VOLUME 10 ISSUE 30 by The SUN Newspaper

VOLUME 10 - No. 30

AUGUST 16TH – AUGUST 23RD, 2014

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SCHOLARSHIP OUTRAGE by Hayden Boyce

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

everal students, parents and guardians are outraged and disappointed following Government’s announcement of scholarship winners. A number of angry parents and students contacted the SUN to complain about the scholarship list, arguing that the decisions were not made on merit and even claiming that there appears to have some bias and favourtism in the award of the scholarships. One concerned parent told The SUN that her son, who is of Haitian descent, was chosen to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands at an international event, but was yet told that he did not qualify for a scholarship because he was not a Belonger. One of the frustrated and disappointed students, 19-year-old Nevsky Been, wrote to The SUN to complain about not being given a scholarship. Been, the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and also CARICOM Youth Ambassador of the Turks and Caicos Islands, said he was “shocked” to receive the alarming conformation that he was not even granted a partial scholarship. He stated: “I have followed all of the required guidelines, got accepted into one of the best Universities in the United Kingdom and graduated from the TCICC (Turks and Caicos Islands Community College) with a GPA above the Stipulated 3.0 required for International Advancement. “Furthermore, I find it severely discouraging and an emotional downpour as I have received international recognition from my University which offered me a reduced tuition fee to be a University Ambassador and also, The Chartered institute of Architectural Technologists, United Kingdom, which is The biggest Architectural Technologist Association within the UK, has processed my application portfolio and granted me Student Membership. However, right here at home, among my very people I am obviously classed as not up to par.” Been added: “I am honestly confused and in utter shock at the confirmation that I have not been granted a government scholarship when I have been a well rounded academically well achieved young man and very active and helpful in my Community. “I graduated the Clement Howell high school with 10 outstanding CXC’s, second place for Technical Drawing and First place for Building Technology for the hole school. “I applied for and received my First Government Scholarship to attend the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College where I graduated top of my building and design technology class. Continued on Page 2.

2014/2015 Lobster Season Opens.

The Lobster Season officially opened on Friday, August 15, 2014. The season will run through to March 15th, 2015. Officials said that postponing the season by 15 days has been proven to improve catch by allowing lobsters adequate time to finish spawning. Catch statistics last year showed that even though the season was shortened by 15 days, 80,000 pounds more lobster was landed in the shortened season than in the previous year. In this photograph, a fisherman from the fish plant in Five Cays shows off some large lobsters.

Helen Garlick’s deputy leaves for reality TV job – Page 8 Mystery surrounding $23.8M in gov’t concessions – Page 9

Bad condition of Government buildings condemned – Page 10

Takara Bain appointed PRO for two hospitals – Page 13

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LOCAL NEWS

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Scholarship outrage

Continued from Page 1.

“I then applied for an international scholarship and found out 2 weeks before the commencement of the new school year that my application was refused despite the fact that I have met all the requirements and have been representing the Turks and Caicos nationally and internationally for the past 5 years.” He noted that commercial pilots and audio engineer are not in the priority list, yet scholarships were awarded in those areas. Another student, Steveen Ulysse, also wrote The SUN to express his hurt and disappointment, saying that his sentiments were shared by many others. He said: “Often time we stay silent, not because we do not have a voice of our own, but rather we rely on our government for such a voice. I never wanted to speak out against what I see as a gross injustice - the rejection of my scholarship demand. Yet, I am not alone in this battle. Tens of us are now re-strategising in order to make headway towards tertiary education, as to better our community, our country.

2014 Scholarship Committee Decisions

Always told: Work hard “Throughout my high school years, the mantra was to work hard and you will be recognised, to give your best, to commit and apply yourself and when you do that, your country will support you. Yet, here we are, here I am, seven years from the day I started high school, two years since I entered the Advanced Level programme and two denied scholarship demands later, my country has one thing to say -nothing-, no refusal letter for the possibility of appealing my verdict.” He added: “I would like to think that I served my school well, I would love to think that I have made these our Islands proud, I would love to think that I did such things. I served as peer counsellor, a prefect, head of my house and the Head boy of the Clement Howell High School, I sat eleven CXCs and passed them all with ones and twos. I thought I was on the right track, doing the right things, yet my 2012 refusal proved otherwise. I composed myself and God guided me.

Nevsky Been

Refusal unknown “I completed my advanced level, I recently received the required grades as per this infallible list of prioritisation, I applied to the Universities as stated by the very same list and was accepted by each one of these universities of that faithful list. Yet, the reason for my refusal is unknown, as all the rules and regulations were painstakingly observed. It is never easy to speak against your government, as you look up to them for support, you see yourself as an investment for your country, to better your country.” “But, it seems to me that the awesome weight of paper works and bureaucratic protocols have caused our government to cast us (The Youth) aside, while time passes by. If we are the future as we are often told, why are we being treated like some problematic children. “The list of truly deserving and capable students that have been denied is simply horrendous, individuals who care about these Islands, who seek

education as per their passion in order to uplift our home, to secure what is now, our fragile future. I vividly remember how proud I was representing my country on the global stage, as one of the winners of the Governor’s essay competition, exploring TCI’s relationship with the UK, I felt as if my intake was of great importance, I felt as if as a young person, I could change things, for the better in our country.

Prioritise “I feel very alarmed whenever the youths of any country feel the need to protest against their government, when we are caused to feel as if our government is the enemy, as their budgets fail to include us in it, time and time again. “I do not and certainly cannot speak

for my plight alone, I speak for all of us, who are now lost, dazed, and confused as to what the next step should be. I speak out, not to stain our government, but to open their eyes, to truly prioritise the things that should be prioritised, because the youths of this country are tired of hoping for naught.” The Scholarship Committee met during the period June to July 2014 to review all applications received on or before the application deadline of 30th April, 2013. Awardees were successful based on the identified priority areas, grade point averages and other policy related criteria. In total, the board considered one hundred and seventy (170) applications for further study locally, regionally and internationally. According to a Government press release, persons applying for study at the Turks & Caicos Islands Community College (Associates) or British West

Steeven Ulysse Indies College (A-Level) will be announced at a later date. The press release added that this year the Minister of Education Hon. Akeirra Missick began her thrust toward the development and certification of all teachers and senior leaders within schools and the sum of US$200,000.00 was earmarked for scholarships in this area over the next two years. “The Ministry will conduct its New Scholarship Awardee Program for all awardees at a date and time to be announced later in the month of August. All applicants will be notified in writing regarding the outcome of their application,” the release added.

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LOCAL NEWS

Robyn Hinds still celebrating her Marlin Awards achievement by Vivian Tyson Turks and Caicos songstress Robyn Hinds is still celebrating for her copping of the prestigious Marlin Award in the Bahamas recently. “Jesus”, track 8 of her debut album, “This Could Be It”, and which was nominated in the Traditional Gospel Category, did it for Robyn. When the caught up with Hinds earlier this week to get her reaction from her latest success, could not find enough words to describe the feeling. “It was awesome. I can’t even describe the feeling right now. I was skeptical and was just mindful of the fact that it was my first time and there were so many other accomplished artistes there. Just to be nominated was one of the most prized and most exciting time in my life. And then to win is indescribable because now I see myself as a winner, I have competed locally, I have competed regionally and internationally because some of the nominee were from Canada, The UK and the United States, so,” Hinds beamed. She added: “So I can say that I am a winner amongst the best. I think it is about God and his will because with me and my own self, I didn’t think it was possible, but with God everything and Anything is possible.” With the Marlin win, Hinds is now being courted on an even greater scale by a number of regional management groups and promoters. “I have been approached by some management groups in the Bahamas and artistes that want to work with me. I have done some networking with management groups across the Caribbean. I just want to explore what my options are in terms of if I want to work with them and how I am going to benefit; how I am going to let this work. “There has also been some invites for me to come and do some things. So there is a lot of things and a lot of opportunities in the works. But for me, my main focus is on my next album. I have to keep producing,” she said. With the Marlin Award under her belt, Hinds said that she will now be concentrating on her sophomore album, which she hopes to release the latest early next year. “There is so much I want to sing about, and there is so much I want to thank God for through music. My next step is getting my next album out – at least a single by the end of the year and the album next year, definitely. I have just started writing, I have the music for one of the singles. I haven’t recorded yet, but I have a producer who is ready for me to go into the studio,” she said. Hinds said that the new album, for the most part, will be a total reflection of her. “This album is going to be solely Robyn; everything, produced, written, arranged. It is going to be my work with a few songs from other persons, but the album is going to show the essence of me. “My first album was produced by TCI Gospel Best, but this one is going to be produced solely by Robyn,” she pointed out. Hinds said that she is planning to have put at least 10 songs on the album. “I will be experimenting with a lot of stuff. I like traditional gospel – it is my favourite – but there is going to be some adaptation. I love contemporary, and then there is going to be a lot of me experimenting with Meringue, Salsa and putting a different feel to it, singing gospel. I am trying to see if I can spread my wings a little more and bring a nice flavour to Gospel Music in this album,” she said.

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LOCAL NEWS

Helen Garlick’s deputy quits TCI case for high profile reality TV job in UK by Hayden Boyce

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Robert Rinder, one of the junior attorneys for Special Prosecutor Helen Garlick, has quit the corruption trial in the Turks and Caicos Islands, after landing a high-paying job as a judge in a reality television show similar to the hugely successful US programme Judge Judy. The openly gay Rinder, last year he married his long-term boyfriend Seth Cumming, a fellow barrister, in Ibiza, and the officiant at their wedding was actor Benedict Cumberbatch – who was ordained via the internet for the occasion. The SUN understands from sources in England that Rinder is being paid in excess of a million dollars for his new role in Judge Rinder. His shift from law to television has been seen by many as yet another example of British personnel using their experience in the Turks and Caicos Islands to enrich themselves. Lawyers from the Civil Recovery Unit have been criticised for promoting their work in the TCI while making paid presentations at international conferences. Former Governor Gordon Wetherell was also paid to speak in Bermuda recently about his experience in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Rinder, who has spent a considerable amount of time in the Turks and Caicos Islands, has worked closely behind Andrew Mitchell, QC, who is the lead prosecutor for the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) trials. Rinder was also the prosecutor in the case which the Integrity Commission brought against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams. According to the Daily Mail newspaper, one of the first episodes features a humdinger of a battle between a furious bride and the wedding photographer she thinks ruined her big day by turning up allegedly hungover (and, she fumes, taking pictures that would suggest he was still actually drunk). “It makes for classic eye-rolling viewing, but the real star of the show is

Attorney Robert Rinder lands Judge Judy UK role. the ‘judge’ whose job it is to decide the winner of endless disputes involving malfunctioning garden equipment, duff holidays and dodgy car salesmen,” the newspaper said. “From the off, it’s clear that Judge Rinder takes no prisoners. In his first encounter with the hapless bride, his irritation is obvious when he tells her she’s the sort of woman who, ‘If you’d been at the Last Supper, you’d have asked for ketchup.” The popular British newspaper said Judge Rinder is “witty, waspish, decidedly camp (a sort of cross between Paul O’Grady and Simon Cowell) and unashamedly theatrical, specialising in big sighs and despairing looks”. Asked if any ambitions to be a real-

AUTO ELECTRICIAN An experienced Auto Electrician is required for a company based in Providenciales. The successful candidate must have at least 10 years experience and must demonstrate experience and knowledge of having dealt independently with all matters relating to Auto Electrician. References will be required.

Remuneration based on experience.

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life judge not be adversely affected by him being a pretend one on TV, Rinder stated: “It’s very sweet of you to be worried about my career,’ he says, ‘but I’m not sure anyone who knows me well will be surprised to find me doing something like this, and obviously I’ve told all my clients. I thought about it carefully before I dipped my toe in the water of entertainment. As long as I’m not bringing the bar into disrepute – which I don’t think I am – then it seems I’m on safe ground.” He added: “I don’t think it’s just entertainment,’ he argues. ‘It’s entertaining, undoubtedly – these cases are fun and emotionally fraught – but it’s also authentic and enlightening.

All the judgments I make are based on legal principles – it’s not a beauty contest; it’s still about the law. If I’d thought it was just about showboating then I’d have run a mile. “The law is the law, whether you’re dealing with a multi-million pound fraud or a car deal where someone feels diddled because their exhaust falls off on the way home. I realise I’m known for doing big, very serious cases, but fundamentally any lawyer will tell you that even the most complex trials come down to the same questions. Are people telling porky pies? Are bank accounts dodgy? Is someone trying to get one over on you? It’s my job to listen and then decide.”

TURKS & CAICOS WATER COMPANY LTD.

LABOURER • Applicants must be physically capable of hard manual labour outside on a daily basis. • Previous experience is necessary. • Candidates must be drug free, have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and clean criminal record. • Position requires the successful applicant to be willing to work weekends and holidays when needed. • Must be able to speak, read and write in English and understand verbal and written instructions. Wages: $7.00 per hour

Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by August 25, 2014 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

AUGUST 16TH - AUGUST 23RD, 2014

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LOCAL NEWS

Mystery surrounding $23.8 million in government concessions by Hayden Boyce

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

The granting of concessions to developers in the Turks and Caicos Islands has been so poorly managed that serious concerns have been raised about the lack of investigation and post audits for concessions totalling $23.9 million. The latest Auditor General report revealed that there is no policing to ensure that developers are receiving exemptions for only item stipulated in the Development Orders and no assurance that importers are maintaining records of exempted items. It was also disclosed that no assurance that imported items that have been exempted are clearly marked and easily identifiable and that exempted items may have been disposed of within five years resulting in loss of revenue. Items may have been imported that was not approved, the report stated. A review was done of the concessions for 2012/2013 and during the review the following was noted: 1. Import duty concessions for 2012/2013 totalled $23.8 million and there were 3971 transactions. 2. 183 approval letters and nine development orders were submitted for review. a. Comparison between the approval letters and the list of exemptions for 2012 was difficult because of limited information contained on the letters of approval. b. Two out of 183 approval letters had value of the items being exempted. c. 29 approval letters were not signed. 3. All items exempted were retrieved to ascertain whether they were published in the Gazette before the goods were delivered. The review revealed that: a. Four letters of approval were provided for review. b. Three of the four concessions approved were published in the Gazette as required by Customs Ordinance Section 70 (3). c. None of the three published items contained the value of the goods

concerned and the amount of the exemption. d. One exemption was published in the Gazette but the approval letter was not provided for review. e. At least two approval letters were noted for the periods February and March 2013 but the CFO’s approval was not submitted for review. f. No control record is maintained by Customs Department and Ministry of Finance to ascertain the number of application submitted and the number approved for 2012/2013. 4. A request was made to the Collector of Customs for inspection and post audit reports for 2012/2013 to ascertain whether post audits and inspections were being carried out by Customs as required by Section 7 (C) of the Encouragement of Development Ordinance. In an email dated 30th January, 2014, the Collector of Customs explained that she was unable to provide the required information to assist with the audit. 5. For the period 28 th September, 2012 to 31st March 2013 the CFO approval was not submitted for concessions as required by PFMR Schedule B (6). 6. Request was made for information on items excepted that were disposed of within the five years of date of importation. No information was provided for review. 7. A sample of 1746 entries was examined and it was noted that 403 entries did not have approval letters attached to the electronic entry in ASYCUDA. Therefore the NAO was not able to ascertain whether the correct concession category and rates were applied as per the Customs Tariff 2012 and whether goods were reasonable and in keeping with the approval objectives. Cause: Non-compliance with Customs Ordinance, Encouragement of Development Ordinance and PFMR Schedule B.

Minister has discretion The Customs Ordinance Section 69

allow the Minister by order provide for the imposition of a tariff of import or export duties of customs upon goods which may be imported into or exported from the Islands or upon removal from bond, and without restricting the generality of the foregoing. This section is the basis of the 2010 Customs General Tariff Order which permits the Collector of Customs to approve exemptions for the purpose associated with Government Institutions and Personnel. The Customs Ordinance Section 70 allows the Minister to exempt in particular cases upon written application person or category of persons as he thinks fits subject to condition and restrictions as he see fit. The items exempted under Section 70 are required to be published in the Gazette before delivery unless the Collector of Customs for good cause approved the good to be delivered before being published in the Gazette. The following information should be published in the Gazette: 1. The name of the person or category of persons exempted; and 2. The value of the goods concerned and the amount of the duties of customs which would , but for exemption, have been payable in relation to those goods: The Encouragement of Development Ordinance Section 7. Every Developer who imports into these Islands any articles free of customs duty under the provisions of section 6 of this Ordinance shall – (a) keep a record in such form and containing such particulars as shall be specified by the Collector of Customs of the articles so imported; (b) cause such articles to be marked with a mark and in such manner as may be required by the Collector of Customs; and (c) permit the Collector of Customs or any person authorized by him at any reasonable time to inspect such record and to examine any such articles for the purpose of satisfying himself of the accuracy of the particulars in relation to such article contained in such record.

Real estate merger between Christies International and Horton Realty brings huge results Regency Christies International Real Estate has doubled in size and becomes the top listing broker in TCI for 2014 through a merger with Horton Realty. Principals Katherine Baryluk, Robert Greenwood and Walter Gardiner delighted with synergy, look forward to strong sales performance for clients. Regency Christie’s International Estates in Turks & Caicos Islands announced their merger with Horton Realty late last autumn to become the second largest real estate brokerage in the Turks & Caicos Islands. The merger makes great sense for these two companies who have worked together cohesively in the past, and by combining their property inventories, agents and wide range of talents the

firm now offers clients unparalleled customized services, with diverse and complimentary areas of expertise under one roof. During 2014, the amalgamated team at Regency Christies International Real estate has moved from strength to strength in high end property sales and listings throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands : - Top Listing Brokerage 2014 - $93 million worth of listings - Total sales 2014 to date $26 million - 2014 most significant sale @ $16.9 million - 2013 most significant sale @ $27 million Regency Christies International Real Estate offers a huge selection of

properties for sale and extends their expertise across all islands in Turks & Caicos, providing specialization in all aspects of real estate and development. The company directors are well established Top Producers showcasing integrity, discretion, and superb quality customer service, offering bespoke broker services to their discerning clients. Walter Gardiner has many years at the top of the commercial development real estate market focused on tourism, hotels, luxury resorts, and high end estate/villa properties. “Turks and Caicos Islands is my home, and welcome you to find your home here. It is especially appealing as an investment and commercial destination at this time, with excellent opportunities at levels”.

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.

Post Cabinet meeting statement

His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, chaired the 21st meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 13th August 2014 at the Office of the Premier, Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales. All Ministers were present except; Hon. Deputy Premier, Hon. Minister of Health and Hon. Minister of Government Support Services. At this meeting Cabinet: • Advised HE. the Governor to approve the Immigration Bill 2014. The Bill will proceed to the House of Assembly in due course; • Agreed the draft National Honours and Awards Regulations 2014. The draft regulations will be laid before the House of Assembly for approval; •Cabinet advised HE the Governor to maintain Daylight Savings Time as the standard time of the islands. The decision follows consultation with the public and key stakeholders in the aviation and tourism sectors, which revealed tremendous support for the proposal. This will mean that time in the Islands will not change on November 2, 2014 when the United States of America reverts to Eastern Standard time; Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.

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LOCAL NEWS

Pictures of the condition of the Department of Education in Grand Turk.

Hon. Delroy Williams condemns bad condition of Government buildings

Hon. Delroy Williams, the Shadow Minister of Government Support Services, said he is disappointed with the condition of Government buildings on a whole and the lack of attention that is being paid to them. This, he said, is obvious by the lack of funding allocated and approved in the recent Budget. “While we are hoping to see some level of repairs for the 14 Government Schools around the Islands, focus has also been turned to the state of the Department of Education in Grand Turk where the administrators of our Schools are to operate and where the Minister of Education and Deputy Premier ought to frequently visit,” Williams said in a press statement. He noted that recently, a disgusted Grand Turk resident highlighted the state of the Department of Education Building in Grand Turk by posting photos on a social media site and the state of this Building is sadly the norm for too many places where Civil Servants are expected to work at high levels of productivity. “The building is in a dangerous state and is in urgent need of repairs. Yet day after day, staff is expected to enter the Building and is expected to feel safe. I cry shame of this Government whose priorities are just not in favor of the safety and well - being of its people,” Williams added. “I am equally concerned at the state of affairs where Schools are expected to

The Shadow Minister of Government Support Services, Hon. Delroy Williams.

open on September 1, 2014 and there is no evidence to date of any repair works beginning. The Government boasts of $350,000 for repairs for all schools – a nominal unrealistic sum, but still a start and yet nothing is being done.” Williams said he is also concerned as to the readiness of the Schools for the new year.

WATERLOO HOTEL MANAGEMENT LTD. is inviting applications for the following position:

Fire, Life, and Safety Engineering Manager Reporting to the Senior Vice President, the applicant must possess the following: ◊ Engineering Degree (B.A) from four-year College or university. ◊ 5-10 years previous Engineering/Facilities Management Experience

◊ Must be able to read and interpret documents to include: blueprints/schematics, procedural manuals, budgets/financial statements. ◊ Ability to troubleshoot/repair and/or maintain: physical building including all FF&E, AC and refrigeration equipment, electrical systems, marina & mechanical equipment (motors, starters, pumps, fans, etc.), plumbing and drains, fire alarm and life safety equipment. ◊ Demonstrated analytical ability and financial acumen and reporting writing skills. ◊ Comprehensive knowledge of equipment and facility maintenance programs, procedures and safety principles and practices Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Please Submit Applications to:

cgibbons@wihl.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department. Submissions to be no later than August 22nd, 2014 Belongers need only apply.

how we can help in the process. During my visit to Oseta Jolly, I note with appreciation the ongoing works being carried out by Amanyara Resort,” he “The health, safety and well - being continued. of our students is of paramount “Government must show greater importance to us and one cannot concern for our children and the civil underestimate the importance as servants’ safety and well – being well of cosmetics which can motivate and once again we are calling on positive activate. My colleagues and I the Government to review all of its over the next few weeks will continue buildings and prioritize its funding to visit Government Schools and speak in favor of those that are in need of to the authorities in an effort to see urgent repair.”

