VOLUME 10 - No. 24
JULY 5TH – JULY 12TH, 2014
Website: www.suntci.com
Email: sun@suntci.com
Tel: (649) 946-8542
NHIP EASE
$1.00
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Fax: (649) 941-3281
Subscribers to get 90 days to clear contributions
P
ersons who have been struggling that going forward, NHIP penalties will be to pay staggering arrears to the reduced from the current 10% to 3%, nonNational Health Insurance Plan compounding.” The SUN understands that the NHIP is (NHIP) will soon be given some relief in the form of a 90-day amnesty that will give them owed several hundred thousand dollars in time to bring their contributions up-to-date; arrears, but the exact amount could not be confirmed up to Press time. but they won’t have to pay any arrears. According to a report from the last Cabinet Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing announced the amnesty on Monday, June 30th, then at its meeting, the recommendation for the amnesty July 2nd meeting, Cabinet advised Governor period is that all outstanding contributions Peter Beckingham to approve amendments due at the beginning of the Amnesty Period to the National Health Insurance (Amnesty) are paid in full whether in a lump sum Bill, 2014 and the National Health Insurance payment or by way of a payment plan. Earlier this year, Minister of Finance, Hon. (Amendment) Bill, 2014, which will proceed Washington Misick said Government will be to the House of Assembly for debate. “We will within the next 2 months, working closely with InterHealth Canada implement an NHIP Amnesty Programme to expand their contribution to the NHIP that will waive penalty arrears, with persons scheme and so that government can reduce still being required to pay the principal its subvention. amount, following consultation with NHIP,” Continued on Page 2 Premier Ewing said. “It is also intended
KING JAMES HOLIDAYS IN TCI Basketball superstar, Miami Heat’s Lebron “King” James took a well-deserved vacation after the taxing NBA competition, and he chose no better place to unwind than the wonderful Turks and Caicos Islands. While in the TCI, Lebron participated in a number of activities, including the popular bone fishing. The basketball MVP and All Star, took time from his fun in the sun to meet with Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing. The premier is seen here presenting a keepsake to James, who is regarded as the greatest basketballer in the NBA today. The presentation took place on the Provo Air Centre tarmac this past week.
Man hangs self in The Bight
Undertakers prepare to take the body of Bradley Delancy away from the scene. (Inset) photo of Delancy in happier times.
Government to purchase five ambulances – Page 10 Two illegal Haitian boats make landfall – Page 13
Police are investigating the circumstances under which a man was found hanging from a piece of cable attached to the outside of his house at Delancy Hill in The Bight, on Friday (July 4). Police identified the deceased as 39-year-old Bradley Delancy. Delancy is a former bank employee and construction worker, according to relatives. They said he worked at the former Barclay’s Bank. Family members said that Delancy, who lost one leg and a toe on the other foot due to a chronic medical condition, had expressed frustration about his
state up to recent days. They said although he told his father that he could not bear his condition anymore, his tragic end came as shock. The midmorning wails by grieving family members, which filtered through the tranquil community, bore evidence of the ache felt from the sudden loss of life. Grieving family members could be seen trying to comfort those who appeared inconsolable at the loss, while close friends were also on hand to offer comfort.
TCI woman charged with attempted murder of baby in Florida – Page 9
Continued on Page 2
Summajam 2014 the best one yet – Pages 22&23
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Keith Burant not yet charged Police Media Liaison Officer Audley Astwood said that the police are yet to officially charge businessman Keith Burant, the businessman who allegedly went off on a tirade against a police officer, who asked him to remove his vehicle to allow the governor and acting premier to enter the compound during the Queen’s Parade ceremony at the Meridian Field in Grace Bay on June 16, 2014. The police had indicated that they would charge Burant, who is Managing Director of Meridian Trust Company Limited, with resisting arrest, obstruction and using indecent language to a police officer. The SUN leaned that the
businessman was ticketed on the spot and advised of intent for prosecution. However, when contacted, Astwood said that the businessman was not charged. The police press officer was unable to explain why Burant, a Canadian national, was not charged or whether charges will be brought against him soon. Shortly after the start of the Queen’s Birthday Parade ceremony, someone announced over the public address system that a vehicle was blocking the path of Acting Premier Hon. Akierra Missick and His Excellency Governor Peter Beckingham. Proceedings were held up for about 10 minutes, because both the governor
NHIP ease
Continued from Page 1
The Finance Minister also announced plans to streamline the inefficient treatment abroad programme, which he said was costing government a lot of money. “We have held down cost, and that is one of the costs that have been reflected in the budget. We are paying as much as we can so we can reduce the subvention with InterHealth Canada going forward. We are working with InterHealth Canada to reduce the cost of operating the hospital. There will be a substantial saving in 2014/15. We have in fact adjusted the NHIP budget by about $3million,”he said. Misick added that government will be looking to reorganize the treatment
abroad programme because of its inefficiencies, especially where persons scheduled for short stays ending up staying much longer than what was budged for. “You have people going abroad, who might have needed five days in the hospital and have spent two weeks or two months. So we are putting in systems in place to make sure that all of those are properly monitored,” he asserted. In 2011, the NHIP had 2,241 public and private employers with a total of 19,536 contributors (inclusive of pensioners) and 10,376 dependents and other wards of the state like the indigent and prisoners. The last available figure for the total beneficiaries registered was 29,912 as of March 23, 2011.
and the acting premier could not get in because of their path being blocked. The blocked path caused the ceremony to stop for about 10 minutes because neither the governor the acting premier could get in. A police source explained that one member of a group of police personnel that was on the scene, upon discovering that the vehicle belonged to Burant, asked him to remove it so that the country’s leaders could gain access to the field so that the event could resume. However, it is alleged that instead of complying, Burant unleashed a barraged of expletives at the officer, reminding him in the process that he owned the field, which he granted
Man hangs self in The Bight Continued from Page 1
Family members comfort each other at the scene.
Police investigating two robberies in Grace Bay Police Force are appealing for public assistance after two reports of persons being robbed at gun point in Grace Bay, on Monday, June 30. Police spokesman Audley Astwood said the first incident was reported at approximately 10:51PM. A male and female were walking along Princess Drive in the Grace Bay area, when they were approached by an unknown male, who demanded their valuables. They also observed that a second male wearing a white T-shirt was hiding in some nearby bushes during the incident. The unknown male that approached them brandished what appeared to be a small firearm as he demanded their valuables. The male and female did not resist and handed over a sum of cash. The unknown male then fled the location. The second incident was reported at
access to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for usage. It is reported that the officer reminded him that the string of “F” words was neither appropriate nor necessary since many children were in attendance at the event. However, a police source said that Burant did not relent, and at one point had to be restrained by the officer. The source said that he only removed his SUV after Governor Beckingham alighted from his official vehicle and persuaded him to clear the drive path. The SUN attempted to get Commissioner of Police Colin Farquar to provide some clarity on the matter, but he could not be reached up to Press time.
approximately 11:07PM. A second couple, (male and female) were walking along Sibonne Road in the Grace Bay area, when they were approached by an unknown male, who demanded money. The unknown male brandished what appeared to be a small firearm as he made his demands. The male and female did not resist and handed over a sum of cash. The unknown male then demanded that a cell phone be given to him but the couple did not have anything else of value. The unknown male then said thank you and fled the location. No one was injured during both incidents. Officers from multiple units were contacted and launched an investigation. Police conducted an extensive search of the surrounding area, however the men were not found. Inquiries into the matter are continuing.
“911 received a report a report at 10:07, of an unknown male hanging from a rope on Delancy Hill, Lower Bight Road. At 10:45, doctor Bernardo Serres pronounced the male deceased,” Police spokesman Audley Astwood said. He said the scene was visited by officers from the Scenes of Crime, CID Mobile and Grace Bay Mobile. The body was removed to the morgue shortly after it was pronounced dead. The Scene attracted a throng of curious onlookers from within and nearby communities. Among those who visited the scene to console the family was former Member of Parliament for the area Karen Delancy.
Man stabbed, hospitalized A 42 year-old man is now at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre nursing stab wounds after an altercation with a group of men in Long Bay, Providenciales on Thursday (July 3, 2014). Police Information Officer Special Constable Audley Astwood said that the incident took place at Governor’s Road in the area. He said the incident took place in the afternoon period. The injured man, who the police said has been identified as Daniel Valvid, received stab wounds to midriff and neck. He said that 911 was received a report that a man was stabbed and injured in Long Bay, and when EMS and the police turned up they saw Valvid bleeding from several parts of his body.
“EMS transported 42 yearold Daniel Valvid to the Cheshire Medical Centre. Mr. Valvid sustained stab wounds to the right side, back and neck. He was conscious and oriented, and did not lose consciousness up to the time of arrival at the hospital,” Astwood said. It is unclear what caused the disagreement between Valvid and the assailant which led to him being stabbed. The police reported on Friday morning that they had taken two men in custody who they believe are responsible for the attack, and can assist them in clearing up the crime. The two, whose names were not released are said to be 16 and 18 years of age. Astwood said that Valvid was recovering well in hospital.
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LOCAL NEWS
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JULY 5TH - JULY 12TH, 2014
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Payroll tax scrapping could hurt many projects The sudden scrapping of the payroll tax could jeopardize a number of capital projects that government was hoping to embark upon using funds from the controversial income tax. This was revealed by Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing and his finance minister Hon. Washington Misick, who held a news conference on Tuesday (July 1st), a day after the premier announced the yanking of the tax from House debate, after government realized they did not have the numbers to push it through. The Premier announced that construction of a new high school, which government was hoping to build in phases, along with rehabilitation of roadways in most of the islands will be affected. He stressed that the school project would still go ahead, but at a slower pace. “We are doing our high school in phases; we would have been able to bring our high school phases more rapidly and bring it to completion,” he said. “We had projects based on road infrastructure development for some of the islands (including) North Caicos, Providenciales and Grand Turk. We also indicated the need for the clinic facilities in North Caicos, especially for extension and upgrading in Kew, and also central government complex there in North Caicos. We had also outlined the need for certain infrastructure in
Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing (second left) addresses the media while looking on from left are Finance Minister Hon. Washington Misick, Minister of Home Affairs and the Environment Hon. Amanda Missick and Hon. George Lightbourne, Minister of Government Support Services. Salt Cay.” The Premier was hasty to point out that none of the projects will be taken off the table, but will come on stream as soon as government finds funding. “Now, we are going to try to put these in place, but as revenue becomes available. We have to prioritize and reprioritize these areas of capital projects,” he said. He explained that some of the jeopardized projects were not part of budget, but mere additions. To this end, budgetary plans that government has in place, for the most part, will not be affected. He said that based on
revenue projections from payroll tax government was allowed to take up to $8 million over two years from the sinking fund to bankroll the projects. That $8 million will now go towards the recurrent budget to part cover the financial chasm left by the payroll tax scrapping, since the availability of the funds was contingent upon the passage of the tax. “Some of the projects that are listed are not some of the projects that were in the budget; they are projects that we intended to place in the budget because the budget, as it stands, had in it the revenue that would be generated from
a broad-based tax like payroll tax. “But in addition to that, contingent upon payroll tax being passed, we would have been given the opportunity to withhold $3 million to $4 million this year and next year from the sinking fund, having had the comfort that payroll tax was in place. And so we would have had an additional $3million to $4 millon available for capital projects. “We did get to withhold $3million from the sinking fund, but was then used to bridge the gap that was left by the non-implementation of the payroll tax,” he said.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Turks and caicos post cabinet meeting statement His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, chaired the meeting of the Cabinet at the Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales on Wednesday, 2 July 2014. All Ministers were present except Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith and Hon. Don Hue Gardiner. At this meeting Cabinet: • Received a presentation from the Complaints Commissioner setting out the role and function of her office. Cabinet welcomed the presentation and the helpful insight this provided on the Commissioners role and the relationship with other constitutional bodies charged with good governance; • Advised HE. the Governor to approve amendments to the National Health Insurance (Amnesty) Bill, 2014 and the National Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2014. The matter will proceed to the House of Assembly. The amendments proposed are as follows: o The introduction of an Amnesty Period of ninety (90) days to allow subscribers to the National Health Insurance Plan to be exempted from the payment of additional charges which have accumulated as a result of failing to pay contributions on the day that contributions were due, provided that all outstanding contributions due at the beginning of the Amnesty Period are paid in full whether in a lump sum
payment or by way of a payment plan; o The amendment of section 37 of the National Health Insurance Ordinance to make provision for a new rate at which the additional charge will be levied on outstanding contributions. At present the rate is ten per cent of the outstanding contributions for each month or part thereof during which the contribution remains unpaid; the amendment seeks to lower the rate to three per cent. Such new rate s not intended to have retroactive effect; • Approved the appointment of Nurse Jackurlyn Sutton to the Joint Service Review Board in accordance with Schedule 6, Section 11, part 1 of the Hospitals Project Agreement; • Advised HE. the Governor to approve amendments to the Business License Regulations and the Business License Fees Schedule (including some professional services) and amendments to the Reserved and Restricted Categories. The revised fee schedule will be effective 1st July 2014; • Considered amendments to the Companies (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2014, and the Non-Profit Organisations (Amendment) Regulations. The amendments provide for revisions to the requirement for the auditing and registration of Non-Profit Organisations.
Cabinet requested that further consideration be given to the representations of key stakeholders and that the matter be considered further at their next meeting. It was agreed to extend the time for a registered NPO to elect to continue as a non-profit company under the Companies Ordinance to the 31st August 2014 and extend the time for an existing NPO to register with the NPO Supervisor to 31st August 2014 so that no enforcement action should be taken against such an organisation if the organisation registers on or before that day; • Considered a report from the
Minister of Government Support Services setting out proposals for around twenty infrastructure projects in Grand Turk to be funded by the Infrastructure Improvement Account. Cabinet prioritised six projects for consideration by Carnival; • Advised HE. the Governor to approve amendments to the Customs (Charge on Insurance and Freight) Ordinance (Legal Notice of 2013) to vary the rate of the Freight and Insurance Tax from the current 15% to 7.5% effective 1st August 2014. The matter will proceed to the House of Assembly;
LIME announces falling rates from LIME’s fixed line to mobile
LIME understands that customers want value for money and the company is pleased with any opportunity to offer that. Rates from LIME’s fixed lines to LIME’s mobile will be reduced from US$0.3075 to US$0.2975 per minute effective July 1, 2014. That means that customers will enjoy an even greater savings while using a LIME device to communicate. General Manager James Pitt
commented, “LIME is pleased with this development.” He continued, “Fixed to mobile rates have been falling year on year for several years now and customers can expect even further reductions in the future.” These lower rates can be enjoyed from July 1, 2014 by all customers in the Turks & Caicos Islands who make calls from a fixed line to mobile with LIME.
GULF INSURANCE LTD (TURKS & CAICOS OPERATIONS) (In Administration)
FINAL NOTICE TO ALL POLICYHOLDERS AND CREDITORS TO ALL POLICYHOLDERS AND CREDITORS OF GULF INSURANCE LIMITED (TCI OPERATIONS), TAKE NOTICE THAT ANY CLAIMS THAT MAY BE HELD AGAINST THE CAPTIONED ENTITY MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE JOINT ADMINISTRATORS ON OR BEFORE JULY 31, 2014 AND TAKE FURTHER NOTE THAT THIS IS A FINAL NOTICE BEFORE APPLICATION IS MADE TO THE COURT TO HAVE THE ADMINISTRATION PROCEEDINGS ENDED. DETAILED INFORMATION SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE JOINT ADMINISTRATIORS ALONG WITH THE ACCOMPANYING PROOF OF THE CLAIMS AT THE ADDRESS OF THE JOINT ADMINISTRATORS LISTED HEREUNDER. DATED this 3th day of July, 2014
BY ORDER OF THE JOINT ADMINISTRATORS GULF INSURANCE LIMITED (TCI OPERATIONS) Address for Service of Claims: Unit D7/D8, Caribbean Place Leeward Highway Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tele: 1-649-941-8834 Email: dmorrison@tcifsc.tc Email: ahenry@tcifsc.tc
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Woman tells police she threw infant into canal to kill him by Mike Clary and Linda Trischitta, Sun Sentinel
Weeks after Inakesha Brooks Armour tried to kill her infant son, she tried again by throwing him into a canal and watching, until the 3-monthold’s face turned blue, police said. When she pulled the boy out of the water and put him down in a grassy swale, the child was still alive. The boy survived, police said, perhaps only because a nurse driving past in the Riviera Isles community stopped, called 911 and began to give the boy CPR, police said. The nurse, Maureen Brown, lives in the same gated community and was hailed as a heroine. “There were a lot of things that went wrong that day,” Miramar Police spokeswoman Tania Rues said. “But one thing that went right was the appearance of a good Samaritan concerned enough to stop and render aid, potentially saving the life of this infant.” Brown, 44, was on the way to the gym after work, but “I saw something unusual, a small baby in the grass,” she said Thursday during a press conference at the Miramar Police station. Stopping her car, Brown said that Armour ran over to her and asked Inakesha Brooks to use her phone. “I said, ‘Yes, you can use my phone. condition since his admittance at But is that your baby? Is the baby OK?’” Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Armour responded, “’I need to call in Hollywood, a Miramar police my husband. I think I killed my baby,’” spokeswoman said. Inakesha Armour, 33, was charged Brown said. Brown got out of her car while with two counts of premeditated dialing 911. She said the child was not attempted murder in Tuesday’s events breathing and had no pulse when she and in a previous unreported incident, according to Miramar police. began CPR. Armour told police that she “I was not nervous because my focus was, ‘how can I help this child?’” said intentionally threw her son into the Brown, who is also a mother of two water in an attempt to kill him, a children, ages 25 and 14. “I just was police complaint affidavit states. The prior attempt on the child’s looking at the baby, this baby was so cute, so beautiful, and I said to myself, life took place four to six weeks ago ‘Let me do something to save this baby’s when Armour tried to harm her boy by taking him into the bathroom, giving life.’” As a nursing home administrator him adult cough syrup and smothering with a 22 year career in nursing, she him with a pillow, her husband told had performed CPR before but said police. That alerted relatives to the it was the first time she used the dangers of leaving the mother alone resuscitation technique on a baby. Cayden Armour has been in critical with her baby, they told police. But Tuesday afternoon, Armour
Quality Supermarket
Is recruiting an experienced Freezer/Inventory Supervisor to supervise and operate the activities. Suitably qualified belongers who possess the requirements listed are encouraged. Salary is based on the experience and the qualification.
Freezer/Inventory Supervisor - Suitable candidate must have minimum of 6+ years of experience in the same field - Must have degree from a reputed university preferably a business management degree - Must have an extensive experience and knowledge of preparing or purchase orders - Must have extensive knowledge in foodservice business - Extensive knowledge working with QuickBooks Pro is must - Must be Fluent in English Closing Date: July 14th 2014 Suitably qualified candidates should apply in writing or send resume to Managing Director Quality Supermarket Limited Leeward Highway Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands Tel:941-7929
Turks and Caicos Sun Suite#5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 946-8542 Fax: (649) 941-3281 Email: sun@suntci.com Read us online at www.suntci.com Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce Senior Editor: Vivian Tyson Office Manager: Dominique Rigby Information Technology and Production Manager: Kelano Howell 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.
slipped out of her house with the baby, telling the child’s grandmother they were going to visit a neighbor, according to Rues, the Miramar police spokeswoman. A short while later, Armour tossed the boy into the C-9 canal near her home, and then went into the water to pull him out, according to police. During her first court appearance Wednesday afternoon, Armour was ordered held without bond and to not have contact with her son. After telling jail officials she wanted to kill herself, she was placed under suicide watch, police said.
Postpartum depression During police questioning Armour said she has been diagnosed with postpartum depression, and that she has thought about doing harm to the baby on a daily basis, according to an arrest affidavit. In an extreme form, postpartum depression after childbirth can develop into psychosis, and can be used as a criminal defense, according to veteran Fort Lauderdale trial lawyer Bruce Rogow, who is not involved in Armour’s case. “The question can be, was her judgment so clouded by psychosis that knowing right from wrong is compromised?” said Rogow. Armour’s husband of two years, Conlan Armour, 30, said that he was at work when his wife phoned him to tell him what happened, the affidavit said. As Brown was giving CPR to the child, others also stopped to help, police said. Brian Jean said that when he arrived, Armour grabbed his cellphone and called her husband, detectives said. “I did it again, you need to get over here,” Jean told police he heard her say. Armour also said to Jean, “I killed my baby, my life is over,” according to the affidavit.
