AUGUST 30TH – SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2014
VOLUME 10 - No. 32
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CRUISE PASSENGER TAX TO BE INCREASED Government is proposing to increase the tax on cruise ship passengers in a move that will generate close to $4million a year in additional revenue. Minister of Finance Hon. Washington Misick made the announcement of Thursday August 28th, while delivering a Ministerial Statement in the House of Assembly in the island-capital of Grand Turk. Misick said the passenger fee was originally $12 and increased once during the past eight years to $14. He added that a $1 or 7% increase is being proposed that will take the passenger fee to $15. “If approved, the implementation date will be ‘with immediate effect’.
Insomuch as it is implemented, the Government will receive $3.75 (out of the $15) per passenger arrival which will increase to at least $7.50 per passenger arrival in 2018,” he explained. Under the arrangement with Carnival, Government gets 75 percent of the tax, while the cruise line gets 25 percent. Misick said that more than one million passengers and another four hundred thousand in crew are expected to dock at the Grand Turk Cruise Center (GTCC) in 2014 compared with circa 300,000 in 2006. Based on these preliminary statistics, he said, the TCI remains an attractive destination for both regional and
international tourists and the GTCC, an economic engine for Grand Turk and Salt Cay. Misick revealed that about two weeks ago, the GTCC, Carnival Corporation and the TCI Government had detailed discussions on various issues impacting the industry. A serious challenge to sustainability of this industry, he said, is the ability to provide a product offering that is sufficiently robust such that there is perceived value in the mindset of the consumer; part and parcel to a differentiated product is the maintenance of high quality infrastructure. The former Chief Minister said that one of the management techniques
that the GTCC and TCI Government initially agreed upon that would seek to preserve and enhance the destination was to establish an Infrastructure Improvement Account. “The Infrastructure Improvement Account was set up to operate as follows: until the recovery date ( the date when the Developer has recovered the investment amount, which is estimated to be December 31, 2035), upon meeting an annual threshold passenger arrival benchmark of three hundred thousand (300,000), a portion of the head tax levied on passengers would be set aside for infrastructural improvements. Continued on Page 2.
TCI RECOVERING FROM CRISTOBAL The Turks and Caicos Islands continues to be in recovery mode following a severe drenching from Tropical Storm Cristobal last weekend. The erratic weather system which saw non-stop rain for three days, caused major flooding in the islands of Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos. See Pages 16, 24&25
Children accused of vandalising schools – Page 9 LIME upset about Digicel’s Government contract – Page 11
Government considering additional flood insurance – Page 13
Scholarship policy to be amended – Page 15
Beyonce dominates MTV’s VMAs
– Pages 26&27
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LOCAL NEWS
Cruise passenger tax to be increased
Continued from Page 1. itself and that it needs new attractions and
It was agreed that seventy-five cents per passenger would be contributed by the TCI Government and $1.50 plus 50% of the cost increase per passenger would be paid by the GTCC. To date (which includes both TCIG and GTCC estimates for 2014), over U.S. $10million have been allocated for that purpose; $5.9million has either been used or assigned to ongoing projects, with some $4.2million left to be utilized,” he explained.
COMPETITION FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Misick noted that the anticipated opening of a new cruise port at Amber Cove, on the north coast of the Dominican Republic in 2015 which will be a full Free Zone will no doubt present challenges for the Turks and Caicos Islands and how it positions itself. He said Giora Israel, Senior Vice President of port and destination development for Carnival Corp is quoted as saying that the Caribbean needs to reinvent
new ports. The Finance Minister added: “The TCI therefore has to be at least proactive and more so, innovative in enhancing its product by providing new and different attractions for cruise passengers. Innovation and economic activity has always had a hand-inglove relationship, but the breaking down of global boundaries in trade and enterprise, and the heightened competiveness that comes with it, forces us to realize that the phrase ‘innovate or die’ is so much more a reality or at least imminent.” He also revealed that Government plans to invest in the development of a deep water port that will be strategically located to include a second cruise port. This, he added, will increase TCIG revenue from this subsector, as well as allow small businesses to tap into the new opportunities that these ventures provide. “It is anticipated that such measures will reduce the cost of imports, and potentially reduce the duplication of social services by eventually linking the Caicos chain as one contiguous market,” he said.
Education Department strengthens relationship through meeting with Private Sector partners
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Services looked to strengthen its partnerships with the private sector on Providenciales on Friday, 16 August 2014. The session was called to discuss a way forward to strengthen the partnerships and address challenges that either parties were experienced in ensuring that assistance were meeting the priority needs. It provided an opportunity to say thanks to partners for all the assistance with providing supplies and equipment and assisting with financial support. Currently the Annual Primary School Science Fair and Science Quiz is sponsored by Fortis TCI. The Clement Howell High will soon have a new lunch shed thanks to Sandals Foundation whose also responsible for training and certification of Special Education Teachers in 2013, while also contributing to the New Beginnings School Project and Enid Capron Primary. Noteworthy new projects suitable for support were outlined, including the library at the Oseta Jolly Primary, the sick bay at the Enid Capron Primary, training of members of the Student Council
at Clement Howell High and the apprentice programme managed by Fortis TCI. It was confirmed at the meeting that the Grace Bay Foundation will provide backpacks to students in government schools in South Caicos, North Caicos and the Ianthe Pratt Primary in Providenciales as a part of their annual back to school programme. “We are very grateful to our private sector partners for their contribution and assistance over the past two years,” said Edgar Howell, Turks and Caicos Director of Education. “It is important for us to maintain relationships with them and educate them about some of the critical needs of our students and how our partner organizations can continue to support and invest in our young people and their communities.” Present at the meeting, Talisha Simons (Fortis TCI), Dwayne Krysnowski (Fortis TCI), Elanor Krysnowski (Sandals Foundation), Sheba Wilson (The Grace Bay Foundation) along with Edgar Howell, Director, Education Department and Cheryl Ann Jones, Permanent Secretary, The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Services.
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LOCAL NEWS
High school and college students pictured with members of the Fortis management team.
A Corporate World experience for participants of FortisTCI 2014 Summer Programmes
Twenty Three (23) high school and college students successfully completed the Student Summer Employment (SSEP) and Student Internship Programmes (SIP) at FortisTCI in Providenciales. Having commenced on July 14, 2014 for most, these young aspiring professionals, learned how the Country’s Energy Sector operates. It is the intention of SIP and SSEP to expose our youth to the many career options available to them and the work required to be successful in a corporate environment. In its third year, SSEP and SIP, led by the Human Resources Department, was open to all local fourth and fifth form students from across the Turks and Caicos Islands as well as those enrolled in College and University. Candidates of SIP worked for
two weeks in various departments learning about operational and departmental functions, while SSEP participants, consisting mainly of those already enrolled in higher education programs, had more indepth and hands on experiences after each being paired with a division matching their selected course of study at University or College. All students were exposed to both technical and non-technical positions. As mentors and program leaders motivated students over their summer work experiences, the daily message centered on encouraging them to work toward obtaining a higher education due to its benefits and importance for job placement. Mentors also worked to ensure students were made aware of the skill-sets and experience necessary
before taking up key roles. Participants were required to attend orientation and were all briefed on vital safety policies. Students met with members of the Executive Team and enjoyed “lunch with the CEO”. The affair served as an opportunity for students to ask questions and hear what it is like to lead an organization. “There is a detailed application process for both SIP and SSEP and that is because we want these students to successfully complete our programmes. For many that are selected for this experience, it is their first introduction to the working world and we have a role to play in helping to groom these young adults and prepare them for the real world; they are, after all, our future in every facet,” said Ruth Forbes,
CFO and VP of Finance and HR. This year’s SSEP candidates included Yasmaine Malcolm, a business student at TCI Community College, working in the Finance/ Human Resources Department; Franklyn Been, a Sixth Form student at British West Indies Collegiate, working in the Information Technology Department; Donval Parker, a mechanical and manufacture engineering student at York College in England, working in Energy Production and Management; and Oral Selver, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Plymouth in England, working in Transmission and Distribution. FortisTCI is proud of all the young professionals that participated this year, and look forward to seeing their continued success.
Digicel and WIV sponsor the Annual Back to School event
Digicel, along with its sister school kits of Back packs and company WIV sponsored the pencil cases with all the basic annual 2014 Back to School essentials. Marketing Specialist at event, held at the Alice and Alice Shopping Center on Digicel, Trina Adams says “Digicel is always pleased Sunday August 31st. The event which was to assist in efforts that give back to our communities in a organised as a means to give back to the community, meaningful way. This initiative by Pastor particularly to needy kids whose parents find it difficult Dean is a tremendously to provide some of the basic worthy cause and will help to essentials for Back to School alleviate some of the financial burden many families find is in its 9th year. As partners, Digicel and difficult to bear especially at WIV will be providing Barbers this time of the year.” Organiser, Pastor Branford who will provide haircuts free of charge for children who are Dean says of the event, “This gearing up for the first day of event was envisioned by my school as well as sponsoring wife 9 years ago. We had
partnered with other local churches in the past and each year the event grew in support. We are happy that Digicel and WIV have decided to join hands with us this year and we hope that this will lead to an annual partnership. “We have secured over 1000 school bags and a number of other school supplies we will be giving away as a way helping our community.” The Back to School event is also designed to be a time of entertainment and enrichment with acts such as a children gospel rap contest, pantomime dancing, praise teams & other gospel
From left: Pastor Dean of Alice & Alice Shopping Plaza, Trina Adams of Digicel and Andrew Williams of WIV. performances. Digicel Brand Ambassadors Ms. Turks and Caicos Universe, Shanice Williams, local fashion designer, Kazz Forbes and celebrity Chef, Chef Nik of Crackpot kitchen showed up to lend their support to the effort and assisted in handing out supplies. They
also used the opportunity to interact and provide advice to the young people on staying focused and giving their best in the classroom. The WIV sales team was also present offering attendants the best home broadband offer in 1Mb & 2 Mb Internet packages.
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LOCAL NEWS
Turks and Caicos post cabinet statement
Her Excellency the Acting Governor, Anya Williams, chaired the 22nd meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 27th August 2014 at the House of Assembly Building on Grand Turk. All Ministers were present except Hon. Minister of Finance and Hon. Minister of Border Control and Labour who are currently on North and Middle Caicos to support the recovery effort following the flooding over the weekend. At this meeting Cabinet: • Received a status report on the recovery effort in Providenciales and North Caicos following the flooding which resulted during the passage of Tropical Storm Cristobal over the Turks and Caicos Islands. Staff from the Engineering and Maintenance Service (EMS) are working in both Providenciales and North Caicos to alleviate the flood waters.
Cabinet heard that works to clear the road leading to Bottle Creek on North Caicos should be completed Wednesday afternoon. A top priority is for the safety of the community of Kew on North Caicos who are cut off by extensive flooding. EMS engineers are working with landowners in the area to identify an alternate access. In the meantime the Ministry of Health have made alternative arrangements for the provision of healthcare support in Kew until the situation is resolved. Government Ministers and senior officials remain on North and Middle Caicos to assess the damage and to ensure appropriate action is taken. Cabinet extended sincere thanks to all TCIG staff, agencies and members of the public for their assistance with the recovery effort. Further detailed briefings on recovery activities will be provided in media briefings and public
announcements;
• Approved the recommendations of the Scholarship Committee for scholarships at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College for Associate Degrees (TCICC), British West Indies Collegiate (BWIC) and other programs for Advanced Levels (A ‘Levels;)
Commission from 31 August to 30 November. The extension is being provided to enable consideration by Cabinet of submissions received from NPOs during the consultation period;
• Noted that the Governor and Ministers will be absent from the islands as follows; o Governor Peter Beckingham: • Advised HE. the Governor to - 26th August – 14th September on approve a further extension of the personal business. Deputy Governor, period for businesses operating in Hon. Anya Williams is Acting the Islands to pay for their licenses Governor; o Hon. Minister of Finance and without the application of the 10% penalty for late renewal of a licence. Trade: - 29th August – 7th September This change would allow on personal business. Hon. Premier businesses until 30 September 2014 Acting; o Hon. Minister of Health and to pay the required license fee for the April 2014 - March 2015 financial Human Services: - 29th August – 7th September on official business. Hon. year; Premier Acting; Further information on these • Agreed to extend the period for Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) to matters will be provided by Ministers register with the Financial Services in due course.
Public schools opening delayed The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Library Services wishes to advise the general public that public schools will reopen on Monday, 8th September 2014. The 2014-2015 academic year was schedule to begin on Monday, 1st September, however, with the passage of Tropical Storm Cristobal and the resulting flooding across much of the country, several students and teachers have been affected thus, hampering a smooth opening. After consultations with school offici als a decision was taken to delay the reopening of schools by one week. The Ministry of Education said it is committed to ensuring that all schools are in readiness to receive students and welcome teachers, adding that the delay will also help to ensure that students and teachers affected by the floodwaters are
prepared to access the curriculum and continue the formal teaching and learning exchange. Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Library Services, Hon. Akierra Missick said “The health and safety of our students and teachers remain our number one priority; and we must ensure that the Environmental Health Department, and Public Works Departments are able to comprehensively complete the required works not only at our facilities but also the surrounding areas in which they are located”. The Deputy Premier said she looks forward to welcoming all new and returning students to our facilities, and asks the general public to note again, that the 2014/15 school year for public schools will officially commence on 8th September 2014.
ELECTRICIAN A construction site in South Caicos requires a qualified and capable ELECTRICIAN with at least five (5) years experience in the position
Additionally, please see listed below the orientation schedule for all first form (Form 1) students: Public High Schools Orientation Schedule for New Students ONLY • H J Robinson High:
August 29, 2014
• Clement Howell High:
September 1st, 2014
• Marjorie Basden High:
September 2nd, 2014
• Raymond Gardiner High:
September 2nd, 2014
The Ministry of Education endorses the health tips published by the Ministry of Health and encourages parents, teachers and students to stay safe and healthy. For more information about school orientation exercises please contact the individual school.
Labourer/Senior Hatchery Technician
Qualified and capable individuals required.
Trade Wind Industries Limited, owners & operators of the Caicos Conch Farm in Leeward seeks to employ a Labourer/Senior Conch Hatchery Technician with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the domestic cultivation of Caribbean queen conch and a familiarity with warm water fin fish. This is a 57 hour per week labour position that involves the maintenance and upkeep of conch and fish currently growing at the Caicos Conch Farm. Daily job activities include cleaning and waste removal from conch ponds / cleaning and waste removal from fish tanks / the sorting, counting, relocating and harvesting of conch and fish /general maintenance of the facility including (but not limited to) trash removal, site maintenance, repairs etc. Other related and necessary duties may be as assigned.
Interested persons should email resumes to info@saunders.tc
Salary: $8.00 per hour. Send resume to: Saunders & Co, Town Centre Building, Providenciales, Attention: Caicos Conch Farm.
Must be prepared to live full time in South Caicos Salary $900 weekly depending on experience
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LOCAL NEWS
Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus W. Ewing’s Ministerial Statement to the House of Assembly Mr Speaker, in the wake of the recent passage of a Tropical Storm, permit me to give an update on the state of the islands and the various works that are being undertaken following the passage of Tropical Storm Cristobal. During this past weekend, we experienced the formation of a tropical storm directly over these islands, as it slowly passed toward the Northwest. Tropical Storm Cristobal, over a period of two and a half days, dumped in excess of twelve inches of rain on the islands of Providenciales and North and Middle Caicos. Mr Speaker, this deluge of rain overwhelmed the natural and man-made drainage capacity of these low lying islands and resulted in significant flooding, with damage to a number of homes and businesses, especially on the Islands of Providenciales and North Caicos, and further cut off some communities with impassable roads. Mr. Speaker, while the community of Bottle Creek was accessible by large flatbed trucks and heavy equipment, the Community of Kew was totally inaccessible, except via boat over the flooded Kew main road which had waters in excess of 5 feet. Mr. Speaker, the post Disaster Assessment Recovery Team which included persons from Disaster Management, Red Cross, Health, EMS, GIS, Lands and Survey Geographical Information Systems, were on the ground in Providenciales on Monday along with aerial surveillance of the affected islands via US Coast Guard helicopter and were on the ground in North
Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus W. Ewing Caicos on Tuesday to assess the extent of the problem and conduct damage assessment to properties and to determine the needs of the communities and persons affected. Mr. Speaker, this exercise is still ongoing although in greater detail, both on North and Middle Caicos as well as Providenciales. Mr Speaker, the EMS team,
along with private contractors, as early as Monday were mobilized throughout North Caicos and Providenciales, and have actively been pumping water from flooded areas of public highways and communities, and dredging drainage channels to allow rapid runoff of water from the road ways in North Caicos. The flooded highway
to Kew is a major challenge but the engineers are actively working to push an alternate access road into Kew whilst engineering drainage pathways and pumping of water from this flooded low lying basin. The Community of Leeward Palms is also presenting a challenge due to the high water table in a low lying areas and flooded nearby ponds, making pumping of water very difficult. The EMS Team is continuing works in several communities on Providenciales today. The existing drainage systems such as the Five Cays bypass road pumping station, are working well, and have greatly assisted with the drainage of water from the highways and downtown areas of Providenciales with good progress. Mr. Speaker, Tropical Storm Cristobal also resulted in the closure of the Providenciales International Airport from Sunday morning to Tuesday morning, due to the high cross winds, isolated thunderstorm and poor visibility in the area of the aerodrome. The resumption of flights and the adding of extra flights by the various airlines greatly assisted in the transport of the backlog of persons trying to get in and out of the islands. Mr. Speaker, once the damage assessment has been completed by the various teams a damage assessment report will be generated, a summary of which will be made public, and a detailed report submitted to a number of agencies such as CDEMA and CRIF, so as to claim on TCI flood insurance and to
assist in the recovery efforts or to reimburse expenses incurred in the during the recovery period. Mr. Speaker, this has been a small storm but a great experience and test of readiness and responsiveness of our disaster and emergency systems. Disaster preparedness is an ongoing exercise and lessens ought to be learnt especially from every real life experience. The various Disaster Management Committees have been and will continue to go through a period of performance evaluation and of state of readiness in preparation for any other hazards that may come our way during this hurricane season. However, it would be remiss of me not to thank the hard working teams from DDME, EMS, Health, Red Cross, Police, Fire, Immigration and Customs Officers, Lands and Survey, GIS, Media, TCIAA, Representatives of Airlines, Hoteliers, TCHTA, Tourist Board, private sector partners such as Fortis, LIME and heavy equipment contractors and Civil Servants in general who have assisted throughout the period of the storm and continue to dos o during this recovery period. Finally, I would also like to extend sympathies to those persons who have lost loved ones during the storm and also lost property due to flood water damage. I encourage these individuals that have significant damage to their property to contact DDME and or Red Cross so that an assessment can be made and a determination of what assistance can be given.
New senior civil servants recruited Government has appointed a new Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, a new Assistant Commissioner of Revenue and a new director of computer information technology. This was announced by Minister of Finance Hon. Washington Misick during a Ministerial Statement delivered in the House of Assembly on Thursday August 28th. He said the Ministry of Finance facilitated by the Human Resource Management Directorate was successful in the recruitment of another Deputy Secretary who has approximately two decades of
and its related functions. experience in various areas of the “I believe that with this financial industry including: pension fund management, investments – recruitment, both the depth and scope of the Ministry is enhanced. with in depth knowledge of securities “I am confident that the new team and instruments of 1st World capital market and has recently will give the MoF the focus and had a career direction centred on capacity to really drive forward our strategies,” he added. understanding the critical success Regarding the newly appointed factor of entrepreneurs, specifically Small and Medium Size enterprises Assistant Commissioner of Revenue – Legal, Misick said the incumbent (SMEs). has approximately six years in These skills complement those that existed in the Ministry, he said. commercial and civil areas of law Misick said the new Deputy and is very familiar with TCIG’s revenue’s legal framework. Secretary’s responsibilities are “I am pleased to say that she primarily related to organizational development of the Investment Unit has already commenced review on
various ordinances. The Assistant Commissioner will be responsible to ensure that the revenue ordinances are adhered to, advise on legal issues within the Revenue Unit, as well as researching and analyzing the various tax issues,” he said. He said the Ministry of Finance has also recruited a Director within the Computer Information Technology Unit who will oversee the Digicel Contract, as well as assist in the restructuring of the of the Unit, The Director will endeavor to enhance and manage the operations of the technological capabilities of the Government.
