • Assisting Marketing Manager in coordinating various integrated communication and marketing activities.

• Interface between customer’s events and software update with head office support department.

• Coordinating in production of a wide range of marketing communications.

• Providing product positioning materials as well as training for customer service and sales.

• Implementing project management system for documenting and tracking activities.

• Developing lead generation plans with targets, measures, and objectives.

• Executing and analyzing results of advertisement and marketing campaigns.

Applicants must have a minimum of 10 years experience in the relevant area.

Salary starts at $30,000.00 per annum.

Applicants must be fully qualified with the ability to work with little or no supervision.

Interested persons should fax their CV’s to Fax: 941-4533 Between the hours of 8am – 5pm

May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 11

LOCAL NEWS

Ministry of Education announces results from GSAT review

Following the Department of Education’s policy review of the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) guidelines (specifications), the Department has incorporated the following changes to reduce the number of papers for Science, English and Mathematics.

•Mathematics has been changed from two papers to one paper and will be structured in three sections. Section A has forty (40) multiple choice items, Section B is short answer items and Section C contains structured type questions.

•Science will have a single paper as opposed to two papers

• Minor changes to the English papers • Reduction in the number of days for the administration of the test from three days to two days.

The review of the specification is informed by the annual GSAT statistical data, comments from invigilators, markers, Principals and Grade 6 teachers and observations from parents. During the last five-year period the Department was asked by the majority of primary schools and parents to consider incorporating the changes mentioned above.

The Department of Education recognises the validity in these

recommendations based on the statistical data and observations made over a five-year period. Based on this some of the changes were incorporate during the last specification review.

In schools where mock tests were administered the changes were incorporated into the design of the papers and the children were tested using the specified time periods.

The Department will monitor the time that the majority of students actually spend on this paper and is prepared to make adjustments, where necessary for future papers.

The cycle of reviews to the

specifications help to maintain high standards taking into account the learning objectives of the primary curriculum and how children treat with the test from year to year.

The reduction in the number of papers, and the subsequent reduction in the number of days for the administration of the test are not linked in any way to budgetary constraints. Expenditure on the administration of the GSAT remains within the annual estimates.

The amount allocated for this year has not been reduced when compared with the amount allocated during the same period last year.

UGE creates first grid-tied solar energy system Urban Green Energy.com, a global leader in distributed renewable energy, announced on Friday (May 30th) that it has completed the first commercialscale solar energy project on the Turks and Caicos Islands, in partnership with local company Urban Green Environmental. The 35.25-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system, installed on the roof of Fortis TCI’s headquarters in Providenciales, will serve as a pilot project that could ultimately usher an additional wave of renewable energy projects to the island territory.

Fortis TCI, the project’s owner, selected UGE and Urban Green

Environmental to design, install, and implement the completely customized photovoltaic system, which consists of 141 monocrystalline solar panels.

In addition to managing the project from start to finish, the two companies also trained Fortis TCI staff, who will continue to gain practical experience in the operation and maintenance of solar systems as part of the pilot phase.

“The Turks and Caicos Islands have superb climate conditions for both wind and solar energy. The territory is an ideal market for evaluating renewable energy expansion, and we’re proud that we could bring our expertise to the

POSITION AVAILABLE The Salvation Army in the Turks and Caicos Islands is seeking to fill the position of

CORPS AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER The Corps and Development Officer is The Salvation Army’s principal officer in the Turks and Caicos Islands, under the administration of The Salvation Army Bahamas and Turks and Caicos headquarters located in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Candidates for the position • Must be a commissioned and ordained officer of The Salvation Army • Must subscribe to the Mission, objectives and values of The Salvation Army as an international religious and charitable organization.

• Must have a minimum of five years experience in Salvation Army ministry and service, including pastoral, administrative, programme, community development and social service functions.

• Should have excellent interpersonal, organizational and negotiating skills.

project, “ said Nick Blitterswyk, CEO of UGE. “Our partner Urban Green Environmental has been instrumental in leading this successful installation, and together we’ve carved a pathway for Fortis TCI to evaluate and potentially expand its commitment to renewable energy.”

“We’re excited that Fortis selected us for this solar PV project, especially since it will allow Fortis to look at new ways solar energy might be integrated into the electricity grid.

These renewable systems often pay for themselves once they’re built, so they can be a very financially viable

option,” said Jay Bennett, president of Urban Green Environmental. “Our partnership with UGE also expands the possibilities for the project, since they have the capability to easily scale and even finance future projects.”

Urban Green Environmental is part of UGE’s international Partner Network, currently operating in nearly 90 countries around the world. Partners like Urban Green Environmental work with UGE to remove barriers to international adoption of renewable energy, with a focus on modular systems that are adapted to fit each customer’s specific site and energy needs.

Provo Air Center Is seeking a

RAMP AGENT • Over 5 years experience in maneuvering heavy duty equipment e.g. (pushing and towing aircraft).

• Experience in general handling of General Aviation.

Narrow body and wide body and wide body aircraft.

• Awareness Certification of acceptance/refusal of hazardous material as per IATA regulations.

• Comprehensive knowledge in the operation of all ground service • Equipment (GSE) Salary commensurate with experience.

• Should possess a high level of oral and written communication skills.

• Should have attained more than average proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and Lotus Notes Suites.

Essential Functions Include • The continuing development and management of all ministries, programmes, services and other functions of The Salvation Army in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

• Undertaking advanced pastoral, business and administrative duties and functions • Plan, develop and manage community funding and capital development projects.

• Maintain ongoing liaison with regional and international office and personnel.

Applicants for the position are kindly requested to submit a letter of application, a full resume and not less than two contacts for references. Documentation should be addressed to: The Divisional Commander and sent via e-mail to salarmy@ coralwave.com by 30th June 2014.

Position requires the following: • Excellent command of the English language – reading, writing and speaking.

• Good communication skills and team player • Detail oriented & organized individual • Ability to work shifts, early mornings, late nights, weekends and holidays.

• Clean police record • Able to work under pressure Belongers need only apply.

Interested persons should apply to HR@flyairtc.com Or via fax to HR Department 649-946-4040.

No phone calls please.

Qualified candidates will be contacted for interview.

Page 12

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

LOCAL NEWS

Civil Recovery team bashed for overseas adverts A number of Turks and Caicos Islanders are outraged that the Edwards Palmer’s Civil Recovery Team is using its exploits in the TCI to sell itself internationally, especially since the investigation s of some of their cases are still pending.

Edwards Palmer was advertised as one of the chief presenters at the OffshoreAlert Conference in Miami Beach, Florida, between May 4th and 6th.

The adverts in the international media indicated the firm’s James Maton would “take attendees behindthe-scenes of one of the largest civil asset recovery programs in the world [the TCI], explain the intricacies and difficulties of recovering misappropriated assets, and discuss whether the same techniques can be applied in similar jurisdictions.”

The law firm boasted in the advert how it assisted in turning around the TCI economy through its land recovery machinery, further bragging that it has recouped more than $20,000 and more than quarter million acres of land.

“In 2009, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government engaged British law firm Edwards Wildman to recover thousands of acres of land, including prime ocean-front property, and other valuable assets that had been misappropriated by politicians and their foreign, private-sector accomplices.

“It was part of a wider attempt to turn around the economy and reputation of the TCI. In the ensuing four years, more than 3,000 acres and over $20 million in cash has been recovered for the Government,” the

advert said.

It further crowed: “Many claims have involved court proceedings and trials in the Turks & Caicos Islands Supreme Court, both at first instance and the Court of Appeal, and the team has dealt with three appeals to the Privy Council so far.”

The advertisement pitched the conference as an avenue to showing participants in international finance how to identify and exploit financial opportunities, how to avoid legal and risk pitfalls, and how to recover assets if a promising business deal turns sour.

“You will also make great contacts by mingling with the crème de la crème in the private and public sectors of numerous onshore and offshore jurisdictions,” the advertisement further stated.

The ad further stated: “Our Miami Beach conference attracts attendees from more than 25 countries in different continents and is aimed at anyone who is involved in the highest-levels of international finance. These include: High net worth individuals, officers & directors, auditors, bankers, attorneys, tax advisers, compliance officers, money managers, investors, investigators, regulators, (and) law Enforcement.”

Some persons in the TCI were not happy with the pitch, accusing the law firm of using the unfortunate situation in the TCI to cash in on new businesses.

They added that since many of the recovery cases in the TCI were still active, it was unethical for the

Laurence Harris

Edwards Palmer’s Civil Recovery Team to be looking to further profiting from it in such a manner.

When contacted, Laurence Harris, one of the lead partners in the firm said that, while he was not responsible for the advertisment, after it was published, he contacted the advertising arm of the firm and told them to make some changes, which he said they did.

“I am not responsible for the advertising; I can’t control what they say,” he said.

“I told them what we are doing, and in fact they changed [the wording]. I told them to [change it back].

They didn’t ask us to look at it first before they put it out, and I asked to change it [back] and they changed it as far as I know,” Harris said.

OASIS DIVERS

Grand Turk Cruise Center is currently accepting applications for the position of Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO).

Duties & Responsibilities include:

Ensuring adequate training needs of GTCC Security Personnel Carrying out Security screening of all new security hires Ensuring GTCC is ISPS compliant Developing a good working relationship with ship board security personnel and shore side personnel (GTCC tenants and employees, gov’t agencies, law enforcement agents etc.) to foster and facilitate a team-oriented atmosphere.

Interacting with the CSO and SSO of vessels calling at the GTCC Preparing, coordinate and run security drills and exercises in accordance with the GTCC PFSP Oversight of the day to day security operations of the GTCC Preparing maintenance schedules for the upkeep of the GTCC CCTV surveillance system Ensuring upkeep and adequate equipment/materials required for the day to day operations of GTCC Ensuring all GTCC safety protocols are followed Conducting Security Awareness training for all GTCC staff Maintaining all security-sensitive records and information in secure location Attending Port Security Committee Meetings Implementing security measures in response heightened security levels Interacting with GTCC tenants on all security measures or updates Oversight of ID badges for GTCC staff, tenants and their employees as well as temporary and visitor passes.

Maintaining control of all Restricted Area Access locations Continuously reviewing security operations and make recommendations on how to enhance services Implementing new policies, SOP’s and company initiatives as assigned Reporting on all critical guest-related incidents Ensuring the proper maintenance and upkeep of all security-related logs and records Responsible to the extent possible for ensuring the safety and security of all guests, employees, tenants and the assets of the GTCC Responding to urgent security incidents as required outside of the normal working hours.

Minimum Qualifications and Preferences: Law Enforcement or military background preferred.

Candidate must have good written and verbal communication skills.

Must be able to manage, organize and liaise with multiple departments and team members of different nationalities.

Must be able to work well under pressure and stressful situations Candidate must be prepared to work long hours, holidays, weekends, days and nights as needed.

Please submit cover letter and CV to: admin@grandturkcc.com

is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates for the following positions. The successful applicants must:

RESTAURANT CAPTAIN - Have at least 10 years’ experience in the hospitality industry with at least 5 years’ experience in a supervisory position - Be at least 30 years old - Have a clean criminal record - Have a valid passport - Have previous experience with MICROS POS systems - Possess the ability to remain calm in a high stress environment - Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business

SERVERS / BARTENDERS - Have at least 5 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, experience in the tourism would be an asset - Possess the ability to remain calm in a high stress environment - Be well spoken with English as primary language - Have a valid passport - Be at least 25 years old - Have a clean criminal record - Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business

BEACH ATTENDANTS - Have a clean criminal record - Have a valid passport - Hold a valid certification in CPR and First Aid - Have at least 3 years’ experience in the tourism and hospitality industry.

- Must be able to swim - Must be physically fit and well presented with a trustworthy and reliable disposition - Excellent communication, inter-personal and customer service skills with English as primary language - Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders Written applications only and accompanying CVs/resumes must be addressed to the Manager at the following address: Cee’s Plaza, Suite No. 1 Church Folly PO Box 86 Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Islands

OASIS DIVING, LTD. c/o EPIC Corporate & Consultancy Services Ltd. Phone: 649-946-1128 Fax: 649-946-1128 Email: oasisdiv@tciway.tc

May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 13

LOCAL NEWS

Education Department advertises Clement Howell principal job regionally Turks and Caicos Islands Education Department is on the hunt for a principal for the Clement Howell following the resignation of its current principal Gerald Persaud, who is approaching two years in the job.

Persaud’s position has been advertised on Caribbeanjobs.com, where candidates have until May 29 to apply.

The position has been advertised under the job title: Principal – Secondary School. It listed the opening as, “a senior professional position which has responsibility for managing and supervising a co-education institution.

The job holder is required to ensure that discipline is maintained among the academic and student body and to prepare and manage the school’s annual budget and supply inventory.

The position is responsible for the cost centre operations.”

The Education Department’s laundry list of responsibilities include, to: • Promote and seek to sustain parent and community interest in school activities; • Develop, motivate and lead all staff to achieve the highest professional standards; • Liaise with the Heads of Department in the implementation of the curriculum; • Make necessary referral where students may require professional counseling;

• Maintain accurate records on school events and incidents that may occur at the school; • Build a collaborative learning culture within the school and actively engage with other secondary schools and primary schools and other agencies to build effective learning communities; • Guided by the Ministry policies, articulate the goals and philosophy of the school; • Assist with the annual registration of pupils and assign pupils to classes based on age and cognitive ability; • Prepare the school’s budget and ensure compliance; • Lead in the delivery of a national curriculum in a way which inspires and engages all pupils; • Ensure a consistent and continuous school-wide focus on pupil assessment and achievement, using appropriate data and benchmarks to set, monitor, track and evaluate individual pupil progress; • Ensure that the academic staff delivers lessons to a range of classes including putting up displays in the classroom; • Lead in the delivery of a national curriculum in a way which inspires and engages all pupils; • Ensure a consistent and continuous school-wide focus on pupil assessment and achievement, using appropriate data and benchmarks to set, monitor, track and evaluate individual pupil progress;

• Ensure that the academic staff delivers lessons to a range of classes including putting up displays in the classroom; • Perform other related tasks as assigned; and • Adhere to all Public Service codes, rules and regulations.

The successful candidate must have, according to the Education Department, a master’s degree in education administration/leadership or relevant management qualification in addition to a teacher’s certificate or diploma.

Departing Clement Howe School Principal, Gerald In addition, the Education Persaud.

Department said that the position also requires experience in the education The Education Department has field for more than eight years with at least five years in an educational stipulated that applicants’ résumé with current contact information must be leadership role.

The salary package is listed as accompanied with a cover letter, two between $32,520.00 to $37,500.00 a letters of reference – one preferably from a former employer, certified copies year.

For persons recruited outside the of educational certificates, a police Turks & Caicos Islands, the Education certificate and a copy of the passport Department is offering a two year photo page.

Persaud – a Guyanese Government extendable contract, noting that other took over the reins at the Clement benefits, in addition to basic salary, include housing allowance, end- Howell High School two years ago, of contract gratuity of 15%, return after the departure of the embattled passages for a family of up to two Lloyd Fearon. However, he announced children under the age of 16 years, recently that he would be leaving at the freight cost and duty exemption on end of the existing school year to take up personal effects imported within six an educational opportunity bankrolled by the Guyana government. months of the appointment.

Waterloo Hotel Management Limited is inviting suitable applications for the following position:

Senior Executive Chef

HOUSEKEEPER Requirements: • Ensure the cleanliness of all hotel areas • Assist in all Housekeeping responsibilities, cleaning of all guest rooms, stocking amenities and linens.

• Perform specified server duties, including food and drink orders, preparation and serving.

• Ensure inventory is used properly and in supply at all times.

• Possess knowledge of proper cleaning supplies and chemical handling • Must be fluent in written and spoken English.

Previous experience in luxury resorts preferred Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualifications and experience

LABOURER Requirements • Operate, maintain and repair the property’s heating, Ventilation air conditioning and refrigeration systems • Perform preventative maintenance on the hotel’s systems • Perform laundry and kitchen services • Pool cleaning, chemical testing, adding chemicals as required • Maintain the proper use, cleaning, maintenance and storage of all tools • Responsible for cleaning grease traps, lift stations, Checking & treatment of sewage treatment plant Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualifications and experience

Candidates must apply to: humanresources@thewestbayclub.com or 946-8550

The position provides key leadership on setting new standards of culinary and operations excellence.

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic culinary professional who is constantly seeking a better way to conduct business and be hands on in driving the results. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: Responsibilities: ◊ Implementing innovative food ideas/concept, new or revised menu/recipe items to increase sales ◊ Improve catering and banquet services. Enhance relationship with Catering teams to achieve successful execution of events and banquet to create win-win outcomes. Lead team to design, set up and conduct catering events successfully. ◊ Coach team on effectively managing costs while maintaining the recipe standards, and the cooking and preparation procedures ◊ Improve cost structure by improving Back of the House operating efficiency through maximizing the productivity of the staff, developing new procedures or streamlining processes; including receiving, preparation and cooking procedures, kitchen designs, and menu mix optimization ◊ Work with restaurant managers to improve the product knowledge of the menu for the Front of the House staff ◊ Conduct routine inspection and evaluation of all kitchen operations; including food presentation, quality, kitchen cleanliness and safety ◊ Ensure all locations conform to product specification, policies and procedures for all supplies, ingredients purchased and all products sold.

Qualifications and Experience required: ◊ Degree in culinary arts or food related a plus ◊ Advanced degrees preferred ◊ Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive culinary/kitchen management and supervisory

experience, depending upon formal degree or training ◊ Highly skilled in cooking techniques and progressive in approach to fine cuisine ◊ Hands on chef experience in high volume, complex service operations a must ◊ Comprehensive knowledge of international cuisine and catering trends with a focus on quality,

production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation ◊ Extensive experience with excellent menu and execution experience a plus ◊ Thorough understanding of food equipment and safety standards ◊ Strong written and computer skills; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point),

Outlook, E-mail and the Internet.

Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Please Submit Applications to: cgibbons@wihl.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department.

Submissions to be no later than June 13th, 2014 Belongers need only apply.

Page 14

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

ADVERTISE WITH US

STAFF VACANCY – ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT

Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of Administrative Assistant, FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as administrative assistant/secretary to Senior Managers (preferably in a technical environment).