Champion Auto Repair is seeking an

Automotive Technician Duties:

Perform car and light truck servicing, repairs, preventive maintenance as well as in-fleet services according to company policy and procedures

Requirements:

* Automotive Certification (ASE or Manufacture Prefered) * Comfortable with using both print and computerize labour guides and manuals * Knowledgeable with computerized diagnostic equipment * Three years Automotive Experience * Flexible to work on holidays and or extended hours

Hours:

Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Salary:

Depends on qualifications and experience

Please send resumes to service@championmotors.tc

AUGUST 16TH - AUGUST 23RD, 2014

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LOCAL NEWS

FortisTCI Invests $10M to meet future economic growth

A third Wartsila 20V32 generation unit has been placed on order by FortisTCI (the Company) to ensure the Company is prepared to meet future electricity demand in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). This is just one of the latest major capital projects FortisTCI is embarking upon, further solidifying the Company’s commitment to providing its customers with safe, reliable, least cost energy. The signing for the new 8.75 MW engine took place on June 10, 2014, and once installed will help to meet projected load growth, based on economic development data, through 2018. Installation and commissioning of the latest Wartsila is scheduled for completion by the end of September 2015. FortisTCI President and CEO, Eddinton Powell, said: “The load on the electricity system is determined by customers’ demand. A utility company must invest to efficiently meet the load demand at all times with the most appropriate technology. The new Wartsila engines are the most technologically advanced in the world.” Mr. Powell added: “The array of our investments, from generation and transmission & distribution (T&D) systems to customer service support and delivery infrastructure, demonstrates that we are

FortisTCI President and CEO, Eddinton Powell committed to ensuring that the Turks and Caicos Islands continue to have the best electricity system in the region.” Other investments by FortisTCI for generation also include alternative sources of energy. The Company believes that no new form of generation should increase the cost to customers or reduce the safety and reliability in service. While diesel continues to be the best generation option for a system our size, we continue to evaluate the applicability of other forms of energy options such

Government Support Services Ministerial delegation off to The Bahamas

Hon. George Lightbourne, Minister of Government Support Services, left the jurisdiction accompanied by the Director General of TCI as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Telecommunications Commission, Mr. John Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Williams, to attend the 30th Annual Trade and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and Exhibition Show being held 10th – 15th August renewable energy such as wind and 2014 in Nassau, Bahamas. solar. The Company maintains that The event is being hosted by CANTO; an all proper research locally must be organization that is recognized as the leading done before implementing any new trade association within the ICT sector for forms of generation. shaping information and communication in the The 35 kW solar pilot project Caribbean. The theme for this year’s conference is that was initiated at the Company’s ‘Strategic Allegiances for Sustainable Broadband headquarters on Providenciales in Development’ and Ministers of Telecom/ICT, early 2014 is fully operational and Operators, Regulators, Suppliers and other being monitored. Data from this industry professionals from around the world project will be assessed to determine are all expected to be in attendance. According economic viability and effectiveness to CANTO “It is the only event that brings all on a utility scale. A wind turbine pilot stakeholders together, under one roof, to discuss project is scheduled to begin in 2015 issues facing the region, showcase cutting edge for the purpose of gathering necessary technology products and services, educate data. Both projects will further assist delegates via knowledgeable presentations the country’s energy provider with and inspirational keynotes and offer dynamic determining the conditions in which networking services”. interconnection of Renewable Energy Minister Lightbourne accepted the invitation Systems to the electricity grid can and looks forward to engaging with key occur. stakeholders in the industry with the view of Investments have also recently finding ways to reduce the cost for the majority of been made in Salt Cay, where local proletariat. He also looks forward to finding a new multipurpose generation ways of accelerating the reach of broadband to our building is in the final stages of populace regardless of social strata or geographical completion. This new building will location. This conference also offers the Minister house two generating units, storage an opportunity to explore the possibility and space for tools and equipment, and feasibility of implementing ICTs in the educational proper employee working space for sector and in the mainstream society. personnel. This project will help to “Technology is no longer a luxury, but a ensure the customers of Salt Cay necessity; no longer an option but a must as it is continue to receive the same level of necessary for TCI to remain on the cutting edge of reliability in service available across technology” said the Minister. the islands.

TCI Financial Service Commission offers Credit Analysis training to TCI Financial Services Providers

The Turks and Caicos Financial Services Commission (TCIFSC) in partnership with Eastern Caribbean Institute of Banking and Financial Services will be hosting a Credit Analysis Workshop on August 20- 21st, 2014 at the Regent Palms in Providenciales. Banks lenders, Mutual Funds Companies as well as Commission staff from relevant departments will gather for two day training sessions. The interactive

sessions will seek to address pertinent issues surrounding effective credit analysis and underwriting practices for Mortgages lending and Contractor Loans. TCIFSC Managing director, Kevin Higgins, while stressing that the Commission was dedicated to continue providing a learning platform for TCI financial services providers, said: “This workshop is designed to provide credit officers with the rudiments of the theory and practices of

sound lending.” He added: “With the rise of delinquent loans, a workshop providing tools and approaches to address the principle issues of credit risk management and project financing is timely. The FSC welcomes the expertise of the Eastern Caribbean Institute of Banking and Financial Services in this field.” The training sessions will be facilitated by Patrick Thomas and Louis Parris from the Eastern Caribbean

Minimum 2 years sales experience Experience in jewelry sales Impeccable references and police clearance Impeccable English, other languages –advantage High level of customer service and customer attending skills Sales references-advantage JEWELER NEEDED WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS Minimum 5 years experience in setting and sizing gold, silver and gems Tel: 649-946-1083 Fax: 649-946-1988 E-mail: kwatts@shopdi.com

Institute of Banking and Financial Services. Both Instructors will conduct sessions related to their individual proficiency. Patrick Thomas has a significant expertise in commercial credit and corporate risk analysis while Louis Parris has specific experience in personal loans and held a major role in setting up and working with the first “Ready Credit” Center for personal lending in the Caribbean.

The sessions will cover a variety of topics such as: personal lending and various types of mortgages, lending guidelines, qualifying a borrower, equity as well as collateral. On day two of the workshop, participants will review commercial real estate lending, risk assessment, security, insurance, debt service and monitoring in depth. TCIFSC chairman Sir Errol Allen will address participants during the opening ceremony.

Minimum 5 years managing sales experience Experience in managing jewelry sales Impeccable references and police clearance Impeccable English, other languages –advantage High level of customer service and customer attending skills Sales references-advantage Strong Motivational Skills-Asset Tel: 649-946-1083 Fax: 649-946-1988 E-mail: seitan@almod.com

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 12

AUGUST 16TH - AUGUST 23RD, 2014

LOCAL NEWS

PDM Deputy Leader files motion in Parliament to regularise stateless children Deputy Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) Sean Astwood has filed a motion in the House of Assembly seeking to regularise a number of persons in the Turks and Caicos Islands who have been rendered stateless. Astwood, the MP for Five Cays, said there is an increasing and long term problem of children being born in the Turks and Caicos Islands to parents who are not

Turks and Caicos Islanders and those children who may have not been born in the Islands but have been here all of their lives. “While recognizing this as a problem our country has struggle to keep up with these occurrences and has no doubt failed to create a viable solution. “A number of these children have now passed through all levels of our education system and benefited tremendously

from our education and healthcare system, the latter, most time at the cost of tax payers,” Astwood said. “As the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to be affected by under-population and a growing pressure to increase our franchise or in more layman’s terms create more permanent residents and Turks and Caicos Islanders, we must seek sensible ways in which to fill our needs that will allow these children to

be fully assimilated with the results being a true benefit to our country,” he added. Astwood said the children “are here and they are not going anywhere”. On August 8th 2014 he submitted a Private Member’s Motion to the House of Assembly with the sole purpose of addressing this issue. “I hope that the discussion will ignite solutions. We must address these issues head on

Deputy Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement Sean Astwood. and once and for all seek to implement recommendations made since 2004 by the people of this country in this critical area,” Astwood said

Pine Cay project and DEMA’s junior park warden programme The Junior Park Warden (JPW) so as to provide more youth with an Summer Program officially launched in opportunity to attend. The theme, 2000, with the central theme of fostering “Reduce.Re-use.Recycle” uncovered the stewardship for the environment in the TCI’s limited natural resources which we share on our islands, and how we youth of TCI. Graciously sponsored by the Pine can consider the three ‘R’s’ in our everyCay Project, this year was no exception day lives to ensure a cleaner, greener as a total of nineteen participants were future for the TCI. In addition, each day introduced given an opportunity to explore and discover pressing environmental issues students to a variety of sub-themes, such as sustainable tourism, in The Turks and Caicos Islands. development, the This year saw a departure from the sustainable usual two week program, and instead DEMA’s roles and responsibilities, two, one-week programs were hosted National Park and Fishing laws and

regulations, and potential careers in Environmental Studies/Sciences and the Maritime Industry. Interested students (with strong swimming skills) even participated in a PADI Discover SCUBA Dive (DSD) course, graciously sponsored by Provo Turtle Divers! Participants enjoyed excursions to Provo’s Landfill and Recycling facilities, a visit to Lignum Vitae Farm where they witnessed Aquaponics (a combination of conventional aquaculture and hydroponics), and snorkeled, swam, and even went sailing! Big Blue Unlimited

also spoke to the participants about the effects of pollution on the underwater world. Ideally, students who graduate from the program will be advocates for the environment and will go on to become environmental leaders in the community, working with DEMA and other agencies to foster environmental sustainability in TCI. After participating in the JPW program, it is hoped that the participants will develop and display environmental stewardship and leadership.

ABRAHAM & GALLIS GRAND TURK LTD. and its affiliated chain of signature brand stores trading as Ron Jon Surf Shop, Pirana Joe, Del Sol, Silver Sun and Splash Down, at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, South Beach Grand Turk, is accepting applications along with CVs/ Resumes from interested and suitably qualified persons for the following positions:

LABOURER Requirements: • Handyman to assist with cleaning and maintenance • Ability to give general assistance to Sales Clerks on receiving and storage of merchandise • Proven and unblemished track record of employment • Positive and disciplined attitude and aptitude toward work in a customer service oriented business

ROYAL WEST INDIES RESORT, is looking for motivated proactive individuals to join its ‘Resort Team’ and contribute to this growing Condominium Resort. Candidates MUST want to actively participate in creating an excellent and professional guest experience.

• • • •

GENERAL MAINTENANCE HOUSEMAN GARDENER LABOURER

Requirements:

• Excellent communication, inter-personal and customer service skills

• MUST speak English and the ability to write and read English

• Trustworthy and reliable disposition

• Ability to maintain pools and hot tub chemicals and maintenance issues related to same

• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and public holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business.

• Fit and able for heavy lifting • Personality suited for the hotel industry

• Clean criminal record

• Must be customer friendly

• All candidates must be proficient in the English written and spoken word. Command of a second language will be a definite asset

• Willing to work split shifts, holidays and weekends.

Suitable candidates that do not meet the above requirements may, at the sole discretion of the Company’s management team, be eligible for consideration in circumstances where they demonstrate a clear willingness to embrace the Company’s in-house training initiatives and established standard operating policies and procedures. Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders. Written applications only and accompanying CVs/Resumes must be addressed to the Regional Manager at the following address: Via mail or delivery:

Abraham & Gallis Grand Turk Ltd. Ron Jon Surf Shop Grand Turk Cruise Center Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Is.

Via email to:

pedro@loscincosoles.com

• Knowledge of waste water treatment plants • Knowledge of Commercial Laundry Equipment including propane systems • Air Conditioning systems, Fire Alarm systems, Domestic Water systems including Water Heaters • Irrigation systems • Greet and escort guests to room • Monthly housekeeping inventory • Daily replenishment of room items and restocking of closets • Daily cleaning of buildings • Must be able to work on weekends and public holidays Wages $6.50/hour All resumes and applications must be forwarded to: Royal West Indies Resort P.O. Box 482, Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands You may also fax to: (649)946-5008

AUGUST 16TH - AUGUST 23RD, 2014

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 13

LOCAL NEWS

Takara Bain appointed public relations officer for two hospitals

InterHealth Canada (TCI) Limited has announced the appointment of broadcast journalist, Takara Bain, as its new Public Relations Officer in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In her new role, Bain will be responsible for internal and external communications, implementation of public relations activities, development of marketing materials for broadcast and print and serving as the media relations contact for the Cheshire Hall and Cockburn Town Medical Centres. Working from the Hospital, she will continue to build strong relationships and network with colleagues, clients and the media on a daily basis. Commenting on the appointment, Jill Magri, Chief Executive Officer for the Hospital,

stated: “Takara’s addition to our team is just one of the ways we plan to strengthen our position in the Turks and Caicos Islands community. “Doing so will involve both speaking and listening and releasing key messages to better inform the community about the work of the Hospital and the many actions we have already taken and those others which are being planned, to reinforce the sustainability of the Hospital as a valued provider of healthcare in the TCI. “I believe Miss Bain brings extensive experience and knowledge to her new position. he is well-qualified to represent the Hospital and the company as we work to meet the challenge of satisfying the Country’s increasing healthcare needs in

the 21st Century.” Prior to joining the InterHealth Canada and Hospital team, Takara served as a Broadcast Journalist and Television Anchorwoman at WIV Channel 4 News for four years. Additionally, she was previously Junior Manager at Parrot Cay Resort and Spa where she worked closely with Hotel Managers, taking on a wide range of responsibilities, covering everything from f front office and reservations to customer service. Bain has received a Baccalaureate Degree in Radio, Television and Internet Media from Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida and will be moving from North Caicos to InterHealth Canada (TCI) Limited’s new Public Relations Officer Takara Bain. Providenciales.

PROVIDENCIALES TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

SOMMELIER

Certified wine Sommelier with extensive knowledge of wines, beverage & bar, profound education of Old and New World wines. Able to pair wine with our degustation menus also explain characteristics of the wines. Knowledgeable to conduct wine workshops; to build entire wine list in line with our beverage purchasing as per budget, costing, pricing, promotion and marketing. Be in charge of all bins on wine list (ordering, receiving, storage to serving). Must be able maintain and ensure Aman service standards is render. Must be also to conduct wine training for entire F & B team in restaurant & bar, as well to maintain wine programs. Flexible & able to work required hours, team player, social, young, dedicated and passionate F&B professional (W/M). Professional appearance a must and able to communicate with our high end clientele, and willing to go the extra mile daily. Experience in similar position required, additional European Language besides English is an advantage Reports directly to F&B Manager.

ASST. VILLA F & B SUPERVISOR

Minimum 3 years experience as a F&B Supervisor in a 5-star/luxury resort. Must have good organizational and communication skills and be detail orientated. Friendly, outgoing, professional demeanor and immaculate presentation. Solid experience in managing and controlling inventories and good computer skills. Must have proven experience in training F & B service staff and organizing special events/functions. A hands-on leadership approach is required along with a sound knowledge of wines and spirits. This position requires working extended hours including all holiday periods.

PEST CONTROL SUPERVISOR

5 years engineering experience in facility maintenance and Resort experience, speaks, read, and writes English fluently. Demonstrate leadership quality, and project positive attitudes, also working long hours.

Supervises and participates in the work of a pest eradication and control crew. This position allocable to this class works under the general administrative supervision of the Chief Engineering Manager and is responsible for supervising subordinates who are responsible for the full range of inspection of Resort buildings. The immediate extermination of a variety of insects, rodents, vertebrate, or invertebrate pests. The incumbent is required to utilize demonstrated knowledge of the chemical and environmental principles of pesticide use and working knowledge of the principles of inspection, the methods, materials, and equipment utilized in the manufacture, distribution, and application of pesticides. Must have 3-5 years of experience working with a Pest Control Environment.

Minimum 3years experience as a Senior Supervisory level or higher in Engineering Dept.

LABOURER

ASST.VILLA TECHNICIAL SERVICE MANAGER

Post-Secondary technical education required in mechanical engineering. (Or equivalent training and experience)

Familiar with all aspects of property maintenance including: Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Painting, Carpentry, De-Stalinization Water Plants, Waste Water Treatment Plants, Power Generation, Pest Control.

VILLA HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR

Minimum 3 years experience as Senior Supervisor in the Housekeeping Department of a luxury resort. Must have good organizational and communication skills and detail orientated. Solid experience in managing and controlling inventories good computer skills. Friendly outgoing professional demeanor and immaculate presentation have proven experience in training housekeeping staff and a hands-on leadership approach.

Must be reliable, strong, able to help clean ponds and swimming pools, hard working and willing to work under the sun all day. Should be able to speak reasonable English. Previous experience beneficial.

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

At least five years experience in a Resort with knowledge of A/C and Refrigeration systems repair and maintenance, sound knowledge of Plumbing and electrical systems. Knowledge of Kitchen Equipment repairs, also Laundry Steam Boilers and Steam Systems. All positions require a flexible schedule (which may include holidays, weekends and evenings) and extended hours on occasion. Salaries based on experience and qualifications. **These positions will be available for the upcoming season which starts in November.

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FROM THE HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE WEDNESDAYS ONLY 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. E-mail amanyarahr@amanresorts.com

Page 14

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

AUGUST 16TH - AUGUST 23RD, 2014

LOCAL NEWS

All CARICOM Nationals have a right to admitted to Turks and Caicos Islands for at least six months by Hayden Boyce

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Every CARICOM national is entitled to be admitted to enter Turks and Caicos Islands and any other CARICOM country and for their passport to be stamped for six months, regardless of their intended length of visit. This is according to a ruling that was handed down by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) which also stated that such persons are also within their rights to extend the duration of their ticket within the six month period if they so desire. The CCJ ruling noted that there are two exceptions to this right, which permits a Member State to refuse entry or a six month stay. Those are: where the CARICOM national is undesirable, or to prevent the CARICOM national from becoming a charge on the public purse. However, the Court noted that immigration officials do not have wide discretion to apply these exceptions. “Member States must ensure that they adhere to Community law and standards in relation to the right of entry, even where their national laws may differ,” the CCJ stated, following the landmark case in which Jamaican Shanique Myrie successfully sued Barbados for deporting her. The Court has stated that to consider a CARICOM national “undesirable” he/ she must be a genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat affecting one of the fundamental interests of society, such as the protection of public morals,

BAREFOOT CABANA RESTAURENT & BAR

Is Seeking

ONE COOK

maintenance of public order and safety, protection of life and health. The Court also suggested that a reasonable test for assessing such a threat is that, as a starting point, it must be shown that the visitor poses a threat to engage in activity prohibited by national law, and that nationals who engage in such activity are also prosecuted or sanctioned. Regarding how will immigration officials determine whether a CARICOM national may become a charge on the public purse, the CCJ said a CARICOM Member State is entitled to assess on a strict, narrow, case by case basis whether a visiting CARICOM National may become a charge on public funds during his/her stay in the country. It was noted that an assessment of whether a CARICOM national is likely to become a charge on the public purse may consider whether the national appears to be in a position to support himself during his intended length of stay. The Court has indicated that in seeking to make such an assessment it is reasonable for authorities to assess whether the Community national has sufficient funds for the period the visitor intends to stay (as evidenced by his return ticket). The relevant factors may include cash, credit cards, access to funds, or being hosted in the receiving country. However, the Court has made it clear that it is not reasonable to require a visiting Community national to show sufficiency of funds for a period of six months if the national does not intend to stay that long.

DAVIS WALKIN Seeks one

HOUSEKEEPER/ MAID

“Immigration officials may therefore ask to see the return ticket, as evidence of the intended length of stay. If the national does not have a valid return ticket, the national may be given the opportunity to obtain one,” the court noted. However, it was noted that CARICOM Nationals who are granted a six months definite stay cannot automatically stay indefinitely, take up residence, work without permission, provide services or establish a business. A CARICOM National who wishes to stay beyond six months or conduct the above activities in another CARICOM country can only do so pursuant to the relevant Community regime, or national laws. In addition, a CARICOM National who wishes to change his/her status as a visitor during his stay, must apply to the appropriate authorities and provide the required documentation, as a CARICOM Skilled National or a service provider, or apply for a work permit or permission to reside. A Member State that receives such an application would do so in accordance with national law and Community law. It should be noted, however, that in the general application of the right of definite entry, that the purpose of the visit is irrelevant, once it is not unlawful. Where a CARICOM National is being refused entry into another CARICOM country, the Court has determined that the following procedures should be applied: • The State must promptly give written reasons for a decision to refuse entry.

• The State must inform the Community national of his or her right to challenge the decision. • The State must provide an effective and accessible appeal or review procedure with adequate safeguards to protect the rights of the person denied entry both administrative and judicial. • CARICOM nationals refused entry should have an opportunity to consult an attorney or a consular official of their country or to contact a family member.

VEHICLE FOR SALE

2006 Diahatsu Terios FOR SALE

Asking price is $7500 or next best offer. Contact 232-3227. Call 946-8542 to place your ad with us

LIGHT VEHICLE DRIVER

An experienced Driver of Light Vehicles is required for a business based in Providenciales. The successful candidate must have at least 5 years experience and must hold a valid driver’s license. References will be required. Remuneration based on experience. All applications must be submitted to: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Services Limited 007 Emily House, 1105 Leeward Highway, Providenciales Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-333-7777

6 days a week

TEL:331-1963 LYNDON GARDINER is seeking

ONE BUTLER Must be able to work weekends and holidays. Interested person should contact: (649)946-4181 Salary commensurate with experience.

Salary $5.50 per hour Contact 431-1778

Modern-Day Construction Seeks

1 Mason

$10.00 per hour

2 Carpenters $12.00 per hour 2 Helpers $7.00 per hour

To work 5 days per week Interested persons should contact 241-4108

FRESH CATCH SEEKS

ONE COOK

LOOKING FOR A SERIOUS GARDENER To work 7-11am daily

Salary $6.00 per hour

Interested person should email: freshcatchtci@gmail.com

WANTED MECHANIC To work in North Caicos Must be able to work on gasoline and diesel engine auto electrical AC and body work Salary negotiable

Salary $5.50 per hour Call 432-2390 Judith

Contact 246-1721 or 946-7358 Belongers need only apply

AUGUST 16TH - AUGUST 23RD, 2014

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 15

Fast Growing Business is looking to hire

Sales Clerks, Sales Associates & Sales Persons & Cashiers

Applicants must:

• Have at least 3 years’ experience or prior working knowledge of the • related department. • Must be a High School graduate and computer literate • Must be punctual and responsible able to work on your own initiative • Have a friendly temperament and be willing to go beyond the call of duty to make customers happy. • Be able to write and speak English fluently (bi or multilingual is a plus. • Be willing to work flexible hours. Salary $6.50 per hour.

CASHIER SUPERVISOR

Applicants must:

• Have at least 3-5 years’ experience or prior working knowledge and xperience in the related field. • Must be a High School graduate and computer literate and possess strong leadership skills. • Must be punctual and responsible able to supervise, motivate and train a team of 5 or more cashiers. • Be able to write and speak English fluently (bi or multilingual is a plus.) • Be willing to work flexible hours. Salary $8.00 per hour.

MECHANIC

Applicants must:

• Have at least 5 years’ experience mechanic experience in heavy equipment and trucks 2 tons or more and all other automotive. • Must possess a class B-H Turks and Caicos Islands Driver’s License • Be able to write and speak English fluently (Bi-multilingual is a plus). • Be willing to work flexible hours. • Must be punctual and responsible able to work on own initiative. • Be willing to work as a team member Salary $9:00 per hour

THE HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT Building Materials, Ltd. / Do it center 1213 Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Tel Number: (649) 946-4131; Fax Number: (649) 941-3513 Hand Deliver or Email: hr@doitcenterprovo.com

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

GOLF PROFESSIONAL JOB SUMMARY • Provide competent golf instruction to members and guests. • Run Golf Clinics for larger groups needing instruction. • Assist with organizing charity golf events at PGC. • Fully co-ordinate group events from start to finish. • Assist in tournament sales and set up. • Assist in budgeting and forecasting. • Assist in a variety of other Professional Golf duties at PGC.

