JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
Website: www.suntci.com
VOLUME 11 - NO. 04
Email: sun@suntci.com
Tel: (649) 339-5879
$1.00
Fax: (649) 941-3281
www.facebook.com/tcisun
MONEY TRANSFER BLOCK FSC considering legal action against commercial banks By Vivian Tyson
T
Beaches Donates $35k to TCI Education Scholarship Fund
he Financial Services Commission (FSC) is contemplating seeking a judicial review into why at least two commercial banks in the Turks and Caicos Islands are denying money transfer companies the right to open accounts with them. Kevin Higgins, Director for the FSC told The SUN that money transfer companies have been complaining in recent time that the banks either have closed existing accounts or have been deny new applications. While the banks claim that the money transfer companies are high risk operations, Higgins believe their refusal to grant accounts to remittance companies goes deeper than face value. “A lot of the businesses that traditionally went through the banks when people want to send money home have moved to the money transfer people, like Western Union and C.A.M, because you get same day credit when you send it and it’s cheaper. So about $70 million a year is Beaches Turks & Caicos continued its commitment to promote education in the TCI this week when the resort donated now going through the money transfer a $35,000 check to the island’s tertiary education scholarship fund. The resort has been a longtime supporter of businesses. education in the TCI and has donated over $280,000 to the scholarship fund since 2006. Minister of Education, “The banks, I think, want to get Honorable Akierra Missick who accepted the check on behalf of her Ministry, expressed her gratitude to Beaches Resort that business back, so they are giving for the annual contribution. “The Department of Education is grateful for this partnership and for the financial donation the money transfer companies a lot of to our scholarship fund,” she said, “This donation will go a long way as it will help to further the academic goals of many pressure, saying that they are high Turks & Caicos Islanders and will also help with their career endeavors.” “This is a great initiative for us, not only risk and so therefore, they don’t to operate in the culture of these kinds are we committed to enhancing education through the Sandals Foundation, but we are also committed to providing of businesses. So it is becoming more financial avenue through the resort for qualified islanders who wish to pursue higher education,” said PR Manager of a difficulty for the money transfer Elanor Finfin Krzanowski who made the presentation on behalf of the resort, “This check presentation is evidence of our businesses to do business because continued commitment and unwavering support to young people of these islands.” The yearly contribution will go to obviously they receive cash and the consolidated fund to supplement the scholarship budget for the 2015/2016 school curriculum. In this photograph, they need to deposit that cash in a Minister of Education Hon. Akierra Missick receives the cheque from Beaches PR Manager Elanor Finfin Krzanowski commercial bank. This has been going on for some time,” Higgins said. He said that remittance companies board that these firms were having one licensee of ours that meets the banks can do business with whomever began complaining last year after problems with the commercial banks. same standard of another licensee they deem appropriate, but when Yes, we understand the high risk, but of ours, would say they don’t want to you put a whole class of business out banks started closing their accounts. “I think C.A.M made the first our position is, we licensed the banks do business with one of our licensee, of business or when you refuse to do complaint last year and then and we licensed the money transfer licensed by the same entity, maintain business with a whole class of business, that appears to be discrimination, and MoneyGram made the second companies. We enforce the Proceeds of the same standard etc,” Higgins said. He added: “So we need to get secondly these are licensees of ours, so complaint, and now Western Union. Crime Ordinance on all of our licensees, It is not just one firm; it is across the so we are unable to understand why this clarified. We understand that the we are responsible for them. Continued on Page 2
Green tips to save you some Green — Setting Computers and Copiers to sleep when not in use helps to cut energy cost by 40%, but shutting them off completely and unplugging their power supplies ensures that they stop using electricity altogether.
www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 | P.O. Box 132 Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
House approves investigation into hospitals Page 8
Lillian Missick complains about ‘fish market’ behaviour in Parliament - Page 10
Gov’t to pay InterHealth Canada about $1billion - Page 17
David Smith wants to spend less time in USA jail - Page 11
Page 2
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
MONEY TRANSFER BLOCK FSC considering legal action against commercial banks
Continued from Page 1
The issue is coming to a head now and we need to get it clarified.” Higgins said that the FSC is not ruling out bringing the matter to court for a resolution. “As always in business, and these kinds of matters, eventually will no doubt get to the court, because ultimately the court determines the law and rules on these things. We are trying to talk to the banks, we have discussions going back and forth, saying that if you have a specific problem with one of them, tell us what it is and we can look at it,” he said. Western Union, up until recently, was owned by Fidelity Bank out of the Bahamas. The Butterfield Gold Group now owns the franchise. Higgins questioned the rationale behind the commercial banks accommodated Fidelity when it operated the money transfer business, but refused to allow
new owners Butterfield Gold Group to open an account. “If you were doing business with Western Union before when it was foreign owned, why don’t you want to do business when it is Belonger owned? What’s the problem? Is it the business or the people who own it? So we are trying to understand what is the concern of the bank, and if we can address it, then hopefully, we can solve that problem without it going any further, but it just seems to get worst and worst,” he said. He added: “We had a case with one Canadian bank where they say with one money transfer company, we have to close their account in Turks, and then we got a credit reference from the same bank in Montreal, where the same (money transfer) company has had an account for 10 years, and the bank said they are excellent customers.
“So we said, how come the bank in get a remittance license, the regulators Montreal is dealing with them but you in the first instance, tighten the don’t want to deal with them in Turks? regulation before issuing the license in Give us the reason, and they can’t give the first place, considerably. us any reason other than to say they “And on top of that, the banks are high risk.” themselves stopped accepting many Christopher Stokes, the remittance companies. You go to MoneyGram franchise holder for the Russia, for instance, I understand that Turks and Caicos, whose business in order to do a remittance, you have to has been affected by commercial bank work through the banks,” he said. account closing debacle, said that Stokes noted that the Caribbean shutting down of remittance accounts region has been going through deis a world-wide phenomenon, and is risking as well, saying that most being used as a tool by world leaders of the banks in Jamaica, if not all, to fight terrorism financing and money have actually stopped taking cambio laundering. operations and are reluctant to take He said that the main reason remittance operations. banks are afraid is that the financial “They may grandfather you in, but institutions deemed guilty of money they are not taking any new accounts, laundering and terrorism financing or they have a very strict requirement,” wittingly or unwittingly are fined he said. heftily, sometimes up to $100 million. He said that some banks, such as The World Bank and the IMF Royal Bank of Canada in Trinidad and wants to push remittances as a tool National Commercial Bank in Jamaica, for development and the spreading which operated remittance companies of wealth for equitable growth in the – were forced to close those operations world economy, the United States in order to clear certain international financial regulators and the Foreign financial hurtles. Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) “So it seems to me that FirstCaribbean are putting a great deal of pressure on and RBC in the region just have a the commercial and correspondence blanket policy that they are closing banks to de-risk, forcing many of them all the existing remittance accounts, to sideline the remittance business and which happened to me. My account at other high-risk activities, including RBC was closed. They are closing the cambio and casino operations. remittance accounts, and they are not “Globally there is increased taking in on any new customers. Scotia regulations and sanctions for large is a little more nuance, but at the end banks who have been found guilty of the day, the bar to get an account of money laundering or terrorism there is extremely high,” he said. financing knowingly or unknowingly. The SUN sought to contact Tony Over the years we you have seen a Faessler, President of the Turks and major push in what is called ‘de-risking’ Caicos Islands Bankers Association to worldwide. For instance, in the United weigh in on the dispute, but this effort Kingdom, where it was fairly easy to proved futile.
Confident Malique leaves for Miss Teen Universe
A confident Miss Teen Turks and Caicos Islands Universe leaves for the coronation in Guatemala on the weekend. Ferrette said that she would be working hard to bring back the crown, but for sure she will return being a better individual. She said that her confidence it at its highest. “My confidence level is definitely been boosted. My determination has definitely taken charge because beforehand, I have always been a determined person, but having to go against so many people, and realizing that I am no longer going to representing myself, I am representing the entire country, you definitely should expect a hard-working person and a winner to come back home,” she said. Ferrette told The SUN that she believed she was well prepared for the pageant. “Preparation-wise, it has been extremely hectic. You get up in the morning and do your workout, then you have to go straight to runway training. Interview skills, we are definitely working on that. While preparation has been crazy, I would say it is stressful, I have been really calm about it. I am really confident that we are going to do well,” she said.
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 3
Page 4
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 5
Page 6
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 7
LOCAL NEWS
“Washy” benefits financially from Special Retiring Allowance Law
Former Chief Minister and current Finance Minister Hon. Washington Misick
The Retiring Allowances 2004, made him eligible to Legislative Service Special receive two thirds of the what Provisions Bill 2015, paving the current chief minister the way for former chief or premier is getting, but minister and now Minister because of the anomaly, only of Finance, Investment and received retired legislator’s Trade Hon. Washington pension instead of a chief Misick to collect outstanding minister or premier. retirement funds due to him, She said that Misick passed the House of Assembly was qualified to receive his this week. chief minister’s pension in Attorney General Hon. 2003, when the salary for the Rhondalee Brathwaite- chief minister was $125,000, Knowles, who piloted the but the incongruity denied bill through the House, said him that opportunity. Misick has never received a “So he would otherwise chief minister’s pension but being paid at two-thirds of just as a member of the House $125,000, but he is actually of Assembly. As a result, being paid at two-thirds of the passage of the Retiring $39,888. As to the number of Allowances Legislative years that this bill is being in Services Special Provision effect,” she said that. Bill 2015 will see him getting She said that in 2004, seven years back payment the House passed the Retiring of about $57,000 over seven Allowance Ordinance Bill to years. reduce the number of years She said that Missick was a person has to serve as a the only former chief minister legislator in order to qualify who was being paid less than for retirement allowances all past chief minister because from three consecutive full of a legislative foul-up. As parliamentary terms to two a result, he was receiving consecutive parliamentary two thirds of $46,900m, far terms or for a period of an less than what other chief eight-year aggregate. ministers or premiers were She said that as a result, getting. about eight former and Brathwaite-Knowles said present legislators became though that an amendment eligible, who were previously made to that ordinance in not qualified.
“So what the retiring Allowance Ordinance did – the principle ordinance - was that it sets a formula for two thirds of the salary that the former legislator would have been paid, when that legislator left the House of Assembly. It left that in place in respect of Members of the House of Assembly, which includes the ministers, the appointed members, the speaker, the leader of the opposition. “And it only made a change only in respect of the former chief ministers, so that it linked the two thirds to the basic salary of the current holder or the post of the office of chief minister at the time the persons became eligible. “So if a member was in the House as chief minister and retired; if they came out of the house because they weren’t elected or because they chose not to run; then this change would mean that once the person became eligible, that person will take the pension as a chief minister, not on the basis on what they were being paid when they were in the House, but on the basis on the salary payable, and that salary is in the appropriation,” she said.
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT ON FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR HON. DR. ROSITA BUTTERFIELD The death is announced of the late Hon. Dr. Rosita Butterfield, MBE former Speaker of the Legislative Council 1991-1993 on Saturday 10th January 2014 in Nassau, Bahamas. The State Funeral service will be held at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sport Complex, Downtown Ballpark, Providenciales on Thursday February 5th, 2015 at 10:00am. Her body will be lie in the State at the House of Assembly from 1:00pm-12:00am Monday 2nd February and from 8:00am-2:00pm Tuesday 3rd February. The House of Assembly Members will view the body between the hours of 3:00pm – 4:00pm on Monday 2nd. The members of the family will view the body from 4:00pm- 5:00pm, the Nurses Association and other Government Officials from 5:00pm – 6:00pm and the general public from 6:00pm – 11:30pm. The body will leave the House of Assembly on Tuesday 3rd February at 1:30pm from the JAGS McCartney International Airport to depart for Providenciales at 2:00pm. The body will lie at the Faith Tabernacle Church, Leeward Highway from 3:00pm Tuesday February 3rd until 9:00am on Thursday 5th February, 2015. Family viewing would take place from 4:00pm – 6:00pm and the Nurses Association and Government Officials from 6:00pm – 7:00pm and the general public from 7:00pm – 11:00pm. On Wednesday 4th February there will be a public viewing from 8:00am - 6:00pm. The body will leave the Faith Tabernacle Church and will proceed along Leeward Highway to the Gustavus Lightbourne Sport Complex, Downtown Ballpark on Thursday 5th February, 2015 at 9:00am. All attending members of the public are asked to be seated by 8:45am. The public is further asked to note that persons will not be allowed to enter the venue after 9:00am. The service will be carried live on Radio Turks and Caicos and local television stations. On Thursday February 5th the following roads will be closed from 9:00 am: •Down Town section of Leeward Highway •Butterfield Drive •Sections of Blue Hills Road and Kew Town All flags are to be flown half-mast from today until the date of the funeral.
Page 8
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
House approves investigation into InterHealth Canada hospitals
A private member’s motion to launch investigations into the overall workings of the two InterHealth Canada-run hospitals – the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales and the Cockburn Town Medical Centre in Grand Turk - passed in the House of Assembly. Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, who piloted the proposition, said that the investigations should include the construction, clinical and financial audits. “I ask the honourable members of this House to support a review the cost of construction, as well as the operational agreement for this contract from the beginning to its end. And more specifically, the cost, repaying of closer to a billion (dollars) than I thought that a run 20-bed facility and one 10-bed facility cost,” she said. The motion which was moved by the Hon. Leader of the Opposition and seconded by Hon Member for Grand Turk South, Hon Edwin Astwood, stated: WHEREAS in 2006, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government embarked upon an ambitious process that it termed as a Health Services Renewal Program. AND WHEREAS in 2008, after what it termed an open and rigorous bidding process, representatives of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government traveled to London to sign a Project contract with InterHealth Canada in what was to be a Public Private Partnership (PPP). AND WHEREAS the contract was to design, build, equip, maintain and operate two new Hospitals in Grand Turk and Providenciales. AND WHEREAS the contract was held as fully confidential until a document was leaked and confirmed as a true and correct document. AND WHEREAS the people of these Islands have had serious reasons to be concerned about the contract specifically the more public terms that of the
exorbitant costs of the contract, the cost plus arrangement versus capitation, the required Audits, the functioning and importance of critical oversight committees, the timing of the contract review, the limited medical services offered and consequent increase in referrals overseas as well as the general care at the Facilities. AND WHEREAS the Government has not been forthcoming with information or taken any action to address the concerns of the people and the high costs of the operation of this Contract. BE IT RESOLVED that this Honorable House recommends to the Governor that a thorough investigation be carried out into the pre operating costs including but not limited to the construction costs and the operation of this contract. InterHealth Canada, in a press release on Wednesday (January 28, 2015), said that it welcomes the audit. “We have noted the motion put before the House of Assembly January 27th, 2015, and understand that the motion was approved. If a properly constituted, independent review into the matters raised in the motion is launched, we wish to state very openly that we welcome that process and will fully participate, in the same fashion we welcomed the financial audit and the clinical audit carried out at the request of Government in the past months,” said Takara Bain, Publications Officer for InterHealth Canada, said. Cartwright-Robinson said that the people of these islands yearned for the two promised state-of-the-art medical facilities, but no longer after hospitals were open that problems began to surface, spurring the call to see the contract, which was deemed confidential. “This caused some level of suspicion. Names and qualification of the doctors were kept secret under the contract,” Cartwright-Robinson told the House,
Blue Haven Resort is inviting suitable applications for the following position: Director of Food and Beverage Reporting to the Corporate Chef, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: ➢Consistently offer professional, friendly and engaging service. ➢Lead and manage the day to day operations of the Food & Beverage Division ensuring all service standards are followed. ➢Drive innovative promotions, menus and concepts; creating a destination of choice for both Hotel and external guests. ➢Lead and support all Food & Beverage departments in the achievement of their financial and operational targets. ➢Prepare annual budgets and administer in a fiscally responsible manner. ➢Implement effective control of food, beverage, labor and operating expenses throughout the F&B division. ➢Assist in the preparation of the annual strategic plan and achieve the goals and targets therein. ➢Ensure the implementation of standards in guest service and constantly seek out ways to improve product and service as well as increase volumes and profits. ➢Follow department policies, procedures and service standards. ➢Follow all safety policies Requirements: ➢Minimum of 5 years of previous Food and Beverage international experience in a senior leadership role ➢University/College degree ➢Computer literate in Microsoft Window applications required ➢Strong interpersonal and problem solving abilities ➢Highly responsible & reliable with the ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced environment ➢Ability to work cohesively as part of a team ➢Ability to focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times
Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience. PLEASE SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO:
hr@bluehaventci.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department. Submissions to be no later than February 13th 2015 Belongers need only apply.
added that former Chief Financial Officer, Hugh McGarel Groves was right when he said that the hospital costs was an albatross around our people’s. “We are spending a large amount of money on the operation of this contract, in particularly on the wards of the state, which one group that I am particularly concerned about, and that is those who are not documented. While we do not subscribe to no one being turned away, as people are, this is becoming an increasing unchecked and instant cost,” she said. The opposition leader said also that she is mortified by the number dreadful tales being told my patients of that hospital, after asking Turks and Caicos Islanders to record good and experiences. She said that some of the awfulness stories included lack of attention, wrong diagnosis, wrong medications and other procedural allegations. “As the premier said, there will be bad experiences in medical encounters, but we are concerned about the number of persons with these allegations. We do know that there are good experiences, but it reputation is fast becoming not a good one. “The clinical cost borne by us included, among other things, rents, light and water bills for staff at the facilities. And it was after this issue was raised in the House of Assembly that fixed allowances were given to cap the cost where abuses were revealed,” she said. She said that instead of furnishing government with prescribed period bills that list the various charges, InterHealth Canada presents one bill with no breakdowns. “We are concerned with the presentation of the (hospital) bill to TCIG that still only represents a total and not a breakdown. We were aware that reconciliation was not done in a timely fashion. We heard the premier speaks to the fluctuation of the reconciliation that
it may go up or it may go down. “And we are concerned about the type of systems that are in place where an invoice may just be presented for a full amount and reconciliation is not done,” she said. Cartwright-Robinson also expressed further concern over the cost-plus payment arrangement. “What is concerning is that we pay for what is presented, and then we add another eight percent profit, which is the cost-plus payment. We understand from someone who was intimately involved as policy advisor, who stated publicly on a radio show that we should have moved to capitation payment by now. “And this is where the cost-plus is abandoned, and risk, according to InterHeath Canada, sealed in a public statement, moves from government to InterHealth Canada. However, we are still at cost-plus, and we are left to wonder what is the position,” she said. She further noted: “This is a new type of arrangement, and meeting with the InterHealth Caribbean Project, it is the first of its kind. InterrHealth is contracted to design, construct and build, and so, there is no precedent. When the hospitals were first open, we were told that in three years, having the two years accounted for during construction, there would be a review. “In 2013, we questioned this, and the government told us that the review will not take place until this year – 2015. We believe that there is need for an investigation and a review. The cost and care for our people are of serious concern to us and cannot continue in this vein. Hon. Edwin Astwood, Member of Parliament for Grand Turk South and Salt Cay; and Governor’s Appointed Members Hon. Lillian Missick and Hon. John Phillips also expressed concern about the workings at the hospitals. In addition to cost, their main concern was the treatment of patients.
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 9
LOCAL NEWS Central Fuels gives back to the Grand Turk community In an unprecedented move for fuel stations in the nation’s capital, Grand Turk’s newest gas station, Central Fuel’s, has decided to substantially cut gas prices in order to show support to the community. The people of the Turks & Caicos, in particular the island of Grand Turk, have been relentlessly assaulted by many challenges within recent years: the financial difficulties as a result of the recession, the closure of TCI Bank and British American Insurance, the unreasonably high cost of living, and now persistently high fuel prices. Central Fuel’s hopes to ease the financial pain and pressure on the wallets and pocketbooks of hard working Turks & Caicos Islanders. Mr. Ojay Durham, owner of Central Fuel’s said: “The substantial drop in our prices is designed to bring a little relief to the hard working
residents of Grand Turk. You may lowest priced fuel in town. However, not see it or think about it but people this latest price cut shows that it’s not on this island are hurting financially simply focused on making money but and need help. Anything that we can is seeking to help build the community. do to change that is not only good Mr. Durham believes in order to get for us as a business but great for the support you must first give it so he community, as every little bit helps. suggest that islander take advantage It’s time businesses in Grand Turk of the price cut while they can. give back.” Central Fuel is open from 7am Mr. Durham added: “Sometimes – 9pm, Monday to Saturday and our customers face the hard choice of 7am – 1pm on Sundays. It’s located buying gas or feeding themselves and adjacent the Financial Services their families. As a family man, I see Commission, Pond Street, Grand those hard choices and I understand Turk. Customers can expect to fill the difficulties; and that’s why, despite up in a serene environment, which other stations not lowering their fuel, includes a beautiful backdrop of the I felt the need to help my community sparkling waters of the salt Salina. by lowering ours, we have to support Central Fuels’ complex consists of two those who support us. Central Fuel’s top of the line fuel pumps with digital isn’t just a business, we’re part of the meters and a station attendant to community and that’s why we care.” service all of your needs. You can Central Fuels is Grand Turk’s contact Central Fuels via telephone newest gas station. It already has the number (649)-247-4465.
Report from January 29th Cabinet meeting
His Excellency the Governor, Peter TCI Gazette subscription fees to one of Parcel 60812/37 & 38 subject to Beckingham, chaired a meeting of the standard rate of $200 for email and survey and planning restrictions; Cabinet on Thursday 29th January hard copy subscriptions. Electronic • Noted the continued positive 2015 at the House of Assembly copies of the Gazette will be available financial performance of the Turks Building on Grand Turk. to the general public free of charge on and Caicos Islands Government for All Ministers were present. the TCIG website; the period October to December 2014, At this meeting Cabinet: • Noted the recommendations of the as submitted in the Third Quarter • Noted the continuing problem with Procurement Board on award of Financial Report from the Accountant stray dogs across the islands and the following contract: Splitting of General and approved the publication requested that the Ministry of the the Clement Howell High School/ of the financial report as required by Environment and Home Affairs step Development of Long Bay High section 46 of the Public Financial up their campaign for the control School; Management Ordinance 2012. of dogs as a matter of urgency. The • Advised HE. Governor to approve Further information on these matters Ministry will announce arrangements the grant of a 99 year lease to TCI will be provided by Ministers in due for the campaign in due course; Toscana GP, Limited, over a portion course. • Advised HE. Governor to approve of the accreted land lying seaward
BLUE HAVEN RESORT is inviting applications for the following position:
Cook Reporting to the Executive Sous Chef, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: •Must be knowledgeable of food preparation and presentation methods, •Ability to understand sanitary food handling techniques •Knowledgeable of the safe operation of kitchen equipment •Ability to increase staff awareness of proper personal and food hygiene policies and procedures as well as the safe operation of all kitchen equipment •Direct hands on preparation •Daily recording and monitoring of the kitchen’s inventory •Strong team leadership Good writing, reading, listening and computation skills are necessary •Exceptional communication, interpersonal and training skills are a must
Requirements:
•Must possess a 3-4 star background •Minimum of 5 years’ experience in same or similar position •Diploma from a formal culinary institution is required •Knowledgeable in health and sanitation standards •Basic First Aid •Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays.
Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Please Submit Applications to:
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 Graphic designer 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.
JOB ADVERTISEMENT 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.
General Manager: The General Manager is the primary strategic business leader
of the property with responsibility for all aspects of the operation. The General Manager must oversee property performance, sales & marketing initiatives and strategies, manage profitability and revenue generation. Additionally, the General Manager must be able to attract talent and build talented teams and be multiskilled and celebrate diverse environments and can relate to people from a variety of backgrounds. The General Manager must have at least 10 years experience in managing in a five star boutique hotel with minimum 3 as a General Manager.
Essential duties: Maximize revenue and profitability, represent the hotel in the
community and head the executive committee of the property. Manage all sources of revenue to include rooms, food and beverage, and others. Ensures all departments are profitable and maintain strong working relationships with all stakeholders. Achieve exceptional levels of guest and team member satisfaction. Promote the Gansevoort culture at every opportunity and stay true to its core values. Operate the hotel under the covenants of the management agreement, and other relevant brand standards/ SOPs. Establish the strategic plan and execute to fulfill property revenue and profit objectives in accordance to annual budget, marketing plan and capital expenditure plan. In collaboration with the hotel’s financial controller, prepare and manage the budget and quarterly forecast process, and general reporting requirements internally, with brand leadership, banking affiliates, owner’s representatives and investors. Continually analyze market trends and direct team accordingly to obtain objectives. Creates local and national marketing plans and pricing strategies and knows market segments. Responds quickly to changing market conditions and revises strategies accordingly. Actively participates in sales discussions, meetings and plans. Knows monthly production levels for each sales team. Produces monthly financial reports and knows at all times where the hotel stands against budget. Protects the hotel and its assets through enforcing and maintaining a preventative maintenance program. Provide exceptional customer service to all hotel guests, making their stay as comfortable and accommodating as possible while achieving team and Brand goals. Follows company policies and procedures and is able to effectively communicate them to subordinates. Public Area Attendant/Room Attendant/Domestic Worker/Houseman - Loves to clean. Clean and maintain guest rooms and general areas. Clean and replenish amenities as per the resort standards. Assists room attendants with heavier tacks, window washing, linen delivery and removal. Overnight cleaner - Must have one year experience in a resort, knowledge of cleaning process and attention to details.
hr@bluehaventci.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department. Submissions to be no later than February 6th 2015 Belongers need only apply.
Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm 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
Page 10
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Hon. Lillian Missick blasts ‘fish market’ behaviour in House of assembly?
Hon. Lillian Missick By Vivian Tyson Female Governor’s Appointed Member Hon. Lillian Missick said that the behaviour of some House colleagues made her wonder whether or not she is in a legislature or a fish market.
Missick made the observation while addressing the House of Assembly on Tuesday (January 27, 2015). She told the House that the behaviour of some members breeds the feeling that a particular bloc of legislators is more important that others, which she said
is disrespectful not only to the House hear some of the language this morning but also to the country in general. – language that can take you before “I sit here sometimes and I the court steps and you will find for”, wonder where I am. I wonder sometimes she said, urging members to exercise if I am at a fish market, because there greater restraints. are members in this House, who “So, please Mr. Speaker, I want consistently talk, talk, talk out of turn to urge the members to be a little more and make snide remarks when other discreet, to exercise a little more control, members are speaking. That can’t be and to be a little more respectful of all the honorable thing for members to members in this honorable House,” she be doing, and certainly it sends the said. wrong message to those persons on the For his part, House Speaker Hon. outside, who are listening and to the Robert Hall, said he would pay greater young people that we talk about them attention to members’ behaviours, and being the future,” she said. if any is found wanting, would take the Missick reminded House necessary disciplinary action against members that every House member is them. on the same level and should be treated “I assure you that language otherwise. that is becoming of members, if I am “I would also wish at this aware of or heard myself, I will take particular time to say to the members the strongest possible action. Although of this honorable House that we are parliament is derived from the Latin all on one level as legislators in this word ‘talking shop’, you must not take honorable House, and I think members this talking thing out of context,” the are to be reminded. Respect is due to House Speaker said. every member. If we are indeed the In the meantime, Missick role model that we present ourselves to said that she is hoping that the be, then our behavior in this honorable decisions made in the House would House ought to be exemplary,” she said. most beneficial to the Turks and Caicos She said that some of the remarks Islands people. heard from other members in the House “I trust with expectation that are enough to land them in problems. the government will do whatever is “And while I accept that there necessary that the people of the Turks are times when persons may want to and Caicos Islands really and truly, make remarks, the kind of remarks I are first in everything that they do,” hear, the level at which they are said; Missick said. and Mr. Speaker, I was taken aback to
Director of Business Development Trade Wind Industries, Ltd., (TWI) is seeking a Director of Business Development to expand conch farming and develop a commercial fin fish farming industry for the TCI. The ideal candidate will possess a university degree from a recognized institution and have a minimum 15 year verifiable work history of experience in the areas of professionally developing new business, contract negotiations, business law fundamentals and must also demonstrate expert communication skills. The Director of Business Development creates a specific business development plan, identifies potential contributors, partners, required technical advisors, investors or financiers and initiates direct contact as the TWI representative and thereafter evaluates proposals, outlines and negotiates contracts and organizes and coordinates the implementation of new business. Knowledge is required in the areas of tank mariculture and commercial fin fish farming, as well as state-of-the-art Open Ocean and submerged cage farming techniques. This position reports directly to the TWI Board of Directors. Salary commensurate with experience. Interested persons should submit a resume of qualifications to: Saunders & CO Town Centre Building Down Town Providenciales Attention: TWI Board of Directors
NOTICE Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 1990 An application, PR12039, by WHITE CLOVER DEVELOPMENT for REZONING OF 60702/105 FROM (R3) RESIDENTIAL TO (C1) COMMERCIAL has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Outline Development Permission on 60702/105 CHESHIRE HALL & RICHMOND HILL. Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the director of planning, south base, Grand Turk or through the department of planning, downtown, town center mall, Providenciales, within twenty eight (28) days of publication of this notice. DATED: JANUARY 19th 2015
ATTORNEY DONATES FREEZER TO COMMUNITY ACTIVIST PASTOR: Apostle Kenneth Chukwu of the Good Neighbor’s Purse Network TCI has been doing tremendous work under the radar in feeding and clothing the needy in the Turks and Caicos Islands, out of the glare of the news media. His efforts, however, came to light this week when noted local attorney Finbar Grant presented him with a freezer to store food items. Grant, in presenting the gift, said that the gesture was merely to highlight the work that the pastor was doing in the community and that he could receive more assistance from the wider community. Apostle Chukwu, in response, said that the freezer should boost his community activism efforts, since in the past, food storage had posed a huge problem. The presentation was made inside the Kishco Store on Five Cays Road on Thursday (January 29, 2015). In Photo Finbar Grant (left)and Pastor Chukwu pose with the appliance.
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 11
LOCAL NEWS
David Smith willing to serve US sentence One of the lawyers representing former Olint boss David Smith, told The SUN that if the United States district attorney who successfully prosecuted his client’s case in a Florida District Court in 2011 had stuck to his side of the plea agreement to seek a reduced sentence, Smith would not be fighting extradition. After Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner denied Smith bail, one of his attorneys, Keith James of StanfieldGreene Attorneys, told The SUN that had the US D.A not renege on his side of the bargain, his client would have not need to be in court fighting extradition. James said that one of the agreements that his client and the D.A arrived at was that time served at Her Majesty’s Prison would be subtracted from the 30 years. In addition, he said that as part of guilty plea, the district attorney would make an application to the court for a reduced sentence. Their investigations revealed, however, that the D.A did to follow through on his end of the deal. In court, Lead defense attorney Clayton Greene and DPP JoAnn Meloche battled as to whether or not it was lawful to extradite Smith under the current Criminal Ordinance. Greene argued under the 1989 Act, which annulled the 1870 Act, persons who served their time in prison must be unlawfully at large for them to be extradited. He said that unlawfully at large would mean that Smith was a fugitive, which he is not. He said that
David Smith is led away from the courthouse on Monday (January 26, 2015), by a police officer. in Smith’s case, he served his time but was not unlawfully at large because everyone knew his whereabouts. Warner, however, argued that when Smith decided to plead guilty
NOTICE
Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 1990 An Application, REGISTERED GT 4574, by Bajari Beach Adventure for the creation of a Swimming Basin, has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on 10301/17 & 20 West Road, North West Suburbs, Grand Turk. The application as submitted seeks planning consideration for the dredging of a swimming basin in front of the property to facilitate and enhance the swimming experience of guests utilizing the facility. Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Downtown, Town Center Mall, Providenciales, within twenty eight (28) days of publication of this Notice.
Dated Posted:
to the charges in the U.S, it was with good faith that after he served time in the TCI, he would return to the United States to begin the 30-year sentence. Meloche, in her argument said that Smith is unlawfully at large from the United States. She said that unlawfully at large in this sense means that Smith knew that he is to begin serving his sentence in the United States but refusing to do. She said that the plea agreement meant that Smith would not challenge his return to the United States to serve out the threedecade sentence after his prison term in the Turks and Caicos Islands has ended. Greene, however, fired back, telling the court that the plea agreement was done in good faith, but it was the United States authorities that have fallen down on their side of the agreement. He said, too, that all along, United States authorities did not make any attempt to extradite him. He further argued that it would not be wise to extradite his client to the United States before the D.A fulfilled his side of the agreement, because once he is there, they may not feel compelled. Magistrate Warner declared that the United States could satisfy the court by saying that Smith was sentenced and the term was not served. The judge then gave the prosecution 60 days to obtain and file the extradition papers. Smith’s application for bail was also rejected by Warner, even after Greene made a compelling submission
that his client had numerous chances to leave this jurisdiction but refused to do so. He said that Smith is a Belonger and his family is here. He further told the court that after Smith was released from prison he went straight home to his family, adding that officers, who acted on the arrest warrant on Friday, found Smith at home with his family. Smith is to return to court on February 23. The Florida District Court sentenced Smith to 30 years in prison after he agreed to plead guilty on four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and 18 counts of money laundering. He had earlier pleaded guilty in the Turks and Caicos Islands, to fraud, theft and conspiracy to defraud, and was sentenced to six and half years. He was released from Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk last Wednesday (January 21, 2014) into the custody of the police, after completing his sentence. His lawyers managed to secure his release after the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DDP) filed an application for arrest pending extradition. He was released on Thursday (January 22, 2014), shortly after which he boarded a flight to Providenciales. Local law enforcement official later picked him up on a warrant, and he spent the weekend at the Chalk Sound Police Station. He went to court on Monday (January 26, 2014) to fight the charges.
TCI MIDDLE SCHOOL Email: principal@tcimiddleschool.com
TCI Middle School requires for January 2015 a full time teacher of Mathematics or Humanities for this newly developed school This vacancy provides the opportunity for the suitable candidate to be instrumental in the strategic management of the school Full time teacher –.Form Tutor for Yr. 8 or 9, with responsibility for teaching specialist subjects to Yr. 7,- Yr 11. An exciting opportunity to be part of developing a new school on the island, leading it through IGCSEs towards International Baccalaureate status in the future.
Applicants will need to
-Be dynamic, enthusiastic and creative teachers. -Have an excellent working knowledge of the National Curriculum for England and Wales Guidelines -Have UK Qualified Teacher Status with at least 2 years teaching experience in the UK. -Have expertise in one or more of the subject areas. The initial teaching contract will be for a period of two years. Salary will be negotiable according to experience.
Closing date – 30/1/2015 Please Email CV or letter of application with a recent photograph and contact phone number together with the names and phone numbers of referees to: Mark Dunbavand at the above address.
Page 12
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
SHANICE RETURNS TO QUEEN’S WELCOME
SHANICE RETURNS TO QUEEN’S WELCOME: Shanice Williams, the Turks and Caicos Islands representative to the Miss Universe Pageant in Florida, received a queen’s welcome upon her return to the Turks and Caicos Islands earlier this week. When Shanice arrived at the Providenciales International Airport on Tuesday (January 27, 2015), she was met by Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing and other members of the House of Assembly, including Hon. Josephine Connolly, while a Junkanoo Band blared celebratory music. She could not escape the glare of the media, which hounded her to obtain her experience at the event. On Wednesday (January 28, 2015), the celebration was even bigger in her hometown of Grand Turk, where a motorcade was held in her honour. She was also greeted by Her Excellency Deputy Governor Anya Williams and members of the House of Assembly. The following are photo highlights from the event.
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 13
Page 14
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
House pays tribute to Dr. Rosita Butterfield By Vivian Tyson The House of Assembly on Tuesday (January 27, 2015) hailed the life and work of former House speaker Hon. Dr. Rosita Butterfield, will be given a state funeral on Thursday (February 5, 2015). In addition to showering the former House speaker with praises for her sterling contribution to the country, House members also observed a two-minute’s silence in her honour. Speaker of the House Hon. Robert Hall began by singing her praises. Hall said when he was first elected in 1980 as a young politician, Dr. Butterfield, paved the way for him to become government minister, by not contesting the position. “I have already expressed publicly my own profound thanks, really, to the Butterfield family for the life and contribution of Dr. Butterfield. And I can say here and now that perhaps when I first won the election in 1980, she was not so unselfish. “Perhaps, I would not have been
made minister at the time, because had she strongly state her claim at the time, should would have gained more favourable consideration than me. So, I am indeed certainly grateful. On a serious note, our thoughts and prayers must be with the Butterfield family and other relatives in this difficult time,” Hall said. Government Appointed Member Hon. Ruth Blackman told the House that she had a close relationship with the late House speaker, having had a wonderful relationship while she was in parliament, in addition to attending many conferences together. “I couldn’t let the opportunity pass without paying condolences to the Butterfield family. I think that the entire Turks and Caicos Islands knows that the late Rosita Butterfield and I enjoyed a wonderful relationship from the day she entered parliament up until the day that she left. “She is a unique person, I enjoyed my relationship with her. We have traveled to various conferences, and even when she came to Grand Turk
for meetings of the House of Assembly, she always found time to spend special time with each other,” Blackman said. Blackman told the House that at times Dr. Butterfield would donate her entire salary to members of her constituency. “She was indeed a giving person, and I believe when I express my public sentiments a few days ago, I expressed how she took her salary, which she said was not her salary, but the taxpayers of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and invested in her constituency in North Caicos. So, she will be well remembered and cherished by many,” Blackman said. Minister of Tourism Hon. Porsha said that even though she did not know Dr. Butterfield as some of her parliamentary colleges, knew her to be someone who was well intentioned. “I am not able to speak about Mrs. Butterfield’s work at length as some others, but I can speak of her character as a woman. I know that she was one of our gems – one of our leaders – and a mother to many and any person
that came within her sphere,” StubbsSmith said. Deputy House Speaker Hon. Josephine Connelly, also has high praises for the late House speaker. “She was a gem of a lady. I respected her to the highest. And I pray that God will strengthen all the bereaved,” she said. In giving her tribute, Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Service Hon. Akierra Missick, described as: “the beautiful lady who looks at me every day from the wall.” Member of Parliament for Wheeland Hon. Delroy Williams told the House that the Butterfield family and her parents have a very good relationship, and expressed condolences on behalf of his constituency. Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, wrapped up the tribute to Dr. Butterfield in this regard: “May her soul rest in peace and indeed rise in glory for the service that has delivered to this particular country.”
Premier says Opposition displaying vulture behaviour By Vivian Tyson Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing has akin the actions of the Opposition Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) to vultures on the sidelines waiting to pounce on the successes of government. The premier, who was making his contribution to the House of Assembly on Tuesday (January 27, 2015), accused the government of doing nothing, while claiming government’s achievements as theirs. “I sat here and listen to the members of the other side who are saying that the government is doing nothing, but those are the same members who are sitting in there and reaping the glory (from government achievements). “I think on this side, we don’t play politics enough because we don’t brag about what we do. Those on the other side just sat by the sidelines like vultures, waiting for the kill and to claim the glory, be it the roads, be it the jetty in Blue Hills, be it the Snake Hill Road in Blue Hills, be it the road in Five Cays,” the premier said. The premier intimated that opposition members bash government over its perceived inaction, yet are present at government work sites to claim those undertakings. “I am surprised I don’t see somebody (from the opposition) in front of the Leeward (highway) potholes that are being fixed. And I am certain that as
Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing soon as we get to the roads in South Back Salina in Grand Turk they will be in front of those roads claiming that they are ones that are fixing them. But these are the hard work rand action of this side. We don’t speak it, we do it,” premier said. Premier Ewing also used the opportunity to chide the opposition on what he perceived to be its double standard especially on the Reserved Business Licensed category. He said that some opposition House members’ friends have been circumventing the Reserved License Category by fronting for their expatriate friends. “The honorable member (Hon.
Goldray Ewing) on the other side from Blue Hills talks about (government removing) the business licenses reserved category; we have actually increased the business license reserved category. They need proper enforcement – yes, they do – and we continue to have enforcement of them. “But until individuals such as other members’ friends who will stop fronting for these individuals and cutting our Turks and Caicos Islanders out of business, the problem will never be solved. So, I will go on record and say that is one of the problems that we are facing and will continue to fix,” the premier said. Earlier the premier’s brother and opposition member Hon. Goldray Ewing said that government has embarked on a campaign to sell out the country to foreigners cheaply by increasing business license, which he said caused many locally-owned business to close. He said that government is now contemplating removing business license fees to accommodate the “Business Without Borders” idea. “Last year I brought a motion to the House on the reserved category of businesses. This motion was completely ignored by the government. License fees were increased, which, along with unfair business practices and techniques, forced over 400 workers out of business.
Opposition Member of Parliament for Blue Hills Hon. Goldray Ewing “The irony of this is that the minister (Finance Minister Hon. Washing Missick) is proposing removing these same fees altogether this year - if this isn’t a set-up then something is wrong – to accommodate the ‘Business without borders’ concept,” he said. The opposition member added: “The passage of the Immigration Bill and the Business Without Borders’ concept, will be giving the government another $19 million from the European Union. They are selling us out, and they are selling us our cheap; the people of this country need to understand that. We will not stand for that.”
911 system now computerized, expanded
The Turks and Caicos Islands 911 system has been upgraded from its base radio analogue system to a computerized console outfit, giving reach to sections of the country that were not covered before. Tameka Lall-Perry, Manager for the Turks and Caicos Islands 911 System explained that the setup allows for channel and Automatic Numbering Identification expansion (ANI). “It would allow for expansion, which would allow for ANI, which is Automatic Number Identification. But that has to be done in conjunction with the telecommunication companies – LIME, Islandcom and Digicel. That would mean that if you call 911, we can have a call-back number for you. We can see your address and the location that you are calling from,” Lall-Perry explained. She pointed out that whereas in the past, the based radio system was used to communicate with first responders, it is now done through the computerized
console that also has the ability to page. “We have installed a new radio system, which is now computerized, which means you speak via the computer; you press the mouse and talk, which we didn’t have before. It allows us to communicate with all our agencies. It has the capacity to page, which means that in the night, if we have a major incident, we can do a page that could wake up people, because sometimes they are not awake, so they are not able to catch a radio transmission,” Lall-Perry said. The 911 manager said also that the coverage to other islands has expanded in recent times, and steps have already been taken to increase its range even further. In addition, she said that repeater devices have been installed in November 2014, which has linked Providenciales to Grand Turk. Repeaters have also been installed on Middle Caicos and North Caicos to allow them to come on stream in March of this year when the technicians are expected to return
to the TCI. “We have also expanded our radio systems to cover Grand Turk, for the first time – North and Middle Caicos. Beginning in March, we will be able to speak with them directly via radio, which saves time, so we don’t have to pick up the phones and call that seven digit number, and in a major emergency, such as an aircraft emergency, we can do one alert tone and can dispatch all the units simultaneously via one transmission; so that save a lot of time, and that would be helpful in a major emergency,” she said. Lall-Perry said that the three dispatcher-setup is expandable to accommodate a fourth operator. In the meantime, Special Constable Audley Astwood, said that the 911 upgrade is now on par with anywhere in the world, and persons who call the system now would find out that it is much better than it was in the recent pass.
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 15
LOCAL NEWS
Priton Phase Two a holey community
The mushrooming of sinkholes at Priton Phase Two Housing Development has reached crisis proportion and needs to be addressed urgently, according to Member of Parliament for Wheeland Hon. Delroy Williams. Not only does the MP want the matter to be solved, he wants an investigated done as well, since residents there are terrified but are left without answers. According to him, almost every day a new sinkhole appears on the housing development site. “I would like to raise the issue that is affecting the residents of Phase Two of the sinkhole problem. This is a problem that needs to be solved and needs to be investigated. The people down there are terrified. Every morning there is a new sinkhole in Wheeland,” he said. Williams, who was addressing the House of Assembly on the matter on Wednesday (January 27, 2015), said that he has made representation to His Excellency Governor Peter Beckingham and the elected government, but so far, he has received no answer, and the affected citizens have not received
redress. “I have reported this to the government and also the governor, and as today’s date, nothing has been done,” he said. Sinkholes in the community was first identified back in August at the passage of Tropical Storm Cristobel, when householder Azzizi Parker, woke up to five huge openings in her yard. Parker said she noticed the chasms after alighting from her house to plant fruit seeds. After discovering the first hole near her clothesline, Parker said she frantically ran to a neighbor and informed her of it. Parker said she then contacted the project manager for Priton Development – the developers of the scheme, and on her way back with him, discovered another huge area in the yard that had impressions of caving in. The area later gave way, when Priton workmen attempted to excavate it. Parker, who has since vacated the house out of fear that the dwelling may collapse soon, had said that the Physical Planning Department, which visited her House, told her that it was safe to
live there. She said Priton has stopped responding to her letters to address the matter. She said she even got a lawyer to write the housing developers, but to date the housing developers did not respond. Parker said that she even visited the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) in her search for answers, but was told by that government entity that the matter was out of its jurisdiction. Last week, another resident of the community, who did not want to go on record, said that he noticed one hole in his yard a few weeks back, and then others began to appear to the point of them affecting the structure of the house, forcing his family to vacate. “The walls now have some huge cracks because some of the sinkholes are under the house,” the householder said. He his insurance company has advised him to relocate and has since undertaken to pay his monthly house rent until he can find another suitable permanent Member of Parliament for the Wheeland Constituency Hon. Delroy Williams dwelling.
JOB OPPORTUNITY SENIOR SOLICITOR A senior solicitor is required for a busy firm based in Providenciales. The successful candidate will be a qualified solicitor with at least ten years (minimum) post qualified experience primarily in litigation disciplines—commercial, corporate, construction, contentious probate, negligence, property, partnership and shareholder disputes and related matters. In addition, the successful candidate must have experience drafting and advising on commercial contracts. Excellent communication skills and ability to manage files and work independently is essential, together with requisite experience in preparation of cases to instruct counsel and direct client relationships. Experience in mediation /A.D.R will be a considerable advantage.