• Knowledge of operation of standard office To provide support to the Manager of Financial Services in the management of the financial, r • Strong organizational skills.

Description • Knowledge of principles and practices of basic office company and other external reporting.

Provide accurate plant financial and management statistical data in order fo To provide a wide range of administrative services to the Energy • Excellent typing and minute taking skills. make timely and informed decisions concerning financial performance of the business. Manage cr Production and Project Management Division and the Transmission and • High degree of competency in Word and Excel & other Microsoft Distribution Division.

Office suite.Systems, Inventory Management and Fixed Assets to ensur financial operations on the Work Order • Experience with spreadsheets in the accurate compiling and submitting accordance with established guidelines and procedures.

Main Duties of statistical reports is especially desirable.

• Responsible for maintaining files, data, equipment maintenance records • Ability to work without supervision. and preparing reports for all departments in the two divisions.

• Responsible for scheduling and coordinating meetings and Core Competency Skills: Main Duties appointments for managers or supervisors as required.

• Planning and organizing • Record, compile, transcribe and distribute minutes of meetings as • Attention to detail and accuracy required.

• Flexibility/adaptability General Accounting: • Responsible for ensuring/monitoring that all time sheets are complete • Customer service orientation and turned in on time.

• Excellent team player  Ensure the accurate and timely completion of all reconciliations and monthly manage • General clerical duties.

• Extraordinary interpersonal andaccount communication skills • Preparing requisitions (electronically) as required by Director of Energy • Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure Production and Director of Engineering and Planning.

• Goal oriented/selfmotivated  Monitor performance indicators, highlighting trends and analyzing causes of unexpected vari • Monitor and maintain records for core credits and generation related of revenues, expensesCompensation and capital. fixed assets.

Salary: based on qualifications and ability • Maintain office supply inventories.

Deadline for submission of applications is June 14, 2014.

• Responsible for the internal processing of temporary work permits for  Ensure that all corporate policy changes are incorporated in the accounting process a Kindly submit applications stating qualifications and work experience the two divisions. guidelines to: • Assist with the dissemination of various correspondences and set. communications for the two divisions.

• Other duties that may be assigned by the Director of Energy Production Dr. Kellie-Ann Evans-Hall  Provide major support in financial reporting as regards compliance with US GAAP. Manager, Human Resources and Director of Engineering and Planning.

FortisTCI Limited Academic/Technical/Management: Experience and P. O. Boxfinancial 132, Providenciales  Responsible for providing requirements to all stakeholders (parent company, i Qualifications: Email address: hrapplications@ppcltd.tc or kahll@fortistci.com financial institutions,Fax: CARILEC and other interested parties) • Diploma in Office Management/Business or equivalent experience.

649-946-4532

EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER REQUIRED • References from previous employers essential • Live-in position: cooking, cleaning and general housekeeping duties • Must be prepared to work weekends and evenings • Must be fluent in Spanish and love dogs • Must have experience in caring for elderly people Send applications to Rockgarden Ltd PO Box 257 Providenciales Or call 339-4500

SUSAN GARDINER SEEKS

 Oversee the preparation of US GAAP compliant financial statements for submission to exte Fortis Inc.BUTTERFIELD GOLD Deluxe Maintenance and Island Escapes (TCI) Ltd. PROVO BODY SHOP GROUP OF COMPANIES POSITIONS AVAILABLE

NEEDS

Contracting Services

ONE 3 BODY One (1) Mason, Handyman MEN Server  Responsible for the preparation of regulatory reports and annual government questionnaires

 PerformRosie’s quality assurance review of all financial information before submission to inter Delight Restaurant stakeholders and responsible for all consolidated reports of FortisTCI Limited and TCU. 1 Painter, NEEDS

Carpenter,  5 years Ensure that the vendor master file isElectrician, updated and appropriately documented.

Must have more than experience and Labourer Must be able to paint a car Salary based on experience

Wages: starting from $6.50 per hour Submit applications

by May 2, 2014 to: Butterfield Gold Ltd., Human Resource Department Town Center Mall Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211

Salary $6.00 per hour

 Responsible for internal and external audit activities as required.

completely

Contact 231-0049

Interested persons should Contact: 231-2185

Interested persons should contact 941 4006

HARVEST BARBERSHOP

S&G Contracting

THE PINNACLE

1 BARBER

seeks

 Ad-Hoc Reporting and Financial Analysis

Villa Oasis Needs

Plant Accounting:

SEEKS

LABOURERS ONE to key departmental personnel ONE Closely coordinate and provide assistance 1 plumber & to ensure that all sale, retirement, and other disposals areSalary accounted for, recorded and fully supported GARDENERS DOMESTIC Handyman documentation and authorization. commensurate

WORKER

Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 241-2076

SEEKS

with experience

Needed with experience

Highway, Providenciales

Please call 649-941-7366

 Closely coordinate with all heads of department, ensuring that all completed self-constru Please submit resumes at: Starting salary tracked and recorded accurately and in a House, timely1105 manner.

7 Emily Leeward Interested persons should $6.00 per hour Salary $6.00 per hour Contact: 343-1210

Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 346-4642

May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Cadet Programme back on track

The long-awaited cadet programme which be more integrally involved in the new cadet went dormant after its emergence in 2006/2007 programme, to assist in guiding or assisting appears to be on the comeback trail, according participants to choose suitable career paths.

“Also what is new in this particular training to Director of Youth Affairs Jasmine Parker.

Parker told The SUN in an interview this is that we now have the youth officers more week that recruits have already been identified involved. So, whereas before we had the Royal and should commence training on this Saturday Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force taking more of the initiative, and they are the ones and Sunday, May 31 and June 1.

“The Department of Youth Affairs, the out there in the forefront, we are now involving Ministry of Education in collaboration with the youth officers; so now, we are going to have Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force that component of youth development and will be commencing the cadet programme in youth empowerment along with the discipline September at all high schools in the Turks and that you see with many police officers,” Parker Caicos Islands. So all high schools will now said.

In the meantime, Parker said that the Youth have the cadet programme.

“The (first set of) training will take place Department has chosen to select younger teens May 31st and June 1st starting at 6:45 in for the programme, since it believes that they the morning. There is going to be a number would absorb more out of it before it is time for of activities, including drills like what police them to make an exit.

“We are aiming to get younger students such officers and persons in the military do,” she as the 13 to 15 year-olds - basically, students revealed.

She said that the cadet programme is not that are just entering high school - because we only designed to build character and foster want them to develop themselves through a discipline among the youth but also give them high level of discipline throughout high school.

“Not that we are shying away from the an option as to whether or not they want to older students, but with the younger students chose a career in law enforcement.

“What we are trying to get from this you have a longer time period to establish if programme is to get students involved in students actually are successful and also if the high disciplined careers such as police officers, programme was actually successful,” she said.

About the location for training, Parker noted: custom officers, and immigration officers and so on. And so, we want to instill such kinds of “Training will take place at the Police Canteen discipline in the youth of the Turks and Caicos. on Providenciales, and we have police officers “One of the reasons the cadets programme is coming from North Caicos to participate in the a high priority to start again it’s because of its Providenciales training. The training that is high level of discipline. It teaches the youth to taking place in Grand Turk, we have Officers be more disciplined and strategic in what they coming from South Caicos. “We do it this way do throughout their lives and to promote self so that) we will be able to spread the training evenly amongst the islands. And also, it cuts development,” she said.

Parker said also that youth officers will down the cost of travelling.”

Director of Youth Affairs Jasmine Parker

Parrot Cay Resort and COMO Shambhala have vacancies for the following positions:

Assistant Financial Controller

To assist the Financial Controller in applying financial, commercial and business input into the management of the hotel operations to ensure that optimum performance is achieved.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following: • Preparation of monthly Management Accounts and commentary up to review stage by agreed deadlines.

• Assist the Financial Controller with any other aspects of the accounts as required.

• Preparation of certain Balance Sheet Reconciliations as directed for review by the Financial Controller.

• Review of reconciliations prepared by other accounts staff as directed. Processing of adjusting entries in the books as required during the following month.

• Keep the General Ledger Trial Balance up-to-date on a month by month basis.

• Preparation and review of General Ledger Trial Balance at month-end for subsequent review by Financial Controller.

• Preparation and posting of Journal Vouchers as required.

• Assist the Financial Controller in the maintenance of and compliance with proper internal control procedures as set out in financial policies and procedures, both within the Accounts Department and throughout the hotel.

• Assist in the implementation of recommendations for changes/procedures in such procedures as set out in Internal Audit Reports.

• Provide assistance to the external auditors at the time of their annual visit and on other occasions during the year as required.

• Preparation of schedules and other information as directed by the Financial Controller.

• Other ad-hoc work of a financial nature concerning the hotel that may be required from time to time as directed by the Financial Controller.

• Post invoices in Accpac according to Accpac procedures.

• Work with Receiving and Purchasing to ensure requisitions and purchase orders are cleared through the Accpac system.

• Change General Ledger codes on invoices submitted by departments as necessary to ensure the invoice is coded to the correct G/L account.

• Payments to suppliers in a timely manner.

• Review the A/P aging report prior to processing payments.

• Review vendor statements and notify any vendor immediately if missing an invoice that is posted on their statement.

• Ensure all invoices are posted at month end in the allotted time frame.

• Leave any outstanding invoices that need to be accrued with the Financial Controller.

• Advise and give assistance where required to members of other departments on all relevant financial aspects of the operation.

• Ensure that due regard is paid to the operational requirements of the hotel in all aspects of Accounts Department for which directly responsible.

• Where required by the Financial Controller, to give assistance in particular operational matters, such as participation in stock takes and accounting for special functions.

• Above all, to assist the Financial Controller in maintaining the high profile of the Accounts Department within the operation by ensuring a regular presence in Front of House areas. This will include participation by the Assistant Financial Controller in Duty Management.

• Maintain a positive and professional work attitude towards all employees and Guest The successful candidate must have: • Must have a Bachelors degree or equivalent in accounting • Must have at least 5 years of previous experience as an assistant financial controller • At least two years hotel cost controller experience.

• Must be competent in the use of the following computer applications: Microsoft Excel and word.

Preference for knowledge of other accounting or inventory control related software such as Sun Systems or Micros Inventory Control.

The successful candidate will be required to work public holidays and weekends and must reside on Parrot Cay. LINE POSITIONS: Reverse Osmosis, Water Plant Operator Pilates Instructor

Estates Attendant Recreation Attendant Turndown Attendant Electrician Butler Housekeeping Supervisor Chef de Partie Commis Chef Food & Beverage Server Food & Beverage Supervisor Bartender Massage Therapist Spa Attendant Supervisor Spa Attendant Private Estates Housekeeping Attendant Carpenter

Salaries for these positions will be paid base on qualification and experience. Please note that all application must be submitted with a valid Police Record, two reference letters from previous employers or a notary public and current educational certificates.

Only suitable candidates will be contacted for an interview. Forward your resume to the Human Resources Department at the following address: Parrot Cay Resort and COMO Shambhala P.O. Box 164 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Ph: (649) 946 7788, Fax: (649) 946 7749 Email: careers.parrotcay@comohotels.com

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LOCAL NEWS

Deputy Governor’s public sector spotlight for May – tcig treasury “Although widely viewed simply as the department solely for the processing of payments, there is much, much more to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government Treasury,” said Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and head of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ public service.

“With a staff complement of 30 spread across four islands, our Treasury colleagues have a duty and responsibility that goes deep into every department and function of Government.

“That they are responsible for the accounting of the taxpayers dollar, the compilation and management of the Government’s accounts and the processing of payroll for over 1,700 members of staff and to thousands of vendors, is no small feat.”

Treasury staff are at the heart of good governance and accountability in the Turks and Caicos Islands, preparing amongst other tasks: monthly reporting packs for loan financiers, quarterly and annual financial reports, all of which are now produced on time and published on www.gov.tc.

They have also developed and implemented new manuals on vendors’ payment procedures and payroll procedures, for example.

The Treasury in recent years has undergone a major restructuring exercise aimed at equipping the

department with vital modern day technical skills for effective treasury management and accounting services.

Professional training and development being a key component of the restructuring exercise, the Treasury has in the past two years benefitted from the placement of eight accounting and finance degree returning students and has worked towards the personal development of all other staff as well through local training and through international agencies.

Members of the Treasury staff regularly take part in international professional development training, including with the International Consortium on Government Financial Management (ICGFM) conferences on Good Public Financial Management Practices and Innovations.

Several also took part in a two week Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) training conference on Cash flow Management and Forecasting and a training conference on Business Continuity Management.

Today’s Treasury has three core functions: Payments & Payroll; Revenue and Asset Management; Finance and Accounting. In addition, specialist Treasury finance managers were appointed to each Ministry where they work alongside and advice the Permanent Secretaries and their

Heads of Departments.

The Treasury Department is one of the key departments in Government and plays a very vital role to persons in and outside of Government.

To this end the Deputy Governor would like to congratulate the department on their recent achievements and would like to thank the following Treasury staff: GRAND TURK Arnold Ainsley – Accountant General Ahmed Jones – Assistant Accountant General, Payments & Payroll Joanne Williams – Assistant Accountant General (Revenue & Asset Management) Sally-Jean Astwood – Assistant Accountant General (Accounting & Finance) Wendy Bovell – Finance Manger (Debt Management) Keshina Parker – Senior Finance Officer (Payroll ) Carmaine Ariza – Application Support Officer Elaine Garland – Head of Cashiers Letrelle Walkin – Finance Officer Shandera Hall – Finance Officer Cindy Williams – Accounts Officer Dernelle Williams – Accounts Officer

Fabian Thomas – Accounts Officer Ivena Brooks – Accounts Officer Latoya Williams – Accounts Officer Sherolee Forbes – Accounts Officer Colea Coalbrooke – Cashier Kenrick Lightbourne – Cashier Finance Managers: Andrew McRae Cherise King Kimberley Simmons Pamela Clarke Shireen Gardiner

NORTH CAICOS Barbara Gardiner – Sub-Treasury Manager Margaret Forbes – Accounts Officer PROVIDENCIALES Pearl Malcolm – Sub-Treasury Manager Rosita Smith – Accounts Officer Vanessa Forbes – Accounts Officer SOUTH CAICOS Rotika Johnson – Sub-Treasury Manager Camea Lewis – Accounts Officer

IMMEDIATE OPENING COSMETOLOGIST

Requirements: •Prior experience working as a Cosmetologist in the spa department in a luxury resort •Excellent communication skills •Ability to understand the guest, internal and external, and meet and exceed the needs of both the guest and the company •Ability to provide genuine service through actions that display self-confidence, grace and courtesy to guests and colleagues •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Duties Include: •Provides consistent professional hair treatments in accordance with spa protocols and accepted certification practices •Complete knowledge and understanding of all services and products while educating guests in these areas •Possess and maintain knowledge of current hairstyles and trends •Assist in inventory •Upholding the standards of sanitation and sterilization as directed by law and the spa’s policies and procedures •Performing prep work and properly cleaning and restocking work area as required •Must be able and willing to work all day and shifts Starting salary $5.50 per hour not including service charge and tips.

LABOURER

Duties Include: • General laborer duties as assigned by the supervisor or manager.

• Willingness to work varying schedules, split shifts, nights, weekends and holidays.

Starting Salary $5.25 per hour not including service charge.

KITCHEN/LAUNDRY MECHANIC

Requirements: • Minimum 3 years experience of experience.

• Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience.

• Knowledge and experience in repair and maintenance including preventative maintenance of property

systems and equipment.

• To be an independent kitchen laundry mechanic, able to analyze problems, to read technical data sheets and diagrams for mechanical and electrical equipment and to formulate plans to get work done quickly, including procurement of materials, parts, etc., and necessary scheduling arrangements with a high degree of quality.

• Ability to speak effectively with customers and associates read and write and interpret documents and technical wiring diagram information sheets as well as safety rules (lockout tagout), safety awareness information (MSDS) operating and maintenance and instructions manuals.

Duties include: • Maintain proper preventative maintenance to laundry equipment and boilers.

• Maintain proper amount of chemical injection on boiler feed tank and proper conductivity at boilers.

• Preventative maintenance to steam traps and steam lines Starting salary $7.00 per hour not including service charge.

RESTAURANT SUPERVISOR

Requirements: • 3 year experience as a restaurant supervisor working in a branded luxury resort • Post secondary graduate or equivalent qualification by experience Duties Include: • Supervises the operation of assigned restaurants and/or lounges • Coordinates the set-up of restaurant and lounge areas in accordance with Regent’s standards • Confirms daily specials and new menu additions with the Executive Chef • Oversees the food and beverage service provided in assigned outlet; coaches employees on effective service and food presentation techniques • Inspects assigned restaurants and lounge areas on an on-going basis and takes appropriate steps to ensure facilities meet or exceed resort standards at all times • Conducts daily pre-shift meetings to discuss specials, house count, reservations and new menu items • Takes over the responsibilities of the manager during his/her absence • Feedback to the employee and department manager on the employee’s performance • Provide employees with the information and tools needed to perform their job effectively • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary 8.50 per hour, not including service charge and tips.

Interested applicants should apply to Regent Palms, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume to marjorie.dorsett@regenthotels.com, no later than end of day Friday, June 6th, 2014.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Six cash in on Scotiabank Credit Card promotion Six Scotiabank customers were rewarded for using their credit cards for purchases during the festive season last year.

Bruce Humber, Senior Manager at Scotiabank, said that the six were awarded the prizes as a result of a credit card transaction promotion the bank held during the Christmas period.

“Every time our customers used their credit cards, the transaction triggered an automatic entry into our promotion,” said Humber. “So the more times you used your card, the more chances you had of winning”.

Ingrid Thompson walked away with the top prize of $2,500; while Claudelle Seymour, Leslie Watts, Yoshi Ono, Chanda Tolani and Clare Radford were each awarded $250.

Humber said that he was pleased with the promotion and was happy to award the prizes to the eventual winners.

“We consistently pride ourselves on promoting all our business lines.

During Christmas, we had a promotion, a campaign on for transactional business through credit cards.

“Today, we award five prizes of $250 apiece and we also have a grand prize winner $2,500,” Humber said.

