SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
Website: www.suntci.com
VOLUME 10 - No. 34
Email: sun@suntci.com
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SIPT SET-UP
Brits accused of rigging legal system to ensure a certain outcome
One of Britain’s top lawyers, Queen’s Counsel Courtenay Griffiths, has indicated that the controversial Trial Without Jury law which was recently enforced in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is part of well-orchestrated master-plan that is designed to secure convictions against certain high-profile individuals who are presently before the courts. Griffiths, who is the lead counsel for former Premier Michael Misick, gave this assessment last week while making submissions to the Court of Appeal to dismiss the decision by Mr. Justice Paul Harrison who ruled on Monday June 23rd, 2014, that several persons charged with corruption by the Helen Garlick-led Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) should be tried by a judge only, instead of a jury
of their peers. The Jamaica-born Griffiths, who has been involved in some of the most highprofile and notable cases of the past two decades, told the Court of Appeal: “The Trial Without Jury Ordinance was introduced in November 2010 and four years on, no attempt has been made to use it in any other criminal proceedings; not even the Emerald Cay case which is alleged to have arisen during that same period of criminality.” He added: “When we look at certain factors following the Sir Robin Auld Inquiry together, it appears that a structure is being put in place to create a particular outcome and one cannot escape the conclusion that this was indeed the case when the Trial Without Jury Ordinance was introduced.”
Griffiths is amongst the most sought after of International Criminal law specialists, providing representation in trials of genocide, crimes against humanity and other war crimes before international, internationalised and national courts. He is particularly noted for his work in the recent landmark case in The Hague defending the former president of Liberia, Charles Taylor. The Queen’s Counsel even suggested that the SIPT may have had some involvement in the framing of the Trial Without Jury Ordinance, which was introduced while the Turks and Caicos Islands were under direct rule by Britain, following the suspension of some of the most significant parts of the country’s Constitution on August 14, 2009.
In addition to the Trial Without Jury Ordinance, during that time, there was also the introduction of a Hearsay Ordinance which takes the highly unusual step of allowing hearsay evidence to be admitted; and it seemingly will only apply to the SIPT trial. “Any reasonable by-stander will conclude that all of these things were put in place just for these defendants,” Griffiths stated. To substantiate his point, Griffiths quoted extensively from a landmark case, Don John Francis Douglas Liyanage against the Queen, in which the Privy Council, the highest court in the United Kingdom, dismissed a case that was similar to the one currently before the TCI courts. Continued on Page 2.
Sandals foundation doles out back-to-school supplies The Sandals Foundation brought smiles to the faces of children of four learning institutions in Providenciales: the Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays and the Clement Howell High School in Blue Hills; and Oseta Jolly Capron Primary in Blue Hills and the New Beginning School in Five Cays. New Beginning School is an institution for at-risk children. The Sandals Foundation team brought backpacks laden with mostly books and pencils. Elanor Finfin Krazanowsky, Public Relations Officer for Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Spa and the Sandals Foundation told The SUN that the effort was part of the Foundation’s annual backto-school drive. She said this was the first time that the Sandals Foundation was gifting so many schools.
Some students of the Enid Capron Primary School holding up their new school bags. She said that the foundation was happy that it was able to extend the budget to incorporate all of the Government schools (on Providenciales). “The plan is to incorporate New Beginning, which is an alternative school in Five Cays, Providenciales, for at-risk kids. We are not looking at one school to spread the joy this year; we are looking at finding ways to incorporate everybody because education, at the end of the day
Money allegedly stolen from Court still a mystery – Page 7 Nothing done about 5 sinkholes in backyard – Page 8
is not designated to only one school. “And if you are looking at improving literacy and improving education in the Turks and Caicos, we have to look at ways we can target other schools as well, while focusing our resources mostly on our sponsored schools, because that is where our corporate obligations is with,” she said. Sophia Hamilton-Garland, Acting Principal of the Enid Capron Primary
Digicel TCI cinema upgrades to Digital, 3D – Page 12
School was thankful for the gifts. “Today they gave us 150 bags, which were given to our grades one and two students. We are very happy that they are onboard (with the Enid Capron Primary School), and we welcome other persons in the community, who see it fit to help a child or a class or a group within our school in any way that they can; with whatever supply they need for school,” Hamilton-Garland said.
Post-mortem: Coven Rigby was electrocuted – Page 14
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
LOCAL NEWS
Brits accused of rigging legal system Continued from Page 1.
Queen’s Counsel Courtenay Griffiths
PRIVY COUNCIL RULING He quoted from the case law which stated: “The first Act was wholly bad in that it was a special direction to the judiciary as to the trial of particular prisoners who were identifiable and charged with particular offences on a particular occasion. “The pith and substance of both Acts was a legislative plan ex post
facto to secure the conviction and enhance the punishment of those particular individuals. It legalised their imprisonment while they were awaiting trial. It made admissible their statements inadmissibly obtained during that period. “It altered the fundamental law of evidence so as to facilitate their conviction. And finally it altered ex post facto the punishment to be imposed on them. I n their Lordships’ view that cogent summary fairly describes the effect of the Acts. As has been indicated already, legislation ad hominem which is thus directed to the course of particular proceedings may not always amount to an interference with the functions of the judiciary. But in the present case their Lordships have no doubt that there was such interference; that it was not only the likely but the intended effect of the impugned enactments; and that it is fatal to their validity. The true nature and purpose of these enactments are revealed by their conjoint impact on the specific proceedings in respect of which they were designed, and they take their colour, in particular, from the alterations they purported to make
as to their ultimate objective, the punishment of those convicted. These alterations constituted a grave and deliberate incursion into the judicial sphere. Quite bluntly, their aim was to ensure that the judges in dealing with these particular persons on these particular charges were deprived of their normal discretion as respects appropriate sentences.”
COURT OF APPEAL DISMISSES APPEAL However, on Thursday September 11th,2014, the Court of Appeal which comprises President, Edward Zacca, QC, Elliott Mottley,QC, and Ian Forte, QC, sided with Judge Harrison and dismissed the appeal When contacted in England for a comment on the Court of Appeal decision, Griffiths stated: “It is astonishing that the Court of Appeal has come to a decision so quickly. We are very concerned that we are now required to appeal, when we don’t even have a written decision or a transcript of the proceedings. However, we definitely intend to appeal the decision.” Among the reasons which Mr. Justice Harrison decided to order Trial Without
Jury are as follows: (a) the allegations of wrongdoing are by prominent public figures, including politicians and their activities and interaction with members of the public throughout TCI over the years 2003 to 2009, culminating in the Auld Inquiry and Report; (b) the pre-trial media publicity, adverse to both the prosecution and the defence, consistently and relentlessly since the Commission of Enquiry Report in 2009 and up to January 2014. This could not have failed to influence adversely the minds of potential jurors in the small jurisdiction of TCI; (c) the charges are complex, allegedly comprising the payment of millions of dollars by various means and channels to various accounts and to numerous recipients. Inevitably, this will involve a heavy volume of documents, both at pretrial and at the trial, more appropriately dealt with by a judge alone; (d) the trial is estimated to last for months; this will involve dislocation of the lives of potential jurors, their impecuniousity from loss of earnings, disadvantage to employers and inconvenience. The probable delays from adjournments and time-off for jurors for various reasons, is also inevitable.
Amanyara to set up Digital Learning Centre at Oseta Jolly by Vivian Tyson The Oseta Jolly Primary School in Blue Hills, Providenciales, before the end of September, should be outfitted with a digital learning centre, thanks to the benevolence of the Amanyara Resort. The Oseta Jolly Primary School Peaceful Place Learning Centre is expected to open on September 16 and the school has already allocated the space for it. Marco Franck, General Manager for Amanyara and Michel Neutelings, Director for Caicos Resorts, the asset management arm of the hotel, made the disclosure on Monday, September 8, while sharing in the opening of the new school year. The two said that the level of innovation that will be put into the learning centre will place it amongst the top five such facilities of its kind in the Caribbean. They said the facility should be equipped with at least 12 computers, books and space enough to accommodate approximately 80 to 100 children in air condition comfort. Franck said that Amanyara has been supporting the Oseta Jolly Primary School for several years now, but the setting up of the learning centre is its biggest venture to date. “We have been involved for more than three years, but for the past three years we have been accelerating our programme of assistance to Oseta Jolly. “We are a small operation, so rather than spreading things thinly around the islands, we are deciding that, especially this year, it is best to focus on one school and try to make a real difference,” Franck said. He added that the resort flew in professional consultants from the United Kingdom, who worked with some of the teachers of the institution to arrive at the final product. He said also that in the next few days a professional librarian should arrive in
Rachel Handfield (right) Principal for the Oseta Jolly Primary School presents Michel Neutelings (second right) and Marco Franck (third from right), both of Amanyara Resort, with a certificate of appreciation. Sharing in the moment is PTA President Blossom Simons. the country to train individuals within the education sector (not just at Oseta Jolly) on whole operation of libraries – digital and otherwise. “We will continue with the relationship we have developed with the process; we will train the teachers to assist in that learning centre, but also to take them to a more digital age. Children will be able to borrow e-books and take them home. “We will have a proper collection of primary school hard books, and those (books) were selected with the teachers in mind of the school themselves. They along with the consultants that we sent here are the ones that made that collection,” he said. Franck said that over time the learning centre could open to other children in the Blue Hills community
that are not directly affiliated with the school, especially for weekend use. In the meantime, Franck said that the next undertaking at the school will be taking care of the kindergarten area, which he said is not 100 percent ideal at this time to meet the needs of the children. “So we are going to see over time what we can do to make that a proper, safe, clean environment for them to have their first year in education,” he said. Meanwhile, Neutelings said that the Amanyara companies have dedicated themselves to the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. He said that the resort brand is happy to partner with government and its institutions to make the TCI a
better place. “What is important for us is that the education of the kids is our biggest focus. It is good for our economy, for the future – hoteliers and persons working in tourism,” Neutelings said. He added: “The partnership provides a solid base of education for the kids. It is not necessary that all will be working in hotel and tourism, but a good part of those will be. Some others will go on to greater education, creating leaders for this country and business people and lawyers and bankers and so on. So it is very important that we set a solid base for education.” Franck said that since Amanyara when translated in English, means Peaceful Place, they decided to brand the facility Oseta Jolly Primary School Peaceful Place learning Centre.
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Mystery surrounds alleged theft of money from Magistrate’s Court by Vivian Tyson
A cloud of mystery is surrounding the alleged theft of approximately $10,000 from the Magistrate’s Court on Old Airport Road, in Providenciales. There have been reliable reports that the money has gone missing, but it appears as though the matter is being covered-up. Well-placed sources told The SUN that this is not the first time money has been reported missing from the court. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is urging those who claimed to have fallen victim to an alleged child support monetary misappropriation scheme, said to be operating at the court house on Providenciales, to come forward and make reports so that they can commence probing. Several mothers claimed that after visiting the court house to collect their child support funds to prepare their children from back-to-school, was told that the their payment did not arrive. However, after confronting their children’s fathers regarding the supposedly funds non-payment, the men presented them with receipts as
proof that the court-required payments were in fact made. However, when the women claimed that when they went back to the courthouse for personnel there to rectify the anomalies, they were referred to the treasury as court personnel insisted that no payments were made by the father. The mothers claimed that they also came up empty-handed when they visited the treasury. They said they were told that no money was deposited for them. The SUN contacted Director of Public Prosecutions JoAnne Meloche, to figure out whether or not her office had any knowledge of the allegation and whether an investigation was being carried out. But Meloche explained that it would be the police that investigate, and if an arrest is made, her office would prosecute. When contacted, Audley Astwood, Media Liaison Officer for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, revealed that while there have been talks in the public sphere and on social media, the purported victims have not come forward to make a report. “We heard that [reports of theft from
the courthouse], but no one made a report to the police, and until a report is made to the police department, it is just a rumour. No report has been made to the police station. We have been hearing that [monies have been stolen from the courthouse] but up until now no one has called the police,” Astwood asserted. While claiming that he has no problem with people who are making such assertions contacting the media, Astwood said that, it should have been the police to whom they first make the reports. “They are calling the media. They are calling the wrong people. They should have called us, then call you [the media]. We cannot commence investigations until a report is made in cases like that,” Astwood pointed out. To that end, the police media liaison officer urged those who claim to have fallen victims to the alleged thefts, to visit the nearest police station to make a report, so that the police could initiate investigation. “I am hearing the rumours on the street, and I can’t spread rumours in my professional capacity. And, as I said before, until we get a report, we can’t investigate,” Astwood reiterated. Audley Astwood
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
LOCAL NEWS
Nothing done about five sinkholes in backyard by Vivian Tyson Azzizi Parker, the woman who woke up in late August to five sinkholes in her Millennium Heights yard seems to be getting nowhere in her quest to have the matter addressed. Parker said she discovered the holes during Tropical Storm Cristobal, which doused the Turks and Caicos Islands between Sunday, August 24 and Tuesday August 26, 2014. She said she noticed the holes on the Tuesday morning after alighting from the house to plant some fruit seeds. She said that after discovering the first hole near her clothes line, she frantically ran to a neighbour and informed her about it. Parker said she then contacted the project manager for Priton Development – the developers of the scheme on which her house is built. She said that on her way back with the project manager, they discovered another huge area in the yard that had impressions of caving in. The area, she said, finally caved after Priton workmen attempted to excavate it. Following the visit to Parker’s ill-fated home, The SUN contacted officials at Priton, who said that they were assisting her to resolve the situation. However, when we contacted Parker last week, she said that Priton has not addressed the situation. In fact, the distraught householder
One of the five sinkholes in Azzizi Parker’s backyard. believes that the construction company does not want to address the situation, having sent her a letter informing her that the Planning Department has ruled that her house is safe. She said after the letter she tried to contact them but it appeared that they have stopped responding to her contact attempts altogether. “Nothing has been done! Nothing!” Parker insisted. “Priton hasn’t said anything other
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than that one letter that they sent me which was that Planning (the Planning Department) said that the house is safe.” She said she even got a lawyer to write to Priton, but the housing developers did not respond. “I got a lawyer – Keith James. He sent Priton a letter last week Friday (September 5, 2014), and they didn’t acknowledge that,” she explained. Parker said that she even visited
the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) in her search for what she said is fairness, but said she was told by that government entity that the matter was out of its jurisdiction. “I even went to DEMA to see if they could help me out, but they told me it was not a matter for them to address,” Parker lamented. Fairing that a hole may have already formed under her house, Parker said that she is now afraid to sleep in the dwelling, adding that she has been using her hard-earned money to pay each month. “I am not sleeping there. I don’t sleep there. I am afraid to sleep there because I don’t believe it is safe for me to live in,” she said. Responding to our earlier report of Priton noted that it was addressing the problem, Parker said: “I saw the report that Priton told you guys that they are assisting me. They are not assisting me in any way. They came here, they dug the hole, and they left and had not been back since”. Parker explained that she was advised to contact the movers and shakers in the Planning Department, and if she does not get any recourse, to carry her case to the Deputy Governor’s Office in Grand Turk. And she said she will not relent until her situation is addressed.
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BARTENDER
Job Description This is an enhanced position and requires a bubbly personality as well as some guest services experience. The successful candidates should be well versed in bar service and drink preparation. Requirements Candidates should have four years or more experience as a Bartender. Candidates will be required to solicit guests drink orders from around the pool and on the beach area and deliver drinks to guests when needed. Plan and maintain bar inventory. Maintain cleanliness of all workplace areas that apply to the bar. Candidates will be required to be able to multi-task and assist at front desk when necessary. The candidates will also be required to work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team. Must be able to speak, read and write in English and understand verbal and written instructions. Good presentation and a pleasant, friendly personality required. Salary is $12,000 per annum.
HOUSEKEEPERS
Job Description Candidates will be required to clean and prepare guest rooms and public areas by meeting established standards of cleanliness and propriety to assure guest satisfaction. Requirements Candidates should have four years or more experience as a Housekeeper working at an upscale resort. Candidates must have knowledge of proper cleaning techniques. Maintain positive guest relations at all times. Candidates will also be required to work cohesively with coworkers as part of a team. Must be able to speak, read and write in English and understand verbal and written instructions. Good presentation and a pleasant, friendly personality required. Salary is $12,000 per annum.
WAITER/WAITRESS
Job Description Applicants will be required to greet and take food and beverages orders from restaurant guest, serve the orders and accommodate guest requests. Applicants will be required to serve guests’ promptly and according to established restaurant standards, policies and procedures.
Requirements Must have a minimum of three years experience working in a restaurant. Must have a strong working knowledge of dining room procedures, policies and EPOS System. Applicants must be a customer service advocate, maintaining a high level of customer service standards. Maintain a friendly, cheerful and courteous demeanor at all times. Perform other duties as assigned, requested or deemed necessary by management. Applicants must be willing to work varied shifts, split shifts, nights, weekends and holidays as required by management. Applicants will be required to work on a full time basis. Must be able to walk, stand or stoop for the duration of shift (at least 8 hours). Applicants must be able to understand/speak/read/write English proficiently. All applicants must be hardworking team players. Wages for this position is commensurate with experience and training. Wages starts at $6.00 per hour. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by September 29, 2014 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Only persons selected for an interview will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Governor’s office has too much influence in Parliament, says Dan Malcolm by Vivian Tyson Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, Daniel Malcolm is charging that the Governor’s Office has too much of an influential reach in the House of Assembly; and if he has his way in the committee, that will have to change. The 2010 Constitution allows for two governor appointments to the House of Assembly, which was just one before the Constitutional change in 2009. The appointments for the government and opposition appointments remained at just one each. After the 2012 general election, the ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) won eight seats, while the opposition Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) won seven seats. And with the addition of the government and opposition appointed members, the PNP’s number increased to nine and the opposition to eight. With such a razor thin margin, a number of political pundits have concluded that the governor’s appointees could hold the balance of power in the house, pointing to recent decisions by Government to yank bills it brought for passage after realizing that it did not have the votes to push it through. One such bill is the Payroll Tax. But Malcolm said that the current constitutional scenario has reduced the Dr. Rufus Ewing Administration a minority government, which he said was wrong. “This government – I can be wrong – is a minority government due to the power that the governor has. This (Progressive National Party) won the last election. The last time around in the House of Assembly the premier’s motion was defeated. Defeated; he didn’t have the votes to carry out his agenda. That is wrong. That is what we are going to take on in this exercise. I ain’t scared of no ghost and I will talk,” Malcolm said. Referring to the current Constitution
Daniel Malcolm ridiculous and nonsensical, Malcolm said that he does not believe that it is the document that the people want to guide them. “(Everything about the Constitution) is ridiculous. From the preamble to the conclusion is miscellaneous. When we come to conduct our exercise, we’ll go through it. We have nine parts that the members are going to take, and they will explain to the people what this nonsense is all about. And they will ask for feedbacks from our people as to whether they want that Constitution to continue, or whether or not they want us to make submissions to the British Government for a proper constitution,” Malcolm added. Malcolm bemoaned the fact that under the current Constitution, the Finance Minister, who was voted in by the masses, has to answer to an appointed Chief Financial Officer.
“Let me say this, the preamble in this Constitution makes provision for a CFO (Chief Financial Officer). If the minister for finance was here he would tell you under what restrictions they operate; with the CFO being not be able to sign off on sums of money beyond a certain amount. The minister of finance sat at my house (and) repeatedly said under what restrictions this government is operating. And trust me, from the preamble to the conclusion, this document has to be changed, and when we go into it, you will understand what we are talking about,” Malcolm said. Asked how confident he was as to whether or not the British Government would accept the new Constitution, Malcolm said: We have every reason to believe that they will sit and take notice of it as they did in 2002 to 2006. At that time the persons who we talk to told us that we were not going to get anywhere. They said ‘oh, this is the first time the TCI is having this exercise’. But we got somewhere. We even got a premier, when no other territory in the Caribbean in our position; they only got it after we got a premier. “I am confident that the UK government is going to sit down and take notice of this exercise. And I have every reason to believe that submissions are going to be measured, reasonable, and I believe that it will be accepted.” He told the news conference that he is not convinced that the people of the country want the current constitution, and will seek their input through the constitutional meetings. “In the Turks and Caicos we know our people, we represent our people. We need to take this exercise to the British Government. It also has to determine what we want for our people in consultation with them. We proposed to conduct this exercise in every island and depend on what our people tell us, that is what we are going to take to the UK Government,” he 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.