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Hoteliers address false allegations following tropical storm Cristobal
Hoteliers in the Turks and Caicos Islands have denied reports that they were engaged in price gouging and other bad practices during and after the passage of tropical storm Cristobal. Stacy Cox, Executive Director of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), said in a press release that with the country picking up the pieces after the passing of Storm Cristobal, TCHTA hoteliers are disturbed about false allegations being circulated in the media following the storm. She said: “As TCHTA hoteliers do their part to ensure guests feel at home during an unexpected part of their vacation they are faced with false allegations that they are price gouging during this difficult time. “With some flights cancelled due to the storm, guests staying at TCHTA hotels were by no means stranded and have not been victimised, with hoteliers going above and beyond to accommodate them by offering discounted rates, with some hotels even offering free nights. “Guests who were unable to visit the destination because of the storm have not been penalised and were given up to
New principals appointed Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Hon. Akierra Missick has announced the appointment of new principals. Mrs. Kadean Cunningham is the new principal of the Clement Howell High School, while Miss Juliet ArthurThelwell will assume duties as Principal at Eliza Simons Primary School – replacing Mrs. Norma Seymour, who has now retired from teaching. Ms. Sophia Garland is the Principal (Acting) at Enid Capron Primary, while Miss Abigail Delancy Vice Principal (Acting) at Enid Capron Primary School – both for the period of two years while Principal Rachel Taylor undertakes study leave. “With the recent changes in various schools administration, we urge PTAs and others staff members to work with our new principals, support their efforts so that they can focus on creating a school environment that will support teaching and learning as expected at our institutions. “We further, ask for all our partners in education to embrace these new principals and continue to assist in developing our education institutions,” the Deputy Premier said.
a year to reactivate their bookings.” Cox noted, “Our hoteliers are savvy business people who recognise the importance of repeat guests and will therefore continuously provide top notch guest service in order to encourage visitors to revisit the hotels time and time again. “Our Association therefore felt it was important to address these false allegations which attempt to damage the reputation of our hotels. “We would like to state publicly that our hotel members have really shown what true commitment and dedication to our tourism and hospitality industry is and without hesitation have answered the call to provide guests with worldclass service even during such a hectic time.” Cox added, “Even though 80% of TCI”s hotels are members of the Association we would like to remind the public that not all hotels are members and there might be a few non-members who have taken a different approach as it relates to guests and this current situation. The stance taken by hotels outside of Stacy Cox, Executive Director of the Turks and our membership body is by no means a Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association. reflection of how our hoteliers operate.”
Education minister: Children vandalising schools Students have been vandalising schools and making it more challenging for the maintenance programme, says Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Hon. Akierra Missick. In a Ministerial Statement in the House of Assembly on Thursday August 28th, Missick said she observed that there has been much press coverage over the lack of attention that is perceived that the Ministry of Education and or Government Support Services has neglected to repair schools. She added: “I must state in no uncertain terms that the School Maintenance program continues to be challenged by acts of irresponsibility in many cases, and vandalized by our very own children. I witnessed first-hand the classrooms listed for repairs are our various schools, and not with dismay how those rooms which had repair works conducted last year, are on the list for the same if not similar repairs this year. These are the times, I wonder if the repairs to doors, paint or cleaning down of graffiti and wall markings are exercises in futility.” She added: “I must continue to ask parents to speak to their children about how they treat their school property, and will commence during the last week of September the Ministry’s School visits, and country-wide PTA meetings to walk through with parents, guardians and caregivers of all students through the Zero Tolerance Policy which does not only address deviant behavior on
our compounds but also destructive behavior to the physical plants. We again encourage parents to urge their children and even community members who sneak in school compounds, use water and other resources and those who deface property to help us keep our community resource safe and in good condition, we need the cooperation of all to help upkeep our schools.” The Deputy Premier said that contracts for school maintenancee works were awarded late, due mostly to the late passing of this year’s budget. These works, she added, comprise of small maintenance jobs, such as changing locks, repairing windows, doors, electrical and plumbing issues. “As we noted, before the passing of the tropical storm Cristobel that the awarded contractors declared that they were on target in most of our managed schools to finish either before or during the first week of the 2014/2015 term. Since, Tropical Storm Cristobel, some contractors are now reporting slight delays due the delayed arrival of cargo, which were expected earlier this week. “This Act of God could not have been predicted to cause the problems in the TCI that it has, given the misnomer that was Hurricane Bertha, nonetheless we have now spoken with all contractors, and all have confirmed that they will return to their works as soon as possible given their needs to ensure that their return is at a time when it is safe and physically possible to do so,” she said.
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.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Former DEMA Director gone rogue by Martha Lamb It seems that some of Ric Todd appointees can get away with murder in destroying the TCI because they are the proud recipients of his “White privilege”. I had the unfortunate opportunity to listen to a May 20th 2014 interview with the BBC, one Brian Manco and the dearly departed Kathleen Wood of the Environmental Department, DEMA. In this interview the former Director of the Environment went on a tree hugging crusade against the elected Government and joined in with an exercise on the part of the BBC to establish that the UK can overrule elected ministers on areas of policy such as the environment allocated to them. But there is a real motive of deflection from the real issues that is behind all of this. The former Director told the BBC that when the cruise port was being built in Grand Turk there was the destruction of Salinas and Heather trees that grow around Salinas. There was no destruction of any salina and the Coast where the dock has been built contained no such Heather trees. This is simply not true. She also misled the BBC by saying
Former DEMA Director Kathleen Wood that TCI does not have any protection for “endemic” species, which are native to these islands, but she omitted to mention that the Government designated 30 plus protected areas
covering ¾ of our entire land mass where most of these endemic species can be found. She also said that TCI does not have a development plan to control the hotel and resort development that take place in these islands. This is not true and she is fully aware that Development is controlled by a development plan which we have had for years. Most glaring and egregious is the direct show of disrespect for the Government and the gall of the BBC to come in here to challenge the policy agenda of a democratically elected Government and to get the UK to micro manage the Government. This is modern-day racism. Wood, the BBC and others are really out to destroy the locally elected government and the people of the TCI Wood’s dismissal of proposed development on East Caicos is premature, devious and undermining. Further it is contrary to Civil Service General Orders for a public officer to openly challenge the policy position of an elected Government while that officer is in office. No native born or descended head of Department would survive the outfall from such actions. Wood is now on a constant media campaign to discredit and undermine the elected government. Her agenda is not for the protection
of the environment, but for career building and over shadowing the integrity commission issues that she must face. Unusual, “suspect” and like a grand cover up: how can the Integrity Commission remain silent and continue to ignore the deliberate and immediate breaches of the Integrity Commission Ordinance by this former Director. Is it true that she has run a business from right out of her office? Did she unilaterally award contracts to her friend and business partner, etc. All persons in the TCI know that if any Turks and Caicos Islander ever thought of engaging in any activity remotely close to this, the SELECTIVELY, BIASSED INTEGRITY COMMISSION, would still be investigating them and raking them through the coals. Hon. Ministers, Hon. Members of the Opposition, Hon. Opposition Leader, the Integrity Commission, the Attorney General Chambers, and the Planning Department none of you should be allowed to sit silently and allow this woman to be a law unto herself and get away with proverbial murder. If these breaches are allowed to stand, then Sir Robin Auld would have to apologize to the former Premier, the Hon. Michael Misick and the entire former PNP Government.
Digicel and interCaribbean Airways team up to give customers the opportunity to win round trip tickets Digicel and interCaribbean Airways have teamed up to give customers the opportunity to walk away with a roundtrip ticket and spending money to popular destinations – the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica. The exciting promotion kicks off on September 1 with the opportunity to win a getaway trip to the beautiful Dominican Republic. Those interested in winning a trip
to Haiti can look out for October’s game while those hoping for a free trip to Jamaica can gear up for November’s text to win game. All customers have to do is text ‘FLY’ to 7171 from their Digicel phone for a chance at walking away with the grand prize. The cost to play is $0.75 per text. Games run for a month long period and winners are announced 48 hours following the close of the game.
To All Our Valued and Prospective Clients. We are currently refurbishing our offices at Unit 2G, Courtyard Plaza, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, which will be completed in the next few weeks and is being prepared to serve you better. The current access is at Unit 2F, Courtyard Plaza, and can contact us at Telephone Number 941-7975 or 9418353 and Fax at 941-3988. We do apologize for any inconvenience.
The Management & Staff CSC INSURANCE BROKERS LTD.
Winners are free to redeem their prize up to 12 months following their win. Head of Marketing for Digicel, Ava-Dayne Fulford says, “We are excited about our partnership with interCaribbean Airways and what that means for our customers. “They have the opportunity to walk away with a fabulous prize package of a trip plus spending money! “I’m sure this will come in handy for a number of persons who would love a
Christmas trip back home or someone who wants a nice getaway vacation – either way, it’s a great package.” CEO of interCaribbean Airways, Mr. Trevor Saunders says of the promotion, “we are pleased to partner with Digicel on this fun giveaway, so whether it’s your first time visiting a new country, or its simply a chance to go home, interCaribbean the leading airline of the Western Caribbean takes you there”.
• • • • • • • • • • •
AUGUST 30TH - SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2014
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 11
LOCAL NEWS
LIME seeking legal advice about Digicel’s multi-million dollar Government contract by Hayden Boyce
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
LIME has formally objected to Government’s decision to award Digicel a multi-million contract in 2012 to upgrade its telecommunications network. Phil Bentley, the Chief Executive Officer of Cable and Wireless, LIME’s parent company, confirmed that they have asked the Attorney General’s Chambers to investigate the awarding of the contract. “There was an award of a contract a while ago and in our opinion when the contract was awarded, more business was awarded than was contracted for and we are just simply saying that we would like the AG’s office to look at that contract and whether what was awarded was what was tendered for because our view is that this was in contravention of normal government procurement rules,” Bentley said while on a recent visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands. The SUN understands that LIME has engaged the services of Queen’s Counsel Carlos Simons to deal with this matter. Attorney General Rhondalee Brathwaite-Knowles did not respond to The SUN’s email request for a comment. In 2012, Digicel’s CEO Jay Saunders said that government floated a bid for suitable candidates to overhaul its IT system for the next five years, revealing that Digicel was one of the providers that mounted a bid. Saunders said then, that Digicel was award the contract based on its IT innovation, including its newlyacquired 4G switch. “The thing that we are most proud of is that, we are building government’s future network. We are building a network that they are going to run all
From left: Digicel’s CEO Jay Saunders, Queen’s Counsel Carlos Simons and Chief Executive Officer, Cable & Wireless Communications PLC Phil Bentley. their e-government services on. When government has a problem they would be calling our operation centre to provide them with support. “It’s a major step forward. We believe that government would see major efficiency increases and, it is staggering, the amount of money that government is going to save over the next couple of years,” Saunders said then. Since then, Saunders announced that Government is saving approximately $90,000 each month on its phone bills by switching from LIME to Digicel. Saunders explained that
government was paying approximately $100,000 for phone bills each month before the contract was awarded to Digicel in 2012, to outfit and manage the network. He said the phone bill is now less than $10,000 a month. He stated that the significant lowering of government phone bills was due to Digicel overhauling the network, and in addition to phones, supplied desktop and laptop computers. He also noted that Digicel is now providing internet speed which is much faster than its previous network provider. “We gave government a wide area of network; we gave government internet
speed which was five times faster than they were; we gave government band speed which is five times faster than they were before; we gave government 400 PCs, 100 laptops; we gave government software,” Saunders explained. “And when you add up all of those things over the life of the contract, which is five years, and when you add up what government was paying the previous competitor on a monthly basis over the five years, government would have spent more on just their phone bills than what they would have spent on us giving them all of those things.”
PROVO AIR CENTER SEEKS
TWO BAGGAGE HANDLER 1.Over 5 years experience in Baggage Handling. 2.Over 5 years experience in maneuvering heavy duty equipment. 3.Experience in general handling of General Aviation. 4.British Airways, JAR OPS, Aircraft loading qualified. 5.Comprehensive knowledge in the operation of Ground Service Equipment (GSE).
Position require the following:
• Excellent command of the English language – reading, writing and speaking. • Good communication skills and team player • Detail oriented & organized individual • Ability to work shifts, early mornings, late nights, weekends and Holidays. • Clean police record • Able to work under pressure
Belongers need only apply. Interested persons should apply to HR@intercaribbean.com No phone call please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interview.
is seeking suitable qualified pilots to operate its EMB120 fleet. Applicants must have the following:
Captains
Valid Air Transport License, Pic type rating - 3500hrs fixed wing total time including 1,500 hrs Multi engine, 500hrs Turbine and minimum 100hrs on Type.
First office
Commercial Pilot License, Sic type rating – 500hrs fixed wing total time, 250hrs Multi engine and 25hrs on Type. Please send resume to HR@intercaribbean.com
Page 12
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
AUGUST 30TH - SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2014
LOCAL NEWS
pdm says Tropical Storm Cristobal raises serious issues and pledges assistance to the Government and others Each year we brace ourselves for events during the hurricane season that have the potential to be catastrophic. Thankfully, most years we are spared by the mercies of God. A few days ago, our islands experienced heavy rainfall during the passage of TS Cristobal. Unfortunately, there are areas that suffered extensive flooding with resultant property damage and loss. This is especially true on the islands of North Caicos and Providenciales. Whilst shelters were used for the most vulnerable and displaced, we are eternally grateful to all who offered assistance in any form whether it was to rescue family members or fellow men. In times of trouble, it is good to know that we are still our brothers’ keepers. Members of the PDM have
by Sharlene CartwrightRobinson Opposition Leader attempted to make the journey over to North Caicos two days after the storm had abated but due to difficulties with scheduling and lack of adequate ground transportation, we were forced to cancel our trip. But residents of the affected islands can rest assured that we will continue to monitor the situation. Unfortunately, our trip may not be completed this week due to the House of Assembly being scheduled for Thursday and possibly Friday.
However, it will be done as soon as possible. We are aware of the severity of the situation from talking to residents, seeing photos and hearing releases from Government officials. We want to thank those hard working civil servants who have been completely absorbed in disaster relief and recovery efforts following the passage of this storm. The Departments of DDME, Public Works, Environmental
Financial Accounting Manager Qualified Accountant – CIMA, ACCA, CPA with at least 5 years post qualification experience at managerial level. Reporting to – Head of Finance Staff reporting in to position – Accounts Payable Officers Duties include but are not limited to - Reconciliation of multi currency bank accounts and posting of bank charges, credit card commissions, payment provider charges and loan transactions - Reconciliation of all other balance sheet accounts on a monthly basis and raising issues with management to ensure all balances is accurate - The booking and reconciliation of intercompany payments and transfers. Improve process for allocation of shared expenses across companies by intercompany journals and settlement in a cost efficient manner - Booking of regular journals including intercompany rent/ rental income, loan and lease payments, bank charges, depreciation - Reconciliation of internal group and external loans - Manage fixed assets for group – Fixed Asset register, additions and disposals, depreciation, impairment - Book depreciation on a quarterly basis - Inventory/ Aircraft parts – Introduce an inventory control process from order to delivery to usage- check that delivery notes are received and signed, parts are checked v purchase order, booked in to stores and out of stores (on use) and that missing items from orders are followed up with the supplier. - Perform bi annual stock take with stores manager, identify missing or obsolete values to Head of Finance/ chairman. - The reconciliation of Passenger related taxes and charges for all airports using Radixx and the daily operational report and reporting of these taxes to the overseas bodies to meet deadlines. Prepare payment requests for these costs. - Manage Accounts Payable function and supervise 2 Accounts Payable Officers. Reconciliation of Accounts Payable balance sheet accounts and analysis of aged creditors. Prepare Accruals and Prepayments journals. - Reconcile monthly credit card spend, arrange payment in line with payment deadlines and post in to QuickBooks. - Review and standardize chart of accounts across companies. Ensure revenues and costs are reflected in the correct part of the P & L and that balance sheet items are grouped in a logical manner Experience/ skills required - Experience working with multi currencies and a high volume of transactions, accuracy and attention to detail, ability to work with minimal supervision, resilience, team working skills. - Managerial skills- priorities tasks for self and accounts payable team supervise and develop accounts payable team, take ownership for tasks. - Ability to deliver accurate accounts to Trial Balance - Willingness and ability to work additional hours to meet business needs
Please send resume to HR@intercaribbean.com
Health, Service Organisations and all policy makers are doing their best to manage the aftermath and we pledge our assistance wherever they deem that we are able to help. PDM’s elected members of Providenciales have been touring their constituencies and the entire island of Providenciales lending assistance and arranging for the removal of water and debris from flooded areas through private offerings of equipment. We remain committed to helping in any other ways. Going forward, we must see the need to adhere strictly to planning requirements, including the digging of wells on lower parts of properties, the refusal of grants of lands in flood prone areas, the encouragement for residents to also seek to insure their property against damage and the general need
for better drainage system on major Islands. We await the official report and the quantification of loss and damage. We will also remain positioned to assist the Government wherever we are allowed as well as those that have suffered loss and damage. We encourage all to continue to lend a helping hand. On a sad note, one life was lost during the flooding. Though we cannot say the cause of death, we extend our sincerest sympathy to the family of Coven Rigby. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God be with the family as they deal with this sudden loss. Let us remain focused on the continuing efforts to restore these Islands and to work on addressing the serious deficiencies in our storm water drainage and disaster mitigation plans.
Gansevoort Turks + Caicos is a contemporary luxury full service boutique resort on Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals with Five Star experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuring Five Star standards and services are continuously delivered.
Director of Rooms Reporting directly to the General Manager, Director of Rooms is responsible for the consistent delivery of exceptional performance of Rooms Division in both guest experience and financial results, and for the successful management of all internal and external relationships. The successful candidate must have/be; • Experienced hospitality executive with minimum 10 years five star international management success – Caribbean experience desirable with 3-5 years management in each departmental discipline. • Thorough knowledge of resort front office and housekeeping procedures, operations and equipment, with the ability to execute all aspects • Financial, Business and/or Hospitality Management degree or equivalent experience, with a passion for customer service • Exceptional leadership skills with a proven record of providing consistently high guest experience standards balanced with operational efficiencies. • Demonstrated success at delivering results through establishment of standard procedures, disciplined coaching and management. • Proven ability to develop business plans and budgets, and effectively monitor performance to meet objectives • Energetic, results driven leader with collaborative approach; focused on empowering people; developing skill in others through coaching, training and experiential learning. • Sense for perfection and attention to detail • Self-motivated and dependable with an exceptional work ethic and strong problem solving skills • Proficiency with general office PC applications (i.e. Microsoft Office software and Opera) to prepare reports, employee schedules, inventories, budgets as required. • Professional appearance and demeanor • Must be fluent in English. Additional languages desirable. Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm on (649)941-7555. E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to hr@wymara.com
AUGUST 30TH - SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2014
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 13
LOCAL NEWS
Government considering additional flood insurance by Hayden Boyce
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Although the Turks and Caicos Islands already has flood insurance, Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing says he will be exploring the possibility of securing excess rainfall insurance which was recently purchased by eight Caribbean countries from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF). Developed by CCRIF and global reinsurer, Swiss Re, the excess rainfall product is aimed primarily at extreme high rainfall events of short duration (a few hours to a few days), whether they happen during a tropical cyclone (hurricane) or not. The eight countries that purchased the policy are: Anguilla, Haiti, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St KittsNevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and St Lucia. Asked whether TCIG will
be buying the new coverage, the Premier stated: “The Government currently has flood coverage in the current insurance policy. However, we will definitely be looking into the Excess Rainfall Product mentioned to gather more information about it and to see whether or not it would be of greater value to the Government than what we currently have.” Like CCRIF’s tropical cyclone and earthquake insurance, the excess rainfall product is parametric and estimates the impacts of heavy rain using satellite rainfall data from the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) and exposure from CCRIF’s risk estimation database. Because the excess rainfall product is parametric, a payout can be made quickly (within 14 days) after a rain event that triggers a country’s policy, without waiting for time-consuming damage
and loss assessments on the ground. During a Ministerial statement in the House of Assembly on August 28th, Minister of Finance Hon. Washington Misick said implementing flood mitigation measures “is a difficult task that cannot be accomplished quickly in an archipelago”. He said the Government has not, by any means, been inert in this area, and has sought expertise in addressing the issue. Misick said that as recent as the week of August 18, 2014, the Government brought in Dillon Consulting, Ontario Canada, to review the drainage systems on the islands, identify issues and make recommendations on solutions to foreseeable problems. “Flooding is a natural phenomenon, and one that cannot be eliminated entirely. I believe, however, it is important to ensure that the
planning and mitigation systems that we are putting place continues so that we reduce the risk of flooding to people and property in the future,” Misick added. Meantime, CRIF CEO, Mr. Isaac Anthony, said the new excess rainfall product has been eagerly awaited by Caribbean governments as they all realize that considerable damage in the region is caused by rainfall and flooding. “This product complements CCRIF’s hurricane coverage which determines losses based on wind and storm surge. We commend our eight members for taking the initiative and purchasing this groundbreaking product and hope that other countries in the region will follow,” he said. In expressing Swiss Re’s support, Mr. Martyn Parker, Chairman, Global Partnerships stressed, “Securing excess rainfall insurance protection
demonstrates that Caribbean countries are taking a proactive approach to manage the contingent risks posed by climate change. Swiss Re is proud to support them in their efforts to ensure fiscal stability after a disaster.” Taking into consideration the fiscal challenges that many Caribbean countries face and their increasing levels of vulnerability, the CCRIF said it continues to work towards reducing the overall premium cost to members. To this end, for the 20142015 policy year, CCRIF offered two one-off premium discount options due to a third successive year in which none of the policies held by member countries were triggered by an event. The two discount options were: a 25% discount on tropical cyclone and earthquake policy premium if no excess rainfall policy is purchased; and up to a 50% discount if applied to an excess rainfall policy.