Three of the winners – Ono, Tolani, and Radford were on hand to collect their prizes.

Yoshi Ono, one of the $250 winners, said he prefered to use credit cards

Clare Radford collects her prize from Scotiabank’s Senior Manager, Bruce Humber, while looking on are Yoshi Ono (second left) and Chanda Tolani (left). because he believes it is safer than doing business with cash.

He added that he has been patronizing Scotiabank for some time, and for him to have received something from them, was a good feeling.

Tolani said that she felt grateful because out of the hundreds of people who do business with the bank, she was among the six to have come away with a prize.

Radford said that she was very

surprised and pleased to have received the call from Scotiabank notifying her that she was among the winners.

She said that as an interior designer, she uses her card on a regular basis and was happy to have won something.

JELLYBEAN INC.

We are seeking suitable applicant to fill the following opening:

Executive Director We are looking for a highly self motivated professional who possesses a keen interest in hospitality with the ability to effectively manage a well established luxurious five star golf resort on an island.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following: • Minimum 8 years of Hotel management of an Out Island resort including managing startup and growth.

• Effective running of the day-to-day operation of the hotel while ensuring that all cost effective measures are enforced.

• Maintain a positive and professional work attitude towards all employees and guest.

• Attending to the needs of all internal and external guests with a drive to meet and exceed expectations as well as providing top quality services to all guests while achieving the goals of the organization.

Salary is based on qualifications and experience Fax: (649)941-3446/941-8388 Application Deadline 5th June 2014

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May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT

To provide support to the Manager of Financial Services in the management of the financial, regulatory, parent company and other external reporting. Provide accurate plant financial and statistical data in order for management to make timely and informed decisions concerning financial performance of the business. Manage critical areas in the financial operations on the Work Order Systems, Inventory To provide support to the Manager of Financial Services in the management of the financial, Management and Fixed Assets to ensure that they are in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.

reg company and other external reporting. Provide accurate plant financial and statistical data in order for Main Duties make timely and informed decisions concerning financial performance of the business. Manage criti General Accounting: financial operations on the Work Order Systems, Inventory Management and Fixed Assets to ensure accordance with established guidelines and procedures.

• Ensure the accurate and timely completion of all account reconciliations and monthly management reports.

• Monitor performance indicators, highlighting trends and analyzing causes of unexpected variances in all areas of revenues, expenses and capital.

• Ensure that all corporate policy changes are incorporated in the accounting process according to the guidelines set.

• Provide major support in financial reporting as regards compliance with US GAAP. • Responsible for providing financial requirements to all stakeholders (parent company, internal, external, financial institutions, CARILEC and other interested parties) • Oversee the preparation of US GAAP compliant financial statements for submission to external auditors and Fortis Inc. • Perform quality assurance review of all financial information before submission to internal and external stakeholders and responsible for all consolidated reports of FortisTCI Limited and TCU. • Responsible for the preparation of regulatory reports and annual government questionnaires • Ensure that the vendor master file is updated and appropriately documented.

• Responsible for internal and external audit activities as required.

• Ad-Hoc Reporting and Financial Analysis Plant Accounting: • Closely coordinate and provide assistance to key departmental personnel to ensure that all asset acquisition, sale, retirement, and other disposals are accounted for, recorded and fully supported with appropriate documentation and authorization.

• Closely coordinate with all heads of department, ensuring that all completed self-constructed projects are tracked and recorded accurately and in a timely manner.

• Actively participate in the annual budget process by ensuring that the provision of capital and depreciation information are updated, complete and based on reliable assumptions and data.

• Conduct regular review and evaluation of capital and operational projects and accounts for cost-reduction opportunities • Lead the development of cost standards for material, labor, and overhead for line extension customers.

• Responsible for the preparation financial information for the annual property insurance renewal.

• Responsible for compiling and managing capital project budgets and preparing the monthly capital variance report including leading discussions with project owners in regards to the variances.

• Ensure that the Fixed Assets System is reconciled, up to date and maintained.

• Ensure maintenance of the Inventory Sub Ledger and provide key participation in the Inventory Count process.

• Set up new vendors in the system and ensure that the vendor master file is updated and appropriately documented.

• Conduct regular review and evaluation of capital and operational projects and accounts for cost-reduction opportunities.

Main Duties

General Accounting:

 Ensure the accurate and timely completion of all account reconciliations and monthly managem

 Monitor performance indicators, highlighting trends and analyzing causes of unexpected varian of revenues, expenses and capital.

 Ensure that all corporate policy changes are incorporated in the accounting process ac guidelines set.  Provide major support in financial reporting as regards compliance with US GAAP.

 Responsible for providing financial requirements to all stakeholders (parent company, int financial institutions, CARILEC and other interested parties)

Enterprise Resource Planning

 Oversee the preparation of US GAAP compliant financial statements for submission to extern Fortis Inc.

• Serve as Lead person in the ERP migration as it relates to General Ledger, Banking, Accounts Payable, Fixed Assets, Inventory and Work Order Management • Other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Minimum Requirements: • • • •

 Responsible for the preparation of regulatory reports and annual government questionnaires

Must be a Bachelor of Science with a degree or major in Accountancy.

Must be a CPA, CA, ACCA or CMA. Must have at least 5 years extensive assurance and advisory working experience from the big 4 auditing firms.

Must have extensive utility industry experience

 Ensure that the vendor master file is updated and appropriately documented.

Core Competency Skills: • • • • • • •

 Perform quality assurance review of all financial information before submission to intern stakeholders and responsible for all consolidated reports of FortisTCI Limited and TCU.

 Responsible for internal and external audit activities as required.

Must possess excellent team playing and leadership abilities Demonstrates strong analytical skills with a high level of competence and proficiency in financial analysis; Must possess strong inter-personal, organizational, multi-tasking and written and oral communication skills.

Must possess high level of professional excellence characterized by sound judgment skills, and drive for results.

Must possess the ability to ability to develop, monitor and maintain management information systems and procedures.

Must possess excellent working knowledge of MS Office software programs, including MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and various databases.

Must possess working knowledge of Bellamy Software and other ERP systems.

 Ad-Hoc Reporting and Financial Analysis

Plant Accounting:

 ofClosely coordinate provide assistance to must key include departmental to ensure that all Deadline for submission applications is June 6,and 2014.

A complete application a resume,personnel cover and a completed applicationare form. sale,letter retirement, and FortisTCI other disposals accounted for, recorded and fully supported

as w

documentation authorization.

Dr.and Kellie-Ann Evans-Hall

Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited  Closely coordinate all heads of department, ensuring P. O. Box with 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@ppcltd.tc or khall@fortistci.com tracked and recorded accurately and in a timely manner.

Fax: 649-941-4304

that all completed self-construct

May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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

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

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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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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

LOCAL NEWS

Acting Premier Hon. Akierra Missick (right) being saluted by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Looking on from left is Commissioner of Police, Colin Farquar; Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson; Her Excellency Deputy Governor, Anya Williams; Speaker of the House, Robert Hall and His Excellency Governor Peter Beckingham.

Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) Leaders pay their homage at the JAGS McCartney shrine.

A number of persons came out to either witness or take part in the motorcade on Providenciales.

National Hero’s Day Civic Ceremony and Motorcade

Persons participating in the motorcade.

It appears that National Hero’s Day in the Turks and Caicos Islands, over the past two years, have been gathering much traction and awareness. In addition to the civic ceremony held in Grand Turk each year to honour the life and legacy of our first and only National Hero Hon. JAGS McCartney, in Providenciales this year there was a sizable motorcade to commemorate the day.

The event in Grand Turk, which was attended by, among other distinguished guests, His Excellency Governor

Peter Beckingham, Her Excellency Deputy Governor Anya Williams, Acting Premier Hon. Akierra Missick, Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson and House Speaker Hon. Robert Hall, was of pomp and ceremony.

The motorcade in Providenciales graced a number of communities, including Blue Hills, Five Cays, the Bight and Grace Bay. The following are photo highlights of the civic ceremony in Grand Turk and the motorcade in Providenciales.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marching Band.

Acting Premier Hon. Akierra Missick is led to the dais to take the salute.

Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson lays a wreath at the shrine of sole national hero Hon. JAGS McCartney, while other members – Hon. Vaden Delroy Williams (left) and Deputy Leader Hon. Sean Astwood look on.

May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Uniform groups are photographed inside the JAGS McCartney shrine.

Commissioner of Police, Colin Farquar (left) and Superintendent Clifford Henry.

His Excellency Governor Peter Beckingham and Acting Premier Hon. Akierra Missick take the 21-gun salute from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

Members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

A car draped with the Turks and Caicos Islands Flag on its hood participates in the motorcade.

A proud islander ready to take part in the motorcade.

For some who participated in the motorcade, the road trip was a whole lot of fun.

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TRIBUTE LOCAL NEWS

Angelou and Malcom X became friends during his visit to Ghana in May 1964 and the two wrote frequently to each other after her returned to America.

Legendary author Maya Angelou dies at 86

that ing poem On The Pulse of Morning Moments after delivering the rous new the by ked than 3, Maya Angelou is she wrote for the inauguration in 199 president, William Jefferson Clinton.

A literary voice revered globally for her poetic command and her commitment to civil rights has fallen silent.

Maya Angelou died at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, last week Wednesday (May 28, 2014), said her literary agent, Helen Brann. Angelou had been “frail” and suffering from heart problems, the agent said.

Angelou’s legacy is twofold. She leaves behind a body of important artistic work that influenced several generations. But the 86-year-old was praised by those who knew her as a good person, a woman who pushed for justice and education and equality.

In her full life, she wrote staggeringly beautiful poetry. She also wrote a cookbook and was nominated for a Tony.

She delivered a poem at a presidential inauguration. In 2010, President Barack Obama named her a recipient of the Presidential

Angelou was a dancer in a club in San Francisco in 1954 when friends encouraged her to become a calypso singer and go for an audition at the Purple Onion, then one of the Bay Area’s hottest cabarets. They also convinced her to change her name, and so Marguerite Johnson Angelos became Maya Angelou.

Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor.

She was friends with Malcolm X and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and inspired young adults and world celebrities.her own words Talk show queen Oprah Win frey referred to Maya as She sang calypso. She lived “sister friend.” through horrors.

Her lasting contribution to literature, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” bore witness to the brutality of a Jim Crow South, portraying said.

Angelou spent her early years racism in stark language. Readers learned of the life of Marguerite Ann Johnson studying dance and drama in San Francisco, (Angelou’s birth name) up to the age of 16: but dropped out of school at age 14.

When she was 16, Angelou became San how she was abandoned by her parents and raped by her mother’s boyfriend. She Francisco’s first female streetcar driver.

Angelou later returned to high school was homeless and became a teen mother.

Its publication was both daring and to get her diploma. She gave birth a few weeks after graduation. While the 17-yearhistoric, given the era of its debut in 1969.

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” was old single mother waited tables to support an international bestseller and nominated her son, she developed a passion for music and dance, and toured Europe in the midfor a National Book Award in 1970.

1950s in the opera production “Porgy and “If you want to know what it was like to live at the bottom of the heap before, Bess.”

In 1957, she recorded her first album, during and after the American Depression, this exceptional book will tell you,” hailed “Miss Calypso.”

In 1958, Angelou become a part of the British critic Paul Bailey.

Harlem Writers Guild in New York and The book became a mainstay of student reading lists, much to the chagrin of some played a queen in “The Blacks,” an offauthorities. The book has reportedly been Broadway production by French dramatist Jean Genet. banned numerous times.

“I created myself,” Angelou once said. “I Angelou’s mastery of literature trumped those who tried to keep her down. She have taught myself so much.”

Angelou spoke at least six languages knew that storytelling always won in the and worked as a newspaper editor in Egypt end.

“I want to write so well that a person is and Ghana.

Affectionately referred to as Dr. Angelou, 30 or 40 pages in a book of mine ... before she realizes she’s reading,” Angelou once the writer never went to college. But she has more than 30 honorary degrees and

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TRIBUTE LOCAL NEWS

Maya Angelou’s TV legacy, from ‘Roots’ to ‘Sesame Street,’ ‘Super Soul’

For such an esteemed intellectual, Over the course of her lengthy and Though Maya Angelou, who died influential book club, and Angelou Wednesday at the age of 86, was made numerous appearances on “The multifaceted career, Angelou also Angelou was also unafraid to show best known for her contributions to Oprah Winfrey Show” over its 25-year wrote many projects for television. her more playful side, appearing literature, she was a true renaissance run, even paying a surprise visit to her She adapted what may be her best several times on “Sesame Street” over woman who left a considerable small- “Farewell Spectacular” to read a poem known work, her memoir “I Know Why the years, singing with Elmo and screen legacy as a writer, performer, about Winfrey’s life. Angelou also sat the Caged Bird Sings,” into a 1979 introducing the letter “N” with Baby narrator and prolific media personality. for a two-part interview with Winfrey television movie starring Diahann Natasha.

Angelou, who appeared in an In 1993, Angelou was beamed into on the OWN program “Super Soul Carroll and Esther Rolle. Other writing credits include “Sister, Sister,” uncredited role as a dancer in the the homes of millions when she read Sunday” last year.

“She was there for me always, a 1982 TV movie, and “How Do You 1959 film version of “Porgy and Bess,” her poem “On the Pulse of Morning” at the inauguration of President Bill guiding me through some of the most Spell God?,” an animated children’s even dabbled in acting. She starred as Kunta Kinte’s grandmother in Clinton, making her the first poet to important years of my life,” said special for HBO in 1996.

As an authoritative voice on the grounbdreaking ABC miniseries recite at an inauguration since Robert Winfrey in a statement released Wednesday. “She won three Grammys, African American culture, she lent “Roots” in 1977 and appeared along Frost in 1961.

Still more viewers were introduced spoke six languages and was the her expertise to an array of television with Winfrey in “There Are No and nonfiction Children Here,” a 1993 TV movie to Angelou’s work through her second poet in history to recite a poem documentaries decades-long friendship with talk show at a presidential inauguration. But programming, including Henry Louis based on the acclaimed nonfiction book host and media titan Oprah Winfrey, what stands out to me most about Gates’ miniseries “African American about a family in a Chicago housing who has described the author as “the Maya Angelou is not what she has Lives 2”; the Sundance series project. She also had a guest role in greatest mentor I have ever known” done or written or spoken, it’s how “Iconoclasts,” in which she spoke the CBS series “Touched by an Angel” and said the experience of reading “I she lived her life. She moved through with comedian Dave Chappelle; PBS’ and starred in “The Runaway,” a TV Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” was the world with unshakeable calm, “American Masters”; and the ESPN “30 movie with Dean Cain.

She even tried her hand at directing confidence and a fierce grace. I loved for 30” film “One Night in Vegas.” She “like meeting myself in full.”

Angelou’s autobiographical volume her and I know she loved me. I will also narrated the documentary “The with the feature film “Down in the “The Heart of a Woman” was an profoundly miss her. She will always Black Candle,” about Kwanzaa, which Delta,” with Alfre Woodard, released in 1998. aired on Starz in 2012. early selection of Winfrey’s hugely be the rainbow in my clouds.”

Maya Angelou doing a little reading in her dressing room before her performance at the Village Vanguard in New York City.

President Obama awards Dr. Maya Angelou the Presidential Medal of Freedom in

2011.

taught American studies for years at Wake Forest Parks, Malcolm X and King, with whom she worked during the civil rights University in Winston-Salem.

“Maya Angelou has been a towering figure – at Wake movement, among her friends. King was assassinated Forest and in American culture. She had a profound on her 40 birthday.

In an interview with CNN in January 2009, just influence in civil rights and racial reconciliation,” Wake Forest University President Nathan O. Hatch days before President Obama was inaugurated for said Wednesday. “We will miss profoundly her lyrical his first term, Angelou gave her thoughts about the United States’ election of its first black president. voice and always keen insights.”

“It was as if someone in the outer sphere said, Angelou talked about her approach to teaching on ‘What can we do to really show how important Martin Oprah Winfrey’s “Oprah’s Master Class.”

“I teach all the time, as you do and as all of you Luther King was?’” do – whether we know it or not, whether we take responsibility for it or not,” she said. “I hold nothing Proud about Obama back because I want to see that light go off. I like to see the children say, ‘I never thought of that before.’

Seeing Obama about to take office made her feel And I think, ‘I’ve got them!’” proud, she said.

Winfrey released a statement Wednesday calling “I’m excited. I’m hopeful. I’m talking all the time Angelou her mentor, “mother/sister” and friend. to people, and sometimes I’ve really said it so many “She was there for me always, guiding me through times I wonder if I’m coming off like a piece of tape some of the most important years of my life. The recording, but I’m very proud to be an American. world knows her as a poet but at the heart of her, she “In 30 or 40 years, (the election) will not be was a teacher. ‘When you learn, teach. When you get, considered so incredibly important. ... There will give’ is one of my best lessons from her,” Winfrey said. be other people in those next three or four decades “But what stands out to me most about Maya who will run for the presidency – some women, some Angelou is not what she has done or written or spoken, native American, some Spanish-speaking, some it’s how she lived her life. She moved through the Asian. We’re about to grow up in this country.” world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce Obama remembered Angelou on Wednesday, grace. I loved her and I know she loved me. I will saying she was “one of the brightest lights of our profoundly miss her. She will always be the rainbow time – a brilliant writer, a fierce friend, and a truly in my clouds.” phenomenal woman.”

Angelou’s list of friends is as impressive as her He noted that she expressed her talents in many illustrious career. Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey ways, but “above all, she was a storyteller” and “her referred to her as “sister friend.” She counted Rosa greatest stories were true.”

The president said his own mother was so inspired

by Angelou that she named his sister Maya.

In Los Angeles, iconic music producer Quincy Jones said he was saddened to have lost a “dear friend, colleague and sister.”

The two collaborated on two songs on Jones’ soundtrack for “For Love of Ivy” in 1968, he said, and working with her always “brought joy and love.”

Author Tananarive Due, the Cosby Endowed Chair for the Humanities at Spelman College in Atlanta, remembered Angelou’s reading at President Bill Clinton’s first inauguration in 1993. She was the first poet to do so since Robert Frost in 1961. More notably, she was the first black woman to have such a prominent role. The poem, “On the Pulse of Morning,” celebrates diversity of all people in America.