Armour told another bystander, “I tried to kill my baby again.” Yet another passer-by, Clint Wilson, told police that when he asked Armour what happened, she did not respond. He noted that she did not assist Brown, and that both her clothing and that of the child were wet. Inakesha Armour has no criminal record and the couple had no history in Broward County courts. They also had no prior involvement with Florida’s Department of Children and Families, a spokeswoman said. A shelter hearing will be held in a Broward court on Thursday afternoon, according to officials. After the cough syrup incident, Cayden was evaluated at a hospital and “medically cleared,” according to police. Police said they did not know why that hospital visit apparently went unreported. “That aspect of the case is still under investigation,” Rues said. Broward sheriff’s child protection investigators are working on the case, as are Miramar Police detectives. A professionally produced video made when Armour was pregnant with Cayden and posted on YouTube told how the couple met when she went to a barber shop where Armour worked. It was love at first sight, according to the narration. The two appeared to be affectionate and happy in still photos that show her growing belly and Cayden’s sonogram image. With a Beyonce song as background music, long-distance relatives and friends sent well wishes for a safe birth to the couple, who posed with tiny high-top sneakers. The video has since been taken down. There was also a baby registry at Target, where bottles, blankets and wash cloths with cute little monsters, a thermometer, stroller and car seat were on the wish list. Jerry Granizo, 41, who said he has lived next door to Armour in the 5300 block of Southwest 155 Avenue for at least two years, learned of the allegations when he returned home Tuesday evening. “Of course I was surprised,” said Granizo, a commercial fisherman. “Shocked, to be honest.” Granizo said he had a passing acquaintance with Armour and that she seemed like “a good, happy person. I never saw anything weird.”
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Government to purchase five new ambulances Government has started the process of purchasing five ambulances. This was revealed by Premier, Dr. the Hon. Rufus W. Ewing on hearing the latest fatality which occurred in Middle Caicos last weekend. In a press release following the accident, the Premier noted that the islands of North and Middle Caicos are in desperate need of ambulances and medical equipment that is critical to successful first response in emergencies. He said that the Ministry of Health has made effort to source these ambulances in the past, through the prescribed methods in the Procurement Ordinance, which were all futile in attracting the necessary bids in the tendering process to secure purchases. “On Wednesday of last week, the Government sought the right to purchase directly these critical vehicles, as it is our view that the residents of our family islands can no longer be expected to live daily without the security of knowing that they have adequate facilities to assist in times of emergency,” he said.
“Towards this end, the Ministry of Health requested that funding for five ambulances be released for purchase and the purchasing process has begun. The furniture and equipment for the Middle Caicos Clinic is also on island and will be released throughout the course of the week.” The Premier expressed condolences to the family of the accident victim and commended the nurses, firemen and other residents who assisted in the removal of the trapped victims from wreckage. “While I acknowledge that the time has been lengthy in getting to this point, I am certainly relieved to know that we are progressing in this critical area and that the residents in those islands can rest assured that they have not been forgotten. “While we continue to improve the presence of medical response teams, we will also be looking to erect signs warning of the dangers of upcoming curves, which will assist in prompting and alerting motorists to the dangers that lay ahead,” he added.
Margaritaville seeks to identify : DINING ROOM CAPTAIN and more. SUMMARY: Oversees the duties and responsibilities of
the service staff and has responsibility for maintaining an efficient operation. Coordinates and monitors the activities of the overall restaurant floor operation including the service employees, staff performance, quality of service, troubleshooting and expediting as needed to ensure a positive guest experience. Provides service standards training and ensure compliance of standards.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Associates or Bachelors’ degree preferred;
three years prior server, at least 3 years supervisory, management experience in a recognized high-volume food and beverage industry preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience; HACCP training and proper food handling techniques would be a plus
REQUIREMENTS:
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) - Able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Able to write simple correspondence. - Able to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. - Must be physically able to stand for periods of up to 8 hours or longer - Able to work flexible hours including, weekends, night shift and public holidays - Energetic & people oriented, reliable with problem solving skills
We are also accepting applications for the following positions for the upcoming season in October 2014: Bartenders, Servers, Stilt Walker and Kitchen Helpers. APPLICATION PROCESS:
Application along with resume must be submitted by 8th July, 2014 to the office of : Margaritaville Grand Turk Grand Turk Cruise Center South Base, White Sands Beach Grand Turk, T.C.I. B.W.I
Belongers only, need apply. While we welcome and appreciate all applicants, only persons short-listed for an interview will be contacted.
JULY 5TH - JULY 12TH, 2014
Job Title: Type: Location:
Chief Operation Officer Permanent WIV/Caicos Television Holding Ltd. Leeward Highway, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Chief Operations Officer - Market Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Operating Officer of Digicel will be responsible for all facets of the business operations and must possess deep operational knowledge with broad strategic insight. They must be able to adapt constantly to a fast-changing corporate and external environment. They must possess a mastery of change, an ability to help translate strategic vision into action; and they must ultimately be able to help the business to innovate and to grow. Responsibilities: • Provide Commercial plan design, implementation and monitoring support until arrival of Commercial Director at end of Month • Assume operational program management and oversight responsibility for monitoring, driving, problem solving, resourcing and reporting on day to day progress for all key Operational change projects - in particular Technical roll-out, Regional Fightback and Sales and Distribution activities. • Tracks and reports on Board and SMT actions to ensure daily execution excellence and on-time implementation of critical activities across business units. • Participates in the development and preparation of short-term and long-range strategic plans and budgets based upon broad organization goals and objectives. • Directs the development and installation of internal procedures and controls, to promote communication and adequate information flow, and thereby solidify management control and direction of the enterprise. • Discovers and supports innovation, technological improvement and growth opportunities for the business and gains approval for their implementation • Supports strategy development and communication across the organization to ensure that all individual objectives are aligned with the strategy DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: • Advanced degree in Business or related discipline • Minimum of 10 years of working experience with at least three years at senior level • Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills including the ability to articulate progress, issues and recommendations in a concise manner • Superb attention to detail, strong analytical skills and the ability to deliver results to tight deadlines in a fast paced and dynamic environment • Superior leadership skills and the ability to organize and motivate cross-functional teams • Ability to work in a team environment and on own initiative with the desire to learn new skills • Strong customer focus • Skilled user of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint Interested Applicants should forward their resumes to hrtci@digicelgroup.com
CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR/ESTIMATOR Typical Work Activities Primary Works:
1. Prepare Project Estimate and Bid Administration: - Prepare and maintain status of plan production - Solicit and maintain communication with subcontractors and vendors - Prepare subcontractor pricing - Show creativity and resourcefulness to gain better pricing from suppliers and subcontractors - Review bid requirements thoroughly and asks follow-up question on every bid - Demonstrate thorough understanding of the scope for specific trades assigned 2. Prepare schedule of works to be accomplished by gathering information and requirement; setting priorities 3. Prepare construction budget by studying home plans; updating specifications, identifying and projecting costs for each evaluation 4. Evaluate offers to purchase by cost changes, addition and site requirements 5. Maintain Cost Keys and price masters by updating information 6. Resolve cost discrepancies by collecting and analyzing information 7. Maintain quality service by following organization standards 8. Prepare/review construction method and procedures for assigned projects 9. Prepare for scheduling and procurement of materials and equipment necessary for the project 10. Monitoring of materials for timely delivery on the assigned projects 11. Assist Project Manager to coordinate implementation activities such us, identifies design problems, monitor project expenditures to meet construction budget 12. Assist Project Manager in scheduling and coordinating manpower for the project 13. Prepare technical report for building construction 14. Conduct inspections at critical phases 15. Identify and evaluate variances and implementation of change orders 16. Keep project management informed of project status, highlighting deviations from plan 17. Perform all incidental functions and tasks as and when required by management Applications together with accompanying CV and certified copies of professional qualifications, etc. may be addressed to: The Managing Director Olympic Construction Ltd Waterloo Plaza Complex Waterloo Road Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands Cellphone #: 649-231-6525 Office #: 649-946-1278 Fax #: 649-946-1101
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Returning student killed in Middle Caicos accident by Vivian Tyson The life of another young and promising Turks and Caicos Islander was cut short following a terrible motor vehicle accident in Middle Caicos on Saturday (June 28, 2012). Nineteen-year-old Kareem Walkin arrived from college in the United Kingdom two days before he met his untimely death. The car in which he was returning from Crab Fest – a calendar festival held in Middle Caicos – along with four other family members, including two sisters, reportedly got out of control and flipped several times before resting on its roof. It is still unclear as to who was behind the wheel at the time of the accident, whether it was one of the sister’s husband or Walkin himself. Eyewitnesses said that they saw a green Infiniti skidding out of control and overturning on a dirt road. The eyewitnesses added that two females initially alighted from the car. They said that the third person – a man – was helped from the vehicle, while the fourth, which turned out to be Walkin, was trapped. He was later cut from the wreckage by firefighters. Eyewitnesses said that it took a great deal of time for first responders to arrive and extricate him from the twisted metal heap.
Flown to Provo The injured, The SUN understands, were driven to North Caicos, where they were taken on a flight to Providenciales. They were then transported in an ambulance from the Providenciales International Airport to the Cheshire Hall Medical Center, where a huge crowd greeted them. One of the victims, who sustained a fractured face, was reportedly flown to the University Hospital in Jamaica for further treatment. At press time the other two victims, one of whom sustained at least a broken leg, were recuperating. Police Liaison Officer, Special Constable Audley Astwood said that investigators have been feverishly working to determine the cause of the crash. Walkin’s body was later transported to Providenciales and is now at the morgue. The accident was not without controversy as persons who may have
Pictured above, the mangled car in which the foursome was traveling. At right, Kareem Walkin, who was killed during the accident. been on the scene took to social media to announce that all occupants were killed. These postings were said to have occurred even before family members even knew about the accident. The posts did not go down well with other cyberspace visitors, who described the act as careless, unconscionable and heartless. A number of persons took to the popular social media site Facebook to blast the individuals, who made the postings. One wrote: “I can’t understand how some people can be so stupid. As soon as something happens they become the police (they know your charges) they become the doctor (they know your diagnosis); they become the pathologist (they know your autopsy results); they become the judge and jury (they know the verdict); One of these times you’re gonna mess around with the wrong family and then you’re gonna need a police, doctor, pathologist, judge & jury.” Another wrote: “Inconsiderate idiots. They don’t know (how it feels) until it hits homes.” A call was also made on the social media site appealing to the authorities to put proper medical facilities in
WATERLOO HOTEL MANAGEMENT LTD. is inviting applications for the following position:
Legal Financial Consultant Reporting to the Senior Vice President, the applicant must possess the following: • 5 years’ experience as an Attorney/Chartered Accountant • Extensive background in financial risk management • Extensive background in legal risk management • Bachelors of Laws (LLB) • Registered Chartered Accountant Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Please Submit Applications to: Please submit resumes to cgibbons@wihl.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department. Submissions to be no later than July 18th, 2014
Belongers need only apply.
place on the Islands of North Caicos and Middle Caicos, so as to save lives. They also called for temporary medical facilities to be put in place whenever huge festivals such as Grab Fest is being held on those outer islands. One writer, who got many likes and supporting comments, wrote: “I am calling on whosoever has the authority, to, please, for God’s sakes, put proper medical facilities in North Caicos which can serve both North and Middle. It’s time to stop transporting the injured and sick on plywood and the back of trucks. We need stretchers and equipped ambulance. It’s about time, for crying out loud! “Let us not wait for more casualties or death. I’m not pointing fingers at anyone because it’s been this way for far too long and it’s time for a change! Even if we have to all put funds together if the Government can’t afford it. “I also think that going forward when such large functions are held over there maybe we need to look at temporary emergency medical care until we fix the problem permanently. It can probably save a life! Please!”
GILLEY’S ENTERPRISES IS LOOKING FOR:
A CHEF Description of job: 1. Responsible for ordering all provisions pertaining to food and cleaning supplies and kitchen equipment. 2. Taking food inventory at the end of each month 3. To make sure your cleaning staff keep your kitchen in good clean and healthy order 4. Responsible for a respectable food cost 5. Responsible for purchasing food and negotiating prices Salary: $10.00 per hour Description of suitable person: 1. Must be hardworking and efficient 2. Must have a positive attitude and able to work (6) six days a week, weekends and holidays if needed 3. Must have 5 years experience in this field
Contact: Mrs. Tate Forbes between the hours of 9:00am-3; 30pm 2946-4472 Email: gilleyscafe@tciway.tc
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Parliament was too toxic for payroll tax passage by Vivian Tyson Due to the toxic nature of the House of Assembly, it was impossible to reach a compromise on the Payroll Tax bill in the three-party legislature. Finance Minister Hon. Washington Misick, who was speaking during a government news conference on Tuesday (July 1st) at the Premier’s Office in Providenciales, made the declaration. Misick insisted that government pitched a compromise with both the opposition Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and the two Governor’s Appointed Members Hon. John Phillips and Hon. Lillian Missick. He said that one of the compromises was to apply a $2 departure tax and then use it to fill the breach of a lowered payroll tax. He said, too, that government was also willing to put in a ceiling clause allowing for those who could afford to pay more subsidize those who couldn’t. “I made it very clear [in parliament] that we were prepared to compromise on a number of areas. I don’t have it listed [now]. You don’t go into a legislative dialogue or debate with all of your cards on the table; you have to have something in your back pocket in order to negotiate with. “Some of the things we were prepared to negotiate with were: put in a flaw, that flaw was going to be $800 a
Finance Minister Hon. Washington Misick month based on the $5, 40-hour (work) week. We were looking at putting in a ceiling, which would probably based somewhere about half-a-million dollars, because there are people who take home a half a million dollars in payroll,” the minister asserted. “The whole idea here was for people
who could afford it would help to government did not see the readings subsidize those people who couldn’t. of the bill through and then move it to That is what progressive taxation is the appropriations committee, Premier all about. I made it very clear in my Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing said that there presentation that I was willing to was no point in doing so, especially when the opposition and the two compromise. “The opposition spoke about raising governor’s appointed members – who money by putting a $2 a year on hold the balance of power in the House departure tax, I said I was prepared to -– made it clear they would kill it. “They stated from the opposition compromise on that on the basis that we can use that and lower the payroll side that they were going to kill it. No member from the opposition side tax rate.” The minister added; “We were going was going to vote for the bill. I am to drop the payroll tax from three not going to be made a fool in that percent to two percent. You don’t go regard. Secondly, we know that the into a legislative session with all of two governor’s appointed members your cards on the table; you have to indicated clearly personally as well as have something to bargain with. But in the House during the debate that there was no environment; there was they were not in support of it – they no (pleasant) atmosphere, no intention were going to vote against it. “So obviously, if you have that in any way to compromise.” He said that a lot of the House kind of stance you just can’t move members had personal agendas, while from the second reading to the stage others, who took an original position, of committee, because some persons could not bring themselves to changing would ask for a vote to move it from the their minds purely on the basis of second reading to committee and that vote would be defeated. unwilling to eat crow. “So it doesn’t make sense wasting “There were special interests; people had agendas based on commitments our time going beyond that, and so, we that they’d made, and other people really cut it short, went and regroup. painted themselves in corners and We have a budget to pass, if we don’t couldn’t come out of the corner because get it passed by a certain timeframe we they were already painted in the will then fall into a fiscal cliff position. corner. And so, for all of those reasons, And so we needed to regroup, get our there was no ability to compromise,” figures right so that the budget can get done and move forward,” the premier the finance minister said. In the meantime, asked as to why said.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION The Financial Services Commission, a statutory body of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government responsible for the licensing and regulation of financial services businesses, is seeking qualified applicants for the post of Receptionist. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES The primary responsibility of the holder of the position will be to take and direct all incoming calls received through the switch board.
• Perform other functions as set out in any related job description in relation to the post or as may be assigned by the Office Manager or Head of Administration.
Specific Duties include: • Accept all incoming calls and route them to the appropriate destination.
SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED • Must have multitasking abilities. • Proficient in computers and good grasp of communications technology. • Attention to detail and time management skills. • Sound knowledge of the English language.
• Keep the Head of IT or Office Manager informed regarding any communication issues with the instruments. • Accept and record all incoming and outgoing mail and ensure that they are sent to the post office or other divisions within the Commission, as the case may be. • Politely greet all customers, clients or other persons and provide information, direction or guidance as may be appropriate. • Handle incoming or outgoing fax messages as deemed appropriate or as requested by other staff members. • Maintain cleanliness in the reception area, maintain proper stock inventory of office stationery, stamps, stamp pads and ensure appropriate use of the front desk PC, telephone, printer, fax machine etc.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE • Certificate Course in Secretarial Studies or Customer Service and at least 6 months experience in a similar position within a financial institution or • Five (5) CXC/GCE O’ Levels with very good passes and one (1) year experience in a similar or comparable position. OTHER INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO THE POST This position falls within Grade 12 of the Commission’s pay scale. Actual salary payable will be determined by reference to the degree of qualification, experience, knowledge base and other criteria that the Commission may assess. The duties for the above post will be carried out at the Commission’s offices in Providenciales.
Applications should be received no later than July 31, 2014 and may be emailed to dmorrison@tcifsc.tc or faxed to 1-649-941-8379.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Two illegal Haitian boats make landfall
The Marine Branch personnel from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and their Immigration counterparts were kept busy over the weekend and earlier in the week after the Coastal Radar Station spotted two boats packed with Haitian immigrants trying to make it ashore. The first sloop was intercepted on Friday (June 27, 2013) at about 10:52 p.m., by the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, according to Special Constable Audley Astwood, and ushered to South Dock in Providenciales at about 12:20 a.m., Saturday morning. The police said that 43 Haitian nationals were discovered on the 35foot blue white and red wooden vessel. The number comprised 28 men and 15 women. The illegal immigrants were processed before taken to the detention centre on Providenciales and later repatriated. On Monday (June 30th), another sloop was spotted off the coast of Providenciales. It was also intercepted by the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and taken ashore where officials discovered 87 Haitian Nationals were crammed on board. The sloop was towed to South Dock, where the illegal voyagers were taken off, processed and shuttled to the detention centre. The SUN understands that the sloop capsized while being ushered to
The latest sloop at press time to arrive in the TCI
shore, but there were no reports of any injuries or deaths. The 76 men and 11 women were processed and taken to the detention centre, where at press time, preparations were being made for their repatriation. Each year Haitian migrants seeking to escape poverty in their country, brave treacherous waters to journey to other neighbouring islands, including the TCI, to seek a better life for themselves and families. There have been a number of drownings in recent times as the migrants, who often travel in rickety boats, encountered problems on the high seas. On Christmas Day last year (2013),
Butterfield Gold
Two (2) Labourers Applicants must be physical, able-bodied individuals capable of lifting heavy loads. Wages: starting from $6.00 per hour
One (1) Butcher Individual must have a minimum of 14 years experience in high volume self service meat department with a full knowledge of all cuts of beef, pork, veal, lamb, poultry and deli meats. Must also be self motivated with high productivity being able to work with little supervision and must work well with others. Be willing to supervise and train others; also be able to take inventory and assist with ordering levels Wages: commensurate with experience starting from $7.50 per hour Submit applications to by July 10, 2014 to: Butterfield Gold Ltd., Human Resource Department Town Center Mall Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211
17 migrants drowned after their sailboat capsized as it was being towed into a port. Local officials said 32 Haitians were pulled from the water about 100 meters off the coast of Providenciales by the Marine Police. Two U.S. Coast Guard fast response vessels also were deployed from the U.S. state of Florida to assist in the search for survivors. In 2007, about at least 80 drowned after their boat, which was being towed ashore by the Marine Branch, capsized. Some of the survivors, on their return, told their government and media that their boat was rammed by the police boat. However, the local authorities denied such claim.