REQUIREMENTS • Must have membership in PGA of America or Canada. • Strong computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher. • Minimum (2) years or more experience as a Golf Professional. • Proven organizational skills. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, training and education. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by August 31, 2014 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Only persons selected for an interview will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

The Alexandra Resort & Spa is inviting applications for the position of:

RESERVATIONS AGENT To be responsible for accurately processing room reservations ensuring optimal occupancy; preparing and distributing hotel statistics on a daily and monthly basis and provide relief for front office staff as needed. This position requires a minimum of two years’ experience in Front Office/reservations with excellent oral and written communications skills as well as a pleasant and professional attitude; must be computer literate, knowledge of Visual One would be considered a plus. Previous experience in this area is a must. Salary for this position will commensurate with experience Please Submit Resumes to:

cgibbons@wihl.com

A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department. Submissions to be no later than August 22nd, 2014 Belongers and Permanent Residents of the TCI need only apply.

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Page 16

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

AUGUST 16TH - AUGUST 23RD, 2014

LOCAL NEWS

Some of the travel agents who came to the Turks and Caicos Islands last year.

Beaches to host over 5900 travel agents Come fall, travel agents from 20 has proven profitable for both the chocolate and martini buffet, Wet major cities in the Unites States and resort and the Turk & Caicos Islands. Fete festivities at Pirate Islands, and Canada will get to experience the Departure Lounge Manager Michelle a fun night of dancing at the Liquids Turks & Caicos Islands for themselves, Parker has seen these Mega Fam trips Night Club. Managing Director Donald all thanks to a unique partnership come and go since the first arrival, between Beaches Resorts Villages and she and her team have been faithfully Daganias, also commented on the Spa and its Miami based marketing working with local Taxi drivers to upcoming travel agent mania, “This ensure that they leave a lasting a great marketing strategy and it arm, Unique Vacations Inc. is what we doing here at Beaches The Travel Agent familiarization impression on the agents. “As evidenced throughout the Resort during the slow season to keep tour, cleverly dubbed “Mega Fam” will welcome thousands of top-producing islands, everyone is on a stand-still our occupancy up while showcasing wholesalers and tour operators. “We mode with the slow season, the income the islands and maintaining steady are delighted to announce that we revenue for our taxi drivers, our local revenue for both our employees and were able to secure 20 Mega Fam musicians and even our porters at the our local partners.” He said, “We have had a great tours for the Turks & Caicos this fall,” international airport are down and said Resort Sales Manager Tanya our goal is to use Mega Fam to keep working relationship with the major Swann, “This year’s event will bring a steady income for local partners.” North American travel agents who have been actively promoting this over 5,984 top selling wholesalers to Parker said. Agents are also taken on a Resort destination. The Mega Fam experience our shores to not only showcase our resort but also our beautiful by nature Tour visiting various room categories will give us the opportunity to make Turks& Caicos as a premiere tourist of each village and also experience a an impression while giving our agents ‘dine-around’ experience at specialty hands on experience of our products destination.” and services.” The annual tour has already restaurants. The Mega Fam experience included Other entertainment includes a experienced a whopping success and

a two day familiarization process which commenced with a welcome check-in session with local band Corey & the Boys, followed by a Sesame Street Parade with Kitch Penn’s We’funk Junkanoo band. “While in Turks & Caicos Travel Agents will get to experience our award winning Grace Bay Beach as well as all the amenities and services we offer here at the resort.” Tanya Swann added. Travel agents will also have the opportunity to earn or renew their Certified Sandals Specialist (CSS) certification while on the FAM trip, during a four-hour training course that equips participants with helpful tools to grow their business. Travel agents are flown from their home based hub to Turks & Caicos via North American Airlines, a Boeing 757 chartered by Sandals and Beaches Resorts International.

WIV’S half price promotion extended WIV has extended its just US$19.99 – reduced from offer of up to 50% off for new $39.99 and a combo package customers when they sign of basic TV and 8Mb home up for TCI’s fastest home broadband for only US$79.99 – broadband internet and reduced from US$129.98. WIV Marketing Manager, best quality digital cable TV Andrew Williams, said; “Due services. Customers can still take to the positive response we from customers advantage of the promotion received which includes a home when we first introduced the broadband package at 8Mb for promotion, we have decided just US$59.99 – reduced from to extend it because we want $89.99, a basic TV package for customers to be able to access

the internet with the fastest home broadband service as well as enjoy their favourite programmes in the comfort of their home with our cable TV packages. With our 8Mb or 16Mb plans, customers can choose the speed which fits their lifestyle and meets their needs. Additionally, our home broadband service does not require a phone line for installation which makes

it easier for customers to get the fastest home broadband and best digital cable TV started. “Our Digital cable TV packages and was acquired by package is a must have for Digicel Turks and Caicos in those who want to keep up April 2014. The company is currently with their favourite shows and watch the latest movies as we undergoing numerous offer hundreds of channels upgrades to its broadband and and thousands of programmes digital cable TV infrastructure, to choose from using our which will see greater choice, interactive on-screen guide.” quality and value in broadband WIV currently provides the and cable TV services for Turks and Caicos Islands with customers across TCI.

AUGUST 16TH - AUGUST 23RD, 2014

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 17

LOCAL NEWS

PassPassrate improves rate improves for CSEC 2014 for CSEC 2014

The Ministry of Education, Youth Sports and Library Services says the pass rate for the May/June 2014 CSEC examinations has shown improvement. For this year, a total of 2030 candidates were entered, of which comprised 767 males and 1263 females. Out of that total, 1775 (639 males & 1136 females) sat exams in various disciplines such as Mathematics, EnglishA&B, Sciences, Food and Home Management, Technical Courses, as well as the Arts, Modern Languages, Business, and Information Technology. Based on the data, 1356 or 76.39% of the candidates obtained Grades I-III. The national pass rate of 76.39 represents an increase of 3.81 percentage points, when compared to 2013 pass rate of 72.58. The following overall passing grades were obtained as a percentage of the number of persons who sat the examinations: Grade I=15.21% Grade II=30.54% Grade III=30.65%. A further break down of the key subjects is as followed: Mathematics General Proficiency: Of the 212 candidates, 116 or 54.72% obtained passing grades of I-III. Of this figure, 6.6% obtained Grade I, 18.87% Grade II and 29.25% Grade III. When compared to 2013 pass rate of 31.54, this year represents a tremendous increase of 23.18 percent. English A General Proficiency: Of the 291 candidates, 196 or 67.35% obtained passing grades of I-III. Of this figure, 12.37% obtained Grade I, 23.02% Grade II, and 31.96% Grade III. When compared to 2013 pass rate of 67.21%, there was an increase of 0.14 percent, which in essence remained flat. Table 1 (at right), provides a breakdown of the other subjects.

Subjects (General Proficiency) Chemistry Biology Human & Social Biology Caribbean History Clothing & Textiles Economics English B Food and Nutrition French Geography Home Economic Management Information Technology Integrated Science Music Office Administration Physics Principles of Accounts Principles of Business Religious Education Social Studies Spanish Technical Drawing Visual Arts EDPM Physical Education Building Technology (Construction): TVET Building Tech (Woods)TVET Electrical and Electronics TVET

No. of Students obtaining Grades IIII 28 44 53 21 24 2 47 79 7 16 59 90 73 9 44 31 29 62 19 82 32 38 27 51 24

% Passes 73.68 80 66.25 56.75 80 100 75.80 97.53 70 59.25 96.72 89.1 93.58 100 91.66 83.78 76.31 95.38 95 59.42 71.11 86.36 100 91.07 100

92.30

32 9

96.96 69.23

It is important to highlight noteworthy performances in subjects such as Integrated Science, Food and Nutrition, Principle of Business, Building Technology, Technical Drawing, Physical Education, and Integrated Science all with a pass rate of over 90%. Of note also are the high pass rates in the pure Sciences, Chemistry, Biology and Physics with pass rates of over 70%.

Measures in place to deal with Ebola threat

The Turks and Caicos Islands is putting in place measures in order to respond to this potential threat of Ebola, although health experts said the risk of becoming infected with the deadly virus in the Caribbean remains low. According to a Government press release, standard precautionary measures are in place including isolation facilities, protective equipment and procedures for handling patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bodily fluids. Information has been shared with local health professionals so that they are able to recognize a patient presenting with symptoms of the Ebola Virus Disease, a travel history to an affected area and also timely alert and report to the national surveillance authorities, the release said. On August 6-7th 2014, the Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) convened a meeting regarding the Ebola virus

disease (EVD) outbreak in West and Central Africa. As a result of this meeting, the Ebola virus disease has been deemed a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The Government statement noted that this is cause for concern for every country in the world including the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Ministry of Health has already met with its Regional partner, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in order to assess the level of risk to the TCI. CARPHA has advised that there have been no confirmed cases of Ebola in the Caribbean, and overall, the risk of becoming infected with the Ebola virus in this Region remains low. The Ministry of Health and Human Services said it is liaising with regional and international partners on a regular basis to receive updates about the number of cases detected and recommendations

for travel and response. Although travel to the affected region is not restricted, the Ministry strongly discourages non-essential travel at this time because of the extent of the current virus outbreak. In addition, we would like to advise all persons with a history of recent travel to affected countries be aware of the symptoms and signs of Ebola and report to their healthcare providers early if they develop symptoms within three weeks of traveling. Ebola virus is a viral hemorrhagic fever. It is a severe and often fatal disease. The virus originated in the Central Africa rainforest and is thought to have spread to humans by handling or butchering of infected animals such as monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees, forest antelopes, porcupines or bats. A recent outbreak of EVD started in March 2014 and

originated in Guinea. Since this outbreak, the disease has spread to neighboring countries. As of August 6th, 2014, the total number of cases that have occurred as a result of the EVD in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone stands at 1,779, including 961 deaths. This shows a death rate of 53%. According to WHO, Ebola outbreaks can have a death rate as high as 90% An infected person will typically develop symptoms such as fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, sore throat, and intense muscle weakness. These symptoms start suddenly; 2 to 21 days after becoming infected, but onset of symptoms are more common 8 to 10 days after exposure. Additional symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, rash, chest and abdominal pain, severe weight loss and impaired kidney and liver function. The infected person may bleed internally, and from all orifices of the body

i.e. ears, eyes and mouth. Transmission requires direct contact with blood, mucous and other body fluids or secretions such as stool, urine, saliva and semen, of infected living or dead persons or animals. The Ebola virus can survive for several days outside the body, including on the skin of an infected person. A person is infectious as long as their blood and secretions contain the virus. Ebola virus is not spread through food or water. Anyone who has close contact with or handles bodily fluids from an infected person is at greater risk of becoming infected; this includes hospital workers, laboratory workers and family members caring for patients. Currently there are no vaccines or specific treatment or cure for Ebola virus disease. Patients need to be treated in intensive care with strict isolation to prevent spread of the infection.

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NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands. 1. Parcel 10401/382 East Suburbs, Grand Turk. Single storey with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining room and laundry room on approx. 0.36 acre. Registered Proprietor: Shirlene Smith 2. Parcel 61113/57 Long Bay Hills, Providenciales. Three story with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, dining room and laundry room on the main floor. Second level with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen and living room. Third level has one bedroom, one bathroom and a kitchen on approx. 0.49 acre. Registered Proprietor: Shunaven Selver 3. Parcel 60400/101 Chalksound, Providenciales. Single storey with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living /dining room and laundry room on approx. 0.63 acre. Registered Proprietor: Delthia Felicia Francene Russell 4. Parcel 60811/17 The Bight and Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales. Single storey with two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen and living/dining room on approx. 0.28 acre. Registered Proprietor: Kirkley George Rigby 5. Parcel 60807/170 & 171 The Bight and Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales. Single storey with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining room and laundry room on approx. 0.26 acre. Registered Proprietor: Thoshena Terrell Adderley 6. Parcel 50500/255 Whitby Cove, North Caicos. Unfinished single storey with four one-bedroom apartments with bathroom, kitchen and living/dining room on approx. 0.27 acre. Registered Proprietor: Paul Anthony Gardiner 7. Parcel 60003/34 North West and North Central, Providenciales. Phase one of the Priton Homes: two bedrooms, one bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, living/dining area on 0.25 acre. Registered Proprietors: Leighton Cailo Green and Vanessa Pauline Green 8. Parcel 60807/172 & 173 The Bight and Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales. Two storey apartment building, main level with two one- bedroom apartments with kitchen and living room and second level with one twobedroom, two bathroom, kitchen and living room on approx. 1.00 acre. Registered Proprietors: Jacqueline Edna Brown and Latasha Makalia Delancy 9. Parcel 60900/187 Leeward Going Through, Providenciales. Single storey with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen and living/dining room and two one- bedroom guesthouses with bathroom, kitchen and living/dining room on 0.65 acre. Registered Proprietor: Jacqueline Edna Brown The auction will be held at the offices of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 10 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock in the morning on Friday the 29th day of August 2014. A reserve price will be fixed on all parcels. A deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.

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POSITION OF JUDGE CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (the Commission) is inviting applications for appointment as a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Qualifications

A person shall not be qualified to be appointed to hold the office of Judge of the Court unless that person satisfies the following criteria: (a) Is or has been engaged for a period or periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than five years, a Judge of a court of unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in the territory of a Contracting Party or in some part of the Commonwealth, or in a State exercising civil law jurisprudence common to Contracting Parties, or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court and who, in the opinion of the Commission, has distinguished himself or herself in that office; or (b) Is or has been engaged in the practice or teaching of law for a period or periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than fifteen years in a Member State of the Caribbean Community or in a Contracting Party in some part of the Commonwealth, or in a State exercising civil law jurisprudence common to Contracting parties, and has distinguished himself or herself in the legal profession. In making appointments to the office of Judge, the Commission is required to have regard to the following criteria: high moral character, intellectual and analytical ability, sound judgment, integrity and an understanding of people and society. It should be noted that the normal age of retirement for CCJ Judges is 72. Applicants who have been short-listed may be required to attend an interview in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. Jurisdiction of the CCJ The CCJ exercises two types of jurisdictions: (i) a general appellate jurisdiction in civil, constitutional and criminal matters from those Member States of CARICOM which adopt the CCJ as their final court of appeal (at present Barbados, Guyana and Belize); and (ii) a compulsory and exclusive original jurisdiction to interpret and apply the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas for all the Member States of CARICOM.

Headquarters of the Court

The Seat of the Court is located in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago but there is provision for the Court to be itinerant and hear cases in any Contracting Party.

How to Apply

Application forms and guidance notes are available on the Courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website www. caribbeancourtofjustice.org and from The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission at 134 Henry Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies. Application forms with supporting documents must be submitted to rjlscommission@gmail.com. Closing Date for Applications Applications must be received on or before 4:00 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time (Trinidad & Tobago) on Monday 15th September 2014. Other information about the CCJ Information concerning the Treaty establishing the CCJ and the Commission, the Terms and Conditions of Judicial Officers, the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and other matters is available on the Courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website.

The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission: Constituted under the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Smart Investments... - New Wartsila Engine

Signing contract for third Wartsila engine.

Solar Panel Pilot Project.

Signing of Salt Cay Project.

Salt Cay Project.

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TRIBUTE

Robin Williams’ death highlights rising risk of suicide

The death of actor Robin Williams has highlighted the rising rate of suicide among middle-aged men, the most successful of whom are in no way immune to depression. Williams had spoken candidly about his battle with depression and addiction over his four-decade career. He apparently committed suicide by hanging himself Monday, according to the Marin County Sheriff’s Office. He was 63. Nearly 40,000 Americans commit suicide each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rate among middle age Americans rose 28 percent between 1999 and 2010, landing suicide in the country’s top 10 leading causes of death. The risk of suicide is highest among white people, according to

the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the overall suicide rate is about four times higher among men than among women. About 90 percent of people who commit suicide are suffering from some kind of mental illness like depression, said Dana Alonzo, director of the suicide prevention research program at the Columbia School of Social Work. But not all of them know it. “The vast majority don’t know they have depression – men in particular,” said Dr. Joseph Calabrese, who directs UH Case Medical Center’s mood disorders program. “And then when they are told that they have a depression, they are reluctant to accept it due to stigma.” But depression and mental illness are no different than diabetes or heart disease, according to Calabrese,

as there are clear cut symptoms and treatments. To be diagnosed with depression, a person has to feel deep sadness “most of the day, nearly every day,” he said. They are also unable to enjoy life and aren’t motivated to do things they normally enjoy. Though depressed people may have suicidal thoughts, it usually takes drugs and alcohol to prompt those people to act on them, Calabrese said. Calabrese said to watch out for three emotions in depressed individuals who may be having suicidal thoughts: helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness. “If somebody is feeling hopeless about the future, they’re at very high risk,” Calabrese said. Alonzo said not to be afraid to talk to someone who may be suicidal. “I think one of the most common

myths about suicide is …that the worst thing you can do is ask someone about suicide because it will give them the idea,” said Alonzo. “It’s one of the most helpful things you can do.” Asking someone whether they’re thinking about suicide lets them know you care and won’t judge them, she said. Mayo Clinic suggests using a sensitive tone and asking questions about what’s going on in the person’s life and how they’re coping. But it’s important to know that if your loved one does commit suicide, it’s not your fault, Alonzo added. “I think that that’s actually an overlooked group,” she said of people who have lost loved ones to suicide. “They tend to experience more selfdirected anger and shame for missing the signs that this was going to happen.”

Robin Williams had Parkinson’s disease, wife says Robin Williams was quietly struggling with the early stages of Parkinson’s disease at the time of his death, according to his wife Susan Schneider. “Robin’s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly,” she revealed on Thursday after reports circulated that the recovered alcoholic and drug addict may have fallen off the wagon. “It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid,” she wrote in a statement. Actor Michael J. Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the early 1990s and went public with it in 1998, tweeted late Thursday “Stunned to learn Robin had PD. Pretty sure his support for our Fdn predated his diagnosis. A true friend; I wish him peace.” Williams was last seen alive at home by his wife at about 10 p.m. Sunday. An emergency call from his house in the San Francisco, Calif. area was placed to the Sheriff’s Department shortly before noon Monday. The Marin County coroner revealed on Tuesday that Williams committed suicide by hanging himself with a belt. He also had cuts on his wrist at the time of his death. A representative for Williams said in a statement the 63-year-old actor had been battling “severe depression of late.” Last month, the star of “Mork and Mindy,” ‘’Good Will Hunting” and “Good Morning, Vietnam” said he was re-entering a 12-step program after months of nonstop work. His rep said the visit was meant to “fine tune” his sobriety, and it would have gone unnoticed had Williams’ not posed for a photo with a fan at a Dairy Queen near the facility. The Oscar-winning actor had a successful career as a stand-up comedian and made generations laugh with classic comedies like “Mrs. Doubtfire.” He was also known for his tear-jerker roles in hits such as “Dead Poets Society.” Williams is survived by his wife and his three children: daughter Zelda, 25; and sons Zachary, 31, and Cody, 22.

A glimpse Robin Williams

Robin McLaurin Williams was born on July 21, 1951. He marked his acting debut on television with The Richard Pryor Show on NBC in 1977, but the show didn’t last for long. But the comedian went on to star in television show ‘Mork and Mindy’ which aired from 1978-1982. He played an alien named Mork in the TV series which eventually turned out to be the foundation stone of an outstanding TV and feature film career. Throughout his career spanning 37 years, he was featured in few of the most iconic films of Hollywood including ‘The World According to Garp’ (1982), ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ (1987), ‘Dead Poets Society’ (1989), ‘Awakenings’ (1990), ‘The Fisher King’ (1991), and ‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997), as well as financial successes such as ‘Popeye’ (1980), ‘Hook’ (1991), ‘Aladdin’ (1992), ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ (1993), ‘Jumanji’ (1995), ‘The Birdcage’ (1996), ‘Night at the Museum’ (2006), and ‘Happy Feet’ (2006). He was nominated for the Academy Award of Best Actor thrice but he won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his outstanding performance in ‘Good Will Hunting’. He also received two Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and five Grammy Awards.

An Amazing Filmography Williams marked his film acting debut in 1977 with comedy flick ’Can I Do It ‘Till I Need Glasses?’. Later his critically acclaimed performance in ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ (1987)

also earned him an Academy Award nomination. He lent his voice to the character of Genie in the animated film Aladdin (1992) which turned out to be a revolution in the industry as after that the producers came to know the importance of star power in voice actor casting. Later, he went on lending his voice in Fern Gully, as the holographic Dr. Know in the 2001 film ‘A.I. Artificial Intelligence’, in the 2005 animated film ‘Robots’, the 2006 Academy Award-winning ‘Happy Feet’, and an uncredited vocal performance in the film ‘Everyone’s Hero’.

Stand-up Career Although, Williams’ career was mostly lasted on the big screen but his versatility wasn’t limited to that as he did a number of stand-up comedy tours, beginning in the early 1970s which helped him in garnering immense love from all across the world. Some of his tours include ‘An Evening With Robin Williams’ (1982), ‘Robin Williams: At The Met’ (1986), and ‘Robin Williams LIVE on Broadway’ (2002). His lastly mentioned show broke many long-held records for a comedy show. At many times, the tickets were sold out within 30 minutes of going on sale. After taking a long gap of 6 years, Williams, in August 2008, announced a new 26-city tour titled “Weapons of Self-Destruction”. He said that this was his last chance to make cracks at the expense of the current Bush Administration, but by the time the show was staged, only a few minutes

covered that subject. The tour started at the end of September 2009 and concluded in New York on December 3, and was the subject of an HBO special on December 8, 2009.