SPACE FOR RENT New ly
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Superintendent Kenny Grant to attend FBI course
Police Superintendent Kendal Grant has been selected to attend the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy in Quantico, Virginia in April 2015. Supt. Grant was nominated by Commissioner Colin Farquhar and then interviewed by Mr. Bill Nicholson the FBI Ass’t Legal Attaché from the Bahamas before being accepted from a long list of highly qualified candidates. Supt. Grant, who is the Divisional Commander for Providenciales, North Caicos, and Middles Caicos, will attend the ten-week Senior Executive Strategic Leadership course. “This is not just an
opportunity to increase my knowledge to better fight crime but also an opportunity to network and build partnerships with our overseas colleagues”, said Superintendent Grant. The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for United States and international law enforcement leaders that serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide. Following graduation, Superintendent Grant will have the opportunity to join
the FBI National Academy Associates, a dynamic organization of more than 16,000 law enforcement professionals who actively work to continue developing higher levels of competency, cooperation, and integrity across the law enforcement community. The National Academy is specially geared for leaders and managers of police departments, military police organizations, and federal law enforcement agencies. Participation is by invitation only, through a nomination process. Participants are drawn from every state, including USA territories, and
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
LOCAL NEWS
Turks and Caicos post cabinet meeting statement Her Excellency the Acting Governor, Anya Williams chaired the 23rd meeting of the Cabinet on Thursday 11th September 2014 at the Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales. All Ministers were present. At this meeting Cabinet: • Received a presentation from representatives from the Caribbean Development Bank (CBA) setting out the results of the Turks and Caicos Islands Country Poverty Assessment (CPA). The CPA has been a joint undertaking of a National Assessment Team including members from Government Agencies and NGOs and a team of consultants funded by the CDB. The report provides a general overview of the historical, economic and social context of TCI as it affects current and potential future levels of poverty and describes the current extent of poverty in the country. Cabinet welcomed the report; • Advised HE the Governor to approve the Immigration Regulations 2014. The regulations supplement the 2014 Immigration Bill which had its first reading at the August 28th siting of the House of Assembly. The regulations will proceed to the House of Assembly; • Noted the recommendations of the Procurement Board on award of the following contract: Refurbishment of
for customs and security purposes. the existing rented Detention Centre; • Noted a report from the Minister Cabinet welcomed the proposal and Border Control and Labour updating agreed that the Ports Authority should Cabinet regarding the repatriation of lead on its further development and British Overseas Passport issuance revert to cabinet again in due course; • Agreed to defer by one year and the costs associated with this. From May 2015 all applications will be Cabinets decision of the 13th August received, examined and agreed in TCI. 2014 to maintain Daylight Savings The finished passport will be issued Time as the standard time of the to the applicant by Her Majesty’s islands. This is to allow sufficient notice Passport Office (HMPO) in the UK; • Advised HE the Governor to agree for implementation to be provided to the Ministry of Border control and key stakeholders in the aviation and Labour revised policy for dealing with tourism sectors. This means that the the immigration process regarding Islands will remain on USA Eastern persons with matters pending before Standard time; the courts and the labour tribunal. The new policy will be published by the Minister for Border Control and Labour in due course; • Advised HE the Governor to approve amendments to the Schedule WIV will be upgrading all of its of Ports Authority (Stevedores, Fees customers from analogue to digital TV and Charges) Regulations 2008 service during the month of September to enable a variation of tariff in 2014. This is being done in order to accordance with Regulation 15 of offer customers better image & sound the aforementioned regulations. The quality when watching TV. increased fees represent a 2.54% The transfer will involve WIV increase over the September 2013 technicians visiting all analogue tariff and will take effect on 1st customers to install digital set-top September 2014; boxes at no additional cost. • Received a proposal from the Digital television (DTV) is a Ports Authority to introduce scanning new transmission standard offering facilities to scan containers entering advantages over analogue television. and leaving the country via seaports Customers can get more channels
The following Ministers will be out of the Country on official business; Hon. Minister Border Control and Labour - 12th - 15th September (Personal Business) Minister of Finance Acting; Hon. Minister for Environment and Home Affairs 12th - 21st September (Personal Business) Deputy Premier Acting; Hon. Premier - 13th - 21st September (Official Business) Deputy Premier Acting; Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.
WIV goes digital
through a digital service and the same signal problems experienced with analogue signals do not occur. WIV currently provides the Turks and Caicos Islands with the best digital cable TV packages and fastest home broadband. The company was acquired by Digicel Turks and Caicos in April 2014 and is currently undergoing numerous upgrades to its broadband and digital cable TV infrastructure, which will see greater choice, quality and value in broadband and cable TV services for customers across TCI.
RIP
Minimum 2 years sales experience Experience in jewelry sales Impeccable references and police clearance Impeccable English, other languages –advantage High level of customer service and customer attending skills Sales references-advantage JEWELER NEEDED WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS Minimum 5 years experience in setting and sizing gold, silver and gems Tel: 649-946-1083 Fax: 649-946-1988 E-mail: kwatts@shopdi.com
is seeking applications for
FOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENTS
• 3-5 years experience as a customer Service Agent. • Qualified in but not limited to customer Service Agent servicing Delta, Us Airways and Air Canada.
FOUR FLIGHT ATTENDANTS
1. Five (5) years or more experience. 2. Willing to work flexible hours. 3. Proficient in word, power point and excel: 90 words per minute. 4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 5. Instill quality Customer Service in front line position. 6. Manage over all safety, crew coordination briefing and paper work and in flight entertainment.
NB: Belongers need only apply. Interested applicants should apply to HR@intercaribbean.com or call 946-4181
Synthaia Saintil
Young, Beautiful & Brave The Turks and Caicos Diabetic Association would like to express sincere condolences to the Saintil family (North Caicos) on the death of Synthaia Saintil who was introduced to the Diabetic Association this year March. We are very saddened to hear that Synthaia Saintil went into a diabetic coma and was flown off island to seek additional medical attention and God saw fit to call her home. Our hearts go out to her family at this difficult time and we were blessed to have been graced with her as a young member of the association. The Turks and Caicos Islands Diabetic Association introduced nine (9) year old Synthaia Saintil of North Caicos. Synthaia was born with Diabetes and diagnosed in 2010. She joined the association in Providenciales all the way from North Caicos to attend the March 2014 Diabetic monthly meeting. Her passion, dedication and drive in the meeting were beyond words. Synthaia was very keen throughout the meeting as she attentively took notes. She also shared her heartfelt story with the group. After being diagnosed, Synthaia’s eating habits had to be adjusted. Her mother began to teach her more about diabetes and how to manage and treat it effectively; this included but was not limited to monitoring and testing herself on a regular basis and giving herself regular insulin shots. The Turks and Caicos Islands Diabetic Association would like to let parents and children know that you are never too young or too old to be diagnosed with diabetes. The incorporation of regular exercise and healthier eating habits into your lifestyle and the lifestyle of your children is recommended as it minimizes your risk.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Diabetic Association meets every first Tuesday of the month at the Cheshire Hall Medical Center Conference Room at 6pm. Phone: 649-241-7601 Email: tcidiabeticassociation@gmail.com
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 11
LOCAL NEWS
TCI receives final country Poverty Assessment Report
The Caribbean Development Bank Social Sector Division officially handed over the final Country Poverty Assessment Report to the Turks and Caicos Government on Thursday, September 11th, 2014. The report showed that the proportion of people living in poverty in the islands has reduced. In 2012 22 percent of the population and 16 percent of households were living in poverty, compared to 26 percent and 18 percent respectively in 1999. However, due to the greatly increased population, the absolute number of poor people in 2012 (6,800), rose from the 1999 figure (3,900). The study found that there was a strong correlation between nationality, household size and level of poverty in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where incomers have contributed to the poverty
From left: Acting Governor Hon. Anya Williams, Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, Caribbean Development Bank Social Sector Division Chief Diedre Clarendon and Hon. Washington C. Misick Minister of Finance. conditions of the TCI using a ratios. The Country Poverty household survey. Commenting on the exercise Assessment funded through a grant of more than $130,000 CDB Social Sector Division that also included support for Chief Deidre Clarendon said: “The Caribbean Development the 2012 Census. It involved an assessment Bank is pleased to hand-over of the social and economic the Final Report of May 2014,
to the Government. “Having completed the CPA and indeed the Census, the Government is now equipped with up-to-date information and data that is readily available to inform its development, planning and
responses.” Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams remarked: “I would like to thank the Caribbean Development Bank for their continued support and partnership with the Ministry of Finance, particularly the Strategic Policy and Planning Unit.” Premier Honourable Rufus Ewing added: “The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is grateful to the CBD for this report. “We will carefully review and will use to assist us in developing policies and programs to assist in improving the conditions of those living in poverty.” A preliminary summary of the CPA’s initial findings was released earlier this year while details of the final Country Poverty Assessment Report will subsequently be released by the Strategic Policy and Planning Unit.
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.
is seeking
TWO AIRCRAFT CLEANERS
Duties include cleaning the interior and exterior of aircrafts. Must be able to work in confined spaces and lift weight as required. Salary $7.00.
CASHIER
1. Five (5) years or more experience. 2. Willing to work flexible hours. 3. Proficient in word, power point and excel: 90 words per minute. 4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 5. Instill quality Customer Service in front line position. Belongers need only apply. Interested applicants should apply to HR@intercaribbean.com or via fax to HR Department 649-946-4040. No phone calls please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Public Statement Re: Grand Palm Ltd Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI – 5th September 2014 – As an update to the public statement issued on August 28th, 2012 in relation to Grand Palm Ltd, The Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission (TCIFSC) considers it necessary to issue this public warning in order to protect the public interest, and the interests of any of the customers and creditors of Grand Palm Ltd, and further to make the general public aware that Grand Palm Ltd. is not a licensee of the TCIFSC. The details are:
1 Grand Palm Ltd. was issued an Investment Dealers License pursuant to the Investment Dealers (Licensing) Ordinance. 2. Grand Palm Ltd. attempted to surrender its license in March 2012. 3. The TCIFSC was unable to accept the surrender of Grand Palm Ltd.’s license due to Grand Palm Ltd.’s failure to comply with Section 9 of the Investment Dealers (Licensing) Ordinance which establishes the procedure for surrender of a license under the Ordinance. 4. The TCIFSC has been attempting to have Grand Palm Ltd. comply with the said Section 9 of the Investment Dealers (Licensing) Ordinance to ensure the lawful surrender of the license. 5. Grand Palm Ltd has failed to lawfully comply with the legislative procedure for surrendering its license. 6. The TCIFSC considered all options open to it to either, ensure Grand Palm Ltd.’s compliance with the Section 9 procedure or take other necessary action, legal or otherwise. 7. Grand Palm Ltd was struck from the Register of Companies, and on August 31, 2014 its license under the Investment Dealers (Licensing) Ordinance was revoked pursuant to Section 34(1) (b) of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance.
The TCIFSC further advises that appropriate due diligence should be conducted before engaging in any business arrangement with Grand Palm Ltd. and/or any of its Principals. This Public Warning was issued pursuant to Section 39 of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance.
Page 12
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
LOCAL NEWS
Digicel TCI Cinema upgrades to Digital, 3D
by Vivian Tyson The Digicel TCI Cinema has been closed to undergo a near $200,000 projector upgrade from film to digital and general renovation of the facility. The recalibration of the show house will now enable theater-goers to view movies in 3D, according to Derek Handfield, manager for the facility. In an interview with The SUN, Handfield said that since some of the blockbuster movies that came out over the summer and before were done in digital, the cinema could not source them. But with the installation of digital projectors, it is likely that movie-goers in TCI will not miss those future new releases. “The Digital is very, very expensive; we had to wait until such time until it is feasible to do so. Unfortunately, it is not as quite as feasible but it is very necessary that we do it now because a 35mm print is not going to be available as in the past. That is some of the challenges we have with some of the favorite movies that were popular over the summer. “We were not able to get them because a lot of the studios had already made up their minds they will no longer make 35mm films, and so, some of the key movies that we wanted to see, were unable to play. And so, we have finally made the decisions, and our machines have been ordered,” he said He said though that the theatre is working out a schedule for the installers
to fly into the country to begin installation work. He said that barring the unseen, the theatre should be up and ready by the second week in October. “The only challenge we have right now is waiting on a schedule from the installers, to see when they would be available to come in and do the installation for us. We are shooting to have this done by the end of this month, but it will be no later than the second week of October,” Handfield said. He said that the seven-year-old film projectors will be thrown out to make way for the high-priced digital overhaul. “To install the digital projectors cost us well over $100,000, closer to the neighborhood of $200,000, to do the complete set-out of the digital system. The equipment we have now, we have to throw them away. We only built up in seven years, so that is quite an expense that we now have to throw in the garbage. That’s a big loss to us, but that is the only way forward for the industry. And is also the best way for us to now become profitable,” Handfield pointed out. He said that they will use the opportunity to make repairs to chairs and general areas. Handfield pointed out also that the theater stands to save significantly on freight and electricity costs by going digital. “The movies that we presently bring to town they are film, and they weigh 50 pounds or more per print. The movies will now come to us digitally-loaded on a hard
drive, and we will load that to the digital projector system that we are installing. The hard drive package that is going to be shipped to us is going to (weigh) five pounds. “We normally use airfreights, so 50 pounds versus five points airfreight; it is going to be great savings for us. And then the other technical side of it is that the new projectors are going to be connected to single phase, and going to be pulling about 8mps of power versus (film, which pulls) three phase and 80amps of power. So we expect a significant drop in our utility bills,” Handfield said. In the meantime, Handfield said that some minor increases are to accompany with the installation of the digital and 3D systems. He said that matinee prices will increase to match those of evening shows for both adults and children. Handfield said the increase was initiated to offset some costs. Before the closure of the cinema adults paid $8 for matinee while children paid $3.80. Evening movies were $10 for adults and $5 for children. On its reopening, matinee will increase to $10 for adults and $5 for children. He said the price to watch 3D movies, while not yet finalized, should be a bit more expensive, but not expected to go beyond $2. “Whenever we play, this gives us the capacity to play the latest 3D that Provo has been waiting for, for a long time. The only thing that will happen is, for the kids as well as the adults, it is going to be a slight increase of no more than $2, to be
able to view a 3D movie,” he said. Handfield added: “It is going to be amazing. Now, they can look forward to every big hit that’s coming out. We almost have no limits except the screens that we have. And so, if we don’t get it on the opening weekend, you can expect it in the next two weeks because (digital) makes the whole process easier.” Handfield revealed that since September is generally a relatively slow month, where theaters rack up tremendous losses, closing the facility will not result in any loss of revenue. “September, and the first two weeks in October, the cinema always, and everyone in the (cinema) world will tell you, operate at a loss. I have done cinemas here, I have done cinemas in Nassau, I have spoken with my sister company in Nassau, and they are operating at a loss already for this month. “This is a time no matter what movie you are playing, parents are at home trying to reestablish for their kids to return to school, and so they are not able to come out until the weekend. “And because of the financial strain the parents would have gone through to get their kids into school, they have to make a decision to cut back, and usually, entertainment is one of the things you would pull back when it is crunch time. “So, there is no loss for us actually, but we do understand the inconvenience caused with the closure of the cinema. But we will be back bigger and better,” Handfield said.
Private Chef A luxury villa is currently seeking a private chef to cater for high-end guests. The successful applicant should have the following skills. • 7 years experience as a villa chef or running a commercial kitchen for a caterer or high-end fine dining restaurant or hotel • Knowledge of commercial level food prep safety and hygiene • Menu planning and costing, including preparation and printing • Ability to manage other chefs and servers • Ability to match and select wines to complement menu • Fluent in English (written and verbal) • Able to cater weddings, cocktail parties and special events • Excellent variety of menu of worldwide cuisine including desserts, pastries hors d’oeuvres and chocolates
Additionally, the position requires: • Working long hours (breakfast, lunch & dinner), public holidays, weekends and back to back rentals • Shopping for food and beverages supplies • Maintaining an inventory and billing clients for supplies and services • Clean driving and police record, own insured car • Ability to maintain complete confidentiality about guest’s identity Salary: $3,000 per month Only Belongers need apply. Applications should be submitted by September 10th either by email to markpankhurst@hotmail.com or by post to Stargazer Villa, Box 196, Providenciales. Please include a current resume and a few sample menus of dinner entrees of items you regularly prepare. Also include a contact email address and phone number.
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.
Resort Manager Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Resort Manager is responsible for the consistent delivery of exceptional performance of the resort 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
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 13
LOCAL NEWS
Constitutional Committee ready to start work by Vivian Tyson The Seven-member Constitutional Committee agreed on by both the ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) has until mid November to complete is rounds of consultations and compilation work. This was disclosed by Chairman for the committee Daniel Malcolm, during news briefing to unveil the members on Wednesday (September, 10, 2014). Malcolm told the media that the committee is scheduled to visit all the inhabited islands in the Turks and Caicos, to get feedback from residents, before finalizing the document. “We have to submit our final report on the 15th of November of this year, so obviously we have a tight schedule,” Malcolm said. The members of the committee, in additional to Malcolm, comprise – from the government side - Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Service Hon. Akierra Misick, and Minister for Border Control and Labour Hon. Ricardo Don-Hue Gardiner; from the opposition are Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson and Deputy Leader Hon. Sean Astwood; Carlos Simons QC, is the government’s appointee, while attorney Ashwood Forbes is the opposition’s apppointee. The committee is competed with Tracy Parker, House of Assembly Clerk. The first meeting will held in Grand Turk on September 16. There will be a private meeting for groups at the NJS Francis building in the morning, and in the event there will be a public meeting at the Ona Glinton Primary at 6:30p.m. On September 17 the committee will hold a meeting at the Salt Shed in Salty Cay at 10.am. On September 18, the meetings will move to Providenciales, with meeting to accommodate private groups at 10a.m. to 3p.m. at the Hilly Ewing Building, and at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex at 6:30p.m., for a public meeting. The South Caicos meeting will be held on September 25 at 6:30p.m., at the Regatta Village. Two meetings will be held in North Caicos. On September 30, the team will be in Bottle Creek at the Adelaide Oemler Primary School starting at 6:30p.m. It then returns
Constitutional Committee members (from left)- House of Assembly Clerk, Tracy Parker; Minister for Border Control and Labour Hon. Ricardo Don-Hue Gardiner; Attorney Carlos Simons QC; Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson; Chairman for the Committee, Daniel Malcolm; Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Youth, Sport and Library Service Hon. Akierra Missick; Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament Hon. Sean Astwood; and Attorney Ashwood Forbes. with a meeting in Kew on October 1, starting at 6:30p.m.,at the Hubert James Primary School. Middle Caicos will have its meeting on October 1, at 10 a.m. at the Middle Caicos Community Centre. The mandate of the Constitution Committee, according to Malcolm, is to review the 2012 Constitution, hold consultations with the public and interested groups and make recommendations in the House of Assembly, for constitutional changes to be debated and ratified by the House before making submissions to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for its stamp of approval. The Turks and Caicos Constitution Order 2006 was suspended in August 2009, and was replaced by the Interim Constitutional Order in 2009. Under the Interim Administration the terms of reference for the drafting of the new Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order 2011 was developed. The public consultation for the development of the new constitution was conducted by Kate Sullivan of New Zealand.
Turks & Caicos Water Company d.b.a. Provo Golf Club ASSISTANT GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT The candidate should have advanced knowledge of agronomy and turf grass management practices, a working knowledge of golf course construction principles and a thorough understanding of the rules of the game of golf. Only persons with a minimum of five (6) years experience on a golf course with two years experience as a second assistant will be considered for the position. Salary commensurate with experience, training and education. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by September 29, 2014 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Only persons selected for an interview will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.
Malcolm said that the people’s views were represented in that document, and so it warranted review. “The Majority of you (believe) that the views of the people were not sufficiently incorporated in the 2011 Constitution, and that this work was undertaken in the absence of democratically-elected government, notwithstanding the input given by representatives of established political parties, and I might add also, our people,” Malcolm said. He said that the House believes that since the document does not incorporate the wishes of the people, it should be reviewed. “The Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order came into force on October 15, 2012. The elected government and members of the House of Assembly believe that a review is necessary, with the challenges and serious concerns raised about a number of clauses about the Constitution, that appear ambiguous, inconsistent and regressive. “To this end, the House of Assembly
has approved the establishment of a Constitutional Committee of the House of Assembly to review the Constitution and make recommendations for constitutional change to the House of Assembly,” Malcom said. Malcolm also pointed to the fact that CARICOM also dispatched a fact-finding mission to the TCI in 2013, headed by the Hon. Fred Mitchell, Foreign Affairs minister for the Bahamian. He said that one of the findings of that Commission was for the revisiting of the 2011 Constitution, since there were too many inconsistencies in it. “That constitution is really ridiculous, and I think, we have an obligation to revisit that document and to try and affect change in that document,” Malcolm said. Malcolm asked the media to assist with highlighting not only the dates of meetings across the country but also to highlight the issues and concerns that persons have and would want the proposed new Constitution to address them.