The government, time and time again, has theorized that the Haitians made their way here by way of a profitable human smuggling ring being operated between individuals of both countries. Survivors, in the past, told local media that they routinely pay smugglers to ferry them across dangerous Caribbean waters to other countries, including the United States, in boats that are often unseaworthy. One survivor, told local media, sometime ago that they were often promised to be taken to the states by the racketeers, who told them that once they reach the TCI they could walk to the United States.
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Pursuant to the provisions of the Registered Land Ordinance, Temple Mortgage Fund Ltd., The Temple Financial Centre, Providenciales HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that it will cause to be sold by public auction the following properties:
PARCEL NO. 60809/51, 161 & 162, THE BIGHT & THOMAS STUBBS, PROVIDENCIALES: This property is 11.41 acres of vacant land located between Grace Bay Road and Leeward Highway. The subject property is zoned TO1 (Hotels, Condos and Holiday Homes) as defined by the Department of Planning in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Registered Proprietor: Kojak TC Ltd. PARCEL NO. 60602/84, NORWAY & FIVE CAYS, PROVIDENCIALES This property comprises 0.71 acre and is strategically located off the main Airport Road. The development consists of a three-storey building containing 32 rooms, an administration office and reception area. Additionally, the property contains two separate single storey commercial buildings and a small restaurant building. Registered Proprietor: Frances Rigby McKenzie PARCEL 60715/38, CHESHIRE HALL & RICHMOND HILL, PROVIDENCIALES This property comprises two partially complete single storey concrete buildings located on Windward Road in the Glass Shack area of Providenciales. Building #1 is an apartment building which contains two (2) 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom units. Building #2 contains 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom with an open plan kitchen and dinning area upon completion. The property is approximately 80% completed. Registered Proprietor: Anthony O’Neil Adams The auction will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday 18th July 2014 at the offices of Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., Temple Financial Centre, Leeward Highway, Providenciales. Conditions of sale may be obtained from Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., The Temple Financial Centre, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, telephone (649) 946-5293, fax (649) 946-5289. Interested persons may bid by way of sealed tender delivered not later than 4:00 p.m. Thursday, July 17, 2014 addressed to Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., Temple Financial Centre, Leeward Highway, Providenciales clearly marked “AUCTION BIDJULY 18TH 2014.” Should the bid meet the reserve price and constitute the highest offer, the property will be considered sold to the person making the bid. Note that a 10% deposit is required immediately from the successful bidder at the auction. Note that Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd. accepts no responsibility in respect of the receipt or otherwise of sealed bids and prospective purchasers are encouraged to ensure safe delivery of sealed bids to Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd. in good time and further to attend at the auction to ensure that the bid is properly made.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Turks and Caicos secures first S&P credit rating of BBB+ The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) is pleased to announce its first sovereign credit rating of BBB+ from international ratings agency Standard and Poor’s (S&P), last week Tuesday, July 1st, 2014. S&P’s rating highlights that the Turks and Caicos is a prosperous country with a gross domestic product of around $24,000 per head, and benefits from high educational standards and good infrastructure This strong rating will benefit investors by allowing them access to cheaper investment funding for their businesses in the Turks and Caicos. TCIG will also be able to use the rating to borrow at significantly lower cost “This is terrific news for the Turks and Caicos economy, and just reward for the hard work of everyone who has helped the country reach this latest stage in its development,” said His Excellency Governor Peter Beckingham. “I am pleased too that it notes that the Turks and Caicos benefits from the stability imparted though its
Governor Peter Beckingham (centre) with Premier Dr Rufus Ewing (left) and Deputy Premier Akierra Missick.
status as a UK Overseas Territory.” “This rating is at the high end of our expectations and places us alongside countries like Aruba, Curacao and
Montserrat. This is crucial to our plans to continue to build and broaden our nation’s economy,” added TCI Premier the Honourable Dr Rufus Ewing.
SPACE FOR RENT
“We can take great pride in noting that this terrific rating news bucks the trends of other Caribbean economies, some of whom have been recently downgraded and given negative outlooks.” Finance Minister, the Honourable Washington Misick added, “We pledge to continue to work to maintain and, if possible, to improve our credit rating, by continuing to do what we already do well and to examine further ways in which we can broaden and strengthen our economy. “Today’s announcement supports our growth strategy and will play a significant part in allowing TCIG to begin to reinvest in the public services that our people want.” TCIG has positively transformed its track record of sound public financial management over the past four years turning longstanding annual deficits into surpluses of $47.6m in 2012/13 and $30.7m 2013/14. The UK Overseas Territory is now showing perhaps the most positive fiscal trajectory in the Caribbean, and consequently rapidly reducing its net public debt.
p Affordable rates p Conveniently located on Airport Road
New ly
R efurbis h ed Call: (649) 946-4701 Airport Plaza, Airport Road, Providenciales BAREFOOT CABANA RESTAURANT IS LOOKING FOR:
One Waitress One Bartender One Waitress One Cashier Belonger applicants preferred. Must be willing to work 12 hrs shift and weekend Salary $6.00 per hour. Contact 347-9069
No calls after 5 PM please. CLAUDETTE GIBSON SEEKS:
ONE LABOURER To keep ground and attend to manual yard task. Persons must be able to work weekends and holidays. Salary $5.00 Per hour. Applicants Must be able to write and understand English. TEL# 347-9069
ADLINE FORTILUS SEEKS
BABYSITTER
Suitable for stores, salons, office space and more CHANCES BAR & RESTAURANT seeking
Cashiers Cooks Wait staff Bartenders For our new exciting location, we are looking for energetic team members with magnetic personalities.
Salary $5.00 per hour 6 days per week Mon-Sat Contact 242-5050
Island Arrangements Ltd. Is looking for a
SALES CLERK/ ASSISTANT To make sales calls and promote tours and services arranged through the company. Must be a Belonger, have own vehicle, police record. Available Mon-Sat, 9-5 Send your resume to info@ islandarrangements.com
Must be able to work in a fast paced environment fluency of English language guest interaction and winning smile is a must. Interested persons should send resumes to: petulaw2@yahoo.com
KENVA WILLIAMS SEEKS
ONE Labourer
Labourer Wanted »»Property owner requires labourer »»Must be available to work weekends if »»required and must have own transportation »Available » to south east end of Providenciales. Pay $5.50 per hour
Contact
231-1654
BEAUTY & ELEGANT BRADING SALON SEEKS
1 Hairstylist
To work 6 days per week Salary $5.00 per hour
NEEDS
Cosmetologist To work 6 days per week Salary $6.00 per hour Contact 941-8342 or email spanadiatc@hotmail.com
CARIBBEAN PARADISE INN Is looking for a
Font Desk Supervisor Salary negotiable
Please contact
chickter20@hotmail.com or 242-0688
SPA NADIA
Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 241-4404
Interested person should contact 231-1612
JULY 5TH - JULY 12TH, 2014
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
TCI, Bahamas team up to pressure Haiti on illegal boat migrant trafficking Up to press time, TCI Governor His Excellency Peter Beckingham, was in The Bahamas hammering out devised methods to push the Haitian government to stop its citizens from flooding both countries shores in boats. The governor left for the set of rendezvous on the heels of two boats intercepted by local authorities before reaching our shores. One boat was intercepted on Friday night into early Saturday morning. The other was intercepted early Monday. Governor Beckingham said that during his trip he would be talking to a number of persons, including personnel from the United States Embassy in Nassau, the governor general and possible government members. “I will be talking to the American Embassy, and I will be talking to the Governor General and maybe one or two other people,” he said. The governor told media personnel during a news conference at the premier’s office in Providenciales on Tuesday (July 1, 2014) that the meetings would be a continuation of security talks between Premier Hon.
the premier and the prime minister direct about a little agreement between of the Bahamas, to subsequently talk Turks and Caicos and Haiti, which I to the foreign minister about how we hope we can get, signed reasonably can put more pressure on Haiti to in soon either here or in Haiti. I am sure turn for them to put more pressure that the Hon. Don-Hue Gardiner will on people not to embark on these raise the subject at Caricom this week, perilous journeys; to try and escape when he is meeting ministers from from Haiti to the Turks and Caicos, Haiti and other countries. to the Bahamas or to other countries,” “I think it is always a good thing the governor said. to be working with other countries – Governor Beckingham continued: not just to be out there alone. And the “We have seen two examples in the Bahamas has an equally big, if not a last four days of sloops coming into bigger problem than we do. They are our waters. And we clearly need to spending a great deal of money on keep up the pressure on Haiti, so that motor vessels to patrol their waters. is part of the reason for going (to the They were extremely impressed by Bahamas). We feel that they (Haitian the radar installation that we have, government) could do more than they which have picked up quite a few are (to stop the sloops from coming to sloops,” Governor Beckingham said. the TCI and the Bahamas). In the meantime, the premier The governor also revealed that the praised the Royal Turks and Caicos TCI and Haiti are on course to signing Islands Police Marine Department an accord aimed to stem the sloop for intercepting the sloops and TCI Governor Peter Beckingham tide. The governor said that he was apprehending those on board. also confident that the Border Control “The set that came in a few days Dr. Rufus Ewing and the Bahamas and Labour Minister Hon. Don-Hue ago, we were able to turn them Prime Minister Perry Christie Gardiner would raise the subject up around very quickly, and they were during the Caricom Meeting this past repatriated within a few hours of recently. being detained,” Premier Ewing told “One of the aims is to continue the week. “We are talking to the government the news conference. discussions that we had here with
NAVA JEWELERS LTD, dba JEWELRY, world renowned jewelers and retail sellers of signature brand jewelry and jewelry related products, with a chain of affiliated jewelry stores and outlets throughout North America, the Caribbean and Worldwide, is now accepting applications/resumes from suitably qualifies persons as:
IMMEDIATE OPENING Senior Butler The butler will provide the highest of penthouse service to our guests. The Butler’s primary goal is to create an ambiance of superior luxury by anticipating each individual guest’s needs.. This is accomplished through moments of surprise and delight that our guest would never have experienced before. Also ensure guest familiarities to frequent guests visiting the hotel. Requirements: • Minimum of 7 years experience in food and beverage fine dining as a personal Butler • Must possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written • Strong knowledge of a variety of cuisines and wines/beverages • Must possess local knowledge in order to respond to all inquires from guest, such as restaurants information • Must posses basic computational ability • Must posses basic computer skills • Must be able to follow through all the guest requests and communicate them to the appropriate departments and management in an efficient manner • Must be have attention to details second to none ability, superior interpersonal skills and desire to provide exceptional service to our guest • Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 8 hours in length • Must be able to exert well-paced, ability to reach other departments and locations in a timely manner • Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space • Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch to fulfill cleaning tasks. • Must be able to bend and squat and lift up to 25 lbs • Must be able to push and pull equipment weighing up to 75 lbs • Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions. Bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity. • Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $8.50 per hour 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, July 11th, 2014.
ASSISTANT MANAGER, JEWELRY SALES SPECIALISTS, SUPERVISORS AND MERCHANDISERS, JEWELERS, PRECIOUS STONES BRAND QUALITY CONTROL CLERKS, SALES CLERKS, and/or ASSOCIATES At the Company’s prestigious retail Jewelry sales and Jewelry related merchandise sales Store located at the Carnival Corporation’s Grand Turk Cruise Center, South Beach, Grand Turk. Requirements: • A sound educational background, and a minimum of five (5) years jewelry sales and general merchandising experience, in the case of Assistant Manager, Supervisors, Precious Stones and Brand Quality Control Clerks and two (2) years in the case of Sales Clerks and Associates, together with a proven and unblemished track record of employment in a highly trusted related field of employment and/or business. • A positive and disciplined attitude and aptitude toward work in a customer service oriented business. • Excellent communication, inter-personal and customer service skills. • A trustworthy, dependable and honest disposition. • Must be willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays and irregular cruise ship schedule. • Clean criminal record. • Unblemished employment history. • All candidates must be proficient in the English written and spoken word. Suitable candidates that do not meet the above requirements who, in the sole discretion of the Company’s management team, demonstrate a clear willingness to embrace the Company’s in-house training initiatives and established standard operating policies and procedures, may be eligible for recruitment in exceptional circumstances. Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders. Interested persons may submit their applications and resumes, via e-mail to: resume@effyjewelery.com, via fax to: 2127308887, or hand deliver the same to any senior member of the company’s staff at its store, commonly known as Jewelry located at Suite No. 2, Building 1, Grand Turk Cruise Center, South Beach, Grand Turk.
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LOCAL NEWS
Opposition clueless on bond dynamics – Government
The opposition does not understand the dynamics of the $170 million bond that the country needs to repay by 2016, since its members have been proposing fiscal alternatives that are slaps in the face of fiscal prudence. Those sentiments were shared by Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing and Finance Minister Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, as they addressed a news conference at the Premier’s Office on Tuesday (July1, 2014). The opposition Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) said that it has proposed meaningful alternatives to government’s controversial payroll tax, but did not receive a response. But both men said that the proposed revenue alternatives were either meaningless or simply elementary. “They didn’t propose any meaningful alternatives that I know of,” Premier Ewing said. “The alternatives that they proposed were alternatives such as increasing the debt by borrowing $200 million while still owing $170 million. How can that happen? It just demonstrates that they just don’t understand the dynamics
Finance Minister Hon. Washington Misick, Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing and Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson.
of a bond.” He said that it could cost government a lot more if it tries to settle the bond in an attempt to secure new loans, plus such a move would not be allowed by the United Kingdom. “For me to get rid of a bond I have to go and purchase the bond back in full – not in part. And the bond holder has to determine whether or not they are going to sell it to me. They could say, ‘I lent it to you for $170 million but I want it for $200 million, because it is theirs, and it is theirs until
it is due. And it is due 2016. And so, we don’t have the credit worthiness to borrow $200 million, the British Government will not allow us to do it simply because we already (have a debt to repay),” he said. He added: “Those (opposition) alternatives are not alternatives as far as we are concerned. The only (meaningful) alternative was to increase departure fees, that is something that anyone can do at any time, it does not much innovation to do
that. They are also putting in place head tax for cruise ship passengers – that is not anything new.” For his part, the finance Minister said that government did respond to the opposition regarding the proposed alternative. The leader of the opposition indicated that we did not reply to their proposal – that is absolutely untrue. I personally replied to Mr. (Floyd) Seymour, who was a member of the delegation, sent him a copy of the framework document,
because the framework document determines what we can borrow and what kind of borrowing and how much,” he said. The finance minister said he indicated in his reply that government could not afford to pledge the country’s revenue as collateral for securing new loans, which is what he said the opposition wants to do. He said that the opposition has indicated in its proposal that revenue from the airport would be used as collateral for the new loan. “It made it absolutely clear that the government cannot hypothecate streams of revenue. What they were suggesting we do is to borrow $200 million and hypothecate (the country’s revenue); this is made available to the borrower the streams of revenue coming from the airport, and I sent that document making it very clear that that is not an option. “What that means is that the money goes directly to the creditor. Puerto Rico has hypothecated its entire treasury to borrow $2.8 billion; that’s not the road we want to go down,” the finance minister said.
• • • • • • • • • •
CAICOS TRANSPORTATION & SHIPPING We are currently accepting applicants to fill the role of a Marine Mechanic, who will be responsible for repairing and maintaining in board and outboard motors on boats:Job requirements: - Must have atleast (5) years of hands on marine experience
- Must be equipped with the skills to repair all outboard and diesel engines. - Must be able to use scuba gear to work on under water running gear. - Must be capable of operating vessels.
- Must have the technical skills to be able inspect, adjust and evaluate most of the mechanical and electrical parts of the boat including; Inboard motors, outboard motors, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, fuel assemblies, propellers, power tiltis, bilge pumps. - Must be knowledgeable to perform sea trials and diligent note taking to record procedures.
Compensated on a weekly basis
Interested person please call 649-243-6532 or email: mobilemarine@gmail.com
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National Cancer Society of the TCI P.O. Box 374 Providenciales, Turk & Caicos Phone: (649) 231-4374
E
A
heartfelt
arly May was abuzz with activities for the National Cancer Society (NCS).
The annual “ALL CANCERS” Walkathon helps to keep the focus on various Cancers that are prevalent in the Turks & Caicos. For this activity participants displayed an array of colourful flags representing these cancers.
thank you
At the Health Fair, healthcare and related professionals as well as corporate sponsors reminded us of the components to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Then the weekend was capped off with the 1st Annual NCS Golf Scramble – ‘Teeing fore a Cure’ which brought much excitement and anticipation when golfing enthusiasts, as well as Governor Peter Beckingham and Mrs. Jill Beckingham teed off for fabulous prizes including a Hole in One prize of a 2014 KIA Sportage.
Stanbrook’s Law and Scotia Bank (our Golden Eagle Sponsors), the Provo Golf Club (PGC), our other sponsors and participants of all three (3) events. A special thank you is extended to the conscientious ‘Teeing fore a Cure’ committee (Paul Mitchell, Marc Rawlins, Lester Forman, Mike Flynn, Dave Douglas (PGC) and Sean Wilson (PGC)) for making the event a reality and a success. BRAVO !!! To the Providenciales community: because of your thoughtfulness and generosity the National Cancer Society is able to take its programmes to our sister islands; and also assist monthly survivors in treatment, as we all fight to ‘make cancer history’. Sincerely National Cancer Society
NCS extends their thanks and deep appreciation to KIA Connolly Motors (our Hole in One Prize Sponsor),
The National Cancer Society offers heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all sponsors, contributors, participants in any way: Graceway IGA Supermarkets
Dr. Ken Petersen
Cuban Crafters Cigars
TCI Paints
KIA Connolly Motors
Provo Water Company Ltd
Mevalee Philman
Meridian Club – Pine Cay
National Colony Realty
Digicel
Coca-Cola TCI
The Insurance Centre
Scotiabank
Cairsea
N W Hamilron
Mr. Grouper
Beaches Turks & Caicos
Fortis TCI
F Chambers
Turks & Caicos Banking Company
Stanbrook’s Law
Chartered Trust
New Era Petroleum
Ocean Club
Building Materials Ltd
Grace Bay Pharmacy
Gordon Supply
Turks Head/Provo Beverages
K H Capial
Chinsons
R T C Police Force
OPUS
Charrish Ferguson & Mama’s Gifts
Got U Covered
Guardian General Insurance Ltd
Undersea Explorers
First Global Insurance Brokers
Clean Tech Ltd dba AIB
Royal West Indies Resort
Provo Turtle Divers
Cheshire Hall Med/InterHealth: Dr. O’Sullivan
LIME
Hemingway’s & The Sands
VIX
CBMS Ltd
Sail Provo
Paradise Scooter Rentals
Liz’s Bakery
Hole in One International
Wrightfully Fit Fitness Center
Coco Bistro
Scooter Bob
Grace Bay Club
Minister of Health & Public Health Nurses
IslandCom
Climatech Ltd
Seatopia
Media: 88.1FM; 98.9FM; PTV; 4 News, TCI Sun & Weekly News, DJ Gamel Chin
Fairways Bar & Grill Courtyard Chiropractic Bordier International & Trust Derma/MED: Dr. Dionne Lightbourne Caicos Oil and Caicos Mart
CSC Insurance MELT
Karam & Missick
“Touching lives... Making a Difference”
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LOCAL NEWS
The new Miss Grand Turk 2014 queen Renelle Smith.
Michael Jackson’s Impersonator, Bobby Miller, was a hit with the audience.
Summajam the best
First runner-up Dixie Smith in swimwear.
Dixie also won Best Talent.
The new Miss Teen Grand Turk struts her stuff after winning her competition the night before.