TCI Middle School PO Box 1139, 48 Richmond Hill Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies Tel 649 231 1519 Email: principal@tcimiddleschool.com
TCI Middle School requires for September 2013 a teacher for this newly developed school
Full time teacher
Form Tutor for Yr. 7 or 8, with responsibility for teaching specialist subjects to Yr. 7,- Yr 11 English or Maths is preferable as a subject specialism but please state other areas of strength
Headteacher required
TCI Middle School requires for November 2014, a Headteacher for this developing school Applicants will need to - be dynamic, enthusiastic and creative teachers. - have an excellent working knowledge of the National Curriculum for England and Wales Guidelines - Have UK Qualified Teacher Status with at least 2 years teaching experience in the UK. - Be flexible and adaptable in their approach to learning - have expertise in one or more of the subject areas The initial teaching contract will be for a period of two years. Salary will be negotiable according to experience. Closing date – 7th September 2014 Please Email CV or letter of application with a recent photograph and contact phone number together with the names and phone numbers of referees to: Mark Dunbavand at the above address.
Page 14
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
AUGUST 30TH - SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2014
LOCAL NEWS
Deputy Premier saddened by the impact of Tropical Storm Cristobal on Turks and Caicos Islands
Deputy Premier Hon. Akierra Missick said it was a saddening experience to witness the after effects, which Tropical Storm Cristobal had on the islands of Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos. On Tuesday August 26th, Missick joined the Premier, Dr. the Hon. Rufus W. Ewing and Minister of Finance, Hon. C. Washington Misick, Members of the DDME, Red Cross and Seven Day Adventist Response Team in North Caicos, to assess the remedial works under taken by the Public Works Department to clear the severely flooded road ways and communities. “Not only is the flooding in areas extensive, some settlements are completely cut off from others,” the Deputy Premier said. “It was truly disheartening to see my fellowmen in such states of despair. But I am also pleased that works have commenced to alleviate the desolation by creating access through the flood waters, and I thank the Public Works Department (PWD), volunteers of North Caicos and Environmental Health Department for their work thus far.” Following the passage of the storm, the Deputy Premier took to the streets of Providenciales and especially her Leeward and Long Bay constituency and has begun engaging rescue response for her constituents. She noted, “I visited the flood prone areas in the Leeward & Long Bay Hills Constituency. The main area of concern for residents that I spoke with and the homes that I had the ability to actually
LIVE IN HOUSEKEEPER Single family looking to hire a live-in housekeeper to help around the house, yard and do cleaning.
Must be able to work late hours and holidays. Must have a drivers license.
Salary $6.50 per hour with room and day to day living including.
Please contact (649)241-7278
Wednesday only
JERK JUICE BAR & GRILL SEEKS
ONE WAITER
A view of the severely flooded roads downtown in Providenciales. assess, is that the waters appear not to be receding and as a result they unable to leave their homes, not even to secure critical food supplies. “Further, there are unseen hazards as the floodwaters have caused cisterns and sewage systems to flood. I have raised this concern and others with the Public Works Department to enquire about the time frame for them to attend to each of the affected communities in Providenciales. I was pleased to know and can confirm that, all things considered, PWD will conduct their assessment of the areas in the Leeward and Long Bay Communities between Wednesday and Thursday of this week.” As many areas in the communities of Providenciales are exposed to flood
Long Bay Hills. “As the Minister of Education, and Deputy Premier of the Turks & Caicos Island, I have witnessed firsthand the mammoth task the employees of the PWD have to undertake and I will continue to work with the Ministry of Government Support Services to have taken measures to ensure that the all Turks and Caicos Islands Government schools are included in their list of priorities to be assessed and addressed where necessary within the next few days and in time for the next Monday opening of the 2015 School Academic Year. I ask for the Lord’s continued mercies on the Turks & Caicos Islands, and know that this period is difficult but it is nothing we cannot overcome together.”
FORBES & CO LAW FIRM Seeking for immediate employment of a
Legal Secretary To process legal documents, legal research, prepare documents and correspondence in the assistance of an attorney. Salary commence with experience, working hours 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday
Please contact (649)246-4175 or (649)332-4176 weekdays
The VIP Lounge at Club 2005 Is looking for
AV Technician To work 5 days a week (as needed) Salary: $7.00 per hour
Cleaner
Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 241-2487
waters, the Deputy Premier, who also has a responsibility for Education and Youth, said that in light of the limited Government resources, those persons who are able to begin alleviate the flood waters and damages to their respective properties should as much as possible and only where it is safe to do so, seek to assist PWD in their works. She added: “Residents who are able to commence the necessary works to reduce the flood water on their respective properties are asked to please undertake these works. The resources at PWD including manpower are distributed across severe flood prone areas of Providenciales, Middle and North Caicos and there will be delays in conducting works in the communities of Leeward &
45 hours a week Salary: $5.50 per hour Tel: 241-5635
RAMP AGENTS/AIRCRAFT
CLEANERS
• Good command of the English Language • Willing to work shift pattern including weekends and holidays • Clean Police record • Valid driver’s license Salary $7.00 per hour
Submit application along with photograph to: General Manager TCA Handling Town Centre Mall, Providenciales Tel: 649-941-5353
TOYOTA CONSTRUCTION
ELITE GAMING SEEKS
Two Electricians
1 Bartender
SEEKS
$12.00 per hour
Two Plumbers $10.00 per hour Must have atleast 5 years experience
Shandra Restaurant Seeks
Two Waitresses Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 341-5121
Salary $5.50 per hour 5 days per week Contact 331-1984
AUGUST 30TH - SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2014
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 15
LOCAL NEWS
Scholarship policy to be amended While stressing that the Scholarship programme is “merit-based” and designed to be “fair and objective”, Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Hon. Akierra Missick said there will be amendments to the policy. “As with everything else we are committed to addressing gaps in systems in order to improve service delivery within the Ministry. To this end the Education Advisory Committee will review recommendations for the amendment of the Scholarship Policy for presentation first to Cabinet, as the last holistic policy review took place in 2011. Despite the review, the Ministry will continue to promote that the program is the Government’s program and must meet the National Development Needs of the Public Service and Country and so a priority listing will continue to be a feature of this program,” the Deputy Premier said in a Ministerial Statement in the House of Assembly on August 28th. “It is a common thing to review priority lists, to look at gaps in recruitment in the Public Service, especially areas where we continue to be challenged as far as recruitment goes and have our scholarship priority list reflect these. We look forward to this review and circulation through the various ministries, and the public at large. We must ensure that moving forward, that TCIG can have access to the best and brightest persons in the Turks & Caicos Islands, and that they invest in these people for the national good.” She noted that this year, the Education Advisory Committee had to consider 236 applications for Scholarships, this included one hundred and seventy (170) at the Bachelors and above level and 66 at the Advanced level and Associates Degree level. “This was a daunting task for the committee that spent over four weekends considering all the applications sent in to the Scholarship Secretariat. In the end, at total of 45 applicants received awards for study at the Advanced and Associates levels which resulted in all of the applicants who applied to either BWIC, TCICC or another A ‘Level College except those who did not satisfy the Turks & Caicos Islander Status requirement. Further 44 awards for either full or partial study at the Bachelors level and for Teacher to Masters Level,” she added.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Hon. Akierra Missick. Missick said the Scholarship program is designed to reward hard work and excellence to all citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands regardless of who they are or what their name is. She stated: “The suggestion has been that awards were only granted to those people who have afflictions with the Minister of Education or this Government. A review of the awards list will clearly show persons from all walks of life and backgrounds have received awards. Despite several of the comments made about this year’s list of recipients, I must stress that the Ministry, through the Education Advisory Committee, cannot support any system that allows for decision making on criteria other than hard work and excellence. This is so particularly when the competition is high and the pot of money across TCIG is limited.” She said National Scholars are those top performers across the country, adding that their only criteria for being awarded a grant/award is that they placed among the TOP 3 of all students in the TCI in any final academic year with excellent external examination results including Math and English. “There is no other criterion, and in a world where Math and English are fundamental subjects, it is only fitting
Paradise Ltd is seeking
Vespa Island Tour Guide Requirements: • Must hold a current motorcycle/scooter license and be familiar with basic scooter operation and maintenance. • Must have vast knowledge of the Turks and Caicos Islands with excellent communication skills. • Ideal candidate will have minimum 5 years of experience in retail and/or hospitality and tourism in the TCI. • A successful applicant will demonstrate strong leadership skills with an ongoing positive personality and team attitude. • Strong knowledge of current events and excellent sense of direction required. • Salary starts at $6 per hour (this does not include tips!) This position starts as a base position but has potential for management within the first two years of employment.
Belongers need only apply. Applicants please apply to: rose@paradisescooters.tc Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.
that candidates are required to exhibit command of these subject areas. These Students as National Scholars, are not new to the National Scholarship Program. Further, these students do not have to study a priority area as listed for the year in which they activate their award. In essence the students can study any subject matter, at any school within the Caribbean or United Kingdom, and receive the maximum award toward their 3 years of study of US$40,000.00. Students and parents who are listening in should take note of this awesome opportunity and spend the time fighting academically to become a TCI National Scholar. “The National Scholar program does not take in to consideration when the student became a TCIslander, nor does it take into consideration if their sibling was a national scholar before them. It is truly the ultimate reward for excellent academic studies. Something that person should applaud these recipients for and not distract from their achievements,” the Education Minister added.
NATIONAL PRIORTIY AREAS Regarding the National Priority Areas. Missick said all the successful applicants would have satisfied the merit criteria. “That would also be the case for some of those applicants who did not receive an award, and so I can appreciate the outcry by some persons that seemingly students were not granted an award. This would not be the first time that this would happen, and neither will it be the last time, and this is not down to personality or knowledge of who the applicant is,” she continued. “The fundamental ethos of the National Scholarship Policy, is to award hard work, but also to meet the skills gaps in the Public Service, and then the Country. Areas that are listed as priorities are just that priorities. That does not mean an applicant who meets the GPA requirement and applied to a school on the approved list, and a priority area will receive funding, the Scholarship Budget is not big enough to award every applicant who neatly falls within this bracket. So the next step, which the Committee then has to consider, is the area of priority that the applications come in for, and provide for an equitable distribution across all the
areas with the funding that is available. So, for example, if there are a set of triplets, resulting in 3 applications to the Committee for a partial scholarship, all with GPAs of 3.5 and all in the same subject matters, 2 apply to study Civil Engineering, and 1 to study Mechanical Engineering, there is only a budget allowance for 2 awards. What would the Committee do? The Committee would use equitable distribution to grant an award one in Engineering and one in Mechanical Engineering, versus 2 in just one area. Each priority area is addressed in the same manner, and that is the fairest and just way to do so, to ensure that the National Scholarship Policy allows for a cross section of areas of study and career paths are developed. There really is no more succinct way to explain how the Policy is operated.” The Deputy Premier said she can appreciate how the students felt when they reviewed the awards list for 2014/2015 and saw that they were not on it. She added: “In 2002, I was in their shoes. I too, was denied a scholarship at the University of Nottingham, one of the top 3 Universities in 2002, for the study of Law in the UK despite having the academic grades of 3(A)s at A Level which 3 perfect papers and a B which more than what was required by the Policy at that time. It is a daunting feeling, when you are unsure as to what to do next or how to source funds to further your education, which is all you want to do so that you can work to be in a better position to create the life you want to live when you are a working adult. But, not receiving a scholarship or even a grant did not deter me from moving forward. I was in no better position than the students are today. I knew that I would attend University that September and I would work while attending school if needs be. I had also decided that I would apply to every law firm in the Turks & Caicos Islands to work as a holiday intern, I shadowed the Magistrates, and Chief Justices, and requested donations and grants from all bodies that had any to share. I did not give up, and I applied every year after that for a Scholarship, until I was granted one 2 years later in my last year of studies. So, at this juncture I say to the student you must never give up. Use this time to hone your craft, to take online courses, to bolster your application.”
Page 16
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
AUGUST 30TH - SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2014
LOCAL NEWS
Turks and Caicos Islands recovering from Tropical Storm Cristobal
The Turks and Caicos Islands continues to be in recovery mode following a severe drenching from Tropical Storm Cristobal last weekend. The erratic weather system which saw non-stop rain for three days, caused major flooding in the islands of Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos. On Thursday, the Disaster Executive Policy Committee, cochaired by the Acting Governor the Hon. Anya Williams and Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, along with Ministers and Senior civil servants, received the very latest information from North Caicos and Providenciales. Director of Engineering and Maintenance Services, Xavier Malcolm, who is leading the effort on North Caicos advised that this afternoon flood water levels in Bottle Creek had significantly reduced due to a combination of pumping and cutting a new drainage trench. Malcolm also provided an update about the township of Kew where work on a new access road had started with extensive progress already being made. On the island of Providenciales, water levels on the main roadways in the downtown and other areas have been reduced by pumping. The focus of the recovery effort is now being
shifted to Five Cays, Kew Town and the Leeward areas. The addition of several new wells had already taken place in Leeward, and a further assessment is being conducted as to determine what else is required. Further, the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies will conduct their own assessment of Providenciales today, and will travel to North Caicos tomorrow to carry out an updated assessment of the recovery works and the ongoing social needs of that island. All government ministries remain on standby to provide additional assistance. The Ministry of Finance has made provisions for additional funds and resources to be drawn upon, if necessary. Commercial banks and Government offices in Providenciales and North Caicos were also forced to close on Monday August 25th, as the Turks and Caicos Islands continued to be swamped by the after-effects of tropical storm Cristobal. There was one fatality associated with the storm The lingering effects of tropical storm Cristobal also led to the suspension of domestic and international flights to and from the Providenciales International Airport,
the main gateway into the Turks and Caicos Islands. Cristobal starting affecting the Turks and Caicos Islands since Friday night with gusty winds and light but steady showers that caused flooding in several areas, intermittent power outages and the cancellation of several domestic and international flights. Although Cristobal was churning away from The Bahamas on Monday, its movement has been described by weather experts as “erratic” and blinding rains continued to douse the Turks and Caicos Islands. The tide was choppy around Providenciales, causing beaches along the world-famous Grace Bay to be void of tourists. Several trees were stripped of their leaves and plants bended and swayed under the force of the squally winds. Several communities within the islands of North Caicos, Middle Caicos and Providenciales had extensive flooding and several roads were impassable. The Department of Disaster Management has completed initial assessments throughout the islands and have reported minor flooding in the island-capital, Grand Turk, and little to no flooding in Salt Cay. Flooding in the communities of North and Middle Caicos was extensive.
The areas of flooding in Providenciales include Airport, Grace Bay Area, Five Cays, Blue Hills, Lower Bight Road, Down Town and areas of Leeward Highway. There were no reports of any major damage to the country’s critical infrastructure. He said the EMS Team has begun pumping flood waters from the streets of Down Town and Kew Town and have joined him in an island-wide assessment of Providenciales Minister of Border Control and Labour and Representative for North and Middle Caicos, Hon. Ricardo Donhue Gardiner has promised to do everything possible to help the people affected by Tropical Storm Cristobal. The constituency of North and Middle has been worst hit, with many homes still flooded. He said: “I want to reassure everyone affected by this terrible storm, specifically those living on North and Middle Caicos, that we will continue to keep up our urgent response and help get them back on the move.” He said Government Support Services pumps would be sent to clear roads along with extra personnel as soon they are able to be safely transported, adding that government will take a more serious look at how it prepares for more extreme weather.
Seven Stars is seeking a suitably qualified candidate to fill the position outlined below. The ideal candidate must possess experience in a luxury resort environment, as well as a professional, outgoing and friendly demeanor with a strong command of the English Language (oral and written). DIRECTOR OF RESTAURANTS AND BARS The Director of Restaurants and Bars is responsible for the overall satisfaction of all Food and Beverage Outlets in the Resort and ensure that service standards are met, delivery and service conform to all Seven Stars Standards and all Outlets are meeting or exceeding budgets as set. The candidate must have experience in a 5 star Hotel Food and Beverage Department and experience in managing a fine dining restaurant. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • To have a thorough knowledge of the market situation in terms of business mix of competing resorts, their pricing structures, sales strategies, future hotel planning. • Select, train, evaluate, lead, motivate, coach, and discipline employees and managers/team leaders in multiple Food & Beverage operations and outlets to ensure that established cultural and hotel standards are met. • Identifies the developmental needs of others and coaches, mentors, or otherwise helps others to improve their knowledge or skills.
coordination and cooperation between departments. • To work closely with the Food and Beverage Coordinator and the Executive Chef. • To oversee the presentations and service of all Food and Beverage products to ensure highest standard of quality at all times. • Ensure proper handling, cleaning and sanitation of equipment, meeting Resorts Health and Safety standards. • Maintains an up to date working knowledge of all resort amenities as well as any special events. • Together with the F&B Coordinator reviews findings from comment cards and guest satisfaction results with F& B team and ensures appropriate corrective action is taken. • Makes recommendations for CAPEX funding of food and beverage equipment and renovations in accordance with the resorts brand business strategy. REQUIREMENTS:
• Serves as a role model to demonstrate appropriate behaviors.
• Requires 7-9 years’ experience in restaurant management
• Control labor and operating costs through effective scheduling, budgeting, purchasing decisions, and inventory control while focusing on creative revenue generation solutions to maximize profit.
• Requires experience in teambuilding and collaborative projects
• The ability to be visible in the operation, recognize and maintain relationships with regular guests.
• Requires experience interacting with executive levels and the ability to work without supervision on specific assignments.
• Communicate with employees and managers to ensure operational needs are met as well as attend regular operational meetings to ensure effective
• Requires excellent project management and working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and Point of Sales System.
• Requires strong technical, written, oral and interpersonal communications skills and attention to detail.
Closing Date: September 4, 2014 Suitably qualified candidates should apply via email to Seven Stars at: hr@sevenstarsgracebay.com for consideration Candidates must possess relevant skills, experience, and a clean police record. ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED
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LOCAL NEWS
TCI hospital pursues training with Yale New Haven Health System Interhealth Canada (TCI) Limited is taking another step in its plans for the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital. As part of its drive to increase efficiency and provide added value to the Turks and Caicos Islands, it is introducing further opportunities for the professional development of its staff at the Hospital through a collaborative effort with Yale New Haven Health System Center for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response (YNHHS-CEPDR). YNHHS-CEPDR, is a PAHO collaborating Centre that includes assisting PAHO with training and education, evaluating and assessing capabilities or capacity, the writing of plans, procedures and guidelines.
Through this association, the TCI Hospital Staff will be able to benefit directly from the internationally recognised education and training online and in-person programmes in areas of emergency preparedness, patient safety, infection control, Mass Fatality and other specialized areas which are available from YNHHSCEPDR. “The mission of the TCI Hospital is to provide its patients with quality healthcare. In order to honour this commitment and as a principal component of the operations in the state of the art facilities at Cockburn Town Medical Centre and Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, it is incumbent upon the management of the Hospital
to ensure that its human resources are provided with the training necessary to enable them to deliver this high quality of care”, says Jacqueline Moe-Cox, Education Manager TCI Hospital. Moe-Cox added, “The partnership between Yale New Haven and the TCI Hospital signals this level of commitment and is an example of the added value which Interhealth Canada brings to its operations in the TCI. Yale New Haven has an international reputation and presents a wealth of expertise in education and training in best practices to prepare the healthcare workforce to fulfil their roles in healthcare through use of the latest learning modalities”. Noting that Interhealth Canada had
entered into a Teaming Agreement with The Yale New Haven Health System some two years ago and through which the two organizations have been working together in other parts of the world, James L. Paturas, Director of YNHHS-CEPDR welcomed the opportunity of extending that relationship to the TCI Hospital. He added, “I’m impressed not only with the facility but with the level of expertise that you have here at the TCI Hospital. The service that you are able to provide here is unbelievable and we look forward to developing a close working relationship with you and your staff here in the TCI as we do with other Interhealth Canada operations elsewhere.
Beaches Turks & Caicos’ got talent! Team members at Beaches Turks & Caicos lit the Liquid Night Club on fire last week as finalist strutted, sang and danced their way to the 2014 Sandals Resorts International ENCORE regional finals. Dee-Jan Cirmafranca and Evanz Inelus emerged as top Male and Female vocalist as they sang their way into the hearts of judges with their amazing vocals. While, Cortrina Cooper and William Filford strutted their way to the top with their model behaviour by showcasing their perfectly toned bodies in two wardrobes which included swim
wear and casual attire. Tanekko Clarke’s dance skills landed him at the top of the chart for his dance Act. The talented dancer performed a number he choreographed for the competition, beating out both his male and female competitors. While Damian Davis will represent the resort in the musical category. Spearheaded by the Director of Entertainment David Ellis, ENCORE, which stands for Entertainment Now Creates Opportunities Rewarding Excellence competition was created
BUTTERFIELD GOLD GROUP OF COMPANIES POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Three (3) Domestic Workers
For general cleaning & other domestic duties Applicant must be of excellent character and work ethics. Be able to work independently Be willing to work flexible hours
Wages: starting from $5.50 per hour
One (1) Cashier
To operate a cash register and check stand to provide the store’s customer with the most friendly, accurate and efficient checkout service possible; to perform stocking and other duties as assigned, according to company policy; to ensure that the work shift contributes to the financial best interest of the store.