Alexandra Resort is inviting applications for the following positions:____
CHIEF ENGINEER
Responsibilities: •Overseeing the functions of all Engineering and maintenance staff to ensure that all required maintenance and up-keep of property is carried out; •Accountability for all Engineering inventories i.e. equipment and supplies inventories; •Be responsible for hiring of Engineering staff; •Also to ensure that all staff are trained and coached on all aspects of their job •Promoting an atmosphere of teamwork and professionalism within the department; •You must be able to maintain as well as offer new avenues on all electrical and mechanical systems Requirements; •At least 5 years experience with at least 3 or more those years in a four star resort property •Must have a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. •A proven track record in managing an efficient diversified workforce is a MUST •The ability to focus on preventative maintenance of the resort’s engineering, grounds, pools, public areas, guestrooms •Must be highly organized and have excellent communication skills written and oral •Must be knowledgeable of all Engineering/maintenance functions •Must have the ability to manage department’s budget •Knowledge of visual one IS A MUST
NIGHT AUDITOR RESPONSIBILITIES
•Ensuring that all charges and credits are posted accurately to guest accounts; that the telephone call accounting system reporting has been completed and system is functional •Balancing all credit card charges to cashiers reports and hard and soft copies are balanced with credit card folios •Organizing the night audit work in an orderly manner for distribution to the accounts department •Closing out of accounts and resetting the system for the next days operation •Conducts analytical review of all daily Front Office and Room transactions reports and to rectify and discrepancies. •Acting as Manager on Duty and maintain an open line of communication between guests, team members and management. •Performing Front Office duties, processing express checkouts and assisting guests as needed during the shift JOB REQUIREMENTS
Please send applications in writing with full CV to the Managing Partner, Miller Simons O’Sullivan, P. O. Box 260, Regent House West, Regent Village, Providenciales or email to mslaw@tciway.tc.
•Must have 6 or more years previous experience as a Night Auditor in a resort or condominium environment •Proficient in Microsoft office and Visual one is a MUST •Clear communications skills (written and oral) •Must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays Salary for these positions will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Please Submit Applications to: hr@alexandraresort.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department. Submissions to be no later than February 26th, 2015 Belongers need only apply.
Page 16
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Crew Managers are Certified
From left to right (back row) Watch Manager Terrah Pierre, Crew Manager Travano Saunders, Crew Manager Wilben Saintilien, Watch Manager Devarlle Penn, Crew Manager Sumatran Lightbourne, Crew Manager Lowell Seymour, (front row) Crew Manager Earl Walkin, Crew Manager Akin Selver. The TCIAA assumed management of the Aerodrome Fire Service in May 2012 and committed to improving both the human and physical resources of this department. With this commitment in mind, in December 2014 the TCIAA invested in a bespoke Crew Manager’s course designed for first level managers within the airport fire service. The aim of this structured program is to provide learning opportunities for personnel who may be required to support the Supervisor (Watch Manager) in effecting command and control at aircraft accidents/incidents. The program provides comprehensive instruction covering the role of Crew Manager including; •Managing the safety of others,
•Operational Incident/Sector Command, •Functional leadership, •Operational communications, and •Effective decision making. The program was delivered by the International Fire Training Center (IFTC). IFTC is the leading aviation fire training centre in the world. Since 1981 it has been located at Durham Tees Valley Airport in the North East of England in what was once a historic Royal Air Force Base. The training provided by IFTC is thorough, rigorous, stringent and demanding, thus ensuring high standards are met. The principle objective of the Rescue & Firefighting Service (RFFS) is “to save lives in the event of an
Londolozi Ltd is inviting suitable applications for the following position:
Security Officer
Position Description Security Officer is responsible for: insuring a safe environment for Beach House guests and associates; patrolling; documenting; reporting; and following-up on safety and security hazards or infractions. This individual may also be required to carry out more general guest service tasks, such as delivering items to guest rooms. A Security Officer must demonstrate the ability to remain calm in emergencies, and balance excellent guest and associate relations skills with safety and security. The successful applicant must be available to work multi shifts, holidays, weekends and overnight. Job Requirements ➢Guest Oriented with previous resort/hotel experience is a MUST ➢Must have working knowledge of all procedures and processes Loss Prevention ➢Must be computer literate with excellent communication skills written and oral ➢Should be able to use a computer, demonstrate professionalism, excellent verbal and written communication skills. ➢CPR and First Aid Certification Preferred ➢A valid TCI driver’s license
aircraft accident or incident” occurring at or in the vicinity of an aerodrome. Fully understanding the critical need for a dynamic and effective RFFS, the Turks & Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has recently conducted a Training Needs Analysis for the purpose of identify the critical training needs and generally improving the quality of service that the RFFS provides to both the general and aviation public. Effective training & development depends on knowing what is required for the individual, the department as a whole. With limited budgets and the need for cost-effective solutions, TCIAA policies will always be to ensure that the resources invested in training are targeted at those areas where development is needed and a positive return on the investment is guaranteed. TCIAA will under no circumstances jeopardize safety for cost. Fire service manager Khama Coalbrooke said: “It is vitally important that all personnel working within the RFFS stay versed and ahead of the times. More importantly this needs to be the case with managers. They need to have a solid grasp of all situations that are presented to them on a daily basis. It only takes an aviation fire 2-3 minutes to burn through the skin of an aircraft. Firefighters and more importantly managers’ reaction times will have to be the best if they are going to make the difference between life and death for someone. They should be well versed and well informed. These are just a few reasons TCIAA will always endeavor to train and develop their staff.” In addition to company policies, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 14, states that all RFFS personnel shall be properly trained to perform their duties in an efficient manner and shall participate in live fire drills commensurate with the types of aircraft and type of rescue and fire-fighting equipment in use at the aerodrome, including pressure-fed fuel fires.
TCI PAINT & SUPPLY LTD. Seeks one Assistant Manager of Sales and Marketing Applicant must have the following: •At least five (5) years experience and bachelor’s degree from an accredited university •Strong communication, presentation and writing skills •Hotel engineering background (as outside sales will be primarily dealing with reports and understanding the logistical and maintenance) •Strong interpersonal, research and teamwork skills •Detail oriented •Flexible to new situations and challenges •Extensive working knowledge of quick books and back office programs •Must be familiar with statistic inventory and be able to both place orders and take in account monthly and seasonal stock fluctuations and needs •Be knowledgeable on buildings and maintenance customer relations •Ability to be punctual (work begin at 7am – 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am – 2pm on Saturdays) •Accept to a drug free work place/random drug screening •No criminal background
Salary for this position will commensurate with qualification and experience.
Duties include:Responsible for maximizing profits and minimizing costs. Marketing, Logistics, Customer Service and FINANCE . Deal with customers and prepare orders as well as receiving and off loading inventory from containers. Ensuring standards for quality, health and safety are met. Responding to customer complaints and comments. Creating and fostering new relationships with new and perspective clients. General Supervision of employees. Willingness to complete all tasks at hand with a positive and respectful attitude.
Please Submit Applications to: hr@beachhousetci.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department. Submissions to be no later than February 6th, 2015 Belongers need only apply.
Please submit resumes to: P. O. Box 666, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 17
LOCAL NEWS
Government to pay InterHealth Canada almost $1billion
Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing to an annual indexation uplift based on revealed that government is to pay the US consumer price indexes. InterHealth Canada more than $800 “The amounts laid out in the million in clinical and construction cost project agreement for these two over the 25 years that the entity is to payments prior to the indexation are as run the two hospitals in the TCI. follows: (1 the annual unitary charge He also announced that over the which is $US14,145,687. The Unitary period April 1, 2013, and March 21, Charge includes hard and soft facilities 2014 government paid InterHealth management services, regular and Canada $28.4million. cyclical maintenance, upkeep and The Premier made the declaration replacement of all building components while responding to questions from at life cycle intervals, debt service with the opposition as to total payout from principal repayment in equity returns. government to the entity over the “Under the project agreement, the quarter of a century that the Canadian facilities must be maintained to the body is to manage the Cheshire Hall highest standard called for, and handed Medical Centre in Providenciales and over to the Turks and Caicos Islands the Cockburn Town Medical Centre in Government without any further Grand Turk. charge on January 2033. “The total cost that government “The second payment is that of the will pay for construction of the facility, annual medical equipment payment. which includes interest and other costs The annual medical equipment for the life cycle of the building, is $181, payment is 1,849,000. The clinical 407,400. For life cycle of providing equipment payment includes for the clinical contract – the employment annual cost of operating all clinical of staff, equipment, supplies, drugs, equipment, regular and cyclical medicines - the figure is $660,06,700,” maintenance and asset replacement at the premier said. life cycling intervals. So we are paying He said that InterHealth Canada for services in the future and to keep get three payment streams annually – building and keeping our equipment as Unitary Charge, Medical Equipment new in every step of the way from year Payment and Clinical Services to year. Payment. “The total real cost over the He said that the Unitary Charge concession life is inflation sensitive, and the Medical Equipment Payment, and will be reflected by the actual both fixed lump sums are subject only consumer prices indexes, which cannot
FINANCE MANAGER - Permanent
Reporting to the Chief Financial Controller, you will manage the Finance team ensuring all work is performed in line with Digicel policies and procedures. Main Duties and Responsibilities: •Management of Finance team including accounts payable and accounts receivable •Preparation and presentation of detailed financial analysis supporting commercial strategy •Ensure all balance sheet reconciliations are performed on a timely basis •Active control of month end process •Application of IFRS and review of Financial Statements •Analysis of monthly management accounts versus budget •Planning and support of quarterly reviews and quarterly audit requirements •Identifying, designing and implementing process improvements •Liase with Auditors, Bankers, Statutory Authorities, Dealers and Site lessors. •Budgeting, Financial planning and Financial Analysis Academic Qualifications & Functional Skills •ACA/ACCA/CPA qualification with IFRS experience •At least 6 years accounting experience with at least 3 years PQE •Telecommunications experience a distinct advantage •Experience in dealing with auditors, both internal and external •Experience in reporting, balance sheet analysis and budgeting/financial planning •Experience in a dynamic fast-paced multinational environment desirable •Excellent communication skills •Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, experience in Microsoft Dynamics GP, and Business Objects essential •Flexible and adaptable to an ever changing set of responsibilities, constrained by tight deadlines Only Belongers need apply – Salary Based on Experience
Interested applicants should forward their resume to hrtci@digicelgroup.com
be exactly predicted over the total of 25 years,” the premier said. He said that government via the National Health Insurance Plan, including the contribution from the government, reimburses all real clinical costs in an open book fashion, plus a margin of eight percent cost-plus to InterHealth Canada. “The project agreement provides for this cost-plus payment to subsequently convert to a capitation payment with InterHealth Canada, assuming all volume risks,” he said. The premier said government is ensuring that when it arrives at capitation, it would be affordable, saying that it would be dangerous to do so without having full reconciliation, since it could run the risk of capping too high, thereby being left with a fixed high cost for many years without getting the chance to reduce it. He said that since the construction of the hospitals, locals have been benefiting from some of the payments government made to the institution, benefiting the economy by extension. “Before the hospitals were open in April 2010, effectively, the cost to providing clinical services to our people was paid to providers overseas in addition to the cost of running both hospitals in the Turks and Caicos Islands. “Conversely, the net services payment made to InterHealth Canada directly benefits the economy through payments to its Belonger and resident staff and its suppliers. And I am sure that some persons have houses that they have rented and other services provided to the hospital,” the premier said. He added: “It should be noted, however, that according to the current actuarial information the total cost of delivering healthcare to the population of the Turks and Caicos Islands is close to seven percent of GDP, excluding the capital amount, and the capital amount is the unitary payment. This is well within the medium range of the CARICOM Region for the standard of healthcare in the TCI, which is now equivalent to any OECD countries and invariably superior to many of them.” The Premier said that while opposition House of Assembly members raised valid healthcare concerns relating to the cost of healthcare and service delivery, they also divulged a great deal of misinformation. “Too much is just a matter of what we can afford or cannot afford – it s matter of affordability. So what we are looking at within the Ministry of
TCI FINANCIAL CONSULTING SEEKS 1 Accountant Must have at least 5 years experience Salary based on experience Interested person should contact 432-0221
Health at this juncture is not focusing on the actual amount that is being paid but to focus on the service that is being delivered for what we are paying. “The mere fact that we are paying it, and we have been paying it for the past few years, means to a certain extent that we are putting as our priority, into helping our people first, and that we can afford it to a certain extent. “We would have loved to reduce it or able to pay less, but let us look at some of the services we are getting – whether or not we are getting value for money,” he said. In the meantime, the premier reminded the House that the two hospitals were meant to be secondary care facilities, not a tertiary, as some persons’ misconception has dictated. He said that a tertiary care facility would cost the country much more than what it is now. “There is a difference between a secondary care facility and tertiary level care facility. The tertiary care facility is where you came to expect open-heart surgeries, your brain surgeries, and your advanced radiation therapy. We are not operating a tertiary care facility. “If we indeed attempt to operate a tertiary care facility and retain on our shores those who need tertiary level care, there would be an exponential increase in cost because operating tertiary level care facilities like ICUs, NICUs and the likes require money,” he said. He said that though persons from OECD countries have a greater appreciation for the two medical facilities than locals, it does not take away from the mounting concerns that need to be addressed, whether real or perceived. He said that government would ensure that users get value for money with clinical and financial reviews. He said that his government is committed to ensuring that the hospitals are well regulated and monitored to certify that they contractually deliver value for money. The Premier told the House that TCIG in conjunction InterHealth Canada will seek to refinance the project as soon as the country’s international credit ratings come into effect. He said under that arrangement there should be significant savings though a reduction in the annual unitary charge. The 25-year agreement between InterHealth Canada and TCIG for the running of the hospitals began January11, 2008 and will end January 11, 2033.
A&B CONSTRUCTION 1 TILE LAYER
Applicant must be honest reliable And hard working, Fluent in English and France
Contact # 241-1227 Salary - $ 800.00 per week
Page 18
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
The BLUE HAVEN RESORT is inviting applications for the following position:
HAB MANAGEMENT LTD.
Cook
Restaurant Supervisors
Summary: Reporting to the Restaurant Manager, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: Responsibilities •Consistently offer professional, friendly, hospitable service •Oversee restaurant operations ensuring compliance with departmental standards and meeting / exceeding guest expectations •Knowledgeable of all food and beverage products •Ensure proper staffing and scheduling in accordance to productivity guidelines •Communicate through pre-shift briefings, and departmental meetings all necessary information to support the operation •Train Team members in all job aspects – service, product knowledge and technical skills •Cash handling and daily accounting •Capitalize on revenues by upselling and controlling expenses •Handle guest concerns in a timely and professional manner •Follow resort policies, procedures and service standards •Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety policies •Other duties as assigned Requirements •Previous Food and Beverage Supervisory experience •Degree or Diploma in Hospitality Management •Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal and leadership skills •Fluency in English (1 additional language desirable) •Ability to work independently, multi task and prioritize responsibilities •Strong guest service orientation and training skills background •Ability to supervise a diverse staff compliment •POS experience – (IQ Ware desirable) •Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) •Basic First Aid Physical Aspects: (include but are not limited to): •Constant standing and walking throughout shift •Lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. •Pushing, pulling, lifting Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Please Submit Applications to: hr@bluehaventci.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department. Submissions to be no later than February 6th 2015.
Main Duties Prepare food items of consistent quality in accordance with production requirements and quality standards while maintaining a safe sanitary work environment. Start prep work on food items needed for the menu of the day. Organize all of the various prep items needed from different areas to ensure that all items are in place and ready for service. Inform the Executive Chef of any shortage of supplies that need restocking before items completely run out.
Requirements Applicants must have a minimum of three-year culinary experience working in a restaurant. Comprehend and follow recipes and cooking techniques. Must have thorough knowledge and understanding of food service sanitation standards. Thorough knowledge and understanding of standard kitchen equipment and its use. Applicants must be willing to work varied shifts, split shifts, nights, weekends and holidays as required by management. Perform other duties as assigned, requested or deemed necessary 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. Applicants must be detail oriented, must be hardworking and a team player. Work with minimal supervision. Salary commensurate with experience and training.
Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by February 6, 2015 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 19
LOCAL NEWS
CRICKET ASSOCIATION AGM Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting for the Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket Association will be held on the 19th February 2015 at 5:30pm at Airport Hotel Conference Room.
Quality Japanese Vehicles Online Shop Since 1997
Buy Quality Used Cars from Japan It’s Worth the Wait!!
Delivery time to Providenciales
Discount Coupon
270OFF
10 - 12 Weeks
EC$
Radiation Free Long-Lasting Used Cars Supply Parts
Coupon Code: Expiration date:
Inspection Done 3 Times
TCCP0131 28th of Feb
Enter the coupon code in the allocated box on the website when you order
All Members are required to Attend Submitted By Michael Pereira Secretary
PUBLIC NOTICE
Ref.637004
US$7,570 Ref.644635
HONDA CR-V
US$8,480
TOYOTA RAV4 J
Year 2003 AT 2,000cc PETROL Year 2005 AT 2,000cc PETROL Mileage 34,800miles Color Silver Mileage 94,900miles Color Black
Search by Google
picknbuy24
Search
Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 1990 An Application, REGISTRATION # GT 4577, by GRAND TURK CRUISE CENTER LIMITED for the installation of wells for the abstraction of salt water and return of brine water, has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on BLOCK: 10507
Ref.636225 US$9,880 Ref.19254 US$4,550 Ref.19042 US$5,050 HONDA CR-V TOYOTA SPRINTER TOYOTA COROLLA Year 2005 AT 2,400cc PETROL Mileage 24,200miles Color Pearl
PARCEL: 36 LOCATION: Grand Turk Cruise Center
Year 2000 AT 1,500cc PETROL Mileage 53,400miles Color Silver
Year 2000 AT 1,490cc PETROL Mileage 39,100miles Color Silver
E-MAIL US pboffer@picknbuy24.com
ISLAND: Grand Turk Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Downtown, Town Center Mall, Providenciales, within twenty eight (28) days of publication of this Notice.
Notice Dated:
13 January, 2015
PUBLIC NOTICE
Ref.19174 US$5,800 Ref.19506 US$5,390 Ref.18746 US$4,900 MITSUBISHI CHALLENGER ISUZU WIZARD (RODEO) ISUZU WIZARD (RODEO) Year 2000 AT 3,500cc PETROL Mileage 67,600miles Color Black
Year 2000 AT 3,160cc PETROL Mileage 62,000miles Color Green
Year 1999 AT 3,200cc PETROL Mileage 48,400miles Color Silver
+81-80-9523-0093 Add Me!
Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 1990 An Application, REGISTRATION # GT 4577, by GRAND TURK CRUISE CENTER LIMITED for the installation of wells for the abstraction of salt water and return of brine water, has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on BLOCK: 10507
Ref.18015 US$5,250 Ref.18308 US$4,400 Ref.16550 US$4,650 TOYOTA HILUX SURF TOYOTA OPA TOYOTA GRAND HIACE
PARCEL: 36
Year 2000 AT 2,690cc PETROL Mileage 72,000miles Color White
LOCATION: Grand Turk Cruise Center ISLAND: Grand Turk
Year 2001 AT 2,000cc PETROL Mileage 35,400miles Color Silver
Year 2001 AT 3,400cc PETROL Mileage 52,100miles Color Silver
OVER 2,000 VEHICLES AVAILABLE ON OUR SITE !
*Prices include Car Cost and Freight up to Providenciales *Shipping schedules are subject to change with/without notice due to weather/operational reasons.
Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Downtown, Town Center Mall, Providenciales, within twenty eight (28) days of publication of this Notice.
Tel: +81-3-4330-9090 http://www.picknbuy24.com Fax:+81-3-4330-9091
Notice Dated:
Address: 4-20-3 EBISU SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO, JAPAN
13 January, 2015
AGASTA CO., LTD.
Page 20
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS UNDERTAKE LEADERSHIP & OPERATIONAL SKILLS TRAINING UK Immigration operational trainers, Ashley Robinson and Steve Smith joined TCI Border Control senior trainer, Tito Forbes, in delivering an intensive 2 week Leadership and Operational Skills training programme, for a select group of 6 Immigration Officers. During the course, the officers were tested on a number of demanding activities, ranging from emergency life support to operational field deployments, technical skills such as handcuffing, restraint and searching,
command training and coaching. Only those officers consistently demonstrating high levels of physical and mental competence and who passed a tough end of course ‘Knowledge Check’ examination were certified as Personal Safety Training (PST) trainers, able to support senior TCI trainers Tito Forbes and Wendy Seymour in delivering future operational skills training and refreshers to new and existing staff. This course represents the final piece in a carefully crafted and coordinated programme of operational
skills development for Border Control enforcement staff that, over the past 3 years, has delivered a cohort of highly skilled and professionally equipped officers, able to meet the myriad migration threats of illegal working, unlawful entrants and sloop arrivals. This will be the latest in a series of training and development activities for the Ministry of Border Control and Labour that have been facilitated and co-ordinated by Immigration Adviser, Simon Excell and funded by the joint DFID/FCO – UK Technical Assistance
Programme, which is managed by the Governor’s Office. It has seen the Ministry emerge as a regional lead in areas such as immigration intelligence, forgery detection, victim identification, human rights, citizenship processes and operational skills. By realising this final group of immigration enforcement trainers, the programme will have delivered a lasting legacy of professionally skilled operational leaders, equipped to protect the Islands against immigration abuses, now and into the future.
Ashley Norton Creates Custom Hardware for Shore Club Turks and Caicos When owners and guests arrive at their luxury suite at The Shore Club, they will turn a custom-made door handle to gain entry. Ashley Norton, a leading designer and manufacturer of architectural hardware, is producing custom made door handles for the $100 million resort now under construction on Long Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos. The hardware company is no stranger to providing products to luxury hotels such as Ritz Carlton, as
well as some of the most distinctive homes in the United States and beyond. Shore Club developer Stan Hartling said, “We selected Ashley Norton for their reputation in supplying custom hardware for bespoke residences, for their passionate commitment to quality, and their ability to create unique architectural hardware that will complement the resort’s design. Using a product with the level of quality produced by Ashley Norton is something that you rarely see in a
condo-hotel project.” Ashley Norton representative Ashish Karnani adds, “Ashley Norton is delighted to partner with the design team at The Shore Club to produce custom hardware to suit the unique architectural features of their resort. The meticulous selection process to coordinate the hardware with the classic West Indies architecture speaks volumes to the overall caliber of the project.” Construction on The Shore Club
commenced in February 2014. Two low-rise beachfront buildings will feature 38 two and three bedroom luxury condos, occupying 820 feet of beachfront in a nine acre setting on the southeast shore of Providenciales. The project will also feature six 6,000 square foot villas, three swimming pools, bespoke restaurants and retail shops, and a spa with wellness centre. The beachfront condos will be ready for occupancy by December 2015.