The promoters of one of the most coveted and prestigious festivals in the Turks and Caicos Islands have deemed this year’s Summajam as a huge success. “This year’s festival had so many elements of enjoyment, designed for persons of all ages,” said one of the organisers. “The events were truly memorable and had persons leaving hyped and returning each day for more and more of what we were offering”. The Summajam festival kicked off in Grand Turk on Wednesday (June 25th) with a massive motorcade from Wally’s Restaurant with all 16 beauties of the Miss Teen Grand Turk and Contestants in evening wear. Miss Grand Turk 2014 pageant contestants. Also in attendance were past and present beauty queens, including Miss Grand Turk 2013, Shanice Williams. The evening concluded with a Softball Competition, Grand Turk All Stars against H.J. Robinson High School. The All Stars come out victorious. The Thursday (June 26th) was the first ever Miss Grand Turk Teen pageant where 8 of the nation’s top beauties competed for the crown. Coming out on top was Mary Fulford who was sponsored by TCI Lotto. The first runnerup title went to Shanique Wolfe, while Royshana Robinson was Renelle Smith’s talent was playing the violin. awarded second runner-up. That night featured a grand performance by Michael Jackson’s Impersonator, Bobby Miller and his dancers and a Tina Turner impersonator also worked the crowd. They had everyone screaming for more. One Friday the organizers really brought the curtain down on TI Summajam when the other 8 contestants vied for Miss Grand Turk 2014. This however, went to Renelle Smith who did a stunning performance on her violin. The new queen also won the Best Body prize. The Best Talent title went to first runner-up Dixie Smith while, Colea Coalbrooke was named Miss Congeniality and second runner-up. The festival climaxed on Saturday (June 28th) with another motorcade which ended at Governor’s Beach for an evening of sports, music and loads of fun. Second runner-up Colea Coalbrooke during Pictures supplied by Ralston. the Question and Answer segment.
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LOCAL NEWS Winner Smith in formal wear.
There was also a Tina Turner impersonator present.
2014 one yet
Olivia Smith sang as her talent.
The panel of judges.
Renelle during swimwear.
Contestants during the swimwear segment.
The contestants had various talents on display.
Second runner-up Colea Coalbrooke.
Delricia Wilson during the Q&A segment. She is flanked by Miss Teen Grand Turk and Miss Turks and Caicos Universe winners Mary Fulford and Shanice Williams.
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LOCAL NEWS
Sean Astwod, who placed third overall in GSAT and the top boy for all of Turks and Caicos, accepts his award from Cheryl-Ann Jones, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.
Micah Dean of Oseta Jolly Primary was second in Mathematics for the country. She accepts her award from Sheryl-Ann Jones, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.
The top eight students in the country pose with their awards in the front row.
Aletria Gardiner of BEST Institute, who tied with Jamel Ward for seventh place in GSAT, collects her award from Cheryl-Ann Jones PS in the Ministry of Education, for her placement.
Thalia Morrison of Precious Treasures, who tied for fifth with Micah Dean of Oseta Jolly Primary School, accepts her award from PS for Education Cheryl-Ann Jones.
Jamel Ward of Shining Stars is first in General Paper, and collects his award from Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.
Highlights Provo GSAT Cerem
The Providenciales leg of the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) Awards function was held on Thursday (July 3) at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Complex in Providenciales. This year, Providenciales produced eight of the top 10 students who sat the examination, and the majority who came out on top in the subject areas. The top student this year is Zobreann Brown of Precious Treasures. The following are photo highlights of the event.
Jonathan Jennings of Precious Treasures collects his award from Cheryl-Ann Jones, PS in the Ministry of Education, for placing third overall in English.
Zobreann Brown, top student in GSAT for 2014 from Cheryl-Ann Jones, the Permanent Secreta Ahmarian Rigby (centre) and Roulanda Sejour tied for second in General Paper. They collect their awards from Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Services Hon. Akierra Misick brings greetings on behalf of her ministry.
A big welcome
Rev. Julia Williams offers prayer.
AICOS SUN
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Rebecca Archibald, the top English student in the country, accepts her award from Permanent Secretary for Education, Cheryl-Ann Jones.
s of the T Awards mony Christma Jean-Louis, the 2014 Valedictorian for the Clement Howell High School was the guest speaker at the event.
Htenneb Williams of Wesley Methodist School is the top GSAT Science student for 2014. He accepts his award from Cheryl-Ann Jones, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.
Enid Capron Primary School Students playing the National Song on the Congo Drums.
4, is also the top Mathematics student. She accepts her award ary in the Ministry of Education.
BEST Institute students in performance.
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Students and a teacher form the Enid Capron Primary School perform a dance.
A section of the audience at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Complex.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Adrienne Bailon
Rapper TI
Ashanti sizzled
Amber Rose
Pharrell, Minaj lead BET award winners, Richie honoured
Zendaya Coleman
Kerry Washington
R&B star Pharrell, rapper Nicki Minaj and newcomer August Alsina led the winners at the Black Entertainment Television (BET) awards on Sunday, which also honored veteran soul singer Lionel Richie. Pharrell kicked off the show with “Come Get It Bae” and won two awards, including best male R&B/pop artist. Beyonce was named best female R&B/ pop singer, and closed the show with a sultry performance of “Partition” with husband Jay Z. The couple also won best collaboration for “Drunk In Love.” Richie, 65, received the lifetime achievement award for his prolific career as part of Motown group The Commodores and as a solo artist. “Soul is a feeling, not a color. Talent is a god given gift and not a category, and out of the box is the magical place where true talent goes to thrive and breathe,” Richie said as he accepted the award. John Legend, Ledisi and Yolanda performed Richie’s classic love songs “Hello”, “Still” and The Commodores’ “Brick House” and “Jesus is Love”. Richie sang “Easy” and “All Night Long”. The BET awards, held in Los Soul man Lionel Ritchie was delighted to be given Angeles, celebrates black musicians, a lifetine achievement award. At right, Pharrell actors and athletes. It is hosted by Williams was the big winner at the BET awards. cable TV network Black Entertainment Television, part of Viacom Inc., and and R&B star Chris Brown joined Lil the show was preceded by violence at Wayne to perform “Loyal”. unofficial parties ahead of the show in Australian newcomer Iggy Azalea which one person was killed. joined rapper T.I. to perform “No New Orleans singer Alsina was Mediocre” and her hit single “Fancy”. named best new artist and Lil Wayne’s The show also served up 1990s rap collective Young Money scored best nostalgia with R&B groups Troop, group. Color Me Badd and Silk singing a Drake won best male hip hop artist, medley of classic hits. but was not available to collect his Oscar-winning historical drama “12 award. Minaj was named best female Years A Slave” swept the film categories hip hop artist and threw a little dig at with Oscar-winning newcomer Lupita other rappers by saying: “When you Nyong’o named best actress and hear Nicki Minaj spit, Nicki Minaj Chiwetel Ejiofor named best actor. wrote it.” Neither were on hand to accept their Comedian Chris Rock hosted the awards. show, throwing jokes and jibes and Civil rights activist Myrlie Evershanding out chicken and waffles Williams accepted the humanitarian to the audience. The almost four- award commemorating the 50th hour ceremony toplined high-profile anniversary of the Civil Rights Act performances from some of the music signed into law in 1964. world’s biggest names. Sportswoman and sportsman of Usher referenced his 20-year the year went to tennis star Serena career with a medley of his hits, Minaj Williams and basketball player Kevin performed “Pills N’ Potions” on a stage Durant respectively. with giant psychedelic mushrooms
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ENTERTAINMENT
Singer Robin Thicke gets emotional on stage.
Nicki Minaj
Faith Evans
John Legend and Debra L Lee who is the chairperson and CEO of BET.
Gabrielle Union
Model Eva Marcille
Rapper Nelly
Ne-Yo
Lil Mama
Michelle Williams
LeToya Luckett
Jennifer Hudson, center, performing.
Chris Brown performing.
Holly Robinson Peete
Kenya Moore
Keke Palmer
Karrueche Tran
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ENTERTAINMENT
Lindsay Lohan sues makers of ‘Grand Theft Auto V’ video game NEW YORK – Actress Lindsay players must rescue her from swarms Lohan is suing the makers of the of paparazzi. Lohan was once one of Hollywood’s popular “Grand Theft Auto V” video game, saying it used her likeness most sought-after young actresses with without permission, according to a starring roles in movies such as 1998’s “The Parent Trap” and 2004’s “Mean lawsuit filed on Wednesday. Lohan accused New York-based Girls,” but of late has become better Take-Two Interactive Software Inc and known for her legal woes that include its label Rockstar Games of creating theft and reckless driving. She has been a look-alike character named Lacey to rehab six times. The in-game Jonas shares Jonas to boost sales, according to the complaint in state Supreme Court in similarities with the real-life Lohan, including her voice, image and outfits New York. For months ahead of the game’s from her clothing line, the complaint release, the complaint said, the said. The game also features the Hotel companies promoted the Lacey Jonas Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, character and a side plot in which California, where the actress once lived.
Claiming that the game violates her privacy rights under New York law, Lohan is seeking undetermined damages. A spokesman for Take Two declined to comment. The 16-year-old Grand Theft Auto franchise has won numerous awards and become embedded in popular culture over the years. But the criminal drama and actionadventure series has also stirred controversy over the violent and adult nature of its content. Grand Theft Auto V was released in September 2013 and exceeded $800 million in global first day sales.
Girl comes out of coma after listening to Bruno Mars
An 11-year-old girl in Ohio who came out of a coma after listening to Bruno Mars songs throughout her recovery got to meet the singer that doctors say helped save her life. Zumyah Thorpe, 11, suffered a severe brain injury after a drunk driver slammed into her mother’s car last year. Her pregnant mother and two younger sisters passed away in the horrific accident and Zumyah wasn’t expected to survive. Nearly 70 percent of patients who are in this same condition do not survive and those who do are often left without the ability to walk, talk or eat on their own. Doctors have credited Bruno Mars’ music with helping Zumyah do all of those things after nurses played his songs to her at the hospital every night. Zumyah’s grandmother Ronda told WKYC that not long after coming out of the coma she started singing Mars’ hit song (You’re Amazing) Just The Way You Are. Doctors say this music therapy is what helped Zumyah recover quicker than most, and even start walking again. ‘I am absolutely convinced that singing those Bruno Mars songs and being able to say Bruno Mars is in itself a miracle,’ the girl’s doctor told. Zumyah had a private meeting with Mars before his concert in Cleveland, Ohio, on Saturday night. “He gave me this (holding a teddy bear)….a bag with a lot of stuff,” said
Zumyah Thorpe, 11, suffered a severe brain injury after a drunk driver slammed into her mother’s car last year, but on Saturday night her favourite singer paid tribute to her in front of 20,000 people in Cleveland, Ohio. Zumyah afterwards, smiling from ear to ear. The during the concert in front of 20,000 fans, Bruno jumped off the stage and into the crowd where he embraced Zumyah and sang her favourite song
‘Just The Way You Are.’ Fans say he also handed Zumyah his guitar and hat...and there were very few dry eyes in the arena after his special dedication to an amazing young lady.
Glee’s Chris Colfer
Chris Colfer’s Twitter hacked, not fired from ‘Glee Fans of Glee were left stunned on Thursday when Internet hackers took over Chris Colfer’s Twitter account and informed his followers that he had been fired from the TV show. Hackers posted a message on the 24 year old’s social networking page suggesting Colfer had been let go due to “personal issues”. The message read: “Due to personal issues, I have been let go from the cast of Glee. Explanations will come shortly...” Colfer’s representative was quick to react and she assured fans the message was a hoax. She stated, “It’s not true. His Twitter account has been hacked. He will indeed be back for the final season.” The show will return to TV screens in America in the autumn. A spokesperson for show producers at 20th Century Fox have also issued a statement, which reads: “We’ve been alerted that Chris Colfer’s Twitter account has been hacked. Rumours of his dismissal from Glee could not be further from the truth. We love Chris and look forward to working with him again this season.”
Mya denies Jay Z affair after Beyonce sparks cheating rumours A recent blind item suggested If Jay Z is cheating on Beyoncé, Beyoncé’s husband has been it’s not with Mya. “Never did, never was, never secretly dating – and financially will,” the pop star said about supporting – Mya for years. her rumored affair with the “99 The “Case of the Ex” singer Problems” rapper, after she stronglyrefuted these claims. “Illegitimate, thirsty sources was asked about the gossip on with no facts and that’s the Instagram. “Heard you and Jay Z had an ‘media’ for you - especially today,” Beyoncé donned a wedding veil to perform ‘Resentment’ during a recent 11-year affair,” the fan wrote she wrote. “I play second to no one, Thursday. “Are you his side chick pay my own bills, have my own concert stop during her and Jay Z’s On The Run Tour. label, own management company, or nah?”
rely on God only and respect myself & marriage too much for nonsense.” “False rumours are crafted for ratings & numbers,” Mya continued. “And miserable, unhappy people need someone to judge to deter the attention away from their own misery and feel better about their miserable lives. If they did it to Jesus, they’ll do it to anyone. God bless.”
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ENTERTAINMENT
Lea Michele goes public with new boyfriend Matthew Paetz New photographs of Lea Michele and her boyfriend Matthew Paetz recently emerged. The “Glee” star was photographed stepping out with the lifestyle coach on June 27 in Los Angeles. Lea seemed having a happy new relationship with Matthew as she was spotted smiling widely during the outing. In some of the pictures obtained by E! Online, the “Cannonball” singer is seen hiking together with Matthew in Burbank. She wore a yellow tank top and black leggings, while her boyfriend showed off his buff body in a white sleeveless tee and black shorts. Other photos show the couple taking a walk together at a local park. Lea wore a printed dress and flipflops, while Matthew wore a denim jacket and khaki pants. Matthew was reported spending the rest of the weekend in Lea’s house and also using the “If You Say So” singer’s car to run errands. The pair were first reported having a relationship earlier last month. Previous report said that the
Cory Monteith, last year. A source revealed, “She waited a long time before getting serious again and she likes him a lot.” Another source said that Matthew “treats her really well, he’s smart and fun. She’s really happy.” Despite rumour that said Matthew was a former gigolo, an insider said that he “is a very nice guy” and “he is very into being in a relationship and loves being in one. He is the kind of person who will want to be with that person all the time, but in a good way. And he is a good listener.” A source close to Lea said, “Lea’s not stupid, so she’s not jumping into anything. So far, it’s an honest The new couple was snapped together for the and happy relationship. Whatever first time since the rumour of their budding his past may be, their current relationship sparked last month. relationship is based on honesty.” The source added, “They are both couple met on the set of Lea’s music supportive of each other and what video “On My Way”, where Matthew each other has been through in the appeared as one of the Emmy- past. They make a good team. Lea’s nominated actress’ friends. friends say he’s a great guy and dotes Lea opened her heart for the first on her. Lea’s found some happiness time after losing her late boyfriend, again.”
Kendra Wilkinson still in “shock” over Hank Baskett’s affair
TOP 10 MUSIC ALBUMS
TOP 10 MUSIC SINGLES
TOP 10 MOVIES
1. Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX No. 1 “Fancy” 2. Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea No. 2 “Problem” 3. MAGIC! No. 7 “Rude” 4. John Legend No. 3 “All of Me” 5. Jason Derulo feat. Snoop Dogg No. 5 “Wiggle” 6. DJ Snake & Lil John No. 4 “Turn Down for What” 7. Nico & Vinz No. 8 “Am I Wrong?” 8. Pharrell Williams No. 6 “Happy” 9. Calvin Harris No. 9 “Summer” 10. Sam Smith No. 10 “In the Lonely Hour”
Gosling hated McAdams while filming “The Notebook” Disappointingly, Ryan Gosling did not come out of hiding last week to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Notebook, the weepy romance that launched him into heartthrobdom. Now a Serious Actor, Gosling refused to shill for the iconic film (by cable TV standards) by doing a few quick junket interviews from a rowboat underneath rain machines. (Would it really have been that hard?) One person who was willing to discuss the project, though, was director Nick Cassavetes, who gave VH1 a handful of juicy behind-the-scenes tidbits about the film. The most surprising revelation: that Ryan Gosling butt heads with his co-star (and eventual real-life girlfriend) McAdams so much so that he asked the director to bounce her from set like she was some kind of unruly clubgoer and not his romantic lead: “[T]hey were really not getting along one day on set. Really not. And Ryan came to me, and there’s 150 people standing in this big scene, and he says, ‘Nick come here.’ And he’s doing a scene with Rachel and he says, ‘Would you take her out of here and bring in another actress to read off camera with me?’ I said, ‘What?’ He says, ‘I can’t. I can’t do it with her. I’m just not getting anything from this.’” Instead of complying with Gosling, Cassavetes tells VH1 how he forced the two into a room together to scream and yell it out together. ‘”The rest of the film wasn’t smooth sailing, but it was smoother sailing,” he explains.
Kendra’s not exactly feeling on top these days. Kendra Wilkinson resurfaced in L.A. Tuesday July 1, looking stylish and somber in a summery business ensemble that didn’t include her wedding ring. A source close to the Kendra on Topstar, 29, tells Us Weekly that she’s “doing okay” but “still in shock” over husband Hank Baskett’s shocking tryst with transgender model Ava Sabrina London. “She’s not sleeping that much anyway because of the new baby [Alijah],” adds the source. Former NFL pro Baskett, 31, had a fling with London, 25, back in April. The pair first connected online after Baskett reached out, and met up at London’s L.A. area condo. “This was a one-time affair,” the source insists. Regardless, Wilkinson was “devastated” and enraged by her husband’s betrayal – even throwing her wedding ring in the toilet once she found out. For the moment, however, the spouses of four years are still living under the same roof, but that doesn’t signal a reconciliation just yet. “They have two kids together, and he needs to help out,” the source points out of the pair, also parents to Alijah’s older brother Hank IV, 4. Indeed, it’s Hank and baby Alijah that Wilkinson is focusing on. “Her kids are her #1 prioirty. She’s doing what she needs to do,” the source says. “She’s a tough girl.”
1. Think Like a Man Too (PG-13) Kevin Hart 2. 22 Jump Street (R) Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill 3. How to Train Your Dragon 2 (PG) animated 4. Jersey Boys (R) John Lloyd Young, Erich Bergen 5. Maleficent (PG) Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning 6. Edge of Tomorrow (PG-13) Tom Cruise 7. The Fault in Our Stars (PG-13) Shailene Woodley, 8. X-Men: Days of Future Past (PG-13) 9. Chef (R) Jon Favreau, Robert Downey Jr. 10. Godzilla (PG-13) Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen
Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams
1. Jack White new entry “Lazaretto” 2. Miranda Lambert No. 1 “Platinum” 3. Soundtrack No. 2 “Frozen” 4. Brantley Gilbert No. 3 “Just as I Am” 5. Soundtrack No. 8 “The Fault in Our Stars” 6. Various Artists No. 6 “Now 50” 7. Coldplay No. 5 “Ghost Stories” 8. The Black Keys No. 13 “Turn Blue” 9. Michael Jackson No. 12 “Xscape” 10. Various Artists No. 11 “Now That’s What I Call Country: Volume 7”
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Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis
Pooch Cafe by Paul Gilligan Brewster Rockit by Tim Rickard
Wizard of Id by Parker and Hart Monty by Jim Meddick
Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce The Duplex by Glenn McCoy
F Minus by Tony Carrillo
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FUN & GAMES
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FUN & GAMES
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CARIBBEAN
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NEWS
Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago to establish joint commission KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago have agreed to the urgent formation of a joint commission “or a similar entity” to advance the issue of enhanced functional cooperation between them. A joint communiqué following the second round of bilateral talks between the two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries also re-affirmed “the importance of the consultations as a mechanism for strengthening political dialogue, reviewing bilateral cooperation and exchanging views on a range of pertinent issues”. The first round of bilateral consultations on free movement in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) was held here in December last year following the controversy that erupted when Port of Spain deported a number of Jamaican nationals. The move resulted in calls for a boycott of Trinidad and Tobago products in Jamaica. Foreign Minister A.J Nicholson and his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Winston Dookeran met in Port of Spain last week and according to the communiqué released here Monday, both ministers said they were cognisant of the fact that the Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica’s bilateral relationship is based on a history of shared values, respect, friendship and a tradition of cooperation at all levels of government, business and civil society. The communiqué noted that the
Jamaican Damion St Patrick Baston.