Marriages and Children Robin Williams first got hitched on June 4, 1978, with Valerie Velardi. Their son Zachary Pym “Zak” Williams was born on April 11, 1983. During Williams’s first marriage, he was involved in an extramarital relationship with Michelle Tish Carter, a cocktail waitress whom he met in 1984. She sued him in 1986, claiming that he did not tell her he was infected with the herpes simplex virus before he embarked on a sexual relationship with her in the mid-1980s, during which, she said, he transmitted the virus to her. The case was settled out of court. Williams and Velardi divorced in 1988.On April 30, 1989, he married Marsha Garces, a Filipino American and Zachary’s nanny, who was several months pregnant with his child. They had two children, Zelda Rae Williams (born July 31, 1989) and Cody Alan Williams (born November 25, 1991). In March 2008, Garces filed for divorce from Williams, citing irreconcilable differences. Williams married his third wife, graphic designer Susan Schneider, on October 23, 2011, in St. Helena, California. Their residence was Williams’ house in Sea Cliff, a neighborhood in San Francisco, California.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Aisha Dee

Sarah Hyland

Demi Lovato

Ciara Bravo

Hilary Duff

Chloe Grace Moretz

Selena Gomez

Derek Theler

Cher Lloyd

Ariana Grande

Asia Monet Ray

Bella T

Teen Choice A honours “The in Our Sta Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort of “The Fault in Our Stars” rode a victorious wave at the Teen Choice Awards. The actors were honored with several prizes at Sunday’s fan-favorite extravaganza, including choice drama movie actor and breakout movie star for Elgort and choice drama and action movie actress for “Divergent” star Woodley. The pair was also awarded the surfboardshaped trophy for choice movie lip-lock for their “Fault in Our Stars” smooch. “I don’t surf or anything, so I guess I’m gonna put this on my wall,” said Elgort of the unique prize. Demi Lovato kicked off the Teen Choice Awards with a performance and a win. After belting out her tune “Really Don’t Care,” the singer-actress surfed away with awards for choice summer song and choice female summer music star. Lovato used her acceptance speech to pump up the crowd of mostly roaring teenagers. “I want you guys to know that instead of just getting up here and saying a speech, every single one of you deserves

Lea Michele looked stunning as she scooped up Choice TV Actress Comedy at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

Kim Kardashian

to have a happy and incredible life, so be the best you can be in everything because your dreams can come true if you work hard for them,” beamed Lovato. Teen Choice Awards co-hosts Tyler Posey of “Teen Wolf” and Sarah Hyland of “Modern Family” said 165 million votes were cast online for the 16th annual awards, which honor movies, television, music, comedy, sports, fashion and Web stars in such silly categories as choice hottie, smile and villain, which went to “The Hunger Games” heavy Donald Sutherland. “You named me the most villainous?” asked Sutherland, who showed up to the casual ceremony in a tuxedo. “My wife -- I have been married for 42 years -- my wife asked me to tell you that she agreed with you.” Other winners on hand to claim their trophies included “Pretty Little Liars” star Lucy Hale as choice drama TV show actress, “The Hunger Games” co-star Josh Hutcherson as choice sci-fi/fantasy movie actor and Bethany Mota and Tyler Oakley as choice female and male Web

Kendall Jenner

AICOS SUN

Thorne

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Debby Ryan

Willow Shields

Ian Somerhalder

Hailey Reese

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Hailee Steinfeld

Awards e Fault ars” stars. “You’re all amazing,” said Mota, echoing the motivational acceptance speeches from this year’s batch of winners. “You all have the potential to be what you wanna be.” A recent water main break flooded the Teen Choice Awards’ original venue at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion. The show was hastily moved across town to the Shrine Auditorium adjacent to the University of Southern California campus. Zendaya, Ariana Grande and Kevin Hart were among the other stars who showed up to accept awards at the boisterous ceremony, which featured performances from the groups Magic and Rixton. “I wish there was a TelePrompTer for these (acceptance) speeches,” said “The Giver” actress Odeya Rush, who won the breakout star award. Jason Derulo closed out the show with a performance of his song “Talk Dirty,” which featured the choice male summer music star winner dancing on top of a police car on stage. Shailene Woodley

Tahj Mowry

Kylie Jenner

Cat Deeley

Taylor Swift

Mary Murphy

Pop duo Alex & Sierra, who won the third season of The X Factor USA.

THE WINNERS MUSIC Choice Song Of The Summer Really Don’t Care, Demi Lovato feat Cher Lloyd Choice Break-Up Song Story of My Life, One Direction Choice Male Artist Ed Sheeran Choice Female Artist Ariana Grande Choice Female Country Artist Taylor Swift Choice Male Country Artist Hunter Hayes Choice Country Group Lady Antebellum Choice Country Song This is How We Roll, Florida Georgia Line feat Luke Bryan Choice Music Group One Direction Choice Single Male Artist Sing, Ed Sheeran Choice Single Female Artist Problem, Ariana Grande feat Iggy Azalea Choice Single Group Story of My Life, One Direction Choice Love Song You & I, One Direction Choice Music: Breakout Group 5 Seconds Of Summer Choice Summer Music Star: Male Jason Derulo Choice Summer Music Star: Female Demi Lovato Choice Summer Music Star: Group 5 Seconds Of Summer Choice Summer Tour One Direction, Where We Are Tour Choice Electronic Dance Music

(EDM) Artist Calvin Harris Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Artist Iggy Azalea Choice Rock Group Imagine Dragons Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Song Fancy, Iggy Azalea feat Charli XCX Choice Rock Song Pompeii, Bastille Choice EDM Song Wake Me Up, Avicii Choice Music Breakout Artist Austin Mahone TELEVISION Choice TV Show: Drama Pretty Little Liars Choice TV Actor: Drama Ian Harding, “Pretty Little Liars Choice TV Actress: Drama Lucy Hale, Pretty Little Liars Choice TV Show: Comedy The Big Bang Theory Choice TV Actor: Comedy Ross Lynch, Austin & Ally Choice TV Actress: Comedy Lea Michele, Glee Choice TV Show: Fantasy/Sci-Fi The Vampire Diaries Choice TV Actor: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Ian Somerhalder, The Vampire Diaries Choice TV Actress: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Nina Dobrev, The Vampire Diaries Choice Reality Show Keeping Up With The Kardashians Choice Summer TV Show Wipeout Choice Summer TV Star: Male Tyler Blackburn, Pretty Little Liars Choice Summer TV Star: Female

Ashley Benson, “Pretty Little Liars Choice TV Male Breakout Star Brett Dalton, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Choice TV Female Breakout Star Sasha Pieterse, Pretty Little Liars Choice TV Breakout Show Faking It Choice TV Animated Show The Simpsons Choice TV Reality Competition Show The Voice Choice TV Villain Dylan O’Brien, Teen Wolf Choice TV Reality Personality: Male Adam Levine, The Voice Choice TV Reality Personality: Female Shakira, The Voice Choice TV Male Scene Stealer Tyler Hoechlin, Teen Wolf Choice TV Female Scene Stealer Candice Accola, The Vampire Diaries MOVIE Choice Movie: Drama Fault In Our Stars Choice Movie Actor: Drama Ansel Elgort, Fault In Our Stars Choice Movie Actress: Drama Shailene Woodley, The Fault In Our Stars Choice Movie: Action/Adventure Divergent Choice Movie Actor: Action/Adventure Theo James, Divergent Choice Movie Actress: Action/Adventure Shailene Woodley, Divergent Choice Movie: Sci-Fi/Fantasy The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Choice Movie Actor: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Josh Hutcherson, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Choice Movie Actress: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Jennifer Lawrence, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and X-Men: Days Of Future Past Choice Movie: Comedy The Other Woman Choice Movie Actor: Comedy Kevin Hart, Ride Along Choice Movie Actress: Comedy Emma Roberts, We’re the Millers Choice Summer Movie 22 Jump Street Choice Summer Movie Star Channing Tatum, 22 Jump Street Choice Movie Breakout Star Ansel Elgort, Divergent and The Fault In Our Stars Choice Movie Chemistry Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff and Shailene Woodley, The Fault In Our Stars Choice Movie Villain Donald Sutherland, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Choice Movie Scene Stealer Nat Wolff, The Fault In Our Stars Choice Movie Liplock Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, The Fault In Our Stars Choice Movie Hissy Fit Jonah Hill, 22 Jump Street OTHER Ultimate Choice Selena Gomez Candie’s Choice Style Icon Zendaya Coleman Choice Comedian Kevin Hart Choice Web Star: Female Bethany Mota

Choice Web Star: Male Tyler Oakley Choice Social Media King One Direction Choice Social Media Queen Katy Perry Choice Twit One Direction Choice Instagrammer Miley Cyrus Choice Fanatic Fans #Directioners Olay Fresh Effects Breakout Star Odeya Rush Choice Web Star: Comedy Our2ndLife Choice Web Star: Music Shawn Mendes Choice Web Star: Fashion/Beauty Zoe Sugg (Zoella) Choice Web Collaboration Troye Sivan & Tyler Oakley – The ‘Boyfriend’ Tag Choice Viner Cameron Dallas Choice Web Star: Gaming PewDiePie FASHION Choice Female Hottie Selena Gomez Choice Male Hottie One Direction Choice Smile Harry Styles SPORTS Choice Male Athlete LeBron James Choice Female Athlete Serena Williams

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ENTERTAINMENT

Justin Bieber pleads guilty to careless driving

Justin Bieber made a $50,000 donation to a youth charity as part of a plea deal to settle a Miami drunken driving case Wednesday. Bieber, 20, was not in court when a judge accepted his guilty plea to careless driving and resisting arrest in connection with the Miami Beach incident last January. Prosecutors dropped the drunken driving charge in the agreement, which requires Bieber to get 12 hours of anger management counseling, attend a program that teaches about the impact of drunken driving on victims and make the large donation to the “Our Kids” organization. The charity donation, although a

prosecution demand, could not legally be required in the plea deal, a prosecutor noted during the hearing. As a result, the payment was made before the judge accepted the agreement. Judge William Altfield delivered a lecture to Bieber, which he hoped his lawyers would relay to their client, asking him to become a better role model for his young fans. “I hope that he realizes that his actions not only lead to consequences that affect him, but they lead to consequences that affect others who are looking up to him as a role model,” the judge said. Although Bieber has never been charged with a felony crime or a drug

charge – and he has never been in drug or alcohol rehab – the judge compared the singer to actor Robert Downey Jr. when he was young. Altfield said that Downey got into trouble “because of the drugs, because of the alcohol, because of the fame, because of all of the pressures that he had on a daily basis and look at what he’s done with his life. He turned himself around.” “Here is someone who is young,” Altfield said of Bieber. “His whole life is ahead of him and he just hopefully will get the message. He will grow up. He will use all of his talents positively for young persons.” The lead prosecutor, in a written

statement to CNN, said “the strengths and weaknesses of the case” led both sides to agree to the plea deal. “The ultimate purpose of the Miami Beach Police Department’s initial traffic stop was to end some rash juvenile type conduct before a tragedy occurred,” State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said. “The intervention and counseling parts of the plea should provide a pathway toward adult responsibility.” Miami Beach Police Chief Raymond Martinez said officers arrested Bieber January 23 after they saw him driving a yellow Lamborghini in a race against a red Ferrari in a residential area. The cars were speeding at about 55 to 60 mph in a 30 mph zone, he said.

Rihanna embraces wild side for W shoot

Tracy Morgan pictured last month, attending a doctor’s appointment in Manhattan with his fiancee Megan Wollover (left) and their 1-year-old.

Tracy Morgan ‘still struggling’ to recover

She’s not one to hide her wild side. But Rihanna took it to a whole new level for September’s W Magazine, donning an ornate nose ring and draping herself in furs for the shoot. The 26-year-old gave a new meaning to the word fierce, pulling poses dressed in animal skins and little else. In one shot, she wears a heavy gold necklace featuring an animal skull pendant, her wrists encased in cuffs made of ivory bangles. Animal bone also appears in her shaggy mane, which is topped off with yet more fur. The Bajan beauty sported numerous make-up looks, including smudges of red and blue pigment across her forehead and cheekbones, white stripes under her eyes and spidery black markings along her brow. ‘Rihanna came [to the shoot] with her own mental mood board, channeling the power of Grace Jones and the sophistication of Josephine Baker,’ said editor-in-chief Stefano Tonchi. With her unique brand of girl power, Rihanna tipped her cap to Jones, the androgynous 70s supermodel and Baker, who was the first African-American woman to star in a major motion picture in 1934. Styled by Edward Enninful and shot by Mert Alas and Marcus

Tracy Morgan still hasn’t recovered from the injuries he sustained in a June car crash with a truck, but the comedian is working hard to get better. The 45-year-old comedian’s attorney appeared on the Today show on Monday to give an update on Morgan’s condition and speak about their current lawsuit against WalMart, whose truck driver caused the deadly crash. ‘He’s still struggling but he’s a fighter,’ attorney Benedict Morelli said. The former 30 Rock star and a group of friends were returning from a stand-up show in Dover, Delaware early June 7 when trucker Kevin Roper, 35, smashed into their limousine-van while speeding 20 mph over the limit on the New Jersey Turnpike. Close-friend and comedian James McNair - known as Jimmy Mack - was killed in the crash while Morgan Bravo is trying out two new suffered a broken leg and ribs. His assistant Jeffrey Millea and comedian Ardley women for their Real Housewives Fugua were also injured in the crash, and Fuqua of Atlanta franchise. The TV network has cast actress/singer remains hospitalized two months later. Morgan is still in rehab from the crash, and was Demetria McKinney and model/ pictured out last month moving around with the help host Claudia Jordan as what they of a walker going to a doctor’s appointment in Midtown call ‘B characters,’ MailOnline has Manhattan with his fiancee Megan Wollover and their learned. Both women will shoot scenes 1-year-old named Maven. He has since filed a lawsuit against WalMart for with the principal cast members their negligence in letting truck-driver Roper operate – NeNe Leakes, Phaedra Parks, one of their vehicles even though he had been up for Kandi Burruss, Cynthia Bailey, nearly 25 hours at the time of the crash - a violation of Kenya Moore and Porsha Williams – and the network will wait to see New Jersey law. A report by the National Transportation Safety how the audience responds to them Board found that Roper was driving 65 mph in a 45 mph before determining if they’ll make construction zone when he rammed into the vehicle them full-time cast members. They don’t hail from Georgia carrying Morgan and friends. He had also been on the job for more than 13 hours and Claudia just moved to Atlanta at the time, even though truck drivers are only allowed from Los Angeles. Both are to work up to 14 hours a day, with a maximum of 11 unmarried. McKinney, 32, is a single mom spent behind the wheel.

Rihanna, 26, explored her dark side in a shoot for September’s W Magazine. Piggott, Rihanna was ‘eager to let loose with fur, wild make up, and extravagant accessories,’ W reported. Posing in thigh-high white boots and a silver fur, the Monster singer clawed at herself while lying in a bed of autumn leaves and posing with wolves. While in another shot she

showed off her toned legs and slender shoulders as she reclined wrapped in just a fur coat and heavy turquoise necklace. Rihanna was spotted leaving her favourite restaurant Georgio Baldi in Santa Monica on Sunday evening, after skipping the Teen Choice Awards.

Real Housewives of Atlanta adding two new players to the pack of a 12-year-old son and former star of Tyler Perry’s sitcom House of Payne. Born in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, McKinney has been in a long-term relationship with former Tyler Perry Studios executive Roger Bobb. She has also appeared on shows like Necessary Roughness, The Rickey Smiley Show and Boulevard West, and is working on her first CD. She released a single and music video for a song called 100. “Bravo is really high on her. She’s likeable, works well with the other ladies and is intriguing without contrived drama,’ a source close to the network tells MailOnline. “She has wealth, loves fashion and fine things, and is in a real relationship with a high-powered

entertainment executive. Jordan, 41, is a former The Price is Right and Deal or No Deal model who recently moved to Atlanta to co-host the Rickey Smiley Morning Show syndicated radio program. She doesn’t have children and is not in a serious relationship. Most recently, the Providence, Rhode Island-bred host appeared on Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice All Stars” where she had a very ugly spat with reality TV vixen Omarosa Manigault. “Claudia desperately wants to be on this show despite that fact that she doesn’t remotely fit the Housewives’ format,” the source explained. “She came on the show as a friend of Kenya’s but hasn’t meshed that well with the others”.

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ENTERTAINMENT

‘Turtles’ beats Marvel’s ‘Guardians’ at US, Canada box office

The return of the “Teenage Mutant No. 3 slot with $18 million. Forecasters had predicted a tight race Ninja Turtles” earned $65 million in ticket sales at U.S. and Canadian between “Guardians” and “Ninja Turtles.” movie theaters over the weekend, easily But the hard-shelled reptile heroes, winning a box office battle with Marvel’s brought back to TV on a Nickelodeon outer space hit “Guardians of the Galaxy.” show in 2012, crushed expectations for a “Ninja Turtles,” a reboot of a franchise domestic total of around $40 million. Megan Fox stars in the film as a born in 1980s comic books and popularized in TV cartoons, rang up another $28.7 reporter who becomes a close ally of the million in international markets for a four pizza-loving turtles who emerge global debut of $93.7 million, according from the sewer to fight criminals in New to distributor Paramount Pictures which York City. The movie cost $125 million wasted no time in announcing a sequel, to make. “This exceeded all our expectations,” set to open June 3, 2016. “Guardians,” which ruled the box said Megan Colligan, head of domestic and distribution at office universe a week ago with a record marketing opening for August, collected $41.5 Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom million during its second weekend, Inc as is Nickelodeon Movies, which according to estimates from research together released the film. “Families came out in a very big way” firm Rentrak. New tornado-chasing thriller “Into the Storm” landed in the while teenagers were drawn to the

film’s incredible action sequences,” said released by Time Warner Inc’s Warner Colligan, explaining how the film’s box Bros., cost $50 million to make. Food romance “The Hundred-Foot office performance was driven far beyond the expected fan base of 25 to 35-year Journey” debuted with $11.1 million at domestic theaters, finishing fourth. olds. Global sales for “Guardians” reached The movie stars Helen Mirren as a $313 million, distributor Walt Disney French restaurateur who feuds with Co said. The film stars Chris Pratt and the Indian family that takes over the Zoe Saldana as galactic warriors who defunct restaurant across the street. “Hundred-Foot Journey” was lead a rag-tag band of heroes including by Steven Spielberg’s a talking raccoon and a human-like produced DreamWorks Studios, Oprah Winfrey’s tree. While “Turtles” and “Guardians” Harpo Films and Participant Media. have provided a late boost to summer Disney distributed the film. New music drama “Step Up All In,” ticket sales, the season remains 16.5 percent behind last year’s record pace, about an epic dance contest in Las Vegas, earned $6.6 million at North according to Rentrak. The weekend’s No. 3 film, “Into American (U.S. and Canadian) theaters the Storm,” takes place in a fictional over the weekend, taking sixth place. Midwest town hit by the strongest The movie was released by Lions Gate tornadoes ever seen. The movie, Entertainment Corp.

Muppet’s wedding gown created by Dame Vivienne Westwood goes on display Nevermind dressing Kate Middleton for her wedding to Prince William, the bridal gown all the designers wanted to create was that of Miss Piggy when she tied the knot to the love of her life, Kermit the Frog. And the honour went to Dame Vivienne Westwood who created the character’s priceless ivory court gown which she wore in the film Muppets Most Wanted. Now the dress, which includes a corset decorated with paillettes made from recycled plastic bottles and is accessorised with an ivory tulle veil, is going on display in London. The ivory couture wedding gown and sparkly silver shoes were unveiled today in the HMV store in Oxford Street, London, to coincide with the DVD of the film going on sale. Miss Piggy is seen wearing the dress in the Disney movie when she walks down the aisle at the Tower of London. Miss Piggy said: ‘For my starring role in my fabulous new film, Muppets Most Wanted, moi wears a Long Ivory Court wedding gown. ‘All moi’s outfits are fantastique, but my special favourite is this glorious gown designed exclusively

for moi by my close personal friend and fellow fashion icon, Dame Vivienne Westwood.’ Fans can see the dress, inspired by the court of King Charles II, in HMV’s shop window for one week only. Passers-by expressed their jealousy that Miss Piggy owned a Vivienne Westwood dress. Rachael King, 21, currently studying at London College of Fashion, said: ‘Miss Piggy’s couture Vivienne Westwood wedding gown is exquisite. ‘It’s incredible to get the opportunity to see the dress upclose and witness the talent of one of Britain’s most highly regarded designers. ‘A dress like this is priceless – a couture wedding gown designed by Vivienne Westwood is every girl’s dream.’ Dame Westwood spoke of her inspiration for Miss Piggy dress in the March edition of U.S. Harper’s Bazaar. She said: ‘The dress is one of my favourite styles. It’s called the Court dress and is inspired by 17th Century English royalty and the court of King Charles II. ‘It has been designed especially... in a white pearl sequin fabric made from recycled water bottles.

Miss Piggy in the Vivienne Westwood designed dress. It’s the perfect choice for a royal sow.’ Muppets Most Wanted grossed over 46 million pounds at the Box Office when it was released in March this year. It stars Tina Fey and Ricky Gervais and features characters from The Muppets on a mayhemfilled grand tour of Europe.

Is Will Smith joining Martin Lawrence in planned ‘Bad Boys 3’ One word – YES!!! Martin Lawrence stopped by “Conan” last night and revealed that a third “Bad Boys” movie is in the works. It has been more than a decade since 2003’s “Bad Boys 2” and fans would surely welcome a third. “I believe [it’s happening], yes,” Martin said. “I just talked to Jerry [Bruckheimer] yesterday, and he

said it’s real, they’re working on a script, they’re getting close and it all looks good.” Lawrence implied that his co-star Will Smith would be coming back after O’Brien asked for a cameo. “I will mention it to Will Smith and Jerry Bruckheimer that Conan wants a cameo in the movie,” he said. This is not the first time

Lawrence has been commented on a third “Bad Boys.” Last month he posted on Facebook, saying, “11 years ago today, Bad Boys II was released in theaters. Feelin’ it’s about time for number 3… what do you think Will Smith?” A request for comment from Smith’s rep has yet to be returned to ABC.

