FEBRUARY 21ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015
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PORN WARNING FROM POLICE By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is warning members of the public not to acquire or seek to disseminate sexually explicit photos, including recently surfaced ones portraying minors among them. In recent weeks, a number of shocking and disturbing pornographic videos have gone viral on social media and have been sent around via text and email. Special Constable Audley Astwood, the Media Liaison Officer for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said that the police have receive at least two reports from the public of persons collecting and disseminating such sexually explicit photos, and said
that detectives have already launched be severe, as person can spend up to six months in jail and ask to pay hefty investigations into the matter. He said that the phenomenon of fines on each court for which they are sexually unambiguous photos popping charged. up over the place reportedly began “It is an offence to make public about two weeks ago. obscene publications, and the penalty “Over the last week or so, there has for doing so is possibly a $5,000 fine been a bombardment of sexually- or six months imprisonment or both,” explicit pictures and videos of a Astwood told The SUN. sexual nature, some of which included He said that the police, if persons who are minors. The police suspected someone of bearing such are aware that a number of persons images on their electronic, could use throughout the country have these the authority of the court to confiscate pictures or videos on their electronic and search the gadgets. devices, and they themselves have “Carrying out our investigation, been sending them out to other people. the police may very well get the I want to warn those persons to cease court to issue a search warrant on all electronic devices seized as we conduct and desist,” Astwood said. He emphasized that it is a crime our investigation,” Astwood further to have such photos and videos in noted. In the meantime, Astwood one’s possession and the penalties can
explained that the police department, for some time now has embarked on a crusade to deter school age children from engaging in sexually explicit activities. He said that the media has also been utilized to assist in spreading the word, mostly imploring parents to become more active in their children’s life, so as to limit outside influence on their lives. “We have been doing a campaign now for the past two and a half years where we have been going into the schools to speak to students about the consequences of engaging in such activities. We have also spoken to a number of different media sources, encouraging parents to have a conversation with their children to warn them about engaging in such activity,” he said. Continued on Page 2
REGENT PALMS RULES STAR AWARDS
The Regent Palms Resort took the annual Star Awards by storm on Thursday, February 26, 2015). The event held at the Tropicana Show and Supper Club in the Bight/Grace Bay, saw the Stan Hartling-owned Resort sweeping most of the top categories including Resort of the Year. On their way to copping the top award, the Regent Palms snared, among other titles, the Bartender of the Year and Supervisor of the Year. In photo shows the victorious Regent Palms team, including Stan Hartling (second left) and General Manager Karen Whitt (centre), celebrating their achievements. The Star Awards is dubbed the Oscars of the local hospitality industry,
Groundbreaking for new high school Page 7
Rude Rikk dies suddenly Page 11
Green tips to save you some Green — Unplug your television, audio system and other appliances such as (Computers, Radios, chargers) when not in use. Many of these modern devices tend to draw electricity or, “Phantom Power” for their Standby modes.
www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 | P.O. Box 132 Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Governor criticises Fortis Page 11 LIME buys IslandCom - Page 5
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
PORN WARNING FROM POLICE Continued from Page 1 He added: “Unfortunately, we “Thus far only two reports have have found ourselves now in a position been formally lodged, and we are that at the moment it (distribution of currently investigating those matters, sexually explicit photos) is rampant and we intend to bring anyone who and there are pictures that have engage in and sending out these been disseminated via the internet,” pictures and videos, before the courts,” Astwood warned. Astwood said. He said that the police have been Earlier this year, two police officers actively investigating the reports that in The Bahamas were charged for child they have received so far. pornography in relation to a sex tape
scandal. The charges stemmed from scores of videos depicting explicit sexual acts with a man and multiple women that have been widely circulated on the internet. In 2013, two photographers – one of whom is a police reservist - appeared in The Bahamas Magistrate’s Court on two separate matters involving child
pornography. One was charged with production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. It was alleged that one of the officers produced photographic images of a person under the age of 18 years, the dominant characteristics of which was the person‘s sexual organ.
LIME boasts of fastest internet in the TCI By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor There is no comparison in the broadband internet market to LIME’s recently-attained Superfast service, so said the company’s country manager, James Pitt. Pitt made the declaration while conducting an interview with The SUN on Thursday at the launch of LIME’s advance internet service in Grace Bay. “There is no comparison in the market at the moment. Times change, but at the moment, I can stand here and say there isn’t any comparative product today in the Turks and Caicos Islands. “Our packages in the Superfast Broadband portfolio starts at 6 megabits per second download and one megabit per second upload. We have a 12 megabit download, we have a 24 megabit per second download and a 48 megabits per second download. “At the upper-end of the 48 megabits per second download speed, customers also enjoy 4 megabits per second upload speed, which is a significant change in the entire industry here in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Pitt said. Those speeds, Pitt said, have not been offered
He said the LIME will continue to improve the before in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He said that the upgraded internet service is one of LIME’s thrust service at times unwind, as a means to stay ahead to take the lead in every area of telecommunications of the competition. “We are going to have a lot of dedicated work to in the Turks and Caicos Islands. “We have to ensure that we have state-of-the- improving the network and improving the packages art technology in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It as we go forward,” he said. He added: “We are going to have fibres in the has been our commitment to be the market lead or continue being the market lead in data and to be the home package. It will be available in certain areas, and we have to strategically deploy it. But it will be overall leader here in the Turks and Caicos. “This is just one of many steps. Last year we did 4G bandwidth-driven,” he said. Pitt expects Providenciales to be outfitted across our mobile networks. We doubled the speed of the existing base and now we have ungraded further with fibre optics cable within the next six weeks, and the entire Turks and Caicos within the next six to our Superfast Broadband,” he said. He said that affordability is one of the company’s months. hallmarks to providing customers with quality “Currently we have fibre optics in the other islands as service. needed based on the product that we are delivering. “Our 6 megs package starts at $69; and our Many of our customers in the corporate space enjoy packages go from that price point to $195 for the 48 fibre optics connectivity here in Provo, in Grand megabits package. We are absolutely committed to Turk and we have some in South Caicos,” he said. Before its launch, the company selected a adding value,” he said, adding that LIME’s 12 megs few customers to test its new service, and all package is faster than Digicel’s 8 megs package. “Our 24 megs package is cheaper than their 16 were extremely happy with the result. Three of megs package. So, by and large there is no question the customers were on hand at the launch to offer of value from LIME in terms of pricing and in terms testimonials. Persons who attended the event, of speed; and of course, no one other than LIME including reporters were invited to try out the service on spot. offers a 48 megabit per second package,” he said.
FEBRUARY 21ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
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LIME buys Islandcom By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor Plans are well in advance for LIME TCI is purchase the country’s third telecoms provider IslandCom as part of its $1.0.5 billion regional network upgrade. And while LIME and IslandCom have all but sealed the agreement, the final stamp of approval rests with the Telecommunications Commission, which Jan Remmelg, LIME’s CEO for Northern Caribbean Cluster, is confident will sanction the deal. Remmelg revealed the impending LIME takeover during a news conference on Thursday (February 26, 2015) at the LIME Leeward Highway office. The announcement came on the heels of LIME’s Superfast Broadband upgrade launch a week prior. The acquirement deal was a closely guarded secret, since only minutes before the news conference that LIME employees learned of the deal. Under the transaction, LIME will assume the networks, licenses, spectrum and subscribers. Not only will the deal give LIME automatic access to Islandcom’s customer base, but will also pave the way for LIME to acquire the prized LTE portfolio, cementing its position as possessing the fastest mobile network in the country. “With the acquisition of Islandcom, we are getting one element that is very aligned with one of our key strategies, that is mobile leadership. Because with the acquisition, we are getting Mobile LTE spectrum and license which Islandcom has today. “They haven’t launched it yet, but they do have that as an asset. So, by adding Mobile LTE and superfast
Jan Remmelg (left), LIME’s CEO for Northern Caribbean Cluster makes a point, while looking on is Country Manager for LIME TCI James Pitt mobile to our already Superfast Broadband it gives us a very strong convergent offering that we are able to provide to our customers,” Remmelg said. Pending government allowance, both companies will continue to operate as competitors. “One thing that is important to us is that when we have approval of the acquisition, to have a smooth migrate of the customers of Islandcom into the LIME networks. The customers that migrate will keep their mobile numbers. There will be no need to change the mobile number into LIME number, so people will continue to use their mobile numbers,” he said. He continued: “Whilst we have agreed to buy the assets, this acquisition needs regulatory approval, and until time, it is business as usual. We will operate as separate companies. We are still competitors, so we will continue to compete every day until the regulators have made a decision,” he said. He said that in order for LIME to
grow, data connectivity will have be a huge part of its platform. “What I mean by data connectivity is both mobile and broadband at home. It’s for consumers, it’s for corporate customers; be able to have that data connectivity with speed and reliability. Providing, as a starting point, the Superfast Broadband with speeds up to 90 megabits per second is gamechanging,” he said. Remmelg pointed out that that LIME is committed to offering what he termed as a fully convergent offering, which is fixed, mobile, broadband and TV. To this end, the company has secured acquisition of one of the Caribbean and Central American’s most sophisticated cable companies Flow. “Columbus International operates under the brand of Flow – broadband and TV. It operates in a number of countries in the Caribbean. They provide two things –best in class TV service; they are providing broadband services as well. “So with the proposed merger, you
see that LIME is also getting a bestin-class TV service, and very soon they will be able to provide the full sweep of service to all our customers. This will cement our position as the number one telecoms provider in Turks and Caicos,” Remmelg said. Remmelg, who revealed that LIME was in the process of filing the acquisition papers, is hoping that the regulators would move with alacrity to approve the purchase. “We are hoping that it will be a diligent and fairly quick process,” he said. In the meantime, Remmelg explained that the cost of the deal will remain a secret. James Pitt, LIME TCI General Manager said, “LIME is focused on providing best in class Mobile and Broadband networks to better serve our customers and provide a superior customer experience. We believe that data connectivity is a key element for the future growth and success of our business. The acquisition of Islandcom will allow us to Upgrade our mobile offering to Superfast 4G LTE across TCI which forms a key pillar in our strategy – Mobile Leadership. It will also give our customers access to a best in class convergent offering that will include our game-changing Superfast Broadband Internet at home and the expanded benefits of the recent acquisition of Columbus International by our parent company, CWC. “Our joint companies will make every effort to ensure that the transition to the LIME network for Islandcom customers will be as seamless as possible including allowing the transfer of their current mobile number,” said Mr. Pitt.
CLOSE OF LOBSTER SEASON, 15 MARCH 2015 The Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) is reminding the public that the 2014/2015 Lobster Season will be closed this year on March 15, 2015. The Fisheries Protection Ordinance Regulation 12(1) states: “The closed season in relation to crawfish shall be the period from the first day of April to the thirty-first day of July (inclusive) in each year or such other dates as may, from time to
time, be appointed by the Governor in the Gazette”. This season, the Governor, advised by Cabinet and DEMA, opened the lobster season on 15th August, 2014 at which time the public was notified that the closure would take place on 15 March 2015. During the closed season, any person who fishes for, purchases or is in possession of a lobster will be committing an offence that is punishable by a fine of $5,000 or six months imprisonment or
both. DEMA is urging all fishers, restaurant owners, private residents and plant owners to ensure that no crawfish remains in their possession as of 15 March 2015. Any comments or questions regarding the above information can be directed to DEMA at 338.4170 or emailed to environment@gov.tc.
Prisoner Officer arrested for alleged contraband smuggling The SUN can report that a prison officer has been charged with trying to smuggle contraband into Her Majesty’s Prison this past week. A source said that the officer was busted for drugs shortly after returning from Providenciales with prisoners. It is not clear at this stage what kind of drugs or the quantity.
The source said that shortly after arriving at the prison, Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Officers, apparently acting on information received, conducted a search on his person and discovered the contraband. He was later escorted off the property to the police station, where he was arrested. The prison guard was schedule to appear in
Court One of the Providenciales Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, since Grand Turk is still without magistrate, but for unexplained reason the decision shelved. We learned later that he was rescheduled to appear in court late Friday morning. At press time, it was not clear as to what transpired in court.
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FEBRUARY 21ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015
FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
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New Long Bay High School expected to be completed by 2016 represents the strongest, longest and more reliable bridge to take the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands to the future. “Education is our bridge, a bridge over discrimination, a bridge over unsatisfactory jobs, a bridge over insufficient pay, a bridge over bridges that were built to act against us, a bridge over national debt and even a bridge over the sinking fund! As I say to my colleagues time and time again, if the sinking fund is going to be deprived for education, then we must either borrow to learn or learn to borrow. “This project is of utmost significance to us as a country, and a people. This project is the sign of bolder and grander things to come for our people, and while this is no time to bask in the accolades or gloat over accomplishments, I want to assure you the ministry is nearing completion of the design and specifications for phase two.” TCI Structures/JaMal Co Ltd is charged with the responsibility to undertake the phase one construction. Managing Director, Jamaine Malcolm, promised to land the project on time.
By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor
If the Rufus Ewing Progressive National Party (PNP) administration has its way the Long Bay High School, which government broke ground for phase one construction on Monday (February 23, 2015) could complete all three phases before the end of 2016. Premier Ewing who, who was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, said that his government will be seeking to complete the project in two phases. “When this project was initially conceptualized, we were looking to Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing (third from left) and Minister for Education, Youth, Sport and Library build it in three phases. But I am sure Services Hon. Akierra Missick (fourth from left) are joined by Government Minister Hon. Amanda that with the action of the government Missick (second right) and Opposition Spokesman on Education Hon. Josephine Connolly (right); and our deputy premier, here, we are project manager Jamaine Malcolm (second left) and an Enid Capron Primary School Student at going to try doing it in two phases. left. So we are hoping by the end of 2016, this project would be completed,” the of this school that represents the keeping the dreams of the next premier said. modernization of Secondary Education generation always within their reach,” The first phase of the school in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” she she said. will comprise eight classes, an said. She added: “In nation, after administrative block and toilet Minister Missick revealed that nation and generation after generation, facilities. The second phase should the construction of the Long Bay Hills education has opened more doors for see the construction of remaining High School represents the first new more people than any key, or influence, classes and other facilities, while the major infrastructural investment by or power or might, ever could. You see, third phase, according to Minister of Turks & Caicos Islands Government in an era of building bridges, education Education, Youth, Sport and Library on the island of Providenciales in many Services Hon. Akierra Missick, will see years. the construction of a sports complex. “While roads have been built and Missick, in a post groundbreaking the airport renovate & extended, the interview, said that the sporting idea of a new purpose built Government facility would either be a swimming or building on this island has become athletics complex. almost a rare thought – but today I say She described the groundbreaking ‘no more’,” she said. as a major milestone in a journey that Minister Missick noted that started almost 40 years ago. the vision to construct the learning “In 1976 the Turks and Caicos institution was predicated on an old Islands embarked on an official journey ideal that of more and better education of nationhood, today that journey takes for all. An artist’s impression of phase one of the Long Bay High School another step with the development “…Keeping hope alive and
PDM CALLS FOR CRIME STATISTICS The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) is calling on the authorities to release the last year’s Crime Statistics. A release from the party said: “We are disappointed that we are about to enter the 3rd month of the year and are yet to see the crime statistics for last year. We are aware that the statistics were some weeks ago presented to Cabinet as it was noted in its Minutes that are released publicly. We consider this important information for the people of these Islands for obvious reasons but it may also be used to assess as to whether we are successfully addressing crime reductions and detections.” The PDM said that last year the party was not satisfied with the responses from the leadership of national security and elected
government in this country. “ Whilst we are proud to still enjoy the lowest rates in the region and to remain among the safest, we are not we comforted in this fact,” the press statement said. “While the numbers last year were not alarming for those who are not indigenous to these Islands, it was rather concerning to those who can appreciate that the numbers and types of offenses are not reflective of the country in which we want to live. We remain firm in our position to the creation of an aggressive Crime Prevention Plan and one that engages the public and involves the people of these Islands. We look forward to seeing the crime statistics and hopefully soon, the Premier’s promised Review of the former Commissioner of Police who has already hand over leadership of the Force.”
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Police seize two firearms in February Members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force seized two illegal firearms in February and have arrested two men in separate incidents as a result. On February 4, traffic officers, while on duty in the Bight, Providenciales, near the Jericho Baptist Church area, noticed a green Toyota Avalon
travelling in the opposition direction. On seeing the police, the driver turned and sped off and the officers gave chase. The vehicle stopped near a beach access and the driver, spotted with a black object, alighted and fled in the area of the beach. The police officers, who chased him on foot eventually, caught him.
They searched a nearby area and found a Glock 19 pistol loaded with several rounds of ammunition. Police identified the illegal firearm owner as Tevardo Wilson, 27. Wilson was charged with possession of firearm and ammunition. Wilson already appeared in court and has been remanded in custody to
appear again later. In the second incident, officers, who executed a search warrant at an undisclosed premises on Providenciales, recovered a .22 pistol. The man whose name has not been disclosed, is said to be assisting the police in their investigations.
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FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
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Cuba sends lost South Caicos fishermen to Haiti It is unclear as to what efforts are being made by the local authorities to get the three missing South Caicos fishermen, who went missing over a month ago and eventually turned up in Cuba, back to the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is understood that the men, who Cuban authorities had in their custody for a short while, were sent the Haiti after they were deemed to have been communication to the Cuban authorities in French Creole. All three men, The SUN understands, are of Haitian nationality but have strong ties to the Turks and Caicos Islands community. One of them has a wife and family in South Caicos. Another is said to have been married in Haiti and is the father of six children. After it was reported that the men went missing on January 10, 2015, local marine police launched an intensive search for them. Operation Bahamas and Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) personnel, based in Inagua, later joined in with helicopter searches but they men were not located. It was reported sometime last week that the Cuban authorities rescued the trio and kept them in custody for a short time, and after interrogation, subsequently shipped them off to Haiti. A number of persons locally, who became aware of the
situation, queried whether or not it was the Governor’s Office or the Ministry of Border Control and Labour that is responsible for bringing them back. When contacted, Jaymie Caplen, the Governor’s Office Spokesman, said that the Deputy Head of Mission in the Turks and Caicos Islands was not aware of the situation. He then referred us to Clara Gardiner, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Border Control and Labour. “I imagine the main contacts for this would be PS Gardiner or the MoBC (Ministry of Border Control); the Governor’s Office would normally only become involved if we were asked by TCIG to assist with speaking to the Cuban authorities,” Caplen said. Gardiner, when contacted, said that the matter is out of the Turks and Caicos Islands government’s purview, and that the government is unable to act, since no one has officially contacted that ministry on the matter. “That is not something that is under our jurisdiction. Our ministry doesn’t know that (they have been sent to Haiti) because it is not something that we are involved with,” Permanent Secretary Gardiner said. After the men went missing, the island of South Caicos was plunged into sadness, with a number of persons with national prominence, including
PAC WORKSHOP DEEMED A SUCCESS The first ever Public Accounts Committee Training Workshop took place in Grand Turk from February 23 – 24, 2015 and was attended by HE The Governor, HE Deputy Governor, Members of the House of Assembly and Senior Accounting Officers/ Management of the Government. According to a release from Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, His Honor The Speaker Robert Hall was also on hand to greet the senior Management of the Government. A number of supporting Staff and Heads of Department were also present. “There was about 90% attendance by Accounting Officers and we were extremely pleased with this turn out. At the close of the 2 days, there was only one Ministry and Department that had not participated but we consider this a positive response,” Hon. CartwrightRobinson said. “We believe that this Workshop has achieved its objectives and as suspected, the Mock PAC Hearing became the highlight of our time together. It was a session for PAC Members and Accounting Officers only and there was a complete reversal of roles with only a few PAC Members also serving as members of the National Audit Office. It was a fun learning exchange and certainly created a lighter environment. The Accounting Officers and members digested the content of a UK National Audit Office’s Report and performed
their reversed roles admirably. It was certainly refreshing to observe.” She added that the Governor, The Deputy Governor and the Director of the Integrity Commission shared on critical issues such as good governance, accountability and curbing corruption while members of the PAC shared on the role of the oversight Committees and Audit Bodies. The feedback received was positive and as members of the PAC we believe that it was successful. In the closing sessions which were restricted to PAC Members only, members together with the lead facilitator agreed the way forward. Mr Philip Aylett was a great resource person and we are indeed grateful to the Governor’s Office for the funding which aided in the facilitation of his travel. “The work of the PAC is a critical one and cannot be downplayed or stifled. It is critical to the public accounts of these Islands. As stated over and over during the Workshop, it is the goal of the PAC to have fewer and fewer audit issues raised and to eventually see cleaner and cleaner audits. This must be the goal of the Government and all financial oversight bodies and committees. We have committed to ongoing training where necessary and look forward to reap the benefits of having a clearer understanding of our individual roles,” she added.
Clara Gardiner Government’s Appointed Member Hon. Ruth Blackman, advocating for prayer for the men’s safe return and support for their family. Hon. Blackman took to social media to make several rallying calls for the community to pray for the men’s safe return. One of her Facebook postings is as follows: “South Caicos let’s not go
to sleep tonight without praying for the safety and return to our community the three fishermen now sleeping for a second night at sea. We are advised that the Police plane searched earlier today and will recommence their search at sunrise tomorrow. Let’s pray for Olive Glinton whose husband is one of the missing and Mr. Parker (Ba) employer of the other two.”
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FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
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Musician “Rude Rikk” dies suddenly at home
A 55-year-old musician, who police reports claimed to have a history of heart problems, was found dead at his Old Airport Road, Providenciales home on Monday (February 23, 2014). He is identified as Edmond Lightbourne, otherwise called “Rude Rikk”. His Facebook page lists him as having recorded several albums and operated the Hit maker Recording Studio on Providenciales. Police reports are that 911 dispatchers received a call that a 55-year-old man was found unconscious, unresponsive and cold to the touch in a bed at his home. Attempts were reportedly made to revivify him through Cardiopulmonary resuscitation but that attempt proved fruitless. The police stated that Emergency Medical Services technicians who visited the scene reported that, based on certain physical condition, including no pulse, he had died sometime before they arrived. Since Lightbiourne’s passing, a number of tributes have been pouring in. Delthia Russell, one
of late musician’s close friend wrote on his Facebook page: “Today is indeed a very sad day. A loving father, grandfather, son, brother uncle, cousin and friend has left us to go on his journey to be with the Heavenly Father. “His smiles and all the funny jokes will never be forgotten. He will forever remain in our hearts because we loved him. Sleep on my dear friend Rikk. Take your rest; we loved you but God loves you best. To the entire family, my deepest condolences. May God bring you comfort in this your time of trial. My prayers are with you.” His daughter Amanda Christinee wrote: “Dear Daddy, you were probably the best dad you could ever be. You mean the world to me. I love you so much, daddy. I can’t wait to see you, hear you laugh, crack jokes, talk about mommy jumping out a parachute. I pray for you all the time. I know you’re well. I love you unconditionally and I promise your legacy will live on. 1 love, daddy.... your baby.”