Wages: from $6.00 per hour
Requirements for all Applicants: • Hardworking team player with excellent people skills. • Willingness to work, weekends and holidays as required. • In addition to the performance of the essential functions employees may able required to perform supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the supervisor. Only Belongers apply for these positions. Application forms available from Butterfield Gold Human Resource Department. Only applicants selected for interview will be notified. Submit applications to by September 3, 2014 to: Butterfield Gold Ltd., Human Resource Department Town Center Mall Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211
to showcase the vast array of talents present within the company. “ENCORE created a platform for our talented team members at Beaches Turks and Caicos to showcase talents across several areas of the performing arts,” Ellis said, “Beaches Turks & Caicos realized the need to show these local talents and has created an avenue to not only perform at regional level but also to reward participating team members for their abilities.” The tough responsibility of judging fell upon Fitness expert John Wright,
TCI fashion designer Kazz Forbes, Singer Chrystal Charles, Musican Brandford handfield, beauty consultant Michelle Swann and Director of Culture David Bowen and wife Shara Bowen. Beaches and Sandals International Encore will take place at Sandals Whitehouse European villages & Spa Saturday September 8, 2012, where finalist go on to compete against the regional winners from Sandals/ Beaches Resorts in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, and the Bahamas for the International crown.
Blue Haven Resort is inviting applications for the following position:
Lead Barista Job Summary: The barista is responsible for the Allegro Coffee Bar within the Deli/ Market concept. Serving all products, with friendly individualized attention towards each customer. He/she is also responsible for educating customers & coworkers alike about our premium products. The lead barista educates and trains on the job with coworkers and takes a leading role in the Allegro Coffee Bar. Running a smooth operation within the store concept and using his/ her creativity to increase efficiency and revenue. Junior Supervisor position. • Minimum 2 years’ experience in same or related field • Well-organized and detail-oriented. • Minimum high school diploma or equivalent. • Takes a lead role in the coffee bar operation • Develop & shape the barista team by training on the job & challenging them to perform to their best performance • Develop seasonal promotions in line with the different clientele visiting the island during different seasons • Maintains positive Company morale and professional attitude. • Must be able to work overtime, as needed. • Excellent verbal and written skills. • Regularly required to stand, walk, talk and hear. • Frequently required to use hand to finger motions, handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms. • Regularly required to lift and/or move items up to 30 pounds. 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 September 5th, 2014 Belongers need only apply.
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AUGUST 30TH - SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2014
As we gear up to the start of the new school year, most of you have probably already decided on the school of your choice for September. This doesn’t mean that you can’t compare what’s on offer here in TCI and perhaps offer suggestions for ideas and improvements during a PTA meeting at your own child’s school. There is always plenty of opportunity for us as parents and teachers, to share ideas and improve the teaching and learning environments for our children. In doing so, Turks and Caicos will see a much brighter future for everyone, so let’s work together! A visit to Provo Primary is necessary in order to experience exactly what makes our school so unique, but if you can’t do that, continue to read on, and visit our website at www.provoprimary.com to learn more about what we offer. It’s hard to answer exactly what makes Provo Primary such a special place, but here are some reasons why you might want to consider Provo Primary for your child: • Since its inception in 1991 as Headstart Learning Centre, we have grown to be one of the biggest, most well established and successful primary schools on the island with a student body of 145+ children from the age of 18months to 11/12 years • Our truly diverse student body is made up of children from all socio-economic backgrounds and nationalities. We feel it is important for all our children to grow up being able to mix and communicate with people from all walks of life. • Our philosophy, teaching faculty and resources allow us to deliver a rich, varied and international curriculum to our children. • It is a well-known fact that children learn by questioning and being active participants in their learning: We offer exploratory learning, encouraging curiosity and creativity. • Our academic standards are high and we hold a proven track record for achieving above average SAT scores and excellent Middle and High School Entrance Test placement results: Our students have consistently held the top 1st 2nd and/or 3rd places in entrance exams for the past 4+ years. • We consider all areas of learning important and encourage children to recognize and develop their innate talents and strengths. • We offer a superior and competitive Sports programme and facilities. • We have an excellent Music programme and Steel Band. • We are also well known for our Theatre Arts, Drama and Dance programmes. • Our Mindful philosophy encourages children to understand how positive thinking and mindful actions can affect learning, relationships, success and happiness. • We offer foreign Language teaching and a large range of after school activities. • Although our facilities and resources are first class, we consider our most important resource to be our teachers. Our teachers are carefully chosen out of approximately 250 applicants each year. We choose teachers who will contribute individual and varied strengths to our team, who share a common philosophy towards teaching and learning and whose experience, work ethic and personality will enable them to successfully plan for each child in their class. Being able to differentiate between abilities within a class and teaching to individual needs is a requirement for our school. This enables gifted children to achieve their absolute highest potential while supporting children who may have weaknesses in certain areas of learning.
Scholarships
It has always been Provo Primary’s philosophy to offer scholarship places to as many Turks Islanders as possible. That way, we feel as though we are making a difference in our community by offering subsidies to families who would not normally be able to afford our tuition fees. The impact of this is huge. Many of the children who have benefited from our scholarship programme are now successful adults and we are proud to have made a difference in these children’s lives. Judging by the messages we receive, they are very grateful too and look back at Provo Primary as playing an important role in helping to shape their futures. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the following companies for their pledges for the 2014-1015 school year. Without them, our scholarship programme wouldn’t be possible. Pledges this year have ranged from $250 donations to full-scholarships.
We’d also like to thank our other sponsors who have requested that they remain anonymous. Thank you everyone for your support! For more information about how our scholarship programme works or to donate funds, please contact Alison Williams at director@provoprimary.com Tel # 431 6327or Toby Barkworth-Knight at viceprincipal@provoprimary.com Tel # 442 2807
What’s new at Provo Primary this year? • Increased enrollment • Additional teachers to join our international staff of 15 female and 4 male teachers • Improved and increased foreign language teaching, including Spanish Immersion in Early Years. • Larger Soft Play and Toddler/Pre-school areas • New garden/outdoor classroom and Aquaponics areas so children can grow their own fruits and vegetables, harvest them and learn the business side of farming, by selling their produce on Provo Primary market day! These learning experiences will be integrated into other areas of learning such as Literacy, Numeracy and Science. • A new shade for our soccer pitch protecting children from the hot sun. • 15 new lap tops • Additional Tablets/I pads • Lots and lots of other new and exciting resources! We always welcome visitors, and encourage you to stop by and see us at our location in Flamingo Park, behind Graceway Sports Centre. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you soon!
Alison Williams Director, Providenciales Primary School
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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 Court’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 Court’s website.
The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission: Constituted under the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice.
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LEADING TODAY.
Congratulations to our 2014 Interns! 23 Local Students Successfully Complete FortisTCI Summer Internship and Employment Programmes.
FortisTCI offers real-world experiences that help to build a student’s resume, teaches time management, and provides networking opportunities and mentoring to our youth. By opening our doors we open their eyes to a world of possibilities in both the electrical utility industry and the corporate sector. Illuminating the path to a brighter future, FortisTCI endeavours to prepare the youth of today to be the workforce of tomorrow.
INVESTING IN TOMORROW.
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AUGUST 30TH - SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2014
LOCAL NEWS
Emcees for the event: Delthia Russell, Labour & Immigration Liaison and Tiersa Hall, Human Resources Manager.
Judges Panel, Nicole Cox, Chrystal “Tess” Charles, Courtney Robinson and Ryesha Higgs.
The organizing committee for the event staged a surprise opening dance, Jenny Capili, Tiersa Hall, Delthia Russell, Karen Gardiner, Sheena Smith and Marjorie Dorsett.
“The Fab Four”, front office team from The Sands at Grace Bay, Priscilla Rodriguez, Ri-Ann Sutton, Wesline Cherry and Barbara Rigby.
Hartling Group’s got talent
The Hartling Group is rich Regent Palms which included with creative talent and it was Sheldlene Pubien, Kanthal Capron on display last Thursday (August and Frantsline Joseph; Tabrina 21, 2014), for the entertainment “Achiever” Reasias, Regent Palms of staff, family and friends. Held Retail Supervisor; “The Fab Four”, in the ballroom of the Regent from The Sands at Grace Bay, Palms, employees showcased their including Front Office Manager singing, dancing and comedic Barbara Rigby and her team of Priscilla Rodriguez, Ri-Ann talents to local staff members. The event, billed as “Hartling Sutton and Wesline Cherry doing Group’s Got Talent!”, was in a song and dance number; and the planning for months and Carlton “Doc” Waite, bartender professionally staged acts from at Regent Palms with a great Regent Palms and The Sands comedic presentation. Karen Whitt, General Manager at Grace Bay in a friendly at Regent Palms applauded the competition. The evening began with a effort of the organizing committee rousing welcome by the emcees and expressed delight in all the for the event, Ms. Tiersa Hall, HR performances, which were stellar, Manager, and Ms. Delthia Russell, showcasing some of the creative Immigration and Labour Liaison. talent at both resorts. Everybody They segued into a fabulous song has a special talent, and it’s so and dance number by the HR much fun to see a person act outside their normal comfort team from both resorts. Contestants included “The zone. She further commented that Front Office Dancers”, a trio from events such as this foster team
Judge Chrystal “Tess” Charles performs for the entertainment of the crowd with Carlton “Doc” Waite.
Carlton “Doc” Waite swoons after judge Chrystal “Tess” Charles’ performance.
All Contestants on stage with Emcee Tiersa Hall, far left, Mona Beeson, General Manager of The Sands at Grace Bay, second from left and Karen Whitt, General Manager of Regent Palms on far right.
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LOCAL NEWS
Employees came together for a photo.
Kendolyn and Denardo Missick from Regent Palms.
Paula Cumberbatch from Regent Palms with Karen Gardiner from The Sands at Grace Bay.
Carlton “Doc” Waite from the Food & Beverage department of Regent Palms Performed a comic rendition of “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number”.
Tabrina “Achieva” Reasias, from Regent Palms performed “I Dreamt I Went to Heaven” along with her brother Tavardo Reasias.
Winning Act, as selected by the panel of judges, The Front Office Dancers from Regent Palms, Sheldlene Pubien, Kanthal Capron and Fransline Joseph. acclaimed dance spirit, a core value of Hartling Group internationally companies including New York City employees and management. The illustrious judges had a Ballet and Alvin Ailey American Dance difficult job, but were well-qualified Theatre and Chrystal “Tess” Charles, a to provide some on-the-spot coaching rising star and local singing sensation. as well as make the difficult selection “Tess”, a former manager at Regent of a winner. Judging the competition Palms, performed two songs for the were classically-trained vocalist Nicole entertainment of the audience. The night ended with the Cox, who is Worship Ministry Director of Harvest Bible Chapel, along with announcement of winners, who received Courtney Robinson, well-known TCI standing ovations. The judges awarded the prize to fashion guru and founder of the TCI Top Model Contest. Completing the Regent Palms act, “The Front Office panel of judges were Ryesha Higgs, Dancers” and audience choice who has studied and trained with winner, by votes, was “Doc” Waite.
Audience Choice Winner, Carlton “Doc” Waite with Regent Palms General Manager Karen Whitt.
Carlton “Doc” Waite from the Food & Beverage department of Regent Plams performed a comic rendition of “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number”.
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AUGUST 30TH - SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2014
TURKS & CA
LOCAL NEWS
Tr Crist
He weeke Tropic cause in Pr popul Caicos Flo the e includ Acc offices
AICOS SUN
AUGUST 30TH - SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2014
ropical Storm tobal floods TCI
eavy rains from last end’s passage of cal Storm Cristobal ed widespread flooding rovidenciales, the most lated of the Turks and s Islands. oodwater engulfed entire downtown area, ding the main roads. cess to government s was impacted by the
floods. Members of the public and government workers were forced to step out in ankle deep water on Tuesday. However, the Engineering Management Services (EMS) officials implemented an urgent plan to clear the drainage system in the area and the main roads were cleared by Wednesday.
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AUGUST 30TH - SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2014
ENTERTAINMENT
Beyonce gave a typically energetic, passionate performance, seen here with her backup dancers.
Beyonce was seen crying into a towel as her husband and daughter joined her onstage.
Jourdan Dunn
Chanel Iman captivated in a futuristic black frock.
VMAs 2014 winners: Beyonce dominates MTV’s big night
Did you know that Arcade Fire won an award at the MTV Video Music Awards, or that Beyoncé won three Moonmen in addition to her Video Vanguard Award? Probably not. Even though MTV wrapped up the ceremony 15 minutes early – ample time to give out more Moonmen – the “Awards” portion of the Video Music Awards were an afterthought. While the broadcast only focused on the results of seven categories, it was revealed post-show that Eminem, OK Go and DJ Snake with Lil Jon also scooped up VMAs. Arcade Fire – who were across the country performing with surprise guest David Byrne at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center (home of last year’s VMAs) – scored the Moonman for Best Art Direction for their video “Reflektor.” It’s the band’s first Video Music Award, and it’ll look nice on the mantle next to the Album of the Year Grammy and all those Juno Awards. Beyoncé took home three VMAs: Best Video With a Social Message and Best Cinematography for “Pretty Hurts” and Jordin Sparks sparkled in white. Best Collaboration for “Drunk In Love” with Jay Z. Eminem’s “Rap God” received Best Editing, those clever dudes in OK Go were a no-brainer for the Best Visual Effects prize and DJ Snake and Lil Jon’s head-banging (literally) “Turn Down For What” music video secured Best Direction for the filmmaking duo The Daniels (Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert). Of the five Video of the Year award nominees, only Pharrell Williams and his “Happy” went home empty-handed. Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” took the big award itself (followed by an acceptance speech delivered by a homeless person), Beyoncé won her three VMAs plus executed a perfect Video Vanguard performance, Sia’s “Chandelier” scored Best Choreography and even Iggy Azalea, nominated for “Fancy,” had Amber Rose showed off much a partial claim to Ariana of her voluptuous form in a revealing creation comprised of Grande’s Best Female Video win for their “Problem.” chain links.
Here’s your full list of 2014 Video Music Award winners: Video of the Year: Miley Cyrus “Wrecking Ball”
MTV Artist to Watch: Fifth Harmony - “Miss Movin On”
Best Choreography: Sia “Chandelier”
Best Hip Hop: Drake ft. Majid Jordan - “Hold On (We’re Going Home)”
Best Collaboration: Beyoncé & Jay Z - “Drunk In Love”
Best Direction: DJ Snake & Lil Jon - “Turn Down For What”
Best Male: Ed Sheeran - “Sing”
MTV Clubland Award: Zedd ft. Hayley Williams - “Stay the Night”
Best Art Direction: Arcade Fire - “Reflektor”
Best Female: Katy Perry ft. Juicy J - “Dark Horse”
Best Video With a Social Message: Beyoncé - “Pretty Hurts”
Best Visual Effects: OK Go “The Writing’s On the Wall”
Best Pop: Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea - “Problem” Best Rock: Lorde - “Royals”
Best Cinematography: Beyoncé – “Pretty Hurts” Best Editing: Eminem - “Rap God”
Best Lyric Video: 5 Seconds of Summer – “Don’t Stop” Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award: Beyoncé
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ENTERTAINMENT
Azalea and Ora looked like they had a ball as they hammed it up on stage.
Gwen Stefani left No Doubt who was queen bee as she arrived in a black-trimmed pink top and trouser set. Demi Lovato
Ed Sheeran celebrated with director Emil Naya after winning Best Male Video for Sing at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards.
For approximately 15 seconds, the VMAs broke form for an uncomfortable tribute to Robin Williams.
Katy Perry was obviously the object of affection as she arrived with rapper Riff Raff in matching outfits.
A very pregnant Kelly Rowland was glowing head to toe in her pearly empire waist gown.
Common focused on the calls for justice and change coming in the wake of Michael Brown’s shooting in Ferguson, Missouri.
I meant to do that! Jim Carrey said repeatedly after accidentally slipping off the stage during the Best Pop Video presentation.
‘Oh my God look at her butt!’ Minaj had her upper thighs painted in snakeskin during her performance of Anaconda.
Chloe Moretz hit a high note in her strawberry-hued top with belt and pink trousers.
Solange Knowles opted for a shimmery suit and black strappy high heels.
Taylor shimmied her way across stage in her glittering outfit.
Lorde won an award for Best Rock Video.
British singer Rita Ora bares all in this sexy, satin number.
Jennifer Lopez sizzled in a crisscrossing silvery gown that displayed her toned waist and legs.
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AUGUST 30TH - SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2014
ENTERTAINMENT
Angelina and Brad Pitt finally get married
NEW YORK – Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were married Saturday in the French hamlet of Correns, a spokesman for the couple says. Jolie and Pitt wed in a small chapel in a private ceremony attended by family and friends at Provence’s Chateau Miraval. In advance of the nondenominational civil ceremony, Pitt and Jolie obtained a marriage license from a local California judge. The judge also conducted the ceremony in France. The couple’s children took part in the wedding. Jolie walked the aisle with her eldest sons Maddox and Pax. Zahara and Vivienne threw flower petals. Shiloh and Knox served as ring bearers, the
spokesman says. Jolie and Pitt’s wedding caps years of rampant speculation on when the couple would officially tie the knot. Pitt once said that he didn’t want to marry until gay marriage was legal, but in recent years, both said they intended to. They were engaged in early 2012 after some seven years together. “It’s an exciting prospect, even though for us, we’ve gone further than that,” Pitt told The Associated Press in an interview in November 2012. “But to concretize it in that way, it actually means more to me than I thought it would. It means a lot to our kids.” They have six children together, including three they adopted: 13-year-old Maddox, from
Cambodia; 10-year-old Pax, from Vietnam; and 9-year-old Zahara, from Ethiopia. The couple’s three biological children are 8-year-old Shiloh, and Knox and Vivienne, 6-year-old twins. This is the second marriage for Pitt, who wed Jennifer Aniston in 2000. They divorced in 2005. Jolie was previously married to British actor Jonny Lee Miller for three years in the late `90s and to Billy Bob Thornton for three years before divorcing in 2003. Both Jolie and Pitt are prepping movies. Jolie’s second directorial effort, the World War II odyssey “Unbroken,” will be released in December. Pitt stars in the upcoming World War II Brad Pitt and Angelina finally get hitched. drama “Fury,” due out Oct. 17.
Emmy Awards: Sherlock and Breaking Bad win big BBC One drama Sherlock has won a hat-trick of awards at the US Primetime Emmys in Los Angeles. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman won best actor and best supporting actor in a mini-series, although neither was at the ceremony. Steven Moffat also won best writing in a mini-series for the final episode of Sherlock’s third season. Drug drama Breaking Bad was the biggest winner on the night, scooping five awards including best drama series. It was the second consecutive year that the show, which ended last September after five seasons, had picked up the ceremony’s highest honour. Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston was named best actor in a drama series for a fourth time as the teacher-turneddrug kingpin Walter White. He beat a host of Hollywood
heavyweights including Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson for their roles in the acclaimed crime drama True Detective. “I have gratitude for everything that has happened,” Cranston said. His co-stars Aaron Paul and Anna Gunn were also honoured for best supporting actor and supporting actress in a drama series. Collecting the award for best drama series, Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan said: “Holy cow! This is indeed a wonderful time to be working in television. Thank you for this wonderful farewell to our show.” In other categories, The Good Wife star Julianna Margulies won the Emmy for best lead actress in a drama series for her part as lawyer Alicia Florrick. “I feel like this is the golden age of television, but it’s also the time for
Breaking Bad actors Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn and Bryan Cranston posed with their Emmy Awards. women in television,” she said. “I feel very grateful to be here.” There were also best actress and best supporting actress in a mini-series awards for Oscar winners Jessica Lange and Kathy Bates for their roles in American Horror Story: Coven. Although there was a considerable amount of British talent up for awards, success only came from Sherlock’s triple win and a best director award for Colin Bucksey for Fargo. ITV drama Downton Abbey walked away empty-handed despite nominations for its stars Michelle Dockery, Dame Maggie Smith, Joanne Froggart and Jim Carter. BBC series Luther also lost out in the best mini-series category to FX’s small screen adaptation of Fargo. Game of Thrones actress Lena Headey, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Idris Elba,
Helena Bonham Carter, Minnie Driver and Ricky Gervais were among the other British stars who were nominated. Sitcom Modern Family was named best comedy series for a fifth consecutive year, equalling the record set by 1990s show Frasier for most comedy wins. Ty Burrell also walked away with best supporting actor in a comedy for his role on the show. The Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons won best actor in a comedy series. Julia Louis-Dreyfus won her third consecutive Emmy for playing foul-mouthed US Vice President Selina Meyer in political satire Veep. Allison Janney won the best supporting actress in a comedy series for Mom. The ceremony also paid tribute to industry members who died in the past year.