Michael Jackson debuts new video ‘A Place with No Name’ According to Variety.com, Michael Jackson’s Estate debuted the video for “A Place with No Name” on Twitter on Wednesday night. A message tells Jackson’s 1.5 million followers, “It’s time! The first ever premiere of “A Place With No Name” right now on Twitter.” The video for the single, from Jackson’s posthumous album “Xscape” released this spring by Epic Records, was tweeted to 1.6 million followers of @MichaelJackson at 10:01 p.m. Eastern. The four-minute music vid features previously unreleased footage of Jackson. The video was directed by Samuel Bayer, who shot the clips for Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” Blind Melon’s “No Rain,” and Justin Timberlake’s “What Goes Around... Comes Around,” among many others

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NEWS

US attorney hired to sue Google as part of Trinidad “Emailgate” investigations gmail account but has given consent PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – A to search his e-mail account which is subpoena has been filed in the US controlled by Google, while Rambachan Federal Court ordering Google and Griffith confirmed, through counsel, to provide information to aid the that the mentioned accounts belong to “Emailgate” investigations. them and have authorised Microsoft to The Integrity Commission hired top release the contents of the e-mails to US attorney Gina Durham, partner the commission. co-Chair, US Social Media Practice at Durham said the Commission’s DLA Piper law firm, to initiate action. application was not to circumvent The Trinidad Express reports the law of Trinidad and Tobago but that in a lawsuit filed on Monday in order to sufficiently authenticate in the Northern District court of documents in aid of an ongoing criminal California, Durham said the Integrity investigation. Commission requires the information In response, Opposition Leader to authenticate the alleged e-mails Dr Keith Rowley said he was glad to which would assist the commission in hear the Integrity Commission was determining whether an offence was making progress with respect to its committed which should be turned over investigations into Emailgate. the Direction of Public Prosecutions US attorney Gina Durham, partner co-chair, US “I had always maintained that (DPP) in support of an ongoing criminal social media practice at DLA Piper law firm. the commission had jurisdiction and investigation. This move by the Integrity possible corruption at the highest levels authority as they are mandated to Commission comes more than a year of the Government of Trinidad and investigate misconduct of public since Opposition Leader Dr Keith Tobago, the commission is seeking to officials, so better late than never,” learn the owner of the e-mail accounts said Rowley in an interview with the Rowley made the allegations. On May 20, 2013, Rowley, during and authenticate specifically prior Trinidad Express. He questioned whether there was his motion of no confidence against published e-mails that purportedly the People’s Partnership Government were sent from accounts maintained any cooperation from the Central and the Prime Minister, disclosed the on servers controlled by Google (the Authority in the Attorney General’s contents of 31 “e-mails” purporting to “E-mails”)” stated Durham in her Office in obtaining information for the investigations. “I hope the Integrity be exchanges between Prime Minister lawsuit. “The commission requests this Commission makes some progress… Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, Minister Court’s assistance in having these it would be a very sad thing if the of Local Government Surujrattan specific e-mails authenticated, in aid of questions surrounding these e-mails Rambachan and then national security the commission’s ongoing investigation,” are unanswered,” said Rowley. On Attorney General Anand adviser to the Prime Minister, Gary stated the document. Durham outlined the allegations against the public Ramlogan’s disclosure that he has Griffith. The e-mails alleged that plans were officials named and listed the e-mails retained a US law firm to take action in the making to harm a journalist, which the allegations purportedly came on Google and obtain information, Rowley questioned why Ramlogan did plant electronic spy devices in the from. She said the Prime Minister has not reveal this before. “Where was he Office of the DPP, and offer the DPP a judgeship with respect to the Section 34 not confirmed that any of the e-mail keeping that secret? Why are we now addresses belong to her. only being told this now if that is in fact fiasco in September 2012. Ramlogan has denied having a happening?” asked Rowley. “As part of an investigation into

Warrant issued for Jean Bertrand Aristide’s arrest in Haiti PORT-AU-PRINCE – An investigating judge has issued an arrest warrant for former president Jean Bertrand Aristide after he failed to comply with a summons to appear at the magistrate’s office. Aristide was due to appear before Judge Lamarre Belizaire to answer charges relating to acts of corruption, money laundering, misappropriation of public funds, criminal conspiracy, among other accusations. Aristide and several of his former colleagues have been accused of embezzling hundreds of millions of dollars from the State through his organisation, Aristide for Democracy Foundation and other organisations. “The judge was at his office waiting for Mr. Aristide to appear, he never saw him, while other allies of the former President have been commenting about the content of the warrant on the air, which means, they are in possession of the document,” an official at the Judicial palace told the Port au Prince based Haitian Caribbean News Network (HCNN). Aristide, a former Roman Catholic priest, and his colleagues including Mirlande Liberus, Yvon Neptune, Jean Nesty Lucien and Gustave Faubert, have also been banned from leaving the country. Judge Belizaire has refused to comment on the case for “legal and ethical reasons”.

Six Jamaica police officers interdicted, Mass prison break in Haiti: 329 suspended following death of prisoner prisoners escape

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Six police officers have been interdicted and suspended with immediate effect following a probe by the Inspectorate of Constabulary (IOC) into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mario Deane last week. The officers, who were on duty when Deane, 31, was allegedly beaten by prisoners in his cell on August 3, were interdicted pending the investigations into the matter. All six are attached to the Barnett Street Police station in the western parish of St. James. Meanwhile, Acting Commissioner of Police, Glenmore Hinds is urging for patience while the investigations continue. “We are urging citizens to remain calm and are appealing

to relatives to support the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and Police investigators in their. probe. We are assuring the citizenry that the JCF recognises the duty of care and we will be unrelenting in this regard, especially as it relates to persons in our custody”, Hinds said. Two men, Adrian Morgan,25 and Marvin Orr,35 who have been charged with the murder of Deane, will appear in court on Wednesday. Deane’s death has sparked widespread criticisms and several protests. On Tuesday, armed with placards the protestors chanted that they will not end their protest until they get justice for Deane. Police officers were forced to form a line in front of the station

to prevent the crowd from getting too close to the main door of the building. The protest was led by the civil society group, Citizens Action for Principle and Integrity (CAPI), whose Co-convener, Dennis Meadows, said the response from the authorities to Deane’s death has been inadequate. “We are not convinced that the police are being honest and transparent in the investigation of this matter…we call on INDECOM (Independent Commission of Investigations) to ensure that they are thorough and that they are meticulous in ensuring that the real culprits are charged in Mario’s death,” Meadows said. He also said Jamaicans must demand respect for their human rights.

Following the attack on a Croix-des-Bouquets prison located on the outskirts of the capital of Haiti, Port-auPrince, 329 inmates managed to escape, prompting a nationwide search operation by local law enforcement, according to AFP. Local eyewitnesses described how first they heard gunfire coming from the prison, and shortly after saw hundreds of people fleeing from the correctional facility in every direction. During a press conference on Monday, Haiti National Police Chief Godson Orleus said that the government has already requested aid from Interpol as well as from the neighbouring countries of Dominican Republic and Jamaica because some of the escaped convicts may have fled abroad. At least two guards sustained gunshot wounds during the attack. Police spokesman Gary Desrosiers said that 10 prisoners had already been recaptured. He also added that the attackers’ goal was apparently to liberate Clifford Brandt, a notorious businessman who was convicted in 2012 of kidnapping two children. The Haitian government offered a $20,000 reward for information that would help apprehend Brandt.

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Trinidad police probe disappearance of weapons from Forensic Science Centre PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad,– The Trinidad and Tobago police have confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the disappearance of 40 high powered guns from the Forensic Science Centre. “With regards to the stolen guns at Forensic, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has launched an investigation and as soon as we make progress with that investigation, I will let the media know,” acting Police

Commissioner Stephen Williams said. The guns reportedly disappeared between 2013 and July 2014 and Williams said that the Forensic Centre, on the outskirts of the capital, was responsible for their safe-keeping. “The director of the Forensic Science Centre (FSC) is the person responsible and FSC is not a department of the Police Service,” Williams said, adding “sometimes you listen to the media and it is rather unfair because everything

that happens in the country it seems service is all about getting the firearms to be the Police Service but Forensics out of the hands of criminals and to see is under the Ministry of Justice and not firearms which have been taken out of part of the TTPS. It is an agency that the hands of criminals returning to the assists the TTPS and provides a service hands of the criminal element is a major concern to me.” to the TTPS. Williams said that following the “I don’t want to speak of the issue of how Forensics is run and I have a investigations, the police are likely concern about the firearms getting out to make “recommendations for the of the Forensic Science Centre into the improvement of keeping the guns safe hands of criminals and that’s where and what can we do about security with my concern will be because the police regards to items stored at Forensics.”

S&P: Atlantis will spend $121 million over four years

A Wall Street credit ratings agency has stated that Atlantis plans to spend $121.5 million on capital projects over a four-year period. S&P, in a report prepared to accompany its rating of debt related to the refinancing of the resort, said that Atlantis will spend this amount on capital projects between 2015 and 2018. Projects to be funded include refurbishments of the Coral and Beach Towers and “other minor projects”. Averaged over the fouryear period, this amounts to spending of $30.3 million per year. The report states that Atlantis spent an average of $33.1 million per year on capital works between 2008 and 2013: $38 million in 2013, $25.7 million in 2012, $32.6 million 2011, $35.2 million in 2010, $27.4 million in 2009 and $39.8 million in 2008. The report adds that Atlantis spent $198 million, or $68,120 per guest room, on capital upgrades between 2008 and 2013 and an additional $44 million on special projects “mainly focused on various public spaces”. Averaged per year, the capital investment amount highlighted by S&P for the 2015 to 2018 period represents a slight reduction in spending on average compared with its historical capital expenditure levels over the past six years Speaking at a conference to announce the completion of its refinancing on July 2 – a closing drawn into question by the S&P report dated August 4, which highlights an August 19 closing date for the $1 billion commercial mortgagebacked securities transaction – Andrea Balkan, managing partner of Brookfield Real Estate Financial Partners, which holds Atlantis among its assets, had stated that the company is looking to invest a “significant sum” in a five-year capital expenditure plan for the resort. The S&P report, prepared to inform potential investors in the Atlantis debt deal, reveals previously undisclosed details about Atlantis’ operations and revenue stream based on consultations with Atlantis management, reviews of

Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. the company’s property-level operating statements and other key documentation. S&P describes Atlantis as having a “diverse revenue stream”, in which room revenue typically makes up only about 31 percent of total revenue, while food and beverage sales have historically contributed around 25 percent of revenue. The casino and a race and sports book generates about 16 percent of revenue while the water park generated around nine percent of the company’s revenue in 2013. The report adds that the park’s attendance has “increased significantly” each year since the project was completed in 2007. Demonstrating the seasonality of the resort, the report notes that Atlantis typically generates some 88 percent of its net cash flow (NCF) between March and August, while typically seeing negative NCF in September and October – the hurricane season. Elsewhere in the report, the data reveals that total revenue for the resort rose from $720.4 million in 2010 to $817.4 million in 2013, before falling again to $793.7 million in 2013. A further fall to $791.9 million is projected for 2014.

Food and beverage revenue has risen from $182.1 million to $209.9 million from 2010 to 2013, while $207.7 million in revenue is projected for 2014. Casino revenue remained fairly static, rising slightly from $122.6 million to $130.8 million in 2013. This fell from $138.7 million in 2012. Revenue of $129.6 million is projected for 2014. S&P reported that Atlantis’ average daily room rate (ADR) has fallen overall since 2009 from $330.89 to $298.32 in 2013, with a projected $301.78 for 2014. The data reveals that Atlantis paid $15 million in management fees in 2013, a slight increase from its management fees in 2010, of $13.6 million. The company is reimbursed by an agreement allowing it to collect the equivalent of one percent of gross revenue for its services. On Monday Guardian Business reported that S&P’s analysis of Atlantis and its operations had led to a projection that its “long-term sustainable value”, equivalent to a projection of the property’s value, is some 54 percent lower than that determined by an appraiser. It linked this assessment to the fact that Atlantis will face “significant competition” from Baha Mar when it comes on-stream next year.

Haitian gang leader recaptured after prison break

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (HCNN) -Haiti’s most feared gang leader, Clifford Brandt, was recaptured by Haitian and Dominican security forces on Tuesday, after having escaped from a prison outside the capital, Port-au-Prince, on Sunday. Brandt was re-arrested in the Cornillon-Grand Bois area, not far from the Haitian-Dominican border. He was accompanied with three other escapees who were also captured. Brandt, who once led one of the most feared gangs in Haiti, fled on Sunday from the prison in the Croix-des-Bouquets

district, outside the capital, following a mutiny. Brandt’s gang, which specialized in kidnapping, was dismantled during the past couple of years. The recapture of Brandt was the result of cooperation between the Haitian police and members of security forces from the neighbouring Dominican Republic. Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe congratulated the police and the population that also provided information leading to the arrest. “We want all escapees back to their prison cells where they belong, and we

are going to continue to support the police in their relentless efforts to recapture the fugitives,” Lamothe told HCNN on Tuesday. “Brandt is one big fish but we won’t rest until we recapture those still on the run,” Lamothe said. Some 46 police agents took part in the operation that led to Brandt’s recapture on Tuesday. So far, 19 escapees have been captured and 100 have been identified, according to prison authorities. It is not clear now whether Brandt will be sent back to the same prison at Croixdes-Bouquets from which he escaped.

Jamaica police seize nearly one ton of marijuana en route to Suriname KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica law enforcement authorities say they have seized more than six million dollars (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.004 cents) worth of marijuana in a container that arrived here from Indonesia and was in transit to Suriname. The Transnational Crime and Narcotics Division (TCND) said it had participated in a joint operation with the Jamaica Customs’ Contraband Enforcement Team in seizing the 1,751 pounds of marijuana at the Kingston Wharves, Port Bustamante on Monday. It said the drug was wrapped in 370 parcels among household effects and had a street value of six million Jamaican dollars. The container had arrived in Kingston from Indonesia and was scheduled to depart Port Bustamante on Monday for Suriname. Over the weekend, police seized approximately 910.69 pounds of compressed marijuana worth an estimated three million dollars at the Kingston Container Terminal. No arrests were made in relation to the seizures.

JetBlue plane evacuated after engine fire at San Juan airport, no injuries reported A JetBlue Airways flight departing from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was evacuated Saturday evening after one of its engines caught fire, according to a Federal Aviation Administration statement. “Passengers and crew used emergency slides to evacuate the aircraft,” the statement read. JetBlue spokesperson Gina Recine told CNN there were no known injuries among the 186 passengers and six crew members on board. JetBlue Airways Flight 704 was headed to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. According to Recine, the plane was taxing on the runway for takeoff when problems developed 7:15 p.m. ET. Recine could not elaborate on the nature of the mechanical issue. The FAA said it will investigate the incident.

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St Lucia prime minister says “no” to snap poll CASTRIES, St. Lucia – Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony has dismissed suggestions of an early general election in St. Lucia. “Not at all,” Prime Minister Anthony said n response to suggestions that the government’s ongoing series of town hall meetings were an attempt to gauge public sentiment in determining whether to call an early poll. The government has been meeting ith representatives of various stakeholders to discuss the fiscal crisis facing the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) administration that came to office almost

three years ago. “In undertaking the public and town hall meetings the government stated very clearly that we are taking an unprecedented step. “People in St Lucia have never gone through the trauma of adjustment that we have to make to resuscitate the economy, so we need to tell our side of the story to St Lucians,” Anthony said, insisting that the meetings were designed to inform the population about the issues confronting the country. The SLP will hold a public meeting in the capital this month and Anthony said

the SLP has always had a “great oral tradition” and that it was time to begin to “turn up the heat. “After all, we have been rather silent and allowed all and sundry to say everything, while we have not engaged our people,” Anthony said. The SLP government has over the past few months come under heavily criticism over its poor handling of the economy. Public sector unions have already rejected the government’s request for a five per cent wage cut as part of the effort to deal with the EC$76 million (One EC dollar = US$0.37 cents) fiscal deficit.

Four killed in New Providence

Four people were shot dead in New Providence within 12 hours and another two injured, police said. In all, there were five separate incidents. In the latest incident, Superintendent Paul Rolle said a man had just collected money from a web shop in Nassau Village at 8:45 a.m. yesterday, and was on his way to collect money from another, when he was killed in an armed robbery. Rolle said the victim was driving west along Sapodilla Avenue, Pinewood Gardens, with a car behind him providing security, when a gold Honda Civic sped up and blocked his path on Willow Street. He said two armed men exited the Civic and sprayed the victim’s car with bullets, hitting him multiple times. The men then ran into his car and grabbed a bag that had the victim’s personal effects and not the cash, Rolle said. “The car that was following him (the victim), the driver who was providing the security, exited with his shotgun and discharged shots at these culprits,” Rolle said at the scene. “We are not certain yet as to their condition – whether or not any of them were injured.” A relative identified the victim as Prince Prudent, a father of two. Troy Clarke, who said he is the victim’s cousin, said Prudent was a fun loving person. “He was not confrontational,” he said. “I was stunned. I saw the information circulating online, but I didn’t know it was him.” Sources at the web shop said Prudent was on his daily routine, collecting the

The body of the shooting victim at the scene of a murder. Prince Prudent, a father of two. nightly cash flow. Troy Clarke, who said he is the Rolle said police were able to collect the web shop money and will hand it victim’s cousin, said Prudent was a fun loving person. over to the owner. “He was not confrontational,” he said. Scores of residents crowded the scene as crime scene officers spent two hours “I was stunned. I saw the information circulating online, but I didn’t know it examining Prudent’s car. Relatives at the scene were was him.” Sources at the web shop said Prudent inconsolable, saying they buried Prudent’s brother, Andy Wallace, over was on his daily routine, collecting the the weekend after he died in a recent car nightly cash flow. Rolle said police were able to collect accident. Many of the onlookers were children the web shop money and will hand it over to the owner. who appeared no older than 10. Scores of residents crowded the scene One little girl asked reporters, “Have they moved the body yet?” “The car that as crime scene officers spent two hours was following him (the victim), the driver examining Prudent’s car. Relatives at the scene were who was providing the security, exited with his shotgun and discharged shots inconsolable, saying they buried at these culprits,” Rolle said at the scene. Prudent’s brother, Andy Wallace, over “We are not certain yet as to their the weekend after he died in a recent car condition – whether or not any of them accident. Many of the onlookers were children were injured.” A relative identified the victim as who appeared no older than 10.

The government has agreed to the unions’ demand the establishment of a government committee to start negotiations on a three year wage agreement which would also include their recommendations on dealing with the fiscal crisis. The government has appointed retired banker Chester Hinkson to chair the committee and had expressed a desire for an agreement to have been reached by July. However, the government only named the other committee members this week and that negotiations with the unions should begin next week.

Belize woman accused of hiring “hit men” to murder common law husband

BELMOPAN, Belize – A 29-year-old woman, who is accused of putting out a hit on her commonlaw-husband, will re-appear in court on September 12 after she was granted BDZ$2,000 (One Belize dollar = US$0.50 cents). Police allege that Indira Mejia had conspired with two men to murder Brian Claire, who was shot and injured on August 6. “Our investigations reveal that Miss Indira Meja planned to kill her common law husband. It appears that Miss Mejia wants to get rid of her common-lawhusband for his property,” said Sergeant Robertp Novelo. He said the investigations had shown that she “is the one who lured Briane Claire to that location where he was shot”. Police have arrested and charged Ignatius Williams 24, with attempted murder, wounding, use of a deadly means of harm and grievous harm with a firearm. He was denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison. Police said they were seeking another person who was with Williams when the attempt on Claire’s life was made. Meija, who has been charged with abetment to murder, appeared before Magistrate Anne Marie Smith and was granted bail over the objections of the prosecutor. She is to surrender all her travel documents, stay away from Claire and report to the police station weekly.

Jamaica has new guidelines for arresting persons with small quantities of marijuana

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The a police station until identification can Jamaica government has outlined new be verified. Once identification is verified, guidelines which are to be implemented the person should be granted bail on his/ immediately by police regarding how her own recognizance.” Bunting said that in exceptional they treat persons who are charged with minor offences such as possession of cases, such as, if the offender is being investigated for other serious offences, small quantities of marijuana. National Security Minister Peter “persons will be given bail with conditions, Bunting said that the guidelines would or be remanded in custody. The new guidelines arose from a allow for law enforcement officials proceeding by way of summons where a memorandum on the matter from the Attorney General’s Chambers, and Justice of Peace (JP) is available. “If a JP is not available, or if followed discussions between Bunting the offender is unable to provide and Acting Police Commissioner identification or is unable to be identified Glenmore Hinds. The Attorney-General Patrick by other means, he/she may be taken to

Atkinson was asked to review the existing situation with view to recommending new guidelines, if deemed necessary, following the death of Mario Deane in hospital last week, after he was severely beaten while in custody at the Barnet Street lock-up for possession of a marijuana cigarette. Six police officers, who were on duty at the time of Deane’s injury, have been interdicted and suspended with immediate effect, as investigations continue to determine possible culpability. Dean’s family has already announced plans to sue the state arguing that the

state failed to protect him while he was in the custody of law enforcement authorities after being arrested on August 3. Meantime, Bunting says he expects to receive from the Acting Commissioner of Police, “by Monday the latest,” a report on new arrangements for the care and protection of persons in police custody. This is in response to a directive from the Minister to the Police High Command last Thursday, “that there needed to be an immediate and comprehensive review of all the procedures and arrangements governing detentions.”

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Turkey’s Erdogan signals no let-up in push for stronger presidency

Turkish president-elect Tayyip Erdogan signalled no let-up in his drive to strengthen the powers of the presidency on Thursday and vowed his battle against an Islamic cleric he accuses of plotting against the state would intensify once he took office. In his first major speech since declaring victory in a presidential election on Sunday, Erdogan offered little sign that his fiery rhetoric and blunt approach to politics would soften after his inauguration on Aug. 28. His victory secured his place in history as Turkey’s first directly elected head of state and took him a step closer to the presidential system he covets for the European Union candidate nation and NATO member state.

His opponents fear an increasingly authoritarian state under Erdogan, who has dominated Turkish politics for more than a decade, and whose Islamist roots and intolerance of dissent they fear is taking Turkey further away from Western values. Erdogan, who remains prime minister and leader of the AK Party until his inauguration, urged provincial AK leaders to remain focused on securing a stronger parliamentary majority next year to enable the party to re-write the constitution. “I said before that the presidential elections would be the starting gun for the 2015 (general) elections,” he told the party meeting in a speech broadcast on Turkish television.

“Our target should be to acquire at least a majority to establish the new constitution. I don’t believe that you will compromise on this,” he said. Erdogan will have to break formal links with the AK Party he founded 13 years ago once he is sworn in as president. He wants a pliant successor as leader of the party, likely also to be his next prime minister, in order to secure a stronger parliament majority in polls next June. Should his influence over the party wane, Erdogan could struggle to force through the constitutional changes he wants to create an executive presidency – a reform which requires either a two thirds majority in parliament or a popular vote. The AK Party currently holds 313

Ferguson police: Michael Brown was robbery suspect

Missouri – Michael Brown, the black teenager shot by police on Saturday in Ferguson, Missouri, was a suspect in a robbery just moments earlier, police have said. Police say Mr Brown, 18, was one of two men suspected of robbing a nearby convenience store. Mr Brown’s family have reacted angrily at what they see as a police attempt to “justify the execution-style murder”. The killing sparked days of angry protests, to which police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson has described the robbery at the convenience store as being committed without the use of a weapon. Police released to the press pictures of a well-built black man intimidating a clerk in the store. The report identifies Mr Brown, described as being 6ft 4in (193cm) and 292 pounds (132kg), as one of the robbers. It says he “grabbed a box of Swisher Sweet cigars” and handed them to a second suspect identified as Mr Brown’s friend, Dorian Johnson. Since the shooting on Saturday, Mr Johnson has given a number of interviews in which he has said Mr Brown held up his hands in an act of surrender before being shot by the officer.

A protester kicks a smoke grenade that had been deployed by police back in their direction on Wednesday in Ferguson, Missouri. He has not mentioned his involvement in any robbery. Also on Friday Mr Jackson revealed the name of the officer who shot and killed Mr Brown – Darren Wilson – and said he was injured in a struggle with Mr Brown. Mr Wilson, is a six-year veteran of the police force with no disciplinary record, Mr Jackson said. Mr Brown’s family have reacted strongly to the announcement that Michael was a police suspect.

“The devious way the police chief has chosen to disseminate piecemeal information in a manner intended to assassinate the character of their son, following such a brutal assassination of his person in broad daylight,” said the family’s lawyers in a statement. “There is nothing based on the facts that have been placed before us that can justify the execution-style murder of their child by this police officer as he held his hands up, which is the universal sign of surrender.”

of parliament’s 550 seats, a strong majority but below the crucial two thirds threshold. Erdogan founded the AK Party as a coalition of conservative religious Muslims, nationalists and reforming centre-right elements. He dismissed suggestions that the party he has dominated ever since could crumble without him, saying it drew its strength from the Turkish people. “Those who thought our party would decline or fall apart have always been wrong,” he said. “We have gone through challenging times in these 13 years. We have resisted, driven back, turned upside down all attacks on us. We have always been mandated by the people.”