Kenley Walters’ murder sparks “Save Our Boys” campaign The death of Kenley Walters, dreams, you hopes and your goals can the young man who was knifed to be accomplished. We are here to assist death at Club 2005 in Providenciales you in realizing these dreams, goals on December on the morning of and hopes, so that you can achieve December 27, 2014, has triggered them,” the minister said. the Department of Youth Affairs to Other speakers at the kick-start of country-wide series of event were Pastor Dale Taylor; Youth workshops to rein in youth violence, Director, Jasmine Parker; Special drugs and other deviance behaviours. Constable Audley Astwood, the Royal Minister for Education, Youth, Turks and Caicos Islands Media Sport and Library Service Hon. Liaison Officer; Barbara Handfield of Akierra Missick made the declaration Gender Affairs and Nixon Dickinson. while addressing the “Saving Our Pastor Taylor, whose presentation Boys Workshop” at the Occasions was biblically based, told the boys that Ballroom in Providenciales on Friday, the key to unlock the possibilities in February 27, 2015. their lives rested with them, and they “We came up with the idea of should use it to choose wisely rather this workshop when I attended the than follow destructive paths. He also funeral of Mr. Kenley Walters, whom encouraged them to guard against many of you probably do know, and violence, pornography and drugs. the concern was that, how can we Parker urged the young men not not have any more of these untimely be afraid to seek assistance from the violent attacks on our young men in youth department, since its operation this society,” she said. surrounds their wellbeing. The minister said that she “The theme of the Department pitched the idea to Nixon Dickinson, of Youth Affairs is ‘For Youth, By Senior Programmes Officer in the Youth and With Youth’. If you don’t Department of Youth Affairs and come in to say ‘this is going with us, the Radio Turks and Caicos Sports as the youth of Turks and Caicos’, how Watch team, who ran with it. She can we perform our job?” she asked said that the workshop was geared rhetorically. “Having this workshop at empowering empower youth and today is basically saying that we want provide them with the necessary tools a better generation today than what to deal with conflict resolution. our parents had yesterday.” She said also that the series of Astwood, who spoke on the topic events is geared towards assisting – One More Try – implored the youth young men to make conscious as that if they chose to have persons in against making violent judgments or their lives with bad influence, they those that precipitate violence. would eventually adapt their habits. “…Also to gauge your feedback Astwood, in addition to warning the and your interaction to see what else young men against the use of illegal it is that we, as a department and drugs, alcohol and sexual behaviours, Ministry of Youth Affairs, can do to also cautioned against certain music, ensure that you feel that you are which he said have demon connotation. adequate members of society that your
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Edmond Lightbourne in happier times
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Executive Housekeeper Requirements:
• Must have minimum 10-12 years experience as an executive housekeeper in branded luxury hotel/resort •Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience • Must have knowledge of Opera (Fidelio) hotel operating system • Must have knowledge of laundry operations • Must have experience managing large Department (50 or more employees) •Ability to train coach and counsel staff • Ability to determine appropriate staffing levels based on anticipated business, and create staffing schedules which optimize the balance between desired profitability, and guest demands • Thorough understanding of the elements and components of luxury services, set-ups and supplies • Must have financial knowledge and ability to Analyze P & L statements, develop operating budgets, forecasting and capital expenditure planning •Must have advanced knowledge of standard software applications •Good communication and relationship building skills to interact effectively with managers and unit owners.
•Must be able and willing to work all shifts and days Duties Include: •Develops and implements business strategies for the housekeeping department •Develops annual operating and capital expenditures budget for department •Directing the operation of the housekeeping department including guest rooms and public space areas and overseeing management staff •Inspecting back-of-the house areas continually and adjusts operations accordingly •Oversees inventory, purchasing, disbursement, cost control for all linens, cleaning supplies and guest room supplies • Adheres to brand marketing, sales and quality standards •Coordinates room availability with the Front Office Manager and room maintenance with Director of Engineering Starting salary $40,000-$60,000 per annum not including service charge.
Interested applicants should apply to Regent Palms, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume to marjorie.dorsett@ regenthotels.com, no later than end of day Friday, March 6th, 2015.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
The Bahamas still TCI’s main trading partner
The Bahamas continue to be the main CARICOM country that the TCI trades with and represents the second largest contributor to the TCI merchandise imports bill, accounting for 10.9% of the total imports. This was stated in the 2014 Merchandise Trade Report which was recently released by the Strategic Policy and Planning Department. According to the report, merchandise imports were valued at $414.1 million for the 2014 calendar year and shows an overall increase of 20% or $69 million when compared to the 2013 imports value. Most of the major categories of imports registered significant percentage increases. As was the case with previous years, most of these goods (86.5 %) were imported from the United States. Not much improvement can be seen in the
importation pattern by trading blocks. The report said that the North America Free Trade Area (NAFTA) continues to dominate imports into the Turks and Caicos Islands, accounting for $358.4m million or 86.5 percent of the total import bill. More than 95% of the NAFTA imports came from the USA in 2014. The goods imported from CARICOM countries shows a meager increase of 0.6% and accounted for $46.8 million or 11.3% of the total import bill. - Food imports increased by 14.1%. - Crude Materials, inedible except fuels increased by 81.5%. - Imports of Beverages and Tobacco recorded an increase of 19.6% during the 2014 calendar year. - Manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials increased by 36.8%.
An analysis of revenue from imports reveal that for the Fiscal year 2013/14, Merchandise imports continued its role as the main recurrent revenue earner for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Information from the government treasury reveal that for this period duties from imports increased by 8.6% to $52.7 million when compared with a growth rate of 1.5% for the 2012/13 fiscal year. Preliminary indications are that revenue from merchandise imports will record strong positive growth for the 2014/15 fiscal year when compared to the same period in 2013/14. For the period January to December 2014 import duties were $58.6m when compare to $51.6m for the same period in 2013. Customs processing fee was $28.2 m when compared to $20.8m in 2013. This
shows an increase of 13.5% in import duties and 35.6% increase in customs processing fee. With prospects of increased investment in tourism and other capital related projects over the next 2 years on the horizon, the growth in trade is projected to increase by more than 15% in 2015 and by more than 20% in 2016, assuming that the Turks and Caicos Islands policymakers meet their commitments and new flash points in the global economy do not emerge. This will result in further increases in the revenue collected from imports. The report also shows other statistics from the ports as well as other economic statistics. Overall the report shows that a measured sustainable growth will be important for the long term economic prosperity of the nation.
Local teachers trained to teach Autism students By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor A number of teachers on Providenciales received training geared at equipping them to teach effectively students with special needs especially those with Autism. Cathy Boisvert, Doctor in Education at Columbia University, specializing in health and behaviour status, conducted the training. Not only did she recommend a particular programme for the teachers to follow, but also supplied the materials to support the agenda. “We focused on creating visuals in the classroom setting working on sensory integration strategies within a classroom setting, things such as social stories, behaviour plans and overall expectation of a child with Autism, understanding that the behaviour and some of the things that they are doing Cathy Boisvert are not punishable. They are not bad behaviours. What they are is, they are are older, they either come up with seeking attention, they are trying to their own kind of plan or acceptance. communicate. The behaviour is a form It was not age limit, it was more of a of communication,” she explained. functional level – school age children Dr. Boisvert, who is assisting – one where teachers notice what is the HOPE Foundation to construct impeding their ability to develop. an Autism class to open at the MILLS “They do the hands-on material Institute at the start of the new school and I provide them with those supports year in September, explained that the that I am recommending. For example, programme is not grade level-based I have told them about a visual schedule, but more of a functional endeavor. they create a visual schedule. I told “I think the younger children are them about one sensory integration the ones that we are seeking support programme that had stations, I gave for at this time. I think if the children them the stations,” Boisvert said,
adding that she also gave them social stories programme as well. Boisvert, said that she first came to the TCI two years ago on an Autism Awareness campaign, to basically allay the fear of parents, who have children with the developmental condition, having been invited by the HOPE Foundation for Autism Awareness. She said the visit was well received and the there were sever follow-ups, including a one-on-ones with parents this past summer, to help create intervention.
“We really were able to jumpstart the home programme, the visuals, the home support,’ she said. In the meantime, Dr. Boisvert recommends that the Turks and Caicos Islands implement what she describes as baby-steps Autism programme to ensure effectiveness. She also recommends teacher training, noting that regular teachers most likely do not have the wherewithal to understanding an Autism child as those who specializing in special needs. She recommends that they train either online or given time-off to study. In the meantime, Maxcia Rigby, a Director and Chairman for the HOPE Foundation for Autism Awareness, said that the initiative by Dr. Boisvert to hold parent training has been the biggest achievement so far in the effort to understanding Autism in the TCI. “And we have decided to take on the project of building the first Autism model classroom. Dr. Cathy, along with Mike McGinty, who was here last month (January) doing a workshop for us as well, and consult for the classrooms. Mike has built a classroom before in the Bahamas. “Dr. Cathy is an integrated preschool teachers, so she knows about the classroom and how it is to be set up for the teachers to operation the classroom. We have taken on this project as passionate parents along with my husband, and the directors and other members of the board,” Rigby said.
FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Governor calls Fortis costs an “embarrassment”
His Excellency Governor Peter Beckingham has complained about the high costs of utility bills from power company Fortis. Speaking on Monday February 23rd at a workshop arranged by the Governor’s office in association with the Public Accounts Committee, chaired by the Hon Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson. “It is a constant embarrassment, not to mention strain on public and private sector budgets, that TCI continues to suffer from among the highest energy costs in the region, or globally. Efficiencies must be deliverable, not least with 320 days of sun a year,” the Governor said The Governor began by reminding the members of the PAC of the key role that they play, together with other audit bodies, including the Audit Committee, in ensuring good governance in Turks and Caicos. Governor Beckingham underlined how the PAC’s UK counterpart – one of the most powerful bodies of the legislature in Britain- operated. “The UK’s PAC” he said “stresses the importance of Economy, Efficiency and Effectiveness in all its enquiries. The PAC here, and the Public Service
more widely, needs to bear in mind those principles in all its work”. The Governor went on to describe how the Governor’s office had economised by using in-house facilities, rather than private organisations. He hoped that TCI more widely could soon start to show real efficiencies in its planning and use of Government buildings, and by working with the power utility to bring down the cost of energy. The Governor also referred to the forthcoming re-financing of TCI’s debt, where the commercial markets would be looking carefully at the governance structures of Turks and Caicos before committing to lending the Government money to refinance its debt independently of a UK guaranteed loan. “Our governance structures will be scrutinised by the banks and other financial service organisations more rigorously than ever before. I am confident that they can stand up to that examination – so long as Government doesn’t attempt to undermine the superb economic performance of the last two years by proposing changes and tampering with the governance structures which have been carefully
constructed to ensure economy, efficiency and effectiveness,” he added.
Governor Peter Beckingham
GOVERNOR LAUDS TCI’S TOURISM BUSINESS AT ANNUAL HOTEL AND TOURISM AWARDS HE The Governor spoke at the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Annual Hotel and Tourism Association Awards dinner on 26 February, saying that everyone in Turks and Caicos, from MPs and developers to taxi drivers and bar staff, should congratulate themselves on the country’s impressive tourism figures. “Our reputation is riding high in our key North American market, as the Premier and I saw in New York last
Requirements:
December,” the Governor said. “Many tour operators were telling us how attractive TCI has become as a tourist destination, and I was left in no doubt that our brand is in great shape thanks to the hard work of the Tourism Board, developers, and all those who work in the industry.” The Governor also noted how important first and last impressions at the Airport were to retain and develop business. “We don’t have hard,
Cook de Tourant
•Demonstrate understanding of the technical culinary skills for assigned area (all kitchen work stations.) •Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience •Must have previously worked as a Cook d’tourant for a minimum 3 years in a luxury resort •Experience with, and are comfortable preparing a variety of different cuisines in a fine dining environment •Understand the importance of consistency •Knowledge of food preparation techniques and health/safety requirements •Must be able to work all days and shifts
Duties Include:
•Prepares all food items, sauces, soups and hot entrees in accordance with recipes, menus, portions and presentation specifications •Coordinates completion of menu items with server •Sets up breakfast, lunch and/or dinner workstations. •Produces all menu items ensuring the right quantity and highest standards of quality •Working the floor during special events •Rotate all foods and correctly fill out production charts.
Starting salary at $25,000 per year not including service charge. Spa Therapist/Technician Requirements: •Diploma in massage therapy or equivalent. •Prior experience in a 5-star luxury environment. •Extensive knowledge of Eastern style massage, wraps, facials and other treatments. •Proficiency in English. •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Duties Include: •Providing spa treatments to resort guests and day spa guests. •Maximize the revenue of the department through massage and retail product sales. •In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be “required to perform a combination of support functions Starting salary $5.50 per hour not including service charge, commission and tips. Interested applicants should apply to Regent Palms, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume to marjorie.dorsett@ regenthotels.com, no later than end of day Friday, February 27th, 2015.
statistical information, but my strong impression is that our Immigration and Customs Officers have made a real effort over the last year or so to give visitors a warm welcome when they first set foot in TCI. Recent visitors from London, as well as one of the UK’s most senior overseas diplomats, have told me that they have had a very positive experience on arriving in TCI.” The Governor concluded by saying that not only Association members,
but everyone living in TCI, should take credit for the Territory’s robust tourism growth. “I was able to tell the visiting European Union Ambassador to TCI that we are now one of the best performing tourism destinations in the region. Our low crime rate, and our high quality product, is proving a magnet for North American visitors, not least when they can escape the winter chill.”
We are currently seeking a qualified applicant to fill the position of Stevedore
REQUIREMENT:
•Minimum of 3 years experience in Stevedoring work. •Must be in good health to meet the demands of physically challenging work. •Must be available for emergency calls and be able to work at nights and weekends. •Must be Crane Inspection and Certification Bureau certified (CICB) in Basic Safety and Riggings •Must be able to speak fluent English language STEVEDORING WORK AT THE PORT OF PROVIDENCIALES AND/OR THE PORT OF GRAND TURK:
•Tie-up and release of ship shore lines. •Discharging of containers from ship. •Back loading of empty containers. •Discharging cement/blocks from ships. •Discharging of bulk aggregate and sand from ships. •Assist in Loading of full container loads (FCL) onto trucks. •Stocking palletized cargo. •Stocking empty units/containers. •Disposal of garbage and debris from ships and port facilities. •Assist with the maintenance and cleaning Equipment. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE TO: •Discharge and Backload all vessels •Mooring and Unmooring of all vessels •Carry out all other duties as directed by the Supervisor Salary Range: US$10.00 per hour All applications must be submitted by March 15th, 2015. Human Resources Manager Provo Stevedoring Ltd. P.O. Box , South Dock Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Fax: (649) 946-4828 Email: cagreene@provostevedoring.com
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Annual Sister Sister Prayer Breakfast
A spirit of inspiration filled the air when the Sister Bishop Dr. C.A Williams III, who spoke on the theme Sister organisation held its Annual Prayer Breakfast “Let It Go; it’s Keeping You Back”. Many of those who on February 21st, 2015 at the Occasions Ballroom, attended the function felt so fulfilled that they went in the Airport Hotel. Approximately 100 persons on Facebook and other social media to share their packed the room to share in fellowship and to hear a compliments. dynamic and inspiring message from Guest Speaker These photographs capture the event.
FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
$149 AUTO TECH IS SEEKING FOR A DOMESTIC WORKER WILLING TO PAY $5.5 PER HOUR 6 DAYS A WEEK APPLICANT MUST BE FLEXIBLE TO WORK ON HOLIDAYS AND OVERTIME INTERESTED: CALL 432-2323
THE LANDING
CARAMBOLA RESTAURANT
SEEKS 1 COOK To work 6 days per week Salary $6.00 per hour Interested persons should contact 941-8122
WANTED
SEEKS 1 Chef 1 Kitchen Helper Must be able to speak English and French Salary negotiable Contact 344-8224
1 Labourer Applicant must be honest, reliable and hardworking fluent in English and French Contact 247-8647
THE OASIS HOUSE 1 Line Chef 1 Commissary Chef Must be able to work weekends and holidays Must have atleast 10 years experience Current experience in a high-volume production or commissary facility is a must Contact 432-0221
Wanted
Cleaner/Helper Salary of $5.00 per hour. All applications must be submitted by March 15th, 2015. Human Resources Manager Provo Stevedoring Ltd. P.O. Box , South Dock Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Fax: (649) 946-4828 Email: cagreene@ provostevedoring.com
MERVIN JENNINGS
Tasty’s Café
Looking for A Domestic Worker To take care of three children and take care of the house Salary $5.50 per hour Contact 941-8714
1 Cleaner 1 Kitchen Helper 2 Cooks 6 days per week Salary $5.00 per hour Contact: ea.williams@hotmail.com Telephone: 332-1247
PORT ATLANTIC CONSTRUCTION
TOYATA CONSTRUCTION
Is seeking employment for the following: 1 Labourer Salary $5.00 per hour Interested candidate may contact 346-6622 for further details regarding employment.
SEEKS 2 Labourers Salary $5.00 per hour Shandra Restaurant 2 Domestic Workers Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 341-5121
FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
New dangerous HIV strain discovered
By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor Persons living in the Turks and Caicos Islands are urged to take extreme caution during sexual liaisons in the wake of a newly discovered HIV strain that that develops much faster into full blow AIDS than previous strains. Doctors in Cuba, who discover the new strain – CRF19CPX - recently, said that it has the potential to move the infected person HIV positive to full-blown AIDS IN under three years, which they said is a bit different from the other strains, which take about 10 years to move from one phase to the next. The medical scientists explained that while there needs to be more study on the new strain, initial findings are that one way the strain can develop is if two HIV positive persons have unprotected sex. They explained that if someone who is HIV positive has intercourse with another HIV positive individual there could be what is termed cross strains creating a mutation of the virus that could be very potent and virulent. Aldora Robinson National AIDS Programme Coordinator the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services, is warning that persons in the country should take the utmost caution during sexual contact, since the new HIV strain could have a serious impact not only to the individuals but also on the country’s already stretched resources. “This new stain of the HIV virus is of serious concern to us as the progression happens so fast that
treatment with antiretroviral drugs may come too late. It also will also have an impact on resources both human and financial as HIV treatment is offered free of cost by the government,” Robinson said. “We continue to encourage persons living in the Turks and Caicos to be true to themselves, meaning protect yourself, use condoms correctly and while protecting yourself you will be protecting your partner.” Robison while urging condom use during sexual intercourse, Robinson reminds that the best protection is abstinence, and implores especially young individual to be mindful of the numerous pitfalls of casual sex. She extends the caution to those already living with the virus. “We encourage also abstinence especially among our youth population, it is critical that persons change their sexual behavior and stick to one sexual partner this will limits exposure to the virus. While further study is warranted to better understand the increase in rapid progression of this new strain, I caution persons within the Turks and Caicos to practice safer sex or no sex this includes persons already living with the virus as this new strain is a combination of three existing subtypes of HIV,” she cautioned. The new HIV strain also gets the attention of Caribbean Leaders, who are also urging their respective peoples to be mindful of the new phenomenon, and therefore to practice safe or abstinence. “There is nothing you can do about it because
THE FAMILY OF THE LATE OTHNIEL LIGHTBOURN WILL LIKE THROUGH THIS MEDIUM TOEXPRESS PROFOUND GRATITUDE TO THE MANY PERSONS WHO WALKED THE JOURNEY OF PRAYER, WELL WISHERS AND VISITS DURING THE LAST 18 MONTHS OF NICK’S ILLNESS. YOUR WALK WITH US MADE THE JOURNEY LIGHT AT TIMES AND OVER THE LAST THREE WEEKS WE FELT YOUR PRAYERS AS MANY TIMES WE NEEDED STRENGTH TO GO ON. SPECIAL THANKS TO THE . SPEAKER OF HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, HON. ROBERT HALL, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES HON G LIGHTBOURNE AND HON N.B. SAUNDERS WHO ATTENDED THE MEMORIAL AND FUNERAL SERVICES, FORMER DEPUTY GOVERNOR MISS MAHALA WYNNS AND FORMER MP MRS. MADLIN POTTER,. TO THOSE PERSONS FROM SOUTH CAICOS WHO TRAVELLED TO BE WITH US WE ARE SO VERY APPRECIATIVE OF YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT. TO US. MAY GOD SO BLESS ALL OF YOU. WE COVET YOUR CONTINUED PRAYERS.
Duties
HOUSEKEEPER
•To clean all areas of the hotel thoroughly to ensure excellent standards of hotel cleanliness •Deliver excellent customer service at all times •Service all bedrooms and corridors in line with company’s policy •Provide information to guests on request •Complete tasks such as flipping mattresses, cleaning curtains and dusting.
Qualified Belongers need only apply.
you cannot tell people they cannot have sex, that’s why our message has always been be smart, be selfish, make the smart choice,” said Dr Alisha Eugene, Senior Medical Officer for Infectious Diseases.
Aldora Robinson
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS BACK IN THE SOVEREIGN BOND MARKET Caribbean regional bond market institutions discovered a new investment opportunity in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) during a financial road show in Trinidad & Tobago on Wednesday, February 25th. TCI Ministry of Finance Acting Permanent Secretary, Shonia ThomasBeen, and Refinancing Advisor, Alex Musson, met with 10 regional banks, pension funds and insurance companies in Port of Spain, the regional debt capital markets centre. “We will be presenting TCI’s dramatic turnaround to some of the Caribbean’s most powerful investors,” said Shonia Thomas-Been. “This roadshow will test the market ahead of our debt refinancing at this time next year, by alerting financial institutions to the investment opportunity in TCI. This will also give us sufficient time to address any issues that they raise, while also helping to ensure that through open competition we secure the lowest interest rate for the TCI taxpayer.” No deals will be agreed during
the roadshow, but instead, the market will be better informed about the TCI ahead of formal negotiations beginning in autumn 2015 with the deal going through in February 2016. The TCI government intends to refinance around US$70m of a $170m bond issued in 2011, the balance of which will be repaid from cash reserves. Its success has been built upon a remarkable public financial management reform programme, and an economy that is predicted to grow in 2014 by 4.6% above 2013’s GDP figure of $558.9m - its third consecutive year of growth. This economic growth has contributed to a series of recurring government surpluses in the TCI: $47.6m in 2012/13; $30.7m in 2013/14; with a projected $60m surplus for the 2014-15 financial year. International recognition of the turnaround came when Standard & Poor’s issued a BBB+ rating to the UK Overseas Territory in the summer of 2014. Today the TCI’s bank debt has
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. Owner Relations Manager Responsible for maintaining excellent relationships and communication with luxury condo owners to ensure the long term business relationship is successful and is the single point of contact for all owners. This includes regular review of revenue accounts, expenses, statements, booking of reservations, communication to keep owners up to date on their investment and its management. The position requires someone with proven people management skills and experience trouble shooting problems, property management experience, purchasing, inspection, public relations and project management. This individual is self motivated and will deal with all owner communication, issues, requests and questions as well as manage the annual general meeting. They are the owner’s liaison with the hotel and the development company, providing training for staff and providing feedback and input on hotel products and services in development or under review as well as the strata budget. •Minimum 4 years experience in Owner Relations in luxury condo hotel •Skilled in Opera PMS and extensive knowledge of OVOS contracts •5 years knowledge of hotel operations and systems •10 years plus management, communications and/or training/coaching experience •Exceptional communications skills – written and oral, conflict resolution experience, presentation & training skills at senior/executive level competence •Excellent skills in MS Office Professional suite •Knowledge of Rental Management Agreement, strata bylaws
Spa Therapist
•Must hold CIDESCO or CIBTAC certification. Previous knowledge of SPASOFT/ SALONIRIS and MBO software is preferred. •Must be a graduate from an accredited university with extensive experience of at least 5 years with a reputed hotel/ chain or a luxury/Boutique Spa in massage, face therapy and nails. •Must have advanced knowledge of holistic therapy such as Reiki, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, bamboo therapy concepts that relate to the well being of all guests in a spa environment. •Must be certified esthetician and massage therapist. •Must have: good communication skills, flexibility to work hospitality shifts, PC skills, be a Team Player, self-motivated, punctual, professional. •Must speak and read English. Preferred with Asian/Gulf countries work experience. •Fluency in MS office specially Microsoft excel, outlook. Salary: Commission based
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
already been fully repaid, leaving the $170m bond to be refinanced when it matures in February 2016, which will also have the effect of removing the contingent liability from the UK taxpayer. It is the TCI’s intention is to use the reserves held in its Sinking Fund to pay off approximately $100m of the bond, thus refinancing only the $70m balance. The UK continues to provide support to TCI officials through a technical assistance programme which includes providing specialist advisers to help in areas including public financial management, tax reform and collection, government procurement, audit and private enterprise. •The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) generated an operating surplus of US$16.7m in its third quarter ending December 2014. •This surplus was well ahead of the budgeted $5.2m surplus for the October-December 2014 quarter, and is accounted for largely by the strong growth in visitor numbers to the UK Overseas Territory.