G Unit surprises fans, digitally releases 6 songs
NEW YORK – G Unit surprised fans when its members reunited earlier this summer at the year’s biggest hip-hop concert, and they have another surprise: They digitally released six new songs Beyonce-style early Monday. The rap group dropped “The Beauty of Independence” extended play at midnight, mirroring Beyonce’s successful surprise release of her selftitled album last year. The 50 Cent-led group disbanded over the years and last released “T.O.S: Terminate on Sight” in 2008. 50 Cent said the group, which released its multiplatinum debut “Beg for Mercy” in 2003, is more mature today, and that enhanced the creativity behind the new music. “The artists are more developed than they were in the very beginning,” he said, adding that member Tony Yayo wrote two hooks on the album, a job usually reserved for 50 Cent. G Unit surprised the audience at the Hot 97 Summer Jam concert in June by reuniting onstage. The group – which also includes Lloyd Banks, Young Buck
American rapper, entrepreneur and actor 50 Cent, center, posing for a portrait with G-Unit members Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo and Kidd Kidd in New York. “It’s clear that the passion for what and new member Kidd Kidd – released the album independently on the we do is there because you don’t see the Caroline label, where 50 Cent released same numbers anymore,” 50 Cent said the album “Animal Ambition” in June of the record sales. “But it’s even more after years of being signed to Interscope important that you mean something. For me, when I fell in love with (music), and Eminem’s Shady Records.
authenticity was everything.” The five group members were excited and brotherly, full of laughs and sitting tightly during a recent interview. Try to get a question in and you’d fail. They said aging has helped them realize they needed to revive G Unit, whose hits a decade ago include “Stunt 101” and “Wanna Get to Know You.” Yayo, who was in jail when “Beg for Mercy” was released in 2003, said he grew frustrated with the music industry while the group was split. “So when Banks stop talking to 50, I’m not talking to Buck, nobody’s talking to nobody. Now I’m lost. I’m like, ‘What am I going to do?’” he said. “And bad enough, your friends you think are your real friends – the 40-man entourage you paid for dinner for, you took to this and that – where did they go? They’re gone. They’re out the picture.” He said that helped him realize who is most important: “You get all kinds of industry frustration, but I’ll never let it happen again because I realized the only person that ever helped me in my life is 50 Cent, is Lloyd Banks, is Young Buck.”
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Barbados, UNIDO to sign partnership declaration
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Barbados will sign a five-year partnership declaration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) early next month. The agreement will be signed by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart on the sidelines of the September 1-4 Third International United Nations Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Conference in Samoa A government statement said the five-year partnership, which seeks to promote sustainable low-carbon industrial development, builds on Barbados’ green economy thrust, with emphasis on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). “As a result of the partnership, inter alia, an eco-industrial park with integrated resource efficiency management systems will be developed in the north of this island; a resource efficiency and technology innovation
The agreement will be signed by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart on the side-lines of the September 1-4 Third International United Nations Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Conference in Samoa. centre for MSMEs will be set up in Barbados, and an ecoinnovation capacity building platform for green enterprises in SIDS will be established,” the statement said.
It quoted Prime Minister Stuart as underscoring the importance of the partnership, saying it will bring benefits to Barbados and SIDS. “It will help Barbados to
advance its green economy, renewable energy and sustainable development objectives,” said Prime Minister Stuart, who also noted that is important that SIDS leaders attend the Samoa conference. “We need to be a part of the conversation in Samoa. We cannot stay at home. We must go and articulate our own case. We cannot afford to leave the putting of our case to others who may not put it as forcefully as we can.” He said that Caribbean Community (CARICOM) governments view the conference as extremely important and that there should be participation at the prime ministerial and ministerial levels, as well as by Irwin La Rocque, the CARICOM Secretary General. Stuart said that SIDS had made significant efforts at the national and regional levels to implement the Barbados Programme of Action (BPOA)
and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation (MSI) of the BPOA. “We have mainstreamed sustainable development principles into national development policies and undertaken political commitments to promote and raise awareness of the importance of sustainable development issues.” Prime Minister Stuart said it would be easy for the realities of island nations to get overlooked amidst the economic challenges facing countries and the international community at this time. But he stressed that this “is a once-ina-decade opportunity to have our challenges, capabilities and decisions clearly outlined for all to understand”. The Samoa conference will discuss the Pathway Outcome Document that was developed during the national and regional preparatory meetings held here last year.
US Coast Guard makes US$32.4M cocaine bust in Caribbean Sea
In this March 15, 2013 photo, Archbishop Josef Wesolowski, papal nuncio for the Dominican Republic, greets people after a Mass in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. A court in the Dominican Republic is taking the first steps toward possible sexual abuse charges against a former Vatican ambassador to the Caribbean country.
Dominican court opens case on ex-Vatican official
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – A court in the Dominican Republic has taken the first steps toward possible sexual abuse charges against a former Vatican ambassador to the Caribbean country. An investigative magistrate is examining allegations against Josef Wesolowski to determine if there is sufficient evidence to warrant criminal charges, the Santo Dominican prosecutor’s office announced late Tuesday. The announcement came a day after the Vatican said its former ambassador had lost his diplomatic immunity. The Vatican recalled Wesolowski in August 2013 after allegations
emerged he had sexually molested boys there. Dominican officials say his presence is not required in the country for authorities to review an investigation of the allegations and decide whether formal charges are warranted. The court says it will begin interviewing alleged victims on Sept. 2. Dominican authorities have said their country’s investigation uncovered allegations that Wesolowski had paid at least six minors to watch them masturbate and had recorded it with his mobile phone, but prosecutors did not file charges because the nuncio had diplomatic immunity.
The case was highly sensitive, given that the Polish-born Wesolowski was an ambassador of the Holy See — not just one of the world’s 440,000 priests — and had been ordained both a priest and a bishop by St. John Paul II. This summer, a Vatican tribunal found him guilty under canon law of abusing young boys and defrocked him, the harshest sentence under church law and the first time such a high-ranking Vatican official had been sanctioned for sex abuse. Wesolowski recently appealed that sentence and a final decision is expected in October. After that appeal is heard, the Vatican’s criminal courts were expected take up the case.
MIAMI, United States – The United States Coast Guard says it has seized 973 kilograms of cocaine from Panamanian-flagged freighter in the Caribbean Sea on Wednesday. It said that the drugs had a street value of more than US$32.4 million. The Coast Guard said that the crew of the Tampa was on patrol in support of migrant and drug interdiction operations in the Windward Passage when they came across the suspect vessel. It said the drugs were discovered in a hidden compartment. “This is a huge win for the crew,” said Commander Clinton S. Carlson, adding “A boarding like this takes the concerted effort of all hands in one form or another, and the Tampa crew did magnificent and ultimately kept these drugs from crossing our borders”. The Coast Guard said the 11 suspects and the narcotics had been handed over to the US Department of Justice, Southern District of Florida for prosecution.
Jamaica agriculture minister dies suddenly at Florida airport
FLORIDA, United States – Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke died Thursday at an airport in Florida. Clarke had been in Florida since mid-July where he had undergone surgery for a back problem. According to unconfirmed reports, he was heading back to Jamaica after the surgery when he died. Clarke was raised in Glen Islay, Westmoreland, where he helped his parents and grandparents on their farm, growing root crops and vegetables. Dozens of supporters quickly began expressing their condolences and paying respects to Roger Clarke via social media sites.
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Caribbean and Latin America poverty on the decline – UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says poverty is on the decline in the Caribbean and Latin American. In launching its latest report here to complement global analysis on vulnerability and resilience that was presented in Japan, the UNDP said more than 56 million people have been lifted out of poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean in recent years. In assessing 18 countries in the
region, the report says poverty levels from 2000-2012 fell from 41.7 per cent to 25.3 percent of the population. But despite the progress, it warned that about 200 million people, or 37.8 per cent of the population, remained vulnerable. “In Latin America and the Caribbean, poverty has been reduced by almost half in the last decade, and the middle class rose from 22 percent of the population in 2000 to 34 percent in 2012,” said
Jessica Faieta, UNDP director or Latin America and the Caribbean. “Despite these achievements, a very high share of the population is living in constant uncertainty. They are neither classified as living in poverty, nor have they gained access to a stable middle class status.” According to the report, people living on between four and 10 US dollars a day increased by 3.4 per cent between 2000 and 2012.
Prime Minister’s press secretary murdered in The Bahamas Police were last night still trying to piece together the circumstances that led to the murder of Latore Mackey, the Bahamas Information Services (BIS) deputy director and Prime Minister Perry Christie’s press secretary, who was found shot dead on Market Street early yesterday morning. Police on patrol in the area saw a government-issued vehicle in the middle of the road at the intersection of Market Street and White Road around 4:30 a.m. The black Hyundai Tucson sports utility vehicle had collided with a lamp pole near that intersection. When officers arrived on the scene, Mackey, 37, was found slumped over in the driver’s seat with a gunshot wound to the neck. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Royal Bahamas Police Force Assistant Commissioner Anthony Ferguson said police do not have a motive for the killing. He appealed to those with information to come forward. Up to press time last night, Superintendent Paul Rolle, who heads the Central Detective Unit, also said police had no apparent motive, and no one in custody, for the killing. However, sources close to the investigation told The Guardian that the crime scene yielded several clues that have raised questions for officers. Police sources said Mackey left the club he manages on West Bay Street alone around 3 a.m. Monday. Police are also investigating information that suggests Mackey was in the Market Street area to pick up two male acquaintances, who police cannot find. Police are also trying to determine whether Mackey was shot from inside or outside of the car. One thing that has baffled police is
KINGSTON, Jamaica — An attorney for relatives of a Jamaican man who died after a beating in a lockup earlier this month will lead a protest outside the Jamaican consulate in New York. Michael Lorne represents the family of Mario Deane, a 31-year-old Jamaican who died on Aug. 6 after he was beaten in a police lockup in Montego Bay. Police have charged two inmates with the beating of Deane, who was arrested for possession of a small amount of marijuana. But Lorne asserts his death resulted from police brutality or misconduct. Lorne is organizing a Wednesday protest in front of the Caribbean island’s consulate in New York. In a Tuesday statement, Lorne also said an American attorney who represented the parents of slain Florida teen Trayvon Martin has joined Deane’s legal team.
Jamaica police seize cocaine haul at Wharves Mortuary services personnel remove the body of Latore Mackey (inset), deputy director of Bahamas Information Services and press secretary of the prime minister, from the crime scene at the intersection of Market Street and White Road yesterday morning . that Mackey was reportedly found with several thousand dollars in cash on him when officers arrived at the scene. Friends and family shared heart-felt messages and condolences on Mackey’s Facebook page yesterday. Members of Parliament, including Christie, and several employees at BIS also expressed condolences publicly to Mackey’s family. Anglican Archdeacon Father James Palacious, who counseled BIS employees, said no one ever expects tragedy, but when it occurs it is a time to pause and reevaluate self. Luther Smith, director general of BIS, said the organization is “saddened and shocked” about the loss of “one who was so promising”. He called his death a savage act and said he hopes those responsible are brought to justice.
BIS Deputy Director Elcott Coleby described Mackey as an ambitious young man. He said he was in disbelief about Mackey’s death because they spoke just days earlier. Outside the House of Assembly, Christie said he was in complete shock about Mackey’s murder. “When I was called this morning (Monday) and told that this young man, who I got to know during the course of the election; who I helped get a job after the election; who I assigned to work with me after the election; who appeared to be a person of what I call such equanimity,” he said. “He [was] calm. No violent thoughts. No violent expressions. And so you least expect it to have him the subject of the kind of horrific incident that happened to him. I was shocked.”
Trinidad government investigates Office of the President email account hacking
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – The Office of the President is investigating an incident in which the email account of a high level member of staff has been hacked. This has resulted in e-mails being sent to several people, including State officials on the staff member’s contact list. A statement from the Office of the President on Saturday noted the sent e-mails contained the following message: “I sent you an e-mail earlier but I notice
NYC protest planned for Jamaica custody death
the failure delivery, so I sent it using a secured line, view here to read the message.” People who may have received the message were advised not to access the hyperlink to avoid the possible spread of the e-mail and the subsequent compromising of their own e-mail accounts. Anyone who may have inadvertently accessed the hyperlink is advised to immediately change the passwords for their e-mail accounts, preferably on a
computer system on which the suspect e-mail was not accessed and to have their respective Information Technology Personnel advise whether any further action may be warranted, the statement said. “The Office of The President views the matter with great concern and considers it to be an insidious attempt to compromise the integrity and confidentiality of communications both within and outside of the Office of The President.
Jamaican authorities said Monday they have seized a large haul of cocaine hidden in a shipping container at the capital’s seaport. The Jamaican Constabulary Force said in a statement that officers seized 267 pounds (121 kilograms) of packaged cocaine stuffed in black bags among a shipment of lumber. The shipping container at Kingston’s wharves originated in the South American country of Suriname and was destined for China. Police put the estimated street value of the seized drugs at nearly $1.3 million. There have been no arrests. Police characterized the bust as “major” and said it was made Sunday during a routine search operation.
Jamaica Kincaid wins American book award
NEW YORK — Author Jamaica Kincaid and film critic Armond White are among the winners of the 35th annual American Book Awards, which celebrate multiculturalism and free expression. The Before Columbus Foundation announced Tuesday that Kincaid was cited for the novel “See Now Then.” White received an “Anti-Censorship Award” because of his being “unfairly removed” from the New York Film Critics Circle. In January, he was expelled after allegedly heckling “12 Years a Slave” director Steve McQueen at the group’s annual awards banquet. White, known for his contrarian views, has called the allegations a “barrage of lies.” Other winners include Andrew Bacevich’s nonfiction “Breach of Trust” and Alex Espinoza’s novel “The Five Acts of Diego Leon.”
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St Lucia claiming success in ongoing arbitration with United States oil company
CASTRIES, St. Lucia – The St. Lucia government Monday said it had won the latest round of ongoing arbitration with the US-based oil and gas exploration and production company, RSM Production Corporation. A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister stated that on August 13 the Arbitral Tribunal ordered RSM to post a guarantee of US$750,000 to ensure that it will pay St. Lucia’s legal costs if it is ordered to do so at the end of the case. “This is St. Lucia’s second major success, following the Tribunal’s order on December 12, 2013, for RSM to pay all of the advances towards the administrative costs of the arbitration – which in all
previous known cases have been paid 50 per cent by each party. “Both of these orders are the first of their kinds in the history of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), which is administering the arbitration. The three arbitrators are independent of ICSID but are deciding the case under the ICSID Arbitration Rules, which are designed for disputes between host states and foreign investors. The Government is pleased to have achieved these unique successes,” the statement from the Office of the Prime Minister added. The Colorado-based RSM Production Corporation, owned by US-based oil
magnate, Jack Grynberg, had initiated the arbitration for breach of a multimillion dollar contract. The company took the action against the St. Lucia government in respect of the exploration license which it was granted several years ago to undertake exploration for oil over a specified area of water offshore of the coast of St Lucia. The main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) claimed that the government had announced in May in 2012 that Grynberg had filed a US$500 million claim against St. Lucia. The statement from the Office of the Prime Minister notes that RSM must now post security because of the concern
Caribbean to receive assistance from China in several key areas BEIJING, China – China has promised aid to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries in a number of areas including adapting to climate change, energy, education and tourism. Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who is on an official visit to the Asian country, Tuesday met with his Chinese counterpart, Premier Li Keqiang and both men promised to seek more common ground in economic cooperation and broader mutual support on international affairs. The meeting lasted for an hour and according to officials here the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in clean energy, agriculture, tourism, education and healthcare. Premier Li said China will also help in the construction of highways, airports and ports in Antigua and Barbuda. China will also provide financial aid, goods and no-interest loans to Antigua and Barbuda which has been struggling since the 2008 financial crisis and is facing a one billion US dollar debt that is almost equivalent to its annual gross domestic product (GDP). Li said he understood that battling climate change is one of the twin-island country’s core interests and that Beijing has managed to reduce its own carbon emissions by five per cent in the first half of this year. “We understand the island nations such as Antigua and Barbuda in that regard, and we will provide necessary assistance to help you cope with climate change and protect the interests of developing countries,” Li said. Browne, who is making his first official visit to China since he came to power
Chinese president Xi Jinping, right, meets with Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua. following the June 12 general election, said relations with China are “central” to his country’s foreign policy and that his visit here underscores the importance of the relationship. Prime Minister Browne, who is heading a seven-member delegation on his five-day visit, will later this week, head to Nanjing, Jiangsu province, to attend the closing ceremony of the second Summer Youth Olympic Games. He is also expected to hold talks with government officials and investors in Shandong province. Shen Zhiliang, head of the foreign ministry’s department of Latin American and Caribbean affairs, said the two leaders have had a “deep and thorough” exchange on bilateral relations and
international affairs. Antigua and Barbuda currently holds the rotating chairmanship of CARICOM, one of the major forces in boosting China’s relations with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. Last year, China’s President Xi Jingping paid a three-day visit to the Caribbean holding talks with eight CARICOM leaders whose countries continue to have diplomatic relations with Beijing, instead of Taiwan, that China regards as a renegade province and has been urging countries to accept the “One China” policy in their foreign relations, for talks with regional leaders. Following the talks he announced billions of dollars in assistance to the Caribbean.
that, if the Tribunal later orders RSM to reimburse St. Lucia, RSM will fail to do so. “The Tribunal’s order summarizes the parties’ claims and defenses, saying that the case arises from an offshore petroleum exploration contract. The Tribunal noted that, “according to (RSM’s) position, boundary disputes developed, affecting the exploration area, in particular in relation to Martinique, Barbados and St. Vincent, which allegedly prevented (RSM) from initiating exploration”. In reply, St. Lucia maintains that the agreement “has expired or is at least not enforceable and therefore Saint Lucia has no obligation (to RSM)”.
Prime Minister Christie defends missing VAT vote NASSAU, Bahamas – Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday shot down suggestions from opposition members that he “ran away” from the vote on the ValueAdded Tax (VAT) Bill in the House of Assembly and accused them of trying to score political points. On Friday, Opposition Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis said it was disgraceful that Christie wasn’t present during the vote, considering that VAT represents a turning point for The Bahamas. But Christie said he knew the vote was in good hands. “As prime minister of the country, I have to make a judgment as to whether or not my presence is sufficiently important to remain,” he told reporters yesterday. “I knew that we had the majority to pass the VAT Bill. I knew that I had personally led the preparation for the country. I knew I had met with the private sector of The Bahamas in respect to that. “I know that we have to do more to prepare the government before the January introduction. I’m in the process now of solidifying and improving the team and the capacity to deal with the legislation. And so my colleagues knew I wouldn’t be there. I made my contribution and I left.” On Wednesday evening, Christie traveled to Las Vegas with Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe for the opening of a hotel and casino. The VAT Bill passed with 22 yes votes, eight no votes and six absent. The opposition voted against the bill.
Mitchell: Detention center bursting at the seams
NASSAU, Bahamas – Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said last week that Cabinet will soon announce several new initiatives to deal with the vexing issue of illegal migration, noting that the Carmichael Road Detention Centre is “bursting at the seams”. “It is a very important thing,” he said of the reform, in the House of Assembly. “It is to the point where, in some communities, people are on a knife’s edge about this. “It may be that some drastic measures will have to be taken unlike we have
seen in recent years to try and bring this matter under control.” Last week Saturday, Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers spotted a Haitian sloop off Duncan Town, Ragged Island. As a result, 105 Haitian migrants were apprehended, 76 men and 29 women. Mitchell said the latest apprehension brings the total number of interdictions for August to 409. He added that three Cubans were found at Wood Cay, near Mangrove Bush, Andros over the weekend.
But he said the Cubans were taken to Inagua, instead of the Carmichael Road Detention Centre. “The detention center is unable to hold any more,” he said. “It is actually bursting at the seams. But we expect that a repatriation flight will take place tomorrow, which will remove half of those individuals back to Port-au-Prince.” Mitchell said that eight of the migrants who were recently apprehended are children, who were repatriated less than a month ago.
“So what we have is a revolving door going on here,” he said. “We believe there are Bahamians that are driving this smuggling effort, which is coming in here. “We are sitting with intelligence chiefs and try and figure out how these things can be interrupted. Within a couple of days, I’m hoping, with the leave of the Cabinet, to announce some new initiatives with regard to documentation to try and stop new people from making applications in this country after just jumping off the boat.”
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Syria conflict: IS ‘executes dozens of soldiers’ The head of the Observatory, Rami Abdul Rahman, told the AFP news agency that about 1,400 troops had been stationed at the airbase, 700 of whom managed to escape. Two hundred appeared to have been caught and executed by IS as they attempted to cross the desert to government-held territory in the Orontes Valley to the west, he said. Another 500 men were on the run, he added. After the airbase’s capture, Syrian state television said the army was “regrouping” and that a “successful
evacuation” had taken place. On Tuesday, UN investigators said Islamic State militants had committed “mass atrocities” in Syria and had recruited children as fighters. Their report said public killings were a “common spectacle” in areas run by the jihadist group and that local people were forced to watch. At the same time, the investigators said that Syrian government forces had also committed atrocities by dropping barrel bombs and chlorine gas from helicopters, shelling hospitals and torturing and killing civilians.