Again, Angelou was influencing popular culture.

Her reading probably introduced a younger generation to her and her pivotal body of work.

“I felt like I belonged in my own nation – at last,” recalled Due. “She had a tremendous gift for choosing the right language to give us peace and power.”

In CNN’s 2009 interview, Angelou made a call to everyone to act and to be better.

“Our country needs us all right now to stand up and be counted. We need to try to be great citizens.

We are necessary in this country, and we need to give something -- that is to say, go to a local hospital, go to the children’s ward and offer to the nurse in charge an hour twice a month that you can give them reading children’s stories or poetry,” she said. “And go to an old folks’ home and read the newspaper to somebody. Go to your church or your synagogue or your mosque, and say, ‘I’d like to be of service. I have one hour twice a month.’

“You’ll be surprised at how much better you will feel,” she said. “And good done anywhere is good done everywhere.”

“Look where we’ve all come from ... coming out of darkness, moving toward the light,” Angelou once said. “It is a long journey, but a sweet one, bittersweet.”

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May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

Brewster Rockit by Tim Rickard

Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis

Close to Home by John McPherson

Dilbert Classics by Scott Adams

Wizard of Id by Parker and Hart

Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce

Monty by Jim Meddick

Reality Check by Dave Whamond

Reality Check by Dave Whamond

Herman by Jim Unger

May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 31

FUN & GAMES

Congratulations! to the winners from the first Fire Hot Friday Talent Show at Bugaloos.

First place went to Johnathan who won an iPad. Second place went to Tiana while Patsy placed third. They won $150 and $75, respectively.

You can sign up to enter every week.

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Hourly rate $6, Monday to Saturday, 8-5pm.

Contact Charisse Gibbons on 649-241-5956.

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CARIBBEAN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

CARIBBEAN NEWS

NEWS

Anil blanks COP on ganja video

PORT-OF-SPAIN – Congress of the People (COP) chairman Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan yesterday knocked Sport Minister Anil Roberts for refusing to provide information to the party on a video which allegedly shows a government minister engaging in questionable behaviour.

She made the comment moments after Roberts left a meeting called to address the video, which shows a man rolling a cigarette made of a substance resembling marijuana in the company of two women in a hotel room. The video, which was posted on various social media sites, has gone viral. Roberts has neither confirmed nor denied he is the person in the video but there have been repeated calls for him to be fired.

Seepersad-Bachan expressed disappointment that Roberts refused to co-operate with executive members, adding the matter needed to be immediately addressed.

She said: “I am disappointed we were not able to get further clarification on the matter because I am sure Mr Roberts recognises that he is a member of the Congress of the People. He was elected on a COP ticket and he owes a duty to the party for us to ensure that this matter is fully clarified... you have a duty and an obligation to this party.

“When the people elected you on that ticket there were certain expectations and we must fulfil these expectations... maybe the reports are inaccurate, maybe not in a fair way to him (Roberts) but I think at the end of the day,

Sport Minister Anil Roberts. as public figures we have to be to us that he is not willing to transparent and accountable and comment. So we really did not get we have an obligation to put these any further information.” She said, matters to rest. This is going on however, that Roberts insisted too long in the public domain,” during the meeting he had never used illegal drugs nor been Seepersad-Bachan added.

She made the comments while involved in illicit activities.

Members who met with Roberts fielding questions from the media at the COP’s Flagship House at also included the party’s deputy leader Dr Anirudh Mahabir Broome Street, Woodbrook.

The COP executive had and general secretary Clyde received a copy of the video for Weatherhead.

The meeting lasted for some ten viewing but Roberts had asked that he be with them for that to 15 minutes. Seepersad-Bachan process and the meeting was said Roberts was adamant the called for that purpose and for him matter was now in his attorney’s to answer questions on the issue hands and therefore it was not but Seepersad-Bachan said very permissible to comment on it.

She added: “We wanted to little was achieved yesterday.

“It was a meeting where we bring this matter to an early wanted certain clarifications. A determination. Unfortunately we letter was sent to Mr Roberts last were unable to achieve that.

“Might I say I am not very Thursday and a copy of this socalled video was requested. We did satisfied with that position either have a copy of it. We did not show but we are warned that the matter is in the hands of his attorneys it,” she said.

“We sought to get clarification and we cannot comment on it,” from Mr Roberts but he indicated Seepersad-Bachan said.

Police probe ‘racist’ placards displayed during Trinidad anti-government march Trinidad and Tobago police have launched an investigation into the presence of placards bearing racial slogans during a demonstration organised by the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) last weekend.

Acting Superintendent Joanne Archie said that a senior officer had been appointed as the lead investigator into the matter.

Last week, Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley, who led supporters of his People’s National Movement (PNM) in the protest march against the government, said that people dressed in red, the colour of the PNM and “carrying placards with racist statements have been planted throughout the march.

‘We reject out of hand this underhanded attempt to change the conversation surrounding the march and we distance ourselves from the divisive statements, born out of the deceptive and dirty tactics of those who wish to continue to rape our treasury and continue their wrongdoing, against the will of the people,” he said.

At a news conference last week Rowley called on the police to investigate the placard issue.

Photographs of people wearing red jerseys, holding placards bearing “racist” statements were posted on social-networking sites on Friday.

Acting Superintendent could not say whether the decision to launch the investigation was promote by Rowley’s statement, adding “I cannot say if it is as a result of the call (by Rowley”.

She said the Acting Police Commissioner, Stephen Williams had confirmed that he had immediately launched an investigation into the matter and an investigator has been appointed.

Under the sedition Act, anyone found guilty of an offence could face up to 12 months in jail.

Meanwhile, the leader of government business in the Parliament, Dr. Roodal Moonilal has sought to distance the ruling United National Congress (UNC) from any involvement in the matter, saying instead that the PNM has had a history of using such strategies.

Abuse on the rise in Caribbean citizenship programme says report

WASHINGTON – While were using the documents to allegedly economically-pressed Caribbean help Iranian banks launder millions of countries are selling citizenship to dollars.

“The negative attention has some mostly Middle Eastern, Asian, and Russian applicants as an easy revenue calling for better regulations, or even an source, reports here says abuse of the end to the programme,” it said.

Nevertheless, the paper said the program is on the rise.

According to the Christian Science money St. Kitts has made from the Monitor, the twin-island federation programme has spurred other countries of St. Kitts and Nevis, of roughly – from Malta to Bulgaria – to start their 55,000 people, grants citizenship in own.

In the Caribbean, the Monitor said exchange for either a contribution of US$250,000 or more to its Sugar Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Industry Diversification Foundation or Grenada have followed St. Kitts and the purchase of approved real estate Nevis’ lead, adding that others are considering similar programmes. worth a minimum of US$400,000.

Citing economic headwinds, such “Selling passports is a way for the cash-strapped nation to raise money as lower tourism and high energy and has helped transform an economy prices, the paper said St. Lucia’s Prime once dependent on sugar cane,” said the Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony announced paper on Friday. “But, as the programme last month that he was open to the idea.

“I think we cannot close our eyes has grown, so have allegations of abuse.”

The Monitor noted that just last [to selling citizenship], because it’s an month the US Treasury Department option we may have to consider,” it raised concerns that St. Kitts had issued quoted Anthony as saying.

Nuri Katz, president of APEX passports to three Iranian men who

Capital Group, a US consultancy, the Citizenship-by-Investment program estimates that between 15,000 and to obtain passports for the purpose of 20,000 people apply annually for second engaging in illicit financial activity.

“While many countries offer programs passports.

Pushed by political turmoil, or similar to the SKN Citizenship-byseeking a passport that requires fewer Investment program, the SKN program travel visas, the Monitor said applicants is attractive to illicit actors because come from around the world, especially the programme, as administered, maintains lax controls as to who may be Russia, the Middle East and Asia.

Dwyer Astaphan, a former St. Kitts granted citizenship,” FinCEN said.

While the SKN government has and Nevis minister of national security who now works as a citizenship lawyer, publicly pledged to improve these estimates the program generates tens controls, FinCEN said it believes that “they remain ineffective.” of millions of dollars for the country.

Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas, But Astaphan conceded that “we however, told a recent press briefing: don’t know where the money goes.”

Still, the investment “is an economic “We are evaluating what, if any vitamin b-12 shot for a country our size,” changes should be made to our global programme.” he told the Monitor.

At the same time, Astaphan told the Earlier this week, the US Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Monitor that he feared such scandals (FinCEN) office advised international “are hurting the country’s reputation financial institutions to more closely and that eventually European countries review dealings with clients using a St. will say, ‘we have to review these visa Kitts and Nevis passport, stating that agreements.’

“And that will ruin it,” he said. certain foreign individuals are abusing

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

Haiti: UN, Government report lowest number of cholera cases to date

The Haitian Prime Minister, the UN Special Representative to Haiti and the UN Senior Coordinator for cholera response vowed to press on with intensified efforts to eliminate the disease from the island as reports from the first months of 2014 reflected the lowest number of cases and cholera-related deaths since the beginning of the epidemic.

After the High-Level Committee for the Elimination of Cholera in Haiti met for the first time in Port-au-Prince yesterday to discuss efforts against the disease, from operational strategies to sensitization campaigns, Prime Minister Lamothe said that the Government’s activities and those of the UN and other partners to combat cholera are bearing fruit.

According to the latest figures from April, concerted Haitian and international efforts have succeeded in significantly reducing the toll of the epidemic.

The number of cases has been reduced by 75 per cent in the first trimester of 2014 compared to the same period last year, and fatality rates are below the 1per cent target set by the UN World Health Organization (WHO).

In spite of that progress, the Prime Minister said cholera continued to be an emergency that required the development of all possible strategies to eliminate the disease in Haiti.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti, Sandra Honoré, emphasized the determination of the UN to continue to support the Haitian Government’s efforts to improve public health and access for the population to drinking water and sanitation.

Ms. Honoré referred to the upcoming launch of the total sanitation campaign

The UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has partnered with Haitian Agencies to combat cholera by providing clean water. which will allow schools and health centres in targeted communities to have adequate water and sanitation infrastructures.

The Committee members welcomed reciprocal commitments for the intensification of efforts in the fight to eliminate cholera in Haiti.

For the Government, Committee members led by Prime Minister Lamothe included the Minister of Public Health and Population, Dr. Florence Duperval Guillaume; the Minister of Finance and Economy, Marie Carmelle Jean-Marie, as well as the Minister for Human Rights and the Fight against Extreme Poverty, Rose Anne Auguste.

And for the United Nations, Sandra Honoré led the delegation that comprised of the Senior Coordinator for the Cholera Response in Haiti, Assistant Secretary-General Pedro Medrano, and

representatives of UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization.

The Government of Haiti’s 10-year National Plan for the elimination of cholera requires $2.2 billion through large-scale development of public health and sanitation infrastructure.

To support the most urgent activities outlined in the Government’s plan, the UN is appealing for some $70 million for the next two years to continue the shortterm strategy of containing transmission of cholera, of which $34 million has been mobilized so far.

The UN Secretary-General’s Senior Coordinator for the Cholera Response in Haiti, Pedro Medrano, continues to contact donors to obtain the resources needed to eradicate cholera in the country through universal water, sanitation and hygiene coverage.

Barbados and China sign visa waiver agreement Barbados and China Tuesday signed a visa waiver agreement that Bridgetown said would allow for increased cooperation between the two countries.

Foreign Affairs and Foreign and Foreign Trade Minister, Maxine McClean, said the Mutual Visa Abolition Agreement with China will allow diplomatic, governmental and cultural personnel to negotiate viable opportunities for partnership and investment.

McClean told the local and Chinese officials that the signing of the agreement demonstrated government’s recognition of “facilitating exchanges and enhancing cooperation through travel”.

“I know that Ambassador Wang Ke, has lobbied for a more expeditious system of processing visas to better able Chinese citizens to travel on ordinary passports.

“I concur that it is in Barbados’ interest to ensure that this happens, all the more so, as there is a boom in leisure travel by Chinese, with some 100 million tourists travelling abroad annually and [in fact] a mere 0.25 per cent or 250 000 persons within that market would revitalise and transform the tourism landscape.”

McClean acknowledged that for the last 37 years there was a rich bilateral relationship between Barbados and China and pointed out that the areas of cooperation between the two countries had been diverse, with some 21 government agreements on economic and technical agreements signed.

These agreements include the signing of an economic and technical agreement and three banking agreements on accounting procedures to the tune of BDS $16 million (One BDS dollar=US$0.50 cents).

The Foreign Minister said the Freundel Stuart government had made considerable progress in uti-

lising the grant funds provided by China with the submission of 11 potential projects in areas such as agriculture, renewable energy and infrastructural development.

She said that Barbados had already started the process of fine-tuning its system for issuing visas for Chinese ordinary passport holders.

“Today is but one more step in what I anticipate will be a long and fruitful journey which ought to serve as a model of 21st Century cooperation for countries of vastly different geographical sizes, populations and resource endowments,” McClean assured.

Chikungunya virus reported in Guyana Guyana has confirmed two cases of the chikungunya virus and health officials said they would step up their vector control exercise in the areas where the cases had been detected.

Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran said the two cases were of a toddler, and a woman from the Cumberland and Canefield, Canje areas in Region Six. He said the two cases of the mosquitoborne virus had been confirmed by the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPA) after 30 samples had been sent there for testing.

“Since last year, we have been quietly getting our work done by increasing fogging activities, public health awareness programmes, spraying and at the same time education programmes to encourage citizens, especially in densely populated areas to desist from degrading their environment which will create condition for breeding of mosquitoes,” he added. Ramsaran said that would help in the fight against all types of vector-borne diseases, including, malaria and dengue.

Meanwhile, Ramsaran said all health facilities have readily available medication for the effective treatment of any vector-borne disease and that the authorities were urging citizens to appropriately discard tyres, unwanted containers and to keep their surroundings clean so as to eliminate breeding grounds for the vector. The most common symptoms of Chikungunya are fever and joint pain.

Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.

Chikungunya, a virus more commonly found in Africa and Asia and transmitted by the same daytime-biting aedes aegypti mosquito that causes the more deadly dengue fever, was first detected in the eastern Caribbean five months ago.

Canadian visitor dies following jump from cliff in Jamaica Jamaica police are investigating the death of a 26-year-old Canadian visitor, who reportedly jumped from a cliff into the sea on Tuesday.

Police said that Taylor Rankine died from injuries he received in Negril, Westmoreland.

The authorities said that Rankine was among a group of friends who went diving and he was injured after he allegedly jumped from a cliff into the sea.

The police said he was taken to hospital, but died while undergoing treatment.

Entertainer Queen Ifrica banned from New York performance Jamaican entertainer Queen Ifrica, who was advertised to headline an event at the Amazura Concert Hall in Queens, New York has been barred from performing The decision follows protest action in Queens on Friday by more than one hundred persons, claiming her music is homophobic.

President of the Caribbean Alliance for Equality, Jason Latty-Travis, one of the organisers of the protest said anti gay lyrics have been influencing violence against homosexuals.

Describing it as “a very, very good decision,” LattyTravis, who is Jamaican-born, asserted that Ifrica,

not being able to perform in New York, “will save lives… especially at a time when there is a spike in violence among the LGBT community in New York.”

According to Latty-Travis, while the justification of free speech or assertion of one’s religious belief, is often offered for speaking out against homosexuality, it must be understood that words and actions have consequences.

Queen Ifrica, whose real name is Ventraice Morgan, had another performance cancelled last August. That followed her statements glorifying heterosexual marriage, during a performance at the Independence Day Grand Gala in Kingston in 2012.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

AccuWeather eyes Caribbean for storm development next month With June 1 marking the official start of the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane season, meteorologists from respected US forecasters AccuWeather will be watching the vicinity of the western Caribbean and the eastern Gulf of Mexico closely over the next couple of weeks as conditions change in the environment around the region.

Although this area is currently relatively quiet, there is some indication that conditions over the waters of the western Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico around Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula will become more unsettled with the potential for locally heavy rain during the first week of June.

“We are likely to see a zone of high pressure develop at mid-levels of the

atmosphere over western Texas and correspondingly an area of low pressure may try to form well away, farther to the southeast,” said Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather’s Long Range expert.

This broad area of low pressure will then be monitored to see how quickly showers and thunderstorms are produced and whether or not the rainfall takes the next stage toward organization.

As Pastelok explained: “If upperlevel winds remain weak in the area of showers and thunderstorms that form, there could be some room for modest development.”

While it is too early to say for sure whether or not a system will develop over or near the western Caribbean

next week, AccuWeather indicates that this is an area to keep a keen eye on from a climatology standpoint.

“The 2014 Atlantic hurricane season could be ushered in by a system or two during June to July,” said AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski in a statement issued earlier this year.

The protective influence of El Niño is reportedly in the developing stages, but its full effect on the Atlantic Basin may not be felt until late summer or autumn.

The warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures over the tropical Pacific Ocean produced during an El Niño tends to cause an increase in disruptive winds for tropical development over part of the Atlantic Basin.

Don’t give up on the church, pastor tells gays JAMAICA – Minister of the Hope United Church in Kingston, Rev Margaret Fowler has asked the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community not to give up on the church, which she said has been selective about those to whom they give pastoral care.

“I want to just encourage you not to give up on the church. Not to give up on us because some of us are there on the front-line with you,” Fowler said According to Rev Fowler, there is the idea within the church that everybody who has a different view is the enemy.

“Sometimes ministers are very selective about those they see for counselling and if you don’t like what you hear you just send them to someone else,” Rev Fowler said.

Rev Fowler, who was speaking at the recent Jamaica Forum of Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) hosted Larry Chang Human Rights Symposium in Kingston, said the church should not be caught up in some of the technical issues.

Unlike Jesus who urge persons to come as they are, Rev Fowler said the modern day church does not allow people to come as they are because of the limitations that they have placed on them.

“We have to educate our own church community that we must be open to people. It is not easy to create that kind

Minister of the Hope United Church in Kingston, Rev Margaret Fowler. of space when you have a set of people who only want forgiveness for church people, so anyone outside the realm of the faith you have to join the line, you have to change your ways before you can receive forgiveness. But Jesus didn’t say that, He simply said that those who are without sin cast the first

stone and all of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.”