•Government income for the quarter was $55.9 million, some 15% above budget, and 23% above the $45.4 million revenue taken in the same period in financial year 2013-14. Year to date recurrent revenue is $178.3 million, $25.5 million or 17% above the budgeted outturn of $152.8. It is $39.2 million or 28% above the results of the same quarter last year. •Government control of its expenditure was again demonstrated with costs coming in at 9% below budget at $37.5 million, significantly lower than the $39.2m spent at the same time last year. Year to date Recurrent Expenditure outturn totalled $114.3 million, $12.4 million or 10% ahead of budget. •The year to date results show a government operating surplus of $60.6 million for the first three quarters of financial year 2014-15, some $39.4m above the budgeted surplus. This positive trend is demonstrated by this year’s figure being well ahead of last year’s surplus of $16.3 million.
HAB MANAGEMENT LTD HAB Management Limited is a seeking suitably qualified individual to fill the following opening. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.
SECURITY GUARD Job Description
Responsible for implementing and enforcing security measures in order to provide maximum protection to the lives and properties of the company, employees and guests. Responsible to guard, patrol and monitor company premises to prevent theft, violence or infractions of rules.
Main Duties
•Maintaining a safe and secure environment for all guests and employees. •Must be trained in self defense and security operations. •Document reports of daily activities and irregularities that occur on premises in logbook. •Inspect and adjust security systems, equipment and machinery to ensure operational use. •Responding quickly to emergency situation.
Requirements
•Must have five years or more experience as a Security Officer. Law enforcement/ security experience preferred. •Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. •Must be computer literate and have working knowledge of CCTV systems and software. •Must be willing to work a variety of day/night and weekend shifts. •Able to be on feet for long periods of time. •Excellent people skills. •Professional, neat, clean cut appearance is necessary. •Clean driver’s license.
The salary for this position is $15,000.00 per annum, commensurate with experience, training and education. Interested applicants should email resumes by March 2, 2015 to ronnie@habgroup.com or submit by fax 649-946-5191. Only persons selected for an interview will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.
FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
CENTRAL RESERVATIONS MANAGER
Responsibilities: •Manage the reservations staff to include scheduling of staff based on call volume, handling performance reviews and daily supervision of the agents work. •Provide ongoing systems training for the property management systems of three resorts. •Work with the NAVIS Narrowcast system in accordance with the NAVIS standard practices to include daily review of Narrowcast, assignment of leads, coaching and counseling sessions with the agents and analyzing the call and agent reports from the Narrowcast system. •Maximize room revenues by utilizing techniques to maximize occupancy and average rate. •Meet and exceed guest expectations by ensuring department provides positive and courteous service and teamwork. •Ensure that all special requests are handled appropriately by supervising the accuracy of all future reservations. •Demonstrate knowledge of hotel accommodations, guest services and local vendors. •Maintain accurate room rate control and availability statuses by controlling and advising of rate restrictions and room availability. •Verify that all email requests are answered in a timely and efficient manner paying close attention to grammar and spelling. •Maximize guest satisfaction and hotel revenues by promoting hotel restaurants, facilities and group services. •Maintain an open dialogue with all General Managers and the hotel staff at all resorts. •Keep immediate supervisor promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters of significance. •Perform all duties and responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner in accordance with established company policies and procedures to achieve the overall objectives of this position. •Optimize RevPAR by analyzing/forecasting demand and establishing effective selling strategies, oversell strategies and optimal market mix, including group, transient, wholesale, catering revenues, etc. •Manage and update current selling strategies and product information in all available distribution channels/reservation sources (onsite, third-party reservation providers, call centers, websites, GDS, etc.). •Facilitate daily and weekly sales and revenue strategy meetings. •Conduct ongoing competitor price/product analysis to ensure proper rate positions/product offering relative to competition. •Establish clear guidelines and develop manuals for the reservations agents work. •Maintain close working relationships with the front desk teams of each property. •Work with the hotel DOS and hotel team to establish strategies to increase revenue of both rooms and catering. •Contribute to the financial success of the hotel via participation in annual budgeting and sales and marketing plan process. •Generate and distribute daily, weekly and monthly revenue management reports and present results from all segments including internet channels. •Maintain historical statistical data from all distribution channels, in all market segments. •Continually monitor all pertinent travel related websites to ensure competitiveness in both availability and price. •Have an in-depth understanding of tools – spreadsheets, statistical methods for analyzing data •Ability to identify relevant data and use it to draw inferences with reference to impact on hotels revenues •Ability to use PMS/reservation/revenue management systems to forecast and implement optimal strategies •Manage and create contracts with Wholesalers and online travel agents as well as generate group contracts for corporate and social groups. •Have knowledge of hotel operations, including marketing plans, personnel and labor relations, preparation of business plans, budget forecasting, and quality assurance programs •Be able to set priorities, plan, organize and delegate
Requirements;
•At least 5 years of international reservations management experience with at least 3 or more those years in a four or five 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 •Computer skills, i.e MS Word, Excel and Outlook •Must be highly organized and have excellent communication skills written and oral •Must have the ability to manage department’s budget •Indepth Systems Knowledge of visual one or Opera IS A MUST •Previous experience with Navis call center software required Salary for this position 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 March 6th, 2015 Belongers need only apply.
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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Kenley Walters’ killers may have been in custody
Kenley Walters A police source has revealed that investigators are certain that they had held the culprits in the Kenley Walters homicide but had to let them go because eyewitnesses who tipped off them off, recanted. Walters was stabbed to death while partying at Club 2005, along Five Cays Road in Providenciales on December 27, 2014. He was murdered in the crowded nightspot. A source close to the investigations said that the police, who have been relentless in their investigation, already interviewed a number of persons, including those who persons at the event tipped off to the police as the culprits. However, when asked to give statements, the eyewitnesses recanted out of fear of reprisals. The police said though that those fears are mere aberrations since there were no recorded events of accused threatening witnesses. The source said that the police are baffled that the eyewitnesses sought to give initial info on the matter, but refused to give statements so that those responsible can are put away. “People who were there gave us the whole story, from start to finish, but when we asked them to give written statements, said that they were not going to, because they don’t want to get involved. We can’t take hearsay to court because from the start, our case will be blown out of the water,” the source said. On Monday (January 5, 2015) the police, along with the dead man’s family, comprising his father Kenneth, older brother Kenrick and stepmother Lida, held a news conference at the police headquarters on Old Airport, Providenciales, to essentially call for witnesses to come forward. During the news conference, Clifford Ashton, Superintendent of Police in charge of the Criminal
Investigations Department (CID) urged the public not to allow Walter’s murder to go unpunished, and called on the scores of patrons at the club to tell the police what they know. The police source said that investigators will not relent getting the eyewitnesses to come forward and give formal statements on the incident. Walters, a former TCIPS Comprehensive High School student, was described by his family as “a good kid who loved basketball, and didn’t deserve to die the way he did.” “He was not involved in any form of gangs, he was not a trouble-maker, and he has never harmed anyone, nor has ever been in trouble with the police. He was a quiet young man with a caring heart, who loved his family very much, and who had a passion for playing basketball,” his older brother Kenrick Walters said during the news conference. Kenley Walters’ unsolved murder marks several recent killings that the police are yet to crack, mainly for lack of witnesses. Businessman Robert Been was gun-downed on the night of Tuesday March 4,2014, as he and his wife were about to board their car at the back of their Grace Bay building complex. And despite the family putting and police putting up $50,000 for a breakthrough in the case, no one has come forward. On December 31, 2013, one of three hold-up men shot and killed Joscelin Odisse at the Altagracia Restaurant and Bar along the Bight Section of the Leeward Highway in Providenciales. That murder is still unsolved. The body of 31 year-old Gardiner, a resident of Kew in North Caicos, was discovered along the side of the road leading to Kew on that island on July 26, 2014 at about 5:30 in the morning.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 21ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Beaches proposes salesmanship deal with vendors
Beaches General Manager Don Dagenais interacts with the vendors during the seminar (Don Dagenais) By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor About 30 Cultural Market Place vendors in The Bight, left the Beaches Resort conference room on Wednesday (February 25, 2015) elated after receiving certification training in Art of Selling & Customer Service and the promise by the resort management to assist with innovative ways to maximize their businesses. Resort general manager Donald Dagenais, challenged the vendors during the training, that if they
arranged to have a sale once per month, he would, in addition to allowing the vendors to pitch the sale via flyers throughout the resort, provide a chef at Marketplace to make hotdogs and burgers especially for the guests on sale day. “If you decide to have a sale at your place, let’s say the first Friday of every month, I would help you out. I am willing to put a barbecue there and to serve hotdogs and hamburgers – one day a month. And then you can have your sale. I can put a chef there with the hamburgers and barbecues
and hotdogs – not just for all of you, asked rhetorically. “All I am saying is for the guests,” Dagenais said, to that you have the craft centre, take loud appreciative applause from the advantage of it.” vendors. He also urged them to exercise “I will go even further. If you have the salesmanship that, if not guarantee a sale one day a month – on a Friday – them immediate sales, would raise the I have no problem if one of these ladies prospects for the next day. or gentlemen came into the hotel on a “You have got to make your Thursday and handed out little things place fun. I would have no problem, if that you are having a sale, to help everybody comes together and put in bring more people. You have to have it $10, and you buy a little sound system,” one day a month, but you have to have he said. “I don’t need much in a return. it the same day every month; so that A thank you goes a long way in life. We people don’t get confused, and we can all a little respect among ourselves; tell the people that you are having a that is, of course international, not just sale.” in the Turks and Caicos Islands.” He said the move is geared to The Art of Selling & Customer foster goodwill reciprocity between the Service Training Seminar was held resort and the vendors. in conjunction with the Sandals “The time has come when we Corporate University, which is geared just got to bring things just a little primary for the education of Sandals/ closer together because you do help us Beaches employees. The training is out. If they (guests) have an enjoyable done with some of the top universities experience at your place, they will across the world. bring that enjoyable experience back During the training, vendors (to Beaches). If they have an enjoyable learned that everyone is a potential experience at Beaches, they would customers and that they should treat bring it over to you,” he said. them as such. They also learned the Dagenais said that Beaches art of making a potential customer promotes the Cultural Marketplace into a customer by their approaches by posting signs around the property, and warmth. places the complex in its daily The vendors, expressed delight newspaper and tell guests about it at receiving the training, telling during orientation. members of the media that, while for “Why would we not want to some, it is a refresher course, others send people over to you?” Dagenais really needed it.
Doctors urge to prescribe fitness programmes, proper nutrition for the overweight By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor If the growing unhealthy lifestyle problem in the Turks and Caicos Islands is to stem, physicians need to begin prescribing proper nutrition and gym memberships to their overweight or obese patients, according to Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing. Speaking at the launch of the one-day Non-Communicable Diseases Collaborative Response Workshop on Wednesday (February 18, 2015) at the Regent Palms Resort on Providenciales, Premier Ewing said that two thirds of the healthcare budget is being spent on preventable diseases. “Just like how I can write a prescription for you to get medication, I should be able to write a prescription for you go to the gym or to get a fitness instructor for those who are high-risk. That’s the way the model has to change and table has to turn, because we will never solve the problem if we never get ahead of the problem. “We have not invested enough money in helping that person and directing them to proper nutrition programmes, directing them to proper intervention programmes as regards
local population will not be able to rise to the challenge and provide that productivity in our workforce that we need, and so, we have to look to the outside. “We need action because the only way we will be able to sustain ourselves and increase the quality of life and also increase the longevity of life or our people is for us to take action against the non-communicable diseases.” Premier Ewing also echoed earlier sentiments expressed by World Health Organisation (WHO) and Pan American Health Organisation Premier Ewing (centre) in discussion with PAHO/WHO Representative to the TCI, Dr. Gerry Eijkermans (PAHO) representative to the Bahamas (left) and Jackurline Sutton, Chief Nursing Officer for the TCI. and the TCI Dr. Gerry Eijkermans, to weight-loss, “Premier Ewing said. diseases – lifestyle diseases. who proposed that we would have a He said that the need to tackle “We need action when we have healthier society if smoking, excessive the incidence of non-communicable increase in incidence and prevalence alcohol consumption, lack of physical diseases is a dire one since it is of non-communicable diseases like activities and unhealthy diet are even affecting our primary learning diabetes and hypertension and tackled. institutions in a debilitating way, while lifestyle-related cancers. We need He explained that a pilot causing most deaths in our adults, action when a significant proportion of programme could be initiated from thereby threatening the productivity our healthcare budgets – at least two workshop, which government should and future of the local workforce. thirds – has been spend on preventable be able to fund, so as to implement a “We need action when we have diseases and the complications thereof,” wider programme. more than a third of the students at our he said. “If we come out of here today primary school level either overweight The premier added: “We need with those action plans, then this or obese. We need action when we action when our workforce and the workshop would have been a workshop have our major mobility and mortality productivity of our employment well spent and time well spent,” the diseases are non-communicable sector is in jeopardy because our premier said.
FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS Personal Concierge/Butler Requirements:
•Provides a very personal, detailed, seamless service to guests •Take care of guests needs in a highly professional manner. •Be seen by the guests in response to all the guest’s needs and requests. •The attention to detail required and the ability to anticipate the needs of guests needs demand that the butler is a consummate hotel professional with impeccable standards •Strive to create an atmosphere that makes a ‘wow’ impression on the guests •Will not accept anything less that the best available presentation of the suites/ rooms and public areas of the floors. •Must take gentle care of all their guests from arrival until departure without imposing themselves on the guest •Fluency in a second language preferably Spanish or Italian would be an asset
Assistant Guest Services Manager Job Requirements:
· Wide knowledge of the Rooms Division operations. · 5 years experience in a Hospitality industry in Front Office and Guest Services Management positions. · Knowledge of Hotel Operating system (Opera, Fidelio, Visual One) •Experience in dealing with guest enquiries, problems or complaints in an efficient and professional manner without detriment to the Hotel and / or its reputation. •To be constantly proactive in anticipating guest needs & requirements and to demonstrate a high & consistent level of service at all times.
Job Qualifications:
•Education: Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business or equivalent experience required. •Experience: Minimum of 5 years experience in a Hospitality industry in Front Office and Guest Services Management positions. Experience in a hotel with a Diamond Rating of 4 or 5 Star preferred. •Excellent communication and organizational skills required.
Guest Services Supervisor Job Requirements
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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and develops strategies to improve the department’s financial performance. •Establishes challenging, realistic and obtainable goals to guide operation and performance. •Strives to improve service performance •Develops and manages Food and Beverage budget. •Monitors the department’s actual and projected sales to ensure revenue goals are met or exceeded and opportunities are identified and addressed. •Ensures cash control and liquor control policies are in place in food & beverage areas and followed by all related employees. •Focuses on maintaining profit margins without compromising guest or employee satisfaction. Leading Food and Beverage/Culinary Team •Utilizes interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocates sound financial/business decision making; demonstrates honesty/integrity; leads by example.
Front Office Manager Job Requirements:
•Manage the front desk staff and leaders as well as operation, including guest registration, room assignment, billing and check-out procedures. •Oversee the activities and monitor the daily performance of the front office staff. •Prepare and administrate the departmental budget for the front office. •Handle guest complaints and ensure that all guests’ issues are resolved. •Partner with operational departments to ensure execution of special requests. •Ensure bank and cash handling procedures are maintained. •Monitor all front office support systems to ensure maximum productivity. •Perform other duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications:
•Education: Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business or equivalent experience required. •Experience: Minimum of five years hotel experience in front office or front services operations with a minimum of three years management experience required. Experience in a hotel with a Diamond Rating of 4 or 5 Star preferred. •Excellent communication and organizational skills required.
Guest Services Manager Job Overview: A member the management team responsible for the overall performance of the Personal Concierge (Butlers) staff, the operation of the concierge department; to include, but not limited to staffing, training, scheduling, ensuring high guest satisfaction. Additional areas of responsibility are the Front Desk coverage and Bell Staff Reports to: Executive Assistant Manager – Rooms.
· Report to the Director of Guest Services, responsible for supervising the Personal Concierge and Guest Services Team. Minimum Qualifications: · Provide personalized and professional services to guests ensuring at all times •Certification by a recognized Butler School preferred that all guest requirements and needs are met and to demonstrate a high •2 – 3 years experience in Butler Service preferred and consistent level of organization and management. •5 years experience in the hospitality industry, preferably as a Supervisor or · Conduct pre and post shift meetings with Concierges, ensure that Concierges Manager in the various Guest Service areas are aware of all information concerning guests, island information and other •International hospitality experience a plus activities, attend morning briefing with senior management, take relevant •Read, write and speak English (2 or more additional languages desired) note of all information concerning guests and the department. · Work closely with the Front Office team to coordinate daily arrivals in the Essential Job Functions: lobby. •Ensuring the complete satisfaction of all guests. · Conduct efficient training for staff as required by the LHW. •Ensuring that the staffs of the Personal Concierge Department, Front Office and · Builds a rapport with the in-house guests and maintain interaction in order Bell provide world class and personal service to all guests to facilitate guest recognition and obtain information regarding their •Daily training through the Line-up process plus weekly/monthly training preferences. sessions with guest service staff members. Maintaining records of all training · Updates and maintain all Guest History Files. •Upholding the Grace Bay Resort’s Value culture · Utilizes leadership skills and motivation techniques in order to maximize •Coordinate and ensure smooth operations of all Guest Service areas employee productivity. •Build rapport with in-house guests · Immediately actions all special guest requirements and requests · Ensures that all employees within the Personal Concierge Team follow safety •Utilize leadership skills, motivation techniques and experience in order to maximize employee productivity rules and procedures and takes corrective action when required to improve •Interact with all guests to ensure their satisfaction, to gather personal safety of work areas. preferences · Conduct weekly training sessions with the Personal Concierge. maintain •Conduct him/herself in manner reflecting the position as a department head and accurate record of all training conducted a senior leader of the Veranda management team · Assist department leaders in the review, planning and implementation of •Update and maintain all Guest History Files altered or new procedures
Executive Assistant Manager-F&B/Director of Food & Beverage JOB SUMMARY Functions as the strategic business leader of the property’s
food and beverage operation, including Restaurants/Bars, Room Service and Banquets/Catering, where applicable. Position oversees the development and implementation of departmental strategies and ensures implementation of the GBC service strategy and initiatives. The position ensures the food and beverage operation meets the Company’s target customer needs, ensures employee satisfaction, and focuses on growing revenues and maximizing the financial performance of the department. Develops and implements property-wide strategies that deliver products and services to meet or exceed the needs and expectations of the customer and property employees and provides a return on investment. CANDIDATE PROFILE Education and Experience College degree preferred • 8+ years experience in food and beverage operations , 5+ at the department head level or higher - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. • Management of Financial Resources of all F&B processes - Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work. CORE WORK ACTIVITIES Developing and Maintaining Food and Beverage Goals •Sets expectations and holds food and beverage leadership team accountable for demonstrating desired service behaviors. •Reviews financial reports and statements to determine how Food and Beverage is performing against budget. •Makes recommendations for CAPEX funding of food and beverage equipment and renovations in accordance with brand business strategy. •Works with food and beverage leadership team to determine areas of concern
Restaurant Manager Requirements: · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Certification in Food & Beverage Management desirable At least 4 years previous experience operating a restaurant in luxury hotel(s) Experience in quality and efficiency initiatives desirable International and multi-outlet experience desirable Must be able to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization. Responsible for ordering and receiving food and paper shipments. Maintain food and equipment inventories, and keep inventory records. Responsible for training restaurant staff, supervising restaurant operations. Computer proficiency, Sound food, wines and beverage knowledge Ability to review and comprehend all necessary documentation. Lifts up to 25lbs; Sits and or stands for long periods of time Willingness to work any and all shifts on any and all days
Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than March 13, 2015 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1050 Email: humanresources@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
PROPERTIES FOR SALE LOCAL NEWS OFFERS IN WRITING ARE INVITED FOR PURCHASE OF THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES BEING SOLD BY PRIVATE TREATY UNDER POWERS OF SALE CONTAINED IN A MORTAGE LONG BAY-PROVIDENCIALES 1.Parcel 61113/59- Long Bay Hills. Single Storey Residence. 3-bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Price $150K 2.Parcel 61112/ 52 Long Bay Hills. 2 Residential Buildings. Single Storey Residence - 2 bedrooms, one bath, kitchen and living area. Guest house- 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom and kitchen. Price $95K 3.Parcel 61105/65 Long Bay, Providenciales, comprising of a vacant lot on 0.9 acres of land in Long Bay area. Price $65K LEEWARD-PROVIDENCIALES 1.Parcel 60900/194 Leeward Going Through. 2 Residential Buildings. 2 storey building- Upper Floor-3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, Lower Floor-3 rental units. Single Storey building- 3 apartments each comprising of 1 bedroom,1 bathroom, 1 kitchen/dining/ living room area. Price $240K 2.Parcel 60900/73 Leeward Going Through, Providenciales comprising of 0.40 acre of land on which a two storey three bedroom, two bathroom concrete structure. Price $260K 3.Parcel 60900/147 Leeward Palms, The main building comprised of a 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom 1 kitchen, living, dining and laundry room. The guest house consists of two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen. Price $400K THE BIGHT & THOMAS STUBBS- PROVIDENCIALES 1.Parcel 60807/90 The Bight and Thomas Stubbs. 3 Residential Buildings. Main house - 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 kitchen and 1 dining room. Guest House #1 - 2 bedrooms, 1 bath Guest House#2 - 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom and 1 garage. A pool lounge and swimming pool. Price $495K 2.Parcel 60809/188 The Bight & Thomas Stubbs. Single family residence. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 kitchen and living area. Price $150K 3.Parcel 60809/168 The Bight & Thomas Stubbs. Single Storey Residence - 4 bedrooms, 3- bathrooms, 1- kitchen, 1- living area, 1-laundary room. Price $320K CHESHIRE HALL & RICHMOND HILL- PROVIDENCIALES 1.Parcel 60715/308 Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills. Single storey residence. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 living/dining area and kitchen. landscaped grounds, front and rear decks, concrete surfaced driveway and parking. Price $300K 2.Parcel 60718/159 Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill,. 2 -Residential buildings. Main residence-3 bedroom 2 bathrooms, 1 living and 1 kitchen. Two-storey-apartment building; 1 # 3 bed 2 baths unit, 1# 2 bed, 2 bath unit, 5# 1 bed, unit and 2# efficiency units. Price $600K 3.Parcel 60805/15/K4, Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill, Comprising of a 3 bedroom townhouse in phase 2 of the Flamingo Park. This unit consists of kitchen, living and dining room, 2 full baths and 1 part bath. The communal facilities includes a pool, gazebo, lounge area, paved parking, landscaping, 4 tennis courts and boundary fencing/walls. Price $350K 4.Parcel 60720/20 Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, A single storey residential, comprising of 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a kitchen, living room, and an incomplete bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Price $330K FIVE CAYS PROVIDENCIALES 1.Parcel 60604/20 Norway and Five Cays. Single storey residence comprising of 3-bedrooms, 1-bathroom, kitchen/dining area and living room. Listing Price $95K . 2.Parcel 60609/23 Norway and Five Cays. Located on South Dock Road. Two story residence comprising of 4-bedrooms, 2-bathrooms, kitchen, dining room, family room, Office & Storage. Listing Price $600K 3.Parcel 60610/129 Norway & Five Cays. The property comprises of a 3-bedroom home and a one bed room unit. Listing Price $170K 4.Parcel 60611/67 Norway & Five Cays, comprising of a vacant lot on 0.2 acres of land in the Five Cays. Listing Price $25K 5.Parcel 60602/123 Five Cays Settlements. Comprising of 0.30 acres of land with a 2-storey residential building. Comprising of a 2-bedrooms, 2-bathroom a kitchen, and living, dining and laundry room. Listing Price $220K INTERESTED PERSONS MAY CALL 232-3488 OR 339-7088 BETWEEN 9:00 AM AND 4:40 P.M. MONDAY TO FRIDAY
FEBRUARY 21ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015
FEBRUARY 21ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Garbage stifling Wheeland Pond areas that we need to clean it up, and they said they are on board and willing to assist,” she said. The initial clean up proved to be a lot of work. If you take a look around you would see that there are some large items that were dumped in the area, a lot of boating rubble for example. After the clean-up at the end of the month, it looks a lot better than what it was before,” she said, explain that the entities have short, medium and long-term goals for the pond. “In the short term we would like to see it cleaned up and we would like to see it stayed that way. Medium term goals, we would like to see perhaps some fencing around here, some formal paths put through, where tourists and residents alike can make use of the area, walk through, take a look at the birds and the plants, and also some proper signage. “Long term, although it is really in the discussion phase, we would like to
By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor If the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) and the National Trust have their way, the filthy state to which the Wheeland Pond in Providenciales has degenerated, due in part to individuals’ indiscretion, could reverse. The environment-preservation entities know, however, that such attainment would be monumental because they need to get the community to buy into the cause. Amy Avenant, DEMA’s Environmental Outreach Coordinator and Winema Sanders, the TCI National Trust’s Public Awareness Officer on Education were seen in the community on Tuesday (February 24, 2015) handing out flyers to the citizens, inviting them to two meetings in the community, one was scheduled for Thursday afternoon, February 26, 2015 and the other for Saturday morning (February 26, 2015). “The community meetings are as a result of a clean-up we had here on World Wetlands Day on the 31st of January (2015), and we at the National Trust and DEMA see potential in this area to utilize it for school visits, community areas for tourism, and essentially we would like to see it upgraded and improved, kept clean. “ In order to do that we need buy-in from the community, we need the community to get involved,” she said, pointing out that the meetings were also to give insight into the challenges faced by the community
see local tour operators get involved, maybe some training for them, learning about the environment and the bird species that they might find here, make sure it is a safe space for school groups to go to without a National Trust or government chaperone,” she said. Meanwhile, Sanders said that Wheeland was originally an area where carpenters, fishermen and farmers created an export system to ship especially farm produce to neighboring countries. She said that farming was a big part of the area, noting also that the beach areas were used by residents for picnics and regattas. “It is vital that we preserve for future generation, and that’s what the National Trust and DEMA’s goal is, to make the community know the essential needs of the area and that are able be good stewards of our environment and take ownership,” she said.