Turks & Caicos Islands National Insurance Board REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The National Insurance Board invites proposals from suitably qualifies and experienced persons for the following services: 1. AN ACTUARIAL ASSESSMENT OF THE COST OF MEDICAL CARE PROVIDED FOR INSURED PERSONS INJURED ON THE JOB; 2. THE PAINTING OF THE HURRICANE SHUTTERS AND RAILINGS AT THE HILLY A. EWING BUILDING, PROVIDENCIALES; 3. THE MAINTENANCE OF THE HON. L. HEADLEY DURHAM BUILDING, GRAND TURK; 4. THE MAINTENANCE OF THE BACKUP GENERATOR AT THE HON. L. HEADLEY DURHAM BUILDING, GRAND TURK; 5. THE MAINTENANCE OF THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AT THE HON. L. HEADLEY DURHAM BUILDING, GRAND TURK CONTACT INFORMATION Interested eligible bidders should contact the National Insurance Board for detailed specification for tendering at the following address: MISS RHESA CARTWRIGHT, DEPUTY DIRECTOR CORPORATE SERVICES NATIONAL INSURANCE BOARD HILLY A EWING BUILDING PROVIDENCIALES TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS Email: rhesacartwright@tcinib.tc Tel: (649) 941-5806/5906 Fax: (649) 941- 5854 Website: www.tcinib.tc
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 21
Page 22
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
PARROT CAY BY COMO JOB OPPORTUNITIES Rooms Divisions Manager Purpose:
Is in charge of the organization and quality of Reception, Room Service and Floor services offered to guests. Is responsible for good financial and qualitative results for the department. Helps define and implement hotel strategy. Ensures respect of internal and external audit procedures.
Customer Relations
Develops close relationships with guests throughout their stay with the aim of gaining their loyalty. Is often present in the lobby and at reception in order to meet guests on a daily basis. Ensures that guests receive a warm and personal welcome. Knows the behavior patterns of regular guests and issues instructions to the different teams within the department. Handles guest complaints if they have not been dealt with by team members. Presents the General Manager with a daily report on activities and events.
Team Management
Supervises and coordinates the departments: ensures they are well organized and run smoothly. Is in constant contact with the other departments and ensures that information circulates smoothly between them. Recruits the Heads of Department under his/her responsibility. Takes part in or validates the recruitment of all team members. Carries out annual performance appraisals on the people directly under his/her responsibility, sets targets and provides support for career development. Validates the annual performance appraisals carried out by the Heads of Department (reception and floor departments). Respects and ensures respect of labor regulations. Ensures the application of hygiene, safety and environment regulations.
Sales development
Prepares the marketing and commercial action plan for the hotel Optimizes the hotel’s occupancy rates and develops associated services. Ensures that all sales made comply with the sales policy as defined by the brand and the hotel. Plays an active role in the marketplace policy. Keeps track of the standard of services delivered, based on guest comments and quality audits. Keeps close track of what the competition is doing. Is actively involved in the local area to keep up-to-date with the needs
Management and Administration
Draws up the annual budget for the department and follows up implementation. Implements the rooms pricing policy in an effort to optimize it. Motivates and drives the team to attain the department’s quantative targets. Manages headcount to ensure it matches the level of activity in line with the predefined budget. Carries out occasional checks on cash operations, activity reports etc Checks and analyses the dashboard charts prepared by the Heads of Department. Takes part in “Debtor” meetings and runs thorough checks on files in litigation. Analyses financial results and takes corrective measures as necessary throughout the year. Decides on the department’s investments in conjunction with the General Manager
Qualifications:
Business school with operational experience Vocational hotel and catering school with management experience Other operational background with management experience 5 to 10 years’ professional experience in a range of contexts (business sector, volume, country etc) and good knowledge of rooms professions recognized management skills Remote Island work experience – Must reside on property
Other Managerial Positions: Chief Engineer Assistant Restaurant Manager Head Chef Private Estates Chief Engineer Private Estates Financial Controller
Hotel Manager F&B Director Guest Services Manager (Private Estates) Spa Manager
Candidates interested in the above positions will be required to work long hours, live on property and are expected to work during the night, weekends and Public Holidays.
OTHER AVAILABLE POSITIONS: Recreations Attendant Spa Therapist Room Attendant Utilities Supervisor Turndown Attendant Spa Receptionist Chef De Partie pastry
Food & Beverage Server Resort Butler Laundry & Kitchen Technician Bar Supervisor Bar Supervisor Commis Chef Bartender Carpenter
Plumber Certified Electrician Steward Spa Attendant Private Estates Attend Chef de Partie Wood Carver
Salaries for these positions will be paid base on qualification and experience. Please note that all application must be submitted with a valid Police Record, two reference letters from previous employers or a notary public and current educational certificates.
Only suitable candidates will be contacted for an interview.
For information please contact the Human Resources Department Ph: (649) 946 7788, Fax: (649) 946 7749 Email: careers.parrotcay@comohotels.com
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
AMANYARA PROVIDENCIALES TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS
WELLNESS MANAGER
Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar position. Professionally trained in massage therapy or other spa/wellness disciplines and able to train therapists in all massage and beauty treatments. Good leadership qualities and the ability to train motivate, mentor multi-cultural staff. Must be creative and able to implement and market new treatments. Possess a polite, professional demeanor, able to converse confidently with guests on all levels of spa experience. Immaculate presentation and grooming required along with strong administrative & computer skills.
EAM ROOMS & VILLAS MANAGER - AMANYARA
Reporting to: General Manager and working in tandem with EAM F&B Breakdown of Responsibilities - Candidate Traits Must have Good Selling skills and great PR skills. •European or North American Hospitality School degree •Understanding of Asian hospitality, Experience in top luxury resorts a must, Experience in multicultural environments – we have 26 nationalities. Island or remote location experience, Best of the best attitude and performer, Multilingual in European languages a must (3 languages) •Grasp of North American and European Travel Trade – Brazil a plus. Self – Supervision on Revenue projects, Very tight Time Management skills as our deadlines are measured by seconds, Natural Selling ability Expert in Rooms Operations, Strong Villa or high-end suite experience a must, Patient and Go To person. Always says yes, unless a better alternative is provided. Flexibility Candidate has to tread carefully on corporate lines (Aman philosophy) while still generating; Creative Conceptual Revenue ideas, Fast and accurate Depiction of figures & statistics. Villa Operational and Owner relations: · Focuses on overall quality and standards of 20 villa operation with assistance of Villa Coordinator, Villa Head Chef and Villa Senior Butler (overseeing 20 teams of 1 villa host/1 villa cook) · Personally handles more difficult requests from individual owners (around 15). Ensures all villas are rented in an equally distributed manner, ensures villa expenses are kept in line, and co-ordinates with engineering/housekeeping to ensure villas are in top shape, Creates special events for the 4 peak holiday periods that villa owners visit resort, Implements, communication tool (newsletter) that keeps villa owners in tune monthly of the happening at the resort and updates on their villas.
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 23
SR. LOST PREVENTION COORDINATOR This position requires at least (3) years of experience as a Loss Prevention/ Security Officer; or law enforcement officer involving guest/public contact. Also working knowledge of all procedures and process of Loss Prevention and be highly motivated. Good communication, written and oral skills a must. This individual will be conducting inspections, identified potential security issues along with other duties as management requires. SPA THERAPIST/ SUPERVISOR Minimum 5 years previous experience with working in a spa, preferably in a 5-star resort, providing massage and beauty treatments as well as manicures and pedicures. Must be physically fit and in good health. Immaculate presentation and fluency in English is also required. VILLA COOKS Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Chef de Partie, Demi Chef, Commis Chef and Pastry Chef in a luxury resort, cruise ship, private estate or 5-star restaurant. Should have a working knowledge of Asian & Mediterranean cuisines. This is a live-in position. Extended working hours required when villa is occupied. VILLA HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR Minimum 3 years’ experience as Senior Supervisor in the Housekeeping Department of a luxury resort. Must have good organizational and communication skills and detail orientated. Solid experience in managing and controlling inventories good computer skills. Friendly outgoing professional demeanor and immaculate presentation have proven experience in training housekeeping staff and a hands-on leadership approach. PRIVATE VILLA HOUSEKEEPERS/ HOST Minimum 2 years’ experience working in a 5-star resort, private estate or luxury motor yacht with solid food and beverage service experience. Must be immaculately presented, fluent in English and possess the confidence to communicate directly with villa owners and renters. A friendly, outgoing yet professional demeanor is required. Must be self-motivated, disciplined, flexible and hard-working. This is a live-in position and extended working hours are required when villa is occupied. WAIT STAFF/ BARTENDER Minimum 2 year’s previous food and beverage service experience in a luxury/ 5 star resorts. Excellent verbal communication skills, immaculate presentation and friendly, professional demeanor. Micros skills advantageous, be a team player and able to work under pressure. Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays and evenings. MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN/ SUPERVISOR Minimum 3 years supervisory experience, preferably within a luxury resort environment. Previous experience in electrical engineering with maintenance of air-conditioning units, kitchen/laundry equipment, and desalinization plant, sewer treatment plant and diesel gen-sets required, also Laundry Steam Boilers and Steam Systems. Must have good communication skills and be a team player. Valid driver’s license and computer skills required
CARPENTER At least 5 years’ experience in a Resort with knowledge of exclusive carpentry ASST. FINANCIAL CONTROLLER work restoration experience preferred, be familiar with and be able to operate a The position of Asst. Controller is critical to the efficient and successful wide range of equipment common to high end resort. Must possess the strength operation of both Hotel and Villas (private homes), having responsibility to help and dexterity needed to perform the job and the physical ability to move maintain & improve accounting systems, internal controls & processes. Working equipment as necessary. Adhere to operational safety rules and regulations as along with Financial Controller in is responsibility for ensuring financial results deemed by the resort. Also follow directives and possess good communication are maximized, through effective budgeting, forecasting and cost controls. This skills and ability to interact with managers and coworkers effectively. Work role requires a team player with strong operational & financial focus, good alone and with others have the ability to communicate with others in written judgment, passion, vision and exceptional leadership skills. and verbal form, also a working knowledge of all hand and power tools. Key Responsibilities: 1) Assume some responsibilities for day-to day accounting functions within the Hotel and Villas, including banking, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, inventory, and cash management. 2) Lead the accounting team, ensuring all daily operational & financial transactions is prepared accurately and in a timely manner when Financial Controller is absent. Help train, and evaluate the performance of the accounting team members. 3) Help produce monthly & yearly financial statements reporting to Financial Controller in an accurate and timely manner, analyzing, understanding and communicating the relationship between actual results to budget. Job Requirements: Minimum requirement of a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Finance Complete knowledge of hotel accounting systems and procedures 4 to 5 years of Managerial Accounting/ Finance experience and; Exceptional analytical ability required. Advanced Excel skills, ability to plan, prioritize & implement effectively multi-task while working effectively in a fast paced environment. SALES AND RESERVATION ANALYST Amanyara is seeking a suitable qualified individual to fill this position; to identify and maximize all potential revenue opportunities for the hotel, specializing in luxury accommodation. This includes the analysis of revenue potential generated by the FIT, transient and group market segments as well as the market segmentation within transient and group. One will combine this with catering and space utilization as well as other revenue considerations (i.e.: F&B, spa utilization, packages, etc.) in order to determine the appropriate mix of business to achieve revenue potentials. Expert and familiar with Hotel Revenue Management systems. (SAR), Corporate Reservations Policies & Planning and Opera. Ability to produce statistical forecast, market planning and reports for business growth analysis. Individual will report to Reservations Manager and EAM Manager.
At Amanyara Tourism continues to be the #1 industry in our beautiful Island, we are proud to serve our community. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to assist our team as our woodworker. Our organization just came off a recordbreaking year and is looking to continue that growth pattern for the New Year of 2014 and beyond. If you are a skilled wood worker and possess a positive, can-do attitude, with at least 3 years of wood working experience including but not limited to: carpentry, cabinetry, custom woodworking. Overall strong work history, send us your resume. BEACH ATTENDANT/TENNIS KNOCKER & GYM ATTENDANT Experience in one or more of the following areas: Sailing (hobby boats), clublevel tennis playing ability, operation of gym equipment and personal training. Must be a good swimmer and able to teach snorkeling; Well presented with good communication skills and friendly yet professional demeanor. Recent CPR, First Aid or Life Saving Skills. LABOURER Must be reliable, strong, able to help clean ponds and swimming pools, hardworking and willing to work under the sun all day. Should be able to speak reasonable English. Previous experience beneficial. All positions require a flexible schedule (which may include holidays, weekends and evenings) and extended hours on occasion. Salaries based on experience and qualifications.
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FROM THE HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE WEDNESDAYS ONLY 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. E-mail mstubbs@amanresorts.com
Page 24
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
Is it an Emergency? Èske li yon Ijans ? ¿Es una emergencia ? Registration:
Triyaj :
All people requiring medical attention at the Emergency Department have to be registered. If your condition requires that you have immediate (emergency) treatment, you will be assigned a bed in the treatment area. If you don’t need immediate medical care, you will be directed to a registration area where you will be asked to present your NHIP card (if you have one) and pay the required fees. All children under the age of 18 will be seen and treated as required, regardless of their ability to pay.
Triyaj se yon pwosesis kote moun blese oswa malad yo klase selon degre yo nan maladi oswa bezwen pou swen medikal ijans. Apre triyaj , yo pral mande w yo chita nan zòn nan ap tann jiskaske ou yo rele nan men doktè a.
Fees: If you are NHIP-eligible, the co-pay fee is $10. Between the hours of 11 pm and 7 am, the co-pay fee is $50 for non-emergency care. Additional diagnostic tests may incur an additional $10 co-pay fee. If you do not have NHIP, you will be billed at established rates. NOTE: All NHIP co-pay fees are paid over to NHIP and are not retained by the Hospital. Triage: Triage is a process where injured or sick people are classified according to their degree of illness or need for emergency medical attention. After triage, you will be asked to sit in the waiting area until you are called by the doctor. The waiting room: Why am I waiting so long? The most seriously ill patient must be seen first. This means if you have a less serious medical condition or are less sick, you may have to wait longer to be seen and treated, even if you arrived in the Emergency Department first. TCI Hospital staff will do their best to estimate how long you may have to wait. Enskripsyon Tout moun ki mande atansyon medikal nan Depatman Ijans gen yo dwe anrejistre. Si eta sante ou mande pou ke ou gen imedya ( ijans) tretman , ou pral yo kapab asiyen yon kabann nan zòn nan tretman an. Si ou pa bezwen swen medikal imedyat , ou pral dirije yo sou yon zòn enskripsyon ki kote yo pral mande wprezante kat NHIP ou ( si w gen youn ) ak peye frè yo mande yo. Tout timoun ki poko gen laj 18 an pral wè epi pou yo trete jan yo mande , kèlkeswa kapasite yo nan peye.
Sal la ap tann : Poukisa mwen ap tann konsa pou sa lontan ? Dwe pasyan ki pi malad grav ka wè an premye. Sa vle di si ou gen yon kondisyon medikal grav oswa mwens yo gen mwens malad, ou ka gen yo rete tann pi lontan yo dwe wè epi pou yo trete , menm si ou te rive nan Depatman an Ijans premye. Anplwaye TCI Lopital pral fè pi byen yo nan estime konbyen tan ou ka gen yo rete tann.
Inscripción: Todas las personas que requieren atención médica en el servicio de urgencias tienen que estar registrados. Si su condición requiere que usted tenga un tratamiento inmediato (de emergencia) se le asigna una cama en el área de tratamiento . Si no necesita atención médica inmediata, se le dirigirá a un área de registro donde se le pedirá que presente su tarjeta de NHIP ( si tiene uno ) y pagar las tasas correspondientes . Los menores de 18 años que van a ser vistos y tratados como se requiere, sin importar su capacidad de pago. Tarifas: Si usted es NHIP elegibles , la cuota de co-pago es de $ 10 . Entre las 11 pm y las 7 am, la tarifa de co-pago es de $ 50 para la atención no sea de emergencia . Pruebas de diagnóstico adicionales pueden implicar un cargo adicional co -pago de $ 10. Si usted no tiene NHIP , se le facturará a las tarifas establecidas . NOTA: Todas las tarifas NHIP copago se pagan a NHIP y no son retenidos por el Hospital . Triage : Triage es un proceso donde la gente heridos o enfermos se clasifican de acuerdo a su grado de enfermedad o necesidad de atención médica de emergencia . Después de triaje , se le pedirá que se siente en la sala de espera hasta que recibe una llamada por el médico .
Frè
La sala de espera : ¿Por qué estoy esperando tanto tiempo?
Si ou se NHIP - kalifye, frè a ko- peye a se $ 10. Nan lè sa yo 11 pm ak 7 am, frè a ko- peye se $ 50 pou swen ki pa ijans. Lòt tès dyagnostik pouvwa antrene yon $ 10 frè ko- peye anplis. Si ou pa gen NHIP , ou pral voye bòdwo bay konpayi nan etabli pousantaj. REMAK: Tout frè NHIP ko- peye yo peye sou nan NHIP epi yo pa double klas pa lopital la.
El paciente más gravemente enfermo debe ser visto por primera vez . Esto significa que si usted tiene una condición médica grave o menos es menos enfermo , es posible que tenga que esperar más tiempo para ser visto y tratado , incluso si usted llegó a la sala de urgencias en primer lugar. Personal TCI hospital hará todo lo posible para estimar cuánto tiempo es posible que tenga que esperar .
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
Page B-1
VOLUME 11 - NO. 04
$1.00
CARIBBEAN NEWS/ WORLD NEWS AND SPORTS/BUSINESS SECTION B Website: www.suntci.com
Email: sun@suntci.com
Tel: (649) 339-5879
Fax: (649) 941-3281
www.facebook.com/tcisun
Was Miss Jamaica robbed of the Miss Universe crown? Robbed? Miss Jamaica’s striking good looks and unmistakable poise have left Miss Universe pageant viewers saying the 22-year-old was robbed after being named fourth runner-up
Booed in support: Fennell, at right in the national costume competition and in her evening wear at left, received a major compliment from the Florida audience when they booed her being named fourth runner-up Follow us: @ MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
T
he grandfather of the Jamaican beauty queen who lost out on the Miss Universe crown has hit out at the pageant judges for being unclear about the requirements needed to win the show. Michael Fennell said that Kaci was the victim of ‘unwritten factors’ and that the judges should have stated if Miss Universe needed to have long hair. He said: ‘If short hair is a problem why didn’t they say so in the contest?’ Mr Fennell continued: ‘In my
mind she was absolutely beautiful in her short hair. ‘She was different but if the judges didn’t want short hair then say so. ‘I wish I knew how these contests were judged where there are other factors that are unwritten that have to be considered’. He also criticised those who questioned his daughter’s claims that Jamaica’s contributions to the world are Usain Bolt and Bob Marley. He said: ‘Of course it’s Bob Marley and Usain Bolt...the answers
After beating out stiff competition from USA, Netherlands, Jamaica and Ukraine, Miss Colombia Paulina Vega (right) became Miss Universe 2015, but some seemed to think it was Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennel (left) who deserved the crown. Her family have now publicly criticised the decision and called on the pageant judges to be more transparent about their criteria of the other contestants did not answer the question’. It’s renowned for its swimwear round, stunning dresses and a seemingly never-ending array of beautiful women. However, last night’s Miss Universe final in Miami got hotter than ever - after Miss Colombia, Paulina Vega, 22, was controversially crowned the winner of the beauty pageant. Instead of the usual cheering, the audience erupted into boos of disapproval as favourite-to-win Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell only made it to
fifth place Shortly after Miss Fennell, 22, left the stage in the 63rd annual contest, her name began trending on Twitter along with the hashtag #MissJamaicaShouldHaveWon. Unlike Miss Vega, who looks every-inch the beauty queen, Miss Fennell gained a large following due to her striking beauty, confidence intelligence and unconventional style - wearing her hair in a Halle Berry-esque pixie cut instead of the traditional long pageant waves. Continued on Page B-2
Page B-2
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWSNEWS CARIBBEAN
Was Miss Jamaica robbed of the Miss Universe crown?
Continued from Page B-1 Fans claim Miss Fennell was denied the title after she proudly called Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest short-distance runner, and reggaeking Bob Marley her country’s greatest contributions to the world. ‘I don’t have long tresses like
everyone else, I’m just representing myself and that’s what beauty pageants are all about,’ said Fennell, who wore a long, red beaded evening gown. ‘You don’t have to look a certain way ... and I feel like I represent that.’ Her non-traditional answers
US must return Guantánamo for normal relations
Cuban President Raul Castro Cuban President Raul Castro removing barriers to U.S. travel, demanded on Wednesday that the remittances and exports to Cuba United States return the U.S. base at is a tactical change that supports Guantánamo Bay, lift the half-century the United States’ unaltered goal of trade embargo on Cuba and compensate reforming Cuba’s single-party political his country for damages before the two system and centrally planned economy. nations re-establish normal relations. Cuba has said it welcomes the Castro told a summit of the measures but has no intention Community of Latin American and of changing its system. Without Caribbean States that Cuba and the establishing specific conditions, United States are working toward Castro’s government has increasingly full diplomatic relations but “if linked the negotiations with the U.S. these problems aren’t resolved, this to a set of longstanding demands that diplomatic rapprochement wouldn’t include an end to U.S. support for make any sense.” Cuban dissidents and Cuba’s removal Castro and President Barack from the U.S. list of state sponsors of Obama announced on Dec. 17 that terrorism. they would move toward renewing On Wednesday, Castro emphasized full diplomatic relations by reopening an even broader list of Cuban demands, embassies in each other’s countries. saying that while diplomatic ties may The two governments held negotiations be re-established, normal relations in Havana last week to discuss both with the U.S. depend on a series of the reopening of embassies and the concessions that appear highly unlikely broader agenda of re-establishing in the near future. normal relations. “The reestablishment of diplomatic Obama has loosened the trade relations is the start of a process of embargo with a range of measures normalizing bilateral relations, but this designed to increase economic ties will not be possible while the blockade with Cuba and increase the number still exists, while they don’t give back of Cubans who don’t depend on the the territory illegally occupied by the communist state for their livelihoods. Guantánamo naval base,” Castro said. But the White House has said He demanded that the U.S. end withdrawal from the 45-square-mile the transmission of anti-Castro radio U.S. Navy base behind a Cuban and television broadcasts and deliver minefield in southeast Cuba is not part “just compensation to our people for of the bargain. the human and economic damage that The Obama administration says they’re suffered.”
along with her pixie cut and Caribbean confidence, likely contributed to her not placing higher in the final, according to her fans. Winning competitor Miss Vega is from Barranquilla, Colombia and is studying business administration.
She said that she isn’t planning to enter any more Miss Universe beauty competitions as she’s eager to return to her studies. The 22-year-old is the granddaughter of a legendary tenor, Gastón Vega.