500 guns seized: Somalia tries to disarm Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, SOMALIA — Somalia’s government has launched a new disarmament campaign that has netted some 500 guns and sparked gun battles in a capital that is awash with weapons, said officials who want to get rid of the weapons before they fall into the hands of al-Qaeda-linked fighters Gun markets have a long history in Mogadishu, a city once ruled by clan warlords. Disarmament campaigns, run both by weak Somali governments and by the U.S. military in the early 1990s, have had limited success. But the government is trying again. Troops raided a military official’s home and discovered guns that authorities said were going to be sold to al-Shabab rebels. The official was arrested after a heavy firefight, said Mohamed Yusuf, the spokesman for Somalia’s national security ministry. Security forces also raided a garage belonging to the former anti-U.S. warlord Osman Atto, who died last year, seizing rocket-propelled grenades and bombs, Yusuf said. Raids over the last week have netted some 500 guns and hundreds of boxes of ammunition, he said. Two more night raids followed against a former U.S.-backed antiIslamist warlord, Abdi Nurre Siad, who escaped during a firefight at his home. Troops also raided a home belonging to a Somali member of parliament who is the son of a former warlord. No weapons were found, Yusuf said.

Couple held in Bali after American woman’s body found in suitcase Jakarta, Indonesia – The cabbie probably thought nothing of it when the young couple left their large hard-sided suitcase in the trunk of his car and went back into the five-star hotel. They said they needed to find the other person they were with and to pay their bill. But after a lengthy wait, the young man and woman still hadn’t returned. Puzzled, the driver called hotel security. The suitcase in the trunk looked very odd. It was wrapped in a bedsheet. Then the cabbie saw blood.Body found stuffed

in suitcase in Bali When authorities at the South Kuta station in Bali, Indonesia, opened the case, they found inside the badly beaten body of Sheila von Weise Mack, wrapped in a blood-stained bedsheet. Two smaller suitcases were found in the St. Regis Bali Resort garden. Both contained hotel towels with blood on them, according to police. Those are the events that police say unfolded Tuesday. Mack, 62, of Chicago, had been staying at the posh St. Regis

with her daughter, Heather Mack, and the daughter’s boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer. The daughter and her boyfriend were found Wednesday morning at another hotel about 15 kilometers (9 miles) away. The couple’s St. Regis room was “very messy,” with clothes still inside. The couple told police they had been taken captive at the resort by an armed gang, whose members killed Sheila von Weise Mack, but they escaped, CNN affiliate Trans TV reported.

Djoko Hari Utomo, police chief of Denpasar, the capital of Bali, said Thursday that the pair have been declared suspects in the case. According to Indonesian law, police can keep suspects in custody for up to 20 days. Djoko said that police hadn’t found anything on surveillance camera footage from the hotel that supported the claim of an attack by an armed gang. He said the footage showed the mother and daughter arguing near the hotel’s front desk on Tuesday.

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Evacuation of Yazidis on Mt. Sinjar in Iraq ‘far less likely,’ says Pentagon An evacuation of thousands of refugees who were forced onto Mt. Sinjar in Iraq is “far less likely” after an assessment by United States Marines, Special Forces and the USAID disaster assistance relief team, the Pentagon said today. Less than 20 personnel briefly landed on the mountain, where thousands of Yazidis are trapped and facing a humanitarian crisis. “The team has assessed that there are far fewer Yazidis on Mt. Sinjar than previously feared, in part because of the success of humanitarian air drops,

air strikes on ISIL targets, the efforts of the Peshmerga and the ability of thousands of Yazidis to evacuate from the mountain each night over the last several days,” Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby said in a statement. “The Yazidis who remain are in better condition than previously believed and continue to have access to the food and water that we have dropped.” Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced on Tuesday that the United States sent a 130 member military assessment team to Erbil in the

autonomous Iraqi province of Kurdistan to determine what further assistance the U.S. can provide to the Yazidis. Thousands of members of the Yazidi minority group fled to the mountain in order to escape from ISIS in northern Iraq. The Yazidis, a religious minority in Iraq, have been targeted by the Islamic army for being what they call “devil worshipers” and were threatened with execution if they didn’t agree to convert to Islam. Addressing a group of Marines during a visit to Camp Pendleton in California,

Candidate’s sudden death transforms Brazil race

SAO PAULO – Brazil’s political landscape was being redrawn Thursday, a day after a small plane crash killed a top presidential candidate less than two months before the election. The death of politician Eduardo Campos in a plane that smashed into a white-collar neighborhood in the port city of Santos is reshuffling the candidates and voter preferences, and could further complicate president Dilma Rousseff’s re-election, analysts say. Political observers say Campos’ socialist party is expected to declare his running mate Marina Silva, one of the country’s most popular politicians, as its presidential candidate in the coming days.

WTO upholds ‘rare earth’ ruling against China

BERLIN – The World Trade Organization has upheld a ruling that China violated trade rules with restrictions on the export of “rare earths,” the minerals used in mobile phones, hybrid cars and other high-tech products. In March, the WTO dispute settlement panel found that China’s restrictions breach WTO rules. Its ruling followed complaints by the United States, the European Union and Japan. In its ruling Thursday, the Genevabased WTO’s appellate panel rejected Beijing’s appeal, saying it hasn’t demonstrated that the export quotas that China applies to various forms of rare earths are justified. China has about one-third of global deposits of rare earths but accounts for more than 90 percent of production. In 2009, it alarmed foreign companies by limiting rare earth exports in an attempt to boost its domestic manufacturing base. U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said that Thursday’s decision “marks the end of the line” for the rare earths dispute. “By upholding rules on fair access to raw materials, this decision is a win not only for the United Sates, but also for every nation that respects the principles of openness and fairness,” Froman said.

Hagel said the team had arrived in northern Iraq “to take a closer look and give a more in-depth assessment of where we can continue to help the Iraqis with what they’re doing and the threats that they are now dealing with.” The new team is in addition to the 40 U.S. military personnel already in Erbil who for several weeks have been manning a Joint Operations Center with Kurdish military forces. Hagel said the team would soon provide an assessment to Centcom that would make its way tothe Pentagon “very shortly.”

Man gets life for killing, raping college student

In this August 6, 2014 photo, Brazilian presidential candidate Eduardo Campos. “If she runs, it becomes a more competitive race. It increases the likelihood of a runoff happening,” said Joao Augusto de Castro Neves, Latin America director for the Eurasia Group consulting firm. “It would be a pretty close race to see who is going to be the runner up.” The other main candidate, Aecio Neves, has been showing in polls as a strong second choice after Rousseff. The election had been shaping up to be a two-candidate race, leaving Campos out of the runoff. But experts are now saying that the next polls could show Silva, a former Environment Ministry and presidential candidate, beating Neves, and possibly setting the two female politicians head to head in a second round. “(Marina) could be the springboard needed to overcome the tragedy and become a viable candidate in a second round,” wrote Paula Cesarino Costa, a columnist for Folha de S. Paulo. The crash put campaigns on halt and politicians are avoiding any comments on the Oct. 5 race so they are not seen as insensitive to the deaths of 49-year-

old politician, four of his aides and two pilots. The 56-year-old Silva hasn’t hinted that she will take the lead as the Brazilian Socialist Party nominee. Brazilian law gives parties 10 days to choose a substitute in the case of a candidate’s death. The party could still choose another candidate, more loyal to the base, or decide not to run and support the president or her main opponent. A longtime evangelical Christian, Silva surprisingly won 20 million votes when she ran for president as the Green Party candidate in 2010. An outsider of Campos’ party, she joined his ticket last October after she was unable to set up her own party in time to run against for president. Along with garnering a possible sympathy vote after the crash, some experts say Silva could exploit dissatisfaction among Brazilians. She gained a strong base after the mass protests that swept Brazil last year and won international praise for her efforts in helping preserve the Amazon rainforest as environment minister.

DOVER, New Hampshire – A New Hampshire man who raped and killed a college student has been sentenced to life in prison after the victim’s family tearfully and angrily lamented what he took from them. A judge handed down the maximum sentence to 31-year-old Seth Mazzaglia on Thursday for the October 9, 2012, killing of 19-year-old Elizabeth “Lizzi” Marriott of Westborough, Massachusetts. In court, Mazzaglia denied raping and killing Marriott but said he helped cover up her murder. He spoke briefly, saying he didn’t kill Marriott but he was sorry for the family’s loss. “I did not rape and murder Elizabeth Marriott,” he said. “However, I do understand the Marriott family’s pain and I did play a part in covering up her death, a mistake I tried to correct when investigators came to me and I showed them exactly where I left Lizzi’s body. Unfortunately, they were unable to recover her and for that I am truly sorry. My heart goes out to the Marriot family and I am very sorry for their loss.” Mazzaglia was convicted in June of first-degree murder and other charges. The key witness was Mazzaglia’s exgirlfriend, Kathryn McDonough, who testified that she lured Marriott to their apartment as a sexual offering for her domineering boyfriend. McDonough testified that Mazzaglia strangled Marriott after she twice rejected his sexual advances. The pair then threw Marriott’s body in a river. It’s never been found.

World Health Organisation: Ebola cases near 2,000, with more than half dead

The deadliest Ebola outbreak in recorded history has now infected nearly 2,000 people, with more than half of those killed by the disease, the World Health Organization said Wednesday. Ebola is believed to have infected 1,975 people in four West African countries since the outbreak began this year, and 1,069 of them have died, the WHO said. The numbers reflect the WHO’s count as of Monday. That’s an increase of 127 cases and 56 deaths in two days, the WHO said. The outbreak began in Guinea and has spread to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria.we shouldn’t fear Ebla The new numbers come as health

officials are opening up to the use of experimental treatments and vaccines, since no proven treatment or vaccine exists. A group of ethicists gathered by the WHO this week unanimously concluded that it is ethical to offer unproven medications to fight the Ebola virus, even if their adverse effects are unknown. After the panel’s decision, Canadian Health Minister Rona Ambrose announced that her government will donate between 800 and 1,000 doses of an experimental Ebola vaccine to the WHO. A “small supply” will be kept at home “in the unlikely event it is needed for compassionate use in Canada,” the

Public Health Agency said. The drug, VSV-EBOV, is Canadianmade and -owned, having been developed by the National Microbiology Laboratory. And after an experimental serum was used to treat two American missionaries and a Spanish priest, Liberia is poised to use the serum on two infected doctors. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Liberia’s request for access to ZMapp, which was created by the San Diego-based biotech firm Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc. Sample doses of the medicine will be sent to Liberia this week to treat doctors who have contracted the virus, the Liberian government said.

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Suspected human trafficker and Thai ‘baby factory’ under probe Thai police are investigating a suspected human trafficker and his Bangkok “baby factory” after discovering that he fathered 15 babies to 11 surrogate mothers and took four of the babies abroad this year. Mitsutoki Shigeta, 24, who is Japanese, fled Thailand for Macau last week after his apartment in Bangkok was raided by the authorities, who were alerted by a tip-off from neighbours. Police found nine surrogate babies, aged six months to a year, with their nannies, and a pregnant surrogate mother, in the apartment. Later DNA tests demonstrated that Shigeta was the father. Additional birth certificates showed that Shigeta had fathered another six children in Thailand. Thai police said they thought that Shigeta, who is from a

wealthy family, could have been involved in trafficking his own children. They have requested help from the Japanese authorities to find him. His activity was reported to the authorities by at least one surrogate agency over the past two years, according to Mariam Kukunashvili, of the New Life Global Network, an international group of fertility centres. She told Thai media that her agency had provided two surrogate mothers to Shigeta in 2012, one of whom gave birth to twins, but found the number of his commissions suspicious. “We served Shigeta one time only and then he demanded he wanted more and more babies,” Kukunashvili told the Bangkok Post. “I immediately found it suspicious, especially for a man of his age, and we refused to further serve him

and warned Interpol, the BBC, CNN and the Japanese embassy.” Kukunashvili claims that she learned, while the surrogates were pregnant, that Shigeta had recruited an additional three surrogate mothers from another agency to carry more babies. She was curious as to why he was so keen to father so many children; in response Shigeta, she said, suggested it was so he could “have a big family for voting and win an election in Japan”. Shigeta’s lawyer has denied allegations of human trafficking and says his client, who has another three children in Japan, merely wanted the children so that he could pass on his “business and fortune”. Shigeta – who is believed to own a flat in Hong Kong – is a stakeholder in the German company behind a mobile

phone app that allows parents to track their children’s movements, the South China Morning Post has reported. Shigeta travelled frequently in and out of Thailand and took four of his babies to Cambodia this year, Thai police said. The remaining 11 children are now being cared for in a government home in Thailand. The IVF clinic that Shigeta used has been closed. This potential surrogacy scandal comes after the case of an Australian couple accused of abandoning their son, Gammy, who has Down’s syndrome, with his Thai surrogate mother, raising questions about Thailand’s open surrogacy laws and about children being vulnerable to human trafficking. The country’s ruling junta has since preliminarily approved a draft law to criminalise commercial surrogacy.

Cuba marks Castro’s 88th with tributes, photo show HAVANA – Cuba marked Fidel Castro’s 88th birthday Wednesday with tributes in official media, a concert and a photo exhibit in the capital and a newly inaugurated restoration of the home where he was born. Loathed by many exiles in Florida who see him as a man who ruled with an iron fist and stamped out civil liberties, Castro was celebrated on the island as a fighter for equality and social justice who defied the United States for five decades. “Eighty-eight more reasons to continue fighting for the salvation of humanity,” read a headline in the newspaper Juventud Rebelde. “Paying homage to Fidel is a great party,” Communist Party daily Granma said. Castro retired for good in 2008 following a near-fatal illness, ceding power to his younger brother and designated successor, Raul, who turned 83 in June. The younger Castro says he intends to leave office by the time his

current term is up in 2018, and last year he named a next-generation heirapparent in First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel. Fidel Castro rarely appears in public these days, and in recent years has not taken part in official celebrations of his birthday. Still, the milestone was another reminder that the clock is ticking for aging revolutionaries who continue to occupy many top positions. “Eighty-eight years, that’s a lot, and in a way the advanced age of the majority of the leaders is worrying,” said Frank Jimenez, a 67-year-old retiree in Havana. “With the exception of Diaz-Canel, they’re around 80 years old. I think they should have prepared more young people . . . they need that to move forward.” The photo exhibit, titled “Fidel is Fidel,” is a collection of images of Fidel Castro taken between 2005 and 2012 by Roberto Chile, who had access to the Cuban leader for more than 25 years.

A girl attends an exhibition of photographs of Fidel Castro by photographer Roberto Chile at the Jose Marti Memorial in Havana, Cuba. It opened Tuesday evening at Havana’s memorial to independence hero Jose Marti. Revolution-era figures such as Jose Ramon Fernandez, Guillermo Garcia Frias and Armando Hart attended, as did famed Cuban ballerina Alicia Alonso. Island officials said a parallel show was put on in a gallery in Berlin. Cuban newspaper Trabajadores said the restoration of Castro’s birth home

in Biran, in the eastern province of Holguin, was carried out by the Havana Historian’s Office and workers from a state-run construction concern. The touch-up at the rural estate also included several other structures such as the family pantheon where Fidel and Raul Castro’s parents were laid to rest, a school where they studied as young boys and huts where Haitian plantation workers lived.

Husband: American ebola patient Teen runaway hides out in Texas ‘making good progress’

The husband of an American health worker infected with Ebola said she is “improving” and headed “in the right direction” after contracting the deadly virus last month. Nancy Writebol, 59, has been treated in a special isolation ward at the Emory University Hospital in Atlanta since arriving from Liberia on Aug. 5. Writebol was working as a hygienist in a ward treating Ebola patients in Monrovia, Liberia, when she became infected. Writebol and another American doctor, Kent Brantly, were evacuated from Liberia to the U.S. for treatment after they were infected with the virus. Writebol’s husband, David Writebol, told reporters today that his wife sounded “stronger,” when he talked to her on the phone. “Her voice is clearer and brighter. I’m imagining she’s getting

stronger,” said David Writebol. “It’s moving in the right direction, Let’s say that. From everything I I’m hearing, we’re making good progress but we’re not ready to say she’s out of the woods yet.” David Writebol was living with his wife in Liberia, where they worked with other missionaries from the U.S. aid organization SIM USA. According to David Writebol, his wife worked in a decontamination role, including teaching proper techniques to health workers in the Ebola ward. There were “strict protocols” in place, David Writebol said, and it’s unclear how or when exactly his wife was exposed to the virus. David Writebol said after his wife was diagnosed and began to have serious symptoms he tried to comfort her, even through layers of protective gear.

“I patted her to let her know I was there and that I loved her,” he said. David Writebol has been in isolation along with other SIM USA missionaries since arriving in the U.S. this week. David Writebol and anyone else possibly exposed to the virus will remain in quarantine until medical health officials determine they are not at risk for developing the virus. The incubation period for Ebola can last as long as approximately 21 days. The couple’s sons have been in Atlanta with their mother as she recovers from the virus. When David Writebol’s quarantine is over, he told reporters, he plans on heading straight to Atlanta to see his wife. He may even get to hold her hand after weeks of being separated by quarantine and protective gear. “It will be a great day when we get back together,” he said.

Walmart for days

There in the baby section, behind boxes of strollers, was a 14-year-old boy with a secret. The runaway had made the 24-hour Walmart in Corsicana, Texas, his getaway hideout. For what may have been more than two days in July, he roamed the store unnoticed. When he was tired, he’d lay down in his hidden cubby and sleep while shoppers were unaware the runaway was back there. Police had been looking for the boy, who was visiting his aunt in the town about an hour’s drive south of Dallas, for 54 hours when they got a call from a Walmart. An employee had spotted the lad on the lam coming out of his hiding place. Walmart spokesman Brian Nick told CNN the chain cannot verify how long the boy was in the store but said this is definitely an isolated incident. “It seems to be a unique situation, for sure,” he said. Nick said Walmart hasn’t asked for police to press charges. “Our concern was getting the child to safety,” he added.

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Gunmen wreak havoc in Caracas emergency rooms

CARACAS, Venezuela - At first, the operating room doctors thought the quiet man in jeans was a distressed family member. One shouted at him to leave as another fought to save the gunshot patient unconscious on the table. The anesthesiologist was the first to see the man’s gun. He dove to the ground, and then listened as dozens of shots rang out, thinking, “So this is how I die.” For years, hospitals were one of the few safe havens in this mind-bogglingly violent Latin American country.

No longer. The emergency room murder of a 27-year-old patient by the very gang member who allegedly put him there in the first place is one of a string of recent attacks and ugly confrontations that have shattered physicians’ sense of security. “It’s a scandal, to kill someone inside a hospital. It’s complete social deterioration,” said Jose Manuel Olivares, an oncology resident at the University Hospital of Caracas, where Edinson Balsa was slain in June along with his brother, who was waiting in the hallway. “It was never perfect, but they

used to respect some boundaries.” Physicians say men now regularly enter emergency rooms waving guns to compel doctors to work miracles on injured companions or provide scarce medicine. In some cases, they go further. Earlier this year, a man stole into an intensive care unit in the city of Maracaibo, on Venezuela’s western edge, to finish the job of killing a gunshot patient, according to the local press. Two weeks after the brothers were murdered in Caracas, another man allegedly involved in street crime was killed in a hospital across town.

Conditions are worst in the countryside. In the small town of Rio Chico, an hour and a half east of Caracas, the main hospital now has a safe room where doctors can hide when armed friends and enemies of patients storm through, medical resident Pedro Blanco said. A turning point came last fall, when armed gangs took control of a hospital near one of the city’s slums on consecutive days, demanding medical attention for wounded comrades, one of whom arrived already dead from a gunshot to the head.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry talks on a mobile phone as he arrives at Sydney airport in Australia, Wednesday.

John Kerry eyes US-China partnership despite tensions

Pope Francis waves from a car after his arrival in Seongnam, south of Seoul, South Korea, Thursday. As Francis became the first pope in 25 years to visit South Korea on Thursday, Seoul’s never-timid rival, North Korea, made its presence felt by firing three short-range projectiles less than an hour before he arrived, officials said.

Pope’s small car fascinates South Koreans

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — Pope Francis’ choice of wheels during his five-day South Korean visit has surprised many in this painfully self-conscious country, where big shots rarely hit the streets in anything but expensive luxury cars. After his arrival Thursday, the pope left the airport in a compact black Kia that many South Koreans would consider too humble a conveyance for a globally powerful figure. In a live television broadcast, the pope climbed into the backseat of the boxy Kia Soul, rolled down the window and waved. Surrounded by a few bigger black sedans, the pope’s compact car headed toward Seoul. Francis’ frugality and humble demeanor have received wide coverage in South Korea, a fiercely competitive country that celebrates ostentatious displays of status and wealth. This national trait can be seen in booming industries such as private tutoring and plastic surgery. The images of the smiling pope in his little car struck a chord online, with many playing on the car’s name. One South Korean user tweeted: “The pope rode the Soul because he is full of soul.”

For the man called “The People’s Pope” the choice makes sense. He has eschewed the bulletproof “popemobiles” that his predecessors used on foreign trips and urged priests around the world to travel in low-key cars. Inside the Vatican City, the pope prefers a blue Ford Focus, or when he’s out in St. Peter’s Square, a white open-topped vehicle that allows him to literally reach out and touch the masses. South Korean media widely reported that the pope requested the smallest South Korean car during his visit. The Soul is Kia’s second-smallest model and reportedly provides more leg room than other compact cars. Though not everyone loves the Soul’s funky design, it appeals to a niche of young, practical drivers. It has never, however, been a car of the rich and powerful. Already bubbling with excitement over the first papal visit in 25 years, South Koreans appeared fascinated by the humble papal car. “I feel honoured that Pope Francis will not be in a bulletproof vehicle,” said Shon Cho-eun, a 22-yearold Christian student. “I hope he arrives safely and delivers good messages to us.”

HONOLULU – Improving U.S. cooperation with China is critical to maintaining stability and security in the Asia-Pacific as well as combating the effects climate change, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said. Wrapping up an eight-day, around-the-world diplomatic trip and his sixth visit to Asia as America’s top diplomat, Kerry Wednesday outlined renewed priorities for much of the Obama administration’s much-touted “pivot to Asia” during its final 2 ½ years, including a focus on strengthening U.S.-Chinese partnership in areas of agreement and bridging gaps in areas of contention. “One thing I know will contribute to maintaining regional peace and stability is a constructive relationship between the United States and China,” Kerry said in an address to the East-West Center think tank in Honolulu. “The United States welcomes the rise of a peaceful, prosperous and stable China: one that plays a responsible role in Asia and the world and supports rules and norms on economic and security issues.” “We are committed to avoiding the trap of strategic rivalry and intent on forging a relationship in which we broaden our cooperation on common interests and constructively manage our differences and disagreements,” he said. Kerry arrived in Hawaii after stops in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Australia and the Solomon Islands during which tensions between China and its smaller neighbors over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea were a major subject of discussion. At a Southeast Asia regional security forum in Myanmar over the weekend, Kerry formally unveiled a U.S. proposal for a voluntary freeze on provocative actions by all claimants, including the Chinese.