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY & ANTI- MONEY LAUNDERING SPECIALIST A local law firm is seeking an Associate Attorney who possesses an Upper Second Class Honours Law Degree and holds a minimum of 10 years of practical experience in civil, property, family, probate and corporate/ commercial matters. Experience in the Court and knowledge of Rules of Court will be an asset. Some duties will include assisting other attorneys with various matters, conducting research and preparing legal opinions, case management, conveyancing, corporate/commercial matters and work as an instructing attorney. The successful candidate must be someone who is able to work with little to no supervision, and be very organized with excellent communication and inter-personal skills. The candidate must have specialist qualifications and experience in Anti-Money Laundering and will be the law firm’s Money Laundering Reporting and Compliance Officer. Knowledge of dispute resolution and office management will be an asset. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Please send in cover letter with curriculum vitae to P.O. Box 499 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands or via email to lawfirmrecruitmenttci@gmail.com
Page 14
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
LOCAL NEWS
Post-mortem confirms Coven Rigby died from electrocution
by Vivian Tyson
A post-mortem examination conducted on the body of Coven Rigby revealed that he died from electrocution, according to Special Constable Audley Astwood, the Police Media Liaison Officer for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Rigby, said to have been of unsound mind, reportedly died while walking through flood waters at the back of the Down Town Ball Park on Providenciales on Monday, August 25, 2014. Eyewitnesses said that they saw Rigby lying motionless in the body of water during the heavy downpour and rushed to his aid and immediately called 911.
AUTO TECH seeks
One Receptionist One Salesperson
Several attempts to revive him before the ambulance arrived were made but Rigby remained unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead by medical personnel. And at that point it was suspected that he died as a result of being shocked. Persons living in the area, said a piece of wire seen hanging from a nearby pole could have been the guilty party. They speculated that Rigby could have held on to the wire for support while attempting to negotiate the flood waters, when he met his untimely death. Astwood said that the post mortem concluded what members of the public suspected all along. He said that the police would continue its investigation
CARIBBEAN BUILDER SEEKS
ONE LABOURER
Salary $5.00 per hour Must be able to work on Saturdays from 8-3 and Monday-Friday from 8-5
Salary $5.50 per hour 6 days per week Contact 244-0065
STYLZ ABOVE THE REST
Premier Contracting Services
Contact 432-2323 SEEKS
1 Hairstylist 1 Nail
Technicians Salary $6.00 per hour
Contact 431-1726
BUTLER NEEDED An experienced Butler is required based in Providenciales. References will be required. Remuneration based on experience. All application must be submitted to: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Services Limited 007 Emily House, 1105 Leeward Highway, Providenciales Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-333-7777
Seeks
into the matter to arrive at how Rigby was electrocuted. “The post mortem concluded that he was indeed electrocuted. But the police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances behind the electrocution of the decease. So our investigations continue in this matter, it is not closed,” Astwood told The SUN. Tropical Storm Cristobal, which dumped buckets of water on the Turks over a three-day period, inundated a number of communities, especially on Providenciales and North Caicos. North Caicos was hardest hit, as days after the passage of the storm, a number of areas in North Caicos were still under water. The floodwaters kept the
HALFMOON DEPARTMENT STORE
(Located upstairs building adjacent to sweet T’s)
Is looking for
Sales Clerk
With computer and pricing skills
Interested persons please contact 345-7876 LIFE CHANGING LIQUOR STORE seeks
ONE cleaner Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 231-3617
LIFE CHANGING LIQUOR STORE seeks
ONE STORE ATTENDANT
Salary $6.00 per hour 6 days per week
Contact 347-3520
ONE LABOURER
Department of Disaster Management and Emergency (DDME), as well as the Public Works Department (PWD) very busy during and after the passage of the storm, pumping away bodies of stagnant water from roadways and private properties. Their efforts were greatly assisted by two high-powered pumps by the Rotary Club of Providenciales, which made the presentation last week. The flood waters also caused mosquito infestation in a lot of the communities on Providenciales North Caicos, and so, the Environment Health Department was also kept very busy, dispatching their field workers to fog the affected communities of the pests.
Julissa Beauty Salon Seeks
One Salesperson/ Cleaner Salary
$5.00 per hour
Contact
#342-7995 South Caicos YVON PETIT
WANTED
ONE TILEMAN
Salary $5.00 per hour 6 days per week
Contact 242-5773
Applicant must be honest, reliable and hardworking Fluent in English & French Contact 346-6622
LIFEGUARD
WANTED
Qualified, current and experienced lifeguard needed for busy outdoor adventure school. Requirements: -20 years or older -Minimum 8 years waterfront and pool lifeguard experience -Able to teach first aid and CPR -Valid driver license -Work outdoors in the sun and on Holidays -other watersports certifications and experienced preferred Job Duties: -planning and scheduling of pool programs -working with TCI Swim Federation to create a National Swim and Lifeguard standard for TCI and SURFside Ocean Academy -creating and leading community aquatic outreach programs for local schools and youth groups Salary based on qualifications and experience. Please email: surfsidetci@gmail.com to apply.
1 Labourer
LIVE IN NANNY An experienced live-in nanny is required for a family based in Providenciales. References will be required. Remuneration based on experience. Applications must be submitted to: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Services Limited 007 Emily House, 1105 Leeward Highway, Providenciales Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-333-7777
ECO CONSTRUCTION seeks
1 STEEL WORKER
Salary $6.00 per hour 6 days per week
Contact 244-9390
Restaurant Saucier Position Available Minimum 3 years experience in similar position. Full knowledge of all basic sauces, food preparation & knife skills. Formal qualifications essential, experience in high pressure environments a must. Qualified Belongers need only apply.
To work 6 days per week Working hours flexible Salary $6.00 per hour Contact 231-0005
Position requires a six day work week Including holidays and weekends. Pay dependant on experience and qualifications. Send resumes to: magnoliaprovo@live.com or PO Box 782, Providenciales, TCI
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 15
LOCAL NEWS
Petrol Plus robbery convicts to know fate in January by Vivian Tyson Four men who were convicted and sentenced for robbing the Petrol Plus Gas Station at Millennium Highway on February 9, in 2009 before engaging the owner of the establishment in a gunfight in their escape bid, will have to wait until next year to know whether or not their appeal has been successful. Miguel Desmangles, Joram Rigby Louis Francis and Stanley Wilson were informed by the Appeals Court, made up of Chairman Edward Zacca, Elliot Mottley QC and Ian Forte QC, on Thursday (September 11, 2014) that the verdict in their matter will be revealed at the next sitting, either early or mid January, 2015. This was after three days of arguments by lawyers representing the appellate and those representing the crown. This sitting of the Court of Appeal was abbreviated because of another case that was being held in the said courtroom. As a result other cases that were scheduled to be heard were pushed back to next year’s sitting. On February 9, four masked men, three of whom were slinging guns and the wielding a machete, relieved the Petro Plus gas station of cash of over $1,000, after striking one of the employees in the head with a gun.
The owner of the business, Arthur Robinson, who was at another of his businesses at the time, was alerted. He was given the description of the vehicle and the number of men on board. Robinson spotted the car at the round-a-bout which connects the Blue Hills Road to the Leeward Highway, and turned and gave chase. He bumped into the back of their vehicle in the vicinity of the Catholic Church along the Leeward Highway, resulting in the driver losing control and crashed in a wall on the premises of that Church. The men then alighted from the vehicle and engaged Robinson in a gunfight. Police officers, who quick on the scene also joined Robinson in the men’s pursuit. A jitney driver – Cadet Nocius - and his female passenger, Magalie Belliard, were both seriously injured. Nocius’ left leg was so badly damaged that it had to be amputated from knee, while Belliard suffered a fractured pelvis. Three of the four – Wilson, Desmangles and Francis – were caught at the scene. Wilson was shot in his left butt cheek. Rigby was apprehended two days later. All were later charged with weapons possession, robbery and shooting. The total charges brought against the men numbered 61.
Francis, Wilson and Desmangles were sentenced to 12 years in prison, while Francis was sentenced to 13 years. Deborah Martin and Valerie Neita-Robertson from Jamaica represented Francis and Wilson respectively. Oliver Smith represented Rigby, while Kendle Williams represented Desmangles. During the three days proceedings, the court heard arguments from Laura Maroof, who represented Rigby and Desmangles, Noel Skippings, who represented Wilson and Francis, and Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) JoAnne Meloche, who represented the Crown. Rigby’s apprehension, charge and sentencing was the highlight of the proceedings. Maroof argued that his conviction improper, since he was not apprehended at the scene and the only link to the crime was a t-shirt with his DNA on it, which was picked up by police a day later in bushes near scene of the crash. However, Meloche asked the law lords to consider the police report that, as the men ran from the scene, they were shedding items of clothing. She told the court also that the police, in their report, spotted a man with locks, which matched Rigby’s description among the men who fled the scene. Another source for contention was
the clarity of the pictures obtained from the CCTV footage and the absence of that footage during trial. Meloche told the court that even though Petrol Plus robbers were wearing masks, the clothes that they were wearing as picked up by the CCTV matched items of clothing found in bushes near the crash. However, Maroof and Skippings argued that the images on the pictures lifted from the camera could not make out the men neither what they were wearing. And so, it was difficult to say whether or not the clothing that the men were wearing matched those taken from the scene or the ones they were wearing when apprehended, to which the judges agreed. They lawyers also pointed out inconsistencies in the police reports. The main discrepancy was whether or not one of the police officers, who took the stand and gave a play-byplay sequence of events, and said he identified one of the robbers while he was running from the scene, actually arrived at the time he said he did. The lawyers highlighted the report made by the police officer, said to be the first on the scene and accompanied Robinson in giving chase. The officer said in the statement that the other officers arrived after an injured Wilson was being taken from the bushes.
RESTAURANT MANAGER Director of Guest Services Job Overview: A member the management team responsible for the overall performance of the Personal Concierge (Butlers) staff and the operation of the concierge department; to include, but not limited to staffing, training, scheduling, ensuring high guest satisfaction. Reports to: Executive Assistant Manager – Rooms. Minimum Qualifications: • Certification by a recognized Butler School • 6 – 10 years experience in Butler Service • 5 years experience in the hospitality industry, preferably as a Butler Manager • International hospitality experience • Read, write and speak English (2 or more additional languages desired) Essential Job Functions: • Ensuring the complete satisfaction of all guests. • Ensuring that the staff of the Personal Concierge Department provides world class and personal service to all guests • Daily training through the Line-up process plus weekly/monthly training sessions with Personal Concierge and other staff members. Maintaining records of all training • Upholding the Grace Bay Resort’s Credo and culture • Coordinate and ensure smooth operations of all Guest Service areas • Build rapport with in-house guests • Utilize leadership skills, motivation techniques and experience in order to maximize employee productivity • Interact with all guests to ensure their satisfaction, to gather personal preferences • Conduct him/herself in manner reflecting the position as a department head and a senior leader of the Veranda management team • Update and maintain all Guest History Files
Qualified Belongers need only apply. Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than September 5th 2014 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1050 Email: humanresources@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies
HAB Management Limited is seeking an extroverted, bright, dynamic Restaurant Manager to assist with the management of our restaurant operations.
Main Duties • Assist restaurant owners with daily restaurant management. • Communicate to owners all matters relating to the restaurant. • Responsible for greeting guests in a warm and friendly manner. • Maintain a regular presence on the dining room floor and oversee the host stand. • Control the flow of work in the dining room by seating guests and handling the reservation book. • Assist with the training, scheduling and supervising of staffs. • Oversee the staff to ensure quality food and professional service is extended to all guest. • Must be a customer service advocate, maintaining a high level of customer service standards.
Requirements • Must be suitably qualified. • Must have five years or more experience in hotel food and beverage industry. • Must have a strong working knowledge of dining room procedures, policies and EPOS system. • Strong organizational skills required. • Excellent oral and written communication skills required. • Must be willing to work unsociable hours and a variety of split shifts. • Excellent people skills in order to communicate well with guests and staff. Base salary for this position is $40,000.00 per annum, commensurate with experience, training and education. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by September 22, 2014 at ronnie@habgroup. com or fax 649-946-5191. Only persons selected for an interview will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
LOCAL NEWS
Leeward Highway accident leaves two injured
Two persons were hospitalized following a two-motor vehicle collision on Monday morning (September 8, 2014) in the vicinity of the 7-11 along the Leeward Highway. Onlookers who gathered at the scene were amazed as to how no one sustained life-threatening injuries as one of the vehicles – a blue Audi motor, which reportedly flipped several times before coming to a stop in an upright fashion - had a baby on board. It is understood that the child, who was buckled, escaped without a scratch. Constable Damian Mitchell of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force told The SUN that police were still gathering information. He said however, that initial reports suggested that one of the vehicles – the Audi was heading in an easterly direction
Police examine the crashed Audi motorcar.
from the Beaches Resort Round-about, while the other vehicle – a silver Dodge motor car- was attempting to make it onto the roadway from the 7-11 convenience store parking area, when the accident took place. The collision caused a traffic pile up on the east-bound lane for a long time. Constable Mitchell said that based on the nature of the accident someone is at fault, and as soon as the investigators ironed out that crinkle, that individual will be held accountable. “The person at fault is going to be charged; we are still investigating. We are trying to piece together exactly what happened, because we can’t say, just by looking at it, exactly what The Dodge motorcar with its badly damaged front. happened,” he said.
HAB MANAGEMENT LTD HAB Management Limited is a seeking suitably qualified individual to fill the following opening. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.
Chief Financial Officer/Compliance Officer Required Qualifications: • Minimum Masters degree in Business Administration from reputable institution • CA/CPA required, additional certification in Business Information Systems desired • Minimum of 15 years experience in finance with exposure to global initiatives impacting financial industry compliance. • Minimum 5 years experience in the implementation and monitoring of compliance regulations and anti-money laundering initiatives. • Minimum 7 years executive management experience • Must meet the Compliance Officer certification requirements of the Financial Services Commission Qualified applicants must be of good moral character and reputation; must have excellent communication skills and the ability to adapt to a flexible working environment; must be a team player with excellent supervisory skills and an excellent work ethic. Salary range: $40,000 - $80,000. Salary will be based on qualification and experience. No phone calls
Applications should be addressed to: Attn: Brian Trowbridge Hallmark Trust Ltd. P.O. Box 656 Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI Or you may Email: btrowbridge@hbtl.tc or Fax: 649-946-5316
SECURITY GUARD Job Description Responsible for implementing and enforcing security measures in order to provide maximum protection to the lives and properties of the company, employees and guests. Responsible to guard, patrol and monitor company premises to prevent theft, violence or infractions of rules. Main Duties • Maintaining a safe and secure environment for all guests and employees. • Must be trained in self defense and security operations. • Document reports of daily activities and irregularities that occur on premises in logbook. • Inspect and adjust security systems, equipment and machinery to ensure operational use. • Responding quickly to emergency situation. Requirements • Must have five years or more experience as a Security Officer. Law enforcement/ security experience preferred. • Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. • Must be computer literate and have working knowledge of CCTV systems and software. • Must be willing to work a variety of day/night and weekend shifts. • Able to be on feet for long periods of time. • Excellent people skills. • Professional, neat, clean cut appearance is necessary. • Clean driver’s license. The salary for this position is $15,000.00 per annum, commensurate with experience, training and education. Interested applicants should email resumes by Sept. 29, 2014 to ronnie@habgroup.com or submit by fax 649-946-5191. Only persons selected for an interview will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
TCI government announces new senior appoinments
The Deputy Governor’s Office announces the appointment of six new senior managers within the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG). New Senior Appointments: • Deputy Secretary Finance – Shonia Thomas-Been • Director of Information Technology – Andre Mills • Principal (Eliza Simons Primary) – Juliette ArthurThadwell • Supervisor Wellness Centre – Alexia Durham • Health Educator – Charlene Higgs • Assistant District Commissioner (Middle Caicos) – Shamara Parker Deputy Governor, Hon. Anya Williams said: “During the last year we have worked to fill several key vacancies across government and have already begun to reap rewards from these appointments.” “Several of the new senior appointments have come from within the civil service, while others are returning former civil servants and also some new
FROM LEFT: Alexia Durham, Charlene Higgs, Hon. Anya Williams, Shonia Thomas Been and Andre Mills. (Missing is Shamara Parker and Juliette Arthur-Thadwell). candidates.” She also stated that; “I would like to both welcome and congratulate these persons that will fill critical roles within the
TCIG and would like to wish them much success as they embark upon this new journey.” “Together with their respective teams I believe
that there is much that can be accomplished and look forward to positive results from their respective areas.” “We aim to continue attracting
great talent to the civil service and look forward to these new appointees taking part in our 21st Century Manager and other training programmes.”
Islandcom awards two tcicc scholarships
Not one – but two – Turks & Caicos students were awarded scholarships by Islandcom Wireless through the Community College fund. The two students will attend the fall semester at the Turks & Caicos Community College to further their studies. Islandcom in collaboration with the TCI community College selected the lucky and well-deserved candidates: Orinnica Stubbs and Aldreiko Harvey. The awardees will receive full scholarships to complete their Associates Degrees. and the company has also promised them summer internships at Islandcom Wireless to gain further work experience in their field of choice. Islandcom’s new scholarship programme aims to advance the
education of exceptionally promising hardworking students. “We want to do our part to grow the nation by giving our youth the tools to advance themselves and the country,” says Islandcom Marketing Specialist Lerone Ingham. Mr Ingham also notes that the Islandcom criteria for the scholars during the course of their tenure in school includes increasing their academic abilities, persistence, showing leadership and a desire to help others – qualities both Stubbs and Harvey already exude. Both Stubbs and Harvey will study Business Management at the local Providenciales campus. Stubbs has announced her focus will be on Marketing and Harvey’s on Accounting. Both students are ecstatic about their award
From left: Islandcom Marketing Specialist Lerone Ingham, recipients Orinnica Stubbs (second left) and Aldreiko Harvey (right) and Islandcom’s Corporate Sales Manager Marilyn Cooper. and look forward to the opportunity to not only attend the TCCIC but to conduct their work experience at Islandcom. “I cannot wait to become a part of the Islandcom team and hope to one day be part of the Islandcom family,” says Stubbs. Harvey also gave Islandcom kudos for their assistance and stated “I think
two students getting the Islandcom scholarship demonstrates how amazing Islandcom is.” Islandcom’s Corporate Sales Manager Marilyn Cooper during her remarks at the award ceremony encouraged the interns to stay focused; to believe in themselves and to strive for success while at the college.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION SALE is seeking applications for
Two Public Area Supervisors • Responsible for the flow of passengers through the operation bases. • Management and lifting of passenger baggage and personal effects.
ONE Driver
• 5 years or more experience in this position. • Valid TCI drivers licence. • Any experience in aviation would be an asset. Salary commensurate with experience. NB: Belongers need only apply. Interested person should apply to HR@intercaribbean.com or via fax to HR Department 649-946-4040. No phone call please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interview
First Caribbean International Bank (Bahamas) Ltd as Chargee pursuant to the Registered Land Ordinance hereby gives Notice that it will cause to be sold by Public Auction the following scheduled properties outside the offices of: MCKNIGHTS Attorneys at Law, 46 Salt Mills Plaza, Grace Bay, Providenciales 10:00 am Thursday, 25 September, 2014 60003/92 North West & North Central Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
60811/20 Reef Lane, Long Bay Hills Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
The property is located in Belgrave Gardens, Phase one of the Priton homes residential estate. The property supports a Model A which comprises a three bedroom, two bathrooms with open plan kitchen/living/dining area built in or around 2008 on 0.25 ac.
A vacant residential property comprising a three bedroom dwelling with two bathrooms and open concept living area. Gross enclosed floor area approximately 1,003 square feet on 0.25 acres.
Registered Proprietor: WendyAnn Steer
Registered Proprietor: Ianthe Penditha Outten . (deceased)
A reserve price will be fixed. A 10% deposit will be required after successful bid.
Terms and Conditions of Sale by Auction are available on request from MCKNIGHTS (649) 941 2330/cell: (649) 331 7250/email: peter@mcknights.tc
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
HAB MANAGEMENT LTD. Island Getaways is currently looking for a
Property Management Account Executive Qualifications and experience: - At least 4 years of experience in Property Management and/or hotel management. - Advanced computer skills. In particular: Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint. - Knowledgeable in Accounting with an advanced level in QuickBooks Accounting software. - Fluent in English, Spanish and Italian, as company operates worldwide. - Proactive and knowledgeable in creative sales maximization. - Possess own car and have a valid driver’s license. - Possess own computer.
Some of the responsibilities include: - To coordinate and execute all operational and related matters of Property Management including building, maintenance and tenancy management among others. - Liaise with contractors, consultants and authorities in relevant matters. - Monitoring servicing, rectification and installation works carried by contractors or in-house maintenance. - Providing professional assistance to tenants and consulting services to property owners. - Answering all emails and inquiries. Creating and updating reservation calendars, operational schedules, and other related duties.
This position requires to be on call 24/7, work evenings, public holidays and all weekends. Salary: commission based only. Interested persons should send applications to islandproperty@tciway.tc or call 332-4232
HAB Management Limited is seeking suitable applicants for the following position:
LABOURERS Candidates must be physically capable of hard manual labour outside on a daily basis. Previous experience is preferred. Candidates must be willing to work holidays and weekends when required. Wages starts at $6.00 per hour. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview. Closing date for applications is September 22, 2014.
is seeking
TWO DOMESTIC WORKERS Responsible for cleaning and general upkeep. • Ability to work shifts, early mornings, late nights, weekends and Holidays. • Clean police record. • Able to work under pressure. Salary $6.00 per hour
Belongers need only apply.