According to Rev Fowler, the church is operating in a Jamaica which wants to focus on the great British empire of yesterday.

“The church is still ministering in a modern-day Jamaica of the new empire but we are still working with old empire values, hence we have a clash of cultures,” she argued.

She claimed that the church has not always taken the right path and has created mayhem in many places.

“The church has tried on several occasions to work with vulnerable groups but some think we have not done a good job because all we want the vulnerable group to do is to change and to conform and to come and be like us, gentle Jesus meek and mild,” she said.

However, there are those in the church, she said, who have taken the struggle and have gone on the edge and on the margin and have tried to look at things in a slightly different way, she said.

According to Rev Fowler, throughout history the church has not been good at discussing sexuality in any way, shape or form.

“You need to understand that and forgive us as a church, as it is something we like to hide and we don’t want to put it out there to talk about it,” she said.

5.8-quake rattles Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico

A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck in the waters between the Dominican Republic and the US territory of Puerto Rico on Wednesday, shaking buildings in both places. There were no reports of injuries or damage.

The US Geological Survey said the quake occurred about 30 miles (49 kilometres) south of the popular Dominican tourist town of Punta Cana at a depth of 57 miles (91 kilometres).

Authorities in the capital of Santo Domingo evacuated several buildings as a precaution.

“It was pretty strong,” said Marina Brugal, a 32-year-old graphic designer who works on a sixth floor. “At first, it was only a vibration, but then everything began to shake and the windows began to move.”

The Caribbean region experiences small earthquakes daily that people do not feel, although earthquakes of greater magnitude sometimes occur.

This year, a magnitude-5.0 quake hit near St Kitts in April, while a 6.5-magnitude tremor struck near Barbados in February. A 6.4-magnitude quake jolted Puerto Rico in January.

VAT will be delayed until January, 2015

Prime Minister Perry Christie announced today that VAT will be delayed until January 1, 2015 and brought in at a rate of 7.5 per cent.

In his Budget communication, the Prime Minister said: “The key features of the proposed Bahamian VAT are as follows: 1. There will be one single VAT rate across the board (other than the zero rate for exports) that is being substantially reduced to 7.5 per cent from the originally proposed 15 per cent.

2. Along with the significantly reduced VAT rate, the Ministry of Finance is proposing much fewer exemptions. The full list of these will be released shortly.

3. As for the implementation date of VAT, I should point out that we are resourcing the Ministry of Finance to be at full administrative capacity and readiness within Government by October 1, 2014. However, to allow sufficient time for the needed more indepth public education campaign and private sector preparation, the VAT will come into effect on January 1, 2015.”

New targets set for controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says Latin America and the Caribbean have established new targets for expanding diagnosis and antiretroviral treatment (ART) and reducing patients’ viral loads by the year 2020.

The accord with partner agencies is viewed as a move by the region to jointly address the HIV epidemic and improve the lives of people living with the virus, PAHO said that the new targets “dubbed “90-90-90,” were adopted during the First Latin American and Caribbean Forum on the HIV Continuum of Care, which is being held here this week.

It said the forum was organized by a coalition of partners, including Mexico’s Secretariat of Health and UNAIDS. “Expanding early diagnosis and treatment combines the clinical benefits of early treatment for patients with benefits to the population of preventing transmission,” said César Nuñez, Regional Director of UNAIDS for Latin America.

The head of PAHO’s Hepatitis, Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Unit, Massino Ghidinelli, said the new targets are a step forward in controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

“If we want more people to be on

treatment and to achieve undetectable viral loads, they have to know their diagnosis and begin treatment early,” he said.

UNAIDS estimates that, in 2012, some 1.8 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean were living with HIV, and some 98,000 people became newly infected, according to.

New PAHO estimates for 2013 suggest that 70 per cent of people living with HIV in Latin America and the Caribbean know they are infected, adding this is an average based on data from countries that account for 62 percent of the region’s HIV epidemis.

However, it said in some countries fewer than half know their HIV diagnosis.

Expanding testing by increasing the availability of tests and involving communities and civil society in the effort will lead to more people with HIV seeking the treatment they need, PAHO said.

It said about 725,000 people with HIV were receiving antiretroviral treatment in Latin America and the Caribbean as of December 2012, stating that preliminary estimates suggest this number increased to more than 800,000

by December 2013.

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Deputies didn’t view Elliot Rodger’s videos in welfare check

Sheriff’s deputies who conducted a welfare check on Elliot Rodger less than a month before his deadly rampage in Isla Vista knew of “disturbing” videos Rodger posted online but did not watch them, officials said.

Santa Barbara County sheriff’s officials released new details Thursday about the April 30 welfare check, which is part of the investigation into the May 23 attack that left six UC Santa Barbara students dead and 13 other people injured. Four deputies, a UC Santa Barbara police officer and a dispatcher in training went to Rodger’s apartment on the night of April 30 for the welfare check, officials said Thursday.

The visit occurred after a person who identified himself as a friend of Rodger called a county mental health staff member. Based on that call and information from Rodger’s mother, sheriff’s officials said, the staffer requested the welfare check.

Sheriff’s officials did not detail what information the deputies had when they made the visit. But a Rodger family friend told The Times that his mother had contacted his therapist in April, concerned over bizarre videos her son had posted on YouTube. The family friend said the therapist contacted a mental health service, who referred the matter to police.

The Sheriff’s Office did not detail the content of the videos, describing them only as “disturbing.” It’s unclear whether the videos posted back in April included some of the recordings Rodger posted on YouTube on the day of the rampage. The

or to enter and search his residence.

Therefore, they did not view the videos or conduct a weapons check on Rodger.”

One of the deputies called Rodger’s mother and, after briefing her on the interaction, passed the phone to Rodger, officials said. Rodger “told her he was fine and that he would call her later.” Deputies gave Rodger contact information about local services he could use “if he needed help,” and left.

The interaction lasted about 10 minutes, officials said.

Sheriff’s officials have remained tight-lipped about the rampage, calling it “one of the most complex investigations” in the department’s history. But they said Thursday that based on the information reviewed so far, “the deputies who responded handled the call in a professional manner consistent with state law and department policy.”

Rodger wrote of the April 30 Students listen to a memorial service at UCSB for six students slain Friday in Isla Vista. interaction in a 137-page document in which he outlined what he called his family friend said the videos Rodger’s polite.”

“Day of Retribution,” saying he had three “When questioned by the deputies semiautomatic weapons hidden in his mother saw in April were less menacing than the now-infamous video he posted about reported disturbing videos he had bedroom at the time and had written up posted online, Rodger told them he was plans for the assault.

May 23 in which he threatens violence.

Typically, only two deputies respond having trouble fitting in socially in Isla “I tactfully told them that it was all a to welfare checks, sheriff’s officials said. Vista and the videos were merely a way misunderstanding, and they finally left.

But the group who went to Rodger’s of expressing himself,” the statement If they had demanded to search my room Seville Road apartment included said. ... that would have ended everything,” “Based upon the information available he wrote. “For a few horrible seconds I deputies who were “familiar with Rodger” from a January incident, when to them at the time,” the statement thought it was all over. When they left, he accused his roommate of stealing $22 continued, “sheriff’s deputies concluded the biggest wave of relief swept over me.” that Rodger was not an immediate worth of candles.

Rodger wrote that he immediately When the group spoke to the threat to himself or others, and that took most of the videos off YouTube, 22-year-old outside his apartment, the they did not have cause to place him but planned to restore them before his department said, he was “shy, timid and on an involuntary mental health hold, attack.

Afghanistan president welcomes US plan to withdraw troops by 2016

He declined to comment on the number President Hamid Karzai welcomed a US plan to bring home almost all American of soldiers, but the footprint will almost soldiers from Afghanistan by the end of certainly be tiny. That would allow both 2016, saying the country was ready to take Americans weary of the war and Afghans responsibility for its own security and the weary of US and Nato troops to claim that move could pave the way for Taliban peace the foreign military mission will be over.

“The end to the US military presence talks.

Many Afghans are happy to see and the takeover by Afghan forces of their forces in control after years living security responsibilities was a main desire alongside heavily armed foreign soldiers, of both the president, the government and but also worry that the shaky national of the people of Afghanistan,” Karzai, who police and armed forces might struggle steps down in just over two months, said in to hold off insurgents without foreign air a statement.

“The government of Afghanistan is power, intelligence and other help.

The top US commander in Afghanistan grateful to the international community rushed to assuage those concerns, saying for its assistance and remains confident the deal was not a “zero option” that that the Afghan forces will, as they did would leave the country’s security forces throughout history, protect their people isolated after 2016, acknowledging critical and territorial integrity with courage and components such as the fledgling air force valour,” he added.

Karzai and others also expressed hope would probably get intense and longerthat the drawdown might finally pave the term support.

Funds and equipment would still flow, way for elusive progress in long-running General Joseph Dunford said, and the efforts to hold peace talks with the Taliban, handful of troops at the nearby embassy who often say they are fighting to evict would do more than just guard diplomats non-believers from their country.

“The Taliban have always demanded inside, continuing with a long-term their departure from Afghanistan ... and training mission.

“President Obama also said we will if we can move towards peace we won’t continue to have a robust military presence need thousands of soldiers,” said Waheed in the embassy here to continue with the Mozhdah, analyst and former official in ‘train, advise, assist’ mission subsequent to the pre-2001 Taliban government. “If the that time,” Dunford told a news conference Americans planned to stay for ever, it would be a reason for the war to continue.” in Kabul.

Six elderly people in China kill themselves ‘before burial ban’

Six elderly people in China are said to have killed themselves to ensure they died before new regulations banning coffin burials come into force, a newspaper has reported.

China has a tradition dating back thousands of years of ancestor worship, which usually requires families to bury their relatives and construct a tomb.

But in recent years local governments across the country have demolished tombs as part of a national campaign encouraging cremation, in an attempt to save on limited land resources.

Government officials in Anqing, a city in the eastern province of Anhui, ordered that all locals who die after 1 June should be cremated, the Beijing News daily reported.

Six elderly people in the area killed themselves “to avoid the new regulations on funerals”, the newspaper quoted their family members as saying.

It said government officials began to forcibly confiscate coffins from local people in May, which “had a huge psychological impact” on them.

But it added a note of scepticism, saying that the reasons for the deaths were complex despite the family claims.

One 91-year-old woman named Wu Zhengde hanged herself on 5 May after learning of the new regulations, the report said.

Another woman, Zheng Shifang, 83, killed herself after officials sawed her coffin in half in front of her. A 68-year-old woman killed herself by jumping into a well, while others drank poison.

The local government told media that the suicides were not connected to the burial ban and that people had given up their coffins voluntarily.

“China is big, death and sickness among the elderly is normal,” the report quoted a local official as saying.

The paper quoted Beijing-based lawyer Zheng Daoli as saying the coffin removals were illegal because coffins were the property of their owners.

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Kidnapped newborn found ‘thanks to Facebook’ “The worst case scenarios The woman wore a nurse’s uniform when she walked into played out over and over in our heads,” she wrote. the maternity ward.

She left the hospital driving “Unfortunately, the endings are away in a red car with a sign not often happy, above all in this type of case.” that said “Baby on Board.”

But just a few hours Police say there was a baby inside the Toyota Yaris after the baby went missing, the 21-year-old was driving authorities returned her to her Monday evening as she left parents.

Thanks to “four marvelous the hospital in Trois-Rivières, people,” McMahon wrote, and Quebec.

But the little girl wasn’t “thanks to Facebook.”

“It is the only reason that hers.

At the hospital, baby explains why Victoria is in my Victoria’s parents were frantic. arms at this time,” she said.

Publicity about Victoria’s Their child was only 16 hours old when she was disappearance started with abducted, mother Mélissa an Amber Alert sent out by McMahon said in a Facebook Quebec police.

In social media posts, post describing the ordeal.

messages from police described the vehicle and the woman driving it. The newborn, police said, was wrapped in a blue blanket.

It wasn’t long before the alert and a photo went viral.

A group of four friends spotted it on Facebook when they were hanging out on Monday night, Canadian media reported.

“We just wanted to do something for the night, so we went out to find the car,” Charlène Plante told Canada’s CTV network When police released a photo of a woman wearing scrubs in the hospital, Plante said she immediately recognized her

former neighbour.

The friends drove to the woman’s apartment and saw the car parked outside.

“The patio door was open.

The lights were on,” Mélizanne Bergerontold Canadian public broadcaster CBC. “It was clear that she was there.”

Then, they called police.

Officers were there within minutes, Plante said, kicking down the apartment door. The baby was recovered and a woman was taken into custody.

“After the baby was in the hands of the police, it was the best moment in my life,” Bergeron told CTV. “We were crying.”

On Facebook, she posted

Pakistani man protesting ‘honour killing’ admits strangling first wife A Pakistani man demanding justice after his pregnant wife was murdered outside Lahore’s high court this week admitted on Thursday to strangling his first wife, in an admission that is likely to focus even more attention on the prevalence of so-called “honour” killings in the country.

Muhummad Iqbal, the 45-year-old husband of Farzana Parveen, who was beaten to death by 20 male relatives last week Tuesday, said he strangled his first wife in order to marry Parveen.

He avoided a prison sentence after his family used Islamic provisions of Pakistan’s legal system to forgive him, precisely those he has insisted should not be available to his wife’s killers.

“I was in love with Farzana and killed my first wife because of this love,” he told Agence France-Presse.

Police confirmed that the killing had happened six years ago and that he was released after a “compromise” with his family.

Iqbal has also claimed that Parveen’s family killed another one of their daughters

Muhammed Iqbal, husband of Farzana Parveen, 25, the pregnant Pakistani woman who was battered to death by her family. some years ago.

Speaking to a researcher from the Aurat Foundation, a women’s rights organisation, he claimed that Parveen’s father, Muhammad Azeem, had poisoned the other woman after falling out with her husband-in-law.

The foundation has been unable to confirm Iqbal’s claim about a second killing.

The extraordinary twists to the affair came after

Pakistan’s prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, ordered an urgent investigation into the killing of Parveen, a woman who had enraged her family after marrying without their consent.

In a statement he said the crime was “totally unacceptable and must be dealt with in accordance with the law promptly”.

He also ordered the chief minister of Punjab province,

his younger brother Shahbaz Sharif, to take immediate action and launch an urgent investigation.

Her father, who is the only one of the group to be have been arrested so far, told police that his daughter had been killed because he had dishonoured her family.

Iqbal has claimed that Parveen’s father only withdrew his support for their marriage after demanding more money than had initially been agreed at the start of a long engagement.

Sharif’s intervention followed international uproar, including a lengthy and stinging condemnation from the UN high commissioner for human rights, Navi Pillay, who said Pakistan must take “urgent and strong measures to put an end to the continuous stream of so-called ‘honour killings’ and other forms of violence against women”.

She said: “The fact that she was killed on her way to court shows a serious failure by the state to provide security for someone who – given how common such killings are in Pakistan – was obviously at risk.”

a video showing her tearful friends as a police officer appeared in the apartment building’s stairwell, the baby safe in his arms.

Quebec police spokeswoman Christine Coulombe wouldn’t confirm details about how the baby was found, but she said police received tips from the public after publicizing the case on social media.

The woman was hospitalized for evaluation and was on 24hour police watch, but she had not met yet with investigators Tuesday, Coulombe said.

It is not known whether there was any previous link between the woman and the baby’s family, she said.

Boko Haram kills 33 security personnel in Nigeria

Militants with Islamist terror group Boko Haram killed at least 33 security personnel in attacks last week on a military base and a police station in northeastern Nigeria’s Yobe state, security sources said Wednesday.

Monday night’s attacks in the town of Buni Yadi killed 18 soldiers and 15 police, the sources said.Schools “There were attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in Buni Yadi, but details are still sketchy,” Yobe state police commissioner Sanusi Rufa’i said.

The attacks come more than a month after the group abducted an estimated 276 girls from a boarding school in Chibok, also in northeastern Nigeria. Dozens escaped, but more than 200 girls still are missing.

Boko Haram translates as “Western education is a sin” in the Hausa language.

The militant group says its aim is to impose a stricter enforcement of Sharia law across Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, which is split between a majority Muslim north and a mostly Christian south.

British PM Cameron says tough but possible to win General Election in 2015 LONDON – Prime Minister David Cameron said he could still win general elections in the U.K. next year after his Conservative Party came in third in Sunday’s European Parliament vote, but achieving victory would be tough going, and the Conservatives would have to convince voters their economic plan was working.

The Conservatives won 19 of the 73 seats the U.K. holds in the 751seat European Parliament, finishing behind the small, euroskeptic U.K. Independence Party, led by Nigel

Farage, which won 24 seats, and the center-left Labour Party, which won 20 seats. The biggest losers were Mr. Cameron’s coalition partner, the proEuropean Liberal Democrats, which won only one seat, dropping 10 seats from its previous holding.

EU elections aren’t always a reliable guide to how voters will behave in a national election. Still, Sunday’s vote sends a strong message of discontent to the Tories, barely a year ahead of a general election scheduled for May 2015.

Between now and then, Mr. Cameron must contend with another wild card in the form of a September referendum for Scottish independence.

The prime minister acknowledged the raised degree of difficulty heading into next year’s vote.

“I’m not saying it’s easy to win the next election – it is going to be a really tough struggle – we have got to convince people that the plan is working, we should stick with it….It is possible to win from here, we have just got to have a real focus on what

really matters, which is completing our economic plan and turning the country around,” he told the British Broadcasting Corp.

Mr. Cameron’s coalition government has relied on a combination of budget cutting and loose monetary policy to bring the U.K. economy out of recession.

Yet while unemployment has sunk to a five-year low and the economy is growing at a brisk pace again, consumer prices have risen faster than wages and many Britons have yet to feel the benefits of the recovery.

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Husband of death row woman appeals for support The husband of Meriam Ibrahim, the Sudanese woman sentenced to hang for apostasy, has appealed for global support to free his wife from death row, where she is being held with her two young children after giving birth while shackled this week.