CCJ President welcomes move by Dominica to join court PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis Byron Wednesday welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit that Dominica would become a full member of the Trinidad-based Court. “The Court welcomes this historic move for the Eastern Sir Dennis Byron Caribbean State and anticipates the governs the 15-member Skerrit said. finalization of the regional integration In his statement, legislative processes movement. Sir Dennis said the to make the CCJ Last year, Dominica CCJ has noted the Dominica’s final court received the formal go- announcement by of appeal,” Sir Dennis ahead from Britain Skerrit and that “while said in a statement. to delink from the being accessed by only Earlier this week, Privy Council and join three other Caribbean Prime Minister Skerrit, the CCJ and Skerrit, States, the CCJ’s speaking on the state- said that the island’s Appellate Jurisdiction owned DBS radio, said acceptance of the CCJ is quite robust as it his island would join would become a reality has produced close to Barbados, Guyana by early February. ninety percent of the and Belize in being “I expect the Court’s judicial output. members of both the court to come into full “With ten years Original and Appellate effect for Dominica already on its heels, Jurisdictions of the CCJ by early February the CCJ stands ready that was established 2015. Certainly as we to serve the people of in 2001 to replace the indicated last year Dominica in providing London-based Privy this is an historic greater accessibility Council as the region’s opportunity for to final justice in a final court. Dominica. It would manner that engenders The CCJ also acts mean allowing more the public’s trust and as an international ordinary citizens to confidence in judicial tribunal interpreting have greater access to services,’ Sir Dennis the Revised Treaty of the judicial system,” added. Chaguaramas that
US seeks 29 drug suspects in Puerto Rico, Florida, Colombia
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - U.S. would travel directly from Venezuela authorities on Thursday issued arrest to the tiny Puerto Rican island of warrants for 29 suspects in Puerto Vieques, where the drugs then would Rico, Florida and Colombia who are be transported via commercial ferry to accused of running a multimillion- the main island. dollar drug-trafficking ring. Authorities said a portion of the The U.S. Justice Department cocaine was sold in Puerto Rico and said the suspects were charged with the remainder transported to New importing large quantities of cocaine York. They said drug sale revenues into the United States and laundering would be sent back to Colombia in millions of dollars in revenue from various ways, including wire transfers November 2010 through September to banks in Panama and China and by 2012. couriers who would carry thousands of Officials said 12 of the suspects dollars in cash. were arrested in Puerto Rico and The arrests come as the amount of another nine would be extradited cocaine flowing through the Caribbean from Colombia to face trial in the U.S. has more than doubled in the past territory. At least two of the suspects three years, with federal authorities already were serving sentences in estimating that 100 tons (91 metric federal prison. tons) flowed through the region in The suspects are accused of 2013. Earlier this month, the Obama smuggling drugs from Colombia to administration unveiled the first Puerto Rico via Venezuela using go- federal plan of its kind that outlines fast boats that would meet other how authorities plan to crack down on vessels just south of the U.S. territory. drug trafficking specifically in Puerto Officials said sometimes the boats Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page B-3
CARIBBEAN LOCAL NEWSNEWS
US official cautions Jamaica on ganja legalisation WASHINGTON, DC, USA — The United States Government has signalled some discomfort with Jamaica’s move to decriminalise marijuana for specific uses. According to assistant secretary of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), William R Brownfield, there is a possibility that the move could increase inflows of marijuana from Jamaica that now accounts for 80 per cent of ganja illegally smuggled into that country. Brownfield said that, while the US must be tolerant of national policies to combat the illicit trade of ganja, Jamaica must be mindful of international drug treaties to which it is a signatory. Brownfield was responding to a question concerning last Friday’s tabling of the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act, 2015 in the Jamaican Senate, which seeks to, among other things, decriminalise ganja for medicinal, religious, and personal uses. With the amendments, the possession of small quantities of ganja, amounting to two ounces or less, will become a nonarrestable offence. The Bill also seeks to reform the monetary penalties laid down by the Act. “...With or without the legalisation of ganja, the decriminalisation of ganja... the importation of ganja into
William Brownfield the US remains against the law and the issue then is how much impact will legalisation or decriminalisation have on that. And, I can assure you that, from the US side, we will continue to pursue maximum efforts to prevent any import in the United States and we will request and expect complete co-operation from law enforcement authorities of the Government of Jamaica in eliminating this sort of trafficking,” Brownfield told journalists Tuesday. Jamaica has largely been viewed by the US as a hub for the cultivation of ganja and a popular transit route for drugs originating in South America -- a point that was emphasised strongly by
Brownfield during a meeting at the State Department in Washington, DC. Brownfield cited extensively the three drugrelated international treaties of 1961, 1971, and 1988 that codify internationally acceptable control measures to prevent the trafficking of narcotics while ensuring their availability for scientific and medicinal purposes. “Jamaica like all... countries of the world does have to address [their concerns], within their own realities, but at the same time accept that they have ratified and, therefore, have a legal obligation to abide by the terms of the three international drug
conventions,” Brownfield said, “Other Caribbean states even as he acknowledged that also produce some form the posture of the US has of cannabis; Jamaica has somewhat changed with the greater name recognition and legalisation of ganja in the greater reputation, I suppose, federal district of Washington, for the quality of its product and the states of Colorado, as well as the quantity of its Oregon, and Alaska. product. So [Jamaica], in a “I would not necessarily sense, has a more unique set walk down the same road that of problems and challenges the governments of the states than do most other Caribbean of Colorado, Washington, states in that most of the Oregon and Alaska have other states of the region are elected to do. I would not dealing with the impact of necessarily walk down the trafficking, external forces same road that some in the who move their products Government and Parliament through their nation or their of Jamaica are choosing to maritime or airspace en walk. That said, my position route to market in a third was quite clearly stated country...,” he said. in the beginning; we must “Jamaica deals with have tolerance and accept another set of problems as that different countries will well... Some very competent, address their drug issues very talented, very skilled in different ways so long agricultural experts in as they are committed to Jamaica also produce a very the fundamental purposes high-quality cannabis, which of the three international is used both for domestic conventions and that is to consumption and there the reduce the damage, to reduce opportunity presents itself the harm and eventually to for exports to other markets reduce the abuse of these as well, so Jamaica has to products, including cannabis, deal with both problems in or marijuana, or ganja to that regard. [Jamaica has] to the citizens of the world,” deal with one set of problems Brownfield emphasised, in terms of being a producer pointing out that the nation... and it has to deal conventions have some with the impact of being degree of flexibility as to a transit nation as well,” how countries address their Brownfield added. domestic drug issues. Jamaica’s Senate will Jamaica, he said, finds tomorrow begin debate itself in a peculiar position, on the ganja reform Bill, having to deal with the which seeks to amend the problem of ganja cultivation Dangerous Drugs Act of 1948. as well as being a transit The last amendment to that route. Act took place in 1987.
Only Jamaican politicians to keep police bodyguards Some of Jamaica’s judges yesterday responded leader of the opposition, and former prime ministers, with fury after it was announced that they would no and that otherwise, the assignment of CPOs would longer be automatically assigned bodyguards. “be based on recommendations informed by the threat National Security Minister Peter Bunting, who assessment”. made the announcement in Parliament yesterday, Bunting said a review is currently being done said only the governor general and members of the of the deployment of personnel at the VIP Protection political directorate would automatically be accorded Division, which currently has 544 personnel, close-protection officers (CPOs). He said, too, that approximately half of whom work as CPOs, providing assignment to other persons and categories of bodyguard services to 172 officials, including Cabinet persons would be done based on an assessment of ministers, parliamentarians, judges and magistrates, threat levels. and holders of some public offices. But one of several judges with whom The Gleaner Bunting said the bodyguard system has resulted spoke, who preferred not to be identified, said it was in the inefficient use of personnel, arguing that there ill-advised to remove the automatic assignment of have been instances where CPOs are being assigned CPOs from judges and resident magistrates. without threat assessments having been conducted. “This argument that the assignment of CPOs He also said CPOs have been assigned even when will be done based on the threat level does not make no security threat exists and that CPOs have been sense. Judges have to deal with criminals every day,” engaged in a variety of roles that have nothing to do the judge said. with security such as acting as drivers or assisting “It is unwise to wait until something happens or with a variety of domestic chores. when your assessment says something may happen. “This significant deployment must be balanced We deal with criminals every day. We do not know against the reality that there are several police when they will try and attack a judge,” another stated. stations unable to adequately cover their police At present, CPOs travel with judges from their homes districts because fewer than 10 officers staff them,” to court and back home. Judges, however, have to Bunting said. stand the cost of their security at home. The Gleaner He said that in determining whether groups understands that discussions are taking place such as judges should benefit from close-protection between the Police High Command and the chief services, the police would undertake assessments of justice with a view to strengthening the protection threat levels. afforded to judges. “Where it is revealed that threat levels are not In Parliament, Bunting said the automatic significant, officers will be redeployed to augment assignment of CPOs would be done for the governor the personnel at geographical divisions,” the minister general, the prime minister, Cabinet ministers, the said.
But yesterday, another judge said that judges and their families are sometimes left to the mercy of criminals because of the absence of proper security.
Jamaica’s National Security Minister Peter Bunting
Page B-4
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWSNEWS CARIBBEAN
Introducing Carnival creating controversy in The Bahamas
Perry Christie blasts PLP MP over carnival criticism
PLP MP Leslie Miller (left) and Prime Minister Perry Christie (right).
Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Commission will take the Christian Council’s recent concerns regarding the upcoming festival “into consideration” but stressed that celebration will encourage “Bahamianism” and not “sins of the flesh.” According to the Nassau Tribune, he also denied rumours that event organisers are collectively paying Bahamian entertainers $50,000, stressing that each local act will be paid what they are worth. “The Christian Council has a moral responsibility to the country, so what they said must be looked at and analysed and we must ensure we do not cross borders,” the tourism minister said. “We will pay respect to the council by considering their arguments. All efforts made going forward will ensure decency and order are a part of this cultural expression.” “We do not want to offend anyone but at the same time we have to push Bahamians and ‘Bahamianism,’ this festival will do that just. It will take the Bahamas to the world.” His comments came one day after the Bahamas Christian Council denounced the “immodest” costumes for the planned event, saying the scant attire could lead to “fornication, promiscuity, rape
PRIME Minister Perry Christie passionately defended the inaugural Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival from detractors and hit out at the “intrusiveness” of Progressive Liberal Party MP Leslie Miller who this week called the planned festival “garbage.” Mr Miller has also suggested Carnival could have a negative impact on youth by being sexually suggestive and said he had “no appetite” for the festival’s sexually charged nature. Speaking on the issue of Junkanoo Carnival at incest” and other “sins of the flesh.” their performances in the planned the Bahamas Business Outlook yesterday morning, In a statement released event. Mr Christie said Mr Miller’s own daughters are Monday, Christian Council “Truth is we want Bahamian actively involved with Carnival group, Enigma. President Rev Dr Ranford artists to perform and they will “The first people who spoke to me when I walked Patterson said the group has be properly compensated for their into this room with hundreds of people gathered concerns over the “immodest” talents. There is no budget and we together for Junkanoo Carnival was Leslie Miller’s costumes for women being will pay each artist what they are two daughters,” the prime minister told the crowd. promoted for Bahamas Junkanoo worth,” Mr Wilchcombe said. Pushing back at critics who have denounced the Carnival. “They will be featured skimpy women’s costumes associated with Junkanoo While applauding the prominently and will be satisfied Carnival, Mr Christie suggested that Junkanoo government for seeking ways to at the end of the day because regularly has vulgar acts on display and questioned boost revenue, Rev Patterson said without them we won’t have the if critics of the new festival have attended the annual it appears as though Bahamian culture and we won’t have a real Bay Street parades. women’s sexuality is “being overtly show. They can rest assured that “When I go to Bay Street now and I looked at the exploited for monetary gain”. Bahamians will dominate the girls last Christmas and this Christmas, I said ‘Lord, Mr Wilchcombe also responded show. If we bring other people they got Carnival costumes on,’” he said. “I don’t to criticism from some local in they will be celebrating with know if you people go to Junkanoo, I don’t even know entertainers about the event. us, not dominating the show. We if Leslie Miller goes to Junkanoo.” He said that despite the have entertainers and artists here Further defending the festival, Mr Christie said it “noise in the market”, Junkanoo that can compete with the rest of will boost the economy, create employment and turn Carnival is and will always be the world. The Bahamas will be Bahamians into “superstars.” about promoting Bahamian music showcased properly. And while Mr Christie yesterday said he and culture. He denied rumours “We are raising the level of “welcomed” Mr Miller’s “grave reservations” about that the commission is offering Bahamian participation; we let Carnival, he said the MP could have simply talked to Bahamian artists “peanuts” for Bahamian music suffer and fall him personally about his views. their talent. apart for decades and now we will Mr Christie said: “I welcome his (Miller’s) On Monday it was revealed celebrate our own.” intrusiveness.” that the Carnival Commission Three members of the carnival “I don’t frown about that. I mean, he could have was seeking to pay American pop commission recently resigned; two talked to me about it and I could have explained my star Janet Jackson $1.9 million of them, Ed Fields and Freddie views. It’s the same with any colleague that I have, to perform during the week of Munnings, reportedly left the because somehow people in public life believe that activities, a proposal that was commission due to issues with the the people who are in the Cabinet don’t have those rejected by the government. government and the other, Inga views.” Bahamian entertainer Dillon Bowleg, reportedly needed more Meanwhile, organisers of the controversial event McKenzie sounded off about time to devote to her career. have spent less than $2 million of the $9 million the disparity between what Junkanoo Carnival will be a budget so far. international performers will series of cultural events starting “To date we have spent $1.5 million, with a total receive compared to local acts. on Easter Monday and ending on of 214 small and medium-sized local entities for an In a post on Facebook, he said May 9. estimate GDP impact of about $7 million,” Paul Major, Bahamian entertainers are Officials have said it will cost chairman of the Carnival Commission, said. collectively receiving $50,000 for $9 million to stage the event. He spoke of the expected economic benefits of the new festival in an attempt to silence the naysayers who have said they want the event to fail. suspects already were serving in various ways, including wire He added that he did not understand why people sentences in federal prison. transfers to banks in Panama and are accusing the commission and the government of The suspects are accused of China and by couriers who would “forsaking Junkanoo.” smuggling drugs from Colombia carry thousands of dollars in cash. He said the aim is to create a sound that is to Puerto Rico via Venezuela using The arrests come as the amount marketable internationally, such as Jamaica’s reggae go-fast boats that would meet of cocaine flowing through the or the Caribbean’s Soca music. other vessels just south of the U.S. Caribbean has more than doubled On Wednesday, Mr Miller told The Nassau territory. Officials said sometimes in the past three years, with Guardian the government should not “import any the boats would travel directly federal authorities estimating garbage” into the country to further destroy young from Venezuela to the tiny Puerto that 100 tons (91 metric tons) people that are already “totally out of line morally.” Rican island of Vieques, where the flowed through the region in 2013. He said the government should be spending drugs then would be transported Earlier this month, the Obama money “branding what we have” instead of “imitating via commercial ferry to the main administration unveiled the or transplanting other people’s culture and call it island. first federal plan of its kind that something original.” Authorities said a portion of the outlines how authorities plan to Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe also responded cocaine was sold in Puerto Rico and crack down on drug trafficking to Mr Miller’s comments, and said yesterday that the remainder transported to New specifically in Puerto Rico and the while Mr Miller had “a right to speak,” he felt it was York. They said drug sale revenues U.S. Virgin Islands. “unfortunate” that the backbencher did not address would be sent back to Colombia the prime minister directly on the matter.
US seeks 29 drug suspects in Puerto Rico, Florida, Colombia SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - U.S. authorities on Thursday issued arrest warrants for 29 suspects in Puerto Rico, Florida and Colombia who are accused of running a multimillion-dollar drugtrafficking ring. The U.S. Justice Department said the suspects were charged with importing large quantities of cocaine into the United States and laundering millions of dollars in revenue from November 2010 through September 2012. Officials said 12 of the suspects were arrested in Puerto Rico and another nine would be extradited from Colombia to face trial in the U.S. territory. At least two of the
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
WORLD
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page B-5
CARIBBEAN LOCAL NEWSNEWS
NEWS
Romney opts out of a 2016 run for president
Republican Mitt Romney bowed out of the 2016 U.S. presidential race on Friday after considering a third run, and told supporters it was time for the next generation of party leaders to seek the White House. Romney’s decision will probably boost the fortunes of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, a probable presidential candidate who, like Romney, is widely viewed as representing the Republican establishment. Many who had raised money for Romney were already looking elsewhere, concerned that the former Massachusetts governor did not make sufficient changes from his 2012 campaign, when President Barack Obama defeated him. “After putting considerable thought into making another run for president, I’ve decided it is best to give other leaders in the party the opportunity to become our next nominee,” Romney said in a statement he read to supporters in a conference call from New York. Romney told a private donors meeting in New York three weeks ago that he was considering jumping
into the race. On Friday, he sounded Bush said he recognized how reluctant to bow out. hard the decision was for Romney. The reaction to his potential “Mitt is a patriot, and I join many in candidacy was both surprising and hoping his days of serving our nation heartening, he said, noting that he was and our party are not over,” he said in leading in many national polls as well a statement. as in key swing states. Romney, who also ran for the “So I am convinced that we could White House in 2008, would have faced win the nomination, but fully realize difficulties raising money in a third it would have been difficult test and a run. Some of his fund-raisers said hard fight,” Romney said. they were inclined to move on to other In his statement, Romney said potential candidates like Bush. he still believed he would have the Theresa Kostrzewa, a Raleigh, best chance of beating the eventual North Carolina, Republican who raised Democratic nominee because of his money for Romney in 2012, said she message of “making the world safer” had wanted to hear him say he had and improving the U.S. economy for learned from his mistakes in 2012 and the middle class. would run a different campaign. But he said he did not want to “What I think right now is his time make it more difficult for someone who has come and gone,” she said. “I think might have a better chance of getting he missed the boat.” elected. In another troubling sign for “I believe that one of our next Romney, David Kochel, a Republican generation of Republican leaders, one strategist in Iowa who backed the who may not be as well known as I candidate in past campaigns, was am today, one who has not yet taken named on Thursday as a senior their message across the country, one strategist for Bush. who is just getting started, may well Iowa Republican Renee Schulte, emerge as being better able to defeat who had been a Romney supporter the Democrat nominee,” he said. since 2006 and raised money for him in
Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney 2012, said she still thought he would be a great president if elected, but she did not see a path to victory. “I’ve asked questions about what would be different, and I’m still waiting for answers,” she said. “What’s different?”
Pilots disabled critical computers moments before AirAsia crash The pilots of AirAsia Bhd. Flight 8501 cut power to a critical computer system that normally prevents planes from going out of control shortly before it plunged into the Java Sea, two people with knowledge of the investigation said. The action appears to have helped trigger the events of Dec. 28, when the Airbus Group NV A320 climbed so abruptly that it lost lift and it began falling with warnings blaring in the cockpit, the people said. All 162 aboard were killed. The pilots had been attempting to deal with alerts about the flight augmentation computers, which control the A320’s rudder and also automatically prevent it from going too slow. After initial attempts to address the alerts, the flight crew cut power to the entire system, which is comprised of two separate computers that back up each other, the people said. While the information helps show how a normally functioning A320’s flight-protection system could have been bypassed, it doesn’t explain why the pilots pulled the plane into a steep climb, the people said. Even with the computers shut off, the pilots should have been able to fly the plane manually, they said. Airbus discourages pilots from cutting power to systems because electronics in the highly computerized aircraft are interconnected and turning off one component can affect others, John Cox, a former A320 pilot who is now a safety consultant, said in an interview. “Particularly with an Airbus you don’t do that,” said Cox, chief executive officer of Washington-based industry consultant Safety Operating Systems. Flight 8501 climbed more than
5,000 feet (1,524 meters) in less than 30 seconds, rising above the altitude where it was authorized to fly, Ertata Lananggalih, an investigator with Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee, said in Jakarta on Thursday. The co-pilot, with 2,247 hours of flying experience, was at the controls and talking to controllers while the captain, who had 20,537 hours, was monitoring, said Mardjono Siswosuwarno, the lead investigator
three minutes before it disappeared, he said. “The pilots were conscious when the maneuver happened,” he said. “They were trying to control the airplane.” Such an abrupt climb would almost certainly cause a rapid loss of speed and a “very pronounced stall,” Cox said. The aircraft, operated by the Indonesian affiliate of Malaysia-based AirAsia, disappeared from radar en
Wreckage from the AirAsia flight of the crash. The account was the first description of the last moments of the flight. The investigators didn’t address whether pilots had cut power to the flight augmentation computer system and said they wouldn’t release more information on the case. From a cruising altitude of 32,000 feet, the single-aisle A320 climbed to 37,400 feet as pilots probably tried to avoid bad weather, Lananggalih said. The aircraft then descended slowly for
route to Singapore from Surabaya. Indonesia won’t release a preliminary report on its investigation into Flight 8501 because fact-findings could change rapidly, Tatang Kurniadi, head of the commission, said Thursday. Indonesia sent the preliminary findings to all countries in the investigation on Jan. 28, Kurniadi said. The pilots had sought permission from air traffic control to turn left and then climb to 38,000 feet because of storm clouds. Four minutes after the
request, a controller cleared the pilots to climb to 34,000 feet, he said. Satellite imagines showed storm clouds that reached as high as 44,000 feet, according to investigators. The aircraft was in “good condition,” Siswosuwarno said. All Airbus models produced since the 1980s are designed to prevent pilot errors from causing crashes. The planes are controlled by multiple flight computers, which limit pilots from overly steep turns or getting too slow. In the event of a malfunction or loss of power, the flight protections will shut down and leave the pilots to fly the plane manually. That appears to be what happened before Flight 8501 entered the steep climb and stalled, the two people said. Investigators are still trying to determine why the pilots would cut power to the flight augmentation computers by pulling a circuit breaker in the cockpit. Indonesian authorities have so far recovered at least 70 bodies. Investigators still haven’t managed to lift the jet’s fuselage. The tail section of the plane has been retrieved. Indonesia’s military pulled out of the search this week. The cockpit-voice recorder captured the pilots’ voices and no explosion was heard, Nurcahyo Utomo, an investigator with the committee, said last week. The flight-data recorder captured 1,200 parameters and the voice-recorder captured the last two hours and four minutes of the flight, the investigators said. The two devices are called the black boxes. After studying data from the black boxes, authorities ruled out terrorism as a factor that brought down the plane.