Jamaican found guilty in the US for human trafficking
Foreign Minister a.j nicholson (right) and his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Winston Dookeran met in Port of Spain last week. meeting had assessed the progress travel, the ministers called for made since the initial round of further discussions among their consultations “and agreed on the immigration and other relevant need to maintain and intensify officials on the implications of the efforts with a view to implementing ruling of the Caribbean Court of initiatives on the bilateral agenda. Justice (CCJ) in the case involving “In this regard, both sides agreed the Jamaican national Shanique to explore urgently the formation Myrie and Barbados. The CCJ had in October last of a Joint Commission or a similar entity to advance the issue of year ruled that Myrie be awarded enhanced functional cooperation BDS$75,000 (One Barbados dollar =US$0.50 cents) in non-pecuniary between the two countries.” The communiqué said that both damage and BDS$2, 240 in countries “have a vital stake in pecuniary damages after she had and share a common commitment” alleged that when she travelled to to CARICOM and in the spirit Barbados on March 14, 2011 she of regional cooperation,” will was discriminated against because work together closely, seeking to of her nationality, subjected to advance common approaches to a body cavity search, detained overnight in a cell and deported to regional and international issues”. On the issue of hassle-free Jamaica the following day.
British drug mule fined after almost dying on flight
HAMILTON, Bermuda – A 48-year-old British drug mule, who feared he was dying after swallowing more than half a pound of cocaine while flying from Antigua to London, has been fined US$800 in a Bermuda court. The fine was imposed by Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner on Colmin Smith after he pleaded guilty last Tuesday to possession of a controlled drug. Smith lost consciousness aboard the Virgin Airlines flight on May 16 shortly after telling airline staff he had ingested a large amount of cocaine and believed one of the pellets had opened inside his stomach, forcing the jetliner to make an emergency landing in Bermuda, Magistrates’ Court heard. After being taken to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, government analysts determined Smith had ingested a total of 61 pellets containing 239.39 grams of cocaine. The drug was found to have a purity of 73 per cent and carried a street value of US$68,250, prosecutor Takiyah Burgess told the court. Warner told Smith he was lucky to both be alive and to only be charged with possession of a controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of $1,000.
A Jamaican man has been found guilty for his role in an international sex trafficking operation. Damion St Patrick Baston, 37, was convicted on three counts of sex trafficking – both in the United States and Australia – five counts of transporting multiple individuals for prostitution, one count of importation of an alien for prostitution and one count of using a passport secured by false statement. Baston was also convicted on one count of aggravated identity theft and nine counts of money laundering. In addition, he was found guilty of illegally reentering the US after being previously deported. According to court documents, Baston victimised seven women in the Middle East, Australia and the United States. Baston is scheduled to be sentenced on September 5 before US District Judge Cecilia M Altonaga, who presided over the trial. He faces between 15 years and life in prison. Six victims “bravely testified” at trial that they had been trafficked for sex beginning in 2011 in various cities, including Miami, according to the documents. Baston had been ordered removed from the United States in the late 1990s but stole the identity of an American citizen, which he used to obtain a Florida ID card and US passport. He used this false identity for international travel as he continued to recruit and victimize women, court records reveal.
Business operators under probe for $1 billion tax fraud
AN information technology (IT) technician is now before the court while several others, including business operators, are said to be under investigation for allegedly defrauding Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) of more than $1 billion in revenue. TAJ said yesterday that it will ensure all involved in the massive billion-dollar revenue theft, for which the IT technician has been charged, are brought to justice. At the same time, the body, through Acting Commissioner General Ainsley Powell, said no efforts will be spared in recovering the lost revenue. “Tax Administration Jamaica has cooperated fully with the [Revenue Protection Division] throughout this investigation and we will continue in our efforts to ensure that persons involved in these breaches are properly held accountable,” Powell said in a release to the media yesterday. “... We wish to advise those involved that this will also include any additional interest and penalties which
may have accrued,” Powell said. The accused IT technician, Christopher Moore, 37, was arrested on June 20 when the Revenue Protection Division (RPD), supported by the police’s Major Organised Crime and AntiCorruption Task Force (MOCA), conducted a pre-dawn operation at eight locations across the Corporate Area and St Catherine. Moore was charged under Sections 3 (1) and 6 (1) of the Cybercrimes Act for unauthorised access to computer program or data and unauthorised interception of computer function or service.
Moore, on Monday, made his first appearance in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court since his arrest and was remanded into police custody until July 21, when he will again appear in court. The operation in which Moore was arrested was a culmination of a year of intensive investigation by the RPD into tax evasion, tax fraud and breaches of the Law Reform (Fraudulent Transactions) Act of 2013, the Cybercrimes Act 2010. No details were given about the particulars of the illegal operation in which Moore is implicated. The press release quoted Major (retired) Johanna Lewin, commissioner of the Revenue Protection Division, as saying that the investigation is “indicative of the type of work that needs to continue to be done in order to stem the perpetration of unlawful acts”. He added: “These unlawful acts represent a significant threat to the revenue and ultimately the health and strength of our nation.”
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U.S. knocks The Bahamas government NASSAU, Bahamas – More than campaign promises remain unfulfilled.” In the lead-up to the May 7, 2012, two years into its term, the ruling election, Deputy Prime Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has general failed to fulfill many of its “ambitious Minister Philip Brave Davis said that campaign promises of economic and a PLP government would create 10,000 fiscal reform”, the US Department of “immediate jobs”. In February 2013, Davis defended State said in its latest report on the that pledge and said he still believes investment climate in The Bahamas. The report, titled “2014 Investment the party will be able to deliver on that Climate Statement - The Bahamas” campaign promise. As it relates to the government’s was released on June 26. “Proposed initiatives included mortgage relief plan, Davis insisted in the creation of 10,000 new jobs, March that the plan is not dead. But the plan, which was projected implementation of a national mortgage bailout plan and returning the majority to assist 1,100 homeowners, actually shares in the national telecom company helped “four or five” people, according to Prime Minister Perry Christie. to state control,” the report read. Minister of State for Finance Michael “Two years later, many of these
Halkitis has said on more than one a renewed effort to implement promised occasion that the government intends reforms. “After consulting with policy advisors to rework the program. As of June 11, the deal between – the IMF (International Monetary Cable and Wireless Communications Fund) and international experts -- the and the government to transfer [government] acknowledged that its nearly two percent of the Bahamas revenue base was extremely narrow Telecommunications Company’s and ill-suited to the expanding needs shares in a foundation on behalf of the and demands of modern Bahamian Bahamian people had still not been society,” the report said. “This explicit recognition inspired finalized. The deal was announced in January. several policy changes, including The report said “lackluster growth expenditure cuts that resulted in a and continuing high unemployment” narrowing of the deficit by 22.6 percent have encouraged a shift in the to $209 million and a growth in reserves government’s policy toward a more to $912 million in January 2014, as well aggressive and coordinated pursuit of as an overhaul of the existing tax system new foreign direct investment as well as to include a proposal to introduce a value-added tax (VAT) in an effort to broaden the tax base.” The government intends to introduce VAT on January 1, 2015, at a rate of 7.5 percent.
Canada, US issue Haiti travel advisory following upsurge in crime The Canadian and United States governments have warned their nationals about traveling to Haiti in light of what they view as an increase in crime in some parts of the earthquakeravaged, French-speaking Caribbean country. “There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Haiti. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to high crime rates in various parts of the country and ongoing political tensions,” said Canada in a statement, warning against non-essential travel to the neighbourhoods of Martissant, Carrefour, Bel Air and Cité Soleil, in the Port-au-Prince area, “as the security situation is particularly unstable and dangerous. “The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. “In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted,” the government said in the statement. It said that the neighbourhoods
Haiti anti-riot soldier of Martissant, Carrefour, Bel Air and Cité Soleil, in the Port-au-Prince area “continue to be dangerous due to criminal activity,” adding that local authorities lack the “capacity to ensure order. “Personal safety and a police presence are not guaranteed. The police are unable to respond in a timely manner to calls for assistance in these areas, and it is strongly advised to avoid going out after nightfall,” it said. The Canadian government also said that the security situation is “hazardous and very unpredictable.
“Remain extremely vigilant wherever you are in the country. Criminal activity is especially evident in large centres such as downtown Port-auPrince, where armed gangs continue to operate,” it said. “There has recently been an increase in armed robberies targeting travellers, particularly foreigners of Haitian origin, arriving on international flights at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince,” it said, noting that in most cases the victims’ vehicles are followed by criminals on motorcycles.
Grenada enforces 1952 legislation to deal with chikungunya virus ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada – Health authorities here have resorted to decades old legislation as the island moves to deal with the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus. Grenada has so far recorded five cases of the disease and the authorities have moved to enforce the 1952 legislation which makes its mandatory for home and business owners to rid their premises of all forms of containers that can cause the continuous breeding of mosquitoes. Called the Mosquito Destruction Act, it came into effect on June 28th 1952 during the period when Grenada was a British colony. The Ministry of Health has been issuing public service announcements warning people that failure to keep their surroundings clean can result in Health Sanitation Officers taking legal proceedings in accordance with the legislation. Anyone found guilty of an offence under the legislation, could face a fine of EC$250 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) for a first offense and EC$500 for subsequent offences. Last week Health authorities confirmed that there were five cases of chikungunya but said it was confined to two small communities in Carriacou.
CARICOM Secretary General calls for collective solutions to Caribbean challenges ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General Irwin La Rocque says regional countries must find collective solutions to the serious challenges being posed by an ever changing global environment. La Rocque, speaking at the opening of the 35th CARICCOM Summit here on Tuesday night, said that Dickinson Bay where the three-day summit is being held provides an opportunity for Caribbean governments “to do what is required to make our integration arrangements more effective in its response to the challenges of the day”. In December 1965, the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago
signed the Dickenson Bay Agreement, establishing the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA), the forerunner to CARICOM. But La Rocque told delegates that in order to make the transition, regional countries “must find collective solutions to the serious challenges, particularly with respect to our economic condition, that threaten the hard won gains of our people. “The structural and institutional characteristics which affect growth in our small, vulnerable economies combine to restrict our ability to compete internationally, expose our vulnerability to external events, and constrain our capacity for adjustment.”
He said that vulnerability is demonstrated by the lingering effects of the global economic and financial crisis in the region resulting among other things in stubbornly low growth rates. “When added to a heavy debt burden and falling fiscal revenues, it leaves our governments with precious little room to manoeuvre especially as the International Financial Institutions and our development partners use the misleading criterion of per capita income to graduate us out of access to much needed concessionary development financing.” La Rocque said importantly, neither the economic and financial crises nor the causes of climate change, originated
within the Caribbean. “However, there is analytical evidence to prove that their impact on the economies of most CARICOM States has heightened the debt and fiscal challenges we face. “Formidable as these challenges are, our Community’s history clearly shows that we have never been daunted in the face of trials. It is now, in this period of acute economic stress faced by our region that the spirit of unity that brings us together in all forms of adversity, is infusing our actions as we seek to build the Community’s resilience to withstand the shocks, whether they are economic, social or climatic.”
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For the Caribbean, a united front is key to weathering climate change
PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – As the costs of climate change continue to mount, officials with the Commonwealth grouping say it is vital that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) stick together on issues such as per capita income classification. Deputy Commonwealth Secretary General (Economic and Social Development) Deodat Maharaj told IPS the classification affects the ability of countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and others to access financing from the international financial institutions.
“To my mind, the international Maharaj added. Maharaj, whose appointment system has to take special consideration of countries such as Antigua and took effect earlier this year, said Barbuda, Grenada and others,” he said. the Commonwealth is preparing “The example I like to use is the “an analytical framework based on example of Grenada. You would research, a case, so that countries recall Hurricane Ivan about 10 years such as Grenada when there is a ago. It damaged about 70 percent natural disaster their international of the housing stock in Grenada. It debt obligation for a particular period cost a billion U.S. dollars in damages, of time will be suspended so that they don’t have to continue to pay their debt equivalent to two years GDP. “So the countries in the Caribbean when it is that they have suffered a can move from high income or middle natural disaster.” On the issue of collaboration, one income to almost zero income with an economic shock or natural disaster,” of only three female prime ministers
St Vincent prime minister mum on CARICOM marijuana debate
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves says he will not speculate about the outcome of the discussion within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as it relates to the decriminalisation of marijuana for medical purposes. He further sidestepped a question on whether his government is willing to follow the lead of Jamaica, which last month decriminalised small quantities of marijuana for personal use. “A process had commenced in CARICOM,” Gonsalves said told reporters as he prepared to handover the chairmanship of the 15-member grouping Tuesday. Newly elected Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne will take over the CARICOM chairmanship for the next six months. “There is a commission, which would be appointed and there are terms of reference to be approved at this meeting in Antigua,” he said. “I would not prejudge what the commission will say,” Gonsalves said, adding that the commission will consider changes to marijuana legislations in countries around the world, including Jamaica, the United States, Sweden, and Uruguay. “They will look at any number of places and they will make their recommendations. I await those recommendations, because I feel even in the absence of those recommendations, it seems to me counterproductive to ignore the potential of an industry in respect of medical marijuana and to continue to expend police, national security, court resources on persons who consume a
Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. minuscule amount of marijuana in the privacy of their homes,” said Gonsalves, who initiated the CARICOM discussion on the decriminalisation of marijuana. State and health officials in several CARICOM countries have expressed reservation or outright opposition to changes to marijuana legislation. “There are young people, good boys and girls, in many cases, good Christian boys and girls, good students who get caught behind their grandmothers’ houses smoking under 15 grammes of marijuana — a spliff,” Gonsalves said. He noted that the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines classify as possession with intent to supply the possession of more than 15 grammes (0.5
ounce) of marijuana. “There are persons who have been criminalised for smoking a joint. With all the years of experience I have and all the studies I have to this matter, that seems to me to be entirely counterproductive and we need to have a serious conversation about that,” said Gonsalves, a lawyer, who is also Minister of Legal Affairs and national security. “You don’t need to have an absolutely moral position on it, the same thing with alcohol. At the same time, whatever programme is done, we have to speak about negative side of marijuana and we have to deal with the educational and health issues attendant upon the misuse and abuse of marijuana.
Gay rights group criticises Jamaica CAUSE stance on buggery laws
KINGSTON, Jamaica, The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All Sexuals and Gays (JFLAG) says the huge turnout at Sunday’s mass rally organised by Jamaica CAUSE in support of retention of the country’s buggery laws did not come as a surprise. While stating that JFLAG is not daunted by the level of support shown for retaining the law, JFLAG’s Executive Director, Dane Lewis, criticised the church groups for not showing the same level of support for other issues as they are doing against homosexuality.
“What’s interesting is that they have not rallied around other critical issues facing the country at this time, we would be more encouraged if they were able to take on more of the hot-button issues that affect all Jamaicans,” Lewis said in a release on Monday. He said the JFLAG maintains that the buggery laws should be reviewed. More than 20,000 people gathered in Half Way Tree square Sunday at a mass rally organized by church groups under the umbrella of the newly formed civil society group – Jamaica
CAUSE (Churches Action Uniting Society for Emancipation). The crowd packed Half Way Tree square for close to four hours to take a stance against what has been described as the push by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community to victimize those who speak out against its agenda. Jamaica CAUSE, was established following the removal of Professor Brendan Bain as Director of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training Network.
in the Caribbean has reaffirmed her country’s commitment to dealing with climate change and all the issues associated with the global phenomena. “I would like to reaffirm my strong belief in collaboration with other nations,” Sarah Wescot-Williams, the prime minister of St. Maarten, told IPS. “Economic issues have forced us to look at ways and means of getting together and we are working collaboratively with other Caribbean nations to mitigate the effects of climate change as well as social issues of unemployment, crime and health.”
Obese children cause for concern.
Number of Caribbean children obese doubles in last decade – study BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – A study done in four Caribbean countries has found that 30 per cent of children aged 11 to 13 were overweight or obese, a senior official of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has said. Dr. Audrey Morris, the advisor on Food and Nutrition at PAHO, told a workshop to review and refine a draft policy document on Nutritious and Healthy Foods in Barbadian schools that the number of overweight and obese children in the region has more than doubled over the last decade due primarily to unhealthy diets and inadequate exercise. Dr. Morris said the consequences of overweight and obesity in children were serious, including breathing difficulties, hypertension, early signs of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and psychological effects. She noted the easy access to fatty and salty foods in school canteens and revealed that up to 80 per cent of the children in the Caribbean study admitted to drinking a carbonated soda every day. The countries in the study were not disclosed. The PAHO official said in addition to drinking carbonated soda daily, children were allowed to easily opt out of physical education classes at school, especially when preparing for examinations. In addition, the children spent many hours watching television and playing computer games at home. Dr. Morris said countries like the United States had placed limits on sugar, fat and sodium in all foods and beverages sold on school compounds. In addition, Brazil has mandated that 30 per cent of the input in school meals must come from local agriculture, and Panama has banned fried foods and sodas from school premises. She said what is needed in the Caribbean is a multi-faceted, multisectoral approach to reinforce the message of healthier eating and active living. Senior Medical Officer of Health, here, Dr. Kenneth George, said that while Barbados was not included in the PAHO study, statistics show that the situation was very similar on the island.
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Overpass collapses in World Cup city, crushes vehicles
An unfinished overpass collapsed in the Brazilian World Cup host city of Belo Horizonte on Thursday, leaving at least one person dead and casting a shadow over a tournament that has suffered repeated construction accidents and delays. The bridge, located about two miles (3 km) from the Mineirao Stadium where World Cupgames are being played, collapsed as vehicles were passing on a busy road underneath. Part of a passenger bus was crushed and another car was still trapped in the wreckage hours later. The collapsed bridge ran over one of the major thoroughfares connecting the stadium area with the international airport. It was Rescue workers try to reach vehicles trapped underneath a bridge that collapsed while part of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) under construction in Belo Horizonte July 3, 2014. system that officials had promised would be ready for the World Cup. smoothly than many fans and corridors, financed with more than Groups of people gathered around government officials expected. 1 billion reais ($450 million) in the scene of the accident, some Still, several projects were federal funds, began in 2010 and shouting furiously. plagued by fatal construction was supposed to finish in May. “This is the incompetence of our accidents. Eight workers died Downtown portions of the BRT authorities and our businesses,” building stadiums in the 12 cities network are running during the said Leandro Brito, 23, a bank that have hosted games. World Cup, but long stretches are worker. “Because of the World Cup There were conflicting reports still under construction. they sped everything up to finish over the casualties of the accident in The cause of the accident, faster. That’s why this tragedy has Belo Horizonte, which has already the worst since the month-long happened. They are not making hosted five World Cup games and tournament began on June 12, things properly. Everyone is very has the semi-final match on Tuesday. was unclear and no workers were angry.” The city’s fire department known to be on the overpass when Heavy government spending confirmed one death and 19 it fell. on the World Cup and long delays injuries, Lieutenant Colonel Edgard Rescuers had still not been able in infrastructure projects spurred Estevo said. A health department to reach one of the cars trapped violent street protests across Brazil spokesman earlier said two people underneath. “We cannot reach the over the past year, although they died, but later said one of the deaths vehicle; we don’t know how many have died down in recent weeks had not yet been confirmed. victims there are and there could and the tournament has gone more Work on the network of bus still be someone alive,” Estevo said.
U.S. airports tighten security
Airlines with direct flights to the United States have been told to tighten screening of mobile phones and shoes in response to intelligence reports of increased threats from al Qaeda-affiliated militant groups, U.S. officials said on Thursday. The officials singled out smartphones including iPhones made by Apple Inc and Galaxy phones made by Samsung Electronics Co Ltd for extra security checks on U.S.-bound direct flights from Europe, the Middle East and Africa. U.S. security officials said they fear bombmakers from the Yemen-based al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) have figured out how to turn the phones into explosive devices that can avoid detection. They also are concerned that hard-todetect bombs could be built into shoes, said the officials, who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue. A U.S. official said that other electronic devices carried by passengers also are likely to receive more intense scrutiny. Airlines or airport operators that fail to strengthen security could face bans on flights entering the United States, the officials said. The U.S. Homeland Security Department announced plans to step up security checks, but they offered few details on how airlines and airports will implement them.