Daniel Wani, a US citizen since 2005, said mounting international pressure could have a significant impact on the Sudanese authorities, and he felt overwhelmed by “the way people have come together around the world” to protest at his wife’s death sentence.

“I want to thank everyone for this stand. It’s looking like it had an effect.

Perhaps it will result in the judgment being overturned,” he told CNN.

Ibrahim was sentenced to 100 lashes for adultery and to death for apostasy this month. She told a court in Khartoum that she had been brought up as a Christian and refused to renounce her faith. She and Wani married in 2011, but the court ruled that the union was invalid and that Ibrahim was guilty of adultery.

Ibrahim, a graduate of Sudan University’s school of medicine, has been told that her death sentence will be deferred for two years to allow her to nurse her baby.

International condemnation of Ibrahim’s conviction and death sentence has gathered momentum. Hundreds of thousands of people have signed

an Amnesty International petition in “I wholeheartedly endorse this call … support of her release, including more for the death sentence against Mariam than 150,000 in the UK. More than Yahya to be dropped,” he said in a 600,000 people have added their name statement.

Ibrahim, 27, gave birth to a baby to a separate petition on change.org.

Justine Greening, the UK girl in a prison clinic this week while international development minister, shackled by her feet to the floor. Guards tweeted: “Sudan must not allow the needed permission from the prison execution of Meriam Ibrahim to go director to release the chains, which ahead. #SaveMeriam”. Mia Farrow was not obtained, her lawyer Elshareef urged her Twitter followers to bombard Mohammed told the Guardian.

Wani was permitted to visit his wife, the Sudanese embassies in London and Washington with calls demanding new baby Maya and 20-month-old son Martin on Thursday at the Omdurman Ibrahim’s release.

The archbishop of Canterbury, women’s prison near Khartoum. “She is Justin Welby, backed a statement from a beautiful baby, and they are all fine,” the Christian Muslim Forum in the UK said Mohamed. “Martin is with her, and calling for the sentence to be rescinded. is a bit jealous of the baby.”

Chaos over premier’s post as Libya slides into uncertainty

Health workers don protective suits during an operation at an Ebola isolation centre in the village of Kampungu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Relatives remove Sierra Leone Ebola patients from clinic Relatives of Ebola patients in Sierra Leone have been removing their loved ones from community health centres despite protests from medical staff, amid warnings from the World Health Organisation that the deadly and highly infectious disease is still spreading across west Africa nearly two months after an outbreak was first reported.

Guinea’s capital, Conakry, has recorded its first new Ebola cases in more than a month, and five people have died in Sierra Leone’s first confirmed outbreak of Ebola virus, according to the WHO. “The situation is serious, you can’t say it is under control as cases are continuing and it is spreading geographically,” Dr Pierre Formenty, a WHO expert who recently returned from Guinea, told a news briefing in Geneva on Wednesday.

“There was no decline. In fact it is because we are not able to capture all the outbreak that we were under the impression there was a decline,” he said.

In Sierra Leone, the family of one woman said they had removed her from a clinic in Koindu town, in the country’s east, because they did not trust the medical system and feared she would die if a planned transfer to the general hospital in the town of Kenema went ahead, Amara Jambai, the health ministry’s director of disease prevention and control, told Reuters.

On Wednesday, Jambai told the BBC that a total of six patients had been “aggressively” removed from care in Koindu, in defiance of medical staff.

When asked about the risk posed by the woman’s removal from hospital in Kenema, Jambai said: “She can infect others, her family members and also those in the community. There is no news of her condition

because she has been taken away so we need to search and find her and make sure that it [Ebola] doesn’t spread.”

Jambai said MPs and community leaders would try to talk to family members and persuade them to return her to hospital. She said there had been no news of the woman, whose identity has been kept secret, since she was taken from Koindu to her village nearby.

In Guinea, two districts north of Conakry previously untouched by the disease confirmed outbreaks through laboratory testing, the WHO said.

Twelve cases, including four deaths, were reported in Telimele and Boffa between 23 and 26 May, while suspected Ebola infections were documented in the adjacent districts of Boke and Dubreka.

Aboubacar Sidiki Diakité, who heads the Guinean government’s efforts to halt the virus’s spread, said the origins of all the new outbreaks had been traced back to cases in Conakry. “The problem is that there are families that refuse to give information to health workers. They hid their sick to try to treat them through traditional methods,” he told Reuters.

The WHO has documented a total of 281 clinical cases of Ebola, including 185 deaths in Guinea since the virus was first identified as Ebola in March. The disease is thought to have killed 11 people in Liberia, thought there have been no new cases there since 9 April.

Ebola is endemic to Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Uganda and South Sudan. Researchers believe the west African outbreak was caused by a new strain of the virus.

Libya stumbled deeper into chaos on Thursday uncertain over who runs the country after rival prime ministers both claimed legitimacy in a confrontation threatening to turn into violence among rival factions.

Even by Libya’s tumultuous standards, the North African oil producing state has veered closer to its most dangerous crisis in the three years since a NATObacked uprising helped rebels put an end to Muammar Gaddafi’s one-man rule.

After a contested vote in parliament three weeks ago, businessman Ahmed Maiteeq was appointed as Libya’s third prime minister in two months with backing from Islamists and independents in the splintered General National Congress (GNC).

On Wednesday, his predecessor acting Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni refused to hand over power after questioning the legality of Maiteeq’s appointment by a parliament that many Libyans blame for their slow democratic advance.

That political standoff is part of a broader and potentially more explosive confrontation among the rival Islamist, anti-Islamist and regional factions vying to shape Libya’s future.

The two prime ministers were waiting for further decisions from the GNC or a high court ruling on the election while a special commission mediated between the two parties on Thursday, officials and advisors said.

Eric Shinseki resigns over Veterans Affairs healthcare scandal President Barack Obama has accepted the resignation of his embattled secretary of Veterans Affairs after an admitted failure to prevent a systemic cover-up of dangerous backlogs in waiting lists across the nation’s largest hospital network.

Eric Shinseki, a former army chief of staff who famously stood up to Donald Rumsfeld over Iraq troop deployments, becomes the second Obama cabinet member in two months to be forced out over a failed government healthcare program.

But unlike Kathleen Sebelius, who was allowed to stay on as health and human services secretary while fixing chronic problems with the roll out of the Affordable Care Act, Shinseki was forced out just weeks after revelations began to emerge of falsified records at a VA healthcare facility in Phoenix.

After receiving preliminary investigations – both from the independent Inspector General and Shinseki himself – pointing to similar “systemic” problems elsewhere in the network of public hospitals treating 10m veterans, Obama bowed to overwhelming political pressure and decided to replace Shinseki after an hour long meeting at the White House on Friday.

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Victorian school relents on same-sex partner ban for debutante ball

A Victorian student will be allowed to take another girl to a debutante ball after her school reversed its ban on same-sex partners.

Kiana Prewett was last week told by her school, Mount Clear College in Ballarat, that she could not take her best friend, Imogene, to the annual ball as their pairing was not traditional. Prewett, 17, told Melbourne’s Joy FM the decision was “really upsetting”.

“Tradition is important but at the same time you need to change with society,” she said.

But her father, Justin, said on Wednesday a resolution had been reached.

“Kiana can take her friend,” he said. “It’s a good outcome, and it goes to show when you stick to something you can help people understand.”

Mount Clear College is a member of the

Safe Schools Coalition, a program that aims to build supportive and homophobia-free school environments for same-sex attracted, intersex or gender diverse students.

The school principal, Lynita Taylor, said the debutante ball would be “altered” in future.

“As a college we acknowledge that the traditional deb ball does not align to our values of inclusivity for all of our students,” she said.

“The ball will be modified to ensure all of our students can attend regardless of who they wish to partner, or their financial situation.”

Justin Prewett agreed that the debutante ball tradition, in which young women formally make their “debut” to society, was outdated.

“Do we still need to present women to potential suitors? Is that how we’re portraying our children? It’s all backwards,” he said.

Kiana Prewett will now be able to take her friend Imogene to the school’s annual ball.

Florida judge grants hearing to Briton convicted of 1987 double murder A British businessman who has been imprisoned in Florida for the past 27 years for a double murder he has always claimed he did not commit has been given the chance to argue his innocence.

Judge William Thomas of Florida’s 11th judicial circuit court in Miami on Wednesday ordered an evidentiary hearing on the case, to be held in the week of 10 November. The court date amounts to the best chance in almost three decades for Krishna “Kris” Maharaj to secure his freedom, or at least be granted a retrial.

Maharaj, 75, was sentenced to death in 1987 for the murder of his business partner Derrick Moo Young and Young’s son Duane in the Dupont Plaza Hotel in downtown Miami the previous year.

His attorneys intend to call more than 50 witnesses and present almost 500 documentsat the evidentiary hearing in an attempt to persuade the court that he was the victim of an elaborate plot to frame him for the murders, and that the Youngs were actually killed on the orders of a Colombian drug cartel.

Maharaj has been represented for the past 20 years by Clive Stafford Smith of the not-for-profit group Reprieve and Miami lawyer Benedict Kuehne. The legal team intends to present evidence at the November hearing to show that the Trinidad-born Briton was set up by witnesses who were involved in narcotics trafficking and who perjured themselves in the original trial.

Krishna Maharaj pictured in 1997. His lawyers claim they have new evidence to show that he was framed for the murder of his former business partners in Miami in 1986 .

“We stand on the cusp of being able to exonerate Kris Maharaj,” Stafford Smith said in a statement. “When the prosecution takes a close look at the evidence that we have developed, it will be clear that Kris should never have been tried for this crime in the first place. This is such a clear case of injustice that the real question should be how fast the state of Florida can release Kris.”

The lawyers hope to call witnesses who will give Maharaj a watertight alibi, as

they would testify that he was 30 miles away from the Dupont Plaza hotel at the time of the murders. Other evidence will be directed towards proving the allegation that the Youngs were caught up with the Medellin drug cartels and involved in money laundering when they were killed.

The next challenge facing Maharaj’s legal team will be persuading state funding bodies to provide the financial aid needed to bring so many witnesses to Miami for the hearing.

Nigerians due to be deported, despite claim of genital mutilation A mother who claimed asylum, fearing that her daughters would be subjected to female genital mutilation if they were sent back to Nigeria, is due to be deported on Thursday after being detained on Wednesday afternoon, her supporters say.

Afusat Saliu and her two daughters Basirat, three, and Rashidat, one, have been taken into custody after unsuccessfully campaigning to be allowed to stay in the UK. Afusat, herself a victim of FGM, has said she fears her daughters will be mutilated too and, as a Christian, has spoken of her fear that they could be targeted by the Nigerian Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which recently kidnapped and still hold more than 200 schoolgirls.

Anj Handa, who started a petition asking the Home Office to reconsider the case that has been signed by more than 120,000 people, said lawyers acting for Afusat had applied to bring a judicial review and expected the deportation to be put on hold while the case was considered.

Man who tossed daughter to her death gets life in prison

FREEHOLD, N.J. — A judge on the possibility of parole on Morgan for Wednesday ordered Arthur E. Morgan the murder of Tierra Morgan-Glover III to spend the rest of his life in prison, because the victim was a child — a with no chance of being released on factor that that would have qualified parole, for cutting his baby daughter’s Morgan for execution before New Jersey life short at age 2½ by tossing her into a abolished the death penalty in 2007.

Speaking to Morgan, Mellaci said if stream to die in 2011.

State law dictated that Superior New Jersey still had the death penalty, Court Judge Anthony J. Mellaci impose “you would be candidate No. 1.”

But the fact that the child was a sentence of life in prison without

Morgan’s own daughter made the crime that much more unspeakable. And the way he accomplished the killing made it seem even more horrific — he strapped the child into her pink-flowered car seat, tethered a five-pound metal car jack to the seat, threw the contraption into a stream in Shark River Park in Wall and left the crying child to die in the murky water as he drove away to a liquor store.

Arthur E. Morgan III winks at the cameras as he is lead off to jail after being convicted of the murder of his daughter, Tierra Morgan-Glover, 2, in Superior Court in Freehold on April 3.

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TECHNOLOGY

Google rolling out its own driverless car

Google’s first purpose-built self-driving car has arrived.

The dinky two-seater looks like a cross between a Smart Car and a Nissan Micra, has no steering wheel, accelerator or brakes, and just two physical controls: “stop” and “go”.

It’s been a long time coming, and there’s a lot more work for the company to do in the future. But right now, Google walks a knife-edge between over- and under-promising. Its cars could change the world – if anyone lets them. But there’s also a certain sleight of hand involved in what it has shown off so far.

Are we nearly there yet?

The immediate problems for Google remain technical. It has reached the stage where its car can drive through the streets surrounding its headquarters in Mountain View, California, without any human intervention. But it’s not just because of secrecy that it hasn’t gone any further than that.

Google’s cars use an array of sensors to map the world around them in real-time.

On the roof, a spinning laser creates a 3D model of every major object surrounding it, be they fellow road users or potential hazards such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Cameras on the front and sides supplement that model by looking out for important visual information such as road signs or traffic lights.

Google is rolling out a fleet of compact electrically-powered driverless cars. Shannon Rae Green shares Google’s plans for the vehicles, completely controlled by sensors and software. Would you trust it?

But the car can’t gather intersection; these maps [for quite enough information the self=-driving car] would in real time for it to be safe. have a precision measured in Instead, as the Atlantic’s inches.”

With that model in place, Alexis Madrigal explains, the company relies on ultra- all the car has to do is use its precise maps of the area to sensors to work out what’s help give it the information it changed since then, comparing the real world to the model needs.

“They’re probably best stored in its system.

But Google has mapped a thought of as ultra-precise digitisations of the physical grand total of 2,000 road miles world, all the way down to tiny to the precision required by details like the position and its cars. California has over height of every single curb,” 170,000 miles of public road Madrigal writes. “A normal (PDF) and at least twice that digital map would show a road if you include each lane as a

separate “road”. The UK alone has around 250,000 miles of road, and the firm hasn’t even started here.

Laws and customs But mapping the world is a project that Google’s done before – twice. Its normal maps of the world have been around for the better part of a decade, and Street View, which requires driving physical cars through every road to be mapped, now covers 48 countries, including almost

all of North America, Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Japan and Taiwan.

Nor has it stopped; the mapping continues every day, all over the world, because streets and roads keep changing. What it needs to do is capture that data in finegrained detail good enough for its cars. How long that will take isn’t known.

The far trickier problem ahead is dealing with the changing social, political, and legal norms around driving.

Take the question Google’s tackling right now: If a selfdriving car breaks the law, who is at fault: the “driver”, or the manufacturer?

And more difficult questions will inevitably arise; and how Google answers them will shape the progression of the technology.

Take a no-win situation for any driver: two children run out from behind a parked van, meaning there’s no visible cue of their approach, and there isn’t enough distance to brake.

At the same time, their mother runs (from behind a van too) into the road on the other side - she saw the danger.

You can swerve and hit the mother, or carry on and hit the children. What do you do?

These are questions that need answers. Without them, the first time a self-driving car is involved in a fatal collision – which is inevitable, no matter how much safer they are in aggregate than human-driven cars – the response could derail the whole project.

Apple buys Dr Dre’s Beats for $3bn as company returns to music industry

Apple on Wednesday confirmed its long-awaited deal to buy headphonemaker Beats Electronics for $3bn. With the purchase, the largest acquisition in its history, Apple is also bringing on a hip-hop artist and entrepreneur who recently bragged about the riches he hoped to score in the deal.

Two Beats co-founders – artist-entrepreneur Dr Dr Dre Dre, who called himself “the first billionaire in hip-hop”, and record industry executive Jimmy Iovine – will join Apple as part of the agreement.

For three weeks, since the Financial Times first reported that the two companies were in talks, speculation has raged among the tech intelligentsia over the two strange bedfellows: Apple,

with its diverse platform force in paid music downloads, has fall and attracted unwanted attention of products, and Beats, become more of a window-shopping from activist shareholders including which is currently known venue. RBC Capital Markets analyst David Einhorn and Carl Icahn, who’ve suggested that mainly for its headphones Amit Daryanani pointed recently to none-too-gently Billboard statistics estimating that only Apple should make better use of its and speakers.

Curiosity about the “1-2% of consumers hit ‘download/buy’” approximately $150bn hoard of cash.

While Apple has responded to the strategy sent Wall Street when listening to iTunes Radio.

Subscription-based music is investor complaints by returning cash analysts into the realm of among consumers, to its shareholders and splitting its gossip in trying to explain dominating the deal. Five days ago, Daryanani told clients on 9 May, stock, the company has struggled to Nomura research analysts pointing to statistics from music- prove it can continue to innovate and, quoted a rival maker of industry group IFPI that showed in the words of Steve Jobs, tell the audio-visual equipment, subscription-based music revenues consumer what he wants.

The Beats acquisition addresses the AV Concepts, speculating were $1.1bn in 2013 – up 50% – while that the real value of downloads fell 2% to $3.9bn, their first issue of innovation, to some extent, as Apple is, in addition to the company Beats was only $1bn when decline in history.

The size and scale of the deal may itself, buying two executives who know investment firm Carlyle Group bought a stake in it a year ago. AV suggested reflect Apple’s determination to make the music industry as well as anyone. to Nomura that “Apple’s objective of a splash. The company has struggled As RBC’s Daryanani wrote earlier this this deal should be Beats’ new music to show investors and the public that it month, “another potential from a deal streaming service, which competes with can innovate without Steve Jobs, with could be that Jimmy Lovine could help Spotify and Pandora,” according to a no significant new products announced run AAPL’s iTunes/ music strategy, which has been challenged in the recent since the iPad several years ago.

Nomura note to clients dated 23 May. The company has seen its stock price quarters.”

Apple’s iTunes, once the dominant

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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

UK retail sales growth slows in May, CBI says Growth in retail sales slowed unexpectedly in May, as shoppers stayed away from department stores and a slower rise in food sales dragged the sector down, according to the latest snapshot from the CBI. Job creation in retail came to standstill, internet sales rose at the slowest pace in almost a year and investment plans weakened, the business lobby group said.

Howard Archer, chief UK economist at IHS Global Insight, said consumers were probably less willing to spend after splashing out over Easter, which fell in April this year.