Thousands flee to Cameroon after Boko Haram attack in Nigeria
UN: Ebola cases could eventually reach 20,000
Jihadist militants from Islamic State (IS) appear to have executed “dozens” of Syrian army soldiers, activists say. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the soldiers were captured while attempting to flee to Hama province after IS stormed the Tabqa airbase. Twitter accounts belonging to jihadists had boasted about 200 deaths, it added. On Wednesday, photos and a video were posted online appearing to show more than 100 men in their underwear being marched through the desert at
Kano, Nigeria – Boko Haram on Monday overran a border town in northeast Nigeria, forcing residents and soldiers to flee in the latest indication of the militants’ growing ability to strike at will and unchecked. The attack on Gamboru Ngala came after the town was almost entirely destroyed in a devastating assault in May that left more than 300 people dead and prompted outrage at the lack of military response. Many residents sought refuge from the latest strike across the border in the northern Cameroon town of Fotokol, where Cameroonian troop reinforcements were sent, a security service source told AFP. Nigerian soldiers were said to be among the exodus, according to locals and the Cameroon military, who said “more than 450” had fled their posts on Sunday from elsewhere in Borno state in fear of Boko Haram attacks. Nigeria’s military dismissed the claims and maintained that the troops were “charging through the borders in a tactical manoeuvre” when they found themselves on Cameroonian soil. Several residents who made it across the frontier said the militants had taken over the town after the assault began at about 5:30 am (0430 GMT), with fierce gunfire throughout the day forcing some frightened residents to lock themselves in their homes. In Fotokol, residents also reported hearing “intense” fighting. “Boko Haram is in control of Gamboru Ngala. They have taken over the Harmony (military) camp, the police station and the customs barracks near the border,” Idris Gwoni said Monday evening, in an account supported by
gunpoint. In the video, militants shout “Islamic State” and “There is no going back”. In images published earlier this week, IS fighters wearing balaclavas could be seen shooting dead at least seven kneeling men at the airbase. ‘Mass atrocities’ Tabqa airbase - near the northern city of Raqqa, an IS stronghold - fell to IS on Sunday after weeks of fierce fighting. The Observatory said 346 IS fighters and more than 170 members of the security forces were killed in the final battle, which lasted five days.
GENEVA — The Ebola outbreak in West Africa eventually could exceed 20,000 cases, more than six times as many as are now known, the World Health Organization said Thursday. A new plan released by the U.N. health agency to stop Ebola also assumes that the actual number of cases in many hard-hit areas may be two to four times higher than currently reported. If that’s accurate, it suggests there could be up to 12,000 cases already. Currently, about half of the people infected with Ebola have died, so in the worst case scenario outlined by the WHO, the death toll could reach 10,000. “This far outstrips any historic Ebola outbreak in numbers. The largest outbreak in the past was The Nigerian Islamist sect Boko Haram claims to have formed an Islamic caliphate in the northeastern about 400 cases,” Dr. Bruce Aylward, town of Gwoza, more than four months after gaining international attention by kidnapping 200 WHO’s assistant director-general for schoolgirls. Vanessa Johnston reports. emergency operations, told reporters. He said the agency does not frontier. other locals. necessarily expect 20,000 cases, but a Boko Haram, which has been blamed “They encountered stiff resistance from the military, who engaged them for more than 10,000 deaths in a five- system must be put in place to handle in gun battle for several hours, but the year-old uprising, has in recent weeks a massive increase in the numbers. Separately Thursday, the soldiers were subdued and forced to flee sought to take over a number of towns in U.S. National Institutes of Health Nigeria’s Borno state. into Cameroon. The apparent holding strategy is announced it will start testing “The insurgents have not touched any civilians and allow residents to stay or a shift from its previous hit-and-run an experimental Ebola vaccine in leave. I decided to leave because I can’t tactics, which has increasingly targeted humans next week. The vaccine was civilians and seen whole towns and developed by the U.S. government and trust Boko Haram.” GlaxoSmithKline and the preliminary Cameroon said on August 18 that it villages razed. The group’s leader, Abubakar trial will test the shot in healthy U.S. had closed its vast border with Nigeria to guard against the spread of Ebola, Shekau, declared in a video obtained by adults in Maryland. At the same time, which has caused five deaths in the AFP on Sunday that the town of Gwoza, British experts will test the same country’s financial capital, Lagos, in the southwest of Gamboru Ngala, was now vaccine in healthy people in the U.K., Gambia and Mali. under an Islamic caliphate. far southwest. The vaccine trial was accelerated in Local officials and residents in Borno But few believed that Cameroon response to the outbreak. Preliminary had the resources needed to seal all say Boko Haram may be in control of a the possible crossing points along the key road that connects Gamboru Ngala results to determine if the vaccine is safe could be available within months. roughly 1,600-kilometre (1,000-mile) to the state capital Maiduguri.
Twin disasters spark Malaysia Airlines crew resignations Nearly 200 cabin crew have resigned from Malaysia Airlines following the two deadly tragedies which have hit the carrier this year, it said Tuesday, and some reportedly cited fears for their safety. The flag carrier, which prior to this year had a good safety record, has been in the spotlight in the past six months following the disappearance of flight MH370 on March 8 and the shooting
“Many cited ‘family pressure’ as the down of MH17 on July 17 over rebel-held reason for their resignation due to the eastern Ukraine. The airline said 186 crew had left in MH17 and MH370 tragedies.” Abdul Malek Ariff, secretary-general the first seven months of this year, with many blaming family pressure prompted of the employees union, said some “are now are afraid to fly”. by the tragedies. Abdul Malek, quoted by the Edge “Following the MH17 incident, there was a spike in crew resignations but the Financial daily Monday, also said crew number has now decreased to acceptable shortages were forcing staff to work up to and routinely expected levels,” it said in 12 hours a day. The union represents about 8,000 a statement
of Malaysia Airlines’ 19,500-strong workforce. The carrier said it was providing emotional and psychological support to its staff. The two aviation tragedies killed 537 people including 27 crew members. Flight MH370 disappeared mysteriously in March en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. No trace has been found despite an intensive search in the southern Indian Ocean.
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Rotherham child abuse scandal: 1,400 children exploited
At least 1,400 children were subjected to “appalling” sexual exploitation in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013, a report has found. Children as young as 11 were raped by multiple perpetrators, abducted, trafficked to other cities in England, beaten and intimidated, it said. The report, commissioned by Rotherham Borough Council, revealed there had been three previous inquiries. Council leader Roger Stone said he would step down with immediate effect. Mr Stone, who has been the leader since 2003, said: “I believe it is only right that as leader I take responsibility for the historic failings described so clearly.”
‘Doused in petrol’ Professor Alexis Jay, who wrote the latest report, said there had been “blatant” collective failures by the council’s leadership, senior managers had “underplayed” the scale of the problem and South Yorkshire Police had failed to prioritise the issue. Prof Jay said: “No-one knows the true scale of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham over the years. Our conservative estimate is that approximately 1,400 children were sexually exploited over the full inquiry period, from 1997 to 2013.” Revealing details of the inquiry’s findings, Prof Jay said: “It is hard to describe the appalling nature of the abuse that child victims suffered.” The inquiry team found examples of “children who had been doused in petrol and threatened with being set alight, threatened with guns, made to witness brutally violent rapes and threatened they would be next if they told anyone”. Five men from the town were jailed for sexual offences against girls in 2010, but the report said police “regarded many child victims with contempt”. District Commander for Rotherham, Ch Supt Jason Harwin said: “Firstly I’d like to start by offering an unreserved apology to the victims of child sexual exploitation who did not receive the level of service they should be able to expect from their local police force. “We fully acknowledge our previous failings.” Ch Supt Harwin said the force had “overhauled” the way it dealt with such cases and had successfully prosecuted a number of abusers. But he admitted: “I accept that our
6 dead, 21 missing in landslide in southwest China
Giant panda Ai Hin, not pictured, may have faked her own pregnancy.
Giant panda ‘faked pregnancy for extra treats’
The planned first ever live-broadcast of a panda giving birth has been cancelled amid claims the expectant mother faked her pregnancy. Giant panda Ai Hin may have tricked staff at a breeding centre in China to receive more pampering and extra food rations, according to AFP. The six-year-old had shown signs of pregnancy last month, according to staff at the Chengdu Breeding Research Centre, in China’s southwestern province of Sichuana. But shortly after being moved to a single room with air conditioning and around-theProf Alexis Jay: “It is hard to describe the appalling nature of the abuse the child victims suffered”. clock care her “behaviour and physiological recent successes... will not heal the for.” indexes returned to normal”. Rotherham council’s chief executive, pain of those victims who have been Experts believe Ai Hin was enjoying the Martin Kimber, said he accepted the extra attention and additional treats before let down.” By far the majority of perpetrators report and the recommendations made staff realised she wasn’t actually pregnant. of abuse were described as “Asian” by and apologised to the victims of abuse. “They receive more buns, fruits and He said: “The report does not make bamboo, so some clever pandas have victims. Despite this, the report concluded: comfortable reading in its account of used this to their advantage to improve “Several staff described their the horrific experiences of some young their quality of life,” said Wu Kongju, an nervousness about identifying the people in the past, and I would like to employee at the panda base. ethnic origins of perpetrators for fear reiterate our sincere apology to those of being thought as racist; others who were let down when they needed remembered clear direction from their help. “I commissioned this independent managers not to do so.” Failures by those charged with review to understand fully what protecting children happened despite went wrong, why it went wrong and three reports between 2002 and 2006 to ensure that the lessons learned in which both the council and police were Rotherham mean these mistakes can aware of, and “which could not have never happen again. BUTTE, Montana – A former Montana “The report confirms that our been clearer in the description of the services have improved significantly Catholic school teacher who was fired for situation in Rotherham”. She said the first of these reports over the last five years and are stronger being pregnant and unmarried is suing the school district. was “effectively suppressed” because today than ever before. The Montana Standard reports Shaela “This is important because it allows senior officers did not believe the data. me to reassure young people and Evenson filed the lawsuit Thursday The other two were ignored, she said. The inquiry team found that in families that should anyone raise alleging the firing violated federal and state the early-2000s when a group of concerns we will take them seriously laws that prohibit discrimination based on professionals attempted to monitor and provide them with the support pregnancy. Evenson taught literature and physical a number of children believed to be they need. “However, that must not overshadow education for grades 6 through 8 for nine at risk, “managers gave little help or - and certainly does not excuse – the years. She was fired in January after the support to their efforts”. The report revealed some people at a finding that for a significant amount of Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena received senior level in the police and children’s time the council and its partners could a letter about her pregnancy. The district said it fired Evenson for social care thought the extent of the and should have done more to protect young people from what must be one violating the terms of her contract, which problem was being “exaggerated”. Prof Jay said: “The authorities of the most horrific forms of abuse required her to practice the tenets of the Catholic faith. involved have a great deal to answer imaginable.”
Teacher fired for pregnancy sues Catholic school
Japan confirms first dengue fever infections in 70 years
Tokyo – Japanese health officials said BEIJING – Six people died and 21 Thursday that three young people have others were missing after a landslide contracted dengue fever, the first such hit a village in southwestern China, infections in the country in nearly 70 Chinese state media reported Thursday. years. The three are suspected of having The official Xinhua News Agency said 77 houses collapsed or were buried contracted the disease when they were in the landslide Wednesday night in bitten by mosquitos in Yoyogi Park in the village of Yingping in Guizhou central Tokyo, officials said. The patients – a man in his 20s in province. It said 21 people were injured. State television network CCTV Tokyo as well as a teen and woman in said a small reservoir was breached her 20s in Saitama Prefecture north of during the landslide, and the flooding the capital – go to the same educational caused further damage to the village. institution in Tokyo. None of them is in a life-threatening It showed dozens of rescuers combing a condition, officials said. wide area covered in dried mud.
The last domestic infection of dengue fever was in 1945, although there are around 200 cases annually among those who have travelled abroad, mainly in Southeast Asia. Dengue fever is not transmitted directly from person-to-person and symptoms range from mild fever, to incapacitating high temperatures, according to the World Health Organization. There is no vaccine or any specific medicine to treat dengue and patients should rest, drink plenty of fluids and reduce the fever using paracetamol or see a doctor, it says. The disease is carried by the tiger
mosquito, which are widespread across Japan. Japanese officials say they have not detected the dengue virus in mosquitos caught in Yoyogi Park but they will disinfect areas where sufferers were bitten. Yoyogi Park, which sits next to the grand Meiji Jingu Shrine and is one of central Tokyo’s biggest public green spaces, is popular with Tokyoites and tourists alike. After the news, the share prices of home pesticide makers shot up on the Tokyo market, with Fumakilla up 24.46 percent at 407 yen. Earth Chemical also rose 8.07 percent to 4,285 yen.
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Donors give nearly $700K after police shooting
ST. LOUIS – Donors have given nearly $700,000 to online fundraising sites set up to collect money for the family of a black 18-year-old and the white police officer who fatally shot him in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson. The Michael Brown Memorial Fund has raised almost $280,000 from more than 9,300 people in 13 days. Two sites supporting police officer Darren Wilson have drawn nearly $410,000 from nearly 10,000 contributors. The donations have come through the site GoFundMe.com. A look at some key points behind the fundraising efforts: BROWN FAMILY: The money collected for the Brown family is meant to defray funeral, burial, travel and
living expenses “as they seek justice on Michael’s behalf.” None of the donations will go toward the family’s legal fees, the web page says. WILSON’S SUPPORTERS: Public rallies in support of Wilson have been far smaller than the street demonstrations to protest Brown’s death. But the contributions on the officer’s behalf have eclipsed the online donations to the Browns. An early GoFundMe.com page raised $234,900 within eight days and was replaced by another page that has collected more than $175,000. The combined total is from nearly 9,900 donors. According to the page, that money is to be spent on “potential legal fees, relocation and living expenses” of
Wilson and his immediate family. FLOOD OF DONATIONS: Since Brown’s death, people from New York to California have given money to one side or the other. The online fundraising is in addition to other events benefiting either side, including benefit concerts and T-shirt sales. WHO’S GIVING? GoFundMe.com allows donors to identify themselves. Many contributors to the Browns willingly give their name. Wilson’s backers have largely preferred to stay secret. Much like the rallies on Wilson’s behalf that have attracted sign-carriers who refused to identify themselves, contributors to Wilson’s funds are virtually all anonymous. Many of his supporters have
said revealing their names could put them at risk of retaliation. THE BACKDROP: With separate criminal and civil-rights investigations underway, the facts of the confrontation that led to the shooting remain murky. Police have said the 28-year-old Wilson, a six-year police veteran, was pushed into his patrol vehicle and physically assaulted during a struggle with Brown over the officer’s gun. Some witnesses have reported seeing Brown’s arms up in the air before the shooting. Wilson, who has not been charged, has been in hiding since the shooting. A local grand jury is reviewing the shooting, and the Justice Department is conducting its own investigation.
Investment in Zimbabwe plunges Couple charged as Mugabe seeks Chinese lifeline with rape in bid HARARE – Foreign investment into Zimbabwe plunged 59 percent to $67 million in the first half of this year, the central bank said on Monday, reflecting worries over President Robert Mugabe’s policies and the risk of investing in his country. Mugabe, at 90 Africa’s oldest leader and one of its longest-serving, is visiting China this week. Officials say he will seek funds to rebuild decaying roads, rail and power facilities and to help mechanise Zimbabwe’s agriculture. Official data show China has extended $1 billion in loans to Zimbabwe since 2009 and trade between the two nations rose to $1 billion last year from $300 million five years ago. Mugabe has increasingly leaned on China after being shunned by Western trade and financial partners. They have been put off by concern over human rights and alleged fraud in elections won by the president and his ZANU-PF party. Announcing the drop in foreign direct investment, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya said exports, mostly minerals and tobacco, were also down 13 percent in the first half of the year, to $1.3 billion, compared with the first six months of 2013. “There is therefore need for the country to create an investorfriendly environment so as to tap into these external capital resources to boost employment, production and exports,” Mangudya said in a half-year monetary policy statement.
to impregnate girl
Zimbabwe’s President Mugabe and China’s Premier Li shake hands during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Zimbabwe’s economy is experiencing a serious dollar crunch and electricity shortages. Several companies have failed to pay salaries or have closed altogether, in a country where only 500,000 out of a total 13 million people hold formal jobs. The economy did return to growth in 2009, after nearly a decade of recession, when Mugabe was forced to share power with his opposition rivals. But his landslide victory last year has coincided with a rapid slowdown. The government has cut its growth target for this year to 3.1 percent from 6.1 percent previously. Mangudya said the tough economic conditions had strained the capacity of companies and
individuals to repay loans. The percentage of non-performing loans out of total loans had risen to 18.5 percent from 17 percent at the start of the year. Banks in turn have tightened their lending to customers. “Reduced credit is leading to a decline in economic growth, private consumption, job losses and decrease in government revenue,” Mangudya said. Mangudya said liquidity problems among banks meant foreign banks like units of Barclays Bank plc and Standard Chartered and larger local lenders would have to raise their minimum capital to $100 million by 2020 from the current $25 million. Smaller banks would be required to maintain minimum capital of $25 million.
village,” he said. “Some bodies were burned beyond recognition.” Hundreds have been killed in the past year in clashes pitting the semi-nomadic, cattleherding Fulani people against settled communities that practice a mix of farming and cattle rearing, driven mostly by disputes over land use. A battle in the northwest of Africa’s most populous country between suspected Fulani cattle rustlers and youths from the rival Hausa group killed 72 people in
Indian girl, 7, survives being buried alive
A seven-year-old Indian girl who was allegedly buried alive by relatives in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh has been rescued by a villager. Police say relatives first tried to strangle her and then left her to die in a shallow grave. It is unclear why. The man who found her in Sitapur district alerted police - she was taken to a hospital and is said to be doing well. April. Police are looking for her mother, uncle and aunt Sometimes communal clashes who they say have fled. in Nigeria appear to take on a The villager who rescued her followed the sound sectarian character, as in some of muffled cries to the middle of a cane field where he parts of the “Middle Belt” area found the soil moving. around Jos, whose indigenous Police allege the girl’s uncle and aunt had promised farming communities are largely to take her to a fair, but then strangled and buried her Christian, while the Fulanis are near the village of Semri Gaura where she lives. overwhelmingly Muslim. “When the girl became conscious, she began to Gunmen, suspected to be remove the soil on top of her and clambered out of the Fulanis, killed more than 100 shallow grave. Then she sat there and cried loudly when people in an attack on three mostly the villager spotted her,” Sitapur police chief Rajesh Christian villages in March. Krishna told BBC Hindi. But disputes are, at their roots, “There are strangulation marks around the girl’s about land and ethnicity. neck.”
At least 60 killed in central Nigeria communal battle: police ONITSHA Nigeria - Fighting between Fulani herdsmen and farmers from the Eggon ethnic group has left at least 60 people dead in central Nigeria, mostly from machete cuts, police said on Thursday. The clashes broke out on Wednesday in Nasawrawa state, a week after some Eggon villagers accused Fulanis of stealing cattle, Nasarawa police spokesman Umaru Ismaila said by telephone. “The report we have is 60 dead from the clash in Tudun-Ababu
An Alabama couple has been charged with raping a 17-year-old relative multiple times in an unsuccessful attempt to impregnate her so they could keep the baby, prosecutors said Monday. Jeremy and Amanda Swann, both 29-yearold residents of Jones, about 40 miles northwest of Montgomery, were arrested on Thursday and have been charged with first-degree rape, Selma-based Assistant District Attorney Elliott Lipinsky said. “It’s extremely disturbing,” said Lipinsky, who is prosecuting the case. “We’re not going to stop until we can ensure that the victim gets some sort of justice.” The couple was arraigned on Monday and ordered held on $500,000 bond each, said Lipinsky. The case came to light when the couple filed a complaint with the Alabama Department of Human Resources stating that they wanted custody of the teenager on the grounds that Amanda Swann’s mother was sexually assaulting her, Lipinsky said. During a subsequent investigation, the girl told investigators that the couple had propositioned her for sex and that Jeremy Swann had raped her six times over the period of a month, Lipinsky said. The Swanns wanted the teenager to get pregnant so they could have the baby, Lipinsky said.
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China deploys armed drone to multinational drills BEIJING — China’s air force said it deployed an armed drone to multinational anti-terrorism drills on Tuesday, underscoring the country’s rapid progress in developing unmanned aerial vehicles. The drone, which wasn’t identified by type, carried out a successful mission in which it destroyed a mock enemy command vehicle with a missile, the official Xinhua News Agency quoted air force spokesman Shen Jinke as saying. Shen said the drone’s ability to monitor, identify and destroy objects below in real time makes it an important
tool in fighting terrorists. China says radicals fighting Chinese rule in the vast northwestern region of Xinjiang have used illicit border crossings and desert encampments that could be monitored from above. Chinese aerospace firms have developed dozens of drones, known also as unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs. Many have appeared at air shows and military parades, including some that bear an uncanny resemblance to the Predator, Global Hawk and Reaper models used with deadly effect by the U.S. Air Force and the CIA.