Interested person should apply to HR@intercaribbeanairways.com via fax to HR Department 649-946-4040 No phone calls please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interview
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands. 1. Parcel 61113/57 Long Bay Hills, Providenciales. Three story with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, dining room and laundry room on the main floor. Second level with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen and living room. Third level has one bedroom, one bathroom and a kitchen on approx. 0.49 acre. Registered Proprietor: Shunaven Selver 2. Parcel 60400/101 Chalksound, Providenciales. Single storey with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living / dining room and laundry room on approx. 0.63 acre. Registered Proprietor: Delthia Felicia Francene Russell 3. Parcel 60811/17 The Bight and Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales. Single storey with two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen and living/dining room on approx. 0.28 acre. Registered Proprietor: Kirkley George Rigby
Registered Proprietor: Paul Anthony Gardiner 6. Parcel 60003/34 North West and North Central, Providenciales. Phase one of the Priton Homes: two bedrooms, one bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, living/dining area on 0.25 acre. Registered Proprietors: Leighton Cailo Green and Vanessa Pauline Green 7. Parcel 60807/172 & 173 The Bight and Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales. Two storey apartment building, main level with two one- bedroom apartments with kitchen and living room and second level with one two-bedroom, two bathroom, kitchen and living room on approx. 1.00 acre. Registered Proprietors: Jacqueline Edna Brown and Latasha Makalia Delancy
4. Parcel 60807/170 & 171 The Bight and Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales. Single storey with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining room and laundry room on approx. 0.26 acre. Registered Proprietor: Thoshena Terrell Adderley
8. Parcel 60900/187 Leeward Going Through, Providenciales. Single storey with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen and living/dining room and two onebedroom guesthouses with bathroom, kitchen and living/dining room on 0.65 acre. Registered Proprietor: Jacqueline Edna Brown
5. Parcel 50500/255 Whitby Cove, North Caicos. Unfinished single storey with four one-bedroom apartments with bathroom, kitchen and living/dining room on approx. 0.27 acre.
9. Parcel 51212/24 Bottle Creek Central, North Caicos. Vacant lot on King’s Road, approx. 0.74 acre overlooking Bottle Creek. Registered Proprietor: Wilbert Ebenezer Handfield
The auction will be held at the offices of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 19th day of September 2014. A reserve price will be fixed on all parcels. A deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Resort Development Opportunity on South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI. 56.18 acres of premium land located on the central portion of the eastern coastline of South Caicos, only 40 miles from Providenciales. ■
South Caicos is easily accessible via its airport (6,000ft runway) offering regular commercial flights and chartered flights from Providenciales, as well as Cockburn Harbour with regular ferry service from Providenciales. ■
Land comprises 14 adjoining inland, ridge-top and oceanfront land parcels with more than 2,400 linear ft of ocean frontage ranging from iron shore to pristine sandy beach. Elevations of up to 90ft offer sunrise and sunset views. ■
A partially completed resort development is located on portions of the property. ■
Existing development includes partially completed buildings with 490 condo units, 3 detached 3,800 sq ft residences (2 completed, 1 partially completed), a partially completed 60,000 sq ft club house, staff accommodations and a number of other back-of-house facilities. ■
The auction will be held at the offices of Misick & Stanbrook Barristers and Attorneys (Turks & Caicos Law Firm) Richmond House, Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands at 10am on October 22, 2014. A reserve price will be fixed on the property. 10% is due immediately upon acceptance of a successful bid. Bidders are required to attend personally or submit a sealed bid to the offices of Misick & Stanbrook (Turks & Caicos Law Firm) Richmond House, Box 127 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands on or before the auction date. Terms and Conditions of Sale by Auction are available on request from Misick & Stanbrook (Turks & Caicos Law Firm). Phone # 649 946 4732. Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Ltd. is selling as registered Chargee and Proprietor of a Charging Order. Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Ltd. is not obliged to accept the highest or any bid.
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w w w.t c i r e s o r t . c o m
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Hurry!
You’re running out of time. Advertising in the 2015 publication of Turks & Caicos Islands Yellow Pages is closing soon.
Advertisers:
Make sure your business is in the next edition of the Yellow Pages directory. Call 941-7757 or email pmoore@globaldirectories.com
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TURKS & CA
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
LOCAL NEWS
Kelano Howell, representing the Airport Hotel, told of that entity’s commitment to education in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Kazz Wilson, a building design student at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College accepts his cheque from President of the College Lee Ingham.
Lloydeka Handfield, who is pursu collects her cheque from Preside
TCI Community College Foundation gives scholarships, grants
Trem Quinlan, Owner Relations Manager at Gansevoort, who is a sponsor of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, addresses the audience.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Foundation on Friday (September 5, 2014) doled out $27,300 to qualified students pursuing their Bachelors and Associates Degrees. Fourteen students were presented with cheques at the event. The funds presented to the Bachelors student are grants to assist with school expenses, while the Associates Degree Students received full scholarships. The following are photo highlights of the event.
From left: Keno Forbes of Scotiabank; Devereaux Malcolm, member of the Community College F Clare, Chairman of the Community College Foundation; Samuel Forbes, Vice President of the colle College Foundation. Bernadya Smith, who is pursuing her Bachelors Degree in Business, collects her grant cheque from Lee Ingham, President for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.
Angelique Garland, who is pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Education, accepts her grant cheque from Lee Ingham, President of the TCI Community College.
Marilyn Cooper, Corporate Sales Manager for Islandcom, addresses the audience.
Aaliyah Carmichael accepts her cheque from Community College President Lee Ingham, to pursue her business associates degree course.
Hospitality Bache grant to cover som
AICOS SUN
ue her associates degree in education, ent of the college Lee Ingham.
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
Lee Ingham, President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, presents the cheque to Lativia Williams, Building Design student at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.
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Chantel Jasmin, who is pursuing Education, at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College is all smiles as she accepts her cheque from Lee Ingham, President of the College.
, Kelisha Forbes gleefully collects her grant cheque from Lee Ingham, President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, to assist with her Education study.
Jennifer Moore, Hospitality student at the Turks and Caicos Islands College is presented with her cheque by president of the college Lee Ingham.
Foundation; Dr. Hugh Fulford, newly-appointed Dean of the college; Lee Ingham, President of the college; Claudette ege; Cecil Arnold, Treasurer of the Community College Foundation; and Karen Whitt, member of the Community
elors Degree student Jalayah Francis is presented with her me of her expenses.
Oronnica Stubbs, Business student at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College displays her cheque, presented to her by Dr. Lee Ingham, to cover her school expenses.
Law student Deleovaun Hardware, accepts his cheque from President of the TCI Community College Lee Ingham, to pursue his associates degree in law.
Joneil Blair-Williams received her grant from Community College President Lee Ingham to assist with her Bachelors Degree in Education study.
Aldrieka Harvey, Business student at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, accepts his scholarship cheque from Lee Ingham.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
ENTERTAINMENT
Tommy Hilfiger and supermodel Naomi Campbell onstage at Fashion Rocks 2014 presented by Three Lions Entertainment at the Barclays Center of Brooklyn in New York City.
Pittbull took to the stage and performed with dancers wearing flapper inspired getups.
Fashion Rocks 2014 celebrates music and style Legends Kiss performed during the star studded show.
Jason Derulo showed off his ripped guns to the delight of the audience.
The 2014 Fashion Rocks was all about booing and booty – and practically everything in between. The music world was wellrepresented, spanning genres from classic rock and country to hip-hop and pop. Justin Bieber was heavily booed by the audience at the Barclays Center last week Tuesday in Brooklyn, New York. He entered the stage to introduce singer Rita Ora, and once the crowd booed loudly, he stripped down to his boxers and socks. “I actually don’t feel comfortable unless I’m in my Calvin’s. So, what’s up? Is that cool?” Bieber said to his co-presenter, model Lara Stone. Some cheered once he removed his blazer, tank top and pants. New York Giants’ receiver
JLo was the centre of attention as she performed with a group of well dressed male back up dancers.
Victor Cruz was also booed before and the Band Perry. Models walked onstage as some he introduced breakthrough reggae-pop band MAGIC! The of the performers sang. KISS closed the special with Giants lost to the Detroit Lions on “Rock and Roll All Nite.” Other Monday. Those moments were performers included Duran Duran, contrasted by the rump-shaking Nico & Vinz, Afrojack, Pitbull and dance moves of Jennifer Lopez and Luke Bryan. Naomi Campbell and Paris Nicki Minaj. Lopez performed her new single, “Booty,” in a shimmery Hilton were among the presenters. Ryan Seacrest was the host. silver minidress. She enticed the crowd and earned some of the Prior to the show, he told CBS News, “I think what makes this night’s loudest cheers. Lopez clapped and watched show so special is that it all as Minaj performed “Anaconda,” unfolds live. You never know what also a crowd favorite. The rapper exactly is going to happen -- who’s danced in a diamond bra and a going to do what and who’s going denim skirt with a number of to not do what. And I think that’s background dancers, including the beauty of a show like this.” While the music rocked and shirtless men. Usher kicked off the two-hour the fashion slayed, the common show that aired on CBS, which thread throughout the night was included fiery performances from keep it original, keep it fresh and Jennifer Hudson, Enrique Iglesias keep it stylish.
The Band Perry performed onstage to a cheering crowd.
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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ENTERTAINMENT
Miranda Lambert took to the stage. Nicki Minaj performing
Usher gave a rousing performance to open the music show.
Rita Ora perfoming
Enrique Iglesias showed off his fit figure in a low buttoned down shirt and a V-neck.
With jewels on her face and all over her tight bodysuit, all eyes were on Latrice.
Sean Paul, Randy Malcom of Gente De Zona, Enrique Iglesias, and Alexander Delgado of Gente De Zona, performed onstage.
Ryan Seacrest
Earlier in the show the 32-year-old Jennifer Hudson performed her new song It’s Your World in a black and gold ensemble.
Justin Bieber whipped off some of his clothing to introduce a performer.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
SEPTEMBER 13TH – SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2014
ENTERTAINMENT
Prince William ‘thrilled’ at Kate’s new pregnancy London – Britain’s Prince William said Monday he was “thrilled” that his wife Kate is pregnant with their second child, but admitted it had been a “tricky few days” as she struggles with severe morning sickness. Kate cancelled an official engagement on Monday because she is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, the same condition that caused her to be hospitalised in 2012 when she was pregnant with her first child Prince George. William attended the public event in Oxford without her and told reporters: “It’s been a tricky few days, a week or so, but obviously we’re immensely
thrilled, it’s great news.” He said it was still “early days, but I’m hoping things will settle down and she feels a bit better”, adding: “I’m going to go back to look after her now.” Kate, 32, is currently being treated by doctors at the couple’s London home Kensington Palace, a spokesman said. The pregnancy was announced earlier Monday in an official statement from the palace, which said that Queen Elizabeth II, William’s grandmother, was “delighted” at the news. “Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that the Duchess of
Cambridge is expecting their second child,” the palace said. “The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news.” The announcement made headlines across the world, reflecting the star status of William and Kate. The birth of their first child, George Alexander Louis, on July 22, 2013, sparked a media frenzy and prompted messages of goodwill from around the world. On Monday, the BBC’s 24hour news station cut away from Cameron’s statement to parliament on last week’s NATO summit to carry William’s remarks live.
Britain’s Prince William, wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, and their son, Prince George, visit Sydney’s Taronga Zooon April 20. But the prince urged a sense of perspective. “It’s important that we all focus on the big news, and the big international and domestic things going on at the moment. That’s where my thoughts are,”
Joan Rivers remembered at star-studded funeral
NEW YORK — Howard Stern delivered the eulogy, Broadway singeractress Audra McDonald sang “Smile” and bagpipers played “New York, New York” at Joan Rivers’ funeral Sunday, a star-studded send-off that — like the late comedian herself — brought together the worlds of Hollywood, theater, fashion and media. At a funeral befitting a superstar, the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus sang Broadway hits including “Hey Big Spender” before six-time Tony Awardwinner McDonald sang her tribute to Rivers, a champion of theater for decades. Tributes and reminiscences were delivered by TV anchor Deborah Norville, close friend Margie Stern, columnist Cindy Adams and Rivers’ daughter, Melissa, who spoke about how she respected her mother, who died Thursday at 81, and appreciated everyone’s support. Hugh Jackman sang “Quiet Please, There’s a Lady On Stage” at the end of the memorial, and bagpipers from the New York City Police Department played on the streets as mourners filed out of Temple Emanu-El, many dabbing their eyes. “She would love this. We’ve all said this so many times: The one person who would really think this is the greatest thing ever is the lady who it’s all about, and she’s not here,” said Norville afterward, amid the throngs of wellwishers and sound of bagpipes. A legion of notables turned out to remember Rivers: comedians Kathy Griffin, Rosie O’Donnell and Whoopi Goldberg; E! network “Fashion Police” colleague and friend Kelly Osbourne; Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick; and celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz. Theater stars Bernadette Peters, Alan Cumming and Tommy Tune were there. Record producer Clive Davis was, too. Fashion designers Carolina Herrera, Dennis Basso and Michael Kors were in attendance. Stars from TV such as Barbara Walters, Geraldo Rivera, Diane Sawyer, Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb and Andy Cohen. Late night band leader Paul Shaffer. And moguls Barry Diller, Donald Trump and Steve Forbes.
William said. Cameron said: “On behalf of the whole country, I am sure the House will join me in congratulating them on this fantastic news and wishing them well in the months ahead.”
Simone Battle
Melissa Rivers and son Copper Endicott, 13. At right Rosie O’Donnell. “It was uplifting. We were celebrating her life,” Basso said. Mourners had lined up outside the Fifth Avenue synagogue and waited for their names to be checked against a list before entering. A crowd of media stood watch behind barriers, and fans from as far away as Australia and England lined the streets. Actress Susan Claassen, who met Rivers in London in 2008 when both had one-woman shows, came from Tucson, Arizona, to honor her friend. “I always like to say that in a world of knockoffs, Joan was an original,” she said. The comedian detailed in her 2012 book “I Hate Everyone ... Starting With Me” that she hoped for “a huge showbiz affair with lights, cameras, action” and “Hollywood all the way.” Instead of a rabbi talking, Rivers asked for “Meryl Streep crying, in five different accents” and “a wind machine so that even in the casket my hair is blowing just like Beyonce’s.” Indeed, her wishes were so important they were printed in the funeral program. The funeral program also included a page with three classic Rivers’ lines printed out: “Can we talk?” ‘’Who are you wearing?” and “Because I’m a funny
Death of singer is ruled suicide LOS ANGELES – The death of girl group singer Simone Battle was ruled a suicide by hanging, authorities said Sunday. The cause of death was determined two days after the 25-year-old Battle was found dead in her West Hollywood home, Los Angeles County Coroner’s Lt. Fred Corral said. Battle became known through her person.” performances on the television show Rivers was a trailblazer for all comics, “X Factor.” Her five-member band but especially for women. The raspy- — G.R.L., originally a reboot of the voiced blonde with the brash New York Pussycat Dolls — had been signed by accent was a TV talk show host, stage, mega-hit maker Dr. Luke. film and TV actress, fashion critic, and The group was featured on she sold a line of jewelry. rapper Pitbull’s hit song “Wild Wild The cause of death is being Love” earlier this year. Battle told investigated. Rivers was hospitalized The Associated Press in July that on Aug. 28 after she went into cardiac the collaboration gave the group a arrest during a routine procedure at platform to launch its debut single, a doctor’s office. The New York state “Ugly Heart.” health department is investigating the A posting on G.R.L.’s Twitter circumstances, and the New York City account on Saturday said, “Words medical examiner said tests to determine cannot express the depth of our loss. the cause of death were inconclusive. Simone’s incredible talent was only Her publicist said that in lieu of surpassed by the size of her heart.” flowers, donations can be made to God’s “We will carry her memory with Love, We Deliver; Guide Dogs for the us in everything we do,” the posting Blind; or Our House. continued
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ENTERTAINMENT
Tyler Perry’s ‘If Loving You is Wrong’ is OWN’s most-watched series premiere ever
Tyler Perry‘s new scripted series for the Oprah Winfrey Network, If Loving You is Wrong, is a certified hit! If Loving You is Wrong broke records delivering 1.93 million viewers making it the most watched series premiere in network history. The episode delivered a 1.47 rating in the key W25-54 demo up triple digits (+206%) vs. one year ago, and built every quarter hour among W25-54 climbing +13% over the course of the hour. The show was still trending on Twitter in several major cities across the country, including Atlanta, this morning. On the heels of OWN’s widely popular series The Haves and the Have Nots, comes Tyler Perry’s newprimetime drama, If Loving You is Wrong, premiering two back-to-back episodes last night. According to OWN, the storylines this season for If Loving You is Wrong
will range from heartfelt toscandalous: “The sexy, sleek drama takes viewers into the lives of a group of husbands, wives andfriends that live and love in the same middle class neighbourhood. On the surface, they are true-tolife,relatable people — raising children, working jobs, finding and maintaining romance — but just below theveneer of happiness, their lives are entangled by heartbreak, deceit and lies that threaten to destroyeverything.” The series stars Edwina Findley Dickerson from HBO’s The Wire, Zulay Henao from Tyler Perry’s The Single Mom’s Club, April Parker-Jones, Amanda Clayton, and Heather Hemmens. If Loving You is Wrong is produced for OWN by Tyler Perry Studios. It is created, written, directed andexecutive produced by Tyler Perry. The cast of If Loving You is Wrong.
Rihanna dons silver wig for new magazine photoshoot As one of the biggest pop acts in the world, Rihanna is not one to shy away from making a provocative fashion statement. And for a new magazine editorial the 26-year-old opted to go grey with the help of a silver wig in a desert inspired photoshoot. Wearing various wistful and racy costumes, the Bajan star rocked the new look while flaunting her famously toned and svelte physique. In one set of photos, Rihanna wore thigh high boots and a matching leather jacket as she rocked a grey and silver leotard. The boots featured silver panelling as she carried a large handbag trimmed with fur in the photoshoot for issue 35 of TUSH. Another outfit saw the star don a bejewelled crown and matching dress with a huge pair of fluffy white wings attached to her back. Keeping up with the feather the fowl theme, the Stay singer sported a black feathered costume that provided a dramatic contrast to her silver wig. The shoot comes after Rihanna celebrated a special anniversary. It has been nine years since the release of her debut album, Music Of The Sun, which hit shelves on August 30, 2005. ‘Thanks to all of you who’ve supported me throughout the years! I cant believe, already 9 yrs! I owe it to you man,’ she wrote to her 37 million Twitter followers.
Molly Glynn
Chicago actress dies after being struck by tree
CHICAGO – Molly Glynn, an accomplished Chicago theater actress who also played a recurring role as a doctor on the TV series “Chicago Fire,” has died after a tree toppled by a powerful storm struck her as she rode her bike in a forest park. She was 46. Glynn was with her husband, Joe Foust, when the storm rolled quickly into the area, just north of Chicago, the executive director of First Folio Theatre and a close family friend, David Rice, said Sunday. “Molly was one of the most loving and generous people in the Chicago theater scene,” he said. “She was incredibly talented – incredibly versatile. She could handle both comedy and the deepest darkest, dramas.” Glynn’s husband called 911 just before 4 p.m. on Friday to say his wife had been injured, Cook County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Sophia Ansari said. NorthShore Evanston Hospital spokeswoman Colette Urban confirmed Glynn died Saturday. Glynn had an audition earlier in the day Friday and she and her husband had decided to go for a ride. The inclement weather took them by surprise and the tree slammed into Glynn as the couple sought to ride to safety, Rice said.
Justin Bieber assault charge dropped in Canada
An assault charge against pop star Justin Bieber was withdrawn in a Toronto court on Monday after the prosecutor said there was no reasonable prospect of conviction, clearing up one Canadian legal battle for the superstar just as another begins. Bieber had been charged in January with the assault of a limousine driver in Toronto in December. The driver told police that he had picked up six people, including Bieber, outside a nightclub and that the singer had struck him on the
back of the head several times during an altercation on the way to a hotel. “After completing a thorough review and, in consultation with the police, the Crown determined that there was no reasonable prospect of conviction. Accordingly, the charge against Mr. Bieber was withdrawn,” Brendan Crawley, a spokesman for the Ontario Attorney General’s office, said in an email. Bieber’s lawyer, Brian Greenspan, said he welcomed the prosecutor’s decision.
“We have always maintained Mr. Bieber’s innocence. The withdrawal of the charge is the product of a thorough and thoughtful review of the evidence by responsible prosecutors,” Greenspan said in a statement. While the December incident may now be behind him, 20-year-old Bieber is still not out of legal trouble in Canada. He was arrested and charged with assault and dangerous driving just over a week ago near the town of Stratford, Ontario, where he grew up.