Amy Avenant (left) and Winema Sanders and how to brave those. Avenant revealed that parts of the pond are not in best of condition due mostly to illegal dumping. She said that other areas are in relatively good state and are home to different species of birds, including flamingoes and ducks. “Currently, it is not in the best condition. The pond was split up by development, and so the two ponds in the housing areas have seen a lot of illegal dumping. We discussed it with the Department of Environmental Health. We all feel the same about the
Garbage deposited in the pond
EU AMBA SSADOR CONCLUDES HURRICANE REBUILD PROJECT The successful delivery of the $6.25m project which saw 58 homes rebuilt or repaired following Hurricanes Ike and Hannah in 2008 was officially marked in the Turks and Caicos Islands today, Thursday, 26 February 2015. The closing ceremony was presided over by Head of the European Delegation to Jamaica, Belize, Bahamas, Turk and Caicos Islands Cayman Islands, Ambassador Paola Amadei, who ceremonially handed
over a set of keys to project beneficiary Doris Williams in the capital, Grand Turk. “That the construction has been completed so quickly, and that the works have been done to such a high standard, is an incredible testament to the hard work of everyone involved since project activities began in 2012,” said Ambassador Amadei. “It was certainly no easy task.” “The EU’s support for the Turks and Caicos Islands has been
tremendous,” added TCI Governor Peter Beckingham, who is also chair of the country’s Disaster Recovery Board (DRB). “The DRB allocated the resources available to those people in greatest need, with those on the lowest incomes and/or living in a damaged property with elderly, infirm or disabled dependents taking priority.” The European Union, of which the UK is a member state, supported repairs to the damage caused by
the Hurricanes on the TCI islands of Grand Turk, South Caicos and Salt Cay. A 2009 UNESCO study identified these as the worst affected by Hanna and Ike. In total 24 new homes were built; major repairs conducted at a further 27 properties (including new roofs, guttering, rainwater cisterns and storm shutters); and seven homes also had minor repairs carried out. All of the building work was carried out by local firms, including Olympic
Construction, Higgs Construction, Parker & Sons Construction, as well as other small sub-contractors. Contractors and their staffs also received training, delivered by local professionals, in the application of the new TCI Building Code to residential construction. The training notes produced by the project are now available as a guide for contractors and residents undertaking residential building projects in the TCI.
HIGHEST RESULTS IN FOUR YEARS FOR CIBC FIRSTCARIBBEAN CIBC FirstCaribbean has announced its best quarterly financial performance in four years. For the three months ended January 31, 2015, the Bank recorded net income of $26.6 million, which is its best performance since 2010. In making the announcement, CEO Rik Parkhill, noted: “Our results were driven by lower loan loss impairment expenses and lower operating expenses. This is a solid improvement in our performance when compared with net income of $15.4 million for the same period last year.” The improved performance comes despite a decrease in total revenue of $7.3 million year over year. The CEO noted that this decrease was primarily due to lower loan earnings and lower gains from investment security sales. However, he added that operating expenses were down by $4.0 million compared with the same period last year, as the Bank continues to benefit from expense control initiatives and savings from the ongoing restructuring of its operations. Loan loss impairment expenses, which featured heavily in the Bank’s recent results, were also down
CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Tier 1 and Total significantly by $14.9 million compared with the prior year. Mr. Parkhill noted that this is the third Capital ratios remain strong at 20.9% and 22.1%, consecutive quarter of reduced loan loss levels year- which is well in excess of applicable regulatory requirements. over-year. The challenges being faced by regional CIBC FirstCaribbean is the largest, regionallyeconomies continue to have an effect on the Bank’s listed bank in the English and Dutch speaking performance. The CEO noted that this is consistent Caribbean serving over 500,000 accounts in 17 with the experience of the industry region-wide. The markets, through 2,900 staff, across 100 branches challenging credit environment which continues to and offices. The bank offers a full range of marketaffect some of the markets CIBC FirstCaribbean leading financial services in: Corporate and operates in has also been a factor in the Bank’s Investment Banking, Treasury Sales and Trading, performance. Retail Banking, Wealth Management, Small Three years ago, the Bank embarked on Business and Credit Cards. a comprehensive programme of remediating CIBC FirstCaribbean is a member of the CIBC its operations to achieve its goal of improved Group. CIBC (TSX, NYSE: CM) is a leading North performance. That programme comes to an end in American financial institution serving clients in October of 2015. Mr. Parkhill added that the Bank Canada and around the world. Through its distinct will continue to follow this in order to return to business lines, CIBC Retail Markets and Wholesale consistent levels of profitability. He noted: “To ensure Banking, CIBC provides a full range of products that we deliver consistent, sustainable results, and services to almost 11 million individual, small CIBC FirstCaribbean’s focus remains on deepening business and commercial banking clients and meets our relationships with our clients and being their the financial needs of corporate and institutional leading bank.” clients.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
STAFF VACANCY – CREDIT CONTROL OFFICER Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of Credit Control Officer, FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
Description •To ensure customer receivables are collected in a timely manner according to policy. •To provide prompt and efficient customer service in a proficient manner.
Main Duties •Continuously communicate with customers via phone, email or other means to ensure collection of company receivables. •Identify customer connections for interruption of service according to Policy. •Post reconnection fees to customer accounts for all services that were reconnected due to non-payment. •Negotiate and follow-up on Payment Plans requested by customers. •Review and propose disconnected services for termination according to Policy. •Escalate high risk and long term disconnected account files to Debt Collection Specialist in a timely manner for further collection efforts. •Process customer applications for installation of service. •Attend to customer telephone calls and written queries in a timely manner. •Ensure customer file data is accurately updated and maintained. •Identify accounts for adjustments and write offs according to policy. •Log customer complaints as received in the Company’s Customer Complaints Database. •Greet all customers in a professional manner. •Coordinate with supervisor to ensure adequate coverage during busy times and absences. •Other responsibilities which may be assigned.
Academic/Technical/Management: Experience and Qualifications: •Must possess High school diploma with passes in English, Math and Accounts. •Associate Degree in Business is preferred. •Knowledge of Microsoft Excel is essential
Core Competency Skills: •Matured, trustworthy, individual with sound educational background. •Excellent team player with team building skills. •Excellent written and oral communication skills. •Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure. •Goal-oriented and self-motivated.
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is March 6, 2015:
Dr. Kellie-Ann Evans-Hall Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or khall@fortistci.com Fax: 649-946-4532
FEBRUARY 21ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Come out and support our brightest young minds as they compete in the th
6 Annual FortisTCI National Science Fair In conjunction with the Ministry of Education March 3-5 Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex Providenciales
2014’s Winners Champions for Christ International School of Excellence
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 21ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
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SeaWorld loses $25.4 million
The documentary 2013 Blackfish highlighted the treatment of killer whales in captivity at SeaWorld and instigated a drop in park attendance
S
eaWorld reported a wider loss in its fourth quarter of $25.4 million as attendance to its theme parks continued to fall much in part to the documentary Blackfish, which criticizes its treatment of killer whales. SeaWorld has been battling negative publicity after a 2013 documentary, ‘Blackfish,’ suggested that its treatment of animals may have led to the deaths of trainers. The marine parks are known for shows featuring killer whales and other animals. SeaWorld has taken out newspaper ads to defend its practices. And last year, the company said it would build larger environments for animals and fund additional research and programs to protect ocean health and whales in the wild. SeaWorld’s chief executive resigned following low visitor numbers in the wake of the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which criticized the firm’s treatment of killer whales. Jim Atchison, who had served as CEO and president since 2009, stepped down in January amid accusations that the company’s treatment of killer whales may have led to the deaths of trainers.
Attendance to the company’s 11 Adjusted earnings were 68 cents at the time of his death, a post-mortem parks between October and December per share, below the 73 cents per share examination has been arranged to fell 2.2 percent to 4.4 million from 4.5 analysts expected. confirm the cause. The results are million in the same period a year ago. Revenue fell 5.6 percent to $1.38 expected in weeks. Attendance fell 4.3 percent during billion in 2014, above the $1.37 billion Scott Smith, a University of the entire year to 22.4 million from analysts expected. South Carolina assistant hospitality 23.4 million in 2013. Shares of SeaWorld Entertainment professor, said Nanuq’s death could The Orlando, Florida-based Inc. fell more than 7 percent in be potentially damaging to SeaWorld company also said on Thursday that it premarket trading Thursday. They are following the release of Blackfish. expects to select a new CEO within the down about 41 percent in the last 12 ‘It really is one of the worst next six to nine months. months. times this kind of news could come out,’ Chairman David D’Alessandro SeaWorld lost more than finances he said. ‘Any other time, it probably took over as interim CEO in January this month. wouldn’t even make a blip on the after Jim Atchison stepped don. A beluga whale who was on loan radar, but now everyone is watching During the fourth quarter, the to under-fire SeaWorld has died SeaWorld.’ company reported a loss of $25.4 after fracturing his jaw during an Longtime SeaWorld critic and million, or 29 cents per share. That ‘interaction’ with two other whales and Animal Welfare Institute marine compares with a loss of $13 million, or later contracting an infection. mammal scientist Naomi Rose added 14 cents per share, in the same period Nanuq, who was around 31 or that in the wild, suffering a broken a year before. 32 years old, entertained millions jaw from an ‘interaction’ with another Adjusted to remove one-time items, of visitors at the firm’s Orlando, animal seems unlikely. it had a loss of 21 cents per share, a Florida, theme park while on a longSpeaking to the Orlando Sentinel, larger loss than the 15 cent cents per term breeding loan from Canada’s Ms Rose said: ‘If he died because of share analysts expected, according to Vancouver Aquarium. something related to that infection he FactSet. But during a recent encounter with got related to the broken jaw, then he Revenue fell 2.8 percent to $264.5 two of the three beluga whales he lived died of being in captivity.’ million, beating the $253.2 million with, the 2200lbs marine creature Blackfish, which implied that that analysts expected. suffered a fractured jaw. He later the stress of life in captivity may have For 2014, the company reported developed an infection and passed been responsible of an orca’s killing of net income of $49.9 million, or 57 cents away on Thursday. Orlando trainer Dawn Brancheau in per share, compared with $51.9 million, Although Nanuq had been 2010, sparked widespread criticism of or 59 cents per share, in 2013. undergoing treatment for the infection SeaWorld,
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY
Google Invests $75 Million in Solar energy
Google continues to widen its capitalists. And, in 2011, Google set up portfolio of investment in renewable a $280 million fund with Clean Power energy, as the tech giant announced finance. This initial fund is backed by that it partnered with SolarCity to Tesla Motors founder Elon Musk. As stated on Google’s blog, it create a new $75 million fund, through which the company will buy and is bringing its total investment so far own solar-panel generators on the to “more than $850 million overall to roofs of several thousand U.S. homes. develop and deploy clean energy.” How will it work for the consumers? There will be no upfront cost to the SolarCity explains in its blog that the homeowners. Google also committed $300 “fund covers the cost of the installation, million to the new fund making it its solar panels and other equipment. The largest renewable energy investment homeowner pays SolarCity for the to date, but this isn’t the first time electricity the solar panels produce, or that Google has invested in residential monthly rent for the panels in the case of a lease.” solar. “In most cases it’s very similar Earlier in February of this year, Google Ventures, Google’s capital arm, to the arrangement you have with participated in a $25 million funding your local utility, which finances the round for Clean Power Finance which construction of a centralized power was led by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & plant and delivery grid and then sells Byers and other Silicon Valley venture the power to you. Only the power that
Federal regulators moved forward on Thursday with a Net neutrality plan to protect openness on the Internet by treating the online world more like heavily regulated telecommunications markets. New rules from the Federal Communications Commission adopted on a 3-2 vote will prohibit Internet service providers like Comcast and Verizon Communications from discriminating against any web site or online service. That means sites like Netflix (or Google’s YouTube won’t have to pay extra fees or face sluggish connections with their users. And new sites and services will be able to reach everyone on the Internet on the same terms as the big players. Courts have
SolarCity provides is cleaner, and usually cheaper, too,” the company said. And that’s how Google makes a profitable return on its investment: customers who install these solar panels enter into a long-term contract to buy the electricity, which the panels generate, at a rate that is substantially lower than their current electricity bill to their utility company. The installers, such as SolarCity, then sell the solar-panel systems to Google, who in turn collects a percentage of the homeowners’ monthly payments for the electricity. At this moment, the solar panel project will only be available to homes in California. Where the wind blows, Google is also involved. Earlier this month, it announced an agreement withNextEra Energy Resources which will “help to
repower an iconic Bay Area wind farm at California’s Altamont Pass with new turbines that will pour 43 MW of electricity onto the grid starting in 2016.” Another tech giant that has invested big in solar energy is Apple. The Cupertino company Apple said earlier this month that it is investing $848 million on a First Solar (FSLR) farm to power its campus and headquarter in California, in a partnership with First Solar to build an1,300-acre solar plant in Monterey County. The solar farm will generate 130 megawatts of new solar power to California, which will be enough to meet the energy needs of about 50,000 California homes. SolarCity shares were up slightly on Thursday to $52.63. Google shares rose nearly 2% to $553.09.
FCC adopts Net neutrality rules to ban Internet discrimination
struck down earlier Net neutrality efforts, saying the FCC lacked authority to impose such rules. So this time around, the FCC chose to categorize high-speed Internet service as a telecommunications service. Consumers have long been guaranteed the right to call any phone number they desire and phone companies have to treat all calls equally. The agency heard from Chad Dickerson, CEO of the crafts sales web site Etsy, before the vote. “Without strong rules to prevent discrimination online, the innovation economy would suffer,” Dickerson said. “We charge only 20 cents to list an item on Etsy, and take only 3.5% of every transaction. We couldn’t afford to pay for priority access to consumers, yet we know delays of milliseconds have a direct and long
term impact on revenue.” Cable and telecom companies say congestion is due to the Internet companies sending more data. Higher fees are needed to cover the cost of building more capacity, they say. Many companies that do business online had feared that Internet service providers would be able to squeeze them for increasingly higher fees to reach consumers. Netflix last year agreed to pay Comcast for faster access after its subscribers experienced slow downs. The problem arises because consumers can’t easily switch Internet service providers – most have only one choice – if they become dissatisfied. The new rules, which will apply to both wired and wireless Internet connections, include several major
restrictions on Internet fees. Nonetheless, Tom Wheeler had been service providers. They opponents said they pursuing a more modest may not slow down or feared price regulations Net neutrality plan last block access to legal and new taxes would year until President content, applications or come eventually, further Obama came out in favor services. They also may discouraging investment. of the broader, telephonenot create “fast lanes,” Two Republican based approach. Millions speeding up some traffic commissioners, along of consumers buffeted in return for additional with cable and telephone the FCC with comments fees. companies, blasted the in favor of strong Net “We are here to new rules, warning that neutrality rules after ensure that there they might curb their comedian John Oliver is only one Internet, investment in expanding offered a lengthy rant where applications, Internet service and explaining the issue on new products, ideas lead to higher prices his HBO television show. and points of view have for consumers. Internet Wheeler had an equal chance of service shouldn’t be telegraphed Thursday’s being seen and heard,” regulated under 1930s vote weeks in advance Commissioner Mignon era telephone rules, they and the impact on the Clyburn said. “We are argued. share prices of cable here because we want to “The Internet has and telecommunications enable those with deep become a powerful stocks was minor. Shares pockets as well as those force for freedom, here of Comcast slipped with empty pockets the and around the world,” 1.2%, Time Warner same opportunities to Ajit Pai, one of the two cable (TWC) dropped succeed.” dissenters, said. “So it 1.9% and Charter The FCC would is sad to witness this C o m m u n i c a t i o n s not regulate the price morning the FCC’s (CHTR) lost 1% in of Internet services unprecedented attempts afternoon trading after under the new rules to replace that freedom the vote. Verizon gained and would not impose with government control. 0.4% and AT&T (T) rose any new taxes or It shouldn’t be this way.” 0.9%. government-mandated FCC Chairman
Americans still stressed despite improved economy Nearly six years after the Great Recession, a clear majority of American families say they feel unprepared for a financial emergency. The Pew Charitable Trusts’ poll of 7,000 U.S. households finds that 57 percent don’t consider themselves ready for a sudden financial setback, 55 percent say they break even or spend more than they make each month, and a third have no savings. “Despite a steady economic recovery, many Americans continue to feel vulnerable,” says Erin Currier, director of Pew’s financial security and mobility project. The survey does note signs of improvement: 56 percent rate their own financial situation as positive, up from 55 percent on the eve of the recession in 2007; 27 percent give the economy a positive grade, equal to pre-recession levels. Still, 51 percent considered themselves
financially secure. Predictably, those with higher incomes and more education were more likely to be confident about their finances. But even among those with annual incomes of $100,000 or more, 22 percent felt insecure, 10 percent had no savings and 12 percent reported having less than $10,000 in wealth (not including housing). Overall, 56 percent reported worrying about their finances during the previous year. Of those, 83 percent worried about lack of savings, 71 percent about covering regular expenses, 69 percent about saving for retirement. A key reason so many felt vulnerable: 82 percent of households overall reported suffering an economic shock — such as a hospital visit, the loss of a spouse or major car or house repairs — over the previous year. Pew surveyed 7,845 households by computer 56 percent of Americans reported worrying about their finances during from Nov. 6 to Dec. 3, 2014. the previous year
FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY LOCAL NEWS
How Facebook plans to prevent suicides – it starts with you
Facebook Logo People use Facebook as a stage to play out their hopes, dreams, fears, anxieties, and sometimes, the lowest possible points in their lives. There has been a growing cry for Facebook to step up its efforts on suicidal posts, and the company took a huge step in providing help to those who are asking for it. At the social media site’s fifth Compassion Research Day, Facebook announced new tools to assist concerned friends and family and those thinking of taking their own life. Social media “got a bad rap because there has been a call for help that hasn’t been answered and that’s what Facebook is really trying to do, provide tools to its users to change that,” says Jennifer Stuber, a consultant to the project and faculty director of Forefront, a mental health group in Seattle. “I definitely see this as a really, really good thing. I underscore that because there are roughly 41,000 suicide deaths [a year], and we know that many of those people who died by suicide were Facebook users.” Facebook teamed up with Forefront, Save.org, the University of Washington, and others, as well as consulting individuals who have dealt with self-injury or suicide, to overhaul its prevention tools. Originally launched in 2011, Facebook’s first attempt to address suicidal content required links or screenshots to be uploaded to its suicide prevention page. The updated process is a little easier and allows for users to flag a concerning post from within the post itself. From there, the user can choose to message the potentially troubled individual, contact another Facebook friend for support, or can be linked with an expert for guidance. After a review by Facebook,
if the user appears to be suicidal, the next time they log into their account, a series of screens will offer them assistance and ways to receive help, including links to sites such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Now Matters Now. For now, the new tool is limited to a few users in the US, but Facebook plans on rolling out the service nationally over the next few months and eventually to other countries. Facebook also stressed that this service is not a substitution for local emergency services. Access to help is crucial for those who seek to end their life and family and friends are often unaware of how to handle the situation. The stigma surrounding mental health can leave those dealing with a loved one’s depression in the dark and many do not know how to approach these individuals. This could be an important lifeline for not only those who feel hopeless, but also those who wish to help but do not know how. But one crucial aspect for those seeking help for such personal issues is trust. “My understanding from knowing many people who have lived experiences with being suicidal is that it is very, very important to have trust in a relationship with somebody who’s reaching out to you,” says Dr. Stuber. “A lot of people are my friends on Facebook, [but] if I were feeling suicidal, I would not necessarily be helped by a good portion of them reaching out to me because they’re not my trusted friends and my close community.” If trust is an essential piece of this feature, past press may make some wary of the tool. Last year, Facebook faced scandal after it revealed that it conducted a mood manipulation
study on 700,000 unsuspecting users. Two years earlier, researchers tweaked the contents of hundreds of thousands of news feeds to give the feeds a more positive or negative overtone. While the study demonstrated that other users (and Facebook) can toy with people’s emotions, the backlash from lawyer, politicians, and Internet activists was swift. The study was labeled “scandalous,” “spooky,” and “disturbing.” The echoes of past controversies followed Facebook to its annual Compassion Research Day. One audience member asked whether Facebook was worried about criticism toward its suicide prevention program from people who did not want to be monitored – to which employees responded by saying they had worked hard to avoid that. “My experience has been that they have been very, very concerned about people’s privacy, first and foremost, and not being perceived as Big Brotherish and definitely not trolling,” says Stuber, who says she was apprehensive about working with Facebook initially. “I overcame that because the potential here for good in the suicide prevention space is huge because Facebook’s mission is about socially connecting people and that could potentially be a really big positive factor in preventing suicide if they can help do that well.” Stuber added that this was a good start, but the project “definitely” needed further development. She mentioned that there was no computer learning involved in the process, though she said many in the suicide prevention field would prefer machine intervention to flag unnoticed cries for help. Whether or not Facebook is the most trustworthy ally in this fight to save lives, the company is in a unique position. “I think with issues that are life and death, social media has an ethical obligation, especially if they are dealing with issues with minors and the suicide prevention space ... to be proactively engaged,” says Stuber. ”What they’re doing now is providing resources and tools to people who basically are asking for help.”