Ebola outbreak: Guinea declares emergency Guinea has a declared a national health emergency as it battles to curb the spread of the deadly Ebola virus. This meant tighter border controls, the immediate isolation of anyone suspected to have Ebola and a ban on moving bodies from one town to another, state radio reported. Ebola has killed more than 1,000 people in West Africa amid fears that it could spread to East Africa. This is the deadliest outbreak since the disease was discovered in 1976. There is no cure for Ebola, but the first consignment of the experimental drug, ZMapp, has arrived in Liberia

from the US, reports the BBC’s Jonathan Paye-Layleh from the capital, Monrovia. On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved giving patients untested drugs. Ebola’s initial flu-like symptoms can lead to external haemorrhaging from areas such as eyes and gums, and internal bleeding which can lead to organ failure. Patients have a better chance of survival if they receive early treatment. Nurse ‘skipped quarantine’ The outbreak began in Guinea in February and has killed 377 people in

the country. It has since spread to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, which have all declared a national health emergency, claiming a total of 1,069 lives by Wednesday, according to WHO. Guinea’s President Alpha Conde, in a statement read out on state radio, said people who had been in contact with Ebola victims were “formally banned from leaving their homes until the end of their surveillance period”. Anyone who contravened the measures would be considered “a threat to public health and will face the might of the law”, the statement said.

In Nigeria, where a third person died of Ebola on Tuesday, Health Minister Onyebuchi Chukwu said a doctor had been infected, bringing to 11 the number of confirmed cases in Africa’s most populous state. The doctor had initially treated Liberian government employee Patrick Sawyer, who brought the disease to Nigeria’s main city, Lagos, last month and died in quarantine, Mr Chukwu said. He added that a nurse who also caught Ebola from Mr Sawyer was in an isolation ward in Lagos - the only place in Nigeria so far affected by Ebola.

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Barneys to pay $525,000 in racial profiling settlement

New York’s state attorney general on Monday settled allegations of racial profiling at Barneys, one of the city’s most famous department stores, in a controversy that had dragged in rap mogul Jay Z. Eric Schneiderman launched an investigation into the designer store nine months ago amid a wider probe into allegations of racism at other

famous New York shopping sites including Macy’s. Barneys has now agreed to pay $525,000 in fees and penalties and to implement a series of changes to ensure it does not discriminate against black and Hispanic customers. “Profiling and racial discrimination remain a problem in our state, but not one we are willing to accept.

This agreement will continue our work to ensure there’s one set of rules for everyone in public accommodations, including customers in New York’s retail establishments,” Schneiderman said. “This agreement will correct a number of wrongs, both by fixing past policies and by monitoring the actions of Barneys and its employees to make sure that

past mistakes are not repeated.” The investigation came after two black shoppers filed lawsuits against Barneys alleging racial discrimination last year. Trayon Christian, a college student from Queens, sued the store and the New York police department after he was arrested at the luxury department store in April last year following the purchase of a $350 Salvatore Ferragamo belt.

Eurozone recovery grinds to halt amid Ukraine fear

FRANKFURT, Germany – Well, that didn’t last long. After four quarters of meager growth, the fragile economic recovery in the 18-country eurozone creaked to a halt in the second quarter. Growth was zero. After only 0.2 percent in the first quarter. Now who will get out and push? The European Central Bank, with a further monetary stimulus? Or governments in France and Italy, which have dragged their heels in making their economies more business-friendly? Either or both could help. Especially if the Ukraine crisis mushrooms with a Russian invasion that would scare off business investment even more - and extend one bad quarter into an outright recession. It’s a dismal comparison to the U.S., which according to Eurostat, the European Union’s statistics agency, grew 1.0 percent from the quarter before. However, it’s better than Japan, which shrank 1.7 percent, though that was largely because of the impact following a new sales tax. Here’s some of what happened: SILENT SPRING: Germany let everyone down by shrinking 0.2 percent in the second quarter from

The June 16, 2014 file photo shows containers in the Hamburg, northern Germany, harbour. The shaky economic recovery in the 18-country eurozone ground to a halt in the second quarter amid fears over the crisis in Ukraine and softer trade and investment. the previous three-month period. Economists aren’t too concerned because they think a lot of the growth simply migrated to the first quarter because of a very warm winter that let construction start early. Europe’s biggest economy remains the continent’s standout performer. It has low unemployment and took steps to cut business taxes and costs years ago. RUMOURS OF WAR: The “Putin effect,” as economists at Berenberg Bank call it, comes from fears that Russian President Vladimir Putin may back an invasion of eastern Ukraine where pro-Russian separatists are fighting Ukrainian government forces. That worry is making businesses

hesitant to invest. Though eurozone exports to Russia are only 0.8 percent of the bloc’s annual gross domestic product, the crisis has hurt business confidence - executives are wary of risking cash for expansion, just as they were getting their mojo back after the debt crisis of the past few years. Business surveys like Germany’s Ifo show the fear is taking hold. Ukraine fears have only grown since the end of the quarter on June 30. Since then, the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine on July 17 – by a missile from territory held by pro-Russian separatists, according to the U.S. and Ukraine – has increased tensions dramatically.

SeaWorld shares tumble 33% following Blackfish documentary

Shares in the amusement park SeaWorld fell 33% after a 6-7% decline in the company’s revenues was forecast – with falling attendances driven in part by the negative publicity surrounding the documentary film Blackfish. The film follows Tilikum, an orca kept in captivity by the amusement park’s Florida outpost, who would perform in acrobatic displays for visitors. He became involved in the deaths of three people, with the documentary suggesting that this violence was driven by the conditions of his captivity, including incidents of harassment by fellow orcas. The film also claims that orcas’ lifespan

is shortened by being kept in captivity. Blackfish became extremely popular, getting 21m viewers in the US alone when it aired on CNN. It prompted protests at SeaWorld following its release, at both its Florida and San Diego parks, and various music artists who were set to play at SeaWorld cancelled, including Willie Nelson and Trisha Yearwood. The director of Blackfish, Gabriela Cowperthwaite, backed a recent motion by a member of California’s state assembly to outlaw orca performance. In April the vote was delayed so that a period of review, potentially lasting as long as 18

months, can get under way. James Atchison, SeaWorld chief executive and president, acknowledged the impact of the bill on the company’s bottom line: “In California, our challenge is related more to the media attention from the legislative initiative. That was probably our biggest headwind in California.” Expected revenues of $445m for the second quarter of the year were not met, only reaching $405m. “Until today’s report we were willing to . . . take SeaWorld’s word that there was no discernible impact,” said Tim Nollen of investment firm Macquarie. “This report was notably worse than previous reports.”

Christian was stopped by undercover officers who allegedly asked “how a young black man such as himself could afford to purchase such an expensive belt”. Police allegedly accused Christian of using a fake ID when he produced the credit card and receipt for belt. He was handcuffed and taken to a local precinct. The case continues.

Samsung says a metal frame and curved corners give the Galaxy Alpha a “sophisticated” look.

Samsung reveals Galaxy Alpha metal-framed smartphone

Samsung has announced a new smartphone with a metal frame that is smaller and thinner than its flagship model. The South Korean company describes the Galaxy Alpha as representing a “new design approach”. The firm has previously been criticised for the plastic feel of its handsets at a time when other firms have opted to use materials marketed as having a “premium” feel. Samsung Electronics saw a 20% year-on-year drop in its last quarter’s profit. It blamed “slow global sales of smartphones”. The company recently lost its status as China’s bestselling smartphone-maker to Xiaomi, a local rival, according to the research group Canalys. Xiaomi’s latest handset, the Mi 4, also features a metal-framed build. “This is a clear acknowledgement by Samsung that it needed to address some of the criticism that it faced on the Galaxy S5 and deliver a more premium feel,” Ben Wood, chief of research at the telecoms consultancy CCS Insight, told the BBC. “To actually make these devices in the kind of volumes that Samsung needs to deliver them across all its markets is a real challenge, so it’s quite remarkable that it’s been able to turn this product around so quickly. “The challenge will be marketing it without cannibalising sales of the S5.” The new handset has a 4.7in (11.9cm) screen, making it slightly smaller than the Galaxy S5. Its camera also has a lower specification of 12 megapixels, but it benefits from being nearly a fifth slimmer, measuring 6.7mm (0.26in) deep, and is also lighter, weighing in at 114g (4oz). Samsung replaced the head of its mobile design team in May, when Lee Min-hyouk took over the role from Chang Dong-hoon. The move followed several reviews that had praised the Galaxy S5’s capabilities while criticising its feel. Other manufacturers that had already shifted to offering part or full-metal bodied phones at the time included HTC, Huawei, Apple and Sony.

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US jobless aid applications rise but claims remain near pre-recession levels

More people applied for US unemployment benefits last week, although jobless claims continue to be close to pre-recession levels. Weekly applications for unemployment aid climbed 21,000 to a seasonally adjusted 311,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. The prior week’s was revised up slightly to 290,000. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, rose 2,000 to 295,750. That continues to be close to averages that predate the beginning of the recession in late 2007.

“Stepping back from the weekly volatility,” said Jennifer Lee, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets, “the trend is still very encouraging and points to continued job growth.” Applications are a proxy for layoffs. When fewer employers shed workers, it suggests potentially rising incomes, increased hiring activity and confidence that the economy is improving. Employers are searching for more workers. In June, they advertised the most monthly job openings in more than 13

years, the government reported Tuesday. Employers posted 4.67 million jobs that month, up 2.1% from May’s total of 4.58 million, according to the Labor Department. The number of advertised openings was the highest since February 2001, suggesting that hiring should continue to be solid in the coming months. Still, the openings report showed that the hiring rate has not risen over the past year as quickly as the number of positions being advertised. Job openings have increased 17.6% during the past 12 months, while hiring

Russian PM’s Twitter hacked, posting ‘I resign’ The Twitter account of Russia’s prime minister was hacked on Thursday. The infiltrators posted a message saying Dmitry Medvedev had resigned. The Russian-language feed, which has more than 2.5 million followers, was also filled with tweets denouncing the country’s president, Vladimir Putin. The impersonator wrote that Mr Medvedev would be pursuing a new career as a freelance photographer. A Russian hacking collective has claimed responsibility for the attack. The government quickly confirmed the account had been hacked. “I resign. I am ashamed of the government’s actions. I’m sorry,” the infiltrators initially wrote, following it up with tweets saying that electricity would be banned, and that Vladimir Putin was “wrong”. Shaltay-Boltay, a Russian hacking collective, has said it carried out the attack. The group, whose name is Russian for Humpty Dumpty, also claimed it had infiltrated the Gmail account and iPhones of the prime minister. Following the incident, it tweeted: “Several mail accounts - including the Gmail - and the content of three iPhones of a certain prime minister have randomly fallen into our hands on the internet. Details later.” Mr Medvedev’s English-language Twitter account did not appear to be affected by the attack. Since surfacing last December, Shaltay-Boltay has become Russia’s best known hacking collective – as

Mr Medvedev has been Russia’s prime minister since 2012. well as something of a thorn in the authorities’ side. Its fame rests on a track record of publishing internal Kremlin documents, including leaking President Putin’s New Year’s speech ahead of time last year. Last month, Shaltay-Boltay published private emails allegedly belonging to a the head of a Kremlininspired “trolling” campaign, tasked with filling the comments sections of Western news websites with pro-Putin messages. Other coups include leaking what it

said were private emails of the Russian rebel commander in eastern Ukraine, Igor Girkin (aka Strelkov), apparently discussing separatist plans as far back as 2010, as well as purported Kremlin instruction notes telling Russia’s main TV stations how to cover big stories. Its Twitter account describes the group as an affiliate of global hacker collective Anonymous International. Shaltay-Boltay’s status as a serious irritation for the powers-that-be appeared to be confirmed out when Russia’s internet censor Roskomnadzor blocked the group’s blog on 23 July.

has risen 9.3% during the same period. Yet the monthly net job gains have been solid in the past six months. Employers added 209,000 jobs in July, the sixth straight month of job gains above 200,000. The economy has now produced an average 244,000 jobs a month since February. The recent spurt of hiring has encouraged more people to start looking for work, causing the unemployment rate to inch up to 6.2% from 6.1%. The government only counts people searching for jobs as unemployed.

PlayStation 4 hits 10m sales as Sony announces SharePlay

Sony has now sold 10m PlayStation 4 consoles, the company announced on Tuesday. Speaking on stage during a press briefing in Cologne, on the eve of the Gamescom video game conference, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe CEO Jim Ryan added that the number refers to units sold to individual end users, rather than stock provided to stores. While it is far to early to declare a winner in the “console war” between the PS4 and Xbox One, the most recent figures regarding Microsoft’s competitor (gathered in July this year) put its global sales at around half that amount. Regardless of competing figures, 10m sales is a significant success for Sony. Launched last November, the PS4 reached the 5m sales mark within four months. It took the company a year to shift 3m units of its PS2 machine, the most successful games console of all time. “This is a big milestone for Sony,” said Chris Dring, editor of industry news site, MCV. “Not only has it broken the 10m barrier in a short period of time, it has done it amid competition from Xbox, mobile games and online hits like Minecraft. It also flies in the face of cynics who said consoles would struggle, and has smashed even Sony’s own lofty expectations for the machine.” Speaking immediately after the conclusion of the Sony Gamescom press conference, Dring added that the figure is not just good news for Sony. “It is huge for the core games industry in general – when combined with Xbox One’s sales numbers, at least 15m-plus nextgen consoles have sold in Western markets since Christmas.”

Samsung, Apple agree to drop lawsuits outside US SEOUL, South Korea – Samsung and Apple Inc. have agreed to end all patent lawsuits between each other outside the U.S. in a step back from three years of legal hostilities between the world’s two largest smartphone makers. However, Samsung Electronics Co. said Wednesday that it and Apple will continue to pursue existing cases in United States courts. The two companies did not strike any cross-licensing deal. “Samsung and Apple have agreed to drop all litigation between the two companies outside the United States,”

the South Korean company said in a statement. “This agreement does not involve any licensing arrangements, and the companies are continuing to pursue the existing cases in U.S. courts.” The announcement is a significant lessening of corporate hostilities after years of bitter patent disputes over the intellectual property rights for mobile designs and technology. The legal fights spanned about a dozen countries in Asia, North America and Europe.

Lawsuits and other legal actions by Samsung and Apple will come to an end in countries including Germany, England, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, South Korea, Japan and Australia. The patent cases in the United States have come with bigger awards for damages than other countries. In May, a California jury awarded Apple $119 million in a patent battle with Samsung. The same jury also ordered Apple to pay $158,400 to Samsung finding that Apple had infringed one of Samsung’s

patents in creating the iPhone 4 and 5. In a separate 2012 jury verdict, Samsung was ordered to pay Apple $930 million. Samsung appealed. Some analysts said the two companies would eventually bury the hatchet and sign a cross-licensing deal, following the usual pattern of patent cases in the technology industry. There were earlier signs that tensions had eased between two companies. The two agreed to drop their appeals at the U.S. International Trade Commission in June.

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Hotel’s latest high-tech employee is a robot butler

The next time you check into an Aloft hotel in California and order room service, don’t be surprised if it’s delivered by a robot. The hotel chain, part of the Starwood brand and with more than 100 properties worldwide, introduced its newest “employee”. A.L.O. is “dressed” in a custom shrink-wrapped, vinyl-collared uniform and name tag. The best part? A.L.O. works for tweets, not tips. The robot is the brand’s first “Botlr,” or robotic butler, and the Aloft claims it’s “the first major hotel brand to hire a robot for both frontand back-of-house duties.” The Botlr will be on call to assist the Aloft employees in delivering amenities to guest rooms or help the front desk in busy times. The Botlr, the hotel said, will free up employee time while enhancing tech offerings. Here’s an example: A guest calls the front desk for an item (a newspaper, a towel, a can of soda, etc.) and an Aloft associate places it inside Botlr and programs the room number. Botlr then navigates the hotel lobby, elevator banks, and makes its way to the guest’s room. Botlr places a call to the room as soon as it arrives outside. The guest opens his or her door, follows the prompts from Botlr’s touch screen interface, takes the item and the transaction is complete. Brian McGuinness, Global Brand Leader, Starwood’s Specialty Select Brands, said A.L.O. “has the work ethic of Wall-E, the humour of Rosie from ‘The Jetsons’ and reminds me of my favourite childhood robot, R2D2.” A.L.O. “officially reports for duty” on Aug. 20 at Aloft Cupertino, in California, with several new Botlrs to join in the upcoming months.

USB ‘critically flawed’ after bug discovery, researchers say

Cyber-security experts have dramatically called into question the safety and security of using USB to connect devices to computers. Berlin-based researchers Karsten Nohl and Jakob Lell demonstrated how any USB device could be used to infect a computer without the user’s knowledge. The duo said there is no practical way to defend against the vulnerability. The body responsible for the USB standard said manufacturers could build in extra security. But Mr Nohl and Mr Lell said the technology was “critically flawed”. It is not uncommon for USB sticks to be used as a way of getting viruses and other malicious code onto target computers.

Most famously, the Stuxnet attack on Iranian nuclear centrifuges was believed to have been caused by an infected USB stick. However, this latest research demonstrated a new level of threat - where a USB device that appears completely empty can still contain malware, even when formatted. The vulnerability can be used to hide attacks in any kind of USB-connected device - such as a smartphone. “It may not be the end of the world today,” Mr Nohl told journalists, “but it will affect us, a little bit, every day, for the next 10 years”. “Basically, you can never trust anything anymore after plugging in a

USB stick.” USB – which stands for Universal Serial Bus – has become the standard method of connecting devices to computers due to its small size, speed and ability to charge devices. USB memory sticks quickly replaced floppy disks as a simple way to share large files between two computers. The connector is popular due to the fact that it makes it easy to plug in and install a wide variety of devices. Devices that use USB contain a small chip that “tells” the computer exactly what it is, be it a phone, tablet or any other piece of hardware. It is this function that has been exposed by the threat.

Sweatpowered battery could charge your phone

A sweaty gym workout is not only good for your health – it could also energise your phone. A tattoo that produces power from perspiration has been unveiled at the American Chemical Society meeting. The biobattery is fuelled by lactate – which is naturally present in sweat after vigorous exercise. It could soon power heart monitors, digital watches and eventually even smartphones, say scientists in California. The dream of “people power”- using the body to charge portable electronic The biobattery tattoo is fuelled by lactate - naturally present in sweat after vigorous exercise. gadgets - has inspired many innovative approaches. Some harness movement – via piezoelectrics – while others use blood to power implanted biofuel cells. “Our device is the first to use sweat. It’s a proof of concept,” said Dr Wenzhao Jia of at the University of California, San Diego, who gave details of her method in the journal Angewandte Chemie. “At the moment the power is not that high – only four microwatts. But we are working on enhancing it so it can power small electronic devices.” Interestingly, her team did not set SAN FRANCISCO – Apple is banning and various accessories. What’s more, Press. “We think it’s really important out to build a biobattery. Their aim the use of two potentially hazardous Apple is requiring all its factories to test that we show some leadership and really was to make a wearable monitor for chemicals during the final assembly all substances to ensure that they don’t look toward the future by trying to use lactate. of iPhones and iPads as part of the contain benzene or n-hexane, even if the greener chemistries.” Athletes in training measure their All but four of the final-assembly company’s latest commitment to protect chemicals aren’t listed in the ingredients. Benzene is a carcinogen that can factories affected by Apple’s new lactate levels to evaluate their workthe factory workers who build its trendy cause leukemia if not handled properly guidelines are operated by third- rate and fitness. devices. But monitoring it can be The decision announced Wednesday and n-hexane has been linked to nerve party contractors in China, where the comes five months after the activist damage. The substances are often found company has faced criticism for allowing inconvenient as it typically relies on groups China Labor Watch and Green in solvents used to clean machinery and oppressive labor conditions that have taking blood samples. To develop a faster, more sickened some workers and driven others America launched a petition drive calling electronics. comfortable test, Dr Jia printed a Apple is still allowing use of the two to suicide. Apple maintains that its on Apple Inc. to abandon the use of lactate sensor onto temporary tattoo benzene and n-hexane in the production chemicals during the early production periodic audits of the overseas factories paper. phases of its products - activities that are weeding out abusive labor practices. of iPhones. “I’ve worn it myself – you don’t even The other factories covered by the A four-month investigation at 22 primarily take place at hundreds of other feel it. It really is like a tattoo,” she told factories found no evidence that benzene factories besides the ones responsible for final-assembly ban against benzene and and n-hexane endangered the roughly the final assembly of the devices. As an n-hexane are in Brazil, Ireland, Texas BBC News. “It’s not just for athletes. Most 500,000 people who work at the plants, additional precaution, Apple is lowering and California. people who exercise want to know how “This is a good first step,” said according to Apple. No traces of the the maximum amount of benzene they can improve their workout. chemicals were detected at 18 of the and n-hexane that can present in the Elizabeth O’Connell, Green America’s “We can measure our heart rate - but factories and the amounts found at the materials used during those earlier campaign director America. “I hope they will continue to remove the most if you combine that physical feedback other four factories fell within acceptable phases of production. “This is doing everything we can dangerous chemicals to human health or with chemical data you get a much safety levels, the Cupertino, California, more comprehensive view of your think of to do to crack down on chemical find ways to reduce the exposure.” company said. Green America’s petition drive exercise status.” Nevertheless, Apple decided to order exposures and to be responsive to Her team then went a step further, its suppliers to stop using benzene and concerns,” Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice collected nearly 23,000 signatures turning the sensor into a sweatn-hexane during the final assembly of president of environmental initiatives, urging Apple to phase out benzene and powered biobattery. iPhones, iPads, iPods, Mac computers said in an interview with The Associated n-hexane.