Rob Ford cuts list of comeback interviews Rob Ford’s campaign manager, Doug Ford, said the mayor would sit down for an interview with “each and every” Toronto media outlet upon his return from rehab. Turns out it’ll be two media outlets. Rob Ford conducted interviews on Wednesday with CBC, which challenged him on his dishonesty and racist slurs, and with CP24. He also cancelled at least three other planned appearances, two with television journalists and one a rare session with a newspaper reporter. An hour before the CBC interview, he called off an interview with CTV. Later in the day, he abandoned interviews scheduled for Thursday with CityNews and the Toronto Sun. His comeback blitz appears to be over. “We feel the mayor has said everything,” Sun reporter Don Peat, on Twitter, quoted an unnamed member of the mayor’s staff as saying. Ford’s dealings with the media have been even rockier than usual during an important week in which he has tried to convince a skeptical public that he has changed. He was criticized by the city hall press gallery for excluding several publications from his first post-return speech on Monday. He refused to answer questions at that appearance, and his press secretary threatened to evict a Star reporter who asked about the racial slurs before the mayor had finished delivering his remarks. Ford avoided questions at city hall again on Wednesday, and he was shielded from reporters by never-before-seen temporary barriers erected in the hallways of the public building. Doug Ford, meanwhile, accused reporters of twisting his words and harbouring “hatred.” Rob Ford’s campaign communications director, Jeff Silverstein, told City that the mayor cancelled their interview to “focus solely on the campaign.”
Georgia man charged with murder of son in hot car to remain jailed A suburban Atlanta man who prosecutors said intentionally left his 22-month-old son strapped inside a hot car to die because he wanted to live a child-free life will remain jailed pending his trial, a judge ruled on Thursday. Magistrate Judge Frank Cox also found probable cause for murder and child cruelty charges against Justin Ross Harris, 33, of Marietta, Georgia, after hearing evidence that he exchanged nude photographs with women other than his wife while he was at work and his son was dying in the car on June 18. The lead investigator in the case testified Harris was having marital and work problems. He had done Internet research on living child-free and how to survive in prison before leaving son Cooper Harris in his sport utility vehicle for seven hours on a hot day, said Cobb County Police Detective Phil Stoddard. “We believe the evidence has shown that this was intentional,” Assistant District Attorney Chuck Boring said. Defense attorney Maddox Kilgore accused prosecutors of trying to pub-
Justin Ross Harris wipes away tears in Cobb County Magistrate Court in Marietta, Georgia July 3, 2014. licly shame Harris with tawdry testimony. He said there was no proof that his client knowingly left the child in the car on a day when the temperature in Atlanta was in the 90s (30s C). Harris told police he forgot to drop his son off at daycare before heading to
work the morning of June 18. “An action doesn’t become a crime because the results were catastrophic,” Kilgore said. Testimony on Thursday focused largely on Harris’ actions and behavior on the day his son died. Harris said he ate breakfast at a restaurant with Cooper, kissed him after strapping him into a rear-facing carseat and then forgot his son was there as he drove less than a mile (1.6 km) to work, according to Stoddard. Stoddard said Harris raised police suspicions by not mentioning he had visited his car to drop something off during his lunch break and by not showing emotion when interviewed later by detectives. Two coworkers said Harris did not appear nervous that day. A man who saw the father after he pulled into a shopping center parking lot and appeared to try to revive his son said he believed Harris’ grief at the scene was genuine. “I heard the desperate cries of a father who had just lost his son,” said witness Leonard Madden.
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Mugabe calls for an end to white farmers in Zimbabwe
Robert Mugabe delivering a speech earlier this year.
President Robert Mugabe of land they had been awarded to Zimbabwe warned that in future some of the 4,000 white farmers “no white person will be allowed to who were forced off without own land” as he unveiled a new compensation from 2000 onwards. There was a large contraction farming settlement scheme west in the economy as the white of the capital, Harare. “We fought these people,” he farmers produced much of said. “We can’t be soft on them Zimbabwe’s food, which hit when it comes to land. We’ve exports. “What annoys us even more not chased them away from this country – they’re there in the is where our own indigenous farmers sub-lease to the very industries, in the cities.” He also urged black same white farmers we took our landowners, including some of heritage from yesterday,” he said. his ministers, to stop leasing back “So, I’m saying to those among us
who are guilty [of leasing land], some I’m told are my ministers who are refusing to remove those whites in their constituencies, we say ‘No’. Why do you need them?” Last December Mr Mugabe told Zimbabweans to “strike fear in the heart of white men. They must tremble. “The white man is not indigenous to Africa. Whites are part of an evil alliance.” About 300 white farmers remain on small portions of their original land holdings.
Pistorius murder trial hears of ‘two Oscars’
Oscar Pistorius has a split personality that has led to the formation of “two Oscars” – one a vulnerable and fearful person with a disability, the other a confident Olympic hero, a court has heard. His lawyer Kenny Oldwadge revealed details of a psychological profile of the athlete that had been banned from publication by judge Thokozile Masipa the previous day. Pistorius, 27, is accused of murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, at his home in February 2013. The double amputee known as the “blade runner” denies the charge, claiming he fired four gun shots in fear after mistaking her for a burglar. Oldwadge told the high court in Pretoria, South Africa, on Thursday that a report by a clinical psychologist following Pistorius’s 30-day mental health evaluation described a “split in his personality … the one a vulnerable, scared disabled person, the other a strong physical person achieving beyond expectation and finding reward for it both intra-physically and interpersonally”. Another section of the report by Dr Jonathan Scholtz elaborated on the theme : “I believe the construction of ‘the two Oscars’ I referred to earlier finally gelled into a final split. The one Oscar being an international superstar, more confident and feeling more in control at 1.84 metres tall. That part of him falling back on his physicality and ‘never say die’ attitude that had served him so well. Although not completely at ease, he felt less vulnerable in that state. “The other Oscar being a vulnerable and fearful disabled person, at less than 1.5 metres once his prostheses were removed and he was alone at night. That part of him falling back on to his anxiety and fear, not feeling in control. With his prostheses on many people can damage him but without
Oscar Pistorius has a ‘split in his personality … one Oscar being an international superstar … the other Oscar being a vulnerable and fearful disabled person’. them he feels defenceless. ‘I am stuffed London Olympics, noted the discrepancy without my legs on.’ For this reason he between a sprinter crossing the finish acquired a weapon and even searched for line with raised arms and the severe one that was lighter and smaller so that he limitations of being a double amputee. “You’ve got a paradox. Of an individual could always keep it with him.” The evidence came as Oldwadge who is supremely able and an individual questioned medical expert Prof Wayne who is significantly disabled.” Vividly describing the daily social Derman, who argued that Pistorius feels highly vulnerable and acted out of fear, and physical hardships of people with not anger, when he shot dead Steenkamp. disabilities, Derman added: “The saddest “Although he loathes to be pitied in any thing I have learned through my six years way, the hard truth is that he does not of working with athletes with disability is that disability never sleeps. It’s there have lower legs,” he said. Echoing the notion of “two Oscars”, when you go to sleep at night and it’s Derman, chief medical officer of the South there when you wake up in the morning. African Paralympic team at the 2012 It affects nearly every aspect of your life.”
Saudi Arabia sends 30,000 troops to Iraq border Saudi Arabia has sent 30,000 troops to reinforce its long northern desert border after Iraqi troops withdrew from the other side, according to reports Fighters from Islamic State, the jihadist group, and its allies have already seized frontier posts on Iraq’s western borders with Syria and Jordan. The southern border with Saudi Arabia, which regards itself as vulnerable to the threat of jihadism, is more than 500 miles long. Large parts of it are with Anbar province, the centre of Islamic State power in Iraq and now almost entirely under the control either of the group itself or of Sunni Arab tribes that have allied with it. The last serious incursion into Saudi Arabia also came from Iraq, after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990. Iraqi forces were eventually repelled from the Saudi town of Khafji, the following January, but only after they were attacked from the air by American jets. Since then, the border has been relatively stable and far more concern and attention has been paid to the southern border with Yemen, which is mountainous and hard to control, and where there have been two separate, longrunning insurgencies, one jihadist, and one led by a Shia breakaway movement.
China plots its own Asia ‘pivot’ The Silk Road, an obscure Kazakh- counterbalance strategy,” said Sun costly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. China sees the pivot as an attempt inspired security forum and a $50 Zhe, director of the Centre for U.S.billion Asian infrastructure bank are China Relations at Beijing’s Tsinghua to contain its growing influence, just some of the disparate elements University and who has advised especially given the United States in an evolving Chinese strategy to try China’s government on its foreign is strengthening its ties with Asian security allies such as Japan and to counter Washington’s “pivot” to the policy. Added one Beijing-based Western the Philippines, which have bitter region. who follows China’s territorial disputes with Beijing in the While Chinese leaders have not diplomat given the government’s growing list of international relations: “This is all region’s waters. Washington denies this. initiatives a label or said they had an clearly aimed at the United States.” One key part of China’s diplomatic President Barack Obama’s pivot overall purpose, Chinese experts and diplomats said Beijing appeared set on - as the White House initially dubbed outreach has been to breath life into the shaping Asia’s security and financial it - represented a strategy to refocus little-known Conference on Interaction on Asia’s dynamic economies as the and Confidence Building Measures in architecture more to its liking. “China is trying to work out its own United States disentangled itself from Asia, or CICA, which has languished
since Kazakhstan proposed it in 1992 to promote peace and security. CICA comprises two dozen mostly Asian nations, as well as Russia and some Middle Eastern countries. The United States, Japan and the Philippines are not members. China took over chairmanship of CICA at a summit in Shanghai in May for three years. There, President Xi Jinping spoke about a new “Asian security concept”, saying China would explore the formulation of a code of conduct for regional security and an Asian security partnership program.
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Mourners say farewell to teen who was kidnapped and executed ‘by Hamas’
The family of an IsraeliAmerican 16-year-old boy, whose body was discovered alongside two other teenagers after they were abducted, gathered to pay their respects as they attend his funeral service recently. The service for Naftali Fraenkel was held today in Nof Ayalon, Israel, after fighter jets unleashed a rain of missiles along the West Bank and a Hamas member was shot dead last week as Israel carried out its retaliation for the murder of the three teenagers. Hamas member Yosuf abu
Zaghah, 20, is said to have attacked Israeli forces as they made arrests in the West Bank city of Hebron following the discovery of the Israeli boys’ bodies recently. Although it is yet to provide evidence, Israel has blamed Hamas for their teenagers’ deaths, and has vowed to make the Islamist organisation pay launching dozens of air strikes and detonating explosives in the homes of one of the men it considers to be a chief suspect in the murders. Tensions have soared since the bodies were found, with
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blaming Hamas and warning it ‘will pay’, while militants in Hamas-controlled Gaza have stepped up rocket attacks, drawing Israeli retaliatory airstrikes and risking a wider conflict. Eyal Yifrah, 19, Gilad Shaar, 16, and Naftali Fraenkel, a 16-yearold with dual Israeli-American citizenship, were abducted on June 12 while hitchhiking home from the Jewish seminaries where they were studying near the West Bank city of Hebron.
Yosuf abu Zaghah is the first Palestinian casualty since the bodies were found. His funeral took place last week Tuesday.
South Sudan hunger crisis ‘to affect four million’
Some four million people in South Sudan are likely to face critical food shortages next month, British aid agencies have warned. But the Disasters Emergency Committee says the cost of mounting an appeal to pay for aid might outweigh donations. South Sudan’s president has already warned of “one of worst famines ever”. More than a million people have fled their homes since fighting erupted between different factions of South Sudan’s ruling party last December. Thousands have now died in the conflict that started as a political dispute between South Sudan President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, his sacked deputy, but escalated into ethnic violence. The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) – which brings together 13 UK charities to deal with international crises – says it currently has less than half of the money it needs to “prevent the growing food crisis in South Sudan from turning into a catastrophe”. “If the conflict in South Sudan continues, and more aid cannot be delivered, then by August it is likely that some localised areas of South Sudan will slip into famine,” the DEC says in
Maximum term for New Mexico boy in school shooting
ROSWELL, N.M. - A judge has ordered the maximum sentence for a then-12-yearold boy who opened fire in a New Mexico middle school gym earlier this year, injuring two students. After a daylong hearing, state District Judge Freddie Romero ordered the boy, now 13, held in state custody until he is 21. The boy pleaded no contest to the January shooting in Roswell. His lawyers had asked that he be placed in treatment for two years and then released if doctors determine he’s no longer a threat. A defense memo says the Aid agencies say farmers have been unable to plant or harvest their crops due to fighting boy was chronically bullied, is socially and emotionally its report, citing international food crisis work would cost £113m ($194m), but to immature, and regrets what he did. date they have only received £56m. experts. The boy was charged with “We are very concerned... that despite The committee says the same experts helped predict the seriousness of the some excellent news coverage of the three counts of aggravated East Africa food crisis in 2011, which led situation, public awareness of the crisis battery with a deadly weapon to the first famine of the 21st Century in in the UK remains very low, making a and one count of carrying a successful appeal extremely difficult,” firearm on school premises. Somalia. It predicts that responsive emergency said DEC head Saleh Saeed.
Fear and cash shortages hinder fight against Ebola outbreak
West African states lack the resources to battle the world’s worst outbreak of Ebola and deep cultural suspicions about the disease remain a big obstacle to halting its spread, ministers said on Wednesday. The outbreak has killed 467 people in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone since February, making it the largest and deadliest ever, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). West African Health ministers meeting in Ghana to draw up a regional response mixed appeals for cash with warnings of the practices that have allowed the disease to spread across borders and into cities. Abubakarr Fofanah, deputy health minister for Sierra Leone, a country with one of the world’s weakest health
systems, said cash was needed for drugs, basic protective gear and staff pay. “In Liberia, our biggest challenge is denial, fear and panic. Our people are very much afraid of the disease,” Bernice Dahn, Liberia’s deputy health minister, told Reuters on the sidelines of the Accra meeting. “People are afraid but do not believe that the disease exists and because of that people get sick and the community members hide them and bury them, against all the norms we have put in place,” she said. Authorities are trying to stop relatives of Ebola victims from giving them traditional funerals, which often involve the manual washing of the body, out of fear of spreading the infection. The dead are instead meant to be buried
Health workers carry the body of an Ebola virus victim in Kenema, Sierra Leone, June 25, 2014. by health staff wearing protective gear. Neighbouring Sierra Leone faces many of the same problems, with dozens of those infected evading treatment, complicating efforts to trace cases. The Red Cross in Guinea said it had been forced to temporarily suspend some operations in the country’s
southeast after staff working on Ebola were threatened. “Locals wielding knives surrounded a marked Red Cross vehicle,” a Red Cross official said, asking not to be named. The official said operations had been halted for safety reasons. The Red Cross later said only international staff were removed.
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Violent clashes as Palestinians demand justice after teenager’s body found
Tensions between Israelis and extremists in a revenge attack. Most prominent to make that charge Palestinians escalated further on Wednesday, with the discovery of a was Palestinian president Mahmoud body believed to be that of a 17-year- Abbas who accused extremist Israeli old Palestinian boy who had been settlers of “killing and burning a little abducted hours earlier from an Arab boy” and demanded Israel “hold the killers accountable ... [and] mete out neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. The badly burned body, thought to the strongest punishment against the be that of Mohamed Abu Khdeir, was murderers if it truly wants peace”. While the identity and motive found in an area of forest to the west of the city a day after the funeral of the kidnappers remain unclear, of three Israeli teenagers who were Palestinians were quick to blame kidnapped and killed three weeks ago. “settlers” for the killing - allegations The discovery prompted widespread that were not immediately refuted by accusations from Palestinians that Israeli political figures. As news of Khdeir’s disappearance he had been murdered by Jewish
spread, hundreds of Palestinian youths fought running battles for hours with Israeli police who fired plastic coated rounds and stun grenades as pillars of smoke billowed from burning tyres. Israeli police who are investigating the killing say they have not yet formally identified the body, but the missing boy’s family said they had recognised their son. Speaking as youths traded stones with Israeli police firing tear gas rounds outside her house, Khdeir’s mother said he was abducted just before 4am on Wednesday morning, as he waited outside the mosque next to his home for
Burka ban ‘crosses red line’, senior rabbi warns
Europe’s most senior rabbi has issued an impassioned defence of the right of Muslim women to wear a burka in public. Pinchas Goldschmidt, the president of the Conference of European Rabbis, said that a European Court of Human Rights ruling upholdingFrance’s ban on veils “crossed a red line” for religious freedom. In an article for Telegraph.co.uk he said that he was “deeply suspicious” of claims that the prohibition on wearing a burka or a niqab in public was designed to promote relations between communities. The orthodox rabbi warned that religious communities across Europe were feeling increasingly “disaffected and marginalised”, suggesting that the ban should be of concern to people of all faiths. On Tuesday the ECHR ruled that France’s law banning the wearing of burkas and niqabs in public - the first of its kind in Europe - did not breach the human rights of Muslim women. The European court accepted the French government’s argument that the veil ban was justified in the interests of social cohesion. French authorities say the veils are degrading to women and an affront to France’s secular traditions. However, Rabbi Goldschmidt, who was born in Switzerland and is chief rabbi of Moscow, suggested the ruling threatened religious freedom. He said it represented an “unravelling” of the philosophy among western democracies that the state should intervene in religious practice
The French law, introduced in 2010, also covers balaclavas and hoods but has been criticised as targeting Muslim women. only if it has an “unreasonable impact” on another person. “The bans on the building of minarets in Switzerland in 2009 and on wearing a burka, upheld by the ECHR in the last few days, have crossed a red line,” he said. “My personal view is that to suggest that the particular appearance of a place of worship - of which there were only four across the entire country at the time of the Swiss referendum - could somehow negatively impact on a person in any meaningful way is ludicrous in the extreme.” He continued: “I am also deeply suspicious of claims that a ban on
the burka is designed to promote intercommunal relations.” Politicians have insisted that banning the wearing of burkas and niqabs in public would help to tackle extremism. But Rabbi Goldschmidt said: “Those people that think banning the burka somehow strikes a blow against extremism are woefully naïve. “If anything they have created a distraction from the attempts to tackle terrorism and radicalisation and they have made the problem worse.” France was the first European country to pass a law banning veils that conceal the face in public. Belgium later followed.
pre-dawn Ramadan prayers. “He’s a good boy, not a troublemaker,” she told the Guardian. “He would stand next to the shops before going to the mosque to pray and then come back home. “My nephew told me someone had been kidnapped and I asked where Mohamed was. He said I don’t know, so I told him to go to look for him at the mosque. I called for my son, but there was no reply.” Israel’s prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, called on the police to swiftly investigate the “despicable” murder.
Carer steals money to fuel Candy Crush addiction
A carer addicted to playing Candy Crush Saga stole more than £1,000 from her own disabled mother to fund her gaming habit. Sally-Anne Turner, 45, from Harwich, Essex, was given access to her mother Carol-Ann’s bank account through her role as carer. However, she abused the older woman’s trust and stole from her to play the online game - in which users can pay for extra lives and gaming aids. Turner admitted a charge of fraud while occupying a position of trust, but was spared an immediate prison sentence. Chelmsford Crown Court heard how her mother had become suspicious when she noticed money was missing from her bank. She soon discovered that more than £1,000 had been taken between February 2012 and January 2014, without her permission. Turner had become addicted to Candy Crush Saga and other online gaming sites, and things had ‘spiralled out of control,’ her lawyer told the court on Friday. She has been told to pay her mother back, but the court heard the older woman has refused to accept it. Henny Tatum, mitigating, told the court Turner was ‘incredibly remorseful’ over what had happened and was no longer playing games on the internet. ‘She has now resolved matters with her mother,’ the lawyer added.
Premature babies die after suffering burns from wipes Three premature babies have died and many others seriously injured after being wiped with an antiseptic solution, it has emerged. Now doctors have been urged to be cautious when using chlorhexidine antiseptic on tiny babies after health experts noted a number of cases of chemical burns and other serious side effects in premature infants. The solution has even been linked to the deaths of three
babies in the UK, officials said. Experts at the London-based Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have asked doctors to use the solution with care after noticing a pattern of burns among premature babies. A total of 28 newborns in the UK have suffered ‘serious side effects’ after being wiped down with the antiseptic before a catheter was inserted. These side effects included chemical burns, which caused
skin loss in some cases, or a skin condition called erythema. Chlorhexidine is frequently used to prevent catheter-related blood stream infections among premature babies. The MHRA received 13 reports of ‘serious side effects’ among children who were treated with a chlorhexidine solution between 2004 and 2013. Experts at the regulator have also identified a further 16 cases in medical records between 1992 and 2014.
Small premature baby lies in an incubator a grown hand reaches in grasping the foot in caring manner.