Analysts say that although China still trails the U.S. and Israel, the industry leaders, its technology is maturing rapidly and is on the cusp of widespread use for surveillance and combat strikes. Tuesday’s mock attack was part of this week’s “Peace Mission-2014” drills involving more than 7,000 personnel from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. In all, 70 aircraft of 19 different types, both manned and unmanned, are taking part in the exercises, being held at Zhurihe, China’s largest and most modern training base, located in the vast grasslands of Inner
India urges millions of poor to open bank accounts
NEW DELHI — India’s stateowned banks are conducting a massive campaign to open millions of accounts for poor Indians who are off the financial grid and vulnerable to black market money lenders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the program on Thursday, saying it would give the poor “renewed strength to fight poverty.” “When a bank account is opened, it’s a step towards joining the economic mainstream,” said Modi, who swept to power in May after an election campaign that promised an end to corruption, a revival in economic growth and a fairer society. The programme may eventually help sideline extortionate money lenders or unscrupulous banks, some of which are blamed for driving tens of thousands of impoverished farmers to suicide each year over debts amounting to just a few thousand dollars. Tens of thousands of people have applied to open accounts since Aug. 15, when Modi announced the campaign in his Independence Day speech to the nation, bank managers said. Modi had urged banks in a recent letter to “try your best to ensure that no one is left without a bank account.” The goal is to sign up 150 million people by 2018. About half of India’s 1.2 billion people lack bank accounts. “There is an urgency to this exercise, as all other development activities are hindered by this single disability,” Modi’s letter said, according to his web site.
Indians gather around a table inside a state-owned bank to open their accounts as part of a massive countrywide campaign to open millions of accounts for the poor in New Delhi, India.The measure is aimed at some 150 million Indians who are off the financial grid and vulnerable to black market money lenders. As an incentive the federal government is providing 100,000 rupees ($1,650) in life insurance to every account holder. The four-year programme may also help beat back the endemic corruption affecting almost every level of Indian bureaucracy, by channeling government welfare and work payments directly into the accounts of individuals rather than through regional and local offices. “Any help the government provides will be deposited ... that is why I opened this account,” said Ramesh Singh, a 27-year-old chauffeur, as he lined up to submit his paperwork at a bank branch in
the southern suburbs of New Delhi. The accounts are unique in that they would stay open without penalty if empty, a key condition for keeping enrolled the hundreds of millions of impoverished Indians earning about a dollar a day or less. As an incentive, the federal government is providing 100,000 rupees ($1,650) in life insurance to every account holder. Dozens of state banks with more than 100,000 branches countrywide are participating.
Mongolia. While Beijing officially eschews military alliances, it has conducted a series of drills with Russian forces, sometimes under the auspices of the six-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organization, or SCO, a Central Asian grouping that is dominated by China and Russia and aims to challenge U.S. influence in Asia. Several SCO nations border on Afghanistan and Pakistan and face threats from radical Islamic insurgents, providing the impetus for joint antiterrorism training.
Islamic State commits war crimes, Syrian govt using poison gas: U.N. GENEVA - The United Nations accused Islamic State insurgents on Wednesday of committing war crimes including amputations and public executions, sometimes in the presence of children, and said it believed Damascus had used chlorine gas in combating its enemies. The Sunni militants, who are bringing weapons from Iraq, have changed the power balance in Syria, consolidating control over large areas and establishing order by imposing harsh sharia law, the U.N. said in its latest report. “Executions in public spaces have become a common spectacle on Fridays in al Raqqa and ISIScontrolled areas of Aleppo governorate (province),” the report said. “Children have been present at the executions, which take the form of beheading or shooting in the head at close range... Bodies are placed on public display, often on crucifixes, for up to three days, serving as a warning to local residents.” The independent investigators voiced deep concern about boys forced to join the ranks of Islamic States who are being trained in camps in Syria that could be targeted by U.S. air strikes. U.S. President Barack Obama vowed “justice will be done” against the Islamic State killers of American journalist James Foley on Tuesday as the United States sought to identify targets for potential air strikes in Syria. “We are aware ... of the presence of children in training camps, I think that this decision by the United States must respect the laws of war and we are concerned about the presence of these children,” Paulo Pinheiro, chairman of the U.N. commission of inquiry, told a news briefing in Geneva. “ISIS poses a clear and present danger to civilians and particularly minorities under its control in Syria and in the region,” Pinheiro said. Syrian government forces have dropped barrel bombs on civilian areas, a war crime under international law, including some believed to contain the poison gas chlorine in eight incidents in April, the investigators said in latest report. Previously they had only been able to conclude that the chemicals came from Syrian government stockpiles.
Hello Kitty is not a cat – she’s a British school kid
Hello Kitty is not a cat.
You would be forgiven for having thought for your entire life that Hello Kitty was a cat. After all, she does kind of look like one – and she is called Kitty. But her creators Sanrio are adamant. She is a British school kid called Kitty White and she lives just outside London (although no-one is saying exactly where). In fact, she has a whole life story and a family that includes a twin sister called Mimmy.
Although Sanrio has a whole website dedicated to Kitty’s biography, her appearance has suggested that she is animal rather than human – an assumption that also fooled Christine R Yano. She is an anthropologist from the University of Hawaii and is curating an exhibition about the cartoon character. “That’s one correction Sanrio made for my script for the show. Hello Kitty is not a cat,” she told
the LA Times. “She is a little girl. She is a friend. But she is not a cat. “She’s never depicted on all fours. She walks and sits like a two-legged creature. “She does have a pet cat of her own, however, and it’s called Charmmy Kitty.” Yano claims a lot of people don’t know Kitty’s really a person and that many of her fans who are aware “don’t care”.
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Fonterra announces tie-up with big China dairy firm New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra has announced its intention to take a 20% stake in one of China’s biggest milk processors, Beingmate. The tie-up would help create a global supply chain aimed at China’s market using Fonterra’s milk manufacturing partners in Australia and Europe.
It would also help Fonterra increase its share of China’s large and lucrative infant dairy food market. China relies on New Zealand for almost all its imports of milk powder. If successful, the new partnership between Beingmate and Fonterra would see the Chinese firm set up a joint venture to buy a Fonterra
plant in Australia. It would also see Beingmate distribute Fonterra’s popular Anmum brand on the mainland. Fonterra, the world’s largest exporter of dairy products, already sells its formula milk powder in China. But the BBC’s John Sudworth in Shanghai says the firm believes teaming up with Beingmate will give
it a much better distribution network, Fonterra’s chief executive Theo Spierings said the partnership would be a “game changer” and that it would provide the New Zealand firm with “a direct line into the infant formula market in China”. He also said Fonterra would
work with Beingmate “to evaluate mutual investments in dairy farms in China”. “The partnership will create a fully integrated global supply chain from the farm gate direct to China’s consumers, using Fonterra’s milk pools and manufacturing sites in New Zealand, Australia, and Europe,” the firm said.
Syrian beheading photos spur call for Facebook rethink
One of Facebook’s safety advisers is to call on it to introduce safeguards to prevent users from stumbling upon gruesome images. The move follows complaints about photos showing severed heads taken in a part of Syria controlled by the jihadist group Islamic State (IS). The firm initially refused to delete the images, saying they did not contravene its guidelines. It later blocked the material after being contacted by the BBC. Stephen Balkam, chief executive of the US’s Family Online Safety Institute (Fosi), said he planned to raise the issue next month at a meeting of the Facebook Safety Advisory Board, on which he serves. “There may be instances in which graphic photos and videos, like the beheadings in Syria, can be justified as being in the public interest,” he told the BBC. “However, if they are hosted on Facebook or other social media platforms, there should be two barriers put in place. “First, an interstitial, or cover page over the graphic images. With an interstitial in place, a user, particularly a child, will not have the image appear in their timeline or be easily seen if they are sent a link to the images. “Secondly, there should be an age gate, saying that you must verify
The Samsung Gear S has a curved screen, designed to be better suited to the wrist.
A Facebook user had complained about images of severed heads, including this picture, censored here. that you are 18 years of age. While this is easily circumvented, it does at least warn the user and may well deter both kids and adults alike.” Mr Balkam had previously criticised Facebook last year after it rejected calls to delete a video clip showing a woman being beheaded in Mexico. At the time, the site did briefly place a warning over the clip, before deciding to remove it on the basis that it “glorified” violence. Facebook’s policy is that while the sharing of graphic content for sadistic pleasure is banned, the use of distressing images that are designed to condemn violence or
to highlight an important issue is permitted. “We do sometimes see people come to Facebook to share experiences of the world around them and on occasion this may result in content that some may find upsetting,” a spokesman told the BBC. “We expect people that want to use Facebook to condemn or report on violence, to do so in a responsible manner, which may include warning people about the nature of content in the videos and imagery they’re sharing and carefully selecting the audience for the content”.
LG bets on pricey OLED technology as future of TVs
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — LG Electronics Inc. announced two new giant OLED TVs with ultra-high definition screens Monday, sticking with its strategy of using the exceptionally expensive OLED display technology. The South Korean company said it will ship 65-inch OLED TVs starting September in South Korea, Europe and North America. A 77-inch model will hit shelves later this year. While major TV makers are pushing to make ultra HD TVs mainstream, they use LCD screens. The super-high resolution picture, also known as 4K, packs four times
more pixels than regular HD televisions. Making ultra HD quality TVs with OLED screens remain costly. LG’s 65-inch model will cost 12 million won ($11,765). Other types of ultra HD televisions sell for less than $3,000. OLED features deeper color saturation and a sharper image quality than LCD. But for years, its cost and high production error rate prevented the technology from catching on among mainstream consumers. LG said it is committed to OLED because the cost will come down and its advanced screen will eventually
replace LCD screens. It forecasts that OLED TV sales will overtake LCD TV sales “within a few years.” “OLED is where we must head next,” said Ha Hyun-hwoi, head of LG’s TV business. “It is a matter of time.” LG’s aggressive bet on OLED TVs is in contrast with its rival Samsung Electronics Co. After rolling out a 55-inch curved TV that uses an OLED display last year, Samsung has not announced an upgrade to its OLED TV for this year. Samsung uses OLED technology mostly for small devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers.
Samsung and LG launch new watches while Apple waits South Korean tech firms LG and Samsung have announced more smartwatches, ahead of a widely anticipated entry to the sector from Apple. The devices, from LG and Samsung, suggest renewed attempts to create a smartwatch that is perhaps more fashionable than previous efforts. Samsung’s Gear S features a curved screen, while LG’s G Watch R has a more classic watch design. Apple is rumoured to be preparing to launch its device next month. Technology news site Recode has said the smartwatch - dubbed iWatch by Apple’s fans and some of the press - will debut on 9 September. However, in typically tight-lipped fashion, Apple has yet to confirm its plans. Furthermore, analyst Benedict Evans noted that a lack of leaks showing a design for the watch might suggest production had not yet started. Other sources, including the Wall Street Journal, also anticipate the unveiling of a 12.9in iPad. Other brands have been keen to set out their wares. Smartwatches are expected to be a major focus of the forthcoming IFA conference. The Berlin-based show is considered to be the European equivalent to the bigger Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held at the start of the year in Las Vegas. At last year’s IFA, Samsung launched its first smartwatch, the Galaxy Gear, and has since gone on to launch five more. The surge of products was a sign, one analyst told the BBC, that the company was throwing everything it had into getting ahead. “Samsung are deliberately trying to do something different,” said Ben Wood, from CCS Insight, drawing attention to the latest model’s curved screen. “We’re in an era of experimentation – noone really knows what the killer design for a smartwatch is.
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China says ‘no change’ in policy on improving ties with Japan
SHANGHAI/BEIJING – China on East China Sea, and mutual distrust Thursday rejected remarks by former over defense policies. Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda China’s foreign ministry was asked that Beijing had expressed willingness to respond to a speech on Wednesday to improve ties between Asia’s two in which Fukuda described his recent biggest economies, and said there was meetings with Chinese leaders, and “no change” in its policy on Tokyo. added that both sides had shown the Relations between China and Japan same sense of crisis over Sino-Japanese have been frayed by rows over the ties. legacy of Japan’s wartime militarism, a But Chinese foreign ministry territorial feud over tiny islands in the spokesman Qin Gang said there was
no change in China’s position on the improvement and development of SinoJapanese relations. “Japan must face up to reality, show sincerity, take concrete actions and make efforts to eliminate political obstacles that affect the development of bilateral relations,” Qin added, in a statement on the foreign ministry’s website. Earlier this month, the Nikkei
EU widens aid to dairy exporters hit by Russia food ban
The EU has announced emergency help for dairy producers hit by the Russian ban on food imports from the EU. The move follows EU aid worth 125m euros (£100m; $170m) announced earlier for fruit and vegetable exporters. The European Commission will help pay storage costs for butter and skimmed milk powder. EU aid will also extend to certain cheeses. Last year EU cheese sales to Russia were nearly 1bn euros. Russia’s actions in Ukraine triggered the trade dispute. The biggest EU dairy exporters to Russia in 2013 were: the Netherlands (301m euros), Finland (253m), Germany (184m) and Lithuania (160m). On 7 August Russia announced an embargo on most food imports from the EU, US, Canada, Norway, Dairy cows in Latvia - the Baltic states are important food exporters to Russia. Australia and Japan, in retaliation for Western sanctions over Ukraine. The wide-ranging sanctions are aimed at forcing the Kremlin to stop supporting pro-Russian separatists News events across from distant the room and translate their movements in eastern Ukraine. countries can feel so far away, it is into the scene in front of their eyes. In The Kremlin denies allegations difficult to grasp their importance. But a documentary about Syria, for instance, that it is supplying troops and that may change as journalists create de la Pena placed viewers in a street as a equipment to the rebels. reports with virtual reality, so that bomb exploded so that they could witness EU Agriculture Commissioner viewers feel as if they are witnesses to the terror unfolding – before then taking Dacian Ciolos said “price signals on them for a walk around a refugee site. the unfolding action. the European dairy market show So far she says the users’ experiences Nonny de la Pena, senior research that the Russian ban is starting to fellow at the University of Southern have been extraordinary, with many hit this sector”. California’s Annenberg School of reacting very emotionally to the stories. “In a number of member states, Journalism, does this by mixing “It creates a duality of presence. You export earnings are being lost and traditional journalism with immersive know you’re ‘here’, but you feel like you’re new outlets need to be found. The gaming technology. Her team might ‘there” too. And the experience is much European dairy sector needs time record sound clips on the ground more visceral,” says de la Pena. “It’s and help to adapt so I am announcing before combining them with visual really a kind of a whole-body experience today targeted market support, reconstructions of the scene. and is very unique – different than radio, focusing on milk powder, butter and The viewer would then wear virtual than television, than any other kind of exported cheeses. If needed, further reality goggles that track their position in format for experiencing a story.” measures will follow.”
Virtual reality could put us into news
business daily said Japan and China were trying to arrange two-way talks between their leaders at an APEC summit in Beijing in November. Chinese President Xi Jinping had expressed his desire to mend ties during a meeting with Fukuda, who visited China late in July on a “stealth mission” to broker a rapprochement, the paper said, citing sources from both sides.
Snapchat valued at $10bn by Californian investment firm
The popular messaging app Snapchat has reportedly been valued at $10bn (£6bn) by one of Silicon Valley’s most established investment firms. The evaluation, detailed by the Wall Street Journal, puts the startup in the same bracket as young tech titans Dropbox and AirBnB. The newspaper also reported that Snapchat now has more than 100 million monthly users, approximately half of its rival Instagram. Snapchat was founded in 2011. The mobile app, which is the brainchild of two US university students, lets users communicate by sending each other photos that automatically delete after a few seconds. In just a few years, it has grown to compete with messaging and photo apps such as WhatsApp and Instagram - both now owned by Facebook - as well as Chinese companies such as Line and WeChat. Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, a renowned technology investment firm in California that was an early backer of Google and Amazon, has agreed to invest $20m in Snapchat, the Wall Street Journal reported, valuing the company at $10bn. The valuation puts Snapchat “instantly in Facebook and Twitter territory”, says Ian Maude, of research firm Enders Analysis. However, he added, those firms “already have substantial revenues”, while Snapchat does not. “The bet investors are making is that it is going to be worth the amount of Facebook and Twitter one day.
South African economy avoids recession South Africa has avoided falling into recession after second-quarter GDP figures showed the economy grew by 0.6% during the April-to-June period. The economy had contracted by 0.6% in the first quarter. A platinum strike in the country was blamed for the poor performance in the first three months. South Africa was last in recession in 2008 amid the global financial crisis. By 2011 it had made a substantial recovery, but there have been worries recently that it would slip back.
Africa’s most advanced economy, and the continent’s second largest, grew by 1% compared with the same period a year earlier, against annual growth of 1.6% in the previous quarter. South Africa’s agriculture sector grew by 4.9% in the second quarter, while its financial sector expanded by 1.5%. Meanwhile, the under-pressure mining sector contracted by 9.4% from the previous quarter while the manufacturing sector shrank by 2.1%. Economists said the effect of the
five-month strike on South Africa’s platinum mines had spilled over into other sectors, and the hope of a quick improvement in the country’s economic fortunes was distant. Shilan Shah of Capital Economics said: “Looking ahead, there is little reason to expect a sharp turnaround in performance over the coming quarters.” Many analysts say that South Africa is also becoming the victim of a growing credit bubble. Earlier this month, African Bank was bailed out by the country’s central
bank and South Africa’s four largest banks were downgraded by ratings agency Moody’s. There is evidence that many South Africans use 70% of their income to service their debts. Dr Cas Coovadia, the chief executive of the Banking Association of South Africa, said: “People are borrowing to get into a life style that, quite honestly, they cannot afford.” South Africa has high unemployment – around 25% of the workforce, or 8.3 million people.
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Best Buy says sales to fall as more shoppers buy online
Best Buy Co Inc, the largest U.S. consumer electronics retailer, said same-store sales were expected to fall and higher discounting would erode margins in the second half of the year. Best Buy’s shares fell as much as 7 percent on Tuesday after the company also reported lower-than-expected revenue for the third straight quarter, hurt by weak sales of consumer electronics and competition from online retailers. The company said it expected same-store sales to decline in low single-digit percentage terms and operating margins to remain under pressure due to higher sales of lowermargin items online and discounting in Canada and China. Same-store sales fell 2.7 percent in the second quarter ended Aug. 2, steeper than the 2.2 percent decline estimated by analysts polled by research firm Consensus Metrix. U.S. same-store sales slipped 2 percent. Operating margin fell to 2.7 percent from 4.5 percent. Best Buy’s gross margins have not grown in the past 14 quarters, partly due to competition from online retailers such as Amazon.com. Amazon’s quarterly sales of electronics and general merchandise jumped nearly 30 percent in North America. Best Buy’s margins were hit further last year after it launched a plan to match the lowest prices offered by local and online retailers. Competition from online retailers is likely to intensify. In a recent Nielsen survey of people likely to buy items such as TVs and cameras in the next six months, 42 percent said they would buy it online, up from 15 percent a year earlier.
Burger King and Tim Hortons agree merger details Burger King has confirmed that it plans to buy Tim Hortons, the Canadian coffee and doughnut chain, for about $11bn (£6.6bn; 8.3bn euros). The deal would create the world’s third-largest fast-food chain, with 18,000 restaurants in 100 countries. The new group would have a market capitalisation of about $18bn and annual sales in the region of $23bn. Burger King’s majority shareholder, 3G Capital, will own about 51% of the merged company. Under the terms of the deal, which has been unanimously approved by both companies’ boards of directors, Tim Hortons shareholders will receive 65.50 Canadian dollars ($59.74; £36.10) in cash
and 0.8025 shares of the new company for every share they own, the companies said in a joint statement. Warren Buffet’s investment firm Berkshire Hathaway will contribute $3bn “in preferred equity financing” to the deal, the companies said, but would not have any managerial control over the business. At close of the US stock market on Monday, Burger King’s shares were up by 19.5%, and those in Tim Hortons by 19%, after the companies confirmed they were in talks. Tax avoidance The firms have said that any new group would have its headquarters in Canada, where corporate taxes are lower. These so-called “tax inversion” deals
are attracting increasing criticism in the US, where President Barack Obama is understood to be looking at how they can be prevented in future. The US corporate tax rate is 35%, but 26.5% in Ontario, Canada, where Tim Hortons is based. 3G Capital, a New York and Rio de Janeiro-based investment company, bought Burger King in 2010 for about $3.3bn and floated the company in 2012, holding on to nearly 70% of the shares. The companies will retain their separate brand identities, but save costs by sharing corporate services. Tim Hortons used to be owned by US fast-food chain Wendy’s, before being spun off as a separate company in 2006.
Amazon buys video-game streaming site Twitch
Twitch allows users to upload clips of their game play as well as stream live games.
‘Ban E-cigarette use indoors,’ says WHO The World Health Organization be heavily restricted. The WHO warns exhaled e-cigarette says there should be a ban on the use of e-cigarettes indoors and that sales to vapour could increase the background air levels of some toxicants and nicotine. children should stop. According to the team while In a report the health body says there must be no more claims that the devices e-cigarettes are likely to be less harmful can help smokers quit – until there is than traditional cigarettes, they may pose threats to adolescents and the firm evidence to support this. WHO experts warn the products foetuses of pregnant women who use might pose a threat to adolescents and these devices. But some researchers suggest tough the foetuses of pregnant women. But campaigners say regulations regulations may prevent smokers having access to products that are potentially must be proportionate. less harmful than conventional cigarettes. A spokesman for the British American Tempting flavours Tobacco company said: “We have always According to the WHO legal steps need said that given nicotine is addictive, to be taken to end the use of e-cigarettes minimum age laws of 18 for the sale of indoors - both in public spaces and in e-cigarettes should be introduced. “However, if overly restrictive work places. And the report focuses on the potential regulations are introduced hampering for products to spark wider cigarette use innovation or adult usage, then this could simply stifle the growth of new products in children. The health experts call for a ban on and prevent smokers from being aware advertisements that could encourage of and having access to them - this can children and non-smokers to use the only be bad thing for public health.” Hazel Cheeseman, at the charity devices. And they say fruit, candy or alcoholic- Action on Smoking and Health, said drink style flavours should be prohibited there was no evidence of any harm too, while the sales of electronic to bystanders and warned regulation cigarettes from vending machines should needed to be proportionate.