Despite the dip in performance in May, retailers were feeling more optimistic about sales prospects in the month ahead, with a slight pickup in employment also expected.

Barry Williams, chairman of the CBI’s distributive trades survey panel and Asda’s chief merchandising officer for food, said: “Retailers’ predictions of further sales growth bore fruit this month.

Although that growth was at a slower rate than expected, the fact we’ve seen a steady increase for six consecutive months is a sign we’re heading towards sustainable growth and strengthening consumer optimism – and it’s good to hear shopkeepers telling us they expect even stronger figures next month.”

According to the CBI survey, 38% of retailers reported a rise in sales volumes in May compared with a year ago, while 22% said they were down. The resulting balance of +16% was lower than April’s +30%, and much weaker than the +35% predicted by economists.

Archer said the retail sector remained healthy overall.

Australia to resume live sheep exports to Iran after 40-year boycott

Australia is set to end a 40-year boycott on live animal exports to Iran with the signing of a health protocol agreement.

However, the move has drawn criticism from anti-live export activists who claim it is a blow to animal welfare Iran has agreed to animal health certification protocols giving Australian exporters the green light to start shipping sheep, cattle and goats to the country.

It would be the first time in four decades that live exports to Iran could take place since the trade was banned following the Islamic revolution in the late 1970s.

No timeline has been given for the resumption of exports but the minister for agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, said it would happen “as soon as possible”.

“The next step will happen very quickly because Iranian importers ... want to get their hands on Australian stock,” he said.

Animal activists labelled the resumption of live exports as a step back for animal welfare and called for the expansion of the chilled-meat trade.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals released a statement saying: “The best welfare outcome for Australian animals is for them to be slaughtered here to

Australian standards.”

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie said he was appalled by the live-trade expansion into “particularly notorious” countries.

“It’s horrifying,” he said.

Iran was Australia’s biggest market for live sheep exports before the boycott, and the trade resumption will open up a potentially $20m a year market.

It’s understood the deal will fall within the guidelines of Australian and UN and trade sanctions that limit deals with Iranian financial services, listed entities and specific persons.

Those sanctions do not prohibit the provision of food to Iran.

Smartwatches the next big idea as sales of smartphones slacken

Hardware companies are keen to promote wearable devices. Samsung launched its Galaxy Gear smartwatch last September.

European stocks rise as elections wrap up European stock markets moved higher Monday as economist, Holger Schmieding. “Although it will be more election results rolled in from the European Union and difficult to negotiate a trade deal with the U.S., European institutions can function well with that result.”

Ukraine.

In France, the far-right National Front party -- which Germany’s DAX index led the way with a 1.3% rise.

Spain’s IBEX gained 1.2%, while France’s CAC 40 added has rallied against the EU and immigration -- won a historic 0.8%. The euro recovered from earlier declines against the victory with 25% of the French vote, beating out more moderate pro-EU parties that dominated the elections five dollar.

Investors seemed relieved as results showed traditional years ago. In the previous European elections, the National left-center and right-center parties will hold a majority of Front garnered just 6% of the vote.

In the United Kingdom, an increasingly prominent seats in the European Parliament. However, many voters were increasingly supportive of anti-EU protest parties, protest party that has loudly voiced its desire to get out of which gained significant traction in France, the U.K. and the EU won roughly 28% of the votes.

In Greece, the far-left Syriza party won roughly 27% of Greece.

“The status quo prevails in Europe,” explained Kathleen the vote.

The success of these anti-EU fringe parties could make Brooks, a research director at FOREX.com. “Although the chorus of protest is growing louder, it is still a small force for noisier Parliament debates and could complicate the passing of EU laws and appointments to the EU executive. in the European Parliament.”

They also threaten to destabilize pro-EU governments Meanwhile, Ukrainians seem to be voting in favor of further integration with Europe.Billionaire Petro in some countries and weaken the resolve of others to stick Poroshenko has declared himself the winner of the to painful economic reforms. For example, in Belgium, the Ukrainian presidential elections after getting over 50% of prime minister handed his government’s resignation after the vote. The seasoned politician has been vocal about his Flemish separatists scored a big win. But the Belgian benchmark stock index rose 0.5%. pro-European Union views.

Brooks, the FOREX.com research director, suggests that The growing popularity of “euroskeptic” parties on the far right and far left indicate a severe backlash against pan- the rise of the anti-EU parties may actually benefit Europe.

“The increase in the protest vote could be a good thing European cooperation, European institutions and austerity for the markets, as it could streamline the EU,” she said. measures. But this doesn’t threaten to tear Europe apart.

“After four years of a wrenching euro crisis, pro- “The amount of red tape created by the EU can be negative European mainstream parties ... will still have close to 70% for businesses, and thus markets, so anything that could of the seats in the EU parliament,” said Berenberg chief reduce this influence is a good thing.”

As sales of smartphones slacken, because almost everyone who wants one has one, hardware companies are looking around for other gadgets to sell us. And the smartwatch is their latest idea. If they can sell us one each they’re in the money. And if they can get us using apps on them, that would be even better.

It is hotly anticipated that LG will join the select group, which includes its South Korean rival Samsung, the US-based Pebble, Japan’s Sony and a host of smaller players with names like Meta, Cuckoo and I’m Watch (sic).

Motorola, which Google is selling to China’s Lenovo, is also expected to introduce a smartwatch – the Moto 360 – this summer.

Although Google’s Android software runs about three-quarters of the smartphones on sale outside China, there is more of a battle to see who will dominate the supposedly emerging smartwatch business. There were about 1.1m Android smartwatches shipped in 2013, according to the research company Strategy Analytics, compared to 190,000 Pebbles. But Samsung’s new Gear 2 watch, released in April alongside its Galaxy S5 smartphone uses Samsung’s own software, not Google’s; Pebble too continues to push ahead.

That could all change imminently: Google is releasing the Android Wear operating system software for LG’s G-Watch and Moto 360 – both of which have only been glimpsed so far as Photoshopped mockups. Experience suggests that the real things will probably be less pretty, significantly heavier and have less battery life. But Android Wear will bring information about transport delays, weather and so on via the Google Now software presently found on Android phones.

Two questions about smartwatches.

First: what are we really going to do with them? The answer, according to their makers, is see notifications from your smartphone, but without having to take it out of your pocket or bag.

Using a low-power Bluetooth wireless connection, your watch can know about the emails, tweets and Facebook updates your phone has received, and show them on its screen. And, perhaps, play Flappy Bird.

Alternatively, the watch can control a phone, answering or rejecting calls, changing the music that’s playing, or changing the volume. And with suitable apps on board, the watch becomes a tiny computer in its own right.

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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

Apple device hijacking spreads to US, Aussies urged to change passwords Apple device owners who have NSW Police said.

Meanwhile, Apple issued a iCloud accounts are being told to change their passwords by Australian statement to Fairfax Media on authorities in the wake of a hijacking Wednesday stating its iCloud service attack that appears to have spread to had not been hacked, but that impacted users should “change their Apple ID the US. The Australian government’s Stay password as soon as possible and Smart Online service and the NSW avoid using the same username and Police have both issued warnings password for multiple services”.

Any users who needed additional to Apple users, which state that as a precaution they should change their help were advised to contact AppleCare or visit an Apple store. passwords.

The attacks, which were initially “With the possibility that this attack is linked to your ‘Apple ID’, only impacting device owners in affected users are advised to change Australia, involve a hacker logging in [their] Apple ID password as soon as to Apple iCloud accounts and using the possible,” Stay Smart Online wrote in lost device feature to lock users out. A an advisory. “Users not affected may message then demands a ransom of also consider changing their Apple ID between $US50 and $US100 for the device to be unlocked. password as a precaution.”

If a passcode was set on the device “The best course of action is to change your Apple ID password ASAP,” – be it an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch

or Mac – the user could simply enter online accounts and don’t change them, it, change their iCloud password and hackers can often get in.

Up until the last few days, the avoid having to deal with the ransom.

But if no passcode was set, Apple majority of attacked devices were device owners reported having to erase reported to be in Australia, but their entire phone or device. If a back- according to Apple’s support thread, a up existed, this could then be used to number of victims have began being restore it to when it was last backed up. attacked in the US. In addition to changing passwords, The issue appears to stem from the hacker making use of credentials from IT security experts have recommended users enable “two-factor a previous data breach on an unknown Apple company. Apple’s statement alludes to authentication” on their accounts this - by stating that customers should if they don’t already have it by use different passwords across their visiting:http://support.apple.com/kb/ online accounts - but does not confirm ht5570. This acts as a second layer of security by making users have to it.

As is often the case after a data enter a code that is sent to their mobile breach, hackers sift through the device before they are granted access data looking for information they can to their account.

They should also set a passcode on use to break into users’ other online accounts. And because users often use their iPhones and tablets or passwords the same password across multiple on their Macs.

China restricts smartphone chat apps

China is targeting popular smartphone-based instant messaging services in a month-long campaign to crack down on what the government calls “rumours and infiltration of hostile forces”.

The services let users post photos and updates to their friends, or follow the feeds of companies, social groups or celebrities, and more worryingly for the government intellectuals, journalists and activists who comment on politics, law and society. They also post news reports shunned by mainstream media.

Some accounts attract hundreds of thousands of followers.

The official Xinhua News Agency said the crackdown was aimed at people spreading rumours and information related to violence, terrorism and pornography. Public accounts on services including WeChat, run by Tencent Holdings, were among those being targeted.

Tencent and other companies did not answer calls or immediately respond to emailed requests for comment on Beijing’s latest move to restrict online freedom of expression.

This year the ruling Communist party created an internet security group led by President Xi Jinping.

Observers say authorities are wary of millions of Chinese with internet access getting ideas that might threaten the Communist party’s tight control of information.

Xinhua said: “Some people have used [these services] to distribute illegal and harmful information, seriously undermining public interests and order in cyberspace.”

People using smarphones in Tiananmen Square, Beijing.

“We will firmly fight against infiltration from hostile forces at home and abroad.”

It represented China’s first major campaign covering mobile phone messaging platforms, said Mark Natkin, managing director of Marbridge Consulting, a Beijing-based internet and mobile research company.

The timing suggested it may be a response to discussions about recent deadly attacks in China’s western region of Xinjiang, the US indictment of five Chinese military officers for cyberspying or the continuing government campaign against corruption.

“Anytime we see a tenser environment on fronts like those, there tends to be a corresponding clampdown on various communications tools,” Natkin said.

3D printers to become more affordable for the masses

Two new 3D printers will be coming to the consumer market for affordable prices between $149 (M3D) and $349 (MOD-t). Sure, they won’t be the strongest 3D printers available, but neither were the first notebooks to sell at $200 a unit.

A Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for a company called M3D ended three weeks ago, with a raising of $3.4 million with the goal of selling 11,000 printers at prices ranging from $199 to $299.

The micro will use an auto-leveling and autocalibration system that M3D said was designed to help the printer’s reliability and longevity. Not the strongest 3D printer but nonetheless, one of the most power efficient in the market.

The other company, called New Matter, who created the MOD-t printer will release its printer for $149 to the first 500 contributors. Then the next 1000 sold will receive it for $199 and eventually its price

will reach $250.

The MOD-t uses a fused filament fabrication process that creates objects up to 6x4x5 inches, and a two-axis motion system is used to limit the way an object is built in vertical movements. It also has built in Wi-Fi and New Matter intends to offer a marketplace where artists could share the objects they created.

Autodesk will also be introducing a 3D printer that will demonstrate the power of the Spark platform and set a new benchmark for the 3D printing experience.

Even Adobe Photoshop will begin to support 3D printing services.

In January, according to 3D printer maker MaketBot, Dell will be offering its 3D printers and scanners with Dell Precision workshops. This bundle won’t be targeted to consumers as much as it would be to architects and engineers testing product concepts.

Japan retail sales fall after tax increase Retail sales in Japan fell 4.4% in April, compared with the same period last year, as the effect of an increase in the country’s sales tax began to be felt.

Japan raised the tax from 5% to 8% on 1 April - the first hike in 17 years.

The country faces rising social welfare costs due to an ageing population and is trying to rein in public debt.

Analysts said sales had dropped in part due to consumers rushing to make purchases ahead of the tax rise. That trend was evident in March, when sales surged 11% - the fastest pace of growth since March 1997.

The rise in sales tax is also expected to help Japan achieve its 2% target for inflation.

Unlike many other leading economies, Japan has been battling deflation, or falling prices, for the best part of the past two decades.

This has hurt domestic consumption, as consumers and businesses tend to put off purchases in the hope of getting a cheaper deal later on.

Policymakers have said ending that cycle is key to reviving growth in Japan’s economy, and have taken various steps to achieve that.

The measures have had some positive impact and consumer prices have been rising in Japan.

The hope is that once prices start to rise, it may force consumers and business to spend more money and not hold back on purchases as they may have to pay more later on.

But there have been some concerns that the tax hike may cause people to hold back on purchases and thus hurt domestic demand.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

May 31ST - JUNE 7TH, 2014

The Turks and Caicos Islands Men’s Football Team shortly after departing the Providenciales International Airport for Aruba on Wednesday.

TCI National Men’s Football playing Caribbean Cup Qualifier At Press time the Turks and Caicos Islands Men’s National Football Team was in Aruba preparing for its first match against the host country in their Group Two Preliminary Qualification Round of the 2014 Caribbean Cup. The national team left the Providenciales Airport on Wednesday (May 28) brimming with confidence.

The local team believes it has an outstanding chance of qualifying from that group owing that it gets past the host country.

The teams making up the group are Aruba, the British Virgin Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands and French Guiana. All games will be held at the Guillermo Prospero Trinidad Stadium in Oranjestad, Aruba.

The 2014 tournament is the 17th edition of the Caribbean Cup, an international football competition for national teams of member nations affiliated with the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) of the CONCACAF region.

Moreover, the Caribbean Cup is a qualifying tournament for the CONCACAF Gold Cup and it will be the TCI team’s first international tournament since the World Cup Qualifying games against The Bahamas in 2011 and also the head coach Craig

Harrington’s first game as TCIFA’s Technical Director.

For the first time, the competition and its qualifying stages have been scheduled to take place during officially sanctioned FIFA international match periods.

The change was made to assist the national Football Associations (FAs) selecting high profile Caribbean players whose clubs would be otherwise reluctant to lose the players service while on international duty.

Previous editions of the competition have taken place on non-FIFA calendar dates. Should TCI win the group, the next stage, Group 4, will be in San Juan, Puerto Rico from 1st to 8th September 2014.

The 20-men squad for the Turks & Caicos Men’s National Team include Raymondson Azemard, Luis Turbyfield, Marc Fenelus, Fred Dorvil, Gavin Glinton, Kely Louima, Wildens Delva, Chris Gardiner, Marcdonald Fenelus, James Rene, Peguy Derilien, Stevens Derilien, Paul Collis, Jack McKnight, Philip Shearer, Syed Hassan, Rodney Davilmar, Jerry Liluce and Alex Bryan.

Before departing the country in InterCaribbean Airlines, the team allowed for individuals interviews, and the aggregation expressed confidence that they could return home the victor.

KB Homes beat Beaches despite McKnight ton Despite a belligerent sparkling century by Anthony McKnight, Beaches succumbs to KB Home as TCICA T20 competition continued on Saturday 24th of May 2014 at the Downtown Ballpark.

KB Home won the toss and elected to bat first and posted an imposing total of 203 run for 7

wickets from 20 overs.

Anthony McKnight top scored with Top scorer were Blair Mason 101 runs (15x4,4x6) and Darnel with quick 54 (4x4, 5x6) and Mark Lewis made 22 runs.

Butler added 32 runs (5x4). BowlBowling for KB Home, Mark ing for Beaches Sidhue Hunter Butler claimed 3 wickets for 20 took 3 wickets for 36 runs from 4 runs from 3 overs and Blair Mason and Ranald Schultz took 2 wickets overs.

In reply, Beaches reached 180 a piece.

Man of the Match: Blair Mason. runs for 8 wickets from 20 overs.

TCI on the attack

National Female Football coach proud of squad’s showing TCI Despite not advancing to the next round of the Preliminary Qualification Round of the 2014 Caribbean Football Union Women’s Caribbean Cup, Ava Robertson, coach of the Turks and Caicos Islands Female Football Team gave a good account of themselves.

Bermuda advance from group three, St. Kitts and Nevis ended in second spot, Cayman in third position and the Turks and Caicos Islands fourth.

Speaking shortly after the final game on Tuesday night (May 27, 2014), where they suffered and 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Cayman Islands, Robertson said that the young ladies gained much international experience and are certain, as a team, to give a better account of themselves in ensuing international games.

She said that had it not for injury to some of the teams more senior and talented players, the result could have been different.

“We came into the game hoping to beat the Cayman Islands but unfortunately we had to make some other changes because two of our best players sustained injuries and it affected our formation and our system of play, and I don’t think we recovered from that. But in spite of that, I think the girls put in a good effort,” Robertson said. Adding that the Turks and Caicos Islands aggregation is a fairly young and inexperienced one, and so, the tournament was somewhat of an experience-building platform for the girls.

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CARIBBEAN

SPORTS

Chris Gayle to seek treatment for back injury Chris Gayle has said he will seek treatment in Germany for an injured back to ensure he is fit for the home Tests against New Zealand. Gayle is eyeing a return to fitness for the first Test in Kingston, which begins on June 8. If he plays, it will be his 100th Test match. The opening batsman suffered the injury after the World T20 in March and missed a few games for his franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore, at the start of IPL 2014.

“It started at the end of the T20 World Cup. I thought initially it was a simple thing but I went back home for a couple of days,” Gayle told Indian Express. “Then I travelled back to Dubai to play in the IPL and when I started training I found it difficult. I could not bat properly and bending was a problem and sprinting between the

Chris Gayle missed a few games at the start of the IPL due to a back injury wickets was a problem even though you guys don’t see me running much. It was difficult but I tried my best.”

Gayle has been struggling with injuries in the recent past.