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Germany A bright side to introduces Facebook’s experiments minimum wage on its users Facebook’s disclosure last week that it had tinkered with about 700,000 users’ news feeds as part of a psychology experiment conducted in 2012 inadvertently laid bare what too few tech firms acknowledge: that they possess vast powers to closely monitor, test and even shape our behavior, often while we’re in the dark about their capabilities. The publication of the study, which found that showing people slightly happier messages in their feeds caused them to post happier updates, and sadder messages prompted sadder updates, ignited a torrent of outrage from people who found it creepy that Facebook would play with unsuspecting users’ emotions. Because the study was conducted in partnership with academic researchers, it also appeared to violate long-held rules protecting people from becoming test subjects without providing informed consent. Several European privacy agencies have begun examining whether the study vioFacebook’s chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg apologised while addressing a conference in India lated local privacy laws. But there may be other ways to look after it was revealed the social network manipulated some users’ news feeds. at the Facebook study and its publication. Studying how we use social media may provide important insights into some of the deepest mysteries of human behaviour. Facebook and much of the rest of the web are thriving petri dishes of social contact, and many social science researchers believe that by analyzing our behaviour online, they may be able to figure out why All three groups have suffered a People who started work in Britain and how ideas spread through groups, in the 1970s have fared worse in pay fall in real pay since 2009, as inflation how we form our political views and what terms over their careers than those outpaced wage growth, driving living persuades us to act on them, and even standards lower. starting out in the 1990s. why and how people fall in love. However, those who joined the Workers beginning their careers Most web companies perform in 1995 were paid an average of 40% workforce in 1975 have suffered the extensive experiments on users for more in real terms – when adjusted for biggest wage falls during the financial product testing and other business inflation – in their first 18 years than crisis. purposes, but Facebook, to its credit, Average pay for workers starting those who started in 1975 according to has been unusually forward in teaming a new report by the Office for National out almost 40 years ago fell by 12% with academics interested in researching to £11.03 an hour in 2013 from a Statistics. questions that aren’t immediately The difference in pay means that peak of £12.54 an hour in 2009. The pertinent to Facebook’s own business. people beginning their career in 1975 equivalent fall for those who started But there’s another benefit in would have to work up to four years out 20 years ago was a smaller 10%, to encouraging research on Facebook: It is longer than those starting work in £12.72 last year from £14.12 in 2009. only by understanding the power of social “Some of the decline for the 1975 1985 to accumulate the same amount media that we can begin to defend against of earnings, and up to six years longer group may be explained by people in its worst potential abuses. Facebook’s their late 50s beginning to consider than those starting in 1995. latest study proved it can influence “On average, individuals who were retirement, with the highest earners people’s emotional states; aren’t you glad 21 in 1975 have fared worse in terms often retiring early. This would you know that? Critics who have long of average pay over their career to bring down average pay before any argued that Facebook is too powerful and 2013 than those who were 21 in 1985 consideration is taken of the wider that it needs to be regulated or monitored economic conditions.” and 1995,” the ONS said. can now point to Facebook’s own study as evidence.
Wage gap opens up between younger and older workers
Germany is to introduce a national minimum wage for the first time in its history. MPs voted by an overwhelming majority to approve a new law that will introduce a national minimum of €8.50 (£6.80) an hour from the start of 2015. Until now, Germany has been one of only seven countries in the EU not to enforce a minimum wage. The new measures mean Germany will now have a higher minimum wage that either the UK, where it is currently £6.31 – rising to £6.50 in October – or the US, where the federal minimum is $7.25 (£4.20). But it will still be some way behind France’s €9.43 (£7.50). The decision was hailed as a “historic day for Germany” by Sigmar Gabriel, the German vicechancellor. It was a victory for his centre-left Social Democratic Party (SDP), which made the new law a central condition for joining Angela Merkel’s coalition government. But the issue of a minimum wage has been divisive in Germany, despite its widespread acceptance elsewhere in Europe. Mrs Merkel actually campaigned against it in last year’s elections, warning it could threaten the country’s competitive edge. And it has exposed the glaring gap in living standards between west Germany and the former communist-ruled east. As many as 30 per cent of employees in the east currently earn less than the new minimum – twice as many as in the west. Until now, Germany has relied on collective agreements negotiated by trade unions and business groups to ensure fair pay levels. But critics say that has meant that while some sectors, such as Germany’s traditional powerhouse of heavy industry, are well regulated, workers in other sectors have less protection. In the hospitality industry, 36 per cent of employees currently earn less than the new minimum wage, while in the agricultural sector it is as many as 44 per cent. German business leaders have been highly critical of the new minimum wage.
Goldman says client data leaked, wants Google to delete email Goldman Sachs Group Manhattan. Goldman did not say how Inc said a contractor emailed confidential client data to a many clients were affected, and stranger’s Gmail account by wants Google’s help in tracking mistake, and the bank has down who might have accessed asked a U.S. judge to order the data. The Wall Street bank also GoogleInc to delete the email to avert a “needless and massive” said Google “appears willing to cooperate” if there is a court breach of privacy. The breach occurred on order. Google, Goldman and June 23 and included “highly confidential brokerage account Goldman’s law firm did not respond on information,” Goldman said in immediately a complaint filed last Friday Wednesday to requests for in a New York state court in comment.
According to Goldman, the outside contractor had been testing changes to the bank’s internal processes in connection with reporting requirements set forth by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Goldman said the contractor meant to email her report, which contained the client data, to a “gs.com” account, but instead sent it to a similarly named, unrelated “gmail.com” account.
The bank said it has been unable to retrieve the report or get a response from the Gmail account owner. It said a member of Google’s “incident response team” reported on June 26 that the email cannot be deleted without a court order. “Emergency relief is necessary to avoid the risk of inflicting a needless and massive privacy violation upon Goldman Sachs’ clients, and to avoid the risk of unnecessary
reputational damage to Goldman Sachs,” the bank said. “By contrast, Google faces little more than the minor inconvenience of intercepting a single email – an email that was indisputably sent in error,” it added. Goldman is based in New York, and Google in Mountain View, California. The case is Goldman, Sachs & Co v. Google Inc, New York State Supreme Court, New York County, No. 156295/2014.
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U.S. job growth surges, unemployment rate low U.S. employment growth jumped in June and the jobless rate closed in on a six-year low, decisive evidence the economy was moving forward at a brisk clip after a surprisingly big slump at the start of the year. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 288,000 jobs last month and the unemployment rate fell to 6.1 percent, its lowest level since September 2008, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Data for April and May were revised to show a total of 29,000 more jobs created
highest six-month average since 2006. than previously reported. The data gave a lift to U.S. stocks, “It’s an extremely bullish report. It’s a report that really checks off all the with the Dow Jones industrial average positive boxes. I don’t think you could .DJI crossing the 17,000 threshold for have asked for a stronger read,” said the first time. Prices for U.S. Treasuries Jacob Oubina, senior U.S. economist at fell, while the U.S. dollar gained against a number of major currencies, as traders RBC Capital Markets in New York. Employment has now grown above bet on an earlier interest rate hike from a 200,000-jobs pace for five straight the Federal Reserve. JPMorgan moved up its forecast for months for the first time since the technology boom in the late 1990s. a rate increase to the third quarter of The economy has added an average of next year from the fourth quarter, while 231,000 jobs per month this year, the interest rate futures moved to show a
Wozniak: Samsung Galaxy smartwatch is ‘worthless’ Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak describes a Samsung smartwatch as “worthless” and says he could only stand using it for half a day. Wozniak says he loves the idea of a smartwatch and bought the £300 Samsung Galaxy Gear, released in September 2013, to try out Androidbased smartwatches. Despite his love of Google’s Android software and his view that Apple should release an Android smartphone, Wozniak’s experience of the device was poor. “That was the only technology I bought to experiment with that I threw out after half a day, sold it on eBay because it was so worthless and did so little that was convenient,” Wozniak said of the Galaxy Gear talking to Xconomy at the Flying Car conference in Milwaukee last week. “You had to hold it up to your ear and stuff.” Wozniak believes that smartwatches will not be useful until the screens get bigger than the current sub-twoinch screens currently available on smartwatches from LG, Samsung and Pebble. He previously suggested that plastic folding screens may be the answer, but the technology to make folding screens practical for consumer gadgets has not yet been proven. “I want my smartphone [on my wrist], but I really want the whole thing,” said Wozniak. “I don’t want just a little Bluetooth connection to the smartphone in my pocket because then it’s just an intermediary, an extra thing I buy to get what I already have and have to carry anyway.” His comments reflect a trend seen
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak slams Samsung’s smartwatch. in the adoption of wearable technology by consumers. Around 40% of UK consumers ended up abandoning them because they got bored with the idea or simply forgot to put them on, according to research by CCS Insight. Fewer than half a million smartwatches were in use in the UK by March this year, according to data from research company KWP ComTech. The story is similar in the US. Onethird of American consumers have also stopped using a smart wearable device within six months of purchase according to data from Endeavour Partners. Samsung admitted its Galaxy Gear smartwatch was not up to scratch,likening it to an unripened
fruit, before replacing it with the Gear 2 smartwatch that abandoned Google’s Android for the Korean manufacturer’s own Tizen software, which was later pushed to the older Galaxy Gear. Google recently unveiled a series of smartwatches – including the Samsung Gear Live – based on new Android Wear software, which simplifies the experience and leverages Google’s notification system and intelligent digital assistant Google Now. Google hopes that the new software can make smartwatches compelling for consumers, offering more information in a just-in-time fashion and avoid the abandonment issues seen by most of the other smart wearable devices.
55 percent probability of a rate hike in June 2015. “Markets are torn between the good economic news and the risk this entails for a super accommodative Federal Reserve,” said Mohamed El-Erian, chief economic adviser at Allianz SE in Newport Beach, California. The report, which added to signs that have suggested a plunge in economic output in the first quarter was a weather-driven anomaly, showed widespread job gains.
File photo of a Norwegian Air Shuttle Boeing 737-800 in the air near Oslo Airport.
Norwegian Air seeks to buy more Boeing 787-9s Budget airline Norwegian Air wants to add more Boeing planes to its fleet as it looks to expand its international services, the Wall Street Journal reported the airline’s chief executive as saying on Thursday. Norwegian Air, which is principally a short-haul discount carrier, is looking to buy more than 20 787-9 Dreamliner long-haul planes for delivery after 2018, Chief Executive Bjoern Kjos told the paper in an interview. Reuters reported in April that a delay in receiving U.S. backing for its long-haul plans had forced Norwegian Air to suspend talks to buy the 20 Dreamliners. The additional Dreamliners would accommodate the airline’s growth plans until 2022, the Journal quoted Jos as saying. Norwegian Air and Boeing could not immediately be reached for comment. In the interview at London’s Gatwick airport, the CEO told the Journal that Gatwick would be a key part of its plans, with the carrier hoping to tap into a large network of passengers on discount short-haul airlines for its transatlantic and Asian flights. Norwegian Air is the third-biggest budget airline by passenger numbers in Europe, trailing Ryanair and Easyjet.
JPMorgan’s Dimon plans to use vacation for cancer treatment
JPMorgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon speaks during a discussion on ‘’Closing the Workforce Skills Gap’’ at the Aspen Institute in Washington last year.
Jamie Dimon, chairman and chief shareholders about his cancer late executive of JPMorgan Chase & Co, Tuesday in a memo sent shortly after (JPM.N) plans to be out of the office a conclusive visit to his doctor. He had for at least half of his planned two- been through several days of tests. Dimon said in the memo that the month course of radiation treatment and chemotherapy for throat cancer, a treatment will stop him from traveling, but that he had been advised that he spokesman said on Wednesday. Dimon’s four weeks of vacation could would “be able to continue to be actively begin shortly after JPMorgan reports involved” in the business. “We will continue to run the company quarterly results on July 15, depending in part on how doctors set the details of as normal,” Dimon said. JPMorgan shares closed down his course of treatment, said spokesman Joseph Evangelisti. Dimon usually 1 percent on the New York Stock takes off about three weeks in August, Exchange at $56.97. The decline was traditionally one of the slower times of the steepest of the 24 stocks in the KBW index of bank stocks .BKX, which lost the year for business. Dimon first told employees and 0.1 percent.
Rafferty Capital Markets bank analyst Dick Bove said in a report Wednesday Dimon was unlikely to retain his chairman title when he returns from treatment, and would likely spread more of his daily duties among other executives at the bank. “JPMorgan Chase simply cannot present itself to the world as if it were a one-man show,” Bove wrote. Dimon has said in the past the bank has many senior executives who could step into his role if he were hit suddenly by a bus. The company has not named anyone to act in Dimon’s place during his treatment.
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T-Mobile knowingly charged customers for scams, regulators say
Federal regulators are filing a complaint alleging that T-Mobile customers have been scammed by their mobile phone provider. The Federal Trade Commission brought the lawsuit on Tuesday against T-Mobile USA on the grounds that “until at least December 2013” the wireless company made millions of dollars by charging for third-party services that were never authorized by customers and were often offered by scammers,according to the complaint. This is a process known as “cramming,” whereby a phone company charges customers for services offered
by another provider, yet the phone company receives a large percentage of those charges. In T-Mobile’s case, according to the FTC, it was receiving somewhere between 35 and 40 percent of the total amount that consumers paid for dubious services such as ringtones, wallpaper, flirting tips, horoscope information, and celebrity gossip that often cost customers $9.99 a month. These practices “have caused consumers millions of dollars,” the complaint states. The complaint further notes that T-Mobile’s billing practices made it difficult for people to know they were in fact paying for these third-party
services. In a customer’s online bill, these charges were labeled under a heading called “Usage Charges.” But this heading still did not show what exactly the individual charges were for. For example, under “Usage Charges” customers would be billed for things such as text messaging and “Premium Services.” But the bill did not clarify that “Premium Services” also included third-party services, according to the complaint. Even the company’s full 50page phone bill did not adequately clarify that “Premium Services” included these external charges, the FTC says. The FTC is seeking a court order
Dating app Tinder facing sexual harassment lawsuit
Mobile dating startup Tinder is facing a lawsuit from one of its own co-founders, alleging “atrocious sexual harassment and sex discrimination” before she left the company in April. Whitney Wolfe is suing Tinder, its parent company IAC and its sister firm Match.com in a lawsuit mainly focused on Tinder’s chief marketing officer Justin Mateen, who has since been suspended while the company investigates the allegations. The lawsuit claims a pattern of “threatening and abusive” behaviour from Mateen towards Wolfe after a romantic relationship between the The Tinder app has been a huge hit with men and women alike. pair soured, including a “barrage of horrendously sexist, racist, and private messages to Ms. Wolfe split, by which point the lawsuit otherwise inappropriate comments, containing inappropriate content claims Wolfe had lost her coemails and text messages”. We unequivocally condemn these founder title, partly on the grounds It also claims that Wolfe was messages, but believe that Ms. that “Facebook and Snapchat don’t stripped of her co-founder title Wolfe’s allegations with respect to have girl founders, it just makes it because she was a “girl”, and Tinder and its management are look like Tinder was some accident”. criticises Tinder’s corporate culture unfounded.” Wolfe resigned in April 2014, for “representing the worst of the Wolfe was involved in Tinder after an incident at a company misogynist, alpha-male stereotype from its earliest days as a prototype party. too often associated with technology app called Matchbox, within ICATinder has been one of the fasteststartups”. funded startup incubator Hatch growing mobile apps in recent years, IAC has responded to the Labs. matching single people who browse lawsuit, which was filed in Tinder’s Her lawsuit claims she played one another’s profiles and swipe left native California. “Immediately a pivotal role in Tinder’s success, to reject or right to indicate interest. upon receipt of the allegations including choosing its name and The app was reported to have 10m contained in Ms. Wolfe’s complaint, focusing its early marketing efforts daily active users in April. Mr. Mateen was suspended pending on students in US colleges. It Mateen talked about the an ongoing internal investigation,” also details Wolfe and Mateen’s company’s aims. “We never a spokesperson for IAC told The relationship, which began in intended it to be a dating platform. Guardian. February 2013 when he was her It’s a social discovery platform, “Through that process, it has direct supervisor. facilitating an introduction between become clear that Mr. Mateen sent By the end of that year, they had two people,” he said.
to end T-Mobile’s practice of “mobile cramming” and to ensure refunds for T-Mobile customers. The FTC also says there is evidence that T-Mobile continued the practice of “cramming” even after receiving complaints at least as early as 2012. “It’s wrong for a company like T-Mobile to profit from scams against its customers when there were clear warning signs the charges it was imposing were fraudulent,” FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez said in a statement. “The FTC’s goal is to ensure that T-Mobile repays all its customers for these crammed charges.”
Facebook introduces ‘missed call’ advertising for Indians Cost-conscious people in India often signal that they want to talk to someone by placing a call and hanging up before the phone is answered, with the idea that the other person will then call them back. Recognizing this trend, Facebook is testing a new form of advertising that calls back or sends data to phones after the user clicks on an advertisement from a mobile device. The user content, such as music, cricket scores or celebrity messages, along with a brand message from the advertiser, without a cost for air time or data charges. Facebook teamed with Garnier Men to promote its male grooming products through the “missed call” ads. Some 15 million people were reached with the program helping boost online sales, according to Facebook, which plans to expand its “missed call” offering. Facebook and its social-media peers recognize that access to their services in India and other emerging markets will not come primarily through smartphones. About seven out of 10 people in the world, many in high-growth countries like India, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa and Nigeria, use simple devices like feature phones to access the Internet, Facebook said, quoting research from eMarketer. In many countries, a majority of mobile phone users access Facebook on a feature phone—66 percent for India, 71 percent for Indonesia and 68 percent in South Africa, according to Facebook. The “missed call” advertisement is one of many ways Facebook is trying to help advertisers reach consumers on their mobile phones in developing markets. The company last year provided advertisers with the ability to place and target ads on feature phones. Facebook has also improved ad delivery by optimizing for low-bandwidth connections, it said.
Private job gains in June largest in 1-1/2 years U.S. private payrolls recorded their largest gain in 1-1/2 years in June as businesses stepped up hiring, reinforcing views the economy has rebounded from its first-quarter slump. Private employers added 281,000 workers to payrolls, up from 179,000 in May, payrolls processor ADP said on Wednesday. June’s gains, which topped economists’ expectations for an increase of only 200,000 jobs, was the largest since November 2012. Coming a day before the release of the government’s comprehensive employment report for June, the
ADP report increased the likelihood of another month of strong nonfarm payrolls growth, economists said. “It signals continued strengthening in job creation and increases our confidence that payrolls for June may have posted their fifth consecutive 200,000-plus monthly gain,” said John Ryding, chief economist at RDQ Economics in New York. Nonfarm payrolls probably increased by 212,000 in June after rising 217,000 the prior month, according to a Reuters poll of economists. The ADP report, which is jointly
developed with Moody’s Analytics, was the latest indication the decline in economic growth in the first three months of the year was temporary. Gross domestic product contracted at a 2.9 percent annual pace in the first quarter. Automobile sales surged in June and factories continue to expand at a steady clip. Housing, which has struggled following a run-up in mortgage rates last year, is also showing signs of life. Prices for U.S. Treasury debt fell on the ADP data, while the dollar rose against a basket of currencies. U.S.
stocks were poised to open slightly higher. Last month, job gains in the private sector were broad-based. Construction payrolls increased 36,000, the biggest gain since February 2006. Manufacturing added 12,000 jobs. Professional business services employers hired 77,000 workers last month, the most since November 2012. “Judging from the job market, the economic recovery remains fully intact and is gaining momentum,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
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LOCAL SPORTS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Mills Institute the champions of Primary School cricket The Turks & Caicos Islands Cricket Association hosted the Primary School Cricket Competition last Saturday, June 28, 2014 at The Downtown Ball Park. The Mills Institute came out on top after beating Enid Capron (A) in the Finals with 200 runs. “It was a fun and exciting day and I do believe the children showed keen interest for the game with some even asking when will be the next one,” says president of the Turks & Caicos Islands Cricket Association Colin A.G. Sterling. “We are extremely grateful to Leroy, Rawle and Bhaggy, who organized the competition, along with Chase, “Turkey”, Duncan and Mr. P., who
helped with umpiring and scoring and braved the heat all day,” he said. He also thanked Mr. Arnold from Scotiabank for their continued support and IGA who provided lunch. Even though it was a good day, Sterling noted that he was very disappointed that, apart from “Andy who passed through”, there was no support from the senior players. “I do hope this will change as there was some very good potential seen on Saturday,” he added. “These children need our guidance and tutoring to help them improve and become better players to represent the TCI,” Sterling said. Here are some of the highlights:
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Match results Group 1: Enid Capron Primary (A) [251 runs] v Provo Christian School [207 runs Enid Capron Primary (A) won Community Christian Academy [247 runs] v Provo Christian School [203 runs] Community Christian Academy won Community Christian Academy [209 runs] v Enid Capron Primary (A) [191 runs] Community Christian Academy won Group 2: Enid Capron Primary (B) [215 runs] v Mills Institute [205 runs] Enid Capron Primary (B) won Oseta Jolly Primary [233 runs] v Enid Capron (B) [234 runs] Enid Capron Primary (B) won Mills Institute [216 runs] v Oseta Jolly Primary [174 runs] Mills Institute won Semi-Final 1: Enid Capron Primary (A) [213 runs] v Enid Capron Primary (B) [221 runs] Enid Capron Primary (A) won Semi-Final 2: Community Christian Academy [213 runs] v Mills Institute [221 runs] Mills Institute won Final: Enid Capron (A) [185 runs] v Mills Institute [200 runs] Mills Institute won (Champions)
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SPORTS
Guyanese and Trinidadian nationals win CARICOM Annual 10k
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Trinidad and Tobago’s Tonya Nero won the women’s leg of the CARICOM 10K Road Race for the third time in a row, when the event was held in St John’s, Antigua last weekend. Guyanese national Cleveland Forde excelled in the men’s section, clocking 34 minutes, 52 seconds. Ten countries from across the region converged on Antigua and Barbuda for this tenth staging of the CARICOM 10K race. The
event, which is held annually to signal the start of the CARICOM heads of government conference, featured some 70 athletes who vied for the prestigious Secretary General’s and Chairman’s Trophies. Key objectives of the event include reinforcing the value of health as a cornerstone for regional development and the promotion of integration through sport.