IBM targets $40 billion in cloud, other growth areas by 2018
International Business hardware and servers. shift $4 billion in spending to its The $40 billion will come “strategic imperatives” this year. Machines Corp (IBM.N), which ruled computing in the age of from areas which IBM calls its Revenue at IBM has the mainframe, is targeting $40 “strategic imperatives,” namely gradually shrunk over the billion in annual revenue from cloud, analytics, mobile, social past three years as it sold the cloud, big data, security and and security software. off its unprofitable units in That would represent about businesses such as low-end other growth areas by 2018. The aggressive target, set by 44 percent of $90 billion in total servers, semiconductors and IBM executives at the company’s revenue that analysts expect cash registers. annual investor meeting in from IBM in 2018. IBM Chief Executive New York on Thursday, is the Those businesses generated Virginia Rometty has said latest step for the technology $25 billion in revenue for IBM she was happy to jettison giant towards emerging, high- last year, or 27 percent of its revenue from such unprofitable businesses, which she dubs margin businesses, and away total $93 billion in sales. from its previous strongholds in The company said it would “empty calories.”
Samsung to unveil Galaxy S6 Edge
Samsung may A tweaked dispaly indeed outfit one model could be a killer feature. of its upcoming Galaxy However, the edge on S6 phone with a display the so-called “Galaxy that wraps slightly S6 Edge” shown in the over one side, assuming leaked image appears images leaked on a smaller than the one developers forum are the on the Note Edge. The real deal. side on the Note Edge Images posted can display icons, Thursday on the xda- notifications and other developers forum claim items separate from to display two Galaxy S6 content seen on the main phones side by side. One screen. But the side seen image shows the backs in the image appears to of the two phones, which simply stretch the front doesn’t tell us much since screen a little bit around the devices look similar the edge, suggesting from that view. But the that it may only serve to second image clearly provide a bit more real reveals one phone with estate to show your main at least one side of the content. screen curving over the As always, images edge, adopting a feature leaked online should be found on Samsung’s taken with a grain of salt. Galaxy Note Edge. But a promo shot posted Samsung’s current by T-Mobile earlier this Galaxy S5 has faced week showed a Samsung criticism for being too phone with a curved similar in design to the display and the tagline S4. Hit by competition “Six Appeal,” almost from Chinese vendors certainly touting the with low-cost phones Galaxy S6. Whether the and on the high end edge on the purported from Apple with its big- Galaxy S6 Edge will screened iPhone 6 lineup, simply be an extension Samsung has watched its of the front screen or will sales and market share act independently (or tumble. The company both) is an open question, needs a sure-fire hit but not for long. Samsung with the Galaxy S6 and is expected to unveil a killer feature that its new Galaxy S6 on can lure smartphone Sunday at Mobile World consumers. Congress in Barcelona.
Sears posts $159 million fourth-quarter loss
Sears Holdings Corp. posted a $159 million fourth-quarter loss as store closings and asset sales shrank the company and reduced revenue. The net loss in the quarter ended Jan. 31 was $1.50 a share, compared with a loss of $358 million, or $3.37, a year earlier, the company said Thursday in a statement. Sales fell 24 percent to $8.1 billion. Edward Lampert, Sears’ chairman, chief executive officer and largest investor, closed 234 stores last year and separated the Lands’ End unit to generate cash. Sears said Thursday that its plan to generate $2 billion in proceeds by selling as many as 300 stores to form a real estate investment trust and leasing them back is proceeding and may be completed in May or June. The company’s cash balance as of Jan. 31 slid 76 percent from a year earlier to $250 million. Sears fell 6.3 percent to $35.52 at 9:55 a.m. in New York. The shares increased 15 percent this year through Wednesday, compared with a 2.7 percent gain for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. Lampert has promoted the company’s Shop Your Way rewards program, with members accounting for almost three-quarters of the company’s sales last year. Yet Sears continues to struggle, as measured by same-store sales, considered a key gauge of retail performance. Same-store sales fell 7 percent at Sears stores and 2 percent at Kmart for a companywide decline of 4.4 percent. The retailer has posted only one quarter of positive same-store sales since Lampert merged Sears Roebuck & Co. and Kmart a decade ago. Decreases in consumer electronics, clothing and jewelry dragged down results. Lampert said that the company is speeding up efforts to transform itself and investors shouldn’t write it off yet. “Time and again, people have proclaimed our company all but dead,” he said in a letter to shareholders Thursday.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY
Lower gasoline prices dampen US consumer inflation
Scientists discover supermassive black hole as massive as 12 billion suns
Supermassive black holes at the cores of galaxies blast out radiation and ultra-fast winds, as illustrated in this artist’s conception.
Gas pump U.S. consumer prices fell over the past year for the first time since 2009 as gasoline prices continued to tumble, which could allow a cautious Federal Reserve more room to hold off on raising interest rates. Other data on Thursday showed a rebound in business investment spending plans and a steadily firming labor market, suggesting the move into deflation territory would be brief. In addition, gasoline prices have been rising in recent weeks. “We believe the Fed will wait until September before achieving liftoff on interest rates and, even then, the process of normalization will move at a glacial pace,” said Diane Swonk, chief economist at Mesirow Financial in Chicago. The Labor Department said its Consumer Price Index fell 0.1 percent in the 12 months through January, the first decline since October 2009 and a sharp deceleration from December’s 0.8 percent rise. The CPI dropped 0.7 percent from December, the largest fall since December 2008. It had slipped 0.3 percent in the prior month. U.S. stocks were trading marginally lower, while prices for the longer-dated 30-year bond rose. The dollar rose against a basket of currencies. Fed officials, who have long viewed the energy-driven drop in inflation as transitory, could take comfort from a rise in underlying price pressures last month. The U.S. central bank has a 2 percent inflation target and tracks a price measure that is running even lower than the CPI. Fed Chair Janet Yellen told lawmakers this week that the central bank’s policy-setting committee “needs to be reasonably confident that over the medium-term inflation will move up toward its 2-percent objective” before it starts to raise interest rates. The so-called core CPI, which strips out food and energy costs, rose 0.2 percent last month after December’s 0.1 percent pain. Economists, however, believe the effects of lower energy prices and a strong dollar still have to work their way through to the core CPI, which could mean tame readings ahead. “It will be some time before the Fed gets the necessary confirmation that inflation will move back to target in the medium term,” said Millan Mulraine, deputy chief economist at
TD Securities in New York. The core CPI was lifted by increases in the cost of shelter, recreation and apparel prices. In the 12 months through January, the core CPI rose 1.6 percent after a similar gain in December. OIL GLUT Softer global demand and increased shale oil production in the United States have caused an oil glut, causing crude prices to plummet. Domestic gasoline prices plunged 18.7 percent in January, the biggest drop since December 2008, after falling 9.2 percent in December. Gasoline prices have now declined for seven straight months. Separately, the Commerce Department said non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircraft, a closely watched proxy for business spending intentions, increased 0.6 percent last month after a revised 0.7 percent fall in December. “Companies are laying in supplies to meet the demand from consumers down the road, so this is a positive for the outlook,” said Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at MUFG Union Bank in New York. “The economy looks on solid footing to start the year, with orders picking up and yes, there is some inflation out there.” Business investment has been hurt by a softening global economy, as well as a strong dollar, which has dented the overseas profits of some companies. Lower crude oil prices also are undercutting demand for equipment in the oil field. Shipments of core capital goods, which are used to calculate equipment spending in the government’s gross domestic product measurement, fell 0.3 percent last month after rising 0.3 percent in December. Business spending was a drag on growth in the fourth quarter, holding the economy to a 2.6 percent annualized growth pace. First-quarter growth is currently forecast at around a 2.3 percent rate. Another report from the Labor Department showed initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased 31,000 to a seasonally adjusted 313,000 in the week ended Feb. 21. The four-week moving average of claims, considered a better measure of labor market trends as it irons out week-toweek volatility, rose 11,500 to 294,500 last week.
A newly discovered supermassive another black hole. Until now, the black hole is more than 12 billion most massive known black hole less times the mass of the sun, and is than 1 billion years old was around 2 challenging scientific theories about billion times the size of the sun. the formation and growth black holes. Additionally, this new black A black hole is defined by hole powered “the brightest quasar NASA as a region of space with “a of the early universe,” according gravitational field so strong that to a release from the University of nothing, not even light, can escape.” Arizona. Albert Einstein theorized that they Quasars are “the brilliant are created when a massive star dies, beacons of light that are powered and leaves behind a small remnant by black holes feasting on captured core so dense that the force of gravity material, and in the process, heating overwhelms all other forces. some of the matter to millions of The new black hole, named SDSS degrees.” The light from the quasar J010013.021280225.8, is extremely is typically thought to push material large for its relative age, according to back from a black hole, further the journal Nature. It took light from hampering its growth, and making the black hole 12.9 billion years to the size of this new discovery even reach Earth, so scientists are actually more surprising. seeing the object as it appeared when Researcher Chris Willott it was about 900 million years old. theorized one possible explanation China’s Peking University for how this particular black hole and the University of Arizona was able to gain such an enormous collaborated to study the black hole. mass in such a short period of time. They said it was about six times He said it may have been formed by larger than any known black holes the collapse of a massive interstellar of roughly the same age, according gas cloud, rather than a single star. to CNN. “We are still very uncertain as “The existence of such black to the modes of black-hole formation holes when the Universe was less and growth in the early Universe,” than one billion years old presents Willott told Nature. substantial challenges to theories of Avi Loeb, chair of the Harvard the formation and growth of black astronomy department, told National holes and the co-evolution of black Geographic that it also could have holes and galaxies,” researchers said. resulted from two or more galaxies Supermassive black holes are merging together, and their black thought to exist at the center of most holes following suit. In order for that galaxies, according to Nature. Some to have happened, both black holes discovered black holes are 40 billion would have had to be about the same times the mass of the Sun, but to get mass to prevent imbalance. that big it usually takes much longer The researchers plan to make for the black hole to swallow enough follow-up observations using the interstellar matter or merge with Hubble telescope.
BlackBerry working with Google to secure Android devices
Blackberry and Google Logo BlackBerry Ltd said on Wednesday that it is working with Google Inc to enable its software to manage and secure some of Google’s Android devices, a move that builds on BlackBerry’s recent partnership with Samsung Electronics Co. In November, BlackBerry announced partnerships with Samsung and other high-profile technology industry players, broadening the reach of its revamped mobile-device management and security platform. BlackBerry said it is offering a “highly secure mobility solution” for Samsung’s Android devices. The new system weds BlackBerry’s security platform with the South Korean company’s own security software for its line-up of Galaxy devices that are powered by Google’s Android operating system. On Wednesday, BlackBerry outlined a similar tie-up directly with Google, to manage devices equipped with Android for Work - Google’s own solution to securely separate business and personal data and applications.
FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015 – MARCH 7TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY LOCAL NEWS
Facebook adds new gender option for users
Facebook users who don’t fit any of the 58 gender identity options offered by the social media giant are now being given a rather big 59th option: fill in the blank. “Now, if you do not identify with the pre-populated list of gender identities, you are able to add your own,” said a Facebook announcement published online Thursday morning and shared in advance with The Associated Press. Facebook software engineer Ari Chivukula, who identifies as transgender and was part of the team that made the free-form option, thinks the change will lead to more widespread acceptance of people who don’t identify themselves as a man or woman. “We’re hoping this will open up the dialogue,” Chivukula said. Alison C.K. Fogarty, a gender identity researcher at Stanford
University, said giving users control to control the audience who sees their active monthly users around the world, would not release how many users over the words describing their gender. gender is a significant step in social Last year’s changes created an have chosen gender identity options recognition of a growing trans online stir, with thousands of comments beyond man or woman, citing privacy community, especially coming from the — some grateful, others confused or concerns and a general practice of not hostile. But staff at Facebook said sharing user information. world’s largest social media company. The Williams Institute, a think tank “People are still fighting to make there was full support to take it even room for gender identity within the further this year, from CEO Mark based at the University of California, Los Angeles, estimates there are at socially constructed binary of male Zuckerberg on down. As of Thursday, the free-form least 700,000 people in the U.S. who and female,” Fogarty said. “Labels and identities are powerful in that they option rolled out to U.S. users, while identify as transgender, an umbrella give a sense of community, a way of the custom gender identity option with term that includes people who live as a a list of words was available in the gender different from the one assigned articulating one’s experience.” In February 2014, Facebook United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, to them at birth. Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO and Spain, Italy, Germany, expanded gender identity from male France, president of the advocacy group and female to a list of dozens of options, Argentina and Denmark. One thing that has not changed is GLAAD, said that the past few years including Androgyne, Gender Fluid, Intersex, Neither and Transgender. an “interested in” option for Facebook have brought “real movement in trans Those choices will all still be available. users to define whom they might want visibility” and that Facebook has been People who choose a custom to date. That option still only allows a leader in making that happen. “This helps to accelerate trans gender can also choose the pronoun men or women, but users can click both they would like to be referred to options, one option or neither option. acceptance in our country,” Ellis said. “I’m excited about the future for gender They can also hide it entirely. publicly: he/his, she/her or they/their. Facebook, which has 1.23 billion identity.” Facebook has a setting for users
For Macy’s, going Apple ordered to pay $533 million for patent downmarket looks like the way ahead infringement Apple Inc has been ordered to pay $532.9 million after a federal jury in Texas found that its iTunes software infringed three patents owned by patent licensing firm Smartflash LLC. Though Smartflash had been asking for $852 million in damages, Tuesday night’s verdict was still a blow to Apple. The jury, which deliberated for eight hours, determined Apple had not only used Smartflash’s patents without permission, but did so willfully. Apple, which said it would appeal, said the outcome was another reason reform was needed in the patent system to curb litigation by companies that don’t make products themselves. “We refused to pay off this company for the ideas our employees spent years innovating and unfortunately we have been left with no choice but to take this fight up through the court system,” Apple said in a statement. Smartflash sued Apple in May 2013, alleging its iTunes software infringed its patents related to accessing and storing downloaded songs, videos and games. “Smartflash is very happy with the jury’s verdict, which recognizes Apple’s longstanding willful infringement,” Brad Caldwell, a lawyer for Smartflash, said in an email. The trial was held in Tyler, which over the past decade has become a focus for patent litigation. Smartflash’s registered office is also in Tyler. It was also in Tyler federal court that a jury in 2012 ordered Apple to pay $368 million to VirnetX Inc for patent infringement. A federal appeals court later threw out that damages figure, saying it was wrongly calculated. Apple tried to avoid a trial by having the lawsuit thrown out. But U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap, who presided over the case, ruled earlier this month that Smartflash’s technology was not too basic to deserve the patents. Apple had asked the jury to find Smartflash’s patents invalid because previously patented inventions covered the same technology. Smartflash’s suit said that around 2000, the co-inventor of its patents, Patrick Racz, had met with executives of what is now European SIM card maker Gemalto SA, including Augustin Farrugia, who is now a senior director at Apple. Smartflash has also filed patent infringement lawsuits against Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, HTC Corp and Google Inc.
Macy’s Inc’s planned push into the off-price retailing sector, dominated by chains such as TJX Cos Inc’s TJ Maxx, shows the venerable department store chain has faced up to new realities of retailing in the United States. For the past six years, Macy’s has focused more on cutting costs and streamlining its operations rather than expanding as a way to fuel earnings. Now, that has changed. Macy’s said this week it would spend $1.2 billion to expand internationally and set up off-price stores, which sell items such as seconds, returned goods and off-season merchandise at prices that squeezed middle-class customers have found increasingly attractive since the 2008 recession. “It’s a new world. Since so many peoples’ salaries are off-price they also need to shop that way,” said Robert Brusca, chief economist at consulting firm Fact and Opinion Economics. “Macy’s is bending to the reality of retailing.” The customer mindset has also changed, analysts said, as even higher income shoppers who tightened their belts and traded down during the recession have stayed with off-price retailers. The move will give Macy’s the opportunity to stake a claim on three main types of shopper - the luxury buyer, through its Bloomingdale’s chain; middle-income shoppers through its namesake stores; and the more bargain-hungry crowd attracted to TJ Maxx, Ross Stores (ROST.O) and Burlington Stores (BURL.N). TJX’s sales have increased 6 percent in each of the past two years, while Macy’s sales have grown an average 0.75 percent. “If you’re looking for growth vehicles going forward in this retail environment, it (off-price retailing) has to be a consideration,” research firm Retail Metrics’ President, Ken Perkins told Reuters. “... It’s something very very wise to look at.” Perkins noted the success of upmarket retailer Nordstrom Inc’s (JWN.N) off-price Nordstrom Rack stores, which have generated almost all of its parent’s recent growth. Nordstrom Rack’s sales have grown at least 10 percent every quarter for the past two years, while the company’s overall sales growth has ranged from 0.4 percent to 8.9 percent. Macy’s’ holiday-quarter sales rose just 2 percent. “This new phase we have entered has the opportunity to take our company to a whole new level of success,” Chief Financial Officer Karen Hoguet said on an earnings call.
Russia will build its own space station
Space agency will take its modules off and make them into a new satellite When the International Space Station gets shut down in 2024, the Russian national space agency will make its own, it has said. Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, will continue to support the international project until it is closed down as planned in 2024, it said in a statement. But when it is shut it will its modules off the ISS and create a new space station. It will detach three modules to “create a promising Russian space station to meet the challenges of providing secure access to the Russian space”, it said. It will use the new station in part to study the moon using unmanned spacecraft. From 2030, it will be used for manned missions to the moon – Russia has never had any of its cosmonauts walk there. Chris Hadfield, the Canadian astronaut who became famous during his time on the ISS, tweeted that the development was “excellent news, especially when read between the rhetoric”. “ISS is a key global symbol,” he said. But Russia’s insistence that it will detach its parts of the ISS could mean that the collaborative part of the project will be lost, according to other experts. “The International Space Station was a focus for everybody and although its life is going to be extended, it’s still going to be limited,” Martin Barstow, president of the Royal Astronomical Society, told The Guardian. “The collaborative part of that project may go, and it would be bad if it were lost. The way to avoid fighting is to work together on international significant projects. In the next ten years things could change quite dramatically.”
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LOCAL NEWSNEWS CARIBBEAN
NEWS NEWS
Officials in Haiti celebrate completion of Marriott hotel
Three years after encouraging one of the Caribbean’s largest private employers to go into the hotel business to help bring much-needed jobs and tourism to a destitute Haiti, former U.S. President Bill Clinton on Tuesday welcomed Haiti’s first Marriott, calling it one of the best hotels in the country. “I want to thank Marriott for more than the hotel, more than the jobs, more than the training, more than the income,” Clinton said. “I want to thank them for giving all of you the chance to show the real Haiti to the world that The Marriott Port-au-Prince Hotel was constructed through a partnership with Digicel Chairman and will come to this hotel.” Founder, Denis O’Brien, Former US President, Bill Clinton and Marriott International in an effort to A $45 million investment, the boost tourism through business travel. 175-room hotel is owned by Digicel Group, Haiti’s largest mobile provider. inauguration wasn’t just a proud of repositioning Haiti on the world’s Company founder and CEO Denis occasion for Digicel and for Marriott tourism map. Martelly welcomed O’Brien joined Clinton in inaugurating Worldwide, but most important, for the Marriott’s emphasis on the use of local the 11-story ornate structure in Port- country. products, from soap to coffee, to the au-Prince’s Turgeau neighborhood, “Today is a celebration of what locally inspired artwork decorating ahead of its official March 1 opening. can be achieved when the right team the lobby. He also noted that it’s the “I know lots of people were asking: of people come together,” he said. “By fourth international brand to invest in What on earth is a telecom company right people I mean all of the 1,100 the country’s growing hotel scene since doing getting into the hotel business?” skilled Haitian construction workers the earthquake. The hotel is slated to O’Brien said. “The idea of investing — most of whom are represented here create 200 jobs in Haiti. in this new Marriott Hotel came from today.” Marriott first expressed interest Haiti’s great friend, President Clinton... General contractor Kier, a British in investing in Haiti with Haitian His guiding words to Arne [Sorenson, firm, hired local subcontractors Arcotec officials as far back as 2009. The same president and chief executive officer of Haiti, which built most of the structure, month the hotel began construction, Marriott International] and myself on and Tecina, which built a lower part March 2013, Best Western opened the this project was, ‘Let’s do this together that includes the kitchen. first internationally branded hotel for Haiti.’ ” Arcotec Haiti CEO Greg J. Figaro in Haiti since the Holiday Inn left in Haiti has been working to rebuild said the hotel is a great achievement 1998. Last year, Hilton Worldwide its hotel stock since its devastating for the country’s construction sector. It announced it would open a hotel in Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake wiped out confirms to Haitian workers, he said, 2016 near the airport. about 1,000 rooms. Since then, 2,500 “that they are highly qualified builders, Before ending his most recent new hotel rooms have been built who can virtually perform better and visit to Haiti at the Marriott, Clinton countrywide, bringing the total to 4,322 faster than imported workers.” visited several Clinton Foundationrooms with the new Marriott, Tourism President Michel Martelly, who funded projects across the country. Minister Stéphanie Villedrouin Balmir was joined by Prime Minister Evans Reflecting on the hundreds of jobs said. Paul and Villedrouin, said the hotel is those projects have generated, Clinton O’Brien said Tuesday’s a testament to his government’s vision said working in Haiti “has been one of
the great joys of my life.” “If everyone knew this country the way Denis and I do, your incomes would be three times higher than they are, people would be flooding in here every day, and we wouldn’t have had the problems we do,” he added. In congratulating O’Brien, Clinton told the high-profile invited audience, which also included former Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe and actor Sean Penn, that O’Brien was a leading member of the Clinton Global Initiative Haiti Action Network. If all the members in the network keep their promises on behalf of Haiti, it will mean that the group would have invested more than $500 million after more than three years, Clinton said. PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- A second international-branded hotel opened Tuesday in the Haitian capital in what backers of the project and officials hope will be a spur to further economic development in the impoverished country. The 175-room Marriott Port-auPrince is a four-star hotel geared primarily toward travelers looking to do business in Haiti, said Denis O’Brien, chairman of Digicel, the telecommunications company that developed the project adjacent to its Haiti headquarters in the Turgeau neighborhood of the capital. “If a foreign direct investor is going to Haiti, they have to have a good first impression,” O’Brien, whose company is the largest private employer in Haiti, said in an interview before the event. “Normally, American foreign direct investors like to stay in an American-branded hotel.”
Bermuda likely to emerge from six-year recession
HAMILTON, Bermuda - Financial analysts believe Bermuda is likely to emerge from six years of recession this year, despite rising unemployment in 2014. Ministry of Finance analysts’ projections estimate the economy will grow by up to 1.5 per cent next year. More than 6,500 jobs — including 790 last year — have been lost since 2008. In the outlook section of The National Economic Report of Bermuda 2014, the ministry pins its hopes of growth on hotel developments, the broad impact of the 2017 America’s Cup, a prestigious sailing event the island is to host, and the efforts of the
Bermuda Tourism Authority factors preventing economic and the Bermuda Business recovery,” the report states. Development Agency to bring “The island has lost 6,726 jobs visitors and international since 2008 when employment business to the island. levels were at their peak of Gross domestic product 40,213. “The 33,487 jobs recorded figures are not available for 2014, but the ministry in 2014 were 16.7 per cent estimates that the economy less than the 2008 figures.” contracted by between zero Bucking the trend last year was the international and 1.5 per cent last year. The report quotes business sector, which added preliminary data from the 161 jobs for a total of 3,929 2014 Employment Survey, jobs, representing a 4.3 per which shows the 790 jobs lost cent increase over 2013. Bermuda lost 221 last year represented a 2.3 per cent fall in the number of construction jobs last year — continuing a downward trend jobs. “Throughout the current that the report expects to be recession, the loss of jobs reversed this year — leaving in the economy is one the industry with 1,922 jobs, of the chief contributing 10.3 per cent fewer than in
2013.
as host nation for the 2017 The financial America’s Cup is described as intermediation sector, which “one of the most significant includes the banking industry, economically beneficial shed 301 jobs, representing events in the history of a 12.1 per cent decline. The Bermuda”, benefiting the business services segment economy from an additional $250 million of spending over had 106 fewer positions. The unemployment rate three years. New jobs and investment rose to nine per cent in 2014 from seven per cent in 2013. starting this year and during “The lower levels of the run-up to the event employment and the represent “a major stimulus”, corresponding loss of the report added. expatriate workers who Bermuda’s national debt has leave the Island when their topped US$2 billion, up from employment is terminated $1.4 billion the One Bermuda government will continue to weigh heavily Alliance on household consumption inherited after it defeated the and retail sales,” the report Progressive Labour Party in added. the December 2012 general The selection of Bermuda election.