She added: “Smoking kills 100,000 people in the UK alone. “Smokers who switch to using electronic cigarettes in whole or in part are likely to substantially reduce their health risks. “Although we cannot be sure that electronic cigarettes are completely safe, as the WHO acknowledges, they are considerably less harmful than smoking tobacco and research suggests that they are already helping smokers to quit.”
Global guidelines A UK Department of Health spokeswoman said: “More and more people are using e-cigarettes and we want to make sure they are properly regulated so we can be sure of their safety. “We have already set out our intention to change the law to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to children under 18. “The UK has an existing licensing system for higher strength products and those that claim to help people quit. “We are also bringing in new European rules to cover lower strength products which will ban most advertising, limit nicotine levels and set standards for ingredients, labelling and packaging.”
In a surprise move, Amazon has bought video-game streaming service Twitch for $970m (£585m). Earlier in the year, Google’s YouTube had been reported to be in late-stage acquisition talks for a similar amount. Founded in 2011, Twitch – formerly known as Twitch.tv – allows users to watch other people play video games. As of July of this year, the service had over 55 million unique monthly viewers. “Broadcasting and watching gameplay is a global phenomenon and Twitch has built a platform that brings together tens of millions of people who watch billions of minutes of games each month,” said Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos in a statement. “We look forward to learning from them and helping them move even faster to build new services for the gaming community,” he added. The move is seen by many analysts as helping Amazon in its quest to beat other streaming video sites like YouTube and Netflix. Twitch allows users to broadcast snippets of their game play and its services are built into gaming platforms like Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One. Amazon currently offers Prime subscribers access to streaming television and movies on its site, and has recently begun commissioning original programming - following in the footsteps of Netflix, which found success with House of Cards and Orange is the New Black. Twitch adds a cadre of committed gamers to Amazon’s potential audience. The all-cash deal is one of the company’s biggest acquisitions to date. Twitch’s founders have attempted to quell any concerns that the Twitch’s community may have about the acquisition. “We chose Amazon because they believe in our community, they share our values and long-term vision, and they want to help us get there faster,” wrote Mr Shear in a letter to users. “We’re keeping most everything the same: our office, our employees, our brand, and most importantly our independence. But with Amazon’s support we’ll have the resources to bring you an even better Twitch.” Twitch.tv was created as an offshoot to Justin.tv, which was founded by Justin Kan and Emmett Shear as a platform in which Mr Kan could live-stream his life.
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SPORTS
Usain Bolt ends season after only three races
ZURICH, Switzerland – Sprint seconds, the first time this year he superstar Usain Bolt has ended his ran a 100 race in under 10 seconds. “…it is now time to shut it down injury-plagued season early, after while he is healthy and injury free competing in just three races. Organisers for Thursday’s with a view on his preparations Diamond League meeting in for the 2015 season” a statement Zurich have announced that Bolt quoted Bolt’s coach Glen Mills as has withdrawn from the event’s saying. His absence will be a major 100-metre race and will not blow to European meet organizers. compete again this season. “Usain’s body has delivered The decision comes a day after the Olympic champion and world tremendous performances over record-holder won a 100m race the last years. But, it is a body and in Warsaw, Poland, clocking 9.98 not a machine,” said Zurich meet
director Patrick Magyar. “If an athlete of that level and his coach feel more rest is needed, we are certainly not going to question this and fully support this decision.” Bolt’s preparations for the season were disrupted by a foot injury. His only other appearances in 2014 were in the 4×100 relay for Jamaica at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and a 100 exhibition race in Rio de Janeiro. Sprint superstar Usain Bolt.
Dominican Republic pulls away late to beat Gilas
Jamaica’s bobsleigh team took part in the 2014 Winter Olympics after an online crowdfunding effort.
Jamaica: Ice hockey trials fuel Winter Olympic dreams Jamaica has held its first ever try-outs for a national ice hockey team in an attempt to emulate its Winter Olympic bobsleigh adventures, it seems. Over 20 players turned up in Toronto, Canada, for the Jamaica Olympic Ice Hockey Federation trials led by Graeme Townshend, the first ever Jamaican to play in the National Hockey League, the Jamaica Observer reports. With more interested players expected to come forward in the coming months, Kingston-
born Townshend, who played a total of 45 NHL games in the early 1990s, was upbeat about their chances: “If Jamaica can get a team in the World Championship or the Olympics that’s something so outlandish I think it might actually work.” But the Jamaican efforts haven’t gone unnoticed in Canada, where the Toronto Sun accuses them of “poaching” Canadian athletes of Jamaican descent to fill out its national ice hockey roster for the Olympics.
Their plans face enormous hurdles – Jamaica would need to win a pre-qualifying tournament before the qualification rounds, and officials say an appearance at the 2018 Olympics in South Korea looks unlikely. If the team eventually reaches the Olympics, they’d be following in the tracks of the country’s Cool Runnings bobsleigh team that first qualified for the 1988 games, and took part in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
MANILA, Philippines The Philippine national men’s basketball team concluded their tuneup games for the 2014 FIBA World Cup on Tuesday morning, August 26 (PH time) with a loss to the Dominican Republic, 86-79, in Guadalajara, Spain. Coming off a win against Egypt on Monday, August 25, Gilas Pilipinas played Dominican Republic close all throughout the ball game. Late in the fourth quarter, a three-pointer by Gabe Norwood got his team within one, 73-72. After the Dominicans extended their edge back to three, LA Tenorio managed to tie the contest once again with a 3-ball of his own, 75-all. However, Edgar Sosa and Houston Rockets swingman Francisco Garcia responded impressively, racking up five quick points to create some separation between their team and Philippines with 2:14 to go. After Norwood hit another three to make it a onepossession game, Eloy Vargas was responsible for four straight markers by setting up Jack Martinez and hitting a basket of his own to push
Dominican Republic’s lead to six, 84-78. Tenorio was then fouled, but hit only one charity which turned out to be Gilas’ last point for the contest. Norwood had 17 points to lead the Filipinos, while naturalized big man Andray Blatche put up 16 markers and grabbed 8 rebounds but shot only 6-of-18 from the field. Tenorio finished with 10 points and 4 assists, while Paul Dalistan and Gary David finished with 7 markers each. Jayson William missed his second straight game due to a swollen Achilles, while Beau Belga and Jared Dillinger registered DNPs. Martinez and Vargas had 14 and 12 points, respectively for Dominican Republic, which also received 10 markers from Garcia. As a team, Gilas shot 36% from the field and converted 12 shots from three-point range. However, the national team coughed up 14 turnovers. Gilas Pilipinas managed to create some leeway in the early goings as Norwood, who finished with four triples, made two straight in the first quarter to put his club ahead, 13-7.
Trinidad and Tobago are AFNA champs
Trinidad and Tobago defeated Barbados 53-46 tonight to win the Americas Federation of Netball Association Championships in Alberta, Canada. Both teams have qualified for next year’s Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, with Trinidad having the
better ranking for the upcoming draw. Barbados made a disastrous start, trailing 5-0 before scoring their first goal. Plagued by turnovers all night, they battled back from 16-10 at the end of the first quarter and 27-23 at half-time to tie the game at 32. But Barbados were outscored 21-14
as the match drew to a close. Trinidad No official shooting stats are available. took the lead 39-34 and went ahead by as When the two teams met at the many as ten. Commonwealth Games earlier this Turnovers continued to be a problem month, Trinidad and Tobago won 38-37. for both sides, but Trinidad and Tobago United States edged Canada 42-40 seemed to display superior fitness and to take third place, while Grenada beat ball movement, and their shooters were Argentina 70-39 in the other match also more accurate. played today.
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SPORTS Tiger ends four-year alliance with coach Foley
Tiger Woods has split up with swing coach Sean Foley after a four-year partnership, the 14-times golf major winner said on Monday. The former world number one is sidelined with a back injury and does not plan to play again until his World Challenge tournament in Florida in December. “I’d like to thank Sean for his help as my coach and for his friendship,” Woods told his official website (www.tigerwoods. com).
“Sean is one of the outstanding coaches in golf today and I know he will continue to be successful with the players working with him. “With my next tournament not until my World Challenge event at Isleworth in Orlando, this is the right time to end our professional relationship,” added the 38-year-old. Woods previously worked with Hank Haney and Butch Harmon before joining forces with Foley in August 2010. The coach controversially redesigned
Woods’s swing but the American great has failed to win a major in their time together. Foley coaches a number of top players including world number five Justin Rose and American Hunter Mahan, who won The Barclays tournament in New Jersey on Sunday. “My time spent with Tiger is one of the highlights of my career so far and I am appreciative of the many experiences we shared together,” Foley said. “It was a lifelong ambition of mine to
Lewis Hamilton & Nico Rosberg not a team – Mark Webber
Former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber has questioned whether Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg can remain team-mates at Mercedes. The simmering tension between the title contenders became public when they collided at the Belgian Grand Prix. Webber, who had a bitter intra-team fight with Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel, said: “It’s going to be interesting, not just for the rest of the year. “At the moment it’s not a team. Is it OK to have them together in 2015?” He added: “It looks like the drivers are doing their own thing. Can they drive together in the future?” Webber, who quit F1 at the end of last season for a career in endurance racing, said Mercedes were in a “very difficult situation where the drivers are not enjoying a good relationship”. Talking to Red Bull sports show Sport und Talk, the Australian added that he was not sure whether Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff and the team’s non-executive chairman Niki Lauda would be able to solve the situation. “The thing is, who is now going to try to put this back together?” Webber said. “Is it the people who pay Niki’s and Toto’s wages? “Because at the end of the day, if the drivers are not listening to these guys,
The collision effectively ended Hamilton’s chances of getting anything out of the race. do they have to say ‘Lewis and Nico, you go chat to the big guys at Mercedes, because they’re paying you guys to get the job done in a team environment’?” Webber questioned Rosberg’s motivation in the incident, which occurred when the Mercedes drivers were contesting the lead on lap two at Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday. The collision left Briton Hamilton with a puncture that ultimately ended his race and Rosberg with a damaged front wing from which he fought back to gain second place behind Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo. “Well, it’s... a passing move,” Webber said. “Nico is trying to have a look on the
outside, but it’s Lewis’s corner. “At this point [just before the contact] Nico knows he has no chance to get the move done. It’s strange that he tried to come in so tight behind Lewis. “That was a little bit uncharacteristic of Nico - not normally his style, but he made contact. “It wouldn’t have been a big deal at all. It would have been nothing if there was no puncture, but the puncture changed the whole race. In the end both of their races were in trouble.” The result leaves Rosberg 29 points ahead of Hamilton in the championship with 200 still available in the remaining seven races.
teach the best player of all time in our sport. I am both grateful for the things we had the opportunity to learn from one another as well as the enduring friendship we have built. “I have nothing but respect and admiration for him.” Woods has not appointed a replacement and gave no clue about when he might make a choice. “Presently I do not have a coach and there is no timetable for hiring one,” said the world number 12.
Clippers trade Jared Dudley to Bucks for Delfino
Hoping to gain long-term financial flexibility while unloading an underperforming player, the Clippers on Tuesday traded forward Jared Dudley and a first-round draft pick to the Milwaukee Bucks for Carlos Delfino, 7-footer Miroslav Raduljica and a second-round draft pick, according to an NBA official. The Clippers surrendered a protected 2017 first-round pick as part of the trade but are receiving a 2015 second-round pick. Dudley, who was expected to be a major contributor for the Clippers after being acquired last summer as part of the Eric Bledsoe trade, is coming off a disappointing season in which he averaged 6.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 23.4 minutes per game. “I just wanna thank the Clippers organization for everything,” Dudley tweeted. “It was a privilege to play for them. I only wish I could of been 100%. I wish them nothing but luck.” Delfino, 31, sat out all of last season after undergoing surgery on his right foot in December. The 6-foot-6 swingman has career averages of 8.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists while making 36.5% of his threepointers. The move will initially cost the Clippers an extra $500,000 next season, taking into account the contracts of Delfino ($3.25 million) and Raduljica ($1.5 million) versus that of Dudley ($4.25 million).
UEFA Champions League draw: Arsenal, Manchester City get tough groups
Two English clubs were handed difficult assignments in a UEFA Champions League group stage draw that was full of déjà vu. Reigning Premier League champion Manchester City was drawn with fivetime European Cup winner Bayern Munich for the second year in a row, in what is likely to be the toughest of the eight groups. They’ll be joined by AS Roma and CSKA Moscow. Arsenal will face Germany’s Borussia Dortmund for the third time in four seasons. Their itinerary also incudes trips to Istanbul and Brussels, to face Galatasaray and Anderlecht, respectively.
Liverpool was given a glamorous matchup with reigning Champions League winner Real Madrid. But the other two opponents, Swizterland’s FC Basel and Bulgaria’s PFC Ludogorets, likely won’t cause too much trouble. Madrid and Liverpool provide almost half of the 36 European Cup and Champions League titles shared among 10 former winners in the draw. Real won the title for the 10th time this past May, when they beat Atlético Madrid in Lisbon in May. Their history against Liverpool is not so favorable – no wins and no goals scored in three all-time games. Liverpool won 5-0 on aggregate in the 2009 round of 16, and won the
1981 European Cup final in Paris by a 1-0 margin. Chelsea, which in 2012 became the most recent English team to win the tournament, got a reasonably easy draw with Germany’s Schalke 04, Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon and Slovenia’s NK Maribor. Outside of England, many fans will tune in to the group containing Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Ajax and APOEL Nicosia of Cyprus. Though the last of those teams isn’t much, the first two are loaded with attacking stars. And it will be a reunion tour for PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimović, who used to play for Barcelona and Ajax.
Malmö, of Sweden, was the European Cup runner-up in 1979 as a semiprofessional club. They are one of two newcomers to the Champions League group stage, along with PFC Ludogorets of Bulgaria. Group stage play begins on September 16. Each of the 32 teams will share nearly $1.34 billion in prize money. UEFA pays $11.5 million fee for entering the group, plus $1.34 million per win and $670,000 per draw. Teams also get a share of television rights money. The top two teams in each group advance to knockout round, with the final set for Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on June 6.
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WORLD SPORTS
France calls up Lacazette to replace Giroud
PARIS – Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette will get his chance to play for France in the absence of the injured Olivier Giroud in matches against Spain and Serbia next month. The 23-year-old Lacazette, who was called up Thursday by France coach Didier Deschamps, scored 15 league goals last season but failed to make the World Cup squad. He will take the place of Giroud, who will be sidelined for about four months after sustaining a small break to his tibia during Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Everton in the Premier League, just seconds after he scored. France plays Spain at Stade de France next Thursday and then at Serbia three days later. Serbia is in
Group I along with France in European Championship qualifying. But as host of Euro 2016, France has automatically qualified and the matches played against the national team do not count in terms of points and serve only as friendlies. With the exception of Giroud and goalkeeper Mickael Landreau, who has retired, Deschamps kept faith with the squad that reached the World Cup quarterfinals in Brazil, losing 1-0 to eventual winner Germany. Landreau has been replaced by Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, who returns after a serious neck injury. Although Deschamps intends to experiment with his squad over the next two years, he stuck with his World
Cup players for the next two games as a way of rewarding them and thanking the fans. “We’re playing at the Stade de France in front of our fans and I think the players who played at the World Cup deserve to be here,” Deschamps said. “For all the fans who got behind the team in Brazil, encouraged us and experienced these emotions, I think they deserve to have this contact with the team.” France has nine players under the age of 25 in its squad, and Deschamps expects more young players to be tested leading up to Euro 2016. “The most important thing in the long term is to be as competitive as possible for Euro 2016. That means giving some
players games, and it means changes in tactics and organization,” he said. “No one knows what will happen in the next two years, we’ll no doubt see some new players.” One notable absentee from the squad is Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, who recently announced his international retirement. Ribery was ruled out of the World Cup shortly before the team left for Brazil with a recurrence of a back injury. “The main thing for him is to enjoy playing again,” Deschamps said. “I don’t know what will happen next, he’s made the decision now. Every player thinks about their own situation, with regards to their club.”
Phelps shows his comeback is on track at Pan Pacs
Mario Balotelli
Mario Balotelli warned by Italy coach Conte
MILAN – Mario Balotelli has some work to do to earn the respect of Italy coach Antonio Conte. Conte tells the Gazzetta dello Sport that he’s not sure Balotelli’s decision to move back to England is positive or not, “but I do know that whoever joins the national team must then deserve to stay there.” Balotelli, Italy’s most talented and most temperamental forward, transferred from AC Milan to Liverpool on Monday. Conte says “the man is more important than the footballer. ... Talent is secondary. First you’ve got to sacrifice yourself for the squad.” Balotelli was criticized severely after Italy was eliminated after the first round of the World Cup under Cesare Prandelli, who then resigned. Conte, who led Juventus to the last three Serie A titles, is a strict disciplinarian.
GOLD COAST, Australia — Michael Phelps gave an incredulous look, an almost indignant response and strode away to collect a gold medal. The most decorated swimmer in history had completed his first meet in international competition since coming out of retirement by helping the United States win the medley relay Sunday, the last event of the Pan Pacific championships. So he was stunned by a question in a post-race interview relating to him being beaten in his section of a relay two nights previously. As he pulled his tracksuit over his swimming trunks in preparation for the medal ceremony, he went over the question repeatedly with people around him. Then he shrugged it off and ran out to join his teammates on the podium. Four months into his comeback, Phelps finished the Pan Pacs with three gold and two silver medals, a decent return by any measure. It’s just a sign that he is, as he describes it, super competitive. His comeback is for real. He wants to again be unbeatable. This time last year, Phelps was more inclined to be swinging golf clubs than swimming. He retired after the London Olympics and gained weight. Now he’s back on track for the Rio Olympics in 2016. “It was, I think, a successful year,” Phelps said. “Obviously I’d like to win every single race I swim in. But, doesn’t always happen. It was a learning experience, that’s most important.” His long-time coach, Bob Bowman, was among those who noticed a big leap in Phelps’ performances since the
Michael Phelps of the U.S. swims breaststroke during his men’s 200m individual medley at the Pan Pacific swimming championships in Gold Coast, Australia. U.S. nationals earlier this month. “I’m extremely pleased. Just the way he swam those things. Really, that looked like the real Michael there, so that was very good,” Bowman said of Phelps’ butterfly leg in the 4x100 medley relay. “The second 50 of that, that’s about as good as his butterfly gets.” Earlier in the evening, the 29-yearold American had been beaten in the 200 IM final by two-hundredths of a second by Kosuke Hagino of Japan — a silver medalist at the last world championships — who won in 1 minute, 56.02 seconds. That’s all part of Phelps feeling his way back into competition, mentally and physically.
“Today my body was hurting. I woke up this morning and I was in pain,” he said. After the morning preliminaries and a nap, he felt better but was a little nervous ahead of the night finals, admitting he was “a little peppy” in the warmups. “The one thing, if I look back at the 200 IM and could say I would change anything, I think I’d say ‘step on the first 100,’” he said. But, “For my first real big international meet back, we accomplished everything we wanted to. We were able to find out some of the things I need to improve on over the next year, and things I want to improve on. “It is frustrating at times, but that’s usually how I respond well.”
Berlin to unveil Olympic Games concept
Berlin, which last hosted the Olympics in 1936, will unveil its concept for the 2024 Games on September 1 and will follow up with a city referendum as Germany has still to decide on a bid between Hamburg and the capital for those Games or 2028. “We will answer the questionnaire of the German Olympic Sports Confederation
(DOSB) and then we will unveil our concept on Sept. 1,” outgoing Berlin mayor Klaus Wowereit told reporters on Tuesday. “I am confident we will answer those questions well. “After that there will be a vote for all Berliners to decide. We want the widest possible support in this.” The International Olympic
Committee, which has seen low public support for some of the 2022 winter Games candidates, is eager to ensure future bidders having local citizens on their side to ensure smooth preparations and enthusiasm during the world’s biggest multi-sports event. The DOSB has yet to set a deadline for a decision on which German city will be put
forward for the summer Games in 10 years or if it is going to go ahead with a candidacy for the 2028 Olympics. Bidding for the 2024 Games starts in 2015 with a decision to be made in 2017. No city has officially announced a bid yet but several, including Los Angeles and Boston from the United States as well as Paris, Istanbul,
Qatar’s Doha and Durban in South Africa, are among potential candidates. The 2016 Olympics will be held in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro and the 2020 summer Games in Tokyo. Berlin last hosted the Olympics in Nazi-ruled Germany in 1936 and its Games stadium is still in full operation today.
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