Nero made it to the finish line in just over 38 minutes to claim the winning trophy along with a cash prize. Second place went to Julien Josiah of Guyana, while Trinidadian Janel Nedd copped the third position. For the men, Forde was followed home by Elliot Mason of Antigua and Barbuda in 34 minutes 59 seconds, while Grenadian Radix Graham was third in 35 minutes 17 seconds.
Ramdin scolds top-order batsmen after series defeat BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Captain Denesh Ramdin has scolded frontline batsmen on the West Indies team for not transforming their starts into substantial scores during the third and deciding Test match against New Zealand which ended in Barbados last Monday. An inept batting performance by the regional side aided New Zealand to a 53-run victory as West Indies were bowled out for 254 at Kensington Oval. Ramdin has accused the toporder batsmen of squandering their starts as the Black Caps prevailed two-one in the series. “In the first innings, all our top six-seven batters got starts and nobody went on to make that big 100. It is all in the mindset, the way we apply ourselves,” Ramdin said. “If we are content with 50 or 60, we need to be bigger men and come out and fight and show what we are made of. We need to carry on from those 50s and 60s and only be satisfied with big 100s – 160, 150 –
Captain Denesh Ramdin to put the team in a commanding position.” The Trinidad and Tobago wicketkeeper has appealed to senior players to improve their performances as a way of supporting the efforts of junior players, spelling more success for
the regional side. Jermaine Blackwood and Jason Holder scored half-centuries on their debut matches during the series, while a century from Kraigg Brathwaite in the second Test helped West Indies to square the series. “There were a lot of challenges along the way and a lot of positives as well. Young [Jermaine] Blackwood, Jason Holder, Kraigg Brathwaite, those guys coming in and getting runs for themselves... Hopefully they can go from strength to strength and the senior guys can pull their weight a bit more. That will augur well for the team,” said Ramdin. “Test cricket is a lot of hard work and if you go out there and work hard you get the rewards for it. Hopefully this can be a stepping stone for some of the guys who did well. All the guys who didn’t, it should be a wake-up call for them to do well in the future.” West Indies and New Zealand play a two-match T20 series today and tomorrow in Dominica.
CARICOM Assistant Secretary General Dr. Douglas Slater (c) with the winners of the CARICOM 10K in Antigua/Barbuda – Cleveland Forde of Guyana, winner of the men’s event and Tonya Nero of Trinidad and Tobago, winner of the women’s event.
Bahamian Shaunae Miller getting back to race form
She is still not 100 per cent, but Shaunae Miller wanted to show her fitness level as she gets ready for her first trip to the Commonwealth Games next month. Competing in her first 400 metres since suffering an injury that sidelined her for the inaugural IAAF World Relays Bahamas, Miller won the women’s 400 metre title at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ BTC National Championships. Her time of 51.86 seconds at the original Thomas A Robinson stadium was fast enough to qualify her for her second major international meet this year. She picked up a bronze at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Sopot. “I just thank God for allowing me to come back healthy. I had a long season of injuries, but at least I’m getting back in shape and getting back to race form, so I’m pretty happy about how things went,” Miller said. “The race was a little crazy. I got out a little too slow. I took it a little too easy for the first 200 and then I tried to get back into it from there.” All four members of the women’s 4 x 400 metre relay team at the World Relays in the absence of Miller trailed the IAAF World Youth and Junior champion. Lanece Clarke, 27, got second in 52.43, Olympian Christine Amertil, the veteran of the field at 35, was third in 52.94 and Grand Bahamians Shakeitha Henfield (53.72) and Miriam Byfield (54.04) were fourth and fifth respectively.
Sprinter joins Bolt as PUMA brand ambassador
Javon Francis
A Budding Jamaican athlete who ran an astonishing relay leg to catapult his country from 5th to second at last year’s World Championships in Moscow has landed a professional contract with PUMA. Javon Francis joins PUMA’s global brand ambassador and triple world record holder Usain Bolt as Jamaicans signed to the brand, the German sporting goods manufacturer has announced Jamaican Sprint hurdlers Hansle Parchment and Andrew Riley, along with intermediate hurdler Ristananna Tracey also hold professional contracts with PUMA. Details of Francis’ contract
have not been made public. “It’s an exciting time,” said Francis, the IAAF World Championships 4x400m relay silver medallist. “I am grateful that PUMA recognises my talent and have offered me such support, especially because of the commitment PUMA has for track and field in Jamaica”. Francis rose to international prominence when he ran an astounding anchor leg at the World Championships last year in Moscow, Russia. He took Jamaica from fifth at the final changeover to second, just holding off Russia for the silver medal, a performance which earned him the 2014 Viewers’
Choice Awards at the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year ceremony. “We’ve watched Javon develop through the high school programme in Jamaica, seeing him develop into a fine young athlete with considerable potential,” said Christian Voigt, senior global head of sports marketing at PUMA. “His talent, enthusiasm and character suggest he’s a star in the making, and he’s a wonderful fit for PUMA in our new ‘Forever Faster’ era”. Francis, who withdrew from last weekend’s National Senior Championships nursing a sore hamstring, has a personal best 45.00 for the 400m.
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SPORTS
Ghana match-fixing: two men arrested
Two men who offered to fix international football matches have been arrested. Christopher Forsythe, a registered Fifa agent, and Obed Nketiah, a senior figure in the Ghanaian Football Association, have been questioned by police after they told an undercover investigator and reporter working for the Telegraph and Channel 4’s Dispatches programme that they could employ corrupt officials who would rig games played by the Ghana football team. Mr Forsythe and Mr Nketiah also set up a meeting with the President of the Ghana FA, Kwesi Nyantaky, in Miami to discuss sponsoring games. At the meeting, Mr Nyantakyi, agreed for the team to play in international matches that Mr Forsythe and Mr Nketiah were preparing to rig. Following the investigation by the Telegraph and Dispatches, the Ghana FA asked the police to investigate. The two men were questioned in Ghana and are now on police bail. Both have had travel restrictions imposed. “The two were arrested separately by the police last week, and they were bailed with the surety of appearing any time they are wanted in connection with this investigation,” a spokesman for the Ghana police said. The arrests are the latest development in match fixers targeting teams playing at the World Cup. Earlier this week it emerged that members of the Cameroon team could be interviewed as the country’s football federation (Fecafoot) examines allegations of match fixing in Brazil.
Heat talks with Gasol
Ghana team players celebrate during their match against Germany at World Cup 2014. There is no suggestion these players are involved in match-fixing. The Telegraph and Channel 4’s Dispatches launched a six-month investigation into match-fixing after receiving information that some football associations were working with criminal gangs looking to rig scores in international games. Reporters from The Telegraph and a former Fifa investigator claimed they represented an investment company that wanted to “sponsor” games. Mr Forsythe and Mr Nketiah boasted that they could employ corrupt officials who would rig matches played by Ghana. The president of the country’s football association then met the
LeBron’s ‘cramp game’ Finals jersey nets $50K at auction
It was the cramp that crippled the King. Game 1 of the NBA Finals went down as one of the most unforgettable of the five-game series – mostly for the busted A/C system that turned the Spurs’ AT&T Center into the Brazilian rain forest, resulting in a cramp that left LeBron basically immobile for most of the second half. The loss of LeBron proved too much for the Heat to handle (in addition to, ya know, the heat), resulting in a 110-95 loss to San Antonio. Even with the cramps, James still managed to drop 25 points, grab six rebounds and make three steals in the game. Now, King James’ jersey from the first half of Game 1 – he and other Miamiplayers apparently ditched their sweaty jerseys for fresh ones at half time – brought a hefty sum of $50,020 at an NBA auction, skyrocketing from an opening bid of $250 on June 12. Maybe the winning
Pau Gasol
LeBron James struggles with the heat during Game 1 of the NBA Finals against San Antonio. bidder – identified only as j****n – is trying to reenact Crampgate with his or her buddies, because the $50K paid for LeBron’s jersey was apparently just the start. J****n also won auctions for the Game 1 jerseys of Tim Duncan ($20,770); Kawhi Leonard ($14,020); Tony Parker($11,020); Dwyane Wade ($10,770); Ray Allen ($5,770); Chris Bosh ($5,770); Shane Battier ($2,820); and Chris Anderson ($1,851).
undercover reporter and investigator, along with Mr Forsythe and Mr Nketiah, and agreed a contract which would see the team play in the rigged matches, in return for payment. The contract stated that it would cost $170,000 (£100,000) for each match organised by the fixers involving the Ghanaian team, and would allow a bogus investment firm to appoint match officials, in breach of Fifa rules. During meetings with an undercover investigator and reporter, Mr Forsythe and Mr Obed they said they could “grease the palms” of officials to rig games.
The Miami Heat’s main focus is re-signing the Big Three. But that doesn’t mean the Heat aren’t looking to improve other parts of the roster. Team president Pat Riley had a phone conversation with Pau Gasol last Tuesday, and the free-agent center could speak again with the organization in the near future, Yahoo! Sports/FOX Sports 1reports. Gasol, who has spent the past six seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, is seeking $10 million to $12 million a year, according to the report. The Heat are not expected to have enough cap space to meet those demands if they re-sign free agents LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Wojnarowski is reporting that the San Antonio Spurs have also expressed interest in Gasol. But Gasol’s contract demands would also have to be significantly reduced in order for the defending champions to have a legitimate shot at signing the four-time All-Star. The Lakers met with Gasol Tuesday and could be one of the few suitors who could meet his salary demands, if only for one season, according to the report. Gasol averaged 17.4 points and 9.7 rebounds for the Lakers last season.
Gay beaten on drugs ban return by Gatlin
Tyson Gay lost on his return to action after a drugs ban as he came second to Justin Gatlin in the 100m at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne. Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic champion, won in 9.80 seconds from fellow American Gay, 31, who ran 9.93secs on his comeback from a 12-month suspension. “I’m happy to be back,” said 2007 world champion Gay. “Of course, I was worried about the reception I’d get. I feel very welcomed by my fellow athletes and fans.” A third American, Mike Rodgers, came third in 9.98secs, meaning the 100m podium in Switzerland was filled by men who have served drugs bans. Gatlin, who won 100m bronze at London 2012, served a four-year doping ban from 2006, while Rodgers served a nine-month ban for failing a drugs test in 2011. Gay’s ban, which was
Paceman: Justin Gatlin (left) held off the challenge of Tyson Gay. reduced from two years by the United States AntiDoping Agency because of his cooperation, ended on 23 June. “Knowing what I’ve been through, I’ve been doing it for nine years professionally, I had to go back to old habits
and focusing on myself. With a few more races, my time will come back down,” added Gay. Gatlin set a personal best of 9.79secs when he won bronze behind Jamaican pair Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake at the London Olympics.
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WORLD SPORTS
Navratilova on Serena: It’s not right
LONDON – While the prevailing mood at the All England Club was somber Wednesday afternoon in the wake of defending Wimbledon champion Andy Murray’s elimination, women’s tennis fans were still buzzing about the mysterious exit a day earlier of Serena Williams, which stunned even former players, including the greatest champion here of all time. The official cause of Williams’ withdrawal from her second-round doubles match with partner and sister Venus on Tuesday was termed a “viral illness,” but that has been a source of rampant speculation. “I find it distressing,” said Martina Navratilova, a nine-time Wimbledon singles champion (with 20 titles here, including doubles and mixed doubles) and Tennis Channel analyst. “I think virus, whatever they’re saying it was, I don’t think that was it. I think it’s clear that’s not the case. I don’t know what it is, but I hope Serena will be OK. And most of all, I don’t know how she ended up walking onto the court.” Attempts to reach Williams’ agent, Jill Smoller, were unsuccessful. The Williams sisters defaulted their match against Kristina Barrois and Stefanie Voegele after four double faults by Serena, who, unsteady on her feet, was unable to bounce, toss or serve the ball. After a few words with the umpire, who came off his chair to talk, she played one more point and then retired. She took her sister’s hand, sat down and was examined by medical personnel. The start of the match had also been delayed by 14 minutes while a tournament doctor checked on her. Barrois said she was able to tell immediately that something was wrong. “Barrois said after the first hit in warm-up, [Williams] wasn’t able to hit the ball over the net,” ESPN analyst and former player Pam Shriver said of an interview Wednesday morning. “I asked her what they were being told, and she said they were just told Serena was being evaluated.” Barrois and Voegele turned down interview requests by American
Gerard Houiller will urge FIFA to change its substitution policy at the next World Cup.
Court officials talk to Serena Williams of the U.S as she and Venus Williams retire after 3 games from their women’s doubles match against Kristina Barrois of Germany and Stefanie Voegele of Switzerland. reporters after their third-round loss Wednesday because they did not want to answer questions about Williams. On Wednesday, the WTA reported that the medical staff from Wimbledon and the WTA checked on Serena in the morning at the home where she is staying and that “she is resting there and feeling slightly better.” From analysts to fans to viewers, however, one question was how she took the court at all in the condition she was in. “It’s the most inexplicable thing of all that she was clearly in no state to play a match and that with all the people around her, that they didn’t stop her from getting on the court,” Navratilova said. Williams’ coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, told reporters he had not seen Serena in two days. Williams, a five-time singles champion here and the tournament’s top seed, was upset Saturday in the third round of singles by No. 25 Alize Cornet. “I’ve never seen anything like it and hopefully never will again,” Navratilova said. “Everybody was put in such a
Fifa ask Der Spiegel to prove Cameroon match-fixing claims
Fifa have asked German magazine Der Spiegel to provide details of all its conversations with convicted matchfixer Wilson Raj Perumal to prove its claim that a World Cup game could have been fixed. The governing body’s director of security, Ralf Mutschke, said in a statement read out at a daily briefing in Rio de Janeiro that the allegations “put the integrity of Fifa World Cup matches
difficult position, including the WTA. It’s not right. It defies logic on so many fronts. The coach said he hadn’t seen her for two days. He didn’t know anything. How can you be a coach and not know anything? That’s wrong. And Venus was just kind of there. You don’t know what’s going on, but virus was not it, that much is clear.” Observers, including friends and family, were reported as saying that Williams was distressed after the singles loss. Navratilova, who was No. 1 in the world for a total of 332 weeks in singles and a record 237 weeks in doubles, agreed it was not uncommon for a top player to want to be alone after a big loss. “[But] why would it take two days?” she said. “Either you go home or default. I would expect a default before you play. But once you step onto the court, you’re a professional tennis player, you’ve got to be ready to play. No matter what is ailing you or no matter if you did anything to get you in that state or you’re sick or whatever, you don’t step on the court. You don’t step on the court no matter what.”
in question, which is a serious allegation”. Der Spiegel reported that Perumal correctly predicted before the game that Cameroon would lose 4-0 to Croatia and have a player sent off in the first half. Mutschke says Fifa has monitored all 56 World Cup games so far and has “no indication of any match manipulation on Alex Song’s red card was among the ignominies the betting market”. Perumal denies that he predicted Wilson Raj Perumal allegedly said Cameroon would suffer against Croatia. details of the game.
FIFA to consider allowing fourth substitute in 2018 WC? FIFA’s coaching advisers want to let teams use a fourth substitute in extra time at the next World Cup. Gerard Houllier, member of FIFA’s technical study group, says ‘’that’s an idea that we will put’’ to football’s rules-making panel, which has previously rejected it. Houllier, a former France coach, says: ‘’It’s a good idea. Only in extra time. Maybe if someone is injured, why not?’’ The former France coach says changing the rules could see fewer players struggle with muscle cramps in high-intensity matches. Up to three replacements are allowed, even when knockout matches go to 30 extra minutes after scores are level in regulation time. Houllier says substitutes have brought ‘’fresh legs and attitude’’ at this World Cup. The 29 goals scored by substitutes is a World Cup record. Houllier, a former Liverpool manager, also expressed his disappointment over the Luis Suarez biting incident that took place during the World Cup group stage. ‘I feel sorry for what happened,” said Houllier. “I felt for my Liverpool friends there.’’ FIFA banned the Liverpool striker for nine Uruguay matches and four months from all football for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini. Suarez has appealed. As a FIFA technical study group member, Houllier helps pick a 10-candidate list to be elected best player at the World Cup. Houllier says Suarez could have been voted the top player had he not been banned. He says Uruguay ‘’played four games and they won two with Suarez. And they lost two without him.’’
Soccer referee dies after punch by player he ejected DETROIT – A man who was punched in the head over the weekend while refereeing an adult-league soccer match in suburban Detroit died Tuesday, authorities and a longtime friend of the referee said. John Bieniewicz, who was attacked Sunday at a park in Livonia, died at Detroit Receiving Hospital, said hospital spokesman Alton Gunn, Livonia police and the man’s longtime friend, Jim Acho. Police Lt. Tom Goralski said a 36-year-old man punched Bieniewicz in the head after the referee indicated
he planned to eject the man from the game. Baseel Abdul-Amir Saad of Dearborn was arraigned Monday on a charge of assault with intent to do great bodily harm. The Wayne County prosecutor’s office said the charges would be reviewed and possibly amended when it had the necessary documentation. Bieniewicz, 44, was a dialysis technician at Mott Children’s Hospital who lived in the Detroit suburb of Westland with his wife and two sons, said Acho, who was a classmate of Bieniewicz’s at Catholic Central High
friends, Bieniewicz gravitated to School. “I speak for all his friends when I soccer. He had been a well-respected say we are devastated. Crushed. Just a referee for two decades. Another friend, Anthony Arrington, senseless way for a great guy to go out,” said he would often seek Bieniewicz’s Acho said. “He deserved better.” Bieniewicz, Acho said, was the only advice when coaching his sons’ youth student-athlete in the class of 1988 to soccer teams. “We have a special bond,” said letter in both football and basketball at the ultra-competitive Detroit-area Arrington, who added that Bieniewicz’s parochial school. Acho, who ran a passion for soccer spurred members basketball camp with Bieniewicz for of their group of friends to watch the four years after high school, said his World Cup in Brazil. “Just heartbroken. Just a good 6-foot-5 friend would “wow the kids person, good family man,” Arrington with dunks.” But much to the surprise of his said.
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