Daughter charged with attempted murder of mother
A 34-year-old Antiguan woman has been charged with attempting to murder her 59year old mother. Police spokesman Sergeant Frankie Thomas, who confirmed the arrest, said Terrisha Frederick was charged with
attempted murder, on Saturday. The thirty-four year old appeared in the All Saints Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel remanded her to prison. Frederick also appeared in the High Court for a bail hearing on
Tuesday.The committal hearing has been scheduled for April 29. The woman allegedly invited her mother to see a plot of land she reportedly acquired, then reportedly, tossed a mixture of bleach and ammonia in her mother’s face and started to beat
her with a hammer. After losing control of the hammer, she beat her mother with a stone. The two allegedly argued over money stolen from an aunt living close by who both women assisted. Terrisha Frederick
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The Bahamas says new immigration policy will combat sophisticated criminal enterprise
NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas back to any new policy initiative. We have to steel government says it new immigration policy is ourselves to fight the pushback because it is meant designed to deal with “a sophisticated criminal to sully the reputation of our country and stop the enterprise” and warned human rights groups policies. here of “unwittingly running interference for that “We do not deny that there may be issues enterprise”. surrounding the policies that are open to debate Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell told or that can be challenged but we deny that there is Parliament that the Perry Christie government had any official policy of targeting any national group, received the report of the Inter American Commission nor is there any official sponsoring of abuse of any on Human rights (IACHR) regarding the detention kind against migrants in this country. The Bahamas of illegal immigrants and would respond in full at a remains a welcoming, lawful country.” later stage to it. Mitchell said that there is an attempt by But he said that the new immigration the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association in policies that came into effect last November “have particular to paint The Bahamas in an unflattering widespread public support” with the aim of ensuring light. the national security of the Bahamas as well as “Their motivations are unknown but they “to regularize those who find themselves in a legal lack credibility and are disreputable in the process. Fred Mitchell says new immigration policy is designed to exclude Catch 22 where appropriate”. We will fight any smear of our country with every from the country those who have no right to live and work in The He said that the new policy is also designed resource that we have.” Bahamas. to “exclude from the country those who have no right He repeated earlier statements that the idea to live and work here”. of portraying the illegal migrants “as poor people Road Detention Center appear to be in a serious and Mitchell said the policy is not targeted at any escaping from poverty should be juxtaposed against urgent situation, that places their lives and physical national group and is generic. the fact of reports that these trips of illegal migrants integrity at risk” He told legislators that the Bahamas is a cost from US500 dollars to 5,000 dollars a head. The Commission said consequently, in signatory to the IACHR and “we are cognizant of the “This means that we are dealing with accordance with Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, public importance these findings have and how they something which approximates a sophisticated the Commission requests that The Bahamas ‘’adopt can influence public opinion and therefore should criminal enterprise. Our new policies are disrupting the necessary measures to ensure the life and not be ignored”. that criminal enterprise. The Grand Bahama physical integrity of the persons in immigration But Mitchell, who is also the Foreign Affairs Human Rights Association should be careful that detention at Carmichael Road Detention Center”. Minister, said he wanted to remind members of the they are not unwittingly running interference for The Commission is also urging Nassau to public that “that they should remain calm in the face that enterprise,” he added. “provide hygienic conditions and adequate medical of the many provocations about our country that now In its report, the IACHR said that after treatment to the persons in the facility, according seem to be piling on. “analyzing the factual and legal arguments presented to their respective medical conditions” as well as “When one examines the facts, the public will by the applicants” it considers that the information “adopt the necessary measures to address the special find that the sources of the information are the same. presented demonstrates “prima facie that the situation of the unaccompanied children, according I repeat what I said earlier that there will be push persons in immigration detention at Carmichael to international standards”.
St. Lucia adds to its list of National Heroes In St Lucia former Prime Minister Sir John Compton and former Chief Minister George Charles have been posthumously made national heroes. St. Lucia awarded the two former government leaders the Order of National Hero during celebrations of the 36th anniversary of its political independence from Britain. The island attained political independence on February 22, 1979 The occasion was marked on Sunday with a military parade as well as a National Celebratory Rally, the Independence Food Fair and Exhibition, Dance Festivals and the SLAM Concert. The celebrations culminate today with the Independence Classic Cycling event and a grand beach bash in the south. John Compton OCCUPATION: Politician BORN: 29 April 1925 BIRTHPLACE: Canouan, St. Vincent DIED: 7 September 2007 (aged 82) DEATHPLACE: Castries, St. Lucia NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Chief Minister of Saint Lucia: 1964-1967 Premier of Saint Lucia: 1967-1979 Prime Minister of St Lucia: 22 February – 2 July 1979; 3 May 1982 – 2 April 1996; 11 December 2006 – 7 September 2007 George Charles OCCUPATION: Politician, trade unionist BORN: 7 June 1916 DIED: 26 June 2004 (aged 88) NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Chief Minister of Saint Lucia: Chief Minister: 1 January 1960 – April 1964
Guyana Parliament to be dissolved
President Donald Ramotar not have been able to obtain their has ended speculation over the transfers, and this could have led status of Parliament, announcing to them being disenfranchised.” that its dissolution is now set for On January 20, as Saturday, February 28. pressure mounted locally and Ramotar, in a statement, internationally to end the also defended the timing saying suspension of Parliament, that had it been done earlier, Ramotar announced the election thousands of voters would have date. been disenfranchised. This meant that Ramotar, The Head of State pointed out who was sworn in December 2011, that in November, he prorogued would see his Presidency cut short the Tenth Parliament of Guyana. by almost two years. On November “As I explained then, that 10, facing a no-confidence debate action was taken to allow the by an Opposition-controlled parties in Parliament additional National Assembly that was opportunities to talk and hopefully unhappy over what was seen as resolve the pressing national unapproved spending, among issues that were confronting us.” other things, President Ramotar He said he wanted also announced that he was using his to give the Guyana Elections powers to suspend Parliament. Commission (GECOM) time to The National Assembly had have another round of continuous been in recess for two months registration to “enfranchise those and had faced delays over its persons, who, through no fault of reconvening, because of wrangling their own, did not have the source over who had the authority to document to be registered.” recall it. It was an unusual The period of claims and situation that Guyana had found objections ended last Sunday. itself in. Ramotar said that failure President Ramotar by the Opposition to engage in said that he wanted to stave dialogue had left him with no off political conflict and engage option but to call elections for May the Opposition on a number of 11, 2015. issues. His explanation was met “I did not dissolve the with disbelief by the Opposition Parliament at the same time – A Partnership for National because had I done so, the claims Unity (APNU) and the Alliance and objections period which also For Change (AFC) – eq ually allows for transfers would have determined not to engage in talks been truncated. Were the latter until the National Assembly was to have occurred, thousands of reconvened or elections called. Guyanese voters who changed They threatened to block any their place of residence would contracts signed by Government
during the prorogation period. In his New Year’s message, the Head of State said that he would be announcing a date as soon as possible. The prorogation of Parliament had seen even the diplomatic community being drawn into the limelight. Outgoing British High Commission, Andrew Ayre, in January made it clear that his Government could not tolerate the current situation. He called for an end to the stalemate, emphasising that Parliament’s scrutiny was imperative to its continued financial assistance. He had immediately attracted a wave of criticism, including the assertion that Government would be happy to see the back of him. The United States had also urged for the situation to be corrected. Donald Ramotar had entered Go vernment facing an uphill task after the Opposition managed to gain a one-seat advantage in the 65-seat National Assembly. For over two years, starting in 2012, the Opposition, boosted by that advantage, leveraged on its voting powers, and refused to back key projects. Falling under the hammer was key legislation, including for the US$B Amaila Falls hydro electric project. Also suffering was an amendment to the current antimoney laundering laws, which would have allowed for Guyana to comply with international regulations.
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New Royal Caribbean cruise ship will be world’s largest
The 16-deck-high cruise ship will hold a record 5,479 passengers at double occupancy Royal Caribbean onfirmed showrooms and deck-top fun that a cruise ship it has on order zones, they each measure 225,282 for delivery in 2016 will be the tons and carry 5,400 passengers largest ever built. at double occupancy. The line says the third vessel Royal Caribbean on in its Oasis class series, to be Wednesday also confirmed that called Harmony of the Seas, will Harmony of the Seas would have measure 227,000 tons, eclipsing giant, multi-deck water slides its two record-size sisters by more -- a first for Royal Caribbean. than 1,700 tons. Currently under construction at The 16-deck-high cruise ship the STX shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, will hold a record 5,479 passengers France, Harmony also will be the at double occupancy, nearly 100 first Oasis class ship with a “bionic more than the two earlier Oasis bar” where the drinks are served class vessels, the line says (click by robot bartenders -- a concept through the carousel above for the that first debuted in October on first drawings of what the ship Royal Caribbean’s new Quantum will look like and construction of the Seas. photos). Royal Caribbean says The first two Oasis class ships, Harmony will have larger cabins Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the than Oasis and Allure in some Seas, made waves in the cruise categories. In addition, windowless industry when they debuted in “inside” cabins will be outfitted 2009 and 2010, respectively, and with Royal Caribbean’s exclusive are by far the largest cruise Virtual Balconies, which offer a ships currently afloat. Chock full real-time view of the outdoors of dozens of eateries, bars, -- a concept that first debuted in
2014 on the line’s Navigator of the Seas. Suite passengers also will have exclusive new areas to enjoy including a suite lounge, a private suites-only restaurant called Coastal Kitchen and a fullservice Suite Sun Zone sun deck. Like Oasis and Allure, Harmony will be built around seven distinct neighborhoods: Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. Among the restaurants on Harmony will be a version of the whimsical Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine eatery that first debuted on Quantum of the Seas. Also planned is Sabor, the modern Mexican restaurant that Royal Caribbean just added to its nine-year-old Freedom of the Seas. The three water slides planned for Harmony are clearly visible in several new artist’s drawings of the ship added this week to Royal Caribbean’s website (click through the carousel above to see them). Royal Caribbean says they’ll twist and turn over the ship’s tree-lined Central Park area 10 decks below. One of the slides also will feature a champagne bowl that swirls passengers around as they make their approach to the end of the ride. Harmony is scheduled to debut in April 2016. The line says it’ll announce itineraries for the ship in March. For a deck-by-deck look at the original Oasis class vessel, Oasis of the Seas, click through the carousel below.
Police criticise media over investigations into murder of prosecutor The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) distanced itself from media reports over the weekend that at least six people would be charged in connection with the murder of prominent attorney Dana Seetahal last year. The Trinidad Express newspaper reported Sunday that a man in prison custody was now assisting police with details into the murder of Seetahal, who was gunned down on May 4 as she made her way home from a casino. She was shot at least five times by gunmen as she drove on the outskirts of the capital towards her home. Despite rewards totaling millions of dollars (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents), no one has been detained or charged with the murder of the former magistrate and president of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago. Her family has publicly urged the police to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime are brought to justice. In a statement, the TTPS said that the reports in the media ‘are inconsistent with the progress of the investigation thus far and manifest obvious distortions with material facts of the case”. The TTPS said it “considers it extremely irresponsible the naming of any officer/individual from any agency or organisation who may or may not be assisting with the investigation”. The statement quoted Acting Commissioner of Police, Stephen Williams, of being “mindful of the legitimate public interest attending the investigation; and in this regard, urges restraint in any form of media reporting or commentary and calls for an absence of speculation which could possibly hamper the investigation. “Commissioner Williams wishes to assure members of the public that the investigation into the murder of Ms. Seetahal continues to be treated with the ‘highest priority’ by lead investigator, acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime and Support, Glen Hackett.” The statement quoted him as saying that “upon completion of the investigation the case file will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for review and direction following which a public statement will be made”. The Express newspaper said that the prison informant had also “assisted police with information on the contract killer regarding his other professions and items which would be prominent to the ongoing enquiry”.
FNM blasts Gov’t over proposed new tax
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis lashed out at the Christie administration over its proposed new tax to facilitate National Health Insurance. Calling the government “insensitive”, Dr Minnis said implementing a new tax just one year after the roll-out of Value Added Tax (VAT) would have dire effects on the middle and poor classes. Dr Minnis further questioned what the first phase of NHI would entail as he expressed doubts that a payroll tax could generate the revenue needed to cover the cost of universal healthcare. The comments came a day after Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez revealed that financing NHI would likely come from a payroll tax. The Tribune was told that the government was considering a one per cent tax rate. Dr Minnis said: “Additional taxes will kill some people because in this country there are people who don’t have electricity, people who can’t buy food, people whose homes are in foreclosure and those who simply cannot afford the bare necessities of life.
FNM Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis “I am sure we will see an increase of poverty and a shrinkage of the middle class and our economy. The government should be focusing on taking measures to grow the economy not doing the opposite.” Leading surgeon and former FNM deputy leader Dr Duane Sands said the next 10 months is simply not enough time to implement NHI. “Any right thinking individual would embrace NHI and universal healthcare,” Dr Sands said. “I want
to make it clear that I support the initiative. However, the questions we have to ask as a country are: what should it look like? What can we afford now? When can we afford it? “This becomes an issue of prioritisation. If we are true patriots we must arrive at the best solution. Are we truly about nation building?” Dr Sands said he could not see the decision by the government to implement NHI one year after VAT as a smart move. He said the economy
was still under performing and struggling in the face of a heavy debt to Gross Domestic Product ratio. “It will be very, very hard to sell this idea to Bahamians, who will a year from now still be adjusting to VAT. The PLP likes to say that the FNM’s position is always yes, but not now, while in reality the FNM have certainly in the last 25 years been the movers and shakers of most of the significant development in this country.” The first phase of NHI is expected to be implemented in January 2016. Under the previous Christie administration, the Blue Ribbon Commission had decided on a payroll tax of 5.4 per cent to foot the cost of NHI. At the time the commission was formed to lay the groundwork for NHI. Dr Gomez told parliamentarians on Monday that NHI plans were well underway. He said Sanigest Internacional and the Ministry of Health executed a consultancy agreement which was signed last Monday. It is to provide technical assistance for the implementation of the insurance scheme.
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CARIBBEAN LOCAL NEWSNEWS
Cayman Finance hosts successful New York event
Cayman Finance recently hosted their second annual New York Breakfast Briefing event at the Harvard Club of New York City. This event brought together over 160 attendees, 100 of those being key business contacts and partners from leading New York firms and institutions, along with Cayman Islands Government officials and Cayman Islands financial services industry representatives. This was the first event hosted by Cayman Finance since the (L to R): Andre Ebanks, Senior Legislative Policy Advisor; Hon Wayne Panton, Minister for Financial appointment of new CEO, Mr Jude Services, Commerce and Environment; Jackie Doak, COO Dart Enterprises; Jude Scott, Cayman Scott, who said he was delighted at the Finance CEO; Councillor Roy McTaggart; Dax Basdeo, Chief Officer of Ministry for Financial Services, outcome of the event both in numbers Commerce and Environment. and feedback received from attendees. and business partners to enable us COO of Dart Enterprises. “It is imperative we remain accessible to deliver innovative products and Minister Panton’s speech to our key stakeholders and proactive services”, Mr Scott said. addressed achievements following in promoting the advancements within During opening remarks at the the last such event in New York, and Cayman – both at a government and briefing Mr Scott noted that it was new and upcoming legislation being private sector level – that keeps us “important for our industry to be developed to provide new offerings and at the forefront of the global financial committed to ensuring our New York advantages to industry partners and services industry, so an event like this business partners are experiencing their clients. is invaluable ” he said. excellence in all their dealings with “Cayman Finance, which represents “Cayman Finance and the Ministry the Cayman Islands - at every level, our jurisdiction’s financial services of Financial Services have collaborated and within both the private and public industry, has a strong partnership closely during the planning of this sector while having a constant focus on with Government. We are pleased to event to ensure we jointly convey to appropriate legislative and regulatory have industry working closely with our key overseas stakeholders that balance.” government on the development of the Cayman Islands financial services Featured speakers at the event further legislation, and assisting with industry values the input of our clients included Hon Wayne Panton, Minister an additional legal draftsman dedicated for Financial Services and Jackie Doak, to financial services,” Minister Panton
Bahamas cites poor decisions by crew as cause of plane crash
Dr. Myles Munroe NASSAU, Bahamas — Investigators looking into a small plane crash that killed a prominent Christian minister and eight others last year have found it was likely caused by bad decisions by the crew during stormy weather, the islands’ civil aviation department said Sunday. A Learjet carrying the Rev. Myles Munroe and members of his Bahamas Faith Ministries crashed Nov. 9 after striking a shipping crane as it attempted to land in Grand Bahama. The crash killed everyone on board, including Munroe’s wife. On Sunday, the islands’ civil aviation department said its accident investigation unit had concluded its probe into the crash. In a final report, investigators determined that poor decision-making by the crew as they attempted to descend below the authorized altitude without being able to see the runway area was the probable cause. The jet was trying to land during heavy rain and reduced visibility as a storm front passed over the area. During a second attempt at landing at the Grand Bahama International Airport, the crew struck a crane at a shipyard during a “go-around procedure,” according to the Sunday statement from the civil aviation department. The right outboard wing, landing gear and right wing fuel tank separated from the plane on impact, according to the department. The aircraft spun out of control for roughly 1,578 feet (526 yards) before slamming into a recycling facility. Nobody on the ground was hurt. Munroe was a best-selling author, motivational speaker and influential Christian pastor who frequently spoke on television and gave sermons around the world. At the time of the crash, he and the others were flying to a global leadership forum that he had organized in the Bahamas.
said.
“This is an excellent development, because it will accelerate the good work we are undertaking to further strengthen our legislative and regulatory framework,” Minister Panton said. “It provides yet another strong connection between industry and Government, which will further improve Cayman’s ability to bring to market products that are responsive to global industry needs, as well as responsive to global regulatory requirements.” Mr Jude Scott said he was appreciative to have Jackie Doak, COO of Dart Enterprises as a speaker at this event. “It is important that overseas business partners and investors recognise that the Cayman Islands has a thriving economy with committed ongoing development investments, new infrastructure and a high standard of living,” said Mr Scott. Ms Doak presented how Dart, the Islands’ largest developer and investor, remains committed to the Cayman Islands along with their 10 year plan to further invest in the jurisdiction and expand Camana Bay though the Seven Mile Beach corridor, which was well received by the attendees.
Jamaica decriminalises small amounts of ganja KINGSTON, Jamaica — locally. tourism and the development Marijuana has been pervasive Peter Bunting, the island’s of innovative pot-derived items. but illegal in Jamaica for national security minister, said Local scientists already have a decades, consumed as a Jamaica has no plans to soften history of creating marijuanamedicinal herb, puffed as a its stance on transnational drug derived products, such as sacrament by Rastafarians and trafficking or cultivation of “Canasol,” which helps relieve sung about in the island’s famed illegal plots. Jamaica has long pressure in the eyes of glaucoma reggae music. been considered the Caribbean’s patients. After many years of largest supplier of pot to the Commerce Minister Anthony dialogue about the culturally U.S. and regional islands. Hylton said a regulated entrenched drug, and “The passage of this cannabis industry holds “great emboldened by changes to drug legislation does not create potential” for Jamaica, where laws in U.S. states, Jamaica’s a free-for-all in the growing, marijuana has long been grown Parliament on Tuesday night transporting, dealing or illegally on mountainsides and gave final legislative approval exporting of ganja. The security marshes. to an act decriminalizing small forces will continue to rigorously On Wednesday, Coloradoamounts of pot and establishing enforce Jamaican law consistent based United Cannabis a licensing agency to regulate with our international treaty Corp. said it has launched a a lawful medical marijuana obligations,” Bunting said in partnership with Jamaican industry. Parliament. agencies to launch a marijuana The historic amendments William Brownfield, the U.S. research and development pave the way for a “cannabis assistant secretary for counter- facility on the island that they licensing authority” to be narcotics affairs, told The hope will lead to patents and established to deal with Associated Press days before the medical cannabis products. regulating the cultivation and vote that “Jamaican law is of The move by Jamaican distribution of marijuana for course Jamaica’s own business, lawmakers adds to an medical and scientific purposes. and Jamaica’s sovereign international trend of easing Officials say the island’s decision.” But he noted that the restrictions on marijuana for governor-general will formally trafficking of marijuana into the medical or personal use. More sign it into law in coming days. U.S. remains against the law. than 20 U.S. states allow some In addition, adherents of the “We expect that Jamaica form of medical marijuana homegrown Rastafari spiritual and all states party to the U.N. and last year Colorado and movement can now freely use Drug Conventions will uphold Washington legalized personal marijuana for sacramental their obligations, including a use. On Tuesday, Alaska purposes for the first time on firm commitment to combating became the third U.S. state to the tropical island where the and dismantling criminal legalize the recreational use of faith was founded in the 1930s. organizations involved in drug marijuana for adults. The act makes possession trafficking,” he told AP in an In the Americas, Uruguay of up to 2 ounces of marijuana email. last year became the first nation a petty offense that could result Debate has long raged in to create a legal marijuana in a ticket but not in a criminal Jamaica over relaxing laws market. In Argentina, personal record. Cultivation of five or prohibiting ganja, but previous possession of marijuana was fewer plants on any premises calls to decriminalize small decriminalized under a 2009 will be permitted. And tourists amounts fizzled out because Supreme Court ruling that who are prescribed medical officials feared they would bring jail time for small amounts of marijuana abroad will soon sanctions from Washington. drugs violates the country’s be able to apply for permits Jamaican officials now constitution. A law in Chile authorizing them to legally buy hope that the island can become permits use of medical small amounts of Jamaican a player in the nascent medical marijuana. weed, or “ganja” as it is known marijuana industry, health
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$150,000 dress worn by Lupita Nyong’o at Oscars reported stolen LOS ANGELES - The theft of a $150,000 pearl-covered gown worn by Lupita Nyong’o at the Oscars doesn’t surprise Hollywood stylists who have personally experienced the seedy side of red carpet fashion. Style expert and fashion commentator Mary Alice Stephenson has for years heard stories about similar stolen celebrity items. “It’s not shocking to me that this would be taken out of her hotel room,” said Stephenson, who once had a nabbed Fendi bag held for ransom. A dress like the custom ivory one designed by Francisco Costa for the Calvin Klein Collection could fetch a lot of money on the black market, Stephenson said. “There are a lot of collectors out there who are very private and have private collections of stolen merchandise,” she said. “Some of these dresses have global fame as big as any Van Gogh.” However, Los Angeles Auction House director Bryan Abbott noted that the black market would be problematic
for fetching top dollar in this case. “Celebrity-related material has additional value because it’s related to the celebrity,” he said. “If this was stolen, you wouldn’t be able to realize that additional value.” “I can’t think of a harder thing to sell than a high-profile Oscar dress by a famous manufacturer that’s associated with a famous personality. You’d have to bury it for a hundred years,” he added. The 6,000 disconnected pearls wouldn’t even be worth much on their own, Abbott said. “Most pearls don’t have much of a resale value to start with, unless they’re from a famous manufacturer such as Mikimoto,” he said. Sherriff ’s deputies responded to a call late Wednesday from a West Hollywood hotel after the custom dress was reported missing from the hotel room of the actress, sheriff ’s Sgt. Richard Bowman said. Nyong’o was present when deputies took the report, but she wasn’t in her room when the elaborate gown was
Los Angeles sheriff’s detectives are investigating the theft of the $150,000 custom Calvin Klein dress worn by Nyong’o at the 2015 Academy Awards.