Page B-6
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
WORLD NEWS LOCAL NEWS
ISIS launches Former rap mogul attack on Suge Knight arrested in deadly hit-and-run oil-rich northern Iraqi city
Suge Knight WEST HOLLYWOOD, to authorities. He was being held The empty truck was found Calif. - Marion “Suge” Knight, the on $2 million bail, said Deputy late Thursday in a West Los former music mogul who created Trina Schrader of the Los Angeles Angeles parking lot, Corina said. one of hip-hop’s leading labels and County Sheriff ’s Department. Knight was seen driving a red became the impresario of gangster A red pickup truck drove pickup truck 20 minutes earlier rap, was arrested early Friday on into the parking lot of a fast-food in a different part of town where a suspicion of hitting and killing restaurant Thursday afternoon music video was being filmed, the a man with his truck and then in Compton, and its driver lieutenant said. fleeing the crash near Los Angeles. started arguing with two people Blatt said Knight’s legal Knight’s attorney said the there, sheriff ’s officials said. The team was “confident that once the founder of Death Row Records argument escalated, and the investigation is completed, he will accidentally ran over and killed pickup struck the men around 3 be totally exonerated.” a friend and injured another p.m. and then took off, authorities Knight founded Death Row man Thursday as he tried to said. Records in the 1990s but later escape attackers. Witnesses and “Looks like he drove backwards declared bankruptcy, and the authorities say an argument and struck the victims and drove company was auctioned off. between the men escalated forwards and struck them again,” His lengthy history of run-ins into Knight ramming the pair. sheriff ’s Lt. John Corina said. with the law goes back to the early Authorities said he could face a “The people we talked to say it 1990s and includes assaults and murder charge. looked like it was an intentional weapons offenses. The 49-year-old Knight, who act.” In November, he pleaded has a long history of violent crimes, A 55-year-old man died at a not guilty to a robbery charge started the label that helped hospital, and a 51-year-old man filed over an incident in which a put West Coast rap on the map was injured, but authorities celebrity photographer accused with the legendary group N.W.A., did not immediately know his him of stealing her camera in whose members included Dr. Dre, condition. Beverly Hills. Because of prior Ice Cube and Eazy E. The label Witnesses also spoke of an convictions, he could face up to 30 also launched the career of Snoop argument. years in prison. Dogg and had Tupac Shakur in “To see the argument happen, He has felony convictions for the last months of his life. it’s one thing,” said 17-year-old armed robbery and assault with a Many of the records Knight Robert Smith, who was eating in gun. He pleaded no contest in 1995 released helped immortalize the restaurant. “Seeing the car to assaulting two rap entertainers Compton, the LA-area city incident, that was shocking.” at a Hollywood recording studio where the crash occurred, in Knight’s attorney, James Blatt, and was sentenced to five years of hip-hop folklore as a gritty and said the crash was an accident. probation. violent urban environment, “He was in the process of He also served timed for although crime there has dipped being physically assaulted by two probation violations. significantly there since its 1990s men, and in an effort to escape, Last August, Knight was peak. he unfortunately hit two (other) shot six times at a Los Angeles He was arrested around 3 individuals,” the lawyer said. “He nightclub. No arrests have been a.m. PST after turning himself in was in his car trying to escape.” made.
Boko Haram slaughters people like animals
Boko Haram Adamu Kamale, a militants have killed lawmaker representing scores in a series of Michika district in the raids on dozens of Adamawa state House of villages in northeast Assembly. Nigeria’s Adamawa state, “They move house continuing its violent to house, killing people campaign of terror in -- including the old, the African nation, a abducting women, and lawmaker said. children and burning For two weeks, Boko homes,” Kamale said Haram gunmen have Tuesday. sacked dozens of villages He said villages are in Michika district, littered with bodies, and close to the border with there is no one to bury Cameroon, slaughtering them because residents male residents and have fled -- thousands abducting others, said of them, heading off
into the mountains or is horrific but, sadly, across the border into nothing new for Boko Cameroon -- to escape Haram. the onslaught. The terrorist group, “They slaughter its name translating as people like animals,” he “Western education is said. sin,” has been a force in ”Now, 70% of the Nigeria for years. It tries people in the district to use religion to justify have been dislodged its actions, which are from the homes. Some aimed at imposing its of them have run into strict version of of Sharia the mountains, while law in Nigeria, which is others have crossed into split between a majority Cameroon or fled to Yola,” Muslim north and a the capital of Adamawa mostly Christian south. state, Kamale said. The villagers’ ordeal
ISIS militants have attacked Kirkuk in northern Iraq, an effort that might be an earnest attempt to capture the key oil-rich city or perhaps to divert Kurdish troops fighting to capture the Islamist extremist group’s stronghold of Mosul. For months, ISIS has been facing off with the Peshmerga -- armed fighters who protect Iraqi Kurdistan -- to the west of Kirkuk. It had gone into areas on Kirkuk’s outskirts, but not the central city. Until now, apparently. Heavily armed militants attacked an abandoned hotel in central Kirkuk that local police had used as their headquarters. Peshmerga and Kurdish anti-terror units later raided the hotel, wresting control of it from the militants and killing three of them, according to Peshmerga sources. In addition, two suicide bombers detonated themselves in an attempt to keep the Kurdish forces out. Also Friday, ISIS militants took over Maktab Khalid, an area about 12 miles southwest of Kirkuk, after heavy clashes with the Peshmerga. Among those killed was Brig. Gen. Shirko Fateh, the highest-ranking operational commander of the Peshmerga brigade located in Kirkuk. Photos posted by ISIS purportedly show the group’s militants in control of parts of south and southwest Kirkuk, burning tents that had been used by Peshmerga troops. Kirkuk is a strategically important city in the months-long fight, one that has pitted ISIS against against the Peshmerga, Iraqi government troops and an international coalition that has carried out airstrikes against the terrorist group. It is one of the few notable cities -- apart from the region of Kurdistan and its capital, Irbil -- in northern Iraq that haven’t fallen to ISIS. Part of its significance stems from the fact its oil reserves are almost as much as those in southern Iraq. The Kurds and the central Iraqi government in Baghdad have long wrangled over control of those reserves, with each side wanting to keep hold of them. ISIS, which relies heavily on revenue from oil smuggling to fund its operations, has been coveting them, too. Peshmerga forces took over the Kirkuk area in June when the Iraqi army crumbled in the face of ISIS’ advances and have played a vital role in defending it from ISIS since. In December, ISIS claimed responsibility for a suicide car bomb attack there that killed at least 17 people and injured more than 20. The attack, according to ISIS, was meant to send a message to the Kurdish people and Peshmerga fighters. Peshmerga progress Still, Kirkuk is hardly the only place that’s seen recent fighting -- which may be part of ISIS’ rationale for Friday’s attack there. The group has been fending off an offensive from Peshmerga fighters around Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city and a focal point for all sides in the conflict, that’s left the Sunni extremist group on its heels. The city of 1.5 million people on the Tigris River has been held by ISIS since last June. ISIS has invested heavily in governing the city. Its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, pronounced his leadership of the caliphate at the Grand Mosque there last July. For their part, Kurdish officials say that as long as ISIS holds Mosul, it threatens Kurdistan. Likewise, neither the government in Baghdad nor its coalition partners can rest while terrorists occupy Iraq’s second-largest city. Peshmerga forces have made steady progress against ISIS north and west of Mosul over the past two months. They have taken some 3,000 square kilometers (1,160 square miles) of the Sinjar area, as well as the area around the Mosul Dam, choking off access routes and threatening ISIS’ main resupply routes.
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page B-7
WORLD NEWS LOCAL NEWS
50 years after funeral, Churchill towers over UK politicians
LONDON - Fifty years after Winston Churchill’s funeral, British politicians paid tribute Friday to the wartime leader - and tried to energize their election campaigns with a little of the Churchill magic. Prime Minister David Cameron - facing pressure from Euroskeptics to chart a more isolationist path - hailed a statesmen whom he said knew Britain was “not just a place on the map but a force in the world, with a destiny to shape events and a duty to stand up for freedom.” When Churchill died in 1965 at the age of 90, a million people lined the streets of London to watch the funeral cortege pass by. The man who led Britain to victory against Nazi Germany still looms large over British politics. Cameron was joined by other party leaders for a wreath-laying ceremony at Parliament’s statue of Churchill, whose bronze toes Conservative lawmakers still rub for good luck. Outside, ceremonies recreated parts of Churchill’s final journey on Jan. 30, 1965. His descendants traveled up the River Thames in the same boat that carried the statesman’s coffin
away from St. was an historic Britain was one of the victorious Allied Paul’s Cathedral occasion, “the nations that “set the tone for the latter for burial. turning point half of the 20th century.” The ceremonies, when we no Evans said Euroskeptics, too, given hours of longer looked could find ammunition in the “Britain television time, back to the war.” against the Continent” symbolism of were partly an Britain no Churchill’s wartime stance. opportunity to longer has an Modern politicians know better mark the passing empire, and than to invite comparisons to the of the generation c a m p a i g n i n g larger-than-life Churchill - a noted that fought and for its May 7 “bon vivant,” Cameron recalled, who won World War II. national election kept 10 Downing St. stocked with Pol They is dominated by Roger Champagne. also provided issues common There is one exception: London’s politicians a to many mid- loquacious, Latin-spouting mayor, chance to bask in size powers: a Boris Johnson, who is running for the glow of a leader fragile economy; Parliament in May’s election. Johnson who symbolized worries over an is seen as a potential Conservative Britain’s darkest expensive health leader and is currently in the besthour, and its care system; seller lists with “The Churchill Factor: greatest victory. unease about How One Man Made History.” Former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill “I think immigration; “Politics is not made British politicians, and growing only by faceless gray people in especially Conservative politicians, alienation from Europe that has suits,” Honeyman said. The most look back to him because they are fueled the rise of the right-wing U.K. extraordinary politicians are often nostalgic for the days when Britain was Independence Party. outsiders, like Prime Minister a world-leading power,” Cambridge University of Leeds politics Margaret Thatcher, “who are not University historian Richard J. Evans lecturer Victoria Honeyman said afraid to stick their heads above the said. As a schoolboy, Evans stood the timing of the anniversary could parapet. And Churchill is the ultimate among the crowds that gray day in help Cameron by reminding voters head-sticker.” 1965 - drawn by the sense that this that under Churchill’s Conservatives,
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe new African Union chairman ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - African leaders Friday appointed Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe as the new chairman of the 54-nation African Union. The 90-year-old Mugabe, who has ruled his country since 1980, succeeds Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. The announcement was made during the African Union’s two-day heads of state summit at the organization’s headquarters in Ethiopia’s capital. “During my tenure as chair, I will deliberately provoke your thoughts to pay special attention to issues of infrastructure, value addition, agriculture and climate change,” Mugabe told African leaders. Mugabe’s new position has drawn criticism. “Frankly I don’t believe the elevation (Mugabe’s appointment) is anything than symbolic,” said Piers Pigou, Southern Africa project director for the International Crisis Group. “His elevation sends a negative signal of African solidarity with leaders who’ve misruled their countries.” Traditionally, the AU chairmanship is given to the leader of the country hosting the next summit,
but exceptions have been made as in 2005 when it was the turn of Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir but African leaders bowed to international pressures in the uproar over killings in Darfur. They passed over alBashir and instead kept Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo for a second year. Zimbabwe, a once-prosperous nation of 13 million people in southern Africa, has struggled since Mugabe’s government began seizing white-owned farms in 2000. Mugabe is accused of using widespread violence to win several disputed elections, according to human rights groups. The country suffered hyperinflation until it abandoned its currency for the U.S. dollar in 2009. Mugabe defeated rival Morgan Tsvangirai in a 2013 vote marked by allegations of irregularities. Mugabe’s victory ended an uneasy power-sharing deal with the opposition, but foreign investors have been deterred by concerns about corruption and government policies to force foreign-owned and whiteowned businesses to cede 51 percent of their shares to black Zimbabweans. Hundreds of manufacturing companies have closed in the recent past. Critics
Robert Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since 1980 accuse Mugabe of being an independence hero turned dictator who has clung to power like many African leaders of his generation.
US wants to analyze DNA from 1 million people
The United States has proposed analyzing genetic information from more than 1 million American volunteers as part of a new initiative to understand human disease and develop medicines targeted to an individual’s genetic make-up. At the heart of the “precision medicine” initiative, announced on Friday by President Barack Obama, is the creation of a pool of people - healthy and ill, men and women, old and young - who would be studied to learn how genetic variants affect health and disease. Officials hope genetic data from several hundred thousand participants in ongoing genetic studies would be used and other volunteers recruited to reach the 1 million total. “Precision medicine gives us one of the greatest opportunities for new medical breakthroughs we’ve ever seen,” Obama said, promising that it would “lay a foundation for a new era of life-saving discoveries.” The near-term goal is to
create more and better treatments for cancer, Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), told reporters on a conference call on Thursday. Longer term, he said, the project would provide information on how to individualize treatment for a range of diseases. The initial focus on cancer, he said, reflects the lethality of the disease and the significant advances against cancer that precision medicine has already made, though more work is needed. The president proposed $215 million in his 2016 budget for the initiative. Of that, $130 million would go to the NIH to fund the research cohort and $70 million to NIH’s National Cancer Institute to intensify efforts to identify molecular drivers of cancer and apply that knowledge to drug development. A further $10 million would go to the Food and Drug Administration to develop databases on which to
build an appropriate regulatory structure; $5 million would go to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to develop privacy standards and ensure the secure exchange of data. The effort may raise alarm bells for privacy rights advocates who have questioned the government’s ability to guarantee that DNA information is kept anonymous. Obama promised that “privacy will be built in from day one.” The funding is not nearly enough to sequence 1 million genomes from scratch. Whole-genome sequencing, though plummeting in price, still costs about $1,000 per genome, Collins said, meaning this component alone would cost $1 billion. Instead, he said, the national cohort would be assembled both from new volunteers interested in “an opportunity to take part in something historic,” and existing cohorts that are already linking genomic data to medical outcomes.
Hundreds of thousands of Africans are stateless ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - A new report says hundreds of thousands perhaps millions - of Africans are stateless because of gaps in the citizenship laws of many countries. The report from the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights says Africans whose legal existence is jeopardized often are deprived of the right to education, health care and to vote and travel. Commissioner Maya Fadel-Sahli says such people are denied the right to exist “not because they are not Africans, but because some people in power say they do not deserve to be.” She spoke at the launch of the report Thursday at the African Union in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, calling for a protocol on the right to nationality, saying this will strengthen democracy and integration and reduce conflict on the continent.
Page B-8
WORLD NEWS LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS ENTERTAINMENT $ REWARD $ REKONPANS $ RECOMPENSA $ For information that leads to the arrest and charge of the person(s) responsible for the fatal stabbing of 19 year old KENLEY WALTERS between 2:00 am and 3:00 am, Saturday, 27 December 2014 in Club 2005, Downtown Providenciales. Pou enfòmasyon ki mennen nan arestasyon chaj moun ki responsab sak su yo tye ak kouto a age 19 ane KENLEY WALTERS a 2:00 ou 3:00 du matin, Samdi, 27 Desanm 2014 nan Club 2005, Downtown Providenciales. Por información que conduzca al arresto y cargo de la persona (s) responsables del apuñalamiento mortal del joven de 19 años KENLEY WALTERS entre 02 a.m.- 03 a.m., sábado, 27 de diciembre 2014 en el Club 2005 en el área de Downtown Providenciales.
KENLEY
WALTERS Eligible for a reward! Answered in Miami! Information, not your name!
ANONYMOUS!
Kalifye pou you rekonpanse! Reponn nam Miami! Enfomasyon, pa non ou!
ANONIMO!
Elegibles para una recompense! Responden en Miami! Informacion, no su nombre!
ANONIM!
NOTICE
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page B-9
Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 1990 An Application, REGISTERED PR. 12092 by Yoshi Ono for the development of Eleven (11) Apartment Units, has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on 60906/102, Grace Bay on Providenciales. The application was submitted seeks for a consideration for rezoning from Low density Residential to High Density Residential Anyone wishing to make representations(s) may do so in writing to the Director of planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Downtown, Town Center mall, Providenciales, within twenty eight(28)days of publication of this Notice.
DIRECTOR, INNOVATION AND RESOURCE PLANNING
Description Drive business and technology innovation. Support leadership team in delivering quantifiable and transformative business and operational strategy solutions. Direct the Innovation and Resource Planning Department activities and projects. Main Duties
Drive enterprise-wide projects that incorporate a proactive and innovative solution to addressing business challenges and achieving organizational goals and objectives; Monitor business trends and industry disruptive challenges. Obtain and evaluate information about industry and market trends, competitive threats and possible business opportunities; Partner with IT Department in overseeing technology vision and roadmap. Identify areas needing technology enablement; Assist the Executive Office in coordinating business strategy and execution, plan documentation, and monitors business performance; Assist the Executive Office in performing ad hoc research projects or feasibility studies that do not clearly fall within an existing business unit; Establish strong, effective, and collaborative partnerships with key business unit leaders, subject matter experts, and project leaders to build and deliver on effective solutions and strategies; Lead cross functional teams to design and implement business strategic and operational changes; Manage implementation of new enterprise resource planning system; ensure proper integration with other enterprise system and business process. Create conditions for a smooth transition to changes with least resistance from the process owners and maximum enthusiasm to adapt to the change; Lead promotion of business process management best practices; Lead development of integrated resource planning program. Coordinate activities and ensure delivery of output on time; Liaise with CARILEC on activities or developments regarding industry and trends in the Caribbean; serve as the principal point of contact in the Company to gather or disseminate requirements or information. Manage vendors and consultants hired by the department for relevant projects and activities. Manage Innovation and Resource Planning department resources and activities.
Page B-10
LOCAL NEWSNEWS CARIBBEAN FUN & GAMES
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
WORLD NEWS LOCAL NEWS CARIBBEAN NEWS FUN & GAMES
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page B-11
Page B-12
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL LOCALNEWS NEWS
Pearls Before Sw
Monty by Jim Meddick
Brewster Rockit by Tim Rickard
The Flying McCoys
The Du
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
WORLD NEWS LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Herman by Jim Unger
wine by Stephan Pastis
s by Glenn and Gary McCoy
uplex by Glenn McCoy
F Minus by Tony Carrillo
Page B-13
Page B-14
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
BUSINESS &
BUSINESS &NEWS TECHNOLOGY LOCAL NEWS CARIBBEAN
TECHNOLOGY
Facebook Dominated Mobile App Downloads in 2014
Facebook had a tremendous year for app downloads. According to new data about 2014 mobile app usage, iOS and Android users downloaded Facebook’s mobile apps more often than any other apps, both in the US and globally. And according to Facebook’s fourth quarter earnings, reported yesterday, over half a billion users now access Facebook exclusively through mobile devices. A new report from App Annie, an analytics company that tracks app downloads and usage, says that Facebook Messenger, Facebook, WhatsApp Messenger, and Instagram were the top four most downloaded apps on iOS and Android worldwide last year. Microsoft-owned Skype was the fifth. In the US only, Messenger, Facebook, and Instagram made the top three, with Pandora and Snapchat rounding out the top five, with WhatsApp in 10th. The case of Facebook Messenger, the number one download on both lists,
is particularly interesting. Earlier this year Facebook eliminated the chat feature from its main app, prompting users to instead d o w n l o a d F a c e b o o k Messenger for their chatting needs. The app quickly rose to the Facebook Logo number one spot in the iOS App Store, but also amassed a boatload of one star-reviews (some saying “I wish I could give it 0 stars”) as users weren’t thrilled to essentially be forced to download another new app. Still, it’s a testament to Facebook’s dedicated user base and brand power that Messenger downloads topped the charts. But while many of us old fogies
rely on Facebook to keep in touch with friends and family, the younger generation of teen and tween mobile users hasn’t been so keen on the social network. Facebook acquired Instagram in early 2012, and messaging platform WhatsApp in early 2014 as part of an effort to gain foothold in that market. And indeed, it seems to have paid off: Facebook is now an integral part of the mobile experience of millions and millions of smartphone owners using these apps too (700 million on WhatsApp, and 300 million on Instagram, to be exact). And it hopes to do the same for millions of new smartphone owners. Facebook recently released Facebook Lite for people on low-end Android handsets in emerging markets in
Honda recalls to squeeze profit
As Japan’s Honda Motor term concern is cheaper fuel as Co pays hundreds of millions global oil prices slide, with U.S. of dollars to replace potentially sales of light trucks up 10 percent deadly air bags, hitting earnings, in 2014 against a 1.8 percent rise a new headache lies around the for passenger cars. That’s a red bend - cheaper U.S. petrol could flag for Honda, which excels in lure buyers away from its fuel- cars that have attracted buyers efficient cars. concerned about fuel economy. The country’s third-largest “The fall in fuel prices automaker reports income for the represents a body blow to Japanese October-December quarter later automakers,” said Merrill Lynch on Friday that analysts see falling analyst Kei Nihonyanagi. 17 percent from a year earlier, Whatever the current squeezed by the cost of voluntary quarter has in store for Honda, recalls involving air bag inflators the earnings it reports for the made by top supplier Takata Corp. third quarter of its fiscal year, The hit may be enough to trigger due at 0600 GMT, will be hit by a full-year profit warning. the Takata-related recalls. The Still, Honda, like other United States accounts for most of affected automakers, expects to Honda’s 13 million-vehicle air bag get those costs back eventually recalls and four of the five deaths if investigations find Takata at - all on Honda’s cars - linked to fault. And many analysts say Takata’s inflators, which can reputational damage seems explode too forcefully and send minimal, including in the United metal shards into the car. States, Honda’s most important Analysts estimate qualitymarket. related costs, including a Potentially a bigger near- $70 million fine by the U.S.
government, will drag Honda’s profit down by hundreds of millions of dollars in the latest quarter. A poll of 10 analysts put October-December operating profit at 189.11 billion yen ($1.61 billion), down 17 percent from the year before according to Thomson Reuters SmartEstimate. But analysts see Honda bouncing back quickly from the recalls in terms of brand image. “The impact on Honda’s sales has been limited,” said Takaki Nakanishi, analyst and CEO of Nakanishi Research Institute. “I think it can recover relatively quickly at this rate.” For the year though March, SmartEstimate forecast profit at 760.5 billion yen, short of Honda’s guidance of 770 billion yen. While the weak yen may boost the value of overseas sales, Honda will benefit less than others since it has virtually no exports from Japan.
Africa and Asia. The 257KB download (compared to 70MB for iOS users and 25MB for the standard Android app) provides a lightweight Facebook experience for phone owners on a 2G connection in locales like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe. According to App Annie’s stats, while downloads were sky high, Facebook didn’t even crack the top 10 in terms of app revenue. But that’s because you can download all of its offerings for free. In actuality, all of those millions of app users are raking in tons of money for Facebook—through mobile advertisements. Facebook made $2 billion in ad revenue last quarter, more than two-thirds of its total $3.59 billion in total ad revenue for 2014. Clearly, it’s only begun to start solving the puzzle of mobile monetization. Breaching $10 billion in revenue for the first time with more than 2 billion active mobile users across its app offerings, Facebook has never looked so powerful.