Police said two drivers got into a “physical altercation” on Aug. 29 after a minivan and an all-terrain vehicle collided near Stratford. Bieber was visiting the area with Selena Gomez, the pop singer and former Disney TV star. The two have been in a four-year, on-and-off relationship. “Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez’ peaceful retreat in Stratford this weekend was unfortunately disrupted by the unwelcome presence of paparazzi,” Bieber’s lawyer, Brian Greenspan, said in an emailed statement last week.
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FUN & GAMES
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NEWS
Three Caribbean hotels listed on top places to avoid
The importance of adequate research when choosing a hotel recently came under a white hot spotlight with a stinging critique of 10 hotels described as “just plain disasters” by Oyster.com. Published in the Daily Beast, the list of “Hotels From Hell” was dominated by properties in the United States, with five mainland US hotels and one in Hawaii making the grade – or downgrade. Hot on the heels of the US were three Caribbean properties led by the Dominican Republic’s Don Juan Beach Resort, which claimed second place on the list, narrowly being booted out of the
top (or bottom) spot by La Semana Hotel in New York City. Here’s what the team at Oyster.com had to say about the Don Juan Beach Resort: The hotel investigators at Oyster.com typically have pretty strong stomachs, and it’s rare for them to encounter a property where they’ll refuse to sleep. The Don Juan was one such special spot. Located in the Dominican Republic’s sex-tourism capital, guests should expect to be accosted by prostitutes, local hecklers, and merchants on the resort’s trash-strewn beach (with a view of a gas
processing plant in the distance). Small pools, dark rooms. Jamaica had the distinction, or lack thereof, of capturing sixth and tenth place on the list, with Sandals Carlyle Inn and Club Ambiance, respectively. Oyster.com’s take on both properties follows: Sandals Carlyle Inn This hotel isn’t bad, per se, but it’s certainly deceptive. The marketing images show the hotel as located right on a beautiful beach. In fact, it’s across a busy road from a tiny, crowded public beach. A lot of guests are extremely
disappointed by this when they arrive, and it ruins the stay for many. At least the hotel offers a shuttle to a better beach at a sister property. Club Ambiance You get what you pay for at this adultsonly all-inclusive, which advertises a sensual, lively atmosphere. This translates to a free adult entertainment channel on the TV, clothing optional and nude areas at a neglected man-made beach, and a club with a, erm, dancing pole. Despite some renovations in 2013, rooms are dated and worn, with cheap bedspreads.
Haitian ex-president supported amid arrest fears
Caribbean-themed Lowes Sapphire Resort is expected to open in the summer of 2016.
Universal Orlando to build a Caribbean-style resort
ORLANDO, Florida – A fifth mega-hotel is being built at Universal Orlando. The theme park resort announced the plans Tuesday with Loews Hotels & Resorts, which will build and operate the 1,000-room, Caribbean-themed hotel. The resort will be made to look like a lush tropical resort with a towering waterfall and a
pool with a children’s play area. “Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Dining options will include will be every bit as distinctive a full-service restaurant, a as the other four on-site hotels poolside bar and grill and a and will offer a new option to marketplace. families looking for a truly “We are excited to continue special Orlando vacation.” our growth plans at Loews The Loews Sapphire Falls Hotels by building another Resort will open in the summer hotel with our long-standing of 2016. Once the new resort is partners at Universal Orlando,” constructed, Universal Orlando says Jonathan Tisch, Chairman will have more than 5,200 hotel of Loews Hotels & Resorts. rooms at its Florida property.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Supporters of former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide rallied Thursday at the site of an infamous church massacre and outside his home as the ousted ex-leader faced possible arrest for failing to appear at a court hearing. The rallies were intended to mark the anniversary of the deadly attack by gunmen in September 1988 at the church of St. Jean Bosco, where Aristide led services and opposition to the dictatorship as a Catholic priest — as well as to guard against any attempt to arrest him at the home where he has resided quietly since his return from exile in 2011. Supporters promised major protests would erupt if what they see as a politically motivated arrest is carried out. “There is only one person who represents the people of Haiti and his name is President Aristide,” 37-year-old Lionel Patrick said in the yard of the church, which was destroyed in the January 2010 earthquake. “If anything happens to him, Haiti is going to be shut down.” Aristide was summoned to testify last month in court before a magistrate conducting an investigation into corruption and money laundering. An arrest warrant was issued when he did not show up but police have so far not made any move to carry it out. Mario Joseph, a lawyer for the former president, said the notice to appear was not properly served on Aristide and the judge has not responded to his efforts to discuss what steps should be taken next. Joseph on Wednesday dismissed as “rumors,” the existence of an arrest warrant. Haitian National Police spokesman Frantz Lerebours confirmed that an arrest warrant was issued but he said there were no immediate plans to execute it. He said police would be stationed outside Aristide’s home in Tabarre, near downtown Port-au-Prince, to prevent him from leaving.
Venezuela in dilemma over hiking world’s cheapest fuel President Nicolas Maduro is mulling a politically risky move to raise highly subsidized gasoline prices in Venezuela for the first time in 17 years, but may be put off for now by fears of a social backlash. With 95 octane gas on sale for less than two U.S. cents a liter most motorists can fill up for under $1 - less than a small bottle of drinking water. Pump attendants often end up
with a bigger tip than the cost of the fuel. Subsidizing the world’s cheapest gasoline costs the South American OPEC member about $12.5 billion a year, the government says. With its finances reeling and generous welfare programs to fund, the socialist government has for months been preparing Venezuelans for a hike of the almost laughably low prices at
the pump. Ministers and state media have been constantly mentioning the possibility, while the ruling party has been debating it. Fuel prices, though, are a hot-button issue in the country with the world’s biggest oil reserves, as many Venezuelans deem cheap fuel a birthright, and Maduro seems to be heeding the public’s concerns and potential anger.
“Be careful. I’m warning the government,” said Ismael Hernandez, spokesman of a government-affiliated leftist group Marea Socialista. “Remember that in 1989 the increase in gas price was the trigger for a revolution.” The 1989 fuel price increase sparked massive riots that claimed hundreds of lives, traumatized Venezuelans and rocked the presidency
of Carlos Andres Perez. The so-called “Caracazo,” roughly translated as the “Caracas disaster,” still haunts Venezuela, and there has only been one other gasoline price adjustment since, in 1997, without incident. About 55 percent of Venezuelans are against increasing gas prices again, according to local pollster Hinterlaces.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
TripAdvisor honours Comfort Suites Paradise Island for third consecutive year
PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas, The Comfort Suites Paradise Island hotel, franchised by Choice Hotels International, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is celebrating yet another prestigious TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. This is the third year in a row that travelers have weighed in and praised the hotel’s first rate accommodations, free amenities and commitment to service. Comfort Suites Paradise Island General Manager Earle Bethell said
the resort has combined its spacious, modern accommodations with a brand of hospitality that is difficult to rival in the Nassau-Paradise Island area. “The greatest honour in receiving this recognition for a third time is that it comes from our guests,” said Bethell. “The team at Comfort Suites Paradise Island truly understands hospitality. These professionals are dedicated and deliberate in doing their utmost to ensure that the guest experience is positive and our customers are satisfied.”
TripAdvisor is a global travel site that offers advice from travelers and a wide variety of travel choices. The TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is awarded to businesses that rank in the top 10 percent worldwide for traveler feedback. Comfort Suites Paradise Island hotel recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation of its 224 Junior Suites. Choice Hotels International has 10 franchised hotels in the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, and Puerto Rico.
Caribbean tourism stakeholders to discuss marijuana tourism The deputy chief executive officer of Jamaica’s first medical marijuana company, Richard Kildare, will lead of debate on the notion or reality of marijuana tourism during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) later this month. The September 17th-19th conference will be held in the United States Virgin Islands and apart from Kildare, presentations will also come from Dr. James Hospedales, the executive director of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and Josef Woodman, the chief executive officer and founder of Patients Beyond Borders. Rory Johnston, a PhD student at the faculty of health sciences at Simon Fraser University in Canada, will present on the ethical and legal implications, as well as the risks associated with medical tourism. “This presentation will provide an overview of the key challenges that medical tourism poses to the operation of equitable health systems – those that are accessible to local populations and responsive to their needs. “Examples will be drawn from both established medical tourism destinations and projects being pursued in the Caribbean to explore how negative health equity impacts can emerge and ways in which they might be anticipated and minimized,” Johnston said. The CTO said that the debate surrounding marijuana tourism has taken a sharper focus in recent months following its legalization for recreational use by two US states, including Colorado. Uruguay has also become the first country in the world to make it legal to
Conference to tackle medical marijuana. grow, sell and consume cannabis. Since it became legal to smoke marijuana in Colorado at the start of the year, there have been several reports of a boom in arrivals from both within and outside the United States. The Colorado office of state planning and budgeting reported US$19 million in tax revenue from recreational marijuana during the first half of the year, although it didn’t say how much of that was from tourism versus local buyers. “The Caribbean has an interest in this subject, the Caribbean has an interest in attracting visitors to our shores, and so medical tourism, including the discussion about marijuana, is going to be one of the parts of the debate that we have,” said CTO secretary general, Hugh Riley. “One of the interesting aspects of that particular debate is looking at the medical evidence because it’s important that we do not look at one particular
aspect. At the end of the day we have to make decisions that are in the best interest of the people of the Caribbean,” Riley added, noting that now is an opportune time to have a debate on the issue. “We can pretend it doesn’t exist and the rest of the world isn’t talking about it or we can deal with it head on, debate it, look at the facts and then move on to the next action,” he said. The CTO said that apart from the debate on “marijuana tourism” the three day event will also examine a number of “provocative” issues confronting the regional tourism sector. The CTO said that SOTIC, organized in collaboration with the USVI department of tourism, will bring together speakers of international and regional acclaim from various fields linked to tourism to provide best case practices and winning strategies on a wide range of issues that impact the region’s primary money earner.
US ends funding for Caribbean HIV/AIDS proramme
The University of the West Indies (UWI) says it has been advised by the United States that it has ceased funding for a regional HIV/AIDS training programme. The UWI said that Washington had advised of the shift from September 1 as a result of a global policy shift. It said due to the change, the funding for the UWI based Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training Programme (CHART) and other funded health training partnerships, have been discontinued. In a letter sent to the UWI, the Health
Resources Services Administration (HRSA) which manages US funding for HIV/AIDS globally, said “all PEPFAR (US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) programmes are being realigned to meet the 50 per cent care and treatment earmark mandated in authorizing U.S. legislation. “The shift in programme focus will not include funding (of) training activities or human resources for health activities that have been the focus of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training (CHART) Network’s scope of work. Likewise, the
shift in program focus will also affect the current Infectious Disease Residency partnership.” The US government said that diplomatic notification of this policy re-alignment has already occurred and HRSA said there will be a transition period which began globally on September 1,, and which will be completed by December 31st this year. UWI Vice Chancellor Professor E. Nigel Harris, has expressed his regret at the decision made and on the early implementation timeframe.
Drastic decline in enrolment at Cave Hill campus of UWI in Barbados
Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies in Barbados has confirmed a drastic decline in the number of Barbadian students enrolling at the tertiary institution this academic year as the government’s austerity measures begin to take effect. Campus Registrar, Ken Walters told reporters that overall, there had been a total of 1,468 students registering this academic year, as compared with 2,240 at the start of the last academic year in 2013. Last year, Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Chris Sinckler in his 2013-14 budget presentation, said that effective 2014, Barbadian students pursuing studies at the university’s three campuses will be required to pay their own tuition fees, while the government continues to fund economic costs. Sinckler said the tuition fees range from US$2,800 to US$32,000 and that the new policy would reduce the transfer to UWI by an estimated BDS$42 million a year. Walters said that the faculties most affected by the decline in student population were Humanities and Education, and that a high percentage decline in medical science and post graduate students. Walter said that the decline in post graduate students could also have further effect for the future socioeconomic development of Barbados given that management studies were developed in collaboration with the public and private sectors. “If our students are not looking at these seriously, I think that is where the gap may occur in terms of the development plans,” he said.
Lamothe urges Haiti ministers not to buy luxury cars
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Haiti Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe is again reminding Cabinet colleagues that they should not use scarce resources to buy luxury motor vehicles. Lamothe, who gave up the lavish motorcade he inherited from his predecessor, says the government, which is promoting a “preferential option for the poor”, must set the example. “I don’t think a minister or myself, as Prime minister, needs a pricey, luxurious car to come to work, while our responsibility is to use our meagre resources to fight poverty,” Lamothe told the Port au Prince-based HaitianCaribbean News Network (HCNN). “I set the example by giving up my own motorcade for a more modest one and I feel good about it. So, I want members of the government to avoid buying or driving those luxurious vehicles which do not match the philosophy and social guidelines of the government.” Most government ministers and other high-ranking officials have already complied with the measure, but a few others still have to follow suit. “It should be very clear for all those who are part of this experience with us. Our priority is the most vulnerable, because the country will not achieve progress if the living conditions of the poorest remain the same,” Lamothe insisted.
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Caribean beaches disappearing due to rising sea levels, storms – World Bank The World Bank says due to rising sea levels and recurring storms, the beaches in most Caribbean nations have started to disappear. In a new report, the Washingtonbased financial institution said, in some areas of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for instance, an estimated 18-30 meters of beach have been lost over the last nine years. “The highly vulnerable coastal strand and adjacent towns are fighting against increased flood risk from rainfall and
storm surge,” said the bank, noting that the issue of challenges faced by small islands around the world was at the center of the just-concluded Third Small Island Developing States (SIDS) conference in Samoa. The bank said the theme of the conference was sustainable development in view of these states’ unique and particular vulnerabilities. The World Bank said beaches are not the only concern, stating that Caribbean ports are also at risk from
rising sea levels. “In island states, ports are the economic heart of the country, typically the capital and the island center of commerce,” said the bank, adding that airports are also affected. To improve the Caribbean’s ability to resist and adapt to the effects of climate change, the World Bank has made some recommendations. With the poor and vulnerable being most affected by a global sea level rise, the bank urged that land planning be
Businesswoman Carolyn Desert crowned Miss Haiti 2014
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — The crowd was already chanting her name before 25-year-old restaurant owner Carolyn Desert was crowned Miss Haiti 2014 last week Sunday in Port-auPrince. She steadied the crown, decorated with crystals and tiny mirrors, as she acknowledged the standing ovation at the Karibe Convention Center and repeated a vow she’d made earlier in the competition: “I’m going to support the youth. I’m going to support women. I’m going to support the poor.” Desert, a freelance writer and the owner of a Mexican restaurant in the upscalePetionville district of Port-auPrince, is known for supporting artists and helping impoverished children. She was a favorite from the beginning. Her wide smile earned her a “most photogenic” award, and her eloquent response during the competition’s question-and-answer segment made the crowd of more than 400 people erupt in applause. She said Haitian women have more to offer than looks: “Perseverance, courage, resilience.” Desert was one of only two women in a group of 21 participants who competed with closely cropped hair, a decision that had been fiercely debated by Haitians on radio and in social media, with some criticizing competitors for choosing to wear hair extensions or straightening their hair instead of embracing their
Carolyn Desert, 25, greets the public after being crowned during the Miss Haiti pageant. slaves in Haiti. natural hair. Volcy Manoucheca, 16, told The Desert will participate in the Miss World competition in London Associated Press that she has been in December. She also will represent living at the foundation’s home for the the country on trips sponsored by the past three years and has always enjoyed watching beauty pageants on TV. country’s tourism ministry. “I like the way they train, the way Among those cheering for Desert were 16 girls from the Restavek Freedom they speak, and I like that they move up Foundation, which helps rescue child in society,” she said of competitors.
Haitian beats Jamaican in democratic party primary election NEW YORK – A Haitian American candidate has created history by becoming the first politician of Haitian descent to win the Democratic Party Primary election for a seat in the New York State Legislature. Rodneyse Bichotte, who was born and raised in Brooklyn to Haitian immigrants, handsomely defeated Jamaican-born economist and accountant Rickie Tullock by 20 percentage points to win the Primary in the 42nd State Assembly District in Brooklyn, according to the preliminary figures released here on Tuesday night. Since New York is heavily Democratic, winners in the Primary elections are considered shoo-ins to win the general elections in November.
With 100 per cent of the Polling Precincts reported, Bischotte, who was the District Leader of the 42nd State Assembly District, received 47.4 per cent, or 2,669 votes, to Tulloch’s 29.7 per cent, or 1,592 votes. The other candidates in the race were Haitian Michele Adolphe, who received 800 voters, or 14 per cent and Guyanese Victor Jordan, who received 306 votes, or 5.7 per cent. “We did it!” exclaimed Bichotte to jubilant supporters at her campaign headquarters. “I am humbled and exceedingly grateful to have received the confidence of the people of the 42nd Assembly District to serve as their next Assemblywoman in the New York State Assembly.
“Our success…at the polls would not be possible without the support and effort of a dedicated team of volunteers, campaign staff, and supporters who came together to make (the) victory possible,” she added. Bichotte said her campaign was able to put together a widespread coalition of elected officials, unions, clergy and nonprofits, “who believe that our community is in dire need of leadership in the State Assembly that will put their best interests at heart”. Tulloch had received the endorsement of the retiring Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs, whose 42nd Assembly District comprises, among other Brooklyn neighbourhoods, Flatbush, East Flatbush and Mid-wood.
incorporated more into social programs to tackle how exposed people are to risk. It also recommended the implementation of a preventive system needs to establish an economic recovery and diversification plan following a disaster, as well as increased investment in scientific data collection and flood controls. The other recommendations include land planning and watershed management.
Venezuela wins backing for UN security council bid
Venezuela’s socialist government has secured the backing of Latin America and the Caribbean to obtain a diplomatic trophy that long eluded the late Hugo Chávez: a seat on the UN security council. The unanimous endorsement of Venezuela’s candidacy to represent the region was agreed at a meeting at the UN headquarters in New York in July, say regional diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision had not been made public. When Chávez last tried for a seat in 2006, the US succeeded in torpedoing his campaign. This year, Washington did not intervene. While Venezuela must still muster a two-thirds majority in a secret ballot of 193 member states at the UN general assembly next month, the absence of a rival candidate from the region means the chances of its candidacy being derailed are slim, analysts say. If it does win a seat, world leaders will almost certainly hear some fiery rhetoric from El Comandante’s favorite daughter, Maria Gabriela Chávez, who last month was named Venezuela’s alternate ambassador to the UN. Countries sit alphabetically in the council chamber, which means Venezuela would almost certainly end up next to the US, perhaps provoking some dramatic moments when the two governments clash over big issues such as the crisis in Ukraine and Syria’s civil war. The region’s willingness to rally behind Venezuela troubles critics of President Nicolás Maduro and his crackdown on anti-government protests. While the US and human rights groups have accused regional leaders of being too timid in responding to the unrest, which left 42 people dead, an affinity with Maduro’s anti-US stance in many parts of Latin America and his use of Venezuela’s extensive oil wealth to win allies among poorer Caribbean nations mean few governments are eager to publicly take Caracas to task. “Venezuela’s tendency to side with abusive governments makes it a less than ideal candidate to help manage the many human rights tragedies the security council is facing,” said Philippe Bolopion, UN director at Human Rights Watch.
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Oscar Pistorius found guilty of ‘culpable homicide’
JOHANNESBURG — A South African judge on Friday convicted athlete Oscar Pistorius of “culpable homicide” in the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. A conviction of culpable homicide, the term for manslaughter in South Africa, carries a maximum 15-year prison sentence. Pistorius had already been cleared of murdering Steenkamp. Pistorius has been granted bail and will return to court on Oct.13 to find out whether he will be imprisoned and, if so, for how long. A day earlier, Judge Thokozile Masipa said state prosecutors had failed
to prove Pistorius, 27, was guilty of premeditated or second-degree murder. However, Masipa found the actions by Pistorius — an Olympic and Paralympic athlete known as the Blade Runner for his use of specially designed prosthetic legs — to be “negligent.” Reading a lengthy explanation of the evidence and charges, Masipa told the court Thursday that she found Pistorius “acted too hastily and used excessive force” when he fired four times into the door of a toilet stall in his apartment, killing Steenkamp, 29, on Valentine’s Day in 2013. Masipa’s decision to acquit Pistorius
of murder was met with criticism from South Africans. “Culpable homicide is not enough. The life lost doesn’t get justice,” said entrepreneur Nzolo ezee bidla, 25, on Friday, as he sat glued to the TV in a Johannesburg bar. Pistorius was also convicted on one of three unrelated firearm charges. The judge ruled that the athlete was guilty of unlawfully firing a gun in a public place when a friend’s pistol he was handling discharged under a table in a restaurant in Johannesburg in early 2013 — weeks before Steenkamp’s killing.
Obama’s counter-terror fight faces high risk
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama’s decision to expand airstrikes in Iraq and extend them to Syria raises a host of questions about how an intensified military campaign can achieve his goal of destroying the Islamic State group. A look at how the president’s plan may unfold and its prospects for success: Q: Why conduct more bombing in Iraq? A: When he first authorized airstrikes in early August, Obama linked them to a few limited objectives, including defending U.S. personnel and facilities, helping besieged civilians and protecting critical infrastructure like the Mosul Dam. In his speech Wednesday, Obama opened a new range of target possibilities, and the Pentagon is now free to hit any Islamic State group targets it deems necessary anywhere in the country. The Pentagon’s press secretary, Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby, said Thursday this means a “more aggressive” U.S. campaign in Iraq, supported for the first time by manned intelligence-gathering planes based inside Iraq. Q: What good can that do, given the collapse of Iraqi forces in June when the militants swept across northern Iraq? A: The idea is to use a broader air campaign to help Iraqi and Kurdish ground forces roll back the Islamic State group’s gains. This is to be aided by teams of U.S. military advisers who will embed with Iraqi brigade headquarters – not to fight alongside Iraqi soldiers or to call in U.S. airstrikes but to advise Iraqi forces on how to retake and hold territory that the militants would be forced to abandon if the airstrikes are as effective as hoped. The Pentagon said Thursday that there will be 15 to 20 such advisory teams, with about a dozen U.S. soldiers each. Q: What’s to stop the militants from using Syria as a sanctuary?
Pistorius was acquitted on two other gun charges, including a count of firing a gun in public and a count of illegal possession of ammunition in the Pretoria home where he killed Steenkamp. Pistorius, who stood calmly with his hands folded in front of him as Masipa delivered her final verdict Friday, had denied the prosecution’s claims that he had deliberately shot Steennkamp in the early hours of Feb. 14 last year. Prosecutors accused Pistorius of intentionally killing her by firing through the door of the stall where, they alleged, she had taken refuge following an argument.
Red Cross to train more volunteers to scale up Ebola fight
Geneva – The Red Cross said Thursday it planned to train more than 2,000 extra volunteers to step up its response to the deadly Ebola outbreak ravaging west Africa. “With dozens of new cases emerging daily, this outbreak is showing no signs of slowing down,” said Alasan Senghore, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Africa unit. “People are dying. If we are serious about stopping Ebola, we cannot afford to delay ramping up our response,” he said in a statement. Since the outbreak began at the beginning of the year, IFRC said it had trained some 3,500 volunteers across President Barack Obama addresses the nation from the Cross Hall in the White House in Washington. the three hardest-hit countries, Guinea, In a major reversal, Obama ordered the United States into a broad military campaign to “degrade and Sierra Leone and Liberia, and that it ultimately destroy” militants in two volatile Middle East nations, authorizing airstrikes inside Syria for planned to push that number to over the first time, as well as an expansion of strikes in Iraq. 5,600. Those three countries account for A: It already is a sanctuary. Obama to work with. U.S. efforts to date have says he will eliminate that by expanding not been successful, and although key nearly all of the 2,296 Ebola deaths the U.S. air campaign into eastern Democrats and Republicans indicated seen so far in the west Africa outbreak, Syria. It’s not clear when airstrikes in on Thursday they expect to support according to the World Health Syria will begin, but the Pentagon says Obama’s overall approach, some House Organization. “Engaging communities through it is ready to start now. Officials won’t Republicans had balked at authorizing a talk about potential targets, since that $500 million project to train and arm an our trained volunteers will have would unnecessarily jeopardize their indigenous force in Syria. The funding an immediate and large pay-off, as effectiveness and raise the risk to U.S. measure Congress is likely to vote on messages of prevention will be shared pilots, but they likely would include next week will include ample money for by community members themselves,” Islamic State group buildings, training Obama to use for training Syrian rebels. Senghore said. IFRC said it was significantly sites and supply lines. Q: How effectively can the U.S. Q: Can airstrikes force the empower local forces in Syria, revising up its appeal for funds to cover Islamic State group out of Syria? given the civil war in that chaotic its activities in the three countries to 30.2 million Swiss francs ($32.3 million, 25 A: Almost certainly not. The hope country? is that the airstrikes will play the A: Many people doubt that it can be million euros), an increase of 24 million same role foreseen in Iraq — to create done, but Obama says he wants to take francs over its last estimate. The cash injection, it said, would allow opportunities for local ground forces some number of the more moderate to squeeze the territory occupied by forces opposing the regime of Syrian it to reach 21.9 million people – more the Islamic State group militants. The President Bashar Assad and send them than double the number it had originally problem in Syria is finding sufficient to Saudi Arabia for training and arming. targeted – as it expanded its operations into new districts and countries. numbers of capable and moderate rebels But it’s unclear whether that will work.
Prison suicides jump 64 percent in England and Wales London – The number of stretched, and the degree of suicides in prisons in England need among some prisoners so and Wales increased 64 percent high, that they may no longer in 2013-2014 compared to be able to provide adequate the previous year, due to “a care and support for some rising toll of despair”, the jail vulnerable prisoners,” prisons ombudsman said on Thursday. and probation ombudsman “It has been suggested Nigel Newcomen said. He said the rise reflected that prison staff are now so
mental health difficulties among prisoners and “a rising toll of despair”. In 2013-2014 90 prisoners killed themselves in England and Wales, up from 55 the previous year. The government said that the reasons for each suicide
were complex and individual and that it was working to understand the reasons behind the rise. Juliet Lyon, the director of the Prison Reform Trust, said that it was crucial that people with mental health issues were given care and treatment.
“If the tragic and rapid rise in the number of self-inflicted deaths in custody does not wake ministers up to the damage drastic cuts and rushed policy decisions are doing to the prison service and the people in its care, it is hard to know what will,” Lyon said.
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ISIS may ‘Don’t break my heart’ by going independent, have 30,000+ fighters, says British PM begs Scotland CIA
British Prime Minister David Cameron on Wednesday begged Scots not to rip apart the United Kingdom’s “family of nations”, flying to Scotland to man the barricades against a surge in support for independence eight days before a referendum. Cameron appealed to Scots to use their heads and their hearts when they voted on Sept. 18. He reminded them of their shared history and bonds with England, Wales and Northern Ireland - twice evoking World War Two and the fight against Hitler. He also warned that an independent Scotland could not keep the pound currency, jobs would head south, and the country’s security be weakened. “I would be heartbroken if this family of nations was torn apart,” said Cameron, speaking to staff of the Scottish Widows financial institution in the capital Edinburgh. Cameron’s visit was a sign of the panic that has gripped the British ruling elite over the possible disintegration of the 307-year-old
union since recent polls showed the campaign for independence, led by Alex Salmond’s Scottish National Party, gaining support to run neck-and-neck with the “No” campaign, which until a few weeks ago was looking comfortably ahead. British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, who leads the Liberal Democrats, and opposition Labour Party leader Ed Miliband also crossed the border on Wednesday to shore up support. All three parties have offered Scotland greater autonomy as an enticement to vote against independence. The prime minister, whose job may be on the line if he loses Scotland, warned Scots a vote for secession would be forever. “I think people can feel it is a bit like a general election – that you make a decision and five years later you can make another decision if you are fed up with the effing Tories, give them a kick and then maybe we’ll think again. This is totally different to a general election: this a decision about not the
next five years but a decision about the next century,” he said. Cameron has until now been largely absent from the debate after conceding that his privileged background and center-right politics mean he is not the best person to win over Scots, who returned just one Conservative lawmaker out of 59 in 2010. He made no street appearances in his visit to Edinburgh. “David Cameron is a swear word up here,” said one security guard, asking not to be named. That comment echoed the sentiment among pro-independence Scots that they are ruled from London by a government they did not choose – a central tenet of the independence drive. The “Yes” camp says it wants to build a fairer society with Scotland’s interests at the forefront. Opponents of independence say Scotland is stronger and more secure within the United Kingdom, and a separate country would struggle economically.
Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes because of conflict.
Africa Union troops ‘raped’ girls in Mogadishu, Somalia
African Union (AU) troops raped women and girls seeking medical aid or water from their bases in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, a rights group says. The troops had “misused” their power over women fleeing violence and poverty, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said. One Muslim girl, aged 15, reportedly had her headscarf ripped off before being raped. The AU, which has some 22,000 troops fighting militant Islamists in Somalia, says it will investigate the claims. In 2012, the UN recorded 1,700 rapes in camps for displaced people in Somalia. Many were thought to have been carried out by members of the Somali security forces. Last year, there was a huge public outcry following claims that AU and government soldiers had gang-raped a
woman in Mogadishu. A joint investigation by the AU and government dismissed the allegation as unfounded, even though neither the woman nor independent witnesses had been interviewed. Most of the women who were abused lived in camps for displaced people after fleeing violence and the 2011 famine, HRW said. “The AU can no longer turn a blind eye to the abuses on Amisom [AU Mission in Somalia] bases, as it’s undermining the very credibility of the mission,” said Liesl Gerntholtz, HRW’s women’s rights director. It interviewed 21 women and girls, some as young as 12, who described being raped or sexually exploited by Ugandan or Burundian soldiers in the AU force, HRW said. Only one rape case, in which the victim was a child, is before Uganda’s military court in Kampala, it added.
“Some Amisom soldiers have used humanitarian assistance, provided by the mission, to coerce vulnerable women and girls into sexual activity,” HRW said. “A number of the women and girls interviewed for this report said that they were initially approached for sex in return for money or raped while seeking medical assistance and water on the Amisom bases, particularly the Burundian contingent’s base.” A Burundian soldier gave a 15-yearold girl $10 (£6) after raping her, HRW said. “First he ripped off my hijab [headscarf] and then he attacked me,” it quoted her as saying. The girl had gone to an AU base of Burundian soldiers to collect medicine for her mother who was ill, HRW said. Somalia has been hit by instability since the overthrow of long-serving ruler Siad Barre in 1991.
ISIS, the terror group that calls itself the Islamic State, “can muster between 20,000 and 31,500 fighters across Iraq and Syria,” a CIA spokesman told CNN on Thursday. That is two to three times more than the 10,000 fighters previously estimated by the CIA. “This new total reflects an increase in members because of stronger recruitment since June following battlefield successes and the declaration of a caliphate, greater battlefield activity, and additional intelligence,” the spokesman said. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday would not say the United States is at war with ISIS, telling CNN in an interview that the administration’s strategy includes “many different things that one doesn’t think of normally in context of war.” “What we are doing is engaging in a very significant counterterrorism operation,” Kerry told CNN’s Elise Labott in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. “It’s going to go on for some period of time. If somebody wants to think about it as being a war with ISIL, they can do so, but the fact is it’s a major counterterrorism operation that will have many different moving parts.” Kerry made a distinction between ISIS and terror groups operating in Somalia and Yemen. “ISIL is an animal unto itself,” he said. “And it is significantly such a threat because of the foreign fighters that are attracted to it — which you don’t see in Somalia or … Yemen.” Most importantly, Kerry said, ISIL has attracted a “significant coalition” that is determined to go and destroy it.
Kenyan man to be extradited to US for child porn NAIROBI, Kenya — A Kenyan court has ordered the extradition of a Kenyan man to the U.S. to face trial for child pornography. Magistrate Enock Cherono Monday ruled Brian Musomba Maweu, also known as Catfish, to be handed over to the FBI within 21 days. Maweu’s extradition proceedings began after the FBI discovered a membership child-porn website which he is alleged to have operated. An international arrest warrant was issued in March against him and the United States Department of Justice, through the U.S. embassy in Nairobi, requested the Kenyan government to arrest and hand him over. Victor Mule, an Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, said Maweu had been indicted before the United States District Court in Louisiana for engaging in a “child exploitation enterprise and the distribution of child pornography.”
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UN: 45 Fijian peacekeepers freed in Syria BEIRUT — Al-Qaida-linked Syrian militants on Thursday released all 45 Fijian peacekeepers they had held captive for two weeks, bringing an end to a crisis that ensnared the U.N. monitoring force in the chaos of Syria’s civil war. Fighters from the Nusra Front captured the Fijian troops late last month in the Syrian-controlled side of the Golan Heights, where a 1,200-strong U.N. force patrols the disputed buffer zone between Syria and Israel. The area along the frontier has since been engulfed in heavy clashes between the
militants and the Syrian military. All 45 peacekeepers “are in good condition” and were being taken for a quick medical assessment, a U.N. statement said. The Fijians were taken hostage the same day that nearly 80 Filipino peacekeepers were trapped by Syrian opposition fighters. The Filipino peacekeepers later escaped. The hostage crisis raised questions about the future of the decades-old U.N. Golan mission, as participating nations threatened to pull their troops out because of Syria’s escalating violence.
The Fijian troops were captured Aug. 28, a day after militants seized control of the Syrian side of the Quneitra crossing from President Bashar Assad’s troops. U.N. Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said they were released at Syrian-side of the Quneitra crossing point near Israel. He told AP that they crossed into the Israeli-controlled Golan territory, were then taken to a U.N. post further north and would then go to Camp Faouar inside the Syrian-controlled Golan. Israel’s Channel Two news reported that the Fijians were given food and medical attention after crossing into
Israeli-controlled territory. An unidentified peacekeeper expressed relief. “We’re all very happy to be safe and alive,” he told the Israeli channel. The same day the Fijians were taken captive, two groups of Filipino peacekeepers were trapped at separate U.N. encampments, surrounded by rebel fighters who demanded they surrender. They refused, and both groups of Philippine troops eventually escaped — one busting out with the help of Irish colleagues, and the other by slipping away under the cover of darkness.
Teen sentenced to life in prison for killing 6-yr-old girl
96-year-old Edith Hill and 95-year-old Eddie Harrison in their home in Annandale, Virginia.
Marriage of newlyweds, ages 96 and 95, questioned
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — In some ways, Rebecca Wright doesn’t understand all the fuss over her 96-year-old mother’s recent marriage. After all, she says, “Anybody who wants to get married must have a little dementia.” The courts, though, and some of Wright’s other relatives aren’t amused. And the future for newlyweds Edith Hill, 96, and Eddie Harrison, 95, is very much uncertain. The two have been companions for more than a decade after a Hollywoodstyle meet-cute — they struck up a conversation while standing in line for lottery tickets, with one of the tickets turning into a $2,500 winner. They married earlier this year, with a 95-yearold church elder presiding over the ceremony, no less. “I guess I wanted company,” Hill said
in an interview, explaining why she married. “I wanted somebody I could help, and they could help me. ... We were both single. My husband was gone. His wife was gone. We became the best of friends.” Robin Wright, Hill’s granddaughter, said the relationship is more romantic than Hill’s explanation allows. “You catch them kissing all the time,” she said. “They’re actually in love. Really in love. ... I know he’s part of the reason she gets up every morning.” Legally, though, the wedding has been problematic. Hill has been declared legally incapacitated for several years. A judge said at a hearing earlier this month that he believes Wright — coguardian over her mother along with Rebecca Wright’s sister who opposed the marriage — acted improperly by taking her mother to get married without the
court’s permission. Cary Cuccinelli, representing the sister who opposed the marriage, Patricia Barber, said at a hearing earlier this month that the wedding occurred without other family members’ knowledge, and that it complicated the matter of how to eventually distribute Hill’s estate, which includes property on the edge of Old Town Alexandria, worth about $475,000, according to real estate assessments. “Legally, Mr. Harrison now has a right to a portion of Ms. Hill’s estate,” she told the judge, saying it also complicates decisions over who will care for Hill, and where she will live. While the judge, James Clark, found the marriage to have been improper, he also worried that breaking up the couple could “create a circumstance in Ms. Hill’s life that she doesn’t deserve.”
Elderly Italian nuns raped, murdered
Bujumbura (Burundi) - Three elderly Italian nuns were raped and murdered in twin attacks in their convent in the capital of Burundi, police said as a hunt was launched for their killers. Police initially reported that two nuns were stabbed to death on Sunday afternoon. The killer then battered one of the two with a rock, before fleeing the convent. Italian authorities named the first two killed as Olga Raschietti, 83, and Lucia Pulici, 75, both Roman Catholic nuns. But in the early hours of Monday
morning, another nun in the same convent was killed, her body beaten and head hacked off. Colleagues named her as Bernadetta Boggian, aged 79. “After the discovery of the two nuns who were brutally killed... the decapitated body of the third nun was found,” Deputy Director General of Police Godefroid Bizimana told AFP on Monday. Pope Francis issued his condolences. “The Holy Father begs the Lord to welcome into his kingdom of peace and light these three faithful and devout nuns,” he said in a statement.
According to the diocese of Parma in Italy, they were killed during a botched burglary attempt. But Burundi’s police said the motive of the killing was not clear, pointing out that no money was taken. Police spokesman Colonel Helmegilde Harimenshi said all three were raped. Father Mario Pulcini, an Italian Catholic priest working in the same parish, said after the first two nuns were killed, Boggia had called him in the middle of the night reporting that she had heard a noise in the convent.
A male Texas teenager was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for killing a six-year-old girl, wrapping her body in a tarp and leaving it on the side of a road, prosecutors said. Tyler Lane Holder, now 18 but 17 at the time of the crime in the Fort Worth area a year ago, reached a deal with prosecutors for the sentence, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s office said. Holder pleaded guilty to the murder of Alanna Gallagher, who was found bound in duct tape and with a plastic bag over her head. Prosecutors said they had DNA evidence linking him to the crime. He also pleaded guilty to arson for setting fire to the home of the victim’s family and with attempted capital murder for shooting at a police officer trying to arrest him. Prosecutors said he could not be charged with capital murder, which brings the possibility of the death penalty, because he was under 18 when the crime was committed.
UN envoy: Up to 700 children in Iraq killed, hurt
UNITED NATIONS — A U.N. envoy says up to 700 children have been killed or maimed in Iraq since the beginning of the year, “including in summary executions.” Leila Zerrougui, the secretarygeneral’s special representative for children and armed conflict, told the U.N. Security Council on Monday she is “appalled” at the killing of civilians, including children, by the Islamic State militant group which now controls a large swath of Iraq and Syria. She said the extremist group has ordered boys as young as 13 years old to carry weapons, guard strategic locations or arrest civilians, and has used other children as suicide bombers. Zerrougui said her office has also received report of militias allied to the Iraqi government using children in the fight against extremists from the Islamic State group.
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Missing Indiana woman found alive, arrests made An Indiana woman missing for two months and apparently held captive has been found alive, and authorities have arrested two people in connection with her July disappearance, police said on Sunday. Joelle Lockwood, 30, went missing on July 9 and was apparently held in a residence in Indiana’s Posey County, the Evansville Police Department said in a statement. Lockwood had last been seen in Evansville before disappearing.
She was freed after a man visiting the suspects got her out of the residence and brought her to Evansville, where detectives interviewed her then went to the residence and arrested the suspects, police said. “Lockwood was reunited with her loved ones on Saturday evening,” police said. The identities of those arrested, along with details on Lockwood’s confinement and rescue will be released
by the Posey County prosecutor’s office, police said. A call to the prosecutor’s office on Sunday was not immediately returned. “Thank you everyone for all their efforts with helping find Joelle!!!,” a Facebook post on a support page that offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to her recovery read on Saturday. “JOELLE IS FOUND!!! SHE IS ALIVE AND WELL.” Authorities have also been exploring
any possible connection between the Lockwood case and the Aug. 15 disappearance of Kristy Kelley, 27, in Boonville, about 20 miles from Evansville, the Evansville Courier & Press reported last month. Evansville police did not mention the Kelley case in their statement and a spokesperson could not be reached for comment on Sunday. A dispatcher for the Warrick County Sheriff’s Office said on Sunday that Kelley was still missing.
India police suspended for charging toddler with ‘coercion’
Flood-affected people row boats past partially submerged buildings in floodwaters in Srinagar, India. The death toll from floods in Pakistan and India reached 400 on Tuesday and have put more than half a million people in peril and rendered thousands homeless in the two neighboring states.
Hundreds die in India, Pakistan after heaviest rain in 50 years
MUZAFFARABAD/SRINAGAR – The death toll from the heaviest rain to fall on Kashmir in 50 years rose to more than 400 on Tuesday, with thousands still trapped on rooftops and residents criticizing Indian and Pakistani authorities for not doing enough to help them. On the Indian side of the heavily militarized Line of Control that divides the Himalayan region, the city of Srinagar lay submerged along with more than 2,000 villages. “The damage is shocking,” a senior official from India’s National Disaster Response Force said in New Delhi. “People have been stranded on the rooftops of their homes for the last three days in some parts of Kashmir.” The official, who requested anonymity, said he would have deployed disaster-response teams
earlier, but “we were all caught off guard because there was not a single warning issued by the weather office. The flash floods took us by surprise”. India’s meteorological department had forecast heavy rain in Kashmir last week, but the Central Water Commission, which issues flood advisories, has been criticized by Indian media for not warning the state. Some 47,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in India, where 217 were reported dead by Tuesday. The Indian Air Force has airdropped more than 550 tonnes of relief material, and 80 medical teams have established emergency health services in government schools and state-run health care centers. The flooding is the first major humanitarian emergency under
India’s new prime minister, Narendra Modi, but also comes at a difficult time for Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who has faced weeks of street protests aimed at forcing him out. In Pakistan, the death toll was comparable, with at least 231 people reported dead across the country, including Pakistan’s side of Kashmir. “With the memory of the catastrophic floods of recent years still fresh, many are wondering why the present calamity was not better predicted, flood warnings were not issued with more urgency, and mitigation measures not undertaken speedily,” Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper said in an editorial. In Pakistan, people still remember 2010, when the worst floods in generations affected some 20 million people and damage to infrastructure ran into billions of dollars.