Hillary Clinton leads in Iowa poll
If the polls are correct, history will not repeat itself. At least not in Iowa, where Hillary Clinton has an overwhelming early lead of likely Iowa Democratic caucus participants, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday. A year ahead of Iowa’s firstin-the-nation caucuses, some 61 percent of likely Iowa Democratic caucus voters said they would choose the former secretary of State – that’s a far cry from 2008 when Clinton took a disappointing third place in the Iowa caucuses (thanks to then-unknown upstart Barack Obama), a low point from which her campaign never quite recovered. The political arithmetic this time around couldn’t be more different. “The Democratic race in the Iowa Caucuses a year before the voting can be summarized pretty succinctly: Hillary Clinton is the huge favorite,” Quinnipiac University Poll Assistant Director Peter A. Brown said. “If she chooses not to run, US Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Vice President Joseph Biden are likely to begin at the top of a pack with other candidates scrambling to get into the race.” Whether Clinton runs makes all the difference. If she runs, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts got 19 percent and Vice President Joe. Biden got 7 percent, the poll finds. No other candidate tops 5 percent.
Hillary Clinton If Clinton decides not to run, Warren is the choice of 36 percent and Biden 32 percent. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont gets 8 percent with 17 percent undecided. But even Warren’s narrow lead is nowhere close to Clinton’s 61 percent. So what’s changed? Why are the (Democratic) heavens smiling down on Hillary now? The biggest reason has less to do with Hillary than it does with the other candidates – this is one of the smallest, quietest Democratic presidential fields in
recent history. Even Quinnipiac, it appears, was struggling to find candidates to include in its poll. Warren has famously insisted, in both present and future tenses, that she is not running for president. Biden, who’s already run for president twice (2008 and 1988) doesn’t really stand a chance. And Bernie Sanders, who’s been called “A Ross Perot of the left,” has even less of a chance. That leaves Iowa caucus voters with...Hillary. So what’s changed is that Clinton appears to be the inevitable choice for 2016. Clinton is the most dominant non-incumbent ever – and for that matter, perhaps the most dominant non-candidate ever. That’s not to say Clinton herself hasn’t changed since 2008. She’s now perceived as an accomplished secretary of State, and she (and her campaign) have learned from her 2008 mistakes and have bolstered her image. That’s why Iowa likely Democratic Caucus participants give Clinton a whopping 90 percent favorability rating. In fact, voters like Hillary so much these days, the dynasty thing doesn’t even bother them: According to the poll, 5 percent of caucus-goers are less likely to vote for Clinton because her husband was president, while 29 percent are more likely and 65 percent say it will make no difference. In other words, in politics, 2008 is ancient history.
taken, Bowman said. Her publicists said they would not comment on the theft. Representatives for the actress reported the theft. Detectives suspect the garment was taken sometime between 8 and 9 p.m. Wednesday, sheriff ’s Lt. William Nash said. Detectives were at the hotel Thursday looking for clues, including surveillance footage that might reveal what happened. Nyong’o won an Oscar in 2014 for her role in “Twelve Years a Slave” and was a presenter at Sunday’s ceremony. The 31-year-old actress has become a darling of Hollywood’s red carpets in the past two years, with commenters and fans praising her fashion choices. She accessorized the dress with Chopard diamond drop earrings and three Chopard diamond rings. A representative for Calvin Klein declined to comment. But late Thursday night the fashion house did tweet a close-up photo of the dress, writing “have you seen this dress?” with the hashtag “freethepearls.”
Watch out for nasty global flu surprises, WHO warns The world remains highly vulnerable to a possible severe flu pandemic and governments should increase surveillance, vigilance and preparedness, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday. “Nothing about influenza is predictable including where the next pandemic might emerge and which virus might be responsible,” the United Nations health agency warned. It said the world was fortunate that the last flu pandemic, caused by H1N1 swine flu in 2009/2010, was relatively mild, but added: “Such good fortune is no precedent”. In a seven-page report on flu, WHO said that on many levels, the world is better prepared now than ever before for a flu pandemic. The level of alert is high, it said, and there is better surveillance of flu viruses in both animals and humans. In 2014, the WHO’s Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, made up of 142 laboratories in 112 countries, tested more than 1.9 million clinical specimens. “By keeping a close watch over the volatile world of influenza viruses, these laboratories operate as a sensitive early warning system.” Under the heading “Warning: Be prepared for surprises”, WHO praised progress in virological research that had increased capability to detect, understand and assess new viruses for pandemic risk, and to track their international spread. But it said this needed to be stepped up. “ More (research and development) is needed to develop better vaccines and shorten the production time,” it said, adding that during a severe pandemic, many people would die in the three to four months currently needed to make effective vaccines. “ An influenza pandemic is the most global of infectious disease events currently known. It is in every country’s best interests to prepare.” This year’s seasonal flu season has been bad in many parts of the world, with Asia, the Americas and Europe reporting high levels of circulating flu viruses and low levels of protection from vaccines that did not match the relevant strains.
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British PM Cameron vows to hunt down ‘Jihadi John’
LONDON - British Prime Minister David Cameron vowed on Friday to use all means at his disposal to hunt down militants such as “Jihadi John” after the killer was unmasked as a Kuwaiti-born computer programming graduate from London. The black-clad militant brandishing a knife and speaking with an English accent was shown in videos released by Islamic State (IS) apparently decapitating hostages including Americans, Britons and Syrians. “When there are people anywhere in the world who commit appalling and heinous crimes against British citizens, we will do everything we can with the police, with the security services, with all that we have at our disposal to find these people and put them out of action,” Cameron said. Cameron refused to go into the unmasking of “Jihadi John” as 26-yearold British militant Mohammed Emwazi, but said that people should get behind the security services, which he praised as impressive and dedicated to defending Britain. Emwazi was known to the security services, which had tried to recruit him, according to prisoners’ group Cage. The case has sparked debate about whether the security services let him slip through their grasp to join IS in Syria. Dressed entirely in black, a balaclava covering all but his eyes and the bridge of his nose and a holster under his left arm, Jihadi John became a menacing symbol of Islamic State brutality and one of the world’s most wanted men. He used videos to threaten the West, admonish its Arab allies and
A masked, black-clad militant, who has been identified by the Washington Post newspaper as a Briton named Mohammed Emwazi, brandishes a knife in this still image from a 2014 video obtained from SITE Intel Group taunt President Barack Obama and Cameron before petrified hostages cowering in orange jump suits. Emwazi’s name was first disclosed by the Washington Post. Two U.S. government sources who spoke on condition of anonymity told Reuters that investigators believed Jihadi John was Emwazi. The Sun and The Daily Mail newspapers published a picture showing a schoolboy Emwazi smiling and sitting cross-legged on the grass at the front of the photograph from the St Mary Magdalene Church of England primary school in Maida Vale, West London. BRITISH KILLER Born in Kuwait, Emwazi came
to Britain aged 6 and graduated with a computer programming degree from the University of Westminster before coming to the attention of Britain’s main domestic intelligence service, MI5, according to an account given by Asim Qureshi, research director of Cage, a group that campaigns for those detained on terrorism charges. Emwazi, a fluent Arabic speaker, said MI5 had tried to recruit him and then prevented him from traveling abroad, forcing him to leave the country without telling his family, Qureshi told a news conference in London. In a meeting with reporters, Qureshi cast Emwazi as a kind and thoughtful young man who faced harassment from MI5, which apparently suspected he wanted to join the Somali Islamist militant group al
Shabaab. That account prompted criticism of MI5. But there was little patience with the narrative of Emwazi’s life presented by Qureshi, who called him a “beautiful man”. “Cage maintain the enemy is the security services, is the state,” Professor Anthony Glees, Director of the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies, told Reuters. “The truth could not be more different. Intelligence services are on the whole non-interventionist.” Cameron’s spokeswoman said it was “completely reprehensible” to seek to shift the blame from a killer to those seeking to keep British citizens safe. The daughter of David Haines, a Scottish aid worker who was beheaded by Islamic State in September, told ITV news there should be more security at airports. Bethany Haines also said she would not rest until Emwazi received a “bullet between his eyes”. The family of Steven Sotloff, a U.S. journalist beheaded in August, said they had faith his killer would be brought to justice. “There’s going to be no closure until these people are brought to justice,” family spokesman Barak Barfi told Sky News. MI5 does not publicly comment on the identity of militants or their backgrounds while an investigation is still ongoing. “Jihadi John” fronted Islamic State videos that showed either the killing or bodies of victims including U.S. citizens James Foley, Steven Sotloff and Peter Kassig, Britons David Haines and Alan Henning, Japanese Kenji Goto and over 20 Syrian soldiers.
Whitney Houstons Bodyguard Says Bobbi Brown’s Condition Inevitable Because Of Father Bobby Brown
Bobbi Kristina Brown’s accident was deemed inevitable by Whitney Houston’s bodyguard. The bodyguard shared that Whitney’s daughter could not avoid drugs because of her parents, blaming Bobby Brown in particular. Daily Star UK reports that David Roberts, Whitney’s ex-bodyguard claimed he had been apprehensive about Bobbi K’s safety and health for years. “I watched Bobbi Kristina as a little girl, running around the corridors of hotels, surrounded by the degenerates who were supposed to be looking after her, and I worried for her future,” he explained. Roberts, who served as the inspiration behind Whtiney’s most acclaimed-movie, “The Bodyguard,” said that Bobbi’s parents made it impossible for her to grow up properly. He said parents Whitney and Bobby Brown were indulging in cocaine binges as Bobbi was growing up. In particular, the bodyguard claimed Bobby, played a huge role in ruining the family and made Bobbi’s life chaotic as she was growing up. He added that Bobby can be
blamed for Whitney’s downfall as well. Bobbi, for the bodyguard “had no chance” at all, right from the beginning because she was already born into a very chaotic life. As such, when Roberts heard of what happened to Bobbi, he was more angry than surprised. He also blamed it again to Bobby, and said the 46-year old managed to ruin his wife, his own career, and then now, his daughter. He also said it was not surprising that Whitney drowned in a hotel bathtub due to cocaine. He fears the same fatal ending awaits Bobbi. He believes Bobby should feel guilty for what he has done. Meanwhile, multiple sources told People magazine that Bobbi had been using drugs widely before she was found in the bathtub by Nick Gordon. They confirmed that Bobbi used heroin, cocaine and Xanax regularly for the past months before this critical incident. Because of the constant substance abuse, Bobbi was always incoherent and slurring when interacting with people. Sources also said her mom’s death was particularly hard on her,
which was why she was in and out” of rehab in the three years after Whitney passed away.
Sources said Bobbi had been using drugs widely before she was found in the bathtub
Mugabe says wife not the power behind his throne HARARE - Zimbabwe’s 91-year-old President Robert Mugabe told state television that his wife Grace, a rising political star in the ruling party, is not the power behind his throne. Mugabe, the only leader his country has known since independence from Britain in 1980, will be in the resort town of Victoria Falls on Saturday where his ZANU-PF party is planning $1 million birthday celebration with
thousands of supporters. influence over one of the most Grace, a former typist in Mugabe’s controversial leaders in Africa. office before they married, was hoisted “She is not the power behind the throne,” into the top echelons of ZANU-PF last Mugabe said in an interview with ZBC December after attacking former vice TV on Thursday night. “Why should president Joice Mujuru, who was later they think that because of what she fired by the veteran leader. has done she is now the power?” Political analysts and local media Until her demotion, Mujuru was seen Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe (R) and have said Grace, who now sits next as the most likely to take Mugabe’s his wife Grace arrive to close the ruling party to Mugabe at meetings of the ruling place when he dies or retires. ZANU PF’s elective congress in Harare party’s politburo, wields considerable
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Obama pitches immigration policies at Miami town hall
MIAMI — President Obama defended his plan to protect up to 5 million undocumented immigrants from deportation and bashed Republicans for blocking a more permanent immigration solution during a town hall event at Florida International University on Wednesday. Obama said he disagreed with a federal judge in Texas who blocked his order from taking effect and said it could take months for an appeals court to overturn that ruling. He remained confident that he was within his legal rights to protect such a broad group of undocumented immigrants and urged those who would qualify for the program to continue preparing their applications. But he used much of his time to criticize
Republicans in Congress. He said he would veto attempts by GOP leadership to halt his executive orders through a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, which runs out of money Friday if no deal is struck. And he repeatedly blamed them for halting any kind of immigration legislation that deals with the nation’s 11 million undocumented immigrants. “The pressure has to continue to stay on Congress, the pressure has to continue to stay on the Republican Party that is currently blocking the passage of comprehensive immigration reform,” he said during the town hall hosted by MSNBC and Telemundo. Republicans noted that the president had used similar events in the past to explain
President Barack Obama why he couldn’t take the very actions he took last November, when he announced that up to 5 million undocumented immigrants could apply to the federal government to receive deportation protections, work
permits and Social Security numbers. “President Obama said at least 22 times he didn’t have the authority to do exactly what he eventually did,” said Cory Fritz, a spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio. “His ‘my way or the highway’ approach is only making it harder to get things done on behalf of the country.” Obama also tried to emphasize how the judge’s order to block his program does not affect another portion of his November actions. He instructed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and other border security officials to focus their deportation efforts on undocumented immigrants who pose threats to national security, have extensive criminal records, are members
Cuban cigar makers anticipate big bucks from US travelers
HAVANA - Over six decades But officials see it as roughly 70 million to 90 million rolling premium cigars with his just the tip of the cigar: If the cigars there, nearly doubling small, wrinkled hands, Arnaldo U.S. embargo were to fall amid Cuba’s current production, if the Alfonso has taken pride in a normalization of diplomatic embargo were lifted. seeing his “habanos” sampled by relations, Habanos believes it That would be possible visiting heads of state and other could capture nearly a third of only with the approval of the dignitaries. the American market, the world’s Republican-controlled Congress. Now he’s delighted by the largest for cigars. After the initial buzz over the idea of customers lighting them Almost 600,000 visitors Dec. 17 announcement that up in New York, Los Angeles and traveled to the island from the Washington and Havana would elsewhere in the United States, United States last year, a figure move to restore ties, progress where Cuban cigars have been that includes mostly Cuban- has been slow on resolving outlawed since the U.S. embargo Americans on family visits but far simpler matters such as took effect in 1962. also tens of thousands of people reopening embassies in each “It’s a very beautiful thought,” on legal educational and religious other’s respective countries. said a smiling Alfonso, a 78-year- exchanges. The number is There are also questions old worker at the tobacco shop expected to rise, though it’s still about Cuba’s ability to ramp of the Palco Hotel in western unclear by how much. up production to eventually Havana. Many visit shops like the one meet U.S. demand. The country Cuban cigar makers are licking where Alfonso works. suffers from major infrastructure their chops over new U.S. rules, “They are aware that these are deficiencies, and tobacco announced in December as part of first-rate cigars,” said Teresita farmers sometimes complain of a partial detente, allowing more Diaz, a saleswoman at the store. transportation delays following Americans to travel to the island Under the new rules, U.S. the harvest that can cause the and legally bring back small travelers are now allowed to leaves to go bad. quantities of the coveted stogies bring back up to $100 in combined “It’s clear that even today, for the first time in decades. tobacco and alcohol products, a the amounts (harvested) are As Havana celebrated the lot less than the $3,000 to $4,000 not enough,” said Ricardo Salas, annual Cigar Festival that wraps sales that Diaz can ring up for who distributes Cuban cigars in up with a gala-dinner bash some of the Canadian, European Cyprus. Friday, officials said that this and Chinese aficionados who While American aficionados year alone they expect to double shop there. would initially be intrigued by on-island sales of hand-rolled U.S. visitors can smoke as the “forbidden fruit” aspect of cigars, known here as “habanos,” many cigars as they like while Cuban cigars, many might find from 3 million to 6 million. on the island, and can now they prefer something more “This is an important jump return with a few five-packs familiar, and less overpowering. in just one year,” said Jorge of Montecristo #4 (sale price: Salas and other experts said Luis Fernandez Maique, vice $27.75) or Cohiba Siglo I ($34.50) milder Cuban brands such as president of Habanos SA, a mixed without violating the cap. Montecristo and Romeo y Julieta venture between Cuba’s stateIf even half of the current would likely do better in the U.S. run Cubatabaco and the British number of U.S. travelers were than the stronger Partagas and company Altadis. “It’s a boom for to bring back $50 worth of cigars Cohiba varieties. the Cuban market.” each, that would add up to some After more than five decades The additional sales would $15 million in new sales for the of separation, “the average represent a modest increase to Habanos company this year. American doesn’t know the the company’s overall annual Getting approval to export Cuban product,” said Salas. “They production of around 90 million cigars to the U.S. would be the have as a comparison Central to 100 million premium units to real bonanza for Cuba. American or Dominican tobacco meet domestic and international Habanos, which reported they’ve become used to that kind demand, primarily in Europe and global sales of $439 million last of flavor of a softer, more discreet China. year, estimates it could sell tobacco.”
of gangs or are recent bordercrossers. Asked by multiple town hall attendees why their relatives were still facing deportation proceedings, Obama said it sometimes takes time for every employee in such a large bureaucracy like the Department of Homeland Security to change course so quickly. “There are going to be some jurisdictions, and there may be individual ICE officials or Border Patrol who aren’t paying attention to our new directives. There are going to be consequences,” for that, he said. “If you’ve been here for a long time and you qualify generally, then during this period even with legal uncertainty they should be in a good place.”
Conservatives urge Boehner to hold firm on immigration WASHINGTON - Conservative Republicans urged House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner not to capitulate in a fight with Democrats over President Barack Obama’s immigration policy that threatens a partial Homeland Security shutdown later this week. The conservative lawmakers, led by Representative Jeff Duncan, circulated a letter to Boehner and other House leaders telling them to hold the line in opposing Obama’s executive actions shielding millions of undocumented immigrants from deportation, a Duncan aide said on Tuesday. “Now is the time to stand firm against these unlawful executive actions,” said the letter, signed by about 20 conservative Republicans so far. The House last month attached provisions to block spending on Obama’s immigration orders to a $39.7 billion bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security. The measure has stalled in the Senate, where Democrats have insisted on a “clean” security funding bill free of such restrictions. If the dispute is not resolved by Friday at midnight, spending authority will be cut off for the agency, which spearheads domestic counterterrorism efforts and secures U.S. borders, airports and coastal waters. If that happens, the department’s essential protective staff would stay on the job, but there would be no money to pay them until new funding is approved. The letter from conservatives told House leaders they should not view a recent Texas court decision temporarily blocking Obama’s actions as a way out of the funding impasse, noting the court ruling could be overturned. Obama says his actions have legal precedent. Boehner is expected to discuss the path forward on Wednesday with House Republicans, who return to Washington on Tuesday after a weeklong holiday recess. Some Republican senators say a short-term funding extension for Homeland Security looks increasingly likely. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell moved on Monday to separate DHS funding from the immigration fight, introducing a stand-alone bill to try to block Obama’s November 2014 immigration order. Among those signing the letter to Boehner were some of the most conservative members of Congress, including Representatives Steve King, Louis Gohmert, Jim Jordan, Matt Salmon and Mick Mulvaney. It was addressed to Boehner, Republican Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Majority Whip Steve Scalise. Representative Steny Hoyer, the secondranking House Democrat, told reporters on Tuesday he was “absolutely positive” that if a “clean” funding bill was put on the House floor, it would pass, likely with a combination of minority Democrats and Republicans.
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How David Cameron could win the general election but not the keys to No 10
David Cameron (L) and Ed Miliband will be thinking hard about how to pull ahead of each other in the leadup to the election If the UK general election were Cameron would turn first to held today, the Conservatives would his coalition partners, the Liberal get the most seats but David Cameron Democrats. But today’s numbers would struggle to form a government suggest Nick Clegg’s party will lose against a coalition led by Ed Miliband, about half of its seats, leaving it with a new Guardian analysis can reveal. just 27. The projection, based on all current Ukip might also be on Cameron’s polling, suggests the Tories would win list, but it is likely to get only between 276 seats and Labour 271, both well three and six seats. The party is short of the 326 needed to secure an currently on the lower end of this range outright majority. The result would after a slight dip in the polls over the leave both leaders fighting to form a last five weeks. Completing the pool of viable government. potential Tory supply is the Democratic The Guardian’s polling projection Unionist party (DUP) with takes in all published constituency- its nine seats in Northern Ireland. level, regional and UK-wide polls. The Adding up all the Tories’ realistic model adjusts these based on factors sources of support would take Cameron such as pollsters’ past performance, to 315 seats, 11 below the required bar. demographics, when a poll was taken, Labour, meanwhile, has been incumbency and the geographical area stubbornly stuck for some time now sampled. From this it projects each on just above 270 seats and today’s party’s vote share and the numbers of figure of 271 leaves Miliband needing seats it would win. The projection will 55 seats to form a majority. update every 24 hours between now The gap between the two main and polling day on May 7. parties is mostly explained by the The model does not amount to a surge in support for the Scottish prediction of what will happen; rather National party (SNP) that followed it is a projection based on what the last year’s independence referendum. polls are saying right now. Anyone doubting the strength of Nicola The projection offers an insight into Sturgeon’s party should consider this: the calculations each of the main party about one in 50 adults in Scotland are leaders would be making in order to now SNP members. build a coalition to form a government. Based on current figures, the SNP would win about 50 seats. Due to COALITION BUILDING the fact that five years ago Labour won
South Korea decriminalises adultery
SEOUL, South Korea - South 900 in 2014. Korea’s Constitutional Court on But the numbers had been falling, Thursday struck down a controversial with cases that ended in prison terms adultery law which for more than 60 increasingly rare. years had criminalised extra-marital Whereas 216 people were jailed sex and jailed violators for up to two under the law in 2004, that figure had years. dropped to 42 by 2008, and since then The nine-member bench ruled only 22 have found themselves behind by seven to two that the 1953 statute bars, according to figures from the aimed at protecting traditional family state prosecution office. values was unconstitutional. The downward trend was partly “Even if adultery should be a reflection of changing societal condemned as immoral, State power trends in a country where rapid should not intervene in individuals’ modernisation has frequently clashed private lives,” said presiding justice with traditionally conservative norms. Park Han-Chul. “Public conceptions of individuals’ rights The decision saw shares in in their sexual lives have undergone the South Korean firm Unidus Corp., changes,” Park said, as he delivered one of the world’s largest condom the court’s decision. manufacturers, soar by the daily Reading the dissenting opinion, limit of 15 percent on the local stock Justice Ahn Chang-Ho insisted the exchange. 1953 statute was a key protector of It was the fifth time the apex family morals, and warned that its court had considered the constitutional abolition would “spark a surge in legality of the legislation which had debauchery.” made South Korea one of the few nonUnder the law, adultery could only Muslim countries to regard marital be prosecuted on complaint from an infidelity as a criminal act. injured party, and any case was closed In the past six years, close to 5,500 immediately if the plaintiff dropped people have been formerly arraigned the charge -- a common occurrence that on adultery charges -- including nearly often involved a financial settlement.
41 of Scotland’s 59 seats, the majority of SNP gains would be at the expense of Miliband’s party. As things stand, it is difficult to imagine any conversation about forming a stable government that could not include the SNP. So it is significant that the party has clearly stated it will not make any deal with the Conservatives, but is open to talking to Labour. Labour and the SNP combined are projected to win 322 seats. Miliband would then only need to win over a handful of MPs from Plaid Cymru, the Greens, and possibly the Lib Dems, to take him into Downing Street. WHAT’S LEFT TO FIGHT FOR?
The evidence suggests that no single party will win an outright majority on 7 May. But with more than two months until voting day, and with the margins between possible government scenarios so tight, there are enough moving parts to yet turn the wheels in favour of either Cameron or Miliband. At this stage, the most important factor in determining the election outcome is Scotland, and whether Labour can recover votes there. Labour’s win in most Scottish seats in 2010 was so large that even a small movement back to the party would save a significant numbers of those seats. As such, the size of Labour’s loss in Scotland will matter greatly in determining who between Miliband and Cameron emerges atop the largest party in May. At least two other important trends have emerged since the last election and both will go a long way in determining how many more seats the Tories can shore up before election day. First, there is the “Green surge”. Over the past two years support for Natalie Bennett’s party has increased more than three-fold, and now hovers around 6.5% in the polls. Despite this
growing support, the party is unlikely to win more than the one seat it currently holds. Even one extra seat would come as a surprise. But votes for the Greens come overwhelmingly from Labour, and from Lib Dems otherwise inclined to support Miliband’s party. In constituencies where Labour and the Tories are divided by a couple of points, this could prove decisive. Second, there’s the rise of Ukip. Five years ago the party won 3% of the vote; it is now on about 15%. Nigel Farage’s party takes votes from both the main parties, however any drop in support would benefit the Tories more than Labour. The numbers suggest that the electoral impact of both Ukip and the Greens is more about the outcomes they influence than the seats they will win. HOW VOLATILE ARE THE POLLS? Looking beyond the top-line projection at how the numbers have evolved over the last few weeks, the Tories are trending upwards while Labour is flat and the extent of its Scotland problem is increasingly clear. Elsewhere, the Lib Dems and Ukip are locked in several extremely close contests with the Conservatives, including in South Thanet where Farage is standing. Both main parties have enjoyed leads of varying sizes in multiple individual polls over recent weeks. The general trend within UK-wide polls, however, has remained fundamentally stable since November last year with Labour, on average, just ahead of the Tories. Between now and 7 May national polls will only provide the background music to the real party. This vote is actually 650 elections all rolled up into one, where every seat counts and every seat tells a different story. In a contest so close, a handful of seats going one way or the other will decide who ends up forming the next government.
California couple, married 67 years, die holding hands
Floyd Hartwig and wife Violet are shown in this undated Hartwig family photo released to Reuters February 26, 2015. A California couple, married 67 years, died hours apart while holding hands this month, their daughter said on Thursday. Floyd Hartwig, 90, and wife Violet, 89, died on Feb. 11 in their home in Easton, California, outside Fresno, their family said. The couple had known each other since they were children and married in 1947 while Floyd was on leave from the Navy, going on to settle in a ranch in Easton. “They enjoyed working side by side their entire lives,” said daughter Donna Scharton. “They were very loving. Very hard-working. Not into
materialistic things.” Each had battled illnesses in recent years. Violet had dementia and had suffered strokes. Floyd, who survived bladder and colon cancer, had been diagnosed with kidney failure, family said. Floyd and Violet had been given hospice care in the last weeks of their lives, and with the end near, family members pushed their beds together, Scharton said. Floyd died first, holding Violet’s hand. She passed away five hours later, she said. “They were very devoted to each other and had a lot of respect for each other,” Scharton said of their long marriage. The couple had three children, four grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren, family said. Violet, known as “Vi,” would wake up at 4 a.m. through much of her life to tend to her family and the ranch, “sewing, cooking, gardening, and volunteering for the PTA,” according to her daughter and her obituary. Floyd spent six years in the Navy and served in World War Two, his obituary said.
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Coe says track and field must look beyond Bolt STELLENBOSCH, South The 58-year-old Coe has Africa - It’s no secret that solid credentials: He won gold Sebastian Coe is a good friend of in the 1,500 meters at the 1980 Usain Bolt. and 1984 Olympics, and headed A photo of them together in the organizing committee of the Jamaica appears on both their widely-praised 2012 London Twitter pages this week, Bolt’s Games. He has been an IAAF hand resting casually on Coe’s vice president since 2007. shoulder. The 100-meter world In terms of leadership, the record holder describes Coe as IAAF probably sees change less “Good Company” in the post. often than most bodies. It has Yet Coe, a two-time Olympic had five presidents in its 103middle-distance champion now year history, and the last time running for president of track world athletics had a new leader, and field’s governing body, feels Bolt was a 13-year-old kid in the athletics needs to find life beyond Caribbean only just discovering Bolt if it is to keep up in an ultra- that he wasn’t half-bad at competitive sporting market. running. “One of the challenges we “We don’t have elections have is to show that we have that often,” Coe said. “You know athletes other than Usain Bolt. it’s for the sport to decide on a And I’m a big fan of Usain Bolt,” vision for the next 20 or 30 years, the British great said from and I’ve put my vision forward.” France in a phone interview with For Coe, athletics must The Associated Press. “We have “embrace change” and he said his great athletes and we have to vision is especially about getting really shine a light on them so youngsters excited and involved. our sport is not just about Usain He wants a shake-up of the Bolt.” meet calendar to allow fans to see Coe recognizes that’s pretty the best compete against each tough considering the superstar other more often. He has spoken status of the Jamaican sprinting of the battle for attention that sensation. athletics faces from other sports, “That’s a bit like going to like tennis and regularly seeing the boxing community in the Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal, ‘60s and ‘70s and saying boxing and from soccer and blockbuster is not just about Muhammad Ali. rivalries like Barcelona vs. Real Because Usain Bolt is in that Madrid. category,” he said. “Our sport has many, many Coe wants to be president values, but the shop window of the International Association of our sport is competition,” of Athletics Federations, which he said. “We have to be open will choose a new head in about it. We are also in the Beijing in August ahead of the entertainment business and world championships. Coe and we need to entertain and excite Ukrainian pole vault great young people.” Sergei Bubka are candidates to That means the likes of succeed Senegal’s Lamine Diack, Bolt and 800-meter world record who has led the IAAF since 1999. holder David Rudisha running
against their biggest challengers far more often, not just at the Olympics and the worlds. “This is not a ‘nice to have.’ This is essential,” he said. Amid scandals in Kenya and Russia, and following scrutiny of Jamaica’s testing program after the 2012 Olympics, Coe said he’s also aware of the “reputational issues” that doping has created recently for track and field. Pressed on the IAAF’s fight against doping, and its apparent shortcomings, he defended the sport. “No sport has done more to challenge drug abuse,” he said, stressing the IAAF spends $2 million a year on anti-doping, more than it does on marketing. “We test more than any other sport. Our top athletes are tested more regularly than any other sportsman or woman on the planet. And it’s the wrong conclusion to draw that any of these federations are in test-free zones. “I would rather have the short-term embarrassment of a spike in positives because the testing systems are working.” If you gauge a candidate’s chances in an election by the number of places they visit and people they talk to, Coe has a good shot in August. He was in Jamaica with Bolt a few days ago, and will be in Ethiopia before the week is out. “Since August last year I’ve flown around the globe about three times,” he said. “I do think it is important that if you are offering yourself up for election, that you make the effort. You can’t do this by email and by telephone.”
Jamaica making antidoping strides, says WADA chief
Jamaica has made progress toward beefing up drug-testing and repairing its tarnished sprinting reputation following a string of doping scandals, the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency told Reuters on Tuesday. WADA president Sir Craig Reedie arrived in Jamaica on Friday to check on the Caribbean sprint capital’s anti-doping efforts after high-profile positive tests around the 2012 London Olympics raised red flags over the island’s drug-testing. Reedie, the first WADA president to visit Jamaica, concluded his visit by saying he was “encouraged and hugely impressed” by the steps taken by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission. “They have put behind them the troubles that were very public two or three years ago,” said Reedie. “It’s been a big effort, there are a number of different priorities, they been well supported by government.” In the aftermath of the doping scandals the Jamaica Anti-doping Commission (JADCO) changed its board of directors, employed a new executive director and implemented a battery of recommendations proposed by WADA. Reedie was also given updates about antidoping legislation passed last December and plans for drug testing in 2015. Carey Brown, executive director of JADCO, revealed on Tuesday that those plans include blood testing starting in April. JADCO Chairman Danny Williams expressed his delight with the comments made by the WADA boss. “I want to thank government and the sports minister to living up to responsibility where JADCO is concerned,” Williams said during a press briefing. “We hope to develop the kind of organization where WADA will call on us and say, ‘look, the folks in Kenya need some help we are recommending that you go in and assist them.’” JADCO have been making improvements in drug testing since a three-man WADA team visited Jamaica in 2013 and carried out a forensic audit following high-profile positive tests by Olympic and world championship medalists Asafa Powell, Sherone Simpson and Veronica Campbell-Brown. Powell and Simpson, who both tested positive for a banned stimulant, had their 18-month bans reduced to six months by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
I never felt so much pressure, says double-ton Gayle
Canberra - West Indies opener Chris Gayle became the first batsman to score a World Cup double century on Tuesday and admitted he had never felt such pressure to perform. The giant 35-year-old Jamaican smashed a breathtaking 215 against Zimbabwe at Canberra’s Manuka Oval for his first double century in 226 oneday internationals. His double ton came off just 138 balls -- the quickest 200 in all ODI cricket -- including nine fours and 16 sixes as he surpassed the previous World Cup best of 188 not out by South Africa’s Gary Kirsten against the United Arab Emirates at Rawalpindi in 1996. Gayle was eventually out off the last delivery of the innings, having faced 147 balls, with 10 fours and 16 sixes taking his team to an imposing 372 for two in the company of Marlon Samuels, whose 133 not out was reduced to a support act.
Zimbabwe were bowled out for 289 in reply to give West Indies a 73-run win on the Duckworth/Lewis method. Left-hander Gayle’s record blast meant he has now completed a career sweep of a triple century in Tests, double century in ODIs and a century in Twenty20 internationals. “I got a bit of cramp and I was feeling a bit tired,” said Gayle, fortunate to be given not out after an lbw appeal to the first ball he faced went to a review. “I didn’t want to be out with the first ball -- I said ‘you can’t be serious?’,” he said. “I was under pressure to score runs, and I kept getting messages from Twitter and on my cell phone from fans. I have never known so many people wanting Chris Gayle to do so well.” Gayle’s record-shattering innings came just days after he was inadvertently caught up in an embarrassing Twitter gaffe by West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president
Dave Cameron, who retweeted a post from a spectator calling for the batsman to be pensioned off. “I have never felt this kind of pressure, but in the end, I am sure I gave them something to talk about,” said Gayle. “A lot of time people don’t know what you are going through as I had some issues with injuries. I am also not getting any younger so age is definitely catching up on me.” His innings was only the fifth double century in all one-day international cricket and the first by a non-Indian, with Rohit Sharma (two), Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag the only other batsmen to achieve the feat. Gayle and Samuels also set a new partnership record for any ODI wicket. Their unbroken stand of 372 surpassed the 331 shared by India’s Rahul Dravid and Tendulkar against New Zealand at Hyderabad (Deccan) in 1999.
Chris Gayle
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SPORTS LeBron: Stop recruiting my son
LeBron James is not thrilled that his son and young basketball standout 10-year-old LeBron James Jr. has already received letters and even scholarship offers from college coaches. “Yeah, he’s already got some offers from colleges,” James told CBS Detroit before the Cleveland Cavaliers’ matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. “It’s pretty crazy. It should be a violation. You shouldn’t be recruiting 10-year-old kids.” His son is not alone. Connecticut star Ryan Boatright committed to USC before he was in high school. Marquette’s Matt Carlino reportedly received an offer from Arizona while he was in elementary school. Michael Avery accepted a scholarship offer from former Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie in 2008, when he was an eighthgrader. Per the NCAA handbook: “A prospective student-athlete is a student who has started classes for the ninth grade. In addition, a student who has not started classes for the ninth grade becomes a prospective student-athlete if the institution provides such an individual (or the individual’s relatives or friends) any financial assistance or other benefits that the institution does not provide to LeBron James Jr. managed to turn plenty of heads with his prospective students generally.” outstanding play at the 2015 John Lucas All-Star Weekend and he College coaches are not prevented from even grabbed the attention of some college recruiters. monitoring young players like LeBron James Jr., per NCAA rules. From the NCAA handbook: “In men’s basketball, rules the NCAA enforces through official channels a coaching staff member may observe an individual have no impact on the recruitment pipeline’s who has not entered the seventh grade participating underground, which often employs AAU coaches and in an athletically related activity, provided such other liaisons as third parties who relay information observation occurs during a period when it is to athletes. The latter is not something the NCAA permissible to evaluate prospective student-athletes.” can efficiently and effectively monitor or stop. Although the NCAA’s bylaws attempt to curtail “My son is going to be a kid as long as he can be,” the recruitment of players before high school, the James said Thursday after the Cavs’ shootaround.
Judge rules in Peterson’s favor
Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is eligible to be reinstated after Judge David Doty ruled in favor of the NFLPA and overturned the NFL’s suspension A federal judge has cleared the way for Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson to possibly be reinstated, ruling that an NFL arbitrator “failed to meet his duty’’ in a child abuse case that shook the league. U.S. District Judge David Doty issued his order Thursday, less than three weeks after hearing oral arguments. Doty overruled NFL arbitrator Harold Henderson’s denial of Peterson’s appeal. The ruling sends the case back for further proceedings consistent with the rules of the collective bargaining agreement.
The league suspended our players’ rights,’’ Smith said. Peterson through at least April 15 “This is yet another example why under its personal conduct policy. neutral arbitration is good for our But Doty said in his 16-page players, good for the owners and ruling that Henderson “simply good for our game.’’ disregarded the law of the shop Doty’s courtroom has long and in doing so failed to meet been a ground zero of sorts for his duty’’ under the collective NFL labor matters, and his ruling bargaining agreement. pattern has favored the union NFL spokesman Brian more often than not. McCarthy said the league will The increased penalty for “review the decision.’’ domestic violence arose from the NFL Players Association furor over the league’s handling of executive director DeMaurice former Baltimore Ravens running Smith said in a statement the back Ray Rice, who was seen on decision was a “victory for the rule surveillance video knocking out of law, due process and fairness.’’ the woman who’s now his wife The crux of the issue was with a punch in an elevator. the application of the enhanced Rice was initially suspended personal conduct policy, increasing for two games before commissioner a suspension for players involved Roger Goodell declared the ban with domestic violence from two indefinite. The arbitrator who games to six games. Because heard Rice’s appeal, former U.S. that was implemented after the District Judge Barbara Jones, injuries occurred to Peterson’s son, ruled that Goodell’s decision delivered by a wooden switch that was “arbitrary’’ and an “abuse of Peterson was using for discipline, discretion.’’ the union contended that the Despite the NFL’s argument prior standard of punishment that the ruling by Jones was should apply. irrelevant to Henderson’s, Doty “Our collective bargaining disagreed. agreement has rules for “The court finds no valid implementation of the personal basis to distinguish this case from conduct policy and when those the Rice matter,’’ Doty said. rules are violated, our union scouting combine last week, always stands up to protect sources told ESPN.
“That’s all he needs to worry about. He loves to play the game of basketball, he loves to play video games, he loves to do his homework. That’s all that matters. Everything else doesn’t matter. He loves his brother, his sister, his dad, his mom, his grandmom. Let him be a kid.” James was then asked who his son’s idol is. “I don’t know, I haven’t asked him in awhile,” James said. “Hopefully I’m doing my part.” James might rebuke some of the attention his son has received, but he’s also responsible for a portion of the hype. On Dec. 22, he tweeted an embedded video of LeBron James Jr. at an AAU tournament. The video features highlights of his son penetrating, scoring and passing just like his father. “He plays just like I did,” James told CBS Detroit. “He has great awareness, and he’d rather pass first and set guys up. Most kids nowadays just want to score.” Kentucky’s John Calipari watched LeBron James Jr. play last summer during the AAU Fourth Grade National Championship in Lexington. Ohio State’s Thad Matta mentioned that LeBron James Jr. was on his radar during a preseason news conference. Other Division I coaches will probably begin to track the youngster if they are not already monitoring his progress. “He can ball,” said one Division I assistant of a top-25 program who wasn’t surprised that LeBron James Jr. has already received scholarship offers. He might be a target of the Buckeyes, the top program in his home state, at some point. A source close to the program said the school has sent a questionnaire to LeBron James Jr. but has not extended an offer to him. “To my knowledge, we haven’t [offered],” he said. “We wouldn’t offer him this early.”
Murray loses to Croatian teen in quarterfinals in Dubai DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Andy Murray was knocked out of the Dubai Championships on Thursday, losing to 18-year-old Borna Coric 6-1, 6-3 in the quarterfinals. Murray, who reached the Australian Open final at the beginning of the month, had 55 unforced errors and only 15 winners against the Croatian teen. Many of his shots were landing in the net or sailing beyond the lines. ‘’I would definitely say I was a little bit sluggish at the beginning of the match, but in the second set I definitely started to move a bit better and play a little bit better,’’ Murray said. ‘’But, yeah, I started the match not good.’’ Coric, who never offered Murray a break-point opportunity, reached his second career ATP level semifinal and will next face Roger Federer. Coric’s first semifinal appearance came last year in Basel, Switzerland, after beating Rafael Nadal. ‘’He didn’t make many errors,’’ said Murray, who won his only other match against Coric in 2013 in the Davis Cup. ‘’He played very solid and he moved well. ‘’I made way too many mistakes from the beginning of the match right through to the end.’’ The 84th-ranked Coric briefly wobbled when he was at 2-1 in the second set. ‘’I lost my focus I think somewhere in the second set on 2-1,’’ Coric said. ‘’Actually, I started to realize that I can win this match, so I started a little bit (to) overthink. ‘’But after two games I think I got back at my focus.’’ al match. Federer was leading 6-1 with the Frenchman called it quits.
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Mayweather and Pacquiao fight will be huge for Vegas
The long-awaited fight between welterweight champions Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao has finally been announced for May 2, but Las Vegas sportsbooks have had odds posted on the fight for several weeks. On Friday morning, Mayweather was as high as a minus-275 favorite at the Westgate SuperBook and as low as minus-240 at William Hill. The SuperBook had Pacquiao at plus-235, with the Wynn offering plus-220 on the underdog. The early action has been light, touristy and almost all on the underdog, the books said. Ninety-four percent of the money that had been bet at William Hill was on Pacquiao. A $1,000 bet on Pacquiao was the biggest William Hill had taken as of Friday. The majority of Floyd Mayweather Jr. (left) and Manny Pacquiao (center) talk at half-time during a recent Heat-Bucks bets, though, were much smaller, and game in Miami, with Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz (right) close at hand. came mostly from recreational bettors who were in town for other events like fight,” CG Technology vice president of The price [on Mayweather] is going to the Super Bowl. race and sports Jason Simbal said. be so small, I would imagine a lot of big “All small bets,” John Avello, Avello, a 20-plus-year veteran, bets coming in on him.” sportsbook director at Wynn, said believes this will be the biggest fight of In addition to the future Hall of before Friday’s announcement. his bookmaking career. Famers finally hammering out a deal That will change. “Both fighters have attracted for their welterweight title unification “This is the kind of fight that we’ll quite of bit of money through their bout -- one that will see Mayweather take a lot of big bets, seven figures,” careers; Pacquiao even more so,” Avello receive the lion’s share of a 60-40 Jay Rood, MGM vice president of race said. “At one time, his following, the money split in a fight that could gross of sports, said. Filipino community was coming in and around $400 million -- rival premium The big bets will fuel what Las betting his fights for a lot of money. I cable networks Showtime, which has Vegas bookmakers expect to be a think there will certainly be underdog Mayweather under contract, and HBO, massive handle. Statewide handle money here. There’s no question about which has a deal with Pacquiao, went estimates ranged from $30 million that.” through a brutal negotiation. to much higher. Mayweather’s fight Simbal expects the bigger bets The networks resultingly against Marcos Maidana generated will be on Mayweather at his shop. will come together to produce and mid-six figures in handle last May at “We get a lot of guys who come in distribute a joint pay-per-view telecast, sportsbook operator CG Technology. and lay $30,000 on Mayweather to win which is expected to cost a record-high “I’d guess this one will do four or four or five [thousand],” Simbal said. $89.95 (and probably $10 more for high five times more than the Maidana “And they do it every time he fights. definition).
Bulls hope Rose can still return this season CHICAGO -- The Chicago Bulls are holding out hope that Derrick Rose can return to the floor at some point this season. Rose, who tore the medial meniscus in his right knee for the second straight year, is scheduled to have surgery in the next day or two, according to sources. The internal hope for his teammates is that Rose will be able to come back and try and help lead the Bulls to an NBA championship. Bulls swingman Jimmy Butler said after Wednesday’s 98-86 loss to the Charlotte Hornets that he spoke to Rose on Tuesday night and again on Wednesday morning and called Rose “high-spirited.” “I think we’re all optimistic about it,” Butler said, when asked about the possibility of Rose returning this year. “We want him back and I’m sure he’s going to try and get back as soon as possible.” Bulls center Joakim Noah wasn’t sure if Rose would be back this season, but he admitted being very upset when hearing about the news on Tuesday night. “Just really sad,” Noah said. “Angry, sad -- he doesn’t deserve it. It’s just really disappointing ... I feel bad for him, but I know he’s a tough guy and he’s going to bounce back.” Several players admitted that the Rose news took an emotional toll on the group. “You could tell that emotionally it was tough for us tonight,” veteran Pau
“I am very happy that Floyd Mayweather and I can give the fans the fight they have wanted for so many years,” Pacquiao said. “They have waited long enough and they deserve it. It is an honor to be part of this historic event. I dedicate this fight to all the fans who willed this fight to happen and, as always, to bring glory to the Philippines and my fellow Filipinos around the world.” Many involved expected the announcement to come on Thursday, but Mayweather was upset because Top Rank, Pacquiao’s promoter, was leaking word of the impending announcement and Mayweather wanted it to be a surprise. “Boxing fans and sports fans around the world will witness greatness on May 2,” Mayweather said. “I am the best ever, TBE, and this fight will be another opportunity to showcase my skills and do what I do best, which is win. Manny is going to try to do what 47 before him failed to do, but he won’t be successful. He will be number 48.” According those familiar with the agreement, the contract Mayweather signed for the fight gave him the right to be the one to announce the fight, even though he was obligated to notify Top Rank of when he would do it. On Friday afternoon, Top Rank was notified and Mayweather made the announcement about an hour later, though the deal had been done for a couple of days with both sides having signed the paperwork. Contracts were also signed by broadcasters HBO and Showtime, who will team for a historic joint pay-per-view.
Rio to ask big companies to shut down during Olympics
The construction site of the Rio 2016 Olympic Park is pictured from above in Rio de Janeiro November 11, 2014. The mayor of Rio de Janeiro which will run from Aug 5-21, 2016. Rio, which has some of the is to ask some of the city’s biggest companies to shut down during worst traffic congestion in Brazil, was next year’s Olympic Games to make one of the cities that declared public transportation easier for athletes and holidays on match days during last Derrick Rose year’s World Cup. The measure was officials. Gasol said. “We tried to fight through Mayor Eduardo Paes said he was taken to cut down on traffic chaos. it, we tried to give ourselves a chance, planning to meet next month with Brazil’s cities have poor public but it just wasn’t perfect today.” leaders of the judicial branch and transportation networks and although Noah echoed those sentiments. bosses at state-controlled oil company Rio has added miles of new bus lanes “Mentally, I think we’re a little Petrobras and the BNDES, a major ahead of the Olympiad, a scheduled bit drained with everything that new metro line is late and may not be development bank. happened,” he said. “But I just know “I should call a meeting by open on time. that we’re going to have to play a lot Meanwhile, International March with judicial officials and big harder if we want to be successful.” companies such as Petrobras, the Olympic Committee (IOC) President Whether Rose returns this season BNDES and other big employers in Thomas Bach has said he is “very or not, the bigger issue for this group Rio so we can have a holiday period satisfied” with Rio de Janeiro’s all season is that they haven’t been during the Olympics,” Paes said on preparations to host South America’s playing consistent defense. It’s a fact Tuesday. first Olympic games in 2016. that irritates Butler and some of his “I don’t want people to leave Bach’s upbeat comments teammates. the city, we want them to stay, but it came just 10 months after IOC vice“Defense is all effort anyway,” is clear that mobility will be affected president John Coates described Butler said after his team gave up 54 Brazil’s organization as the “worst during the Olympics.” second half points.”So it’s if we want to Paes said he would reschedule ever”. play it or not, we really haven’t been school holidays to ensure fewer cars That prompted the IOC to create playing much defense all year. Just are on the roads and warned he may a task force to more closely oversee offense. And look where it got us.” call public holidays during the event, preparations.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 21ST, 2015 – FEBRUARY 28TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
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