Google revenue misses Wall Street target Google Inc’s revenue grew 15 percent in the fourth quarter but fell short of Wall Street’s target on declining online ad prices and unfavorable foreign exchange rates. Shares of Google edged up 0.1 percent to $510.66 in extended trading after an initial dip on the news. Google’s advertising revenue has come under pressure as more consumers access its online services on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, where ad rates are typically lower. The growing popularity of mobile devices has made No. 1 social network Facebook Inc (FB.O) a greater threat in the battle for advertisers. Facebook reported on Wednesday that mobile ads on its network doubled year-over-year during the fourth quarter. Google said on Thursday the average price of its online ads, or “cost per click,” decreased 3 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter, while the number of consumer clicks on its ads increased 14 percent. Some analysts had hoped for gains in costper-click, said BGC Partners analyst Colin Gillis, adding that the company, which gets about half of its revenue overseas, also was hurt by the strong dollar. “Business is slowing. The core is slowing. And what we’re saying is, it’s going to look on paper even worse as the dollar strengthens. And we are not at that point where mobile monetization is improving,” he said. “The thesis that the landscape is changing and Google is missing out - I don’t think it will hold to be true, but they haven’t squelched it.” Consolidated revenue in the three months ended Dec. 31 totaled $18.10 billion, compared to $15.71 billion in the year-ago period. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S were looking for revenue of $18.46 billon. Chief Financial Officer Patrick Pichette said in a statement that revenue grew “despite strong currency headwinds.” Net income rose to $4.76 billion, or $6.91 per share, from $3.38 billion, or $4.95 per share, a year earlier. Adjusted earnings per share of $6.88 missed analysts’ expectations of $7.11.
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page B-15
BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY WORLD NEWS LOCAL NEWS
Apple’s IPhones Surge Into First-Place Tie With Samsung Apple Inc. captured the top spot in China’s smartphone market, vaulting it into a tie for global leadership for the first time since 2011 as booming sales of iPhones with larger screens helped it gain ground on Samsung Electronics Co. Both companies shipped 74.5 million smartphones globally in the fourth quarter to grab 19.6 percent of the market each, Strategy Analytics Inc. said in an e-mailed statement Thursday. Lenovo Group Ltd. was third with a market share of 6.5 percent after its acquisition of Motorola Mobility. Apple’s move into larger screens hit Samsung in an area it pioneered as the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were popular in markets where consumers want a bigger device to perform the role of a phone and tablet computer. In China, the world’s largest market, Apple surged into first place, overtaking local vendor Xiaomi Corp., which fell three spots to sixth place globally. “Lenovo-Motorola and Apple have rapidly upped their game in China and worldwide and they are starting to chip away at Xiaomi,” Neil Mawston, executive director of Strategy Analytics, said by e-mail. “The ‘golden age’ of easy growth for Xiaomi is coming to an end.” Global smartphone shipments in the quarter rose 31 percent to 380.1 million units, with the total for 2014 reaching a record 1.3 billion,
Strategy Analytics said. Apple hasn’t been the biggest vendor globally since the fourth quarter o f 2011, according to Strategy Analytics. Cupertino, Californiabased Apple this week posted a 38 percent surge in net income for the December quarter, while profit at Samsung, which uses Google Inc.’s Android for most devices, s l u m p e d 27 percent. Samsung, maker of Galaxy devices, saw its global market share plunge 10 percentage points as Lenovo and Huawei Technologies Co. captured more buyers. Huawei, based in Shenzhen, China, was fourth globally during the quarter, followed by LG Electronics Inc. and Xiaomi, according to preliminary estimates provided by Strategy Analytics. Shipments of all mobile phones, including those with
limited Internet access, rose 7 percent last year to a record 1.8 billion units. Samsung shipped 405 million units for a 22.4 percent share, followed by Microsoft Corp.-Nokia Oyj with 11 percent. Apple was third with 10.6 percent. In China, the new iPhones helped Apple almost double its smartphone share to 17 percent, from 9 percent a year earlier, Counterpoint Technology Market Research said in an e-mailed statement Thursday. That ranked Apple ahead of Xiaomi, which fell to second place with 13 percent, according to preliminary estimates from Counterpoint. Lenovo was third in China with 13 percent, followed by Huawei while Samsung fell to fifth with 9 percent. “Apple has been successful in diversifying its portfolio with two larger screen options hitting the sweet spots and thus attracting a broader set of consumers,” Counterpoint analyst Neil Shah said in an e-mail. “Android manufacturers now have no form-factor advantage over Apple.”
US homeownership hits 20-year low U.S. homeownership fell to a 20-year low in the fourth quarter, but a sharp rebound in the rate at which Americans are setting up home is expected to help drive a pick-up in housing. The seasonally adjusted home ownership rate slipped to 63.9 percent, the lowest level since the third quarter of 1994, the Commerce Department said on Thursday. The rate, which peaked at 69.4 percent in 2004, was 64.3 percent in the third quarter. Household formation, however, more than quadrupled An advertisement for a reduced price is seen outside of a home for sale in Dallas, to 1.7 million in the fourth Texas quarter from only 356,000 in share of young adults living quarter, the lowest level since the same period in 2013. While in the parental home, falling 1993. That will likely make the gains were driven by renter mortgage rates and loosening renting expensive and increase households, that should provide credit means that the outlook the appeal of owning a house, a boost to home building. for household formation is economists said. Housing has lagged an strengthening,” said Paul “Household formation is acceleration in the broader Diggle, a property economist at picking up fast enough to economy. But with household Capital Economics in London. outpace construction and is formation picking up, thanks “That’s one of the reasons likely to be channeled in a to a strengthening labor why we are optimistic about constructive manner, since market, and the government the prospects for homebuilding rents and home prices continue taking steps to ease credit over the next few years.” to rise at a healthy pace,” said requirements for first-time The residential rental Stephanie Karol, an economist buyers, housing is expected to vacancy rate dropped four- at IHS Global Insight in regain momentum this year. tenths of a percentage point Lexington, Massachusetts. “The combination of a high to 7.0 percent in the fourth
Business Wire Transfer Scams Take Toll On Businesses, Says FBI
The FBI is warning way up to large enterprises. businesses that work with The criminals behind the foreign suppliers to be global attack campaign on the lookout for email monitor their selected scams that attempt to victims prior to sending trick business owners into out a phishing email. They making fraudulent wire identify employees that transfers. have the access necessary Over a three month-period to perform wire transfers from October to December, within the business a total of $179.7 million was environment, the FBI said. bilked from nearly 1,200 “These businesses victims using a tactic the may purchase or supply a FBI calls Business E-mail variety of goods, such as Compromise. Businesses textiles, furniture, food and that routinely make wire pharmaceuticals,” the FBI transfer payments are at said. “This scam impacts the greatest risk of being both ends of the supply targeted in an attack, chain, as both supplies according to a public service and money can be lost and announcement issued last business relations may be week by the FBI’s Internet damaged.” Crime Complaint Center. The attack is a common “The FBI assesses with and long-standing problem high confidence the number that takes advantage of victims, and the total of human fallibility, dollar loss will continue to according to solution increase,” according to the providers interviewed announcement issued last by CRN. Employees with week. the authority to transfer Once a business funds must be trained to be owner or other employee vigilant for the scam. While is tricked into making a antispam and antiphishing wire transfer to a foreign technology does a fairly good bank, the criminals transfer job spotting the attacks, the funds into a global criminals have gotten better money-laundering network. at spoofing email messages. “Asian banks, located in The targeted nature of the China and Hong Kong, request typically can get the are the most commonly bogus messages past spam reported ending destination filters. for these fraudulent Organizations need to transfers,” according to the foster a culture of security, announcement. but it isn’t something that In addition to victims can happen overnight, said in the U.S., the FBI said Justin Flynn, a consultant it has documented nearly and network security 1,000 non-U.S. victims in 45 specialist with Chicagocountries associated with based solution provider the scam. Burwood Group. Employee The FBI said it has seen training is essential, and a wide variety of versions of the leadership within the the scam, including requests organization needs to fully made by telephone. Typically support the culture change, a business may have a long- Flynn said. standing relationship with “Businesses are a supplier, and an email or growing increasingly aware phone call to an employee of threats of all kinds that with privileged access to can have a serious impact account information is to a business’ reputation asked to wire funds for and bottom line,” Flynn an invoice payment to said. “There’s no doubt that an alternate fraudulent security is becoming top of account, the FBI said. The mind.” email is accompanied by a The FBI said the bogus invoice that spoofs a fraudulent funding requests legitimate one used by the have been similar to the foreign supplier. normal business transaction Some phishing attacks amounts to avoid raising target high-level business suspicion. Employees that executives, compromising use free, web-based email their email accounts to are at a higher risk of send a bogus message being targeted. Scammers to an employee within often use social media and the company responsible company websites to identify for processing requests. targeted employees who Attackers also have used have the ability to transfer hijacked email accounts funds at an organization. from other employees to The FBI advises send bogus email messages businesses to use multifactor requesting the fraudulent authentication and establish wire transfer, the FBI said. protocols with foreign “Fraudulent email suppliers to verify a payment requests for a wire transfer request. Organizations are well-worded, specific should also avoid using the to the business being “reply” button when sending victimized, and do not raise email correspondence to an suspicions to the legitimacy invoice request and should of the request,” the FBI said. use the “forward” option and Victim organizations vary in manually type in the valid size from small businesses email address of the foreign with a few employees all the supplier.
Page B-16
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY
Jack Ma loses $1.4 Billion as Alibaba stock drops Jack Ma’s fortune dropped $1.4 billion today as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. fell 8.8 percent after the company missed revenue estimates. The decline allowed property tycoon Wang Jianlin to recapture the title of China’s richest person, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, placing him $400 million ahead of Ma, who’s worth $26.3 billion. Ma, the 50-year-old chairman of the world’s largest collection of e-commerce websites, has seen his net worth fall $4.1 billion since Alibaba closed at a record Nov. 10. “I think Jack Ma’s fortune has a lot of room to grow,” said Wang Weidong, an analyst at IResearch, a Shanghaibased Internet consulting firm. “He still has a lot of assets whose value haven’t been fully unlocked.”
Alibaba revenue was 26.2 billion Ma had become China’s richest yuan ($4.2 billion) in the third quarter, person ahead of Alibaba’s initial public compared with the 27.6 billion-yuan offering in September 2014. He briefly average of 25 analyst estimates. Ads overtook Hong Kong’s Li Ka-shing as on mobile phones generate less money Asia’s richest, riding a surge in Alibaba than those on desktop computers stock, which jumped as much as 75 because of their smaller screens, and percent after its initial public offering. transactions on the Tmall platform More than half of Ma’s wealth grew at a slower pace, the Hangzhou- comes from his 6.3 percent stake in based company said today. Alibaba, valued at $14 billion. Almost Jianlin’s flagship property company all of the billionaire’s shares are and cinema operator sold shares in controlled through two British Virgin two public offerings in the past month. Islands-based holding companies. He Wanda Cinema Line Co. has more than also holds shares in a Cayman Islands doubled since it started trading Jan. 22 entity he controls with Joseph Tsai. on the Shenzhen exchange. Tsai, the company’s executive vice “One’s involved in the online chairman, lost $547 million today. economy, and one’s in the offline Ma also controls almost half of economy, so they’re different,” said Zhejiang Ant Small & Micro Financial Wang. “The wealth ranking depends on Services Group Co., a closely held changes in the market. It’s volatile.” finance unit and owner of Alipay, a
Cheaper gasoline helps Visa report better profit
service similar to PayPal.
Jack Ma, billionaire and chairman of Alibaba Group
US jobless claims drop sharply to near 15-year low
The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits tumbled last week to its lowest level in nearly 15 years, adding to bullish About 60 percent of Visa’s signals on the labor market. Though the decline probably exaggerates the jobs transaction volumes are outside market’s strength given a holiday-shortened week, the United States. “The stronger-than-anticipated Thursday’s report suggested the economy was fairly U.S. dollar has led to substantially healthy and weathering weakening global growth. “Claims are a welcome shot in the arm for those reduced travel into the U.S. from Europe, Canada, and Latin believing the economy is strong. The U.S. remains an America,” Chief Financial Officer oasis of prosperity in the world and will continue to Byron Pollitt said on a conference do so,” said Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at MUFG Union Bank in New York. call with analysts. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits Visa, a Dow Jones Industrial dropped 43,000 to a seasonally adjusted 265,000 for Average component, recorded the week ended Jan. 24, the lowest since April 2000, cross-border volume growth of 8 percent on a constant dollar basis, the Labor Department said. It was the biggest weekly Visa Logo down from 12 percent in the year- decline since November 2012. The drop exceeded economists’ expectations for earlier quarter. Visa Inc, the world’s largest total volume increased to $1.90 The company’s net income a fall to only 300,000, but last week also included credit and debit card company, trillion from $1.84 trillion. reported a better-than-expected The company stands to benefit rose to $1.57 billion, or $2.53 the Martin Luther King holiday, which means fewer quarterly profit on Thursday as from China’s recent decision to per Class A share, in the quarter claims were likely processed. The fall unwound the prior weeks’ increases, a strengthening U.S. job market allow foreign card networks to ended Dec. 31 from $1.41 billion, which had pushed claims above the key 300,000 or $2.20 per Class A share, a year and cheaper gasoline prices clear domestic transactions, but threshold. earlier. encouraged people to spend. Scharf said it remained unclear Economists had largely dismissed that rise Analysts on average had The company said e-commerce, when the Chinese market would as “noise,” given difficulties adjusting the data for which mainly uses cards, was actually open and what the rules expected earnings of $2.49 per seasonal fluctuations at the start of the year. share on revenue of $3.34 billion “extraordinarily strong during the would look like. The four-week moving average of claims, holiday season.” Visa lost its right to process for the company’s first fiscal considered a better measure of labor market trends quarter, according to Thomson But Chief Executive Charlie domestic payments in Russia as it irons out week-to-week volatility, fell 8,250 last Reuters I/B/E/S. Scharf said consumer spending on in the middle of last year when week to 298,500. Total operating revenue rose the whole, while at “reasonable” Moscow hit back after the levels, was not accelerating. imposition of Western sanctions 7 percent to $3.38 billion. TIGHTENING CONDITIONS Up to Thursday’s close of Shares of the company, which over its role in Ukraine. also announced a 4-for-1 split of its Visa reaffirmed its revenue $248, Visa’s shares had gained U.S. Treasury debt prices were trading lower, class A common stock, rose about 4 and margin forecasts for 2015 after about 15.5 percent since it last with the yield on the 30-year bond pushing off reported earnings on Oct. 29. The percent in extended trading. taking into account an expected 2 recent record lows. The dollar rose against a basket Dow Jones Industrial average Visa, which earns money from percentage point negative impact of currencies. U.S. stocks fell as Alibaba Group’s .DJI rose about 2.6 percent in the both the volume and value of from changes in foreign exchange (BABA.N) revenue missed Wall Street expectations. same period. transactions using its cards, said rates. The latest decline in applications for unemployment benefits bolsters views of tightening labor market conditions and comes a day after the Federal Reserve ramped up its assessment of the labor market and the overall economy. WASHINGTON - Vice El Salvador, Guatemala and While the United States is bucking a President Joe Biden says Honduras that contributed to a weakening global economy, housing remains a soft President Barack Obama’s surge in unaccompanied minors spot. budget will call for $1 billion in showing up on the U.S. border The National Association of Realtors said aid for Central America. He says last summer. on Thursday signed contracts to purchase previously that’s three times what the U.S. The White House says $400 owned homes tumbled to an eight-month low in typically gives the region. million will go to promote trade, December. Biden writes in an op-ed economic integration and energy. Separately, the Commerce Department said in The New York Times that the Another $300 million is for police the homeownership rate dropped to a 20-year low in aid will help Central American reform, defense cooperation and the fourth quarter as more Americans opted to rent leaders make tough reforms organized crime reduction. rather than purchase homes. needed to address security, Obama also wants But with the labor market firming and the political and economic challenges. $250 million to help countries government moving to ease credit conditions, housing He’s specifically citing strengthen their courts and should regain some speed. President Barack Obama the economic conditions in government institutions.
Obama budget to call for $1 billion for Central America
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page B-17
BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY LOCAL NEWS
Boeing 747-8 Spotify to picked to replace Raise $500 Million Air Force One
The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental taxis down the runway before its maiden flight from Paine Field, in Everett, Washington The U.S. Air Force said it would use Boeing Co’s commercial 747-8 airliner to replace its current fleet of two Air Force One presidential aircraft, one of the most visible symbols of the United States. The decision comes a month after Boeing said it would slow production of the four-engine 7478 aircraft to 1.3 a month from 1.5 a month because of declining orders. “The Boeing 747-8 is the only aircraft manufactured in the United States (that) when fully missionized meets the necessary capabilities established to execute the presidential support mission,” said Air Force Secretary Deborah James in a statement. Boeing welcomed the Air Force’s decision to skip a competition and opt for the 7478, citing its 50-year history of building presidential aircraft. The Air Force said it intended to award a sole source
contract to Boeing, but they must of flight safety over the more still negotiate a contract and the standard twin-engine planes. modifications needed to adapt the But the Air Force order for jet for presidential use. a few 747s might not extend the The Air Force now operates life of the 747 program, which has two VC-25s, specially configured failed to capture much business in Boeing 747-200Bs. Details about recent years. the new contract, including cost, Boeing was clearly trying to were not released. preserve production so it could fill It said it planned to the Air Force order, said Richard purchase enough of the technical Aboulafia, an analyst at Teal baseline to permit competition for Group in Fairfax, Virginia. maintenance during the plane’s Now that the firm order is planned 30-year life. there, he said, it might be an James said the Air Force opportunity for the program to One program would use proven end. technologies and commercially The double-decker plane entered certified equipment to keep the service in 1970, undergoing a program affordable. major overhaul in 2012, with new The Air Force decision was engines and a longer fuselage. widely expected since the only But last year, Boeing did other suitable four-engine jet is not get orders for 747s, despite the A380 built by Airbus (AIR.PA) booking a record 1,432 net orders in Toulouse, France. for commercial aircraft. At the end The 747-8 is the only four- of 2014, Boeing had 36 unfilled engine commercial jet Boeing orders for the plane, which lists at makes, providing an extra margin about $370 million.
Spotify, the popular streaming music service, has retained Goldman Sachs to raise $500 million in private investment, a move that would probably delay the possibility of an initial public stock offering in the near future. As a result of this latest round of investment, Spotify’s valuation would increase to at least $6 billion, and possibly $7 billion or more, according to a person briefed on the company’s plans, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. In its last fund-raising round, in late 2013, it took in $250 million and was valued at more than $4 billion. News of Spotify’s latest round of financing was first reported on Thursday by The Wall Street Journal. A Spotify spokesman declined to comment. Spotify, which started in Sweden in 2008 and is now available in 58 countries, is the leading provider of streaming music by subscription. It offers millions of songs in two versions: free with advertising, and an all-access paid version that in most countries costs about $10 a month. Spotify says it now has 60 million users around the world, 15 million of whom pay. On Wednesday, it scored a coup in the digital music market when Sony said it would soon shut Music Unlimited, its failed streaming outlet, and replace it with Spotify. Streaming has quickly come to represent talk of the future of the music business, as sales of CDs and downloads drop. Apple, which transformed the music business with its iTunes download store in 2003, paid $3 billion last year for Beats — the headphone brand and fledgling music service — and is expected to revamp its music offerings this year with an emphasis on streaming. As Spotify has grown, it has faced pressure over its business model and the royalties it pays to record companies and performing artists. In 2013, the company had just over $1 billion in revenue and $80 million in net losses. And late last year it was put on the defensive when the pop star Taylor Swift removed all her music from the service over disagreements about how it would be made available to Spotify’s customers. Daniel Ek, Spotify’s chief executive, defended the two-tiered streaming model, saying in November that his company had paid a total of $2 billion in royalties to the music industry.
Gold Tarnishes as US Economy Strengthens The strong U.S. economy is dimming gold’s allure. Gold futures posted their sharpest decline—2.4%—in more than a year, a day after the Federal Reserve waxed optimistic about U.S. economic growth and signaled that a rate increase later this year remains on the table. Prices for gold and other precious metals had been climbing until recently, as rising concerns about the health of the global economy drove investors to safe-seeming assets. Some investors became convinced that flagging global growth would delay the Fed’s first rate increase since 2006. Now, investors are starting to believe the pace of rate increases will largely depend on U.S. economic data, which has shown steady growth in recent months. That has dented the case for owning precious metals. The Fed’s unwavering stance on interest rates pushed the dollar to fresh multiyear highs against other currencies, weighing on gold, which
is priced in dollars and becomes more expensive to foreign buyers when the U.S. currency rises. A potential rate increase also hurts gold, which pays its holders no dividend and struggles to compete with yield-bearing investments when rates rise. “Gold investors have had an unpleasant awakening,” said George Gero, a senior vice president with RBC Capital Markets Global Futures. “The digestion of Wednesday’s statement tells you the Fed will be data-driven, and that helps the hawkish cause.” Even so, precious metals remain among the best-performing assets in 2015. Gold prices are up 6.1% this year, while silver is up 7.5%. Both are up more than any other commodities in the Bloomberg Commodity Index, as well as U.S. Treasurys, which have returned 2.3% in 2015, according to Barclays PLC data. The S&P 500 stock index is down 1.8%.Gold for April delivery, the most actively traded contract, closed down $31.30 at $1,255.90 a troy ounce on the Comex
Molten gold is poured into an ingot mold at a plant in Vienna. Prices for gold and other precious metals had been climbing until recently. division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, the sharpest decline since December 2013, according to FactSet. Silver for March delivery fell $1.315, or 7.3%, to $16.773 an ounce, its biggest fall since June 2013. Exchange operator CME Group Inc. raised margins on silver futures, effective after the close of business Friday. Investors now will have to put up $7,920 a contract for delivery within the next four months when putting on new bets, an 11% increase. Michael
Mullaney, who oversees $16 billion at Fiduciary Trust, said he was preparing to add to his fund’s gold position earlier this month but is now reconsidering those plans. Until Wednesday, the case for gold seemed clear, he said. Oil prices were on their way to five-year lows, as demand remained weak amid reports of ever-increasing stockpiles. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund both cut their forecasts for global growth this year. Last week, the European Central Bank launched an unprecedented economic-stimulus program, sending investors to gold as the euro slid. But Mr. Mullaney said he changed his mind when the Fed indicated it would set aside the global picture as long as the U.S. economy remained healthy. “We thought the Fed would emphasize patience more, but instead they talked about the strength of the U.S. economy,” he said. “Now, we’re not as confident the Fed will be on the sidelines.”
Page B-18
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
FUN & GAMES GAMES LOCAL NEWS BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY FUN & WANTED DELICIOUS
1 LABOURER
DISHES SEEKS
Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 242-6500
Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force
WANTED
1 Cook - $6.00 per hour 2 Servers - $5.50 per hour 1 Domestic Worker - $5.50 per hour 1 Kitchen Helper -$5.50 per hour 2 Labourer - $5.00 per hour
Issued 26th January 2015
Contact 344-2420
HAB MANAGEMENT LIMITED
HAB Management Limited is seeking applicants for the following position:
RESERVATION ATTENDANT Job Description
The successful candidates will be required to welcome and serve guests in a courteous, efficient and friendly manner, both face-to-face and on the phone. The candidates will also be required to take reservations via the telephone, email and walk-in requests. Candidates will also be responsible for promoting the resort at all times.
Requirements
Candidates should have five years or more experience as a Reservation Attendant. Candidates should also have an extensive knowledge of Visual One Property Management System. Candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Office. Candidates will be required to check guests in and out; perform certain accounting procedures, such as preparing bills for guests, performing audit duties, balancing work and preparing paperwork for the following day; present a friendly, outgoing, energetic and guest service demeanor. 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. The salary for this position is $8.00 per hour. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by February 6, 2015 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.