He last played a Test against India in November 2013. A

hamstring injury he suffered in the first ODI against India sidelined him from the rest of the series and West Indies’ tour to New Zealand in December 2013. He made a return to the side for the limited-overs matches against Ireland, but missed the ODIs against England in February this year due to lower back pain. If not for all this, Gayle said he would have played his 100th Test “a long time back”.

“It will mean a lot to me,” he said. “I have been serving West Indies cricket for the last 13 years and going on to 14 years now, I am actually looking forward to this milestone. I have missed out on the last couple of months because of injury. I was supposed to get past this milestone a long time back but it didn’t happen. As a cricketer these things happen and you

pick injuries at crucial times.

“I still have an injury now and I am trying to get it sorted as quickly as possible so I can be fully fit for the special occasion. It is going to be played at home so it is a big occasion for me and for the people back home too. I don’t have much time but hopefully it will work out and I will be back on the field quickly.”

Gayle has been named in the 15-member West Indies training squad that will participate in a preparatory camp ahead of the Tests against New Zealand. Gayle is expected to join the camp on June 1, along with Sunil Narine, who is currently playing the IPL for his franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.

The final squad for the Tests will be announced at a later date.

sprint star ‘Bahamas performed Jamaica appeals to reduce exceptionally well’ 18-month doping ban WITH some key injuries to some of the athletes, Rupert Gardiner said the coaching staff for Team Bahamas did the best they could in assembling the line-ups for the inaugural IAAF World Relays Bahamas.

The 24-member team collected a total of 15 points for eighth place in the standings. The United States carted off the Golden Baton title with 60 points, well ahead of Jamaica with 41 for second. Kenya got third with 35.

Team Bahamas got disqualified in the men’s 4 x 100m, but the 4 x 200m team ran one minute and 23.19 seconds for sixth place after qualifying with a national record of 1:22.10 and the 4 x 400m team was second in a season’s best 2:57.59 to trail the United States, who ended up with the world leading championship record time of 2:57.25.

On the women’s side, the 4 x 100m team got second in the B final in a season’s best of 43.46, while the 4 x 200m team finished just outside of a medal in fourth in a national record feat of 1:31.31 and the 4 x 400m team was second in a season’s best of 3:31.74.

“I was pleased with the Bahamian public and I’m happy about Team Bahamas,” said Gardiner, who was assisted by coaches Fritz Grant, Roger Charlton and Cherish Hollinsworth. “I think Team Bahamas performed exceptionally well.”

Of course, Team Bahamas was hit by a series of injuries before and during the relays, but Gardiner

said the coaching staff worked with what they had left in the camp.

“Before the relays, Jamial Rolle and Warren Fraser went down with injuries and they could not compete,” Gardiner said. “We all know that there were some collegiate athletes who couldn’t compete because they have nationals this weekend. That’s why you didn’t see Shavez Hart and Trevorvano Mackey.”

With the athletes available, Gardiner said they ensured that they were doubled up wherever it was necessary to compete in more than one event, in some cases outside of their signature events.

One of the athletes missed the most was quartermiler Ramon Miller, who slipped and suffered an ankle injury in the call room and was not available to run in the final of the men’s 4 x 400m final.

“His ankle was sallow. That was why he couldn’t go,” said Gardiner of Miller, who was replaced by LaToy Williams.

Together with Demetrius Pinder, Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown and Michael Mathieu, Williams helped the Bahamas to finish as runners-up to the United States, anchored by LaShawn Merritt, in the final in the marquee event of the meet.

Despite the fact that there were some injuries and even national record holder Derrick Atkins wasn’t able to suit up, even though he was in the stands as a Bahamian ambassador, Griffith said the men’s sprint team did the best that they could.

Caribbean Sports Journalists Association launched

The Caribbean Sports Journalists’ Association (CASJA) was officially launched in Nassau, Bahamas, last week Sunday.

Officials of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), including president Lamine Diack; Victor Lopez, president of the North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC); Anna Legnani, IAAF deputy director of communications; and journalists and photographers attended the brief ceremony held on the margins of the inaugural IAAF World Relays

in Nassau.

The formalisation of CASJA followed many months of discussions on the need for the regional sports media to be united in facing challenges and was facilitated by Jamaicans Andre Lowe, Anthony Foster and Kayon Raynor, Kwame Laurence of Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada’s Michael Bascombe and Bahamian Brent Stubbs.

“The fact that we have put together an interim committee to facilitate a transition into a constituted and structured organisation in the immediate future is an

indication of our good intentions,” said Bascombe, speaking on behalf of his colleagues. “We are therefore, using this opportunity to officially launch the organisation.”

CASJA has received support and endorsements from across the Caribbean, including members of the media, sporting personalities and federations including NACAC’s Lopez, Jeffrey Webb of Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football and Steve Stoute, the chairman of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees.

Jamaican sprint star Asafa Powell has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, asking for his 18-month ban to be reduced to three months.

The 31-year-old tested positive for the banned stimulant oxilofrine at last year’s national championships and was slapped with the suspension by the Jamaica Anti-doping Commission in April.

However, Powell subsequently branded the ruling as “unfair and unjust” and said he would appeal.

Fellow Jamaican sprinter Sherone Simpson, who was also banned for 18 months following a positive drugs test for the same substance, has also appealed to CAS for a reduction in the JADCO suspension.

“The athletes put forward that the offense committed is minor and request that the suspensions be reduced to [three] months,” CAS said in a statement.

“The CAS has initiated an arbitration procedure in each case and the parties have been invited to file written submissions in accordance with the Code of sportsrelated arbitration. No hearing date has been fixed yet.”

Following the positive test, Powell blamed Canadian physical trainer Chris Xureb for providing him with the supplements, that included the banned substance.

Sammy signs T20 deal with Glamorgan

Darren Sammy, the hard-hitting West Indian allrounder, has signed a deal with Glamorgan to play in the NatWest T20 Blast until the Caribbean Premier League begins.

Sammy has received a No Objection Certificate from the WICB and will arrive in time for Glamorgan’s next T20 Blast fixture, against Sussex on Friday. He could be available for seven matches before returning to the West Indies to captain St Lucia Zouks in the CPL. The deal is one of few secured by the counties for overseas players in the new T20 Blast which is spread over the course of the season.

Having captained West Indies to the World T20 title in 2012, Sammy will add international quality to a Glamorgan side who have won one and lost one of their opening two T20s. Sammy showed his ability in the recent World T20 in Bangladesh with a match-winning 34 in just 13 balls against Australia.

Sammy has just finished a season in the IPL for Hyderabad, where he stood in as captain in latter stages, but endured a poor tournament with only 108 runs at 15.42 and his 14 overs across 10 matches costing 11.21 per over.

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SPORTS

Meet Steve Ballmer, the man who bid $2 billion to buy the L.A. Clippers

Former Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer walked away from a meeting with Shelly Sterling as the new owner of the Los Angeles Clippers thanks to a winning bid of $2 billion.

Shelly Sterling asserted that she is acting as the sole trustee, with no mention of Donald Sterling, who bought the team three decades ago.

Donald Sterling’s lawyers have asserted that he needs a final sign-off before the team can be sold. However, according to two media reports, Shelly Sterling has said her husband was not capable of making the decision to sell the team. The Times has not verified that report.

“I am delighted that we are selling the team to Steve, who will be a terrific owner,” Shelly Sterling said in a statement. “We have worked for 33 years to build the Clippers into a premiere NBA franchise. I am confident that Steve will take the team to new levels of success.”

On Thursday, The Times reported

that Ballmer won the bidding process and the negotiated sale will now move to the NBA for approval. There is currently a Tuesday meeting scheduled for NBA owners in New York to determine if the Sterlings should be forced to sell the franchise.

“I will be honored to have my name submitted to the NBA Board of Governors for approval as the next owner of the Los Angeles Clippers,” Ballmer said in a release Thursday night. “I love basketball. And I intend to do everything in my power to ensure that the Clippers continue to win – and win big – in Los Angeles. LA is one of the world’s great cities – a city that embraces inclusiveness, in exactly the same way that the NBA and I embrace inclusiveness. I am confident that the Clippers will in the coming years become an even bigger part of the community. I thank Shelly Sterling for her willingness to entrust the Clippers franchise to me, and I am grateful to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and his

colleagues for working collaboratively with me throughout this process.”

Ballmer has wanted to be an NBA owner for some time; he wanted to bring a team back to Seattle after the departure of the 2008 departure of the SuperSonics, now the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ballmer also tried to buy the Sacramento Kings and move them to Seattle in a deal that eventually went south.

But assuming the team is his — pending the NBA’s approval — Ballmer has no intention of moving it.

“If I get interested in the Clippers, it would be for Los Angeles,” he told the Wall Street Journal. “I don’t work anymore, so I have more geographic flexibility than I did a year, year-and-a half ago. Moving them anywhere else would be value destructive.”

Magic Johnson, who was reportedly interested in buying the team, greeted the news with enthusiasm as he tweeted: Clipper Fans you’ll love Steve Ballmer as your owner! Steve Ballmer

Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer dies aged 85 Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer has died, it has been announced. He was 85.

News of the businessman’s death was announced on Wednesday via a statement on the website of American Football franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who Glazer also owned.

“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are saddened to announce the passing of Owner/President Malcolm Glazer earlier this morning at the age of 85,” read the statement.

“Known among his league peers as a pioneering thinker, Glazer infused his team and employees with the determination and dedication to be the best in the NFL. Glazer’s commitment to building a championship organization has provided the foundation for continued success, on and off the field.

“Mr Glazer’s long established estate succession plan has assured the Buccaneers will remain with the Glazer family for generations to come. Linda Glazer, along with their five sons and daughter, will continue to own and operate the team as they have throughout the family’s ownership.”

Glazer, who purchased Manchester United in 2005, made his fortune after taking over the family watch-parts business at the age 15. Under his ownership, United won five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.

Malcolm Glazer bought Manchester United in 2005 and saw them win five Premier League titles.

It only took $2 billion, but Steve Ballmer might finally become an NBA owner. loves basketball, is smart businessman & he’ll probably shake every fans hand outside the arena on opening night!

Steve Ballmer owning the Clippers is a big win for the City of LA and all the people who live in the City of Angels!

Bacary Sagna confirms he will be leaving Arsenal Bacary Sagna has confirmed he will be leaving Arsenal this summer, with the France defender expected to sign a three-year deal worth around £120,000 a week at Manchester City.

Sagna’s contract expires next month and despite concerted efforts by Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger to retain him, the 31-year-old will leave the Emirates seven years after joining from Auxerre.

“It’s not longer a secret, I will leave Arsenal for sure,” he told L’Equipe.

“They (Arsenal) tried to make an effort but the discussions have not gone as I wished.”

Sagna is currently preparing for the World Cup with the France squad but has acknowledged that the FA Cup Final victory over Hull was his last action in an Arsenal shirt.

“There is no ideal end but it was a dream to finish like that, at Wembley, with the cup,” he added.

“It was an honour to wear the shirt.”

Sagna refused to comment on who his next club would be, but added “I’ll fix that before the start of the World Cup”.

Liverpool make £16m offer for Sevilla’s Moreno

Liverpool have formalised their interest in Alberto Moreno with an offer worth £16.2m (€20m) for the Sevilla left-back.

The manager, Brendan Rodgers, has prioritised a new left-back for this summer and, having considered an approach to Chelsea for Ryan Bertrand, has made Moreno his preferred option. The 21-year-old enjoyed a fine season with the Europa League winners and has been included in Spain’s preliminary 30-man squad for

the World Cup. Moreno has been linked with several clubs in recent months including Chelsea, Napoli, who had an offer for the defender rejected in January, and Real Madrid. Marca reported last week that Moreno wanted to join Real, who are expected to part company with Fábio Coentrão this summer, and that Sevilla may delay a decision on his future until after the World Cup should he make the final cut under

Vicente del Bosque.

But Liverpool have moved first with a formal offer as they attempt to secure proven quality for next season’s return to the Champions League and tempt Sevilla into a swift agreement.

The Anfield club’s bid is believed to be worth €20m in total, a figure that includes Liverpool midfielder Suso as a makeweight.

The 20-year-old Spaniard spent last season on loan with

the La Liga side Almería and has been offered to Sevilla on a similar basis.

Jon Flanagan excelled at left-back during Liverpool’s rise to second place in the Premier League last season but Rodgers views the player’s long-term future on his natural right side. The Liverpool manager also decided against keeping Aly Cissokho following his season-long loan from Valencia and has injury concerns over José Enrique.

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Brazil to win 2014 World Cup, says Goldman Sachs Host nation Brazil will beat Argentina 3-1 in the final of the 2014 World Cup, while England will not make it beyond the group stages, according to economists at Goldman Sachs.

A detailed analysis from the City economists predicted that England will finish third in Group D, marking the end of their tournament, with Italy and Uruguay progressing to the knockout round.

Using a model based on each team’s track record and characteristics, Brazil emerges as the clear favourite, with a 48.5% probability of winning in Rio, followed by Argentina, which has a 14.1 per cent chance. Spain, winners of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, are expected to be knocked out in the semifinals alongside Germany.

England has just a 1.4% chance of winning the tournament, according to Goldman.

“Since its sole World Cup victory in 1966, English fans have suffered almost 50 years of continual disappointment.

What is unusual about the lead-up to this World Cup is that the views of English and non-English are very closely aligned regarding the prospects for the England team: pretty much everybody agrees that England will do badly,” the authors of the report said.

They concluded that England’s chief problem is that the team adds up to less than the sum of its parts, despite boasting some of the Premiership’s top players such as Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, and Joe Hart.

Evaluating the relative importance of football versus economics, Goldman’s Kevin Daly says: “In the (unlikely) event that England wins the 2014 World Cup, we doubt that many in 2062 will remember whether the economy performed well or badly this year but everyone will remember the World Cup. Business cycles come and go, football is forever.”

And England failure at the 2014 World Cup might have a silver lining according to

Daly: “The UK economy tends to do better when England’s football team is doing worse.

If England does do well in the World Cup, we may have to adjust our economic forecasts downwards.”

This is the fifth edition in a series which began in 1998 with the World Cup in France under Goldman’s former chairman of asset management, Jim O’Neill.

O’Neill coined the term Brics, referring to the fast growing emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India, and China.

In the run up to the last World Cup in 2010 Goldman failed to predict Spain would win the tournament, instead plumping for Brazil. However it was not far off, with Spain second favourite to win.

Goldman also had a successful attempt at Lazio midfielder Joseph Minala has been cleared to continue his career after forecasting Team GB’s success allegations over his correct age in the London 2012 Olympics, predicting 30 gold medals and 65 medals overall. Team GB actually won 29 golds and 65 dream team, selected by clients grade, joined by the world’s top medals and featuring no England players including Lionel Messi, The bank’s economists players. Chelsea’s Eden Hazard Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio published a 2014 World Cup – a Belgian player – made the Ramos and Andrés Iniesta.

India omit seamer Zaheer Khan from England touring party Lazio midfielder Joseph Minala has been cleared to continue his career after allegations over his correct age.

Italian FA confirms Lazio youth player Joseph Minala is 17 The Italian Football Association

(the FIGC) has confirmed that Lazio midfielder Joseph Minala is indeed 17 and not 42 as had been alleged.

In February, an African football website claimed that Cameroonborn Minala was pretending to be a teenager so he was eligible to play for Lazio’s youth side and had altered his passport to take a full 25 years of his actual birth date. That led to an official investigation which saw him questioned by the league’s federal prosecutor.

However a statement relased by FIGC on Wednesday confirmed that Minala has been cleared and is now free to resume his career.

“The Federal Prosecutor has examined the report and ordered the investigation to be closed,” the statement read.

“There are no doubts about his age.

He is 17.”

Tiger Woods winces with back pain during his last competitive round on 9 March. He has still to recover fully from his subsequent surgery.

Tiger Woods pulls out of US Open

Tiger Woods will miss next month’s US Open at Pinehurst as he continues his rehabilitation from back surgery.

The 38-year-old world No3 said in a statement on Wednesday night: “Unfortunately I won’t be there because I’m not yet physically able to play competitive golf. I’d like to convey my regrets to the USGA leadership, the volunteers and the fans that I won’t be at Pinehurst.”

Woods, who underwent an operation for a pinched nerve in his back eight weeks ago, has not competed since the final round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship on 9 March.

This will be the sixth major Woods will have missed since winning his 14th in 2008 at the US Open. Knee surgery following that victory led to an eight-month lay-off and caused him to miss the Open and PGA championships.

In 2011 he sat out the US Open and Open Championship due to knee and achilles injuries, while this year’s back

surgery caused him to miss the Masters for the first time in his career.

His latest travails have cast further doubt on his ability to surpass Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18 major titles but Woods continues to remain positive about his future. “Despite missing the first two majors, and several other important tournaments, I remain very optimistic about this year and my future,” he said on Wednesday night.

Woods recently gave some indication of just how serious his position was before his latest operation.“I’ve had knee surgeries in the past and, yeah, I was hurting going into it but I was functioning. Right before this surgery I couldn’t do much,” he said. “Forget about playing golf at the highest level – I couldn’t get out of bed.

“After I had the procedure it was immediate relief and just a matter of getting through that pain part. It wasn’t the shocking or debilitating pain. It was just pain from the surgery, the incision.”

Zaheer Khan is a surprising omission from the 18-man squad announced by India on Wednesday for their five-Test tour of England which starts next month.

The absence of the 35-year-old leftarm seamer means that MS Dhoni will lead a squad including only two other players who have previously played Test cricket in England: Gautam Gambhir, the opener who is recalled after an 18-month absence, and the fast bowler Ishant Sharma.

There has been a changing of the guard since India’s last Test tour of England in 2011, with the veterans of their batting line-up, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, both retiring.

But Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan will doubtless be relishing the opportunity of making an impact in England and they are joined in the squad by some less experienced players among whom there is one familiar surname - Stuart Binny, whose father Roger was the unlikely hero of India’s famous World Cup final victory over West Indies at Lord’s in 1983.

India play warm-up games against Leicestershire and Derbyshire before the five Tests are played in rapid succession, starting at Trent Bridge on 9 July.

India touring squad: MS Dhoni (capt & wk), M Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Gautam Gambhir, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ishwar Pandey, Ishant Sharma, Stuart Binny, Varun Aaron, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Pankaj Singh

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