Two policemen are to be suspended for charging a one-yearold child with “coercion” ahead of a by-election in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. A police report noted that “10-12-month-old Nazim”, and his father Yasin, could disrupt the peace of the poll. Police often prepare lists of potential trouble-makers and criminals ahead of local elections and send them to the relevant authorities and courts. Correspondents say the incident has caused outrage in the area. Senior police official Gulab Singh told BBC Hindi’s Salman Ravi that policemen in the Thakurdwara police station in Moradabad had filed the report. “We have already initiated departmental proceedings against the concerned police officials who are to be suspended by this [Thursday] evening,” Mr Singh said. “It is now clear that the police officials did not visit the area and prepared their report on just hearsay without verifying facts. We have taken the matter very seriously and are ensuring such incidents do not happen in the future.” In 2011, a five-year-old boy in Bihar state was charged with disrupting the peace during village council elections. Police later said it was a case of mistaken identity and they meant to charge his elder brother with disorderly conduct. And in 2006, the Bihar police charged a six-year-old girl with attacking them and helping her father escape from police custody. This was despite the fact that under Indian law, the police cannot file a criminal case against a child below seven years of age.
Iraq car bomb attacks kill 17 BAGHDAD — Car bombs in three Shiite cities south of Baghdad and an explosion in the capital killed 17 people on Thursday, Iraqi officials said. Police officials said a car bomb exploded on a commercial street in the Shiite city of Diwaniyah, killing six people and wounding 16. A car bomb blast near a bus stop in the holy Shiite city of Karbala killed
three people and wounded 12, police said. A third car bomb exploded near a restaurant in the holy city of Najaf, killing five people and wounding 12, according to the police. Shortly before sunset, a bomb explosion killed three people and wounded 14 near restaurants in the Shiite part of Baghdad’s southwestern district of Bayaa.
Medical officials confirmed the casualties from all the attacks. Officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to journalists. Sunni insurgents have long targeted Shiite areas with car bombs and other attacks. In June the Sunni extremist group calling itself the Islamic State seized large areas of northern and
western Iraq. Its advance stalled when it approached Shiite-majority areas further south. Iraq’s new Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi released a statement late Thursday saying suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the deadly attacks and he vowed to boost intelligence efforts moving forward to prevent future attacks.
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TECHNOLOGY
Russia, Poland in spat over gas supplies
WARSAW, Poland – A spat has broken out between Poland and Russia over what Warsaw claims is a sharp drop in natural gas supplies. The move comes amid concerns Moscow is ready to use its energy exports as a political weapon over the crisis in Ukraine. Russian gas supplier Gazprom was elusive in its position: while it claimed its
deliveries did not drop, it warned that they depend on volumes available for export. It also argued that the problem is due to Poland ramping up its demand, something the Polish state gas company did not want to confirm. Polish Economy Minister Janusz Piechocinski said he had Gazprom’s assurances that deliveries will be fully meet the
demand starting Friday. Amid the counterclaims, Poland said it was obliged to stop sending gas on to Ukraine, which has been relying on imports from European countries since it was cut off by Russia in June. The dispute between Poland and Russia has been growing since Monday, when the Polish state gas company, PGNiG, registered that Russian supplies
were down 20 percent from the requested daily levels. It recorded a 24 percent shortfall on Tuesday and a 45 percent drop on Wednesday. It said Thursday it had received no notification or explanation from Gazprom. In Moscow, Gazprom spokesman Sergei Kupriyanov insisted that Russia is sending as much gas to Poland as agreed
Apple’s rivals mock new handset’s lack of innovation
Last week’s Apple announcement was one of the most hyped in recent history, and it appears that the products didn’t quite live up to expectation. Reaction to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus has been lukewarm, and many people have accused Apple of playing catch up with rivals such as Samsung and HTC, rather than leading the way. But reaction to the Apple Watch, as well as the tech firm’s mobile payment system Apple Pay, has been much more positive – despite the firm’s admission that the gadget will need to be recharged every night. The devices were unveiled at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts at De Anza College in Cupertino last week. The iPhone 6 has a 4.7-inch screen, as does the HTC One and Amazon’s Fire phone. The iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5inch screen, putting it in the same league as the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge and Galaxy S5. Similarly, many Android devices have featured Apple’s NFC (near field communication) chips for swipe-payment since 2012, as well as keyboard apps, which will be new to Apple devices through iOS 8. Elsewhere, Google launched its own mobile payment system, similar to Apple Pay, back in 2011.
The devices (pictured right compared to the iPhone 5S left) were unveiled by Phil Schiller, senior vice president of Apple’s worldwide marketing, at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts at De Anza College in Cupertino. Following the announcement, rival HTC tweeted: ‘Happy to congratulate Apple on joining the world of big screens!’ Ernest Doku, tech expert at uSwitch.com said: “As expected, Apple is taking the fight to Samsung, delivering a big screen experience to muscle in on the Korean manufacturer’s lucrative bite of the phablet market”. This launch marks a notable change in tactics for Apple. “I think Apple is playing catchup. It’s no secret it’s been aware of
Samsung’s success, and that the iPhone was reaching its apex with popularity. “Everything that has been released post-Steve Jobs jobs has been reactionary. For example, they launched a smaller iPad to compete with Kindle and Nexus 7. ‘Jobs would give customers the device he thought they wanted, while Samsung has been clever throwing all manner of devices at a market to see what sticks. Apple is now standing on the shoulder of giants.
and that Poland was requesting more than the contract provides. In a contract with Gazprom, a country can demand gas within a range volume, but the terms are not disclosed publicly. Kupriyanov said Poland and other customers were receiving as much gas as they had been in early September, but also that Russia was filling its gas storage tanks.
Radioshack may file for bankruptcy
Troubled electronics retailer RadioShack Corp said it may need to file for bankruptcy if its cash situation worsens, after reporting its tenth straight quarterly loss. The company is also exploring other options, including a sale or an investment, to overhaul its balance sheet, it said in a regulatory filing on Thursday. RadioShack, whose sales have been in a freefall since 2010, said it was working with its lenders and landlords to restructure its debt and cut costs. RadioShack shares were down 3.2% at 90 cents in volatile premarket trading. The company raised doubts about its ability to continue as a going concern and said it may have to liquidate as a last resort. RadioShack stores, which have been around for more than 90 years, were once the go-to shops for budding innovators and engineers for products that ranged from vacuum tube speakers to the first mass-produced PC. The retailer, however, has done little to transform itself into a destination for mobile phone buyers, losing out to rivals such as Best Buy Co Inc, Amazon.com Inc and Walmart Stores Inc. The company ended the second quarter with total liquidity of $182.5m. Its total debt was $658m, which matures between 2018 and 2019. Its net loss widened to $137.4m, or $1.35 per share, in the second quarter ended 2 August from $52.2m, or 51 cents per share, a year earlier. Revenue fell nearly 22% to $673.8m. Samestore sales declined 20%.
Snapchat settles lengthy lawsuit with former U.S. jobless claims rise, but firming university classmate
labour market trend intact
The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week, but that probably does not signal a material shift in labour market conditions as claims remain near their pre-recession levels. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased 11,000 to a seasonally adjusted 315,000 for the week ended Sept. 6, the highest level since late June, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims slipping to
300,000 last week. The period included the Labor Day holiday and claims tend to be volatile around holidays. A Labor Department analyst said there were no special factors influencing the state level data. The four-week average of claims, considered a better measure of labor market trends as it irons out week-to-week volatility, edged up 750 to 304,000, not far from prerecession levels and consistent with strengthening labor market conditions. Atlantic City casino closings could bump up claims in the
coming weeks. U.S. Treasury debt prices held their modest gains, while the dollar and U.S. stock index futures were little moved by the data. Job growth braked sharply in August, with employers adding only 142,000 jobs to their payrolls - snapping six consecutive months of job increases above 200,000. Economists, however, cautioned against reading too much into the weakness, noting that payroll gains tend to be smaller in August because of difficulties adjusting the data for seasonal fluctuations in hiring.
Snapchat’s founders have quietly announced that they have settled a long-standing lawsuit with a former colleague, while all eyes were on the launch of Apple’s iPhone 6. Chief Executive Evan Spiegel and Chief Technology Officer Robert Murphy acknowledged that their former fraternity brother, Frank Reginald Brown IV, was integral to the birth of their popular app, where 700 million disappearing messages are sent every day. The settlement comes just a fortnight after Snapchat was valued at £6 billion ($10 billion). Negotiations have been going on for a year-and-ahalf. Mr Brown originally came up with the idea for Snapchat – which sends disappearing photos – in 2011 when the three men were at Stanford University. “He then collaborated with Spiegel and Murphy on the development of Snapchat during its early and most formative days,” a statement issued by Snapchat explains.
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Cash-strapped Zimbabwe to tax mobile phones Harare – Zimbabwe’s finance minister on Thursday announced a raft of tax hikes, including on mobile phones, in a bid to boost dwindling government revenue as economic growth stalls. Harare is facing a revenue crisis so severe it has been forced to stagger civil servants’ pay days as businesses have closed, foreign investment has slumped and imports have risen. Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa cut his output for economic growth to 3.1 percent this year, from
a previous forecast of 6.1 percent, “in view of under-performance in manufacturing”. “The slowdown in gross domestic product growth is also reflected in reduced revenue collections, depressed exports and imports,” he said in his mid-term budget speech to parliament. To boost government coffers, Chinamasa announced a five percent increase in mobile phone airtime and a 25 percent import duty on mobile phone handsets. Excise duty on petrol will go up to
Dell announces world’s thinnest tablet Amid all the Apple hubbub over the last few days, Dell quietly released the world’s thinnest laptop. The sleek device features an edge to edge display and multiple cameras for true 3D images. It runs Android 4.4 and will go on sale at the end of the year in the US and possibly other countries, although a price has not yet been announced. The device was announced at the 2014 Intel Developers Conference in San Francisco,
reports Gizmodo. Called the Dell Venue 8 7000 series, the tablet is a mere 6mm (0.24 inches) thick, beating Sony’s 6.4mm (0.24 inches) Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. It has an 8.4-inch screen with a 2560 x 1600 OLED panel built by Samsung. In addition to this, the glass of the so-called ‘Infinity Display’ stretches almost from edge to edge. This particular model, the Dell Venue 8 7840, comes with four cameras.
EU OKs BSkyB deal to create multinational network
BRUSSELS — The European Union’s antitrust authority says it has approved the bid by Britain’s BSkyB to create a multinational pay TV network by taking control of its sister companies in Italy and Germany. The EU’s executive Commission found the transaction wouldn’t hinder competition since the companies are currently serving different markets that are also separated by language barriers. BSkyB said in July it will buy Sky Italia and 57 percent of Sky Deutschland for 5.35 billion pounds ($8.6 billion) from U.S. media giant 21st Century Fox, creating a network with 20 million customers across three of Europe’s four biggest markets. Media Mogul Rupert Murdoch is chairman and CEO of 21st Century Fox but he is also BSkyB’s largest shareholder with a stake of just over 39 percent.
30 US cents from 25 cents (0.19 euros to 0.23 euros) a litre and the import duty on motor vehicles will rise by between 15 and 20 percent. “Additional revenue collection will be unavoidable,” Chinamasa said. Zimbabwe’s economy has been on a downturn for over a decade which has seen companies shutting down, downsizing or migrating to neighbouring countries. President Robert Mugabe has led the country since 1980 but his decades in power have increasingly been
characterised by corruption, economic crisis and persecution of political opponents. Central Bank chief John Mangudya last month said foreign investment more than halved in the first half of 2014, warning that Zimbabwe must “fight the negative perception” that was scaring off capital. Imports were more than double exports at $3 billion in the first half of the year. Of that, 42 percent came from neighbouring South Africa, followed by Singapore and China, Chinamasa said.
Aston Martin turns to Nissan for new chief executive
Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell Inc, speaks about the new Dell Venue 8 7000 series tablet at the 22014 Intel Developers Conference in San Francisco. The Dell Venue 8 7000 Series tablet is the world’s thinnest tablet with the world’s best tablet display available. Three of them are on the back, with the main one being eight megapixels. The other two enable use of Intel’s RealSense technology. This is intended to be able to take 3D images and possibly allow for gesture control akin to Microsoft’s Kinect, although this feature has not been confirmed for the tablet. In Dell’s tablet the RealSense technology is used to allow images to be finely tuned, with a user able to adjust focus after an image
has been taken. The RealSense technology can even be used to measure the distance between two points in a photo so, for example, by taking a picture of a table you could work out its dimensions with a few taps. Dell also says the tablet has smart albums that ‘enhance and organise every amazing image’. An optional adapter will also enable the device to be connected to a keyboard and mouse.
Luxury carmaker Aston Martin has hired senior Nissan executive Andy Palmer as its new chief executive. Aston Martin has been without a chief executive since Ulrich Bez stepped down after turning 70 in November 2013. Mr Palmer, 51, will take over at Aston “after he completes a transition period from his current employer”, the carmaker said in a statement. The departure of Mr Palmer, who oversaw Nissan’s Infiniti unit, sparked a reshuffle at the Renault-Nissan group. He will be replaced at Nissan by Renault’s Philippe Klein. Mr Palmer is a UK-born chartered engineer who has spent 35 years in the automotive industry, starting as an apprentice at Automotive Products and then moving to Austin Rover. He joined Nissan in 1991, and has been based in Japan for the past 13 years. Mr Palmer joins Aston Martin at what the company called “its most significant and ambitious period of investment to date”. Aston Martin is in a competitive battle with larger premium carmakers, and is investing heavily in vehicle and engine technologies.
Twitter sells $1.3B in bonds to fund future acquisitions It looks like Twitter is preparing to do some early Christmas shopping. Marking its first debt offering, the micro-blogging giant is selling $1.3 billion in convertible bonds, which will likely go to future investments and acquisitions. In a filing released last week Wednesday, Twitter would only say that it planned to use the bulk of the funds “for general corporate purposes.” A company spokesperson declined to comment on the transaction, on Thursday. Two separate debt offerings of $650 million include potential increases of $100 million each, which could ultimately add up to a total of $1.5 billion. Not afraid to spread its wealth around, Twitter already snatched up Namo Media and TapCommerce, this year. Both intended to improve Twitter’s mobile ad efforts, TapCommerce reportedly had a price tag of about $100 million. For undisclosed sums, Twitter
also recently bought security to roughly 255 million – down from software start-ups Mitro and the 30% user growth that Twitter Madbits – a “deep learning” entity reported the previous quarter.) More recently, Twitter saw that boasts the ability to “understand” the content of an image, whether or revenue surge 124% to $312 million not there are tags associated with in the second quarter. The company also posted that image. The move also comes about two adjusted earnings of 2 cents a share months after Twitter brought in – compared to a loss of 12 cents a Anthony Noto in as its new CFO. share year-over-year. Critical to many investors, the Formerly managing director in the Technology, Media and Telecom number of monthly active users also Investment Banking Group at grew by 24% to 271 million, which Goldman Sachs, Noto helped the was faster than some analysts expected. company go public last year. Citing a number of factors – from With the switch – which moved its then CFO Mike Gupta to the role a brighter ad industry outlook to of senior vice president of strategic the addition of TapCommerce to investments – Twitter was clearly Twitter’s ad technology stack – UBS hoping to improve its relationship analyst Eric Sheridan upgraded Twitter’s stock from Neutral to Buy, with Wall Street. During the first quarter of the this week. As of June 30, Twitter already year, the company beat analysts’ earnings estimates, but slower had cash, cash equivalents and user growth continued to cloud its marketable securities totaling about outlook. (During the first quarter, $2.1 billion – down from $2.2 billion monthly active users rose about 25% at the end of March.
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America’s highest paid female CEO is transgender
Martine Rothblatt raked in a cool $38 million last year, according to The New York Times. Rothblatt tops the list as the highest-paid female CEO in 2013. Twenty years ago, Rothblatt would not have been able to claim this title – Martine was born Martin. The 59-year-old founder and CEO of publicly traded pharmaceutical company United Therapeutics transitioned from male to female in 1994. Rothblatt made her first fortune as a founder of Sirius radio in the 1990s when she was still living as a man, New York magazine reports. She launched her current endeavor in 1995, shortly after her transition. Only 11 women made it to the list of the 200 highest-paid CEOs. Rothblatt clocked in at No. 10. Yahoo President and CEO Marissa A. Mayer is the next woman on the list, about 24 slots lower and earning roughly $13 million less than Rothblatt. “I can’t claim that what I have achieved is equivalent to what a woman has achieved. For the first half of my life, I was male,” Rothblatt told New York. Rothblatt’s hurdles might be different from those born women, but life as a transgender woman is far from trouble-free. Transgender and gender-nonconforming people face a barrage of employmentbased discrimination today, and it’s hard to imagine how much worse the situation must have been for Rothblatt when she transitioned two decades ago. Transgender workers have an unemployment rate of 14 percent – that’s twice the rate of the rest of the population, according to a 2013 study.
Apple quietly says goodbye to the iPod Classic
Amidst a slew of new product announcements the other day, Apple unceremoniously killed off the one that is perhaps most responsible for putting the company in the position it is now: the iPod Classic. After over twelve years and several incarnations, the company quietly and unsurreptitiously removed the audio device from its online store, announcing to the world that a giant was gone. While the world is abuzz with new iPhones and how the iWatch is surely going to revolutionize everything (is it really?), very few are looking back at the product that helped bring Apple into it’s current place in the world economy, one where every new product is anticipated like none other and met with unmatched
excitement. The iPod was not the first MP3 player on the market, but it was the only one from that time period that’s still around today (or, was). Now, don’t be too glum, this isn’t the end of iPods as we know it. Various versions of iPod Shuffle, Nano, and Touch are still available, and it’s likely some of them will stick around for a while. This week didn’t mark the end of the quintessential handheld, but rather the beginning of the end. As more and more people move their audio collections—entire lives really— onto their phones, and now other mobile devices, a separate piece of technology seems less and less practical. The iPod is directly responsible for
changing Apple as a company, and helping it surge ahead of all competition a decade or so ago. When the first edition was released back in October of 2001, it was expensive (almost $400), but worth it. While it wasn’t the first to market, Apple had fixed two of the major problems that all MP3 makers were facing: user experience and storage. Before the iPod, the players available could only store a handful of songs, and they were typically hard to use. Apple put it’s magic touch and expert design on a product that was already out there and redefined the vertical almost overnight. The genius of the iPod isn’t that it was an MP3 player, it’s that it was one that worked well enough for everyone to use.
Burger King launches black burger in Japan
Burger King Japan’s burger offerings really have turned to the dark side, with the fast food chain now offering a black-bunned burger that comes with black cheese.
Scottish independence: Pound falls after referendum poll
The value of the pound has fallen in the wake of an opinion poll which suggested the pro-UK campaign had lost its lead ahead of the Scottish independence referendum. Sterling fell by about 1.3% against the US dollar to a ten-month low of $1.61. Shares in some firms with Scottish links have also fallen. The SNP has dismissed a promise by the Chancellor to unveil a timetable for further devolution if voters reject independence as a last-minute “bribe”. George Osborne had said on Sunday that a “plan of action” would be set out in the next few days to give “more powers to Scotland; more tax powers, more spending powers, more powers over the welfare state”. BBC Scotland’s political correspondent Glenn Campbell has reported that a new body will also be set up to hammer out more powers for Holyrood if there is a “No” vote on 18 September. It came in the wake of a YouGov poll for the Sunday Times over the weekend which was the first mainstream study to put the pro-independence Yes Scotland
campaign narrowly ahead. The poll of 1,084 people, carried out between 2 and 5 September, suggested that, of those who have made up their mind, 51% planned to back independence, while 49% intended to vote no. On Monday morning, shares in Scottish-based firms dominated the top fallers on the stock market. Edinburgh-based Standard Life fell 3%, Royal Bank of Scotland slipped 2.4% and Lloyds Banking Group, which owns Bank of Scotland and Scottish Widows, dropped 2.7%. Perth-based energy supplier SSE, Glasgow pumps specialist Weir Group and fund manager Aberdeen Asset Management also all fell between 1.5% and 1.9%. Alistair Darling, head of the pro-UK Better Together campaign, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the referendum race was “clearly very tight” but said there was no panic. He added: “We are in a position now where every voter in Scotland could potentially tip the balance in the referendum.
“But I am confident we will win because we do have a very strong, positive vision of what Scotland can be, both in terms of the opportunities and the security that come from being part of the UK, a strengthened Scottish Parliament, with more powers which is what people want and you can do that without having to break up the country to do it.” Mr Darling stressed that no new powers would be put on the table beyond those already announced by the three main Westminster parties earlier this year. He added: “The additional powers coming to the Scottish parliament were announced by the party leaders, north and south of the border, some time ago. “People have said, ‘Yes we want to know the timetable and the process’ and that is something the government is going to announce this week. “But remember this, this is a referendum on whether or not we stay on the United Kingdom. It is not a referendum on what further powers we are going to get. We are going to get them anyway, if we stay in the United Kingdom.