HAB MANAGEMENT LTD.
Shavez Anthony Devante MUSGROVE DESCRIPTION: Age: Date of Birth: Place of Birth: Nationality: Sex: Colour of Eyes: Complexion: Built: Height:
19 yrs. 11th November 1995 Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islander Male Brown Brown Medium 5feet 11inches
WANTED
THE SUBJECT IS IN CONNECTION WITH A SERIES OF SERIOUS OFFENCES. If you have any information on the whereabouts on this subject, please contact the Police by dialing
911 Police are also urging anyone with information about this person, his location or any other information to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.tc. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. All calls are answered by Miami Dade Police and no one from the RTCIPF will know who called. Only the information received will be provided to the RTCIPF. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
HAB Management Limited is seeking suitable applicants for the following position:
KITCHEN PORTER To assist with the washing up and cleaning of all section of the kitchen. Candidates must be willing to work holidays and weekends when required.
Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force
WANTED Issued 26th January 2015
Wages starts at $7.00 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 February 6, 2015.
HAB MANAGEMENT LTD. 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 February 6, 2015.
Elderico JENNINGS DESCRIPTION: Age: Date of Birth: Place of Birth: Nationality: Sex: Colour of Eyes: Complexion: Built: Height:
22 yrs. 24th December 1992 South Caicos TCI Turks and Caicos Islander Male Brown Brown Medium Aprox 6feet
WANTED
THE SUBJECT IS IN CONNECTION WITH A SERIES OF SERIOUS OFFENCES. If you have any information on the whereabouts on this subject, please contact the Police by dialing
911 Police are also urging anyone with information about this person, his location or any other information to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.tc. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. All calls are answered by Miami Dade Police and no one from the RTCIPF will know who called. Only the information received will be provided to the RTCIPF. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY LOCAL NEWS FUN & GAMES
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page B-19
Page B-20
LOCAL SPORTS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TCI Athletes Start 2015 In Record Breaking Fashion
Mr. Ifeanyi Otuonye
Turks & Caicos Islands Government, Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Service would like to express congratulations to Mr. Angelo Garland and Mr. Ifeanyi Otuonye, who both broke TCI National Records already this year. Mr. Garland broke the 400m in a time of 48.44 seconds on the 16th January at Texas A & M invitational. Angelo was also able to accomplish his personal best in the 200m in a time of 22.31. A student of Kansas State University, Mr. Otuonye on Saturday 24th January broke the TCI Indoor 200m National Record previously held by Darian Forbes of 21.78 seconds. Mr. Otuonye accomplished this feat in a time of 21.69 seconds. “The Ministry and Department of Sports again congratulates and thank both athletes for their progress in athletics” stated Deputy Premier & Minister of Sports, Hon. Akierra Missick. “We wish them the best as they continue to work towards achieving higher goals and setting positive standards for other young men and women of the Turks and Caicos Islands in sports.”
Mr. Angelo Garland
Book your own car rental, Hotels, Vacation home & more. Contact for more information
GET YOUR TICKET
GET YOUR CAR VOUCHER GET YOUR ACCOMADATION
GET YOUR CRUISE
Ticketing (International, Domestic & Regional), Cruises, Car Rentals, Hotels, Vacation Home Rentals, US & Bahamian Visa Application Assistance
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page B-21
CARIBBEAN
LOCAL NEWS
SPORTS
Yohan Blake details dreams for 2015
“The muscle came off the bone and had to be reattached,” Blake said. If there’s a sprinter with more to prove than Usain Bolt this year, it’s countryman Yohan Blake. Since the 2012 Olympics, Blake hasn’t looked anything like the man who won 100m and 200m silver behind Bolt in London (and upset Bolt in both distances at the Jamaican Olympic trials). The last time we saw Blake in competition was
July 11, trailing a lackluster 100m field in Glasgow, tumble. then tumbling to the track mid-race and being Blake has said he sets dreams rather than wheeled out of sight in a chair (video here). goals. And the immediate dreams are very important, “If I didn’t stop myself [in the race], I would given he has also said he wants to retire before 2020, be carried over,” Blake said while launching adidas’ which would make the Rio 2016 Games his Olympic “Ultra Boost” shoes in New York on Thursday. “That farewell. never happened to me before. I think it’s like karma. He talks about regaining the World I was in training, saying I never get injured before Championship in the 100m in Beijing this summer. [presumably in a race, since Blake has dealt with Blake is the only man other than Bolt to win an injuries suffered outside of competition].” Olympic or World Championships gold medal in the In Glasgow, Blake initially called the injury 100m or 200m since 2007. He did so in Daegu, South a cramp, but it was much worse, more serious even Korea, in 2011, after Bolt infamously false-started than a torn hamstring that caused him to miss almost out of the 100m final. all of the 2013 season. “I’ve been dreaming from September about getting “The muscle came off the bone and had to be back my title,” Blake said. “Every day they trouble reattached,” Blake said. me about the 9.69 [his personal best in the 100m, set The 25-year-old who likes to be called “The two weeks after the London Olympics], that I need to Beast” — with matching long fingernails — is back change it. I’m working to change that as well. training but said he will see a doctor in Munich in “I need to get back my title. And the Olympics, I the first half of March, hoping to be cleared for full- need to get three golds there.” speed workouts. Blake said he can reach full fitness Many would say Blake’s best chance at being two weeks after being cleared. pushed to a personal-best time would come in a race He will return to a sprint scene dominated with Bolt, which hasn’t happened since the 2012 in 2014 by Justin Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic 100m Olympics. Blake has cited “big money” for why they champion five years removed from a four-year doping have entered the same meets but raced different ban. Gatlin posted the fastest 100m and 200m times distances, though Bolt’s agent has said it’s not about in the world last year — 9.77 and 19.68 seconds — that. with Bolt largely sidelined due to a foot injury. Blake acknowledged it’s unlikely the two “You could say he’s the man,” said Blake, Jamaicans will go head to head before the Jamaican who ran 10.02 and 20.48 in 2014 before the Glasgow national championships in June.
WICB trying to settle with Indian Cricket Board over $42M payout
ST JOHN’S, Antigua -- The within the next 60 days, as we remain embattled West Indies Cricket Board of the view that the issues between us has insisted on a “cricketing solution” may best be resolved through dialogue, to the current impasse with the Indian facilitated or otherwise, with the aim Cricket Board (BCCI), and has called of jointly coming up with appropriate for a meeting between the two parties ‘cricketing solutions’ that will meet the within the next two months, as it legitimate interests of all stakeholders battles to stave off the US$42 million including the BCCI. pay-out demanded by the BCCI. “We reiterate our position that In a letter sent to its Asian Indian courts lack jurisdiction in this counterpart on Tuesday, a copy of matter, given the parties’ agreement which was obtained by CMC Sports, to submit disputes of this nature to WICB president Dave Cameron said binding arbitration.” the WICB was open to “bi-lateral The WICB letter is in response or multi-lateral discussions” on the to one sent by the BCCI last week matter and proposed the two boards stating that it had waited long enough submit to mediation and “other and could no longer hold off on the suitable form of [alternative dispute multi-million dollar claim. resolution] as may be appropriate”. If no response from the WICB was The correspondence came on the forthcoming by the stated deadline, deadline set down by the BCCI for the BCCI said it would “initiate legal the WICB to respond to its multi- proceedings in the appropriate forum million dollar claim arising from the against the WICB without further controversial abandoned tour of India intimation”. last October. The BCCI had initially made the “Our position in law remains claim last November and given the as set out in our letter dated 7 WICB until the middle of that month November 2014. Without admitting to indicate how the matter would be any liability to the BCCI, we reiterate settled. our willingness to participate in biRegional Caribbean grouping, lateral or multi-lateral discussions, or CARICOM, subsequently intervened in mediation or such other suitable to ask for a 40-day grace period, which form of ADR (alternative dispute was granted. resolution) as may be appropriate, as However, in its letter sent Tuesday, the alternatives would be of no benefit the WICB pointed out that the to either Board or the larger cricketing BCCI’s most recent correspondence community,” Cameron wrote to BCCI had not acknowledged the informal honorary secretary Sanjay Patel. negotiations which had gone on “We would like to propose that we between the two boards, or the (WICB and BCCI) meet at the earliest formal proposal it had submitted last available opportunity, but in any event November.
Yepme to sponsor Windies at World Cup ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced that Yepme would be the West Indies team sponsor for the Cricket World Cup 2015 in Australia and New Zealand. Yepme is an online shopping company which specialises in online retailing of men and women’s garments and accessories. Its headquarters is in Gurgaon, Haryana, a Northern India state. “We welcome Yepme to the West Indies cricket family of sponsors and partners for the world’s premier cricket event – the ICC Cricket World Cup,” WICB Commercial Manager Nelecia Yeates said. “We look forward to a mutually beneficial association as the West Indies team remains one of the most attractive cricket teams in the world and will be one of the favourite teams in the World Cup,” Yeates added. “We are glad to bring together two great teams, Yepme and the West Indies cricket team. The ICC World Cup 2015 is going to be one of the biggest sports events this year. West Indies, as always will be a strong contender for the World Cup and the event gives Yepme a global platform to showcase their brand,” said Vishal Jaison, co-founder and director of Baseline Ventures Pte Ltd, which represents Yepme. “We are very excited about this sponsorship with West Indies team in the ICC World Cup. Being the
third largest sports tournament in the world which will be seen in more than 182 countries, it’s a huge opportunity for Yepme to strengthen its vision as a global brand,” said Sandeep Sharma, founder and Chief Operations Officer of Yepme. “We are definitely looking at this association as a good platform to gain popularity and increase awareness. With a viewership of over one billion in the last tournament, we are expected to get guaranteed exposure making it a very profitable investment,” Sharma added. The Cricket World Cup commences on February 14, with West Indies playing their opening two days later against Ireland. West Indies CWC Schedule February 16: West Indies vs Ireland at Nelson February 21: West Indies vs Pakistan at Christchurch February 24: West Zimbabwe at Canberra
Indies
vs
February 27: West Indies vs South Africa at Sydney March 6: West Indies vs India at Perth March 15: West Indies vs United Arab Emirates at Napier
Page B-22
WORLD
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
SPORTS Kobe isn’t retiring, says Lakers GM
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said he fully expects Kobe Bryant to play next season after the Lakers star suffered a recent season-ending shoulder injury. “I don’t think he’s retiring,” Kupchak said Thursday after the Lakers’ shootaround. “He said he’s looking forward to training camp. That’s what we expect.” Bryant is expected to need nine months to recover from his third straight season-ending injury, a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder suffered last week that he had surgically repaired Wednesday. If Bryant meets that timetable, he could return to basketball shortly before the start of the 2015-16 season, the final year of his contract with the Lakers. Bryant, who will be 37 this summer, is the NBA’s highest-paid player at $23.5 million this season. He is under contract for $25 million next year, which would be his 20th NBA season. Kupchak shot down the notion that Bryant’s heavy minutes load earlier in the season -- he played a team-high 35.4 minutes per game through the team’s first 27 games -- led to his injury. “I don’t think that had anything to do with anything [and] certainly not the injury,” Kupchak said. And when asked what the Lakers could do to
help Bryant play out the final year of his contract, Kupchak said, “I think a big key will be [that] we have to improve the talent level on the team.” He added, “As you get older and you experience injuries in this league -- and he’s played what will be 20 years -- it’s difficult to play when you’re going to lose three or four games or five games. “When you’re winning games, it’s a lot easier to get ready to play and play through aches and pains. To me, a big part of Kobe’s contribution next year is if we can improve this team during the offseason.” Kupchak said he expects Bryant’s rehab to take all nine months. “He’ll be in a brace and it will be an awkwardlooking brace,” Kupchak said. “I think that would prevent him from doing anything for quite some time in terms of being able to use your lower body. But at some point in time, his shoulder will get to the point where he can jog and do treadmill and do things on the court. I’m not that concerned with the conditioning part of it.” Kupchak also defended the two-year, $48.5 million extension that the Lakers signed Bryant to in 2013 even though Bryant has played sparingly Kobe Bryant is expected to need nine months to recover from his because of injuries over the past three seasons. “We have no regrets at all,” Kupchak said. “He third straight season-ending injury, a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder. is worth every penny of it.”
Tiger Woods explains how he lost his front tooth SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Tiger Woods laughed often and smiled easily during a nine-hole practice round early Tuesday morning. Then he explained how he made worldwide headlines a week ago for a missing tooth. Woods, who is playing in his first PGA Tour event of the year at this week’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, was photographed at girlfriend Lindsey Vonn’s ski race with a missing left front tooth on Jan. 19 in Italy. “That didn’t feel very good,” said Woods, who had traveled unannounced to watch Vonn set a record for victories. “I was looking down, and all the camera guys are below me on their knees or moving all around, trying to get a picture because she’s hugging people, saying congratulations to the other racers as they are coming down. Some already finished, some are there already in the changing area. “Dude with a video camera on his shoulder, right in front of me, kneeling, stood up and turned and caught me square on the mouth. He chipped that one, cracked the other one. “And so then, you know, I’m trying to keep this thing so the blood is not all over the place, and luckily he hit the one I had the root canal on. That’s the one that
Photo of Tiger Woods without his front tooth and after the replacement chipped. But the other one had to Woods said. “So that was the whole be fixed, as well, because it had idea of why I wore the mask.” cracks all through it.” Woods said the mask is from Woods said he had the teeth fixed the Xbox video game called “Ghost when he returned to Florida. Recon” that he plays. “Oh Jesus, the flight home As for the considerable was a joke,” he said. “I couldn’t eat, conjecture about his story not couldn’t drink until he fixed them, being true, Woods said: “It is just put the temporaries on. I couldn’t what it is.” have anything touch it. Even Woods is playing this week breathing hurt, because any kind for the first time since he tied for of air over the nerve, the tooth last at the Hero World Challenge that was still alive, was cracked.” in December. That was his Woods said he got into this first tournament since missing position because he tried to the cut in August at the PGA surprise Vonn and didn’t want to Championship, where he was be recognized. He wore a skeleton dealing with back issues. ski mask. This will be his first “I had my mask on so no one appearance in the Phoenix knew who I was, trying to blend tournament at TPC Scottsdale in, because there are not a lot of since 2001. He will play in the probrown dudes at ski races, OK,” am Wednesday morning.
Every team deflates footballs, says former NFL QB PHOENIX -- Former NFL quarterback Jeff Blake says he oversaw the deflation of footballs on the sideline right before games during his career. Speaking on “The Midday 180” out of Nashville, Blake said the practice was common. “I’m just going to let the cat of the bag, every team does it, every game, it has been since I played,” Blake said. “’Cause when you take the balls out of the bag, they are rock hard. And you can’t feel the ball as well. It’s too hard. Everybody puts the pin in and lets just enough air out of the ball that you can feel it a little better. But it’s not the point to where it’s flat. “So I don’t know what the big deal is. It’s not something that’s not been done for 20 years.” Many other NFL quarterbacks have said the opposite, that they’ve never messed with the inflation of a ball or seen anyone do so. The topic has come to the forefront with the New England Patriots being investigated by the NFL due to allegations the team used underinflated footballs in the first half of the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts. Asked to be specific about the timing of deflation, Blake said it regularly happened as soon as quarterbacks got the balls before the game. “As soon as they give them the balls,” Blake said. “On the sideline before the game. The quarterbacks would come out to warm up in pregame ... I would just say, ‘Take a little bit out, it’s a little bit hard.’ And then they’d take a little bit out and I’d squeeze them and say ‘That’s perfect.’ That’s it.” Blake played for seven teams in 13 seasons, starting 100 games. His longest tenure was six seasons with Cincinnati. His last year was 2005, so during his career when his team was on the road, Blake would not have handled the footballs until pregame.
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page B-23
WORLD SPORTS LOCAL NEWS
Madison Keys new American star born at Australian Open
MELBOURNE, Australia — After Madison Keys walked off the court from the biggest match of her young career, she received quite a compliment from her celebrated opponent. The opponent was No. 1-ranked Serena Williams, who won their semifinal at the Australian Open on Thursday after a tournament that might be remembered as the one where a new American star was born. Williams does not say things like this lightly or very often: “I think she can be the best in the world.” Then she added, for emphasis, “The way she played today, I definitely think she has potential to be No. 1 — and win Grand Slams.” Until now, Keys had never made it past the third round of a major. But the Australian Open marked many firsts for the 19-year-old American. “Did I think it was going to happen here? Not particularly. But I’m very happy it did,” said Keys, who won many fans with her sense of humor, big smile, a humble self-confidence and her very good tennis. During the tournament, she talked about how she’ll save most of her $510,000 prize money but allow herself one indulgence, possibly a Louis Vuitton handbag. She shared the advice of her new coach Lindsay Davenport, a three-time Grand Slam winner, who told her to stay off Twitter and keep focused on tennis for the tournament. That and other advice
Serena Williams of the U.S., left, is congratulated by her compatriot Madison Keys after winning their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015. clearly paid off. time major winner to the test. For the first time, Keys crossed Their semifinal on a breezy and the psychological boundary of entering chilly afternoon was the most-hyped into the second week of a Grand Slam. women’s match of the tournament so On her way to the semifinal, she far: the up-and-coming prodigy against beat two-time Wimbledon champion one of the greatest champions of all Petra Kvitova in the third round and time. This time around the champion seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus won, 7-6 (5), 6-2, but the score does not Williams in the quarterfinals to set tell the story. up back-to-back matches with the Keys showed no fear, enormous Williams sisters, a challenge that held grit, extremely powerful hitting, a big special significance for Keys who had serve and was calm enough in the big idolized both as a child. moments to save seven match points. Her ranking will improve from “This week has definitely shown No. 35 into the top 20 as a result of me that I can play the top players, and reaching the semifinal. I can do well against them,” Keys said. Playing Williams marked the “I can play the No. 1 player in the world first time Keys had ever faced a No. in a pretty close match.” 1-ranked player — and she put the 18The crowd at Rod Laver Arena
ooohhed and ahhhhed as the ball rocketed back and forth during rallies with intense speed and force from both baselines. Keys described the quality of Williams’ shots like this: “It comes hard; it comes deep... she’s one of the few who can hit like that.” Interestingly, Williams described Keys’ hitting precisely the same way: “She hits a very, very hard ball, but she also hits it very deep,” Williams said. “I wasn’t ready really for that.” Keys was asked what she thinks makes her a good tennis player, and she described the fighting spirit that was evident on court. “For me, even this week, as great as it is, I still want more,” she said. “For me, it’s just never being satisfied with what I’ve done and always wanting more and more.” When Keys reached the quarterfinals, she drew laughter at her post-match press conference by describing her state of mind with an emoji. “You know, the one that she’s in a salsa dress dancing. That would be me right now,” Keys said after the fourth round. And so, after the semifinal loss, which emoji sums up her two weeks in Melbourne? “I think pretty much just the smiley face,” she said with a smile. “Can’t go wrong with the plain old smiley face.”
Super Over in place for Pacquiao making plans in case Mayweather falters Pacquiao Pacquiao has been in London fight,” Arum with his wife, Jinkee, adviser World Cup final once again said. “He’s an Michael Koncz and others for the
The ICC has reverted to using the Super Over to determine a winner in case of a tie in the 2015 World Cup final, a playing condition that was in place for the 2011 final but had been scrapped in the lead up to the tournament in Australia and New Zealand. At its board meeting in Dubai, the ICC also approved an amendment to its Code of Conduct application, providing relief to captains who are carrying minor over-rate offences leading into the World Cup. All captains will enter the World Cup with a clean slate, and this application has been extended to include all ICC events in the future. “They [captains] will only be suspended from playing in an ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 match if over-rate offences are committed during the event,” the ICC said. “Any over-rate ‘strikes’ incurred prior to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will be carried forward to the first bilateral series after the event.” The ICC also confirmed venues and dates for its events until 2019 as follows: •World Twenty20 Qualifier 2015 in Ireland and Scotland from July 6 for 26, 2015 •U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh from January 22 to February 14, 2016 •World Twenty20 2016 in India from March 11 to April 3, 2016 •Champions Trophy 2017 in England from June 1 to 19, 2017 •Women’s World Cup 2017 in England from August 4 to 27, 2017 •U-19 World Cup 2018 in New Zealand from January 12 to February 4, 2018 •World Cup Qualifier 2018 in Bangladesh from March 1 to April 4, 2018 •Women’s World Twenty20 2018 in West Indies from November 2 to 25, 2018 •World Cup 2019 in Engand from May 30 to July 15
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao WESTMINSTER, Colo. -As hope fades by the day that a deal will be reached for a May 2 showdown between welterweight champions Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao -- by far the biggest fight that can be made in boxing and one of the biggest in the history of the sport -- the Pacquiao camp is putting a backup plan in place. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, in this Denver suburb promoting Saturday night’s trilogy fight between welterweights Mike Alvarado and Brandon Rios, told ESPN.com that if the deal for the fight with Mayweather falls through, Pacquiao will fight another opponent May 30 on HBO PPV with potential sites being Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the Barclays Center in New York, London and long shot Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. “A lot of places around the world want to host a Manny
international icon, and I have been approached by a number of people looking to host a Manny Pacquiao fight.” Arum said that although there is no set opponent s h o u l d Pacquiao need one for May 30, welterweight contender Amir Khan, a former unified junior welterweight titlist from England, is the leading candidate. Khan has been unsuccessful so far in landing his much-desired fight with Mayweather, but Pacquiao certainly would be just as significant. Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs), the 36-year-old Filipino legend, and Khan (30-3, 19 KOs), 28, know each other well because they have sparred together and spent time in training camps together when Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s longtime trainer, also trained Khan. Arum said other possible opponents for Pacquiao are Russian brawler and former junior welterweight titlist Ruslan Provodnikov and junior welterweight slugger Lucas Matthysse of Argentina. However, Khan tops the list of opponents not named Mayweather.
past few days. During his trip, Pacquiao met with Khan and they discussed a possible fight, Arum said. Pacquiao, boxing’s only eightdivision titleholder, traveled to London to meet with Prince Harry, who hosted Pacquiao and his group for dinner at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, according to Arum. “Prince Harry has a group looking to put on a Manny Pacquiao fight in London,” Arum said. “Khan would certainly make sense, and it’s an interesting fight. But remember -- all that is a backup plan. We are still trying to nail down the Mayweather fight. We need Mayweather to say yes.” Pacquiao has said he wants any deal with Mayweather wrapped up by the end of January, because of the amount of time needed to launch such a massive promotion. Arum and Pacquiao have said they have agreed to all of the terms as outlined by Mayweather during talks for which the gobetween was Leslie Moonves, the CEO of CBS, which has Mayweather under contract for two more fights on subsidiary Showtime PPV. Arum also said he has had direct conversations with Mayweather adviser Al Haymon on the deal points, and even though the two have had a rancorous relationship for years stemming from Mayweather’s messy exit from Top Rank, “We are on the same page.”
Page B-24
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JANUARY 31ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks and Caicos Islands | Tel:649 946 8542 | Fax: 649 941 3281