APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
Website: www.suntci.com
VOLUME 11 - NO. 15
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MISSING MAN FOUND DEAD
Kevino Smith’s decomposing body found in Grand Turk By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor
T
he worst fears for the family of Kevino Smith were realized when on Thursday, April 16th, police stumbled upon human remains believed to that of the missing man in the Breezy Brae area of Grand Turk. The find immediately transform the usually sleepy Grand Turk in a buzz of activity, with persons from all walks of life, scrambling the vicinity to view the cordoned area where the remains were found. Shortly before 4p.m., morticians had removed the remains to the morgue where further investigations will be made to determine identity. The SUN learned that someone in the Breezy Brae area reportedly noticed a foul scent coming from the surroundings and after investigations saw a pack of dogs feasting on something at a certain area. Closer examination revealed that the dogs were gorging on what appeared to be a decomposing body. The police were called in, and they immediately cordoned off the area. Reporters saw a pathologist visiting the area. While the police are tightlipped on whether or not they believed that the remains belong to the man who they initially fingered as a person of interest in a gun incident, and later as a victim, residents and some family members are already accepting that the remains are his. No one from the grief-stricken family was willing to speak with the media, which turned up at their home to get reaction. Smith’s mother Martha “Patty” Smith was inconsolable, while other family members were seen comforting each other. Some persons were heard calling for justice, a clear sign that not only did they believe the remains belonged to Smith, but also that he was murdered. Meantime, Government’s Appointed Member to the House of Assembly, Ruth Blackman, took to social media to make a thickly-veiled confirmation. “Today is perhaps a bitter sweet day for the family, friends and wellwishers of the late Kevino aka “Bah” Smith. The country stood with the family and the friends closest to “Bah”, Eddie and Couch, and others
The scores of parked motor vehicles seen in this image told the story of the buzz that Grand Turk was transformed into, after police discovered human remains said to be that of Kevino Smith, who went missing almost two months ago. At right (right inset) are investigators collecting information at the scene. At left (inset) is a photo of Kevino Smith. ( Photo By Edwin Astwood ) never gave up on finding him dead or alive. As a people, we now ought to thank the police for their tireless and dedicated efforts in pushing every lead. Patty (Smith’s mother), dear, you stood strong and you stood on God’s promises,” Blackman said. Family members, on March 6th, reported Smith as missing after the police began their investigation of a reported gun incident at a residence on that island. From the incident, the police tagged him as a person of interest in their investigations. The police said that following the incident they uncovered a number of strange happenings until family members reported him missing. On Thursday, April 2, 2015, the police held a news conference at the Chalk Sound Police Station in Providenciales, to update the public
on how their investigations were going. Assistant Commissioner of Police Wayne Jones, who spoke at the event, said that the police had been relentless in their search. “On Wednesday, March 4, 2015, about 11:45p.m., a report was made to the Grand Turk Police Station requesting police assistance at the residence of the Ashton’s Family in Breezy Brae, Grand Turk. Two officers were dispatched to the scene, where an occupant of the residence reported to them of an alleged serious incident involving the use of a firearm. “That same night officers conducted a search around the surrounding area for the suspect, who is reported to be Kevino Smith, but he was not located. On Thursday, March 5, officers were called to Kevino Smith’s residence at Osbourne Road in Grand Turk, where
an old unused pick-up truck was on fire, which the police, with assistance from persons in the community extinguished. Smith was not at the residence,” Jones pointed out. He said that another vehicle owned by Smith was found in Breezy Brae on Thursday, March 5, and removed to the Grand Turk Police Station for investigation purposes, and on March 6, his mother Martha ‘Patty’ Smith, reported that she had not seen Smith March 4, and that he had apparently gone missing. Jones said that since Smith went missing, the police interviewed and took statements from a number of persons, and used search warrants to enter a number of premises, from which they removed a number of possessions that they believed could assist them in their investigation.
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APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
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APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
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Government aware of lawsuit against Ritz Carlton developer The Turks and Caicos Islands and their proposals in the TCI. As Government says it is aware that due diligence is an ongoing process, we developers of the Ritz Carlton project continue to request information from are involved in a law suit in the USA. Desarrollos and other sources. In response to recent media “Since 2012, this work has been led reports concerning civil legal action by the Government’s Investment in the US involving developer Walter Unit using several internationally Stipa and his companies, the Turks recognised systems for corroborating and Caicos lslands Government states and checking investor information, the following in relation to Stipa’s including: Thomson Reuters’ World$224m development: “We are aware Check, a leading global ‘know your of the civil lawsuit against members customer’ software system; Lexis of the Desarrollos Hotelco group. We Nexis’ World Compliance, another are in receipt of representations from leading anti-money laundering, and their attorneys, and note that those risk and compliance screening tool. As involved have filed defences in the US part of the Government’s due diligence courts. requirements the Desarrollos Hotelco “Despite local speculation to the group has also provided corporate contrary, the development land for documentation to substantiate the five star Desarrollos Ritz Carlton shareholders and directors. development was purchased privately. “In addition, the Desarrollos No Crown Land has been transferred Ritz Carlton development in the TCI or leased to the Desarrollos Hotelco is being substantially financed by group. However, an application has Marriott, a world leading luxury hotel been made for the leasing of a parcel chain. Marriott too met with the TCI of land of 0.46 acres in size. The land Government to demonstrate their was publicly tendered and the tender commitment to the success of this having now closed, is being processed five star development. Desarrollos in accordance with the requirements of and Marriott have a proven track our Crown Land Ordinance.” record of having already developed The press release said the four successful resorts together in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Caribbean region.” Government takes its governance and Desarrollos Hotel Group plans anti-corruption responsibilities “very to build a $224 million hotel, resort, serious indeed”. casino and spa project in the Turks The statement continued: “As and Caicos with works beginning in such, we have carried out appropriate the fall of 2015. The project is located due diligence works with regards to in the Grace Bay area of the island of Mr Stipa’s Desarrollos Hotelco group Providenciales. The project includes
CARIBBEAN AVIATION MAINTENANCE SERVICES IS SEEKING: AIRCRAFT MECHANICS Experience working on piston and turbo-propeller aircraft. Responsible for inspecting, servicing, repairing and testing aircraft, engines and related systems as directed. Read, understand and work from aircraft maintenance manuals and specifications. Salary commensurate with experience. All positions require the following: - Excellent command of the English language - reading, writing andspeaking. - Good communication skills and team player - Detail oriented & organized individual - Ability to work shifts, early mornings, late nights, weekends and holidays. - Clean police record - Able to work under pressure - Belongers need only apply.
Interested person should apply to: HR@intercaribbean.com or via fax to HR Department 649-946-4040. No phone calls please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interview.
124 hotel rooms, penthouses, resort residences and associated facilities. In a press release on the matter, the Opposition PDM stated: “We believe that there is sufficient cause for the Government to address the fears and confusion that rests with the people of these Islands. We are therefore calling on the Government to address its people on this important issue. The PDM and the people of these Islands wish to be assured that this project is a viable one especially following the revelations that this Rufus Ewing led PNP Government has committed substantial investment concessions. This project has given the country great pause to expect
the anticipation of much needed investment into the country and the country needs to be assured that it is the type of investment that we welcome in this new chapter of our country’s existence. On behalf of the people I will publicly ask in the House of Assembly several questions that are pertinent and relevant. But we must ask publicly now, WHY ARE THESE ISSUES being ignored by THE GOVERNMENT and why is it that the Rufus Ewing led PNP Government is NOT WILLING TO ADDRESS the TCI people about it? We welcome an urgent closure to this matter.”