It may look like leftover burnt scraps of a late-summer barbecue, stuffed with melted tyre fillings, but this bizarre black combination is just Burger King’s latest menu option for Japan. The incinerated-looking buns are darkened with bamboo charcoal, and the same has been used to give the poisonous-looking cheese its melted-tar look. The beef burgers, meanwhile, have added black pepper, and are topped with an onion and garlic sauce mixed with squid ink. From September 19, Burger King will sell two more black burgers - the Kuro Pearl priced at 480 yen (£2.80) and the Kuro Diamond at (£4.00). These both feature black cheese made with bamboo charcoal - blackpepper burger, onion and garlic sauce with squid ink and the eye-catching black bun. The international chain says it is the third time it has released a gothlike burger (the others had black buns and black ketchup) and diners have so far given them a “favourable reception.” Strange as they seem, however, Burger King’s Kuro Pearl and Kuro Diamond are not the first black burgers around. Opso in London does a fish burger and squid ink bun, while French burger chain Quick created a black bun – named Dark Vador – in 2012 to mark the release of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace in 3D. Then there are the regional dishes that prove black foods are more than a gimmick, from the Spanish Arros Negre (a cuttlefish and rice dish) tosquid ink risotto, black pasta – and, of course, black pudding. While in 2009, jelly-makers Bompas and Parr held an all-black banquetusing, among other things, black truffles, blackberries and caviar. The idea, according to Sam Bompas, was based around the fact that “black food is actually a luxury, a way of laughing at death to overcome it”. It may be an extravagant claim for the purveyors of fast food, but it certainly adds a dash of danger to your burger.
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Security concerns over Windies-India ODI clash
DHARMASALA, India — Security cover has been requested for the fifth One-Day International (ODI) between the West Indies and India scheduled for the hillside town of Dharmasala October 20. The match is due to be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket (HPCA) Association
Stadium, but officials are taking no chances because of a conflict between HPCA and the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh. HPCA has written to the district police and civil authorities requesting security cover and administrative support during the match, the second
international fixture at the venue. “We have written to the district police and the district administration requesting security cover and support during the upcoming ODI match between India and West Indies,” said HPCA spokesperson Sanjay Sharma. “We hope for cooperation and
support from both the district police and the civil administration to make the event successful”. The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh and HPCA are locked in a fierce battle over alleged irregularities in the functioning of HPCA. The tussle between the Congress-led state government
and the HPCA had forced officials to cancel Indian Premier League (IPL) matches this season at the HPCA stadium which hosted nine IPL matches in the last four seasons. Dharamsala last hosted an international event when the India- England ODI was played here in January 2013.
Williams takes aim at Continental gold
Freshly minted Commonwealth Games triple jump champion Kimberly Williams is looking forward to her first appearance at the IAAF Continental Cup in Marrakech, Morocco, on the weekend and is particularly pleased about representing the region alongside good friend and circuit rival Caterine Ibarguen, from Colombia. The pair will be competing for Team Americas in the interContinental championships, which takes place at the Stade de Marrakech. Williams, who also won a silver medal at this year’s World Indoor Championships in Sopot, Poland, says she is honoured to not only represent her country, Jamaica, but also all the countries in the region. “It’s an honour and I am excited that I was selected to represent the entire region at the Continental Cup,” Williams told The Gleaner. Getting a spot on the team is just rewards for Williams, who has continued her impressive Kimberly Williams improvements since qualifying for the finals at the 2012 Olympic The 25-year-old is now considered Games in London and the 2013 World among the world’s elite triple jumpers Championships in Moscow. and goes into the championships with
after her medal exploits in Poland and Scotland. “It’s been a great year; podium-wise it is my best season,” Williams said. “Stepping on the podium at the World Indoor Championships was a great experience. I was extremely happy because, of course, it was my first major medal. While I was on the podium with the bronze medal, I wondered to myself what it would be like to be up there with the gold. Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait tong. I got the opportunity to experience it in Glasgow and it’s something that I could definitely get used to,” said Williams. That’s the objective in Morocco, where she will not only be competing against Ibarguen, but as her teammate - one of the rare features that the Continental Cup provides for athletes and track and field fans alike. “Ibarguen is a very good athlete and a lovely person. She smiles and laughs a lot like me. Even though we are rivals, most times when I am jumping a season’s best 14.59 metres, the she is there cheering for me, shouting: fourth-best jumper in the world this ‘Let’s go Kimberly’. She says it in season and even greater confidence Spanish though,” Williams laughed.
Florida Panthers set for Doha a distant series of clinics in Nassau memory for Spencer
THE Bahamas’ sports tourism product has made an impact in several sports wellknown to Bahamians and will now venture into new territory. The Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL) are scheduled to visit the capital this week for a series of clinics and community outreach programmes. The Panthers are expected to visit the Princess Margaret Hospital and conduct a youth hockey clinic for children aged seven to 15 years at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, 9am to noon on Saturday, September 6. Greg Rolle, director of sports tourism, said his department set out to dominate the South Florida market and has now worked in conjunction with the Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins and now a new venture for the Bahamas in the hockey arena with the Panthers. “The Panthers are going
to come to the Bahamas for the first time. We are going to partner with Jet Blue and what we are going to do is an outreach programme,” said Mr Rolle. “We’re going to work with urban renewal, get some of the inner-city kids and show them the game of hockey. Instead of playing it on ice, we are going to play in the streets. The whole idea is to have an outreach programme to show the partnerships that we have.” The Panthers’ organisation previously visited the Bahamas when their Ice Dancers conducted a calendar shoot in Grand Bahama. Rolle said the performance of the sports tourism unit shows the Bahamas possesses the ability to host major events. “Our goals are two-fold, we want to increase visitor arrival and expenditure and our second goal is to increase opportunities for Bahamians to get a ‘piece of
the pie’ when it comes to sports tourism. We keep it simple and we have specific targets for what we want to do,” he said. “Ultimately we want to have a hockey exhibition in the Bahamas. If we can do what we did with the Miami Heat, with the versatility we have with the ballroom to transform it into an arena and training centre, then we can do it to hockey. If we can do it with hockey, they will see that the Bahamas, we may be a small country, but we have big ambitions when it comes to making things like this happen. We are really doing a lot of things in the travel and trade arena, promoting sun, sand and sea. In terms of sports, people don’t really know that much about what we are doing. That’s the reason why we went after the Miami Heat to show that we could have such an event in the Bahamas, and we’re trying to reach other big marquis events.”
TRY TO recall when last Kaliese Spencer lost a 400-metre hurdles race. It’s a distant memory. At the Doha Diamond League meet in May, 2009 World Champion Lashinda Demus of the United States faded down the stretch and Kemi Adekoya of Bahrain slid through to win from lane one. That was the last time Spencer lost a hurdles race. Second in Doha, the leggy Jamaican has been undefeated since then. Her masterful National Championships win was achieved in 53.41 seconds, which is the fastest in the world this year. That paved the way for gold at the Commonwealth Games, our first ever in the women’s event in that discipline. Her dominant displays produced eight of the 10 fastest times of the year so far. Even better, Spencer has refined her race tactics. In times past, she’d be out early and out of gas early. Now, she paces herself so well that she is always full of run over hurdles eight, nine and 10. With World Champion Zuzana Hejnova likely to be 100 per cent next year, success isn’t guaranteed. But with her new race plan polished, Spencer can go to Beijing for the 2015 World Championships with confidence. By comparison, Spencer has run three times under 54 seconds this year, with the average of her top 10 times rounding out to 54.242. The corresponding figures for Hejnova’s 2013 season are nine sub 53 clockings and 53.479 seconds. As the 2014 Diamond League champion, Spencer is guaranteed a spot in Beijing. Perhaps the Stephen Francis-coached star will reach her stated goal of winning the Worlds and the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
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SPORTS Man United predicts fall in profit after pitch woes
Manchester United is set to suffer financially as a result of a poor performance on the pitch. The football club predicts that profits and revenues will fall in 2015 after failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years. The prediction comes as it reports a plunge in profits, despite record revenues for 2014. Net income fell 84% for the year to 30 June to £23.8m, down from £146m a year ago. Manchester United said that was due in part to last year’s profit being
boosted by a one-off tax credit, without which it would have made a loss. The club, majority-owned by the American Glazer family, said revenue increased 19% to £433.2m in the 201314 financial year, thanks to improved TV and sponsorship deals. However, that is now predicted to fall to between £385m and £395m. Similarly, underlying profits were £130.1m for the year to 30 June and that is now forecast to fall to between £90m and £95m. The results also showed that David Moyes and his backroom staff received
a total of £5.2m in compensation following the former Manchester United manager’s sacking in April after less than a year in the job. Ed Woodward, executive vice chairman of Manchester United, said: “With Louis van Gaal at the helm as manager, and the recent signing of some of the world’s leading players to further strengthen our squad, we are very excited about the future and believe it’s the start of a new chapter in the club’s history. “Louis’ footballing philosophy fits very well with Manchester United and
Strong reactions to Ray Rice video, player’s release
Football is a fraternity, and NFL players rarely criticize each other publicly, especially when it comes to matters of discipline. That changed with the release of a video Monday that shows Ray Rice striking his then-fiancee in February. Hours later, the running back was let go by the Baltimore Ravens and suspended indefinitely by the NFL. Players across the league made their feelings clear through social media and in interviews. Among the most outspoken was Denver defensive tackle Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton. He unleashed a series of tweets saying, among other things, that Rice should be kicked out of the league and thrown in jail. He also criticized NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for initially suspending Rice for just two games. “It just came from the heart, really,” Knighton explained later in the locker room. “Whether I was a football player or not, I spoke my mind. A lot of guys don’t speak their mind just because
of four boys, “and I’m a role model for them also. So, I don’t think that’s acceptable in any workplace, any job you have, anywhere you live, wherever you are, what color you are, how much money you make. That shouldn’t be accepted anywhere.” He said if one of his teammates were involved in domestic violence, “I wouldn’t be friends with the guy or talk to the guy.” Knighton said he didn’t speak out about Rice’s initial two-game suspension because Janay Rice, left, looks on as her husband, Baltimore Ravens running back Ray he didn’t know all the details. “Originally, you just see Rice, speaks to the media during a news conference. him carrying her so you they’re worried about the I would never want anybody don’t know what happened,” consequences and what to put their hands on my Knighton said. “... But now people think. But I’m one of mother or sister. I believe the that the video is out, I think those guys that regardless of punishment is what it should the league handled it the what it is, I’m going to speak be.” right way. Like I said, there’s Caldwell acknowledged no place in the world for my mind. “I felt strongly about that players are loathe to domestic violence.” the situation and domestic criticize one another, but When Knighton saw violence overall. So I just “sometimes you’ve got to step the TMZ video of Rice’s hit, spoke on it. I gave my opinion. up, not just as a football player, Knighton took to Twitter, I think the league handled it and voice your opinion. And if saying “this video “makes you really feel strongly about me sick to my stomach” and the right way.” Denver teammate Bubba something, I don’t think the adding, “That man should be Caldwell said Knighton’s uniform you wear or the team thrown out the nfl and thrown tweets made him watch the you play for should determine into jail. Shame on those video, “and once I saw it, I if you speak out or not.” deciding his punishment. Knighton is the oldest Smh.” was 100 percent behind him.
he has an impressive track record of success throughout his career, winning league titles with every club he has managed.” However, with only two points from their opening three Premier League games, in addition to a shock Capital One Cup defeat by MK Dons , Van Gaal’s reign has not started well. In July, Manchester United announced a record breaking £750m 10-year shirt manufacturer sponsorship deal with Adidas, after Nike decided to end its association with the club at the end of the 2014-15 season.
Rihanna’s song cut from Ravens show because of Rice scandal?
The debut of CBS’ “Thursday Night Football” broadcast was revised because of controversy surrounding the video of Ray Rice knocking his then-fiancee unconscious, CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus said. The debut game Thursday, featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore, was eliminating a track of Jay-Z’s “Run This Town” featuring Rihanna, McManus said. Other “high-energy” elements and a comedic one also were being dropped. The changes were made to give the game coverage a more “subdued” tone and journalistic approach, McManus said. The broadcast was to open with a report by CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell about Rice, who was cut by the Baltimore Ravens after TMZ released the surveillance video Monday. The footage has called into question how the NFL disciplines players involved in domestic violence. Earlier, Rice had been suspended for two games for the assault. Asked if Rihanna’s own history as a victim of domestic violence was a reason the song was cut, McManus said it was among several factors considered but was not the overriding one. Rihanna was attacked by then-boyfriend Chris Brown before the 2009 Grammy Awards. How the network will approach next week’s broadcast has yet to be determined, McManus said.
Michael Schumacher leaves hospital for recovery at home
Former F1 champion Michael Schumacher has left a Swiss hospital to continue his recovery at home, his manager says. Sabine Kehm said in a statement that he had made “progress”, but there was “a long and difficult road ahead”. Schumacher suffered a head injury in a skiing accident in France in December last year and was transferred to the Swiss hospital in June. Schumacher’s family said in June that he had come out of a medically
induced coma to reduce swelling in his brain. Schumacher spent six months at a hospital in France after his accident, before being transferred to the hospital in Lausanne. His family home is in Gland, which is on the shores of Lake Geneva, some 40km (25 miles) from Lausanne. “Henceforth, Michael’s rehabilitation will take place at his home. Considering the severe injuries he suffered, progress has been made in the past weeks and
months,” Ms Kehm said in a statement on Tuesday. The statement did not give any indication of whether there had been a change in the state of Schumacher’s health. “We ask that the privacy of Michael’s family continue to be respected, and that speculations about his state of health are avoided,” it added. His family and manager also thanked the team at CHUV Lausanne hospital “for their thorough and
competent work”. Schumacher underwent two operations to remove blood clots from his brain before he was put into a medically induced coma to try to reduce swelling. Investigators probing the accident at the French ski resort of Meribel said Schumacher had been going at the speed of “a very good skier” at the time of his crash. He had been skiing off-piste when he fell and hit a rock, they said.
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WORLD SPORTS
Webb says FIFA’s bad image affecting football
MANCHESTER, England — FIFA’s image problems are harming football and it must work to regain trust over “ethics and morals,” according to one of Sepp Blatter’s deputies. But FIFA vice president Jeffrey Webb stopped short of criticizing Blatter, who has led the governing body since 1998 and is standing for a fifth term, instead praising the president for driving up revenue. The scandal-hit governing body,
Gasol’s Spain future in doubt after shock World Cup loss Spain centre Pau Gasol has doubts about his future with the national team following the hosts’ shock quarter-final defeat by France at the basketball World Cup on Wednesday. The Spaniards, packed with NBA talents and joint favourites with the United States, were expected to reach the final but the contest against France which began with fans in festive spirits ended with calls for coach Juan Antonio Orenga to resign. The defeat could well mean the end of an era for a successful Spanish side who lifted the 2006 World Cup, bagged silver medals at the last two Olympics and won two of the last three European Championships. “You never know when it is your last game or your last tournament,” Gasol told reporters after the 65-52 loss. The Chicago Bulls player has been the talisman for the side but he, like several others in the squad, are approaching the end of their illustrious careers. “I would like to play until I am 50 but I doubt I will. It is an honour to play for my country but you never know...We have great young players coming through and I am sure that we will have a strong side for the future,” said the 34-year-old. “It is a painful defeat. We had big hopes and up until now had been playing very well. The 50 rebounds that they took compared to (Spain’s) 28 is a massive difference. They dominated this area and we didn’t move the ball around. “I am proud of the team and my team-mates. It reminds me of Athens 2004 (Olympics) when we won all the games and we lost in the quarterfinals. It is very painful but it is part of sport.” Gasol, who faced France carrying an injury, was one of the few players to come out of the game with some credit but was unable to lift the team. His brother Marc Gasol had travelled back to Barcelona the previous day for the birth of his daughter and looked disorientated and lost in both defence and attack.
though, remains synonymous with corruption with only limited changes to its governance. “It is (tarnished),” Webb said of FIFA on Tuesday at the SoccerEx conference. “I do believe that FIFA has some huge challenges and definitely from image and perception, that is definitely perhaps the No. 1 challenge ... image and public perception is definitely affecting the game. “Obviously we don’t see it when it comes to revenue and the business side,
but definitely from an ethics and morals standpoint I believe we have a lot of work to do. We have to build up trust and confidence. We have got to be consistent.” That involves publishing the report into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding contests handed to FIFA last week by ethics investigator Michael Garcia, according to Webb and fellow FIFA vice president Jim Boyce. FIFA has previously refused to publicly disclose the full findings of ethics
investigations. “FIFA want to be transparent now,” Boyce told The Associated Press at SoccerEx. “Certainly if people are deemed and it’s proved that they were corrupt in anyway then of course the people should know.” Despite his image problem, Blatter has largely emerged unscathed from corruption scandals that have discredited many former members of his executive committee.
US Open: Serena Williams joy at matching Navratilova and Evert Serena Williams said she had felt the pressure of chasing an 18th Grand Slam title until Sunday’s US Open victory. The American beat Caroline Wozniacki 6-3 6-3 to go fourth on the all-time list of major winners alongside Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. Williams, 32, admitted it had been on her mind all year, and was the first thing she thought of upon victory. “I’ve been trying to reach it for so long,” she said. “I didn’t really think I would get there. I felt so good.” Navratilova and Evert joined Williams for the trophy ceremony and presented her with a bracelet carrying the number ‘18’ to make her achievement. “It means a lot to me,” said the world number one. “I just could never have imagined that I would be mentioned with Chris Evert or with Martina Navratilova, because I was just a kid with a dream and a racquet. “Living in Compton, this never happened before.” It was Williams’s sixth US Open and 18th Grand Slam title, but her first in a year that, before New York, had seen her fail to get past the fourth round at any of the other majors. “I definitely did not think I was going to win a Slam this year,” she added. “And I even said, ‘I’m ready to start next year already. Let’s put this behind me.’ “I’m grateful to win a Grand Slam this year. It feels really good.” Williams has now won six US Open, five Wimbledon, five Australian Open and two French Open titles over the course of 15 years - a record span of years between winning Grand Slams. Both Navratilova and Evert won their 18 titles over the course of 12 years, and Williams’s longevity is something that John McEnroe, a fourtime US Open winner, believes makes her the best ever. “She won her first US Open at 17, she’s about to turn 33 – that’s a pretty good run she’s got going there,” said the American on CBS TV coverage.
Serena Williams celebrated her victory over Caroline Wozniacki in the United States Open women’s singles final, her 18th Grand Slam title, tying her with Chris Evert and Martinia Navratilova. “It’s pretty hard to argue with the fact that if she’s playing the way she’s capable of playing, she’s the greatest female player of all time. “How intimidating she is, with the power, she’s got everything.” Wozniacki could certainly vouch for the power after suffering her ninth defeat in 10 meetings with Williams, a close friend away from the court. “I think when Serena’s on her game, there’s not much we can do,” said the Dane. “She works hard every day, just like us, but when she needs to she can pull out that big serve. “She has the power. She can push
us back on the court and take the initiative.” Williams planned to meet up with Wozniacki after the final, saying “we’re gonna hang out later tonight, I definitely will buy the drinks,” but she is already focused on winning a 19th Grand Slam title. Overtaking Steffi Graf’s Open era record of 22 singles titles is not in her plans yet, however. “I am thinking about 19, which I’m kind of disappointed about,” she said. “It hasn’t even been three hours and I have already mentioned 19. But not 22. I’m taking it one at a time.”
Women front and center of Japan’s Asian Games team Japan heads to the Asian Games with the team’s top two symbolic leadership roles filled by women for the first time in what may mark a growing focus on women’s sports in its traditionally male-dominated society. Giving the roles of captain and flag bearer to women at the could be seen as a nod to
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s efforts to raise the profile of women in the country. The issue of women’s sport in Japan came sharply into focus in 2012 when the women’s soccer team rode economy class to the London Olympics despite having won the World Cup a year earlier, while the less successful men’s
team flew business class. “I’m very nervous, but I want to do my best,” said captain Hiromi Miyake, a 28-year-old weightlifter who won silver at the 2012 London Olympics. “The Asian Games is the biggest competition after the Olympics, so since it is one point on the road to the Olympics I want to do my best
- and hope it leads to me being selected for the Olympics.” The flagbearer for the Asian Games in Incheon, west of Seoul, is Kaori Kawanaka, an Olympian archer. Once an Asian Games powerhouse, Japan dominated the medals table from the inaugural Games in New Delhi in 1951 through the 1978
Bangkok Asiad. China took control of the medals table at New Delhi in 1982 and Japan has battled neighbours South Korea for second place ever since. Japan’s 716-strong delegation will include Olympians such as judoka Kaori Matsumoto along with less well-known figures.
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