Apple bans use of two chemicals in iPhone assembly

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Disappointing outcome for TCI at Commonwealth 2014 games

The Turks and Caicos Islands Commonwealth Team has just returned home after competing in the 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The team representing the Turks and Caicos Islands consisted of eight athletes: Track & Field – Ifeanyichukwu Otuonye, Angelo Garland, Kivarno Handfield, Courtney Missick, Wadley Jean and Dominique Missick. Weightlifting: Michael Francois & Ronald Parker, five Officials – Chef De Mission, Rosalie Ingham, Kimmitt Harvey, Donovan Garvey and Alvirto Smith, Government Representatives, Hon. Akeirra Missick, Deputy Premier and Minister Of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services and Mary Lightbourne, Head of Secretariat and TCI Commonwealth Games Association Representatives Rita Gardiner, Cheryl Forman and Hon. Edwin Astwood. Our team came back disappointed as our hope for medaling was shattered by a number of hiccups. Our hearts go out to the athletes for participating in and we know they did their best at the games. Coming closest to final round was Ronald Parker in weightlifting and Ifeanyichukwu Otuonye in long jump. Being a first timer, Parker was praised for his effort and potential as he lifted quite a bit of weights, however, based on competition stance he got out under technicality and was placed eighth in his division. Hon. Edwin Astwood (former weightlifting athlete

during International competition. Ifeanyichukwu Otuonye in Long Jump, walked away with a new national record of 7.47M was disappointed in himself as he said he knew he could have done better. He was however thankful to God for his achievement and said he will just continue with his training and hope next time around he will be satisfied with his performance.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE

Ronald Parker during the weightlifting segment at the Commonwealth 2014 games. and President of the TCI Weight lifting Association) stated that he was pleased with Parker’s performance and hopes that we as a country will be able to assist him and others interested in this discipline to do better next time, taking into consideration the work which

needs to be done in the weak areas. He further commented that not just training in the physical aspect but the theoretical aspect as well. He also noted that knowing the rules,discipline and continuous training is essential and key to perfect performance

According to Mrs. Gardiner, President of the TCI Commonwealth Games Association, it is no news to hear that our athletes need better training or access to training facilities. “I must add that over the years we have gotten better, however, we are still not satisfied with our performance, even though the talents exist. More exposure in international competition and having National Championships on a regular basis has always

been a problem and the absence of a full time National Coach is missed. Thumbs up must be given to Sgt. Alvirto Smith who has started the Pistons Track Club and who has been working voluntarily and on a continuous basis with our athletes throughout the last 2 years”. TCI was devastated when one of our main international athletes, Delano Williams was not able to represent us at the Commonwealth Games. The TCI Commonwealth Games Association has invested and supported young Williams throughout his years in Jamaica, and it is no secret that these years of Professional Training has put us on the World Map of Track and Field. Now after his transition from Turks and Caicos to Britain, it was first understood that this movement would not affect his representation as a Turks and Caicos Athlete at the Commonwealth Games. We were knocked over when he was unable to represent us, in fact, he did not represent any country. Mr. Williams was nominated by the Commonwealth Sports Awards in 2010 as 1 of 3 Most Outstanding Young Achievers in various sports out of 71 countries. He was the first athlete from the TCI to achieve qualifying standards for the Olympic Games. Thanks to the TCIG for the opportunity afforded him to study and train in Jamaica. Lately we have not been hearing much about him participating Internationally, and it is a concern to the sports fraternity of the TCI.

TCIFA to host U-16 Boys tournament with visiting team from New York

In an effort to increase the level of play of its Academy members, the Turks & Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) will be hosting a tournament with a team out of New York this month, August 2014 – to do just that. Through its Visiting Team Program, driven by its players, coaches and referees, the National Association is excited to host the Manhattan Soccer (Boca) Club B16 Team. This gamecentric approach by the TCIFA allows long-term development to occur through a deeper understanding of what makes players successful at the highest level. The Manhattan Soccer Club is a Youth Soccer Club based in Manhattan,

New York - that comprises of both a girls and boys divisions and play competitive soccer at the Premier level and as well as in Division I, and some of the lower divisions. It is the largest football club in New York City with most of its teams competing in the Westchester Youth Soccer League. The B16 team that will be visiting consists of footballers that have been together since the age of nine, finishing a perfect 9-0-0 in league play this season. The team has been playing in a division with teams a year older then they are, and finished a remarkable run of their own to take second place. They

scored 40 goals this spring, an average of more than four per match, signaling that they will be a force to be reckoned with next year. This is their third tournament in the Turks & Caicos for the B16 team; and while here, they will be pitted against the Football Academy’s U16 team, which is coached by Oliver Smith. It is hoped that next year, they will host the TCI’s U17 Boys in New York in 2015. As a sport, football continues to grow in the Turks & Caicos, young players in this country need the proper environment to compete against more seasoned players. By having teams visit, this program provides the

optimum development environment for the nation’s top youth football players. Coaches and referees by emphasizing development through meaningful competition. The game schedule is as follows, all games to be held at the TCIFA Academy Complex on Venetian Road, Providenciales: Sunday, August 10th Game one 5:30pm Kick Off Monday, August 11th Game two 5:30 pm Kick Off Tuesday, August 12th Beach tournament 4:30 pm Start Wednesday, August 13th Game three 5:30 pm Kick Off

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CARIBBEAN

SPORTS

Plans unveiled for world-class motorsports track in The Bahamas

NASSAU, Bahamas – The Bahamas government has unveiled plans for a $10 million “world-class” motorsports track and complex in New Providence through a partnership with auto racing’s global governing body, in a bid to further promote the country’s sports tourism economy. Minister of youth, sports and culture Dr Daniel Johnson announced the proposed track along with global and regional directors of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), stating that the track is expected to be used year-round. He said he expects that a “five to one” return can be achieved for each dollar spent on the facility.

“We are committed to building a worldclass track again… We’re going to rebuild a world-class racing track for motorsports in The Bahamas that will have multiple uses: motorcycles, drag races, dirt racing, all sorts of races. “We want to put The Bahamas on the world motorsports tour. Same model, same place. This will be a fantastic opportunity for Bahamians,” stated Johnson, adding that the government would use May’s International Association of Athletics Federation World Relays as a blueprint for future sports tourism endeavours, including the proposed FIA track.

The $10 million complex will host FIA racing events while also offering a venue for government training and community outreach programs. However, the finalized location of the track and estimated date of completion were not provided. “What I’d like to share with the Bahamian public is our commitment to sports tourism… We are developing our sports tourism brand by partnering with the best brands in the world to bring the most exciting events in the world to The Bahamas and make it a regular part of the The Bahamas’ Minister of Youth, Sports calendar… the investment is well worth it,” and Culture, Dr Daniel Johnson. said Johnson.

Bahamian Ingraham takes home the gold

NASSAU, Bahamas – Ryan Ingraham was happy to put his disappointing appearance at his first Commonwealth Games behind him. He went to the 2014 North American and Central and Caribbean (NACAC) Under-23 Championships over the weekend and more than made up for his trip to Glasgow, Scotland, two weeks ago. The 20-year-old joined two other Bahamians competing at the Kamloops Track and Field Club in Kamloops, British Colombia, Canada, where he posted a winning leap of 2.28 metres or 7-feet, 5 3/4-inches to win one of the four medals that the Bahamas earned at the four-day meet. In the process, Ingraham erased the joint record of 2.27m (7-5 1/4) that was held by Americans Keith Morratt in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in 2006 and Joe Kindred in 2008 in Toluca, Mexico. He is now just one of

two Bahamians holding a record in the history of the meet. The other is Osbourne Moxey, who soared 8.19m (26-10 1/2) in the men’s long jump in 2002 in San Antonio, Texas. “This was my first time competing, so to come out with the gold medal, I’m very happy,” said Ingraham, who added the latest hardware to the gold he accumulated at the Central American and Caribbean Championships a year ago in Morelia, Mexico, as he moved up from the junior ranks. “It was good for me because I went to Scotland and I didn’t jump as well as I had expected.” It was a complete turnaround for the Bahamian national champion after he finished 15th at the World Indoor Championships in Sopot, Poland, with 2.21m (7-3) in March before he got 9th at the 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with 2.21m (7-3) again in August. “In Glasgow, the weather

Ryan Ingraham played a big factor for me,” said the former basketball player at CI Gibson, who turned to track and field and now is being coached by James Rolle. “The travelling also didn’t help, but other than that, it was great. After travelling to Glasgow, I was very tired. After I arrived I was out of it. I went straight to bed.” While he was able to recuperate in time to post the victory over his nearest rival, American Dakarai Hightower, Ingraham said his goal was to at least produce a personal best. But after he got the new record, he said he just didn’t have anything left in Canada. “I will now have to wait for my next meet to get my PR,” said Ingraham, who has a PR of 2.25m (7-4 1/2). “When I started jumping, everybody was already out. I just had to cope with that.” Joining Ingraham as the Bahamas flag was hoisted

Costa Rica leads CONCACAF teams in FIFA rankings

ZURICH – World Cup quarterfinalist Costa Rica has risen above the United States to be CONCACAF’s highestranked team in the latest FIFA rankings. Costa Rica climbs one place to No. 15, and Mexico is at No. 17 after also rising one place this month.

The United States – which, like Mexico, exited the World Cup in the second round – falls three places to No. 18. Although none of the CONCACAF rivals played last month, the moves reflect changing values of past results in the four-year cycle of matches FIFA uses in its

calculations. For the first time, the rankings weigh South America as the strongest confederation ahead of UEFA. World Cup winner Germany stays No. 1 ahead of Argentina and the Netherlands. Former champion Spain is tied with Brazil for seventh place.

during the medal presentations were Lathone Collie-Minns, winning the bronze in the men’s triple jump with 15.86m (52-0

1/4) and Trevorvano Mackey, who picked up a silver in the men’s 200m in 20.46 seconds and bronze in the 100m in 10.30.

Clive Lloyd wants Windies batsmen to adopt new mentality

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Newly appointed chairman of selectors, Clive Lloyd, wants to see an improvement in batting from the West Indies team, and believes this can only be achieved by players bringing a more studied approach to the game. The outstanding former West Indies captain said while there was an abundance of talent in the region, he was concerned by the lack of application and thought which often typified West Indies cricket. “We need to be more consistent in our play. We have some good bowlers around the place but our batting is the thing that has not been up to par,” the 69-year-old Guyanese said. “But we have some good cricketers here and it is just a matter of getting people who want to bat for long periods. As I’ve said before, I want to see players bat ugly. There’s not every day you’re going to be

able to drive it around, you’re going to have to battle your way out of situations.” “We should not be bowled out in two sessions in any Test match; we should not be beaten in two-and-a-half days in any Test match. I think we’re much better than that. It’s the consistency and what we need to inject into our young players is that it’s a long game especially in the Test matches.” Lloyd was announced last Saturday as the new head of selectors, replacing fellow Guyanese Clyde Butts. He will be joined by fast bowling legend and former Windies captain, Courtney Walsh, along with ex-West Indies players Eldine Baptiste and Courtney Browne. Credited with moulding the successful West Indies side of the late 1970s and 1980s, Lloyd brings a long resume to his new post, having also served as team manager, coach and West Indies Cricket Board director, since his retirement from the game.

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WORLD

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SPORTS World Cup 2014: Fifa ‘sued’ over refereeing decisions

A Colombian lawyer says he is suing world football’s governing body Fifa for £800m (1bn euros) over “moral damages” caused by refereeing at the 2014 World Cup. Aurelio Jimenez, 74, says Brazil’s quarter-final win over Colombiacaused particular “distress” and he was taken to hospital with cardiac problems. Match referee Carlos Velasco Carballo came under fire after the tie,which saw the most fouls in the tournament. Fifa said it had no comment to make. Spanish referee Carballo was accused of not pulling players up on a number of heavy tackles during the quarter-final in Fortaleza on 4 July, many directed at Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez. Among his critics were former World Cup referee Graham Poll, who claimed Carballo had failed to take charge of the match.

Carballo was also criticised for not booking Colombia’s Juan Zuniga when he kneed Neymar in the back, fracturing a vertebrae in the Brazilian star’s spine and prematurely ending his World Cup campaign. Jimenez told BBC World Service’s World Football programme he had “evidence” of “wrongdoing”, which he said included “testimonies of football stars Pele, Diego Armando Maradona, David Ospina, James Rodriguez and international referees who examined the videos of the game between Brazil and Colombia”. Of the quarter-final tie, he added: “I felt very bad, I was heartbroken, my cardiac rhythm was altered and my relatives took me to the emergency room at the hospital. I was surrounded by my grandchildren who were crying a lot.” He also highlighted other decisions, including the disallowing of a goal

by Colombia’s Mario Yepes, and said Carballo’s display was an example of poor refereeing throughout the entire tournament. “I decided to sue Fifa in the Colombian judiciary system because in the past world soccer championship in Brazil, there were many wrongdoings related to referees who damaged many countries and their selections, among them the Colombia team,” Jimenez continued. “Moreover, Fifa’s referees caused big moral damages and distress to Chile, Uruguay, Colombia, England, Uruguay, Mexico and Costa Rica.” The day after the quarter-final tie, Carballo declined to comment on the criticism directed at him. Jimenez said if he won the case, any damages would go to a government organization to improve the welfare of Colombian children.

NBA schedule: LeBron James, Cavs open against Knicks

NEW YORK — LeBron James will play his first game since rejoining the Cleveland Cavaliers at home Oct. 30 against New York, then return to Miami for the first time on Christmas. The NBA regular season will open Oct. 28, with the NBA champion San Antonio Spurs hosting the Dallas Mavericks in one of the three games that night. The league released its schedule, featuring a lengthened All-Star break, on Wednesday night during an NBA TV special, with James’ return to his original NBA team putting the Cavaliers in a number of prime positions. That includes the game at Miami in the third spot on the five-game Christmas schedule, traditionally a highlight of the NBA season. James led the Heat to two championships and four NBA Finals appearances in four years before deciding to return to his native Ohio. The other Christmas day games are: Washington at New York; Oklahoma City at San Antonio in a rematch of the Western Conference finals; the Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago; and Golden State at the Los Angeles Clippers. The nightcap is a rematch of a testy Christmas night matchup from last season that featured multiple ejections. The Clippers then went on to beat the Warriors in seven games in the first round of the playoffs. The last game before the All-Star break in New York is Feb. 12, when the Cavaliers visit the Bulls. The regular season doesn’t resume until the following Thursday, two days later than usual, with a doubleheader on TNT. The three-game opening night closes with Houston visiting the Lakers, which should feature Kobe Bryant’s return from an injury-shortened 2013-14 season. Derrick Rose’s first regularseason action since season-ending knee

Lebron James surgery early last season should come the next night, when Chicago visits the Knicks on the first full night of action. Other items of note: * James’ Cleveland debut – Part 2 – won’t be the Knicks’ first game of the season. New York will start against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 29. * A 12-game Martin Luther King Jr. Day, four televised nationally, is highlighted by another ClevelandChicago matchup. * The NBA Finals rematches between the Spurs and Heat are scheduled for Feb. 6 in San Antonio and March 31 in Miami. * If a Kevin Love trade to Cleveland is completed, his return to Minnesota would be Jan. 31. * James’ first game in San Antonio

since his final one in a Miami uniform is March 12. * Pau Gasol heads back to Los Angeles for the first time since leaving the Lakers for Chicago on Jan. 29. * Jason Kidd’s first visit to Brooklyn since leaving the Nets to coach Milwaukee is Nov. 19. * International games scheduled for Mexico City (Houston-Minnesota on Nov. 12) and London (New York-Milwaukee on Jan. 15). * TNT will televise 53 regular-season games, including an opening night doubleheader and 19 Thursday night doubleheaders, along with the Feb. 1315 All-Star festivities. * ESPN has 75 games in the regular season and ABC will show 15. NBA TV will televise 97 games. The regular season ends April 15.

Former Los Angeles Clippers team owner Donald Sterling.

Sterling loses appeal to block LA Clippers sale LOS ANGELES – Donald Sterling’s latest effort to block the $2 billion sale of the Los Angeles Clippers to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was rejected Wednesday by a California appeals court. The 2nd District Court of Appeal issued a brief order Wednesday saying it couldn’t halt a sale that had been completed. “The evidence before this court indicates the sale of the Los Angeles Clippers to Steven Ballmer has closed,” the court wrote. “Thus, there is nothing for this court to stay.” Even if the sale hadn’t closed, the three judges said the former owner failed to show he was harmed enough to get a temporary stay. Ballmer sealed the deal Tuesday after a probate judge cleared the way for Sterling’s estranged wife to sell the team. The Los Angeles Superior Court judge said Shelly Sterling could complete the sale she negotiated after removing her husband of 58 years from the family trust that owned the team because of questions about his mental competence. At the time she negotiated the record price for an NBA team the league was threatening to seize the team and auction it after banning Donald Sterling for life for making derogatory remarks about blacks. Sterling’s lawyers, who acknowledged in recent court filings that he isn’t a sympathetic figure, derided the “popular” ruling against the unpopular owner. They said they were deeply disappointed with the appellate order. “He has been deprived from ownership of the Clippers after 33 years without being accorded appellate review of this harsh result,” attorneys Max Blecher and Bobby Samini said in a written statement. Ballmer’s lawyer, Adam Streisand, said they were “supremely confident” that even with further Sterling appeals, Ballmer is the “undisputed owner.” “Clipper nation rejoices,” Streisand said. “He’s got the ability to seek review by the California Supreme Court, where he has a one in 2 billion chance.” Shelly Sterling’s lawyer said she was thrilled to have the court’s blessing. “It is time for Donald to accept that the game is over and he has run out of courts,” attorney Pierce O’Donnell said in a statement.

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WORLD SPORTS

Mo Farah leads gold rush to give British athletics perfect start in Zurich

Uruguay’s Luis Suarez bit Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during their World Cup group game.

Suarez’s ban upheld but still allowed to train

Luis Suarez’s four-month ban for biting a World Cup opponent has been upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. But the Uruguay striker, 27, can now train and play in friendly matches, with new club Barcelona confirming: “He will join the first team’s training session, scheduled for Friday. “The public presentation of Suarez as a new Barcelona player will be held on Monday at the Camp Nou.” It is not known if he will play in Monday’s game with Mexico’s Club Leon. A full explanation of the Cas ruling, which still prevents him from playing “organised” matches but now allows him to take part in all “football-related activities”, will be published at a later date. He will still have to serve the remaining eight games of his record ninematch ban in competitive international games, while his competitive Barcelona debut is likely to be at Real Madrid on 26 October in El Clasico. But Suarez will now be available for Uruguay’s friendlies against Japan and South Korea in September and Saudi Arabia the following month. Suarez’s lawyers argued that world governing body Fifa’s decision to suspend him from all football-related activity for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay’s 2014 World Cup group match in Brazil in June was too strong a punishment. Switzerland-based Cas – an independent body whose rulings are accepted by most sporting organisations – said: “The sanctions imposed on the player by Fifa have been generally confirmed.”

British athletics is celebrating its most successful start to a European Championships after six medals on the second day – including golds for Mo Farah in the 10,000m, James Dasaolu in the 100m and Tiffany Porter in the 100m hurdles – took them top of the medal table. On a wet but wonderful Wednesday in Zurich Jo Pavey also received her women’s 10,000m gold, while there was a silver medal for Andy Vernon in the men’s 10,000m with bronzes for Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Ashleigh

Nelson in the men’s and women’s 100m championships, as inspiring them to respectively. greater heights. As Porter put it afterwards: “What Farah’s victory got the evening off to we’ve done so far is really special. On the perfect start and, while it was not Tuesday what Jo did spurred us on and a vintage performance from Britain’s Mo’s victory before I raced also gave most successful middle-distance me a boost.” athlete, he was delighted to claim gold Britain has never finished top after a wretched six months during of the medal table at the European which he has collapsed twice and Championships but Porter cited the disappointed at the London marathon. pre-event talk given by the team’s “To come out here and win it meant captain, Goldie Sayers, who urged a lot to me, more than anything else in every athlete competing to go out the world in terms of medals,” he said. and compete as if it was their last “It’s probably close to the Olympics.”

Praise for “small town boy” killed by NASCAR champ Tony Stewart

TURIN, N.Y. – Kevin Ward Jr.’s family and friends praised the dirttrack racer as a “small-town boy” who loved his sport during the funeral for the 20-year-old driver who was killed by NASCAR champion Tony Stewart. More than 700 mourners jammed the South Lewis Senior High School the auditorium Thursday for the 90-minute service, a mix of tears and cheerful recollections of a young man who began racing at a young age. “Even if he had rough day, he always had a smile,” a tearful Dylan Swiernick said of his best friend and car-obsessed buddy. “We were just two small-town boys trying to make it in the big world. He was always working on something. It was unbelievable how smart he was. Pallbearers help roll the casket of sprint car driver Kevin Ward Jr. at South Lewis Senior High School He never got down on himself when in Turin, New York. Ward was killed August 9, when he exited his car during a dirt track race and was struck by a car driven by Tony Stewart. weren’t going his way.” Other friends and Ward’s three sisters also spoke during the service, temper, tried to send his own message the track that night, and there was no which filled the auditorium to capacity, by buzzing Ward, or whether Ward reason for him to hit the young driver with some mourners standing along recklessly stepped onto a dark track after other cars avoided him. “The one person that knows what the edges of the venue. Ward, a 2012 clad in black. Stewart was racing a day before happened that night is possibly facing South Lewis graduate, was buried in his nearby hometown of Port Leyden, the Sprint Cup event at Watkins Glen. 10 years in prison,” Ward said. “Is he After a bump from Stewart sent Ward’s going to say what he done?” 55 miles from Syracuse. No charges have been filed, but After the service, as Ward’s casket winged car spinning into the wall, the Ontario County Sheriff’s deputies are young driver climbed out and walked was taken to the hearse for the short trip to the cemetery, mourners let loose onto the track in his black firesuit, still investigating. Ward grew up in a racing family helium balloons in orange, white and gesturing angrily. Stewart’s No. 14 and started racing go-carts at age 4. car seemed to fishtail, and Ward was black, his racing colors. Ward was killed Saturday night thrown through the air as his parents He moved on to sprint cars and was Empire Super Sprint racing rookie of at a dirt track 140 miles away in and fans watched in horror. the year in 2012. He was one of a small, Kevin Ward Sr., who was at the Canandaigua. The accident touched off angry debates as video of the crash track with his wife Pamela, told The tight group of drivers that traveled to circulated online, with fans questioning Syracuse Post-Standard this week various races around New York state, whether Stewart, known for his hot that Stewart was the best driver on parts of Canada and Pennsylvania.

Woods pulls out of US Ryder Cup consideration

surprising. Tiger Woods removed himself Woods’ best finish this year from consideration for the Ryder was a tie for 25th because of Cup team Wednesday evening nagging back issues at the start with a clear message that he is of the year that led him to have not healthy enough to play. surgery on March 31. He missed One day after U.S. captain two majors, including the Tom Watson said he trusted Masters for the first time, and Woods to give him the “straight did not return for three months. skinny” on the condition of his In the four events he played back injury and his game, Woods upon his return, he missed the said he called the 64-year-old cut twice, withdrew during the captain to say he would not be final round at Firestone and available. finished 69th in the British The decision spares Watson Open for his worst 72-hole result from having to leave Woods off in a major. the team, and it eliminates a Tiger Woods removed himself from consideration for the Ryder Cup team “My primary wish is for Tiger distraction over the next three Wednesday evening, with a clear message that he is not healthy enough to play. to be healthy and competitive, weeks before Watson announces his three captain’s picks for the while I greatly appreciate his U.S. team and the Ryder Cup and I hope that he’ll return to the Sept. 26-28 matches against thinking about me for a possible mean too much to me not to be game very soon,” Watson said in a statement released by the captain’s pick, I took myself out able to give it my best.” Europe at Gleneagles. That he was even under PGA of America. “Of course, I’m “I have already spoken to of consideration,” Woods said in was mildly disappointed that Tiger Woods Tom about the Ryder Cup, and a statement on his website. “The consideration

has asked not to be considered for the U.S. Ryder Cup team, and that his health is not where he would like it to be. However, I think we can all agree that we need Tiger Woods in this great sport, and he has taken the high road by informing me early on in the selection process. “My focus will remain on identifying three players to join the U.S. team and give us the best chance for success at Gleneagles.” Woods said his recent back trouble was not related to the impinged nerve that led to surgery. He missed the cut by five shots at Valhalla, and he grimaced for the final three hours of the second round at the PGA Championship.

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