TURKS AND CAICOS POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT Her Excellency, the Acting Governor, Officio), President TCICC (Ex-Officio); Anya Williams, chaired the 11th • Advised Her Excellency, the Acting meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday Governor to approve the appointment of 15th April 2015 at the Hilly Ewing the following members to the Fisheries Building on Providenciales. Advisory Committee in accordance with Part V of the Fisheries Protection All Ministers were present. Ordinance; Director DEMA (Chairman), Franklyn Lockhart (Member), Kingsley At this meeting Cabinet: Been (Member), Doreen Cox (Member), Philip Robinson (Member), Samuel •Received a presentation from the Been (Member); Ministry of Tourism, Environment, •Advised Her Excellency, the Acting Culture and Heritage setting out Governor, to approve the following proposed revisions to the National appointments to the respective Caicos Parks Ordinance. The revisions District Boards; follow a review of the protected areas Middle Caicos District - District undertaken by the National Parks Commissioner (Ex-Officio), Ernest Committee. Cabinet reviewed the Forbes (Chairman), Ilona Smith revisions and made recommendations (Member), Garnett Outten (Member), for inclusion in a National Parks Order. Evan Williams (Member), Brenda The matter will return to Cabinet in Harvey (Member), Cabrine Harvey due course for further consideration (Member), Veldon Robinson (Member), at which point it will be released for Supervisor Public Works (Expublic consultation; Officio), Police Officer (Ex-Officio), • Received an update from the Environmental Health Officer (ExMinister of Border Control and Officio), Clerical Officer to DC Middle Labour on the migration of British Caicos (Secretary); passport issuance to the UK. Printing North Caicos District - District of passports in the UK will commence Commissioner (Ex-Officio), Celab in June 2015. The Ministry will issue Taylor (Chairman), Tueton Williams a press release to inform the general (Member), Lawrence (Mack) Campbell public about the new arrangements in (Member), Melva Williams (Member), due course; Norma Taylor (Member), Dorothy •Advised Her Excellency, the Acting Gardiner (Member), Stephen Walkin Governor, to approve the following (Member), Supervisor Public Works appointments to the Turks and Caicos (Ex-Officio), Police Officer (Ex-Officio), Islands Community College Board of Environmental Health Officer (ExGovernors in accordance with Section Officio), Clerical Officer DC North 4 of the Community College Ordinance Caicos (Secretary); 2009; Deveraux Malcolm (Chairman), South Caicos District - District Keno Forbes (Deputy Chairman), Commissioner (Ex-Officio), Kathleen Rendono Williams (Member), Elwood Durham (Chairperson), Alvin Parker Harvey (Member), Sharon Simons (Member), Norman Cox (Member), (Member), Principal TCICC (Member), Kenrick Hall (Member), Raquel Basden Mary Lightbourne (Secretary), (Member), Patrice Thomas (Member), Permanent Secretary Education (Ex- Wally Lewis (Member), Supervisor Officio), Permanent Secretary Finance Public Works (Ex-Officio), Police Officer (Ex-Officio); (Ex-Officio), Environmental Health •Advised Her Excellency, the Acting Officer (Ex-Officio), Clerical Officer DC Governor, to approve the following South Caicos (Secretary); appointments to the Education Salt Cay District District Advisory Committee in accordance with Commissioner (Ex-Officio), Allan Section 8 of the Education Ordinance Dickenson (Member), Gladys Kennedy 1998; Thashena Adderley (Chairman), (Member), Holton Dickenson (Member), Renanldo Forbes (Deputy Chairman), Maurice Simmons (Member), Patricia Daphny Williams (Member), Cereocia Simmons (Member), Candida Pratt (Member), Tamera Robinson Herwin (Member), Gary Lightbourne (Member), Georgina Been (Member), (Member), Supervisor Public Works Garde Alleyne (Secretary), Permanent (Ex-Officio), Police Officer (Ex-Officio), Secretary Education (Ex-Officio), Environmental Health Officer (ExChairman TCICC Board of Governors Officio), Clerical Officer DC Salt Cay (Ex-Officio); (Secretary); • Advised Her Excellency, the Acting •Advised Her Excellency, the Acting Governor, to approve the following Governor, to approve the appointment appointments to the Higher Education of the following private sector members Advisory Board in accordance with to the Board of Invest Turks and Caicos Section 14 of the Universities, Colleges, Islands; Anton Faesler (Chairman) and Training Institutes Ordinance; and Tremmaine Swann-Harvey Elry Lightbourne (Chairman), Sonia (Deputy Chairman). The appointments Williams (Deputy Chairman), Jerry commence on the 1st April 2015 for a Clerveaux (Member), Nadene Harvey three year period; (Member), Jennifer Glinton (Member), Further information on these matters Mary Lightbourne (Secretary), will be provided by Ministers in due Permanent Secretary Education (Ex- course.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
PDM bashes Finance Minister for over-looking locals for Invest TCI top post The People Democratic Movement has accused Finance Minister Washing Misick of side-stepping locals but favouring an expatriate to head the newly created statutory body – Invest TCI. They said that the individual Misick is favouring has recently resigned as a senior contracts officer. The following is the full statement from the PDM over the issue. “The PDM has been reliably informed that the Rufus Ewing led PNP Administration is once again by passing its people and is blatantly committing some of the said same acts that we frown upon in the Private Sector. This latest assault on its people, more directly under the Hon Washington Misick,
will see a senior contract officer in one of the Statutory Bodies under Misick’s portfolio who has been met with personal challenges under that contract, favored and positioned to head up the new Statutory Body recently supported by the PDM - the new Invest TC which is also under Misick’s portfolio. We understand that the contract officer has tendered his resignation a few months ahead of the end of his current contract and may still enjoy full gratuity privileges while moving to this new post. Persons we have spoken to have not seen nor did we see the position advertised. This says to us that there were no real attempts to make this a bonafide Turks and Caicos empowering experience. It
is certainly not cliché to say that there are qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders who are more than qualified to hold this position and who have experience in the area. We maintain that there are Turks and Caicos Islanders who could certainly lead in positioning Turks and Caicos Islands for growth which it did experience under a Turks and Caicos Islands CEO before. This Government, also by this move, is saying to our young Turks and Caicos Islanders that they are prepared to remain stuck in an era that is long past and not to allow new and innovative ideas heralded by younger persons to see the light of day. Only a few months ago, as a Question in Parliament, the Party’s Leader Hon
TI Summajam 2015 will be sizzling Organizers of the popular Grand Turk Island Annual Festival, TI Summajam, are finalizing plans for this year’s 3 day cultural celebrations which will take place Thursday, June 25th and Friday, 26th at the Victoria Public Library Courtyard, climaxing on Saturday, June 27th at Summajam Village and the Parade Grounds. In what promises to be another dazzling, dynamic display of culture, music, talent, entertainment, sporting competition, and fun for all ages, this year’s central theme and driving force of the festival will be focused on recognizing and “Holding Up Our Very Own” local talent and will feature: The Miss Teen Grand Turk Pageant (with the winner representing Grand Turk in the Miss Teen Turks and Caicos
Pageant); The Miss Grand Turk Pageant (with the winner representing Grand Turk in the Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Pageant); A Junkanoo Rush Exhibition; An Early Morning Jump Up; Horse and Donkey Rides; Greasy Pig Competition; Softball and Volleyball Tournament; Cultural Games; Open Karaoke Contest; and Live band performances by all Grand Turk Bands Young ladies interested in entering the Miss Teen Grand Turk and Miss Grand Turk Pageants; persons interested in participating in any of the events or operating food or vendor booths; and persons / companies interested in sponsoring / supporting any of the events should contact committee members Brenda Lightbourne, Thelma Van Alstine or Rita Gardiner before May 31st.
7,247 voters in Turks and Caicos Islands Supervisor of Elections Mr. Lister Dudley Lewis has commenced the publication of the 2015 Register of Electors in accordance with the election ordinance 2012, allowing Turks and Caicos Islands to view the list of voters. This Register of Electors shows seven thousand two hundred and forty
seven (7,247) verified electors. The Supervisor has arranged for the Register of Electors to be placed at seventy two (72) locations across the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Register is also issued for inspection at the Governor’s Office, Elections Department Grand Turk and Providenciales.
Sharlene Robinson raised these type practices of having guest workers move from contract to contract without leaving this country and with inflated qualifications in job advertisements to suit the persons intended to be employed. Again, we see a worse experience where there may not have been an advertisement and if so, a not well circulated one. We are calling out the Government and charging them with one of the most offensive act against its people. When the Government of this country makes this statement, it loses the moral authority to champion these issues for its people in the public and private sector. This Government does not practice what it preaches.
This Government continues to demonstrate its lack of care for the abuses our people suffer and with this move, only adds insult to injury. We are calling on the Government to explain this move to the people of this country. We need to understand the procedure followed in this matter – its advertising and recruitment process. The Government needs to tell its people why it feels that it should bypass qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders who have experience and who can be empowered so as to make the return of Invest TC a true bonafide Turks and Caicos experience. The PDM has been fighting these types of injustices and will continue to represent our people on these issues. “
OASIS DIVERS is seeking applications from
suitably qualified candidates for the following positions. The successful applicants must:
SERVERS / BARTENDERS
-Have at least 5 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, experience in the tourism would be an asset -Possess the ability to remain calm in a high stress environment -Be well spoken with English as primary language -Have a valid passport -Be at least 25 years old -Have a clean criminal record -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business
BEACH ATTENDANTS
-Have a clean criminal record -Have a valid passport -Hold a valid certification in CPR and First Aid -Have at least 3 years’ experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. -Must be able to swim -Must be physically fit and well presented with a trustworthy and reliable disposition -Excellent communication, inter-personal and customer service skills with English as primary language -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders Written applications only and accompanying CVs/resumes must be addressed to the Manager at the following address: Cee’s Plaza, Suite No. 1 Church Folly PO Box 86 Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Islands OASIS DIVING, LTD. c/o EPIC Corporate & Consultancy Services Ltd. Phone: 649-946-1128 Fax: 649-946-1128 Email: oasisdiv@tciway.tc
APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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David Smith’s defense to make submission against his extradition Defence lawyers in the David Smith extradition case plan to make a submission for his retention in the Turks and Caicos when the case resumes in June. The latest twist in the case is a walk-back by the defense to challenge the affidavit through crossexamination of its author Bruce Ambrose, a United States District Court official. The prosecution decided to withdraw the application after discovering case files that go against its challenge. The prosecution told the court on Wednesday April 8, 2015, that the local authorities were in receipt of the United States extradition order for Smith to be sent to that country to serve the 30-year sentence imposed on him by a US District Judge in August 2011 after he pleaded guilty to theft and wire fraud charges. But Oliver Smith, lead defense for David Smith, argued that the defense would need to crossexamine Ambrose on the content of the Affidavit, which was not made available to the media. He said that Smith’s extradition should not rely solely on the document, disclosing that the defense should be given the opportunity to challenge the contents of the affidavit, which he said could only come through cross-examining its author.
David Smith Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner, however, disclosed that granting such an offer could be construed as the local court trying the case for the United States. He then chided the defense for not informing the court beforehand that it would be taking that route, saying also that the crime for which David Smith was sentenced was extraditable. The chief magistrate said that had he known Smith would challenge the affidavit, he would have prepared himself by way of research. He also told the defense that he could not go against an agreement between parties on a diplomatic level. The judge nonetheless, granted the defense request to provide for cross-examination of the affidavit, who on the following day decided to drop that challenge, deciding instead to make an application to the court
Turks and Caicos Sun
as to why his client should not be extradited. Smith was released release from his six and a half year sentence in January – after serving three years on theft charges. He release, The SUN learned, was by virtue of good behaviour. He release should have been followed by his extradition to the United States to serve the three decade sentence handed to him in August 2011. But his attorneys argued that an agreement between Smith and the US prosecutor, who promised to make an application to the sentencing judge to reduce his sentence. But the defense said that the prosecutor apparently reneged on the promise hence Smith’s challenge the extradition.
Suite#5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 946-8542 Fax: (649) 941-3281 Email: sun@suntci.com Read us online at www.suntci.com
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce Senior Editor: Vivian Tyson Office Manager: Dominique Rigby Graphic designer Information Technology and Production Manager: Kelano Howell The Turks and Caicos SUN is a subsidiary of The SUN Media Group Ltd. We are committed to excellence in journalism, educating and informing our readers, serving and satisfying our advertisers and assisting in the overall development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Oliver Smith
Graceway IGA Supermarket invites applications from suitable qualified individuals to fill the listed vacancies: Stocker / Driver Summary of Duties and Responsibilities •Stock shelves, sort and rotate merchandise while monitoring, expiration dates, removing expired Items from shelves and appropriate storage areas. •Transport products and runs errands between stores •Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Department Manager Requirements/Qualifications •Applicants must be able to read, speak and understand the English Language and will be expected to sit and pass an in-house Math and English Test •Must be able to work holidays, weekends and early / late shifts •Must have a clean driving C-E or B Class License •Must be able to lift product boxes and equipment up to 75 1bs •Must be able to bend, stoop and reach; Must be able to stand for extended periods •Must provide a clean police record Salary rate per hr: $7.50 Summary of Duties and Responsibilities •Stock shelves, sort and rotate merchandise while monitoring, expiration dates, removing expired Items from shelves and appropriate storage areas. •Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Department Manager Salary rate per hr: $7.00 Requirements/Qualifications •Applicants must be able to read, speak and understand the English Language and will be expected to sit and pass an in-house Math and English Test •Must be able to work holidays, weekends and early / late shifts •Must be able to lift product boxes and equipment up to 75 1bs •Must be able to bend, stoop and reach; Must be able to stand for extended periods •Must provide a clean police record Please visit our main office complex located Graceway IGA Supermarket Leeward Hwy; to complete our employment application and sit a basic Math’s and English test. Deadline for receiving applications is; April 20th 2015. TCI Belongers only need apply
ROYAL WEST INDIES RESORT ROYAL WEST INDIES RESORT, is looking for motivated proactive individuals to join its ‘Resort Team’ and contribute to this growing Condominium Resort. Candidates MUST want to actively participate in creating an excellent and professional guest experience. •WASTE WATER MAINTENANCE •HOUSEMAN •GARDENER •LABOURER •POOL ATTENDANT
Requirements: •MUST speak English and the ability to write and read English •Ability to maintain pools and hot tub chemicals and maintenance issues related to same •Fit and able for heavy lifting •Personality suited for the hotel industry •Must be customer friendly •Willing to work split shifts, holidays and weekends. •Knowledge of waste water treatment plants •Knowledge of Commercial Laundry Equipment including propane systems •Air Conditioning systems, Fire Alarm systems, Domestic Water systems including Water Heaters •Irrigation systems •Greet and escort guests to room •Monthly housekeeping inventory •Daily replenishment of room items and restocking of closets •Daily cleaning of buildings •Must be able to work on weekends and public holidays
Wages $6.50/hour All resumes and applications must be forwarded to: Royal West Indies Resort P.O. Box 482, Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands You may also fax to: (649)946-5008
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Very inactive hurricane season The Caribbean is forecast to have a 22 percent chance of hurricane hitting the region for the upcoming season, dropping way below the average, which is 42 percent, according to Dr. Phil Klotzbach and Dr. Bill Gray, meteorologists at Colorado State University. The two are predicting that there will be seven named storms, three of which will upgrade to hurricanes, with one becoming intense and an Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) of 40. They said that the long-term averages for the period 1971 and 2010 were 12 named storms, 6.5 hurricanes, two intense hurricanes, and a 92 ACE. The predicted performance of the upcoming season, they claim, is based on two significant events – a weakening of the weather pattern known as El Niño and cooler waters.
The claimed that a weak El Niño event is underway in the Eastern Pacific, and is expected to intensify by this fall. They said that if El Niño conditions were present this fall, would likely bring about a quiet Atlantic hurricane season due to increased upper-level winds over the tropical Atlantic, creating wind shear designed to tear storms apart. Klotzbach and Gray further noted that sea surface temperatures in the Main Development Region (MDR) for hurricanes from the Caribbean to the coast of Africa between 10 degrees north and 20 degrees north were much cooler than average in the eastern tropical Atlantic, and near average in the Caribbean in March 2015. They said that much of this unusual cooling was due to
a persistent positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) since November 2014. A positive phase of the NAO is associated with a strengthened Bermuda-Azores High and faster trade winds across the tropical Atlantic. The faster winds increase mixing of cool water to the surface. The Department of Disaster Management, in response to what can be construed as good news for the Caribbean and the Turks and Caicos Islands, is still asking islanders to not let down their guard, but continue to make the necessary preparations. In a news released the department stated: “:Despite the forecast for a below-average hurricane season residences of the Turks and Caicos Islands are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making
landfall to make it an active season for them. Therefore the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies encourages all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands to prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted. Residents are reminded that they are not to become complacent as a result of the forecast, but instead should maintain a state of readiness at all times. This is imperative if the country is to become resilient to disaster impacts.” Klotzbach and Gray said the 12 named storms will come from this list: Ana, Bill , Claudette, Danny, Erika, Fred, Grace, Henri, Ida, Joaquin, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor and Wanda.
Government advises against illegal road cutting
The Ministry of Government Support Services, GSS, is reminding the general public, that road-cutting for whatever reason is illegal and anyone found doing so can face criminal charges. According to Schedule 1, paragraph 3 of the Electricity Ordinance, only public suppliers (utility companies) such as Fortis, PTV, Provo Water, LIME, Digicel and DigiPlay are allowed to carry out such road cuts, with the approval
of the Public Works Department (PWD). These companies are required to fill out a road cutting and re-instatement application form, which outlines the requirements which must be met before permission is given to proceed with the road cut. Re-instatement of the road must be carried out by a Public Works approved road paving contractor. The Public Works Department, is making every effort
Dock in Blue Hills to be renovated
Kendell Higgs the owner of Unlimited Contracting has been given the contract to refurbish the dock in Blue Hills. Mr. Higgs said that all of the old material will be torn down and taken off to install new material. He also stated that the dock is going to be raised from the original height and made a few feet taller. They are going to use the same
material as the one that they had before but it is going to be specified for water. The Material used before was water proof but it did not get the proper treatment. Walter Bobby Morris informs that with better treatment it could have been in better condition. Mr. Higgs also states that the dock will be completed in about roughly 6 weeks.
to ensure that the road network remains in good condition by reconstructing and upgrading as many roads in the Turks and Caicos Islands as the budget allows. The general public is further reminded that in accordance with section 21 (1) (b) of the Crown Land Ordinance, which states: “A person who, without lawful authority-constructs any building or structure on Crown land, clears any Crown land, or
undertakes any other work on Crown land commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $10,000 or imprisonment for 6 months and on conviction on indictment to a fine of $50,000 or imprisonment for 5 years, or both.” To assist in this effort, the public is asked to report anyone seen doing road cuts or any other damage to the government road system or PWD or the Police Department.
APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TCI economy improving,says Finance Minister The economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands is showing remarkable signs of improvement, says Minister of Finance Hon. Washington Misick. While delivering the budget speech in the House of Assembly recently, Misick noted that last year was the second consecutive year of positive economic growth for the Turks and Caicos Islands. “Real GDP growth in the Turks and Caicos Islands on average is expected
to be in the region of 3 percent over the next 3 years,” he said. “Indications are that our strong tourist season last year will continue. By way of an example, in the first three months of 2015, it has been nearly impossible to find a hotel room on either Grand Turk or Providenciales. Indeed, some venues are reporting that they are fully booked for the next few weeks when we would normally see things begin to tail off.”
He added: “While we are mindful that harsh winter conditions in North America contributed to this performance, this is also a testimony of the strength and success of our tourism sector.” The Finance Minister said the recovery in the tourism sector is based on the ongoing cyclical expansion in major source markets, in particular the USA. Noting that the tourism sector is
recovering, he reported that stay-over arrivals recorded robust growth of 49.9 percent in 2014; cruise ship passenger arrivals increased by 24.8 percent; which saw 971,838 passengers land in 2014; and the Hotel and Restaurants sector of the GDP grew by 6.1 per cent in 2014. In other sectors, Construction activity increased by approximately 4 percent in 2014 and should see further growth in 2015 and 2016.
National Honours and Awards domination ends June 30 Persons desirous of making nomination to the National Honours and Awards Committee for its inaugural National Honours and Awards Ceremony in October this year have until June 30, 2015 to do so, according to chairman for the committee Dr. Linda Williams. Williams, who along with other members of the committee, making an appearance on the Radio Turks and Caicos’ (RTC) talk show – Expressions - said that late entries will be retained for next year’s event. Williams said that there will be six categories of awards from Meritorious Service to National Hero. Williams said that the Order of National Hero, which can be conferred on a living person or posthumously, is to bestow just one award per year. Two persons will be conferred with the Order of the Turks and Caicos Islands per year. Last year Dorothy McCartney, wife of sole National
Williams was quick to point Empire) CBE. So, having the National Hero JAGS McCartney, was the first to receive the honour. Four persons out that the National Honours and Honours and Awards Committee now will get the Patriotic Award, which is Awards have nothing to do with the in place, we are looking straight across the board; persons from every walk of given to persons who demonstrate a awards issued by the UK. “I want to make it clear life, who have made a contribution. keen sense of national consciousness and service of sacrifice to the country. that the National Honors and Awards “It is the members of the public Meritorious Service Medal is Scheme has no linkages with the who will have the responsibility to to recognize those who engage in awards that are process through the nominate persons who they think what is described as challenging work Governor’s Office because that is should receive some sort of awards,” and must perform brave acts for the the Queen’s awards – two distinctly Clare said. benefit of human beings, whether in different schemes. The focus is on The committee is made up of seven the TCI or elsewhere. The National recognizing the contributions made in members. They are Dr. Linda Young Achievers Medal recognizes a meaningful and significant way by Williams – Chairman; Karen Misick; those between 12 and 25 years old members of our communities and all Agnes Swann, Dr. Conrad Howell; Williams Bill Clare; O’Neill Delancy in the area of academia, culture, levels of the system,” she said. For his part, William Bill Clare, and Llewellyn Handfield. Ronlee performing arts and sports. There is no limit to those who will conferred a member of the committee said that James is secretary to the board. the National Honours and Awards Booklets outlining the categories of with the honour. The Long Service Award is to will recognize many of those that the awards and the entry forms will be available at churches and local stores. specifically recognize outstanding and UK has overlooked for recognition. exemplary public service to islanders, “You can make a list of those persons The list of recipients is to release in who serve for a minimum period of at who were fortunate to get an MBE August, with the event to take place least 20 years. The Patriotic Award (Member of the British Empire), an in October during National Heritage is divided into two categories – Gold OBE (Order of the British Empire) Month. and one (Commander of the British and Silver.
Chukka Caribbean Adventures (TCI) Ltd., a leading Nature Adventure tour company with affiliated facilities in Jamaica and Belize invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the following position: The successful applicants must:
COUNTRY MANAGER
➢Tertiary level qualification in Business/ Tourism/Financial Management. ➢Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Management, and Hospitality Sector ➢Valid Clean Driver’s License ➢Highly Professional and Ethical standards of Leadership with a passion for nature and the environment. ➢Excellent Computer skills and proficiency at Microsoft Office Suite and good technological literacy is essential. ➢Positive and disciplined attitude toward work in a fast pace, multi-tasking customer service oriented business, with ability to handle complaints and work under pressure ➢Excellent verbal and written communication, with Networking skills ➢Excellent analytical, inter-personal and customer service skills. ➢Ability to recruit and appraise staff performance as well as have a strong track record of fostering team work and motivating staff with multi-cultural differences. ➢Must be willing and able to work outdoors, flexible hours, including on weekends and public holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business
Suitable candidates that do not meet the above requirements may, at the sole discretion of the Company’s management team, be eligible for consideration in circumstances where they demonstrate a clear willingness to embrace the Company’s in-house training initiatives and established standard operating policies and procedures. Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Written applications only and accompanying CVs/Resumes must be addressed to the Board of Directors at the following address: CHUKKA CARIBBEAN ADVENTURES (TCI) LTD. C/o EPIC Corporate & Consultancy Services Ltd. Cee’s Plaza, Suite No. 1 Church Folly P.O Box 86 Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Islands Phone: 649-332-1339 Fax: 649-946-1570 Email: gtadminmgr@chukka.com
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands. 1.Parcel 60505/90 Blue Hills and Stamers Run, Providenciales. Single storey with a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom attached to a two storey block comprising two one bedroom apartments, each with a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom on 0.20 acre. Registered Proprietor: Daudane Ivis Taylor 2.Parcel 50201/66 Whitby, North Caicos. Undeveloped land located north of King’s Highway near Whitby settlement, approx. 0.5 acre. Registered Proprietor: Frankie Narine Soman 3.Parcel 61108/84 Long Bay Hills, Providenciales. Single storey main house with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, dining/living room, formal living room, powder room, laundry room. Duplex on site consisting of a one bedroom, one bathroom, living room, kitchen with laundry room unit and a two bedroom, one bathroom, living room, kitchen with laundry room unit on approx. 0.99 acre. Registered Proprietor: Paulamae Dianne Williams 4.Parcel 20304/42, Cockburn Harbour, South Caicos. Two storey with two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen, dining room and laundry room on main level. Second level consists of five bedrooms, two bathrooms, living/dining room, kitchen, family room and laundry room on second level on 0.45 acre. Registered Proprietors: Henry Cornelius Handfield and Joanne Cynclair Handfield 5.Parcel 10409/152 East Suburbs, Grand Turk. Single storey with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining room, family room and laundry room on 1 acre. Registered Proprietor: Alexa Lawanda Cooper 6.Parcel 61113/88 Long Bay, Providenciales. Single storey with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining room, family room and laundry room on 0.49 acre. Registered Proprietors: Terrence McLean Robinson and Loretta Rocal Robinson The auction will be held at the office of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 24th day of April 2015. A reserved price will be fixed on all parcels and a deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.
APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 11
LOCAL NEWS
HIV to fall in primary care category
By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor Health care providers in the Turks and Caicos Islands will now treat HIV/AIDS as any other chronic illness as the Ministry of Health seeks to integrate the sickness into its mainstream medical care. Aldora Robinson, Head of the National AIDS Programme said that a pilot to last for six months will take place, with implementation to follow. She said that the pilot will assist the ministry to see what are some of the adjustments needed to be made. “In order to prepare us for the sixmonth pilot, we need to train (health care providers); training, as far as HIV management is concerned,” Robinson, who was speaking to the media at the three-day workshop at the DEMA office on Monday, to sensitize local healthcare provider on the move and steps, said. Dr. Phillipa Pratt from the Bahamas was the consultant for the three-day event. Pratt is a registrar in infectious diseases in the Bahamas. Robinson said that as part of improving the HIV/AIDS health care deliver, the ministry would buttress its testing mechanism. “We will also step up our testing, so that we will offer point-of-care testing,” she said. Robinson said also that under the pilot, the ministry would offer private care HIV testing. “We are looking to test more so that we know genuinely what the Turks and Caicos Epidemiology profile looks like,” she said.
Dr. Phillipa Pratt She said that many countries in recent time have been moving from treating HIV/AIDS as an isolated ailment, which she said allowed for discrimination, but rather to have such patients visit primary health care facilities on any given day as other patients, to seek medical care. “We are not late, we are not the first, but we are ahead of many of the Caribbean countries on this integration process. A lot of countries are trying to integrate their services because HIV is looked at now as a chronic illness, and you have to manage it as such, and so, it is to become part of the everyday primary healthcare,” she said, noting that the change is a multipronged approach. “It has to do with cost, stigma and sustainability,” she added. Robinson said that from the first case in the 1980s to 2012, approximately 560 persons reportedly contracted HIV/AIDS in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She said that
the figures might not represent an accurate picture of the true number, since not all persons have been tested. “We have to think about persons who are infected and how many partners they have, and so, how many others may be infected out there. We don’t know. My concern at the moment is that, we are finding that persons becoming HIV positive younger like late teens, early 20s. So it does mean that I have to do a little more work as far as the teen population is concerned, and we also have to work with the older population, because this has to change,” she said. In the meantime, Robinson said that the health ministry has managed to eliminate the incidence of babies contracting HIV or syphilis from their mothers. “We haven’t had any babies born with HIV recently, and we have had quite a few of our clients pregnant, but we have managed to treat and to ensure that there was no transmission. And we are working on that initiative now to ensure that we can say that we have eliminated HIV and syphilis in babies,” Robinson said. In the meantime, Pratt said the decision to bring HIV/AIDS into the mainstream of healthcare is a good thing, since those doctors mainstay of the health system. “The doctors in primary care are the backbone and the mainstay of medicine and more comfortable in managing HIV positive patients.HIV is not a death sentence anymore. People don’t just get HIV and die tomorrow. People can live long with HIV, aging essentially life expectancy,
Aldora Robinson so it is a good idea for HIV to move into primary care, where those doctors are familiar in dealing with everything else like hypertension, diabetes that HIV-positive patients also have,” she said. She continued: “We are thinking about HIV like a chronic disease like hypertension and diabetes, so the message is that you can live well with HIV, you can graduate, take care of your children and everything. So, it is important that people know their status, know it early so that they can get the treatments that they need in a comfortable environment, not thinking that you are going to go to a clinic and they know that you are there for HIV. “But you can go with anybody else, who is coming for regular cholesterol check-ups, pregnancy tests, STI screening, so know your status and come in for treatment in a comfortable place, knowing that the doctors there will also be able to take care of you, ensuring that you could live a long life,” Dr. Pratt said.
Background Information on Complaints Commissioner Officials. •The office of the Complaints Commissioner is enshrined under Section 99 of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution. •The Office of the Complaints Commissioner was first set up in 1994 in the Turks and Caicos Islands. •There have been three previous Complaints Commissioners: o Mr. Charles Been (1994-1999) o Mr. Albert Williams (1999-2006) o Mrs. Sadie Jean Williams (20062010)
•Maladministration, this is when a Government Department or Authority makes a wrong decision, acts outside its statutory authority and fails to take required action. Some examples are: oUnnecessary delays, bias, negligence. oFailure to follow proper procedures. oWrong decisions and improper service. oDiscourtesy.
•Mrs. Cynthia Astwood took up the appointment on September 1st, 2013.
•The Ombudsman is a small man’s institution because proceedings before him are informal, speedy and free of cost. •There is no fee for filing a complaint, nor is an Attorney at law required.
The Role of the Complaints Commissioner
Jurisdiction of the Complaints Commissioner
•The Office will not accept or address any grievances for investigation concerning the following persons or bodies as laid out under the Constitution in Schedule 1, Section 4 of the Complaints Commission (Ombudsman) Ordinance 16 of 1987 (March 1st, 1988): ➢The Governor ➢The Executive Council ➢The Legislative Council ➢The Chief Justice and any Judge of the Supreme Court and any Judge of the Court of appeal. ➢The Magistrate ➢The Police ➢The Chief Auditor and staff. Making a complaint
Complaints Commissioner Mrs. Cynthia Astwood •The Complaints Commissioner is an Ombudsman. •An Ombudsman, a word of Swedish origin, is an official appointed to receive, investigate and report on private citizens’ complaints about Government. •The Complaints Commissioner is appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition. •The Commissioner is wholly independent of all Government
•The office was established for the purpose of assisting aggrieved persons who believe that they have suffered injustices at the hands of Public Officers employed by Government Departments and Statutory Bodies. •The aim of the Office of the Complaints Commissioner is to investigate in a fair and independent manner complaints against Government to ascertain whether injustice has been caused by maladministration.
•In carrying out an investigation the Commissioner has the same powers as a Judge siting in the Grand Court. •The office will only seek to address complaints of an improper nature which include: ➢Grievances and conflicts in the workplace. ➢Performance issues. ➢Discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age and etc. ➢Harassment and corrupt conduct. ➢Maladministration matters.
•Complaints must usually be made in writing and addressed to the Commissioner. •Complaints may be submitted via email, letter or by visiting the Office. •Upon receipt of complaint, it will be carefully and thoroughly scrutinized. •An investigation may follow to obtain substantial evidence from documents and witnesses that will be interviewed from both parties involved. •Investigations are carried out in the most confidential manner and without prejudice.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Turks and Caicos Reef Fund raises over $12,400
Some of the crowd at the TCRF Party The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF) hosted its 4th Annual Cocktail Party and Fundraiser on 25 March 2015 at the Provo Golf Club. Approximately 110 people attended the event where they were greeted with a glass of champagne generously donated by the IGA Supermarket. The guests enjoyed a sampling of the wonderful hors d’oeuvres. Special guest, Rob Stewart, the producer, director and star of the award-winning film Sharkwater, provided the attendees with information about the important role sharks play in maintaining healthy reefs. The event raised $12,405.00 for the TCRF through ticket sales, a silent auction and a raffle for a half-day cruise on the White Sands, a 42-foot, Africat motor yacht kindly donated by White Sands Cruises. After expenses, the TCRF has over $10,400 to invest in its various projects around the Turks &
Caicos Islands helping to preserve and protect the environment of the TCI. “We want to thank everyone who attended for supporting us and the various businesses and individuals who donated items for the silent auction,” said Don Stark, Chairman of the TCRF. “I have to extend a special thank you to the Provo Golf Club management and staff who helped to make the event such a big success and to Rob Stewart for his thoughtprovoking words. Congratulations also go out to Joel Goldfarb of New York who was the lucky winner of White Sands Cruises raffle prize.” “We were very pleased to see how community support has grown over the past five years for our organization and the work we have undertaken thus far. We are also very pleased that the Acting DEMA Director, Mr. Henry Wilson, attended the event as we have a very strong working relationship with his department. We look forward
to continuing to work with Mr. Wilson and DEMA on a responsible and comprehensive environmental strategy.” “Our goal is to put 85 cents of every dollar raised into various projects we have underway throughout the islands. In fact, we raised $12,405 at the event last Wednesday and, after expenses, we are able to put 84% of those dollars, or over$10,400 into project work. Our biggest project at present is the installation, maintenance and expansion of snorkel, yacht and dive boat moorings around all the islands, but especially in the Marine National Parks throughout the TCI. We also continue to expand our educational programs with another scholarship this year for a TCI student to attend a summer session at the School for Field Studies on South Caicos and a new elementary education program on the marine environment which we plan to unveil in the Fall of 2015.”
Founded in 2010, the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund is an all volunteer-run organization that provides funding for education, research and conservation programs to individuals, organizations and agencies that help to preserve and protect the environment of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Its goal is to have at least 85% of all funds raised through voluntary contributions from divers and snorkelers visiting the Turks & Caicos Islands directed to the Fund’s programs. Anyone wishing to donate or assist the TCRF in any way can contact them through their website, www.TCReef. org. Scuba divers visiting the islands are encouraged to make a $10 donation through the purchase of a dive tag that can be attached to their dive gear to show their support. Snorkelers visiting the islands can show their support through the $5 purchase of a pink or blue silicone wristband.
Gilley Williams, Art Pickering and Kristi Vestal enjoying the TCRF Party
Rob Stewart Addresses the Crowd at the TCRF Party
Shark Conservation Week Organizer, Tina Randall with a friendly shark who greeted guests at the TCRF
APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Mental health reaching troubling levels in TCI
By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor The Turks and Caicos Islands is facing a mental health crisis, and those in authority need to act now before it gets worst, according to Dr. Diana Joy Dizon, Mental Health practitioner in the Ministry of Health. Dr. Dizon made the revelation while addressing the Tamara MunroeButler Fundraising Prayer Breakfast on Mental Health at the Tropicana Show and Supper Club in the Bight on Saturday, April 11. Munroe-Butler, the daughter of prominent Turks and Caicos Islanders Bill and Claudette Clare, was accused of killing her young daughter – Bethany - in the Cayman Islands last year, due to mental illness. Dr. Dizon asserted that one of the biggest obstacles to effectively tackling mental health in the Turks and Caicos Islands is stigma, and as such, the illness is left to fester into what is becoming a crisis of what she describes as an epidemic of monumental proportion. “Mental illness should not be a disease charted by a stigma, and at some point, I hope that those in power will come to the conclusion that we are indeed facing an epidemic of monumental proportion in this country,” she said. She elucidated that mental health and medical health are of the
same nature, but the former has faced a great level of discrimination, which she said has been hampering the progress by both doctors and patients. She said that once the public knows that mental illness does not discriminate, but can affect anyone, probably the discrimination against those with the illness may cease, and a greater coalescing to fight the ailment may arise. “Mental illness is medical illness that does not discriminate based on cultural background, on age or socioeconomic background, and everyone is at risk of getting mental illness, just as we are at risk for developing cancer or another medical condition, and it is frightening that most of us just don’t want to think about it,” she said. She said that, like most other diseases, mental health illnesses can be treated effectively, but early detections is paramount for this to happen. “Mental illnesses are treatable. Early detection and treatment can prevent mental illness from worsening and improves the individual’s process for recovery. It is critical for a person to seek mental healthcare when he or she needs it. She said that a critical step to tackling mental illness is by first knowing what it is and the symptoms associated with it. “It is important for everyone, including providers , friends and family to be informed about the symptoms
of mental illness to be knowledgeable about the treatment of choice, and to have understanding of stigma and recovery,” she said. Dr. Dizon said that due to stigma of the disease, silence normally follows, adding that such hush persists when action should be taking place to address the matter. “I am urging everyone that is listening to help us fight discrimination Dr. Diana Joy Dizon against mental health individuals. They should be treated with respect, afford the same care and given the same privileges just like you and I,” she pleaded. For her part, Claudette Clare told the audience that once she found out that something was not right with Munroe-Butler, immediately sought advice. She said that she brought her daughter from Cayman to the TCI for a period of time, to live with her, so as to assist her overcome the ailment. She later returned to Cayman. She said that her world was rocked when she learned of the devastating news, telling the attendees
that the child was Munroe-Butler world. Some of MunroeButler’s former Clement Howell High School classmates, who attended the prayer breakfast, painted a glowing picture of her, telling of her effervescence and her cheerful spirit. A number of the church ministers, who attended the event, also participated. Bishop Sherlock Padmore prayed the opening prayer; Rev. Frednor Toussaint conducted the devotional; Pastor Derek Hamilton offered prayer for the Turks and Caicos Islands; Bishop Coleta Williams prayed for the Turks and Caicos Islands and for the clergy; Pastor Pedro Williams prayed for persons with mental illness; Ft. Bernard Been prayed for health care providers; Pastor Andrew Stone prayed for Munroe-Butler; while Pastor Wade Coleby prayed for the life of Bethany Butler. Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, his deputy Hon. Akierra Missick and Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith, Minister for Tourism, also attended the event.
Former gang member begs for opportunity “If you kick me out of school and I am too young to work, what do you want me to do?” That was the poignant questioned asked by a former gang member in Providenciales, who even got baptized as a public proclamation that he has turned over a new leaf. The former gang member said that he has witnessed a number of ills at school and in his community from rival gang members. He said that some of the attacks, which many times left persons injured, might not have been reported to the police because the victims wanted to exact revenge. He said that while there could be more, four are three major gangs on Providenciales: 545, located in Five Days; 318, based at Front Road, Blue Hills; KTB in Kew Town; and Blood City, situated in Blue Hills. The juvenile said that being part of a gang means that there are some turfs that are no go for them, since they run the risk of being attacked. The former gang member said that if the police want to easily put a serious dent in gang activities on Providenciales they should
look no further than the mega popular weekly tourist attraction – Fish Fry – since a lot of gang members armed with knives and machetes often hangout there to attack their opponents. Last Thursday (April 9, 2015), individuals wielding machetes and knives, attacked other patrons at the venue resulting in other attendees, including tourists, having to run for cover. It is not clear if police made any arrest. Already accepted that there are areas on Providenciales he would not dear go, especially alone because he feared for his life, the teen confessed that he is even afraid to attend church because he is terrified that gang members would come to get him. The boy said that he became a gang member because he wanted protection after a group of boys continued harassing on a daily basis and the school authorities were doing nothing to address the matter. He said he was eventually expelled from school because the institution saw him as a danger to the learning environment. He was enrolled in
another school, but he said that the then principal at his former school told the principal of his new school that he was a gang member. And as consequence, the school refused him entry. He said that the refusal took place at a time when he was trying to reform his life. He said that gang members in schools do not beat up on other students they deem non-gang members, but would often harass them for money. He said that it is tough to convince rival gangs that one has moved on from a high school gang alliance, especially if there was confrontation with rival gang members during school attendance. “Even if you want to stop, some of them would hold a grudge against you. Even if you leave the country and return, someone still wants to hurt you,” he said. He feels that the gang violence problem could be addressed even more effective but believes that the police are taking sides. He also believes that the deck is stacked against students of Haitian extraction, and even treated unfairly when they are innocent.
He said that in school, in addition to be part of a gang to secure protection; it is also fashionable because one gets admiration, especially from female students. He said that they, for some inexplicable rationale, find some level of attractiveness in gang members, especially if they frequently engage in fights. The former gang member said that some security officers and teachers at one of the institutions he once attended played a nourishing role in the gangs’ existence. He said that quite often students would turn up at school half drunk or with the smoke of marijuana high on their breaths. He said that some security officers at the institution often gave those students chewing gums to reduce the obvious alcohol and ganja smell on their breaths so they would not get into problems with the school administration. Asked why would security officers condone such behaviour by students, the juvenile said that it was for obtaining favors from the students, including putting in a word to a female student on their behalf. He said that some
persons decided to stick with the gangs after graduating, realizing that they are unable convince their rivals they have moved on, and they see no way out, unless they leave the country for good. He explained also that there are gangs in Grand Turk, North Caicos and South Caicos. While not revealing the names of the South Caicos and North Caicos gangs, the juvenile said he knows two rival gangs on Grand Turk - South Bush and Over Back. He told The SUN that other than Provo, he encountered no threats when he visits the other islands mainly because he does not align himself with any of those groups and running the risk of being targeted. In the meantime, the former gang member is cautioning his peers against joining such groups, explaining that it could create a blot on their record and make it difficult for them to obtain a good job. The teen said that while he had never been to Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk, spent time at the Chalk Sound Police, which his described as “not nice”.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
The Carrot By Damian Wilson
Often times when listening to our Hon. Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, and other ministers of government, discuss the economy, especially with respect to tourism industry related development, we hear them say that the wealth/ money will trickle down to the masses. While some of us seem to be receiving a portion of this so called trickle-down wealth, most of us are still waiting and still wanting. Figures, from the Strategic Planning and Policy Department (SPPD) show that the economy of the TCI is growing, since 2013. Forecast figures show that the economy has grown 4.6% in 2014. Many countries, especially some of Caribbean neighbours, do wish that could boast of such growth percentages. First Caribbean International Bank (FCIB), even announced recently that from its observation of several Caribbean countries, the TCI was second in regional economic growth.
This new economic high has the government feeling so good that it announced the increase in government spending, especially the civil servants re-grading , with lots of smiles and swagger. All on the back of tourism; but is this as good as we think? According to figures from SPPD, the sectors of Hotel & Restaurants and Accommodations combined for around 70% of GDP and GDP growth, while other than financial services, which was around 10% of growth, the rest of the TCI economy seemed very much flat. But what about the people of the TCI? Tourism development is often dangled in front of our faces as our saving grace, the only thing that can move the TCI forward. I often feel that we’re the donkey, the government the rider and tourism the carrot. Don’t get me wrong - I love tourism and I think that the industry can be a great thing for the people and
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT A Certified Public Accountant is required for a firm based in Providenciales. Applicants must have at least 10 years experience.
Salary commensurate with experience. Application must be submitted no later than Friday April 17 2015 to: Employment Department, F Corporate & Management Services Limited Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-333-7777 Email oa@fcorporatemsl.com DAVANYA S. DEVEAUX Immigration Personnel F Chambers Attorneys at Law 007 Emily House 1105 Leeward Highway P.O.Box 666 Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: 649 339 6275 or 649 331 6275
WANTED KADEEN AGENCY
Looking for a Marketing Manager with at least 10 or more year’s experience. Multilingual language will be an asset, Salary is on commission basis Interested person call 231-6565
1 Barber Applicant must be reliable a harder worker and also fluent in English and French Contact Number 2475812
KELO CAPRON
not just the government’s bottom line. When speaking with many Turks & Caicos Islanders, many barely feel the economic growth. In fact most don’t feel it at all. While TCIG approves multimillion dollar hotels, there seems to be no aim to build the skills capacity of locals beyond that of bartenders, waiters/ waitresses, or other labour intensive jobs. Tourism is now key - it used to be education! Educating our people is no longer the key to nation building, but rather making them fit in subordinate roles in the tourism industry is. How many local hotel CEOs do we expect in the next 10 years? We’ve been at this as long as we’ve had multiparty elections (40 years), are not supposed to be further then this in terms of human development? Every day the government tells us that we need to give more to rich investors, more land, more concessions, more work permits for foreign labour;
Damian Wilson all while hundreds of millions in profits are transferred to banks overseas. But yet, keep waiting and it will soon trickle-down to us, the locals. Honestly, with all humility, other than the government itself, are many Turks and Caicos Islanders truly receiving their fair share from the building of more hotels?
INTERCARIBBEAN AIRWAYS IS SEEKING AN EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Intercaribbean Airways is seeking a professional executive secretary with seven years or more experience in providing effective and comprehensive support to senior executives. Candidates should possess the highest degree of integrity, supported by a flawless record of maintaining confidentiality. Should be adaptable to changing situations and flexible about overtime and running personal errands for executive. Summary of skills needed: •Self motivated •Proficient in Microsoft word, excel and power point. Ability to work independently and prioritizes work appropriately. •Event Coordination •Excellent time management skills •Detail orientated •Exemplary customer service delivery and team player attitude •Types 80 wpm Interested person should apply to: HR@intercaribbean.com or via fax to HR Department 649-946-4040.
JOSEPH BENJAMIN
FULL-TIME DOMESTIC HELPER/NANNY
Woods Contractual Services
Is looking for a Labourer Interested persons Contact: 941-4575
Seeks Labourer Salary $6.00 per hour Contact 232-2000
1 Labourer Salary $6.00 per hour 5 days per week Contact 342-3957
NEEDED SALARY $5.00 PER HOUR CONTACT 432-2390
THE BASSETT FAMILY
ORPHA PIERRE VARIETY STORE
CARIBBEAN FISH MARKET
Is looking for a Domestic Worker to look after a Senior Citizen. Must be an independent thinker who can take the initiative of the needs of the home and can work unsupervised. Must speak English and be settled within the age range of 35-50 years. Must be organized with the ability to cook healthy meals. Must be willing to reside in South Caicos. Housing is provided and salary is negotiable. Interested persons, please contact 342-8788
1 cleaner 5-days a week Salary - $150.00 per week Contact number 346-5909
Seeks 2 Salesmen Salary negotiable Contact 341-8679
R&S Funeral Services Great Service Affordable Prices Phone Number (649) 431-7513 Opening Hours - Open 24 Hours
Website- www.randsfuneralservices.com
APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 15
LOCAL NEWS Energy for good™
Your FUTURE begins TODAY S.I.P. — Student Internship Program — 2 weeks in the summer High school students, 4th and 5th form, looking to get a head start on your career path can turn to this FortisTCI program. You’ll get a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with workplace basics such as; learning the corporate hierarchy, departmentalized structuring and inter-office coordination. It’s an exciting introduction to the modern work environment that will give you a better perspective on what to expect in your professional career!
S.S.E.P. — Student Summer Employment Program — June through August If you’re a college student looking for the opportunity to actually apply all of the classroom theory you’ve been studying, then this is for you. You’ll gain working knowledge of the utility industry and corporate operations while applying your theories under professional supervision. You’ll also be able to get a sample of what awaits you in your chosen career path while potentially establishing yourself as a possible future employee!
S.I.P. application forms can be found with your school counselor or principal. All necessary documents, along with the form, must be submitted to the same by May 30, 2015.
Whether your Future career lies in I.T., electrical engineering, business, marketing, mechanics, customer service or any other of a number of exciting career paths, FortisTCI can lead you in the S.S.E.P applications can be found at the Right direction.
S.I.P criteria —
S.S.E.P criteria —
Applicants must present a recommendation letter from their principal or guidance counselor
Applicants must be enrolled in a university or college undergraduate program majoring in: accounting, business, engineering, information technology, law or marketing
Applicants must submit a 250 word essay entitled, “Why FortisTCI Should Hire Me as an Intern”
Applicants must possess a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher
Applicants must provide an official transcript, attendance record, 2 letters of recommendation, proof of residence status and NHIB cards
Applicants must be 4th or 5th form students at a TCI high school that is recognized by the Ministry of Education
Leeward Highway office or online at www.fortistci.com. All applications and necessary documents must be submitted at the Leeward Highway office ATTN: HR or sent via email to cforman@fortistci.com no later than May 30, 2015.
Page 16
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Let’s clean these islands By Benneth Williams
Turks and Caicos — Littering continues to be a big problem in our Islands. It is time we do something definitive and permanent to resolve this major problem. As a child, whenever we were expecting visitors or company, our first duty was to clean up and tidy our small home. Today, this simple and basic pride is somehow lost on us as a country. Today, we are spending more and inviting even more people to our island home and selling ourselves as a high end destination. Our visitors are returning home to blog and tell the whole world about how dirty our little islands are. Forget about “beautiful by nature”. It means nothing if we are sitting on top of filth and garbage. Do we not all see it? Talk a walk along our prided Grace Bay Shopping Village and you will see for yourself. Walk or drive from any direction to the beautiful Grace Bay Gourmet and you will see it even at the quickest glance. Do the businesses not see it? We should ask all people who live and work here and call these islands home to do their part to properly dispose of garbage and take responsibility for the garbage that gathers on our personal property and finally for government to enforce the law. The solution to this problem is both easy and difficult. The easy solution: Put recycling bins and garbage cans everywhere,
clearly marked and constantly emptied. This involves private citizens (you), private investors and businesses and of course government working hand and hand. The difficult and the larger solution is one of education and parental responsibility. So often I see children in schools unwrap their candy or juice bottle and just toss the trash on the ground. This is sad. I have asked kids on numerous occasions why is this their normal choice of action and the most common response is “I didn’t know” or “I don’t care,” or “There is no trash can” Why are the majority of our children not being taught to respect the environment? What are they being taught in school and why is it not being effective? Why are parents setting such bad examples for their children? Children regularly see their parents or other adults toss trash out the windows of their cars onto the road and around their property with no consequences. These children will grow up to be the next citizens, leaders and workers, so I am asking parents and adults, please don’t litter in front of your children! Teach your children that littering is a no-no and you will raise a non-littering adult. Take a small garbage bag with you wherever you go and collect and hold your trash until you find a proper receptacle. Help our children to know that they have other choices. One Saturday morning after football, while having coffee at IGA Corner Café, I overheard the people at the next table
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Benneth Williams complaining about how much litter there is in these Islands. They then proceeded to criticize the government and the ministry responsible for collection for not doing enough to clean up the litter that is turning our streets, beaches, parks and communities into visual eyesores. I agree with them…partially. I do think the government and people who live and work here could do more in regard to picking up garbage in Turks and Caicos.The main problem however, is not that the government doesn’t do enough to pick up litter. It is the people who litter!! We should be not littering in the first place. How much effort does it take to carry a Styrofoam box (which I think should be banned from these islands), a newspaper or an empty take-out bag to the nearest trash can or even home? There are trash cans in some areas of our islands, yet people don’t seem to be capable of carrying their litter with them and throwing it in a proper waste receptacle. I think it is unfair to ask the Government to spend more money to pick up litter and not ask the people of this country to stop littering. It takes
next to no effort not to litter. However, it requires a great deal of our financial resources to clean up the mess. I urge everyone in the country to make a personal vow not to litter. Adopt a one mile radius of wherever you live and work and make it your own. Call it the one mile radius project. I also urge government to organize some sort of a campaign to get people to clean up this country. The media should get involved. Remind us weekly (lest we not see) of how much garbage surrounds us. Further, there should be continuous efforts through education and consistent collection of garbage. Is it too much to ask that people pick up litter in front of their houses or apartment buildings if they see it there on the ground? If everyone spent a couple of minutes a week picking up garbage around their yard, it would make a huge difference in reducing the amount of garbage in our communities. It is simply about our personal and national pride. Leeward, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
QUALIFIED PADI/OPEN WATER SCUBA INSTRUCTORS NEEDED Successful candidates must have a minimum of two (2) years experience with current membership and insurance in good standing; must be able to speak French and English and have knowledge of boat operation. Equipment and compressor maintenance would be a plus. Starting salary $400-$500 per week based on experience and qualifications. Application must be submitted no later than Friday May 1 2015 to: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Services Limited Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-333-7777 Email oa@fcorporatemsl.com
APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 17
LOCAL NEWS
Government lays out capital works programme •Upgrade all schools with ICT equipment which is Government will continue to play its part in supporting the construction sector through its capital budgeted at $190,000. •The upgrading of sporting facilities will be works programme. This was stated by Minister of Finance Hon. undertaken throughout the islands over a threeWashington Misick who said government’s capital year period commencing this year with a budget of expenditure plans will further boost the economy by $250,000. •Addressing illegal development throughout the providing vital support to the construction sector. He noted that some $22.1M – almost 10 percent islands at a cost of $150,000. •There will be a refurbishment programme for the of this year’s budget allocation – will be used to support the construction, its associated professions, Wellness Centre, Grand Turk, as well as for the Juvenile Home trades and service providers. •There will be new replacement docks in South Some of these projects are: •Investing $1.2m (excluding the cost of the Light Caicos and Blue Hills House Road in Grand Turk) to address some of the •Upgrade the Salt Cay Clinic •There will be fleet of new public service vehicles critical road works that are needed throughout these including ambulances, a bus for the Marjorie Basden islands. •The second phase of the Repairs to the Causeway School and new garbage trucks. Misick said it is essential that Government Bridge, which includes paving and the installation of revises the existing energy laws to make sure that an additional culvert, are budgeted at $2.7m. •Renovation of all Royal Turks and Caicos Islands we harness renewable energy sources. Police Force buildings over the next three years. “This is important not only because it is good for Government will spend $200,000 on this in 2015/16, the planet, not only because it is good for the the same again in 2016/17 and $300,000 on this work environment of the Turks and Caicos, but we will look to reduce energy costs for our people. So, that in 2017/18. •The second phase of the Long Bay High School is to is why we are investing $210,000 to ensure that the commence in this financial year and this is budgeted laws governing the electricity sector are modernised. This will ensure operational, financial and economic at $2m. IMMEDIATE OPENING Labourer Duties Include: •General laborer duties as assigned by the supervisor or manager. •Willingness to work varying schedules, split shifts, nights, weekends and holidays. Salary $5.25 an hour not including service charge. Kitchen Steward Duties Include: •Clean & sanitize all areas of the kitchen •Operate dishwashing machine in a safe, accident free manner •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $5.00 per hour not including service charge. Butler The butler will provide the highest of penthouse service to our guests. The Butler’s primary goal is to create an ambiance of superior luxury by anticipating each individual guest’s needs. This is accomplished through moments of surprise and delight that our guest would never have experienced before. Also ensure guest familiarities to frequent guests visiting the hotel. Requirements: •Minimum of 3 years experience in food and beverage fine dining as a personal Butler •Must possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written •Strong knowledge of a variety of cuisines and wines/beverages •Must possess local knowledge in order to respond to all inquires from guest, such as restaurants information •Must posses basic computational ability •Must posses basic computer skills •Must be able to follow through all the guest requests and communicate them to the appropriate departments and management in an efficient manner •Must be have attention to details second to none ability, superior interpersonal skills and desire to provide exceptional service to our guest •Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 8 hours in length •Must be able to exert well-paced, ability to reach other departments and locations in a timely manner •Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space •Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch to fulfill cleaning tasks. •Must be able to bend and squat and lift up to 25 lbs •Must be able to push and pull equipment weighing up to 75 lbs •Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions. Bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity. •Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $6.00 per hour Pool and Beach Attendant Requirements: •Must be able to work in all outdoor element, rain, sun, etc. as required •Must be able to work long hours on feet •Must be able to lift 30lbs or more •Must be trained and certified in CPR, First Aid. •Life guard experience is a plus •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Duties Include: •Creating a luxury guest experience through delivery of high level service for all pool and beach services Starting salary $5.50 per hour not including service charge. Pool & Beach Supervisor Requirements: •Must be an excellent swimmer with rescue capability and first aid training •Must be able to operate and teach others to operate catamarans, kayaks other watercrafts •Must be able to be on your feet for long periods of time and able to lift at least 50 lbs •Must be calm under pressure and possess the ability to instill in all pool and beach staff that they are there to serve the guest quickly and courteously Duties Include: •Supervising and overseeing the pool and beach staff and providing training •Ensuring that the umbrellas, chairs etc. are properly set up at the correct time each morning and properly stowed away each evening •Ensuring pool and beach areas are clean and well maintained at all times with sufficient clean towels available Starting salary $6.00 per hour not including service charge. Fitness Instructor Requirements: •Prior experience as a fitness trainer in a high end environment with experience in both personal training and teaching classes.
Minister of Finance Hon. Washington Misick efficiencies leading to minimised electricity costs,” the Finance Minister added. He also stated that TCIG will invest $150,000 over the next two years in a National Skills Audit to ensure that the country has the collective skills to face the future with confidence.
•Certification(s) in fitness instruction, personal training, pilates etc. •High level of personal fitness with ability to demonstrate proper usage of equipment and proper exercise techniques. •Very energetic person with commitment to ensuring high levels of guest satisfaction. Duties Include: •Create and provide consistent professional fitness classes and personal training sessions in accordance with spa protocols and accepted certification practices. •Provide instruction on safe usage of fitness equipment. •Care for and maintain fitness equipment. •Actively promote the spa, treatments, services and retail as well as any promotions or discounts. •Assist in areas of the spa operation as requested by management. •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $6.00 per hour not including service charge. Cook Requirements: •Experience with, and 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 Duties Include: •Prepare all food items according to recipe cards and correct handling procedures. •Maintain highest quality and appearance of all foods sent from kitchen and make sure plates are clean and appetizing. •Maintain orderly and clean refrigerators and work areas. •Rotate all foods and correctly fill out production charts. •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $6.00 per hour not including service charge Bartender Requirements: •Must have 3 years experience as a bartender in branded luxury resort •Must have advanced knowledge of beverage preparation and service of alcoholic beverages with ability to mix, garnishes and present drinks using standard ingredient recipes. •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Duties Include: •Maintain proper and adequate set-up of the bar on a daily basis and cleaning of bar area on closing. •Requisitioning and stocking of all beer, wine, spirits, paper products, etc. and produce based projections from the daily functions sheet. •Maintaining stock, cutting and storing of all fresh fruit and vegetable garnishes, juices and other perishables daily to insure product quality. •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting wage $6.00 per hour not including service charge and tips. 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. Waiter/Waitress Duties Include: •Serve food and beverages to guests in a prompt manner and anticipate guest needs. •Knowledge of food and beverages on the menu included. mixed drinks and be aware of any menu items which are not available. •Prepare and arrange food or drinks that are attractive and appetizing to the guests. Starting wage $6.50 per hour plus 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, April 17th, 2015.
Page 18
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Land Registry launches its Help Desk Service
The Turks and Caicos Islands Land Registry is pleased to announce that it will be providing support for its clients through the implementation of its new ‘Help Desk’ service. The ‘Help Desk’ is a customer service initiative using a dedicated telephone number and email address. Clients may now call and/or send emails in order to receive information and documentation related to the Land Registry’s services and procedures expeditiously, the from experienced and knowledgeable team members at the Land Registry. Clients will also be able to obtain information on the status of their application or other matter that they may have with the Land Registry. The implementation of the Help Desk is in line with the Land Registry’s overarching mission to strive for continuous improvement in quality, efficiency and meeting customer needs. Registrar of Lands, Brandie Anderson indicated that, ‘the implementation of the help desk will increase efficiency, improve customer satisfaction as well as communications with our customers
and provide faster responses to people who need assistance and updates on their matters.’ The Land Registry’s Help Desk may be contacted directly via telephone at (649)338-2359 or via email at tcilandregistry@gov.tc. The Land Registry is located in Grand Turk and provides a legal land transfer process and a central system where details of ownership, title, mortgages and other interests in property are recorded in a public register. The Main Services provided by the Land Registry are:
•The registration of land transactions •The arbitration of land and boundary disputes •The Collection of stamp duty, processing registration and other land transaction fees/ charges •The Custody, maintenance and the updating of the register
Digicel Play Job Description Job Title: Installation Supervisor Department: Technical Reports To: Director of Technical Operations Summary Responsible for supervision of the installation department; perform quality control checks for installation department, satisfactorily resolve customer complaints or problems, direct activity of installers.
Supervisory Responsibilities This job has supervisory responsibilities. Competencies Customer Focused, Excellent Communication Skills Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and/or Experience
It has service standards so that it can deliver excellent customer service in a timely manner. These are: •To complete 80% of all applications within 7 days of receipt •To complete 98.5% of applications free from error •To complete 98% of certified copy applications with 48 hours of receipt •To respond to letters within 5 working days •To answer telephone calls in a timely and professional manner and we will aim to deal with your enquiry immediately. If we cannot do this, we will contact you within 48 hours with a reply or inform you of progress in the matter. •To fully consider any suggestion for how we may improve our service and to learn from any complaint that we may receive
Mathematical Skills Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Resolve customer problems and concerns. Coordinate installation activity with customer service and sales departments. Insure timely completion of all orders for installation or service and proper notification procedures for delays in service. Perform quality control checks of completed installations. Hire, train, and evaluate assigned staff. Ensure all paperwork for assigned installers has been completed and returned to the office for data input. Complete weekly, monthly or other reports as required. Coordinate and direct commercial and residential multi-family installation projects as needed. Consult with customers to resolve installation concerns.
The Land Registry was established in 1968, it forms part of the Lands Division and is under the auspices of the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Computer Skills To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Database software; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record within Company required standards. Ladder Safety certification
Other Skills and Abilities Other Qualifications
Knowledge of Cable television products and services.
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 100 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
High school diploma and two to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated leadership skills through minimum of two years of managing team of 5 people. Language Skills
Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/ or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock.
are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 19
LOCAL NEWS
PNP Government is not for the people of TCI, says Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson
While the Progressive National Party (PNP) Government, led by Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing continues to boast about having a surplus, Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene CartwrightRobinson says the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands are not feeling the benefits. In her reply to the recent budget, the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) Leader said the Government “has not done the best job in balancing its priorities with that of the people’s needs”. She added: “The Budget then begs the questions, whose priorities are these? The position then becomes abundantly clear that the Government in preparing its budget has relegated it to simply figures without faces.Its surplus shows that they have not been able to balance the people’s needs and their ambitious goal. We see a broke down country running on scanty resources with poor infrastructure and high unemployment and other serious social issues stemming from this and we hear a boasting.” The Opposition Leader continued: “I have an honestly genuine fear that despite this Government’s intention to keep the Sinking Fund even after making the balloon payment and with projected levels of $12m annually going forward for the next few years, this country will continue to decline socially, infrastructurally and in terms of people’s development. My fear is real as it relates to what then can be our state when we see a government
Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene CartwrightRobinson governing at optimum, though with strategic plans. When a government begins to respond to the true needs of the people and what is needed to grow the economy and progress its people. I sincerely believe that we are far away from knowing this true costs and even though Rome can never be built in a day, the loss years between this Government and the Interim Government is creating a serious urgent need that will carry a heavy price tag.”
She said the budget was brought at a time when the people are feeling rejected, disappointed in its Government and above all confused. The PDM leader continued: “They are feeling a sense of hopelessness and there are too many toying with these emotions forgetting the danger of a hopeless man or woman. Truth be told, TCI is not the pretty picture that this Government would have you to believe it is. People are struggling to make it, youth are feeling a sense of disillusionment like never before, the juvenile is forgotten and left alone to fend for himself, the prisoner does his time and applies for a job and gets the impression that he will forever be paying his debt to society as he is turned away and most times do not receive even a call, the elderly and special needs are the fading voice that is crying out to be remembered, our special needs children can be educated but are being ignored by the mainstream system, the young men are in trouble and are on a path to extinction if we do not intervent.” She added: “We maintain that we believe that unemployment is at critical levels. Having seen no new projects or new jobs to put a dent in the numbers and watching the number of children coming out of school locally and overseas with no placement, watching the growing numbers of beggars about and seeing myself the system at its best and worst, there is no other conclusion to draw. Cost of living is high – fuel
is on the climb, electricity is the highest perhaps in this region, Provo Stevedoring appears to be the other sacred cow only to healthcare, social issues are being downplayed and the Standard of Living Assessment Report has been shelved.” She said that in all of this boasting, the people are yet to see a new Development initiated and progressing under this Government. “Inward Investment is critical and we are yet to see the Government’s Policy or fruits of any labour. If it weren’t for the ground breaking of new high school campus in Provo, this Government would not have seen any ground breakings. This must change and the best way to grow this economy must be and will always remain through new and fresh inward investment,” she added. “It is interesting the statement made on unemployment today by the Minister of Finance who said that the information on which he is relying is unreliable. I have tempted since them to take this on but it is neither here nor there. Truth be told, neither of us stand to lose or gain. We know that there is unemployment and that something must be done and we need to address it urgently whether through the management of work permits, an aggressive investment plan that will grow the economy and create jobs or through policies in the Civil Service that ensure that our people are able to occupy certain posts.”
TCI will soon be debt free, says Washie
In just a few years in Trinidad and Tobago refinancing during this time, the Turks and last month, alonmgh a financial year. Standard Caicos Islands will be number of banks, asset & Poor’s will reassess “largely debt free, with managers and other our credit rating in May institutions 2015. Negotiations will the associated cost financial savings that this brings”, in Port of Spain, and begin around September says Finance Minister began telling them the 2015 with potential investors. Hon. Washington Misick. dramatic story of our refinancing The refinancing will, of “And (we) can look successful turnaround. “The response was course, take place in forward to a future – our February 2016. This is where we are free to enthusiastic were told so critical to the future invest, spend or save our officials surpluses as we see fit,” that the Turks and success and suitability the minister said in his Caicos had made an of the Turks and Caicos, recent budge address. ‘impressive bounce back’, that it requires cross He stated: “The that the government party political unity at Turks and Caicos is here had ‘done the right all levels of our society. clearly taking giant things’ and that our Silly, dissenting voices, steps towards being BBB+ investment grade motivated by misguided financially independent, credit rating awarded short term political gain with all of the by Standard and Poor’s could – intentionally responsibility that this in 2014 is seen a critical or unintentionally – factor in the future damage their country’s implies.” He said the acting success of this country,” future prospects for Permanent Secretary he said. years to come.” “There are a number Misick said the and refinancing advisor, met with major regional of critical steps government’s approach financial institutions towards our successful to debt management
has been centred around striking the right balance between financing cost, cost stability and risk. “The $260m UK loan guarantee expires in February 2016. We currently make use of $170m of this facility. At the end of the financial year 2014/2015 the Turks and Caicos Public Debt to Gross Domestic Product ratio will be 24 percent. Whereas total revenue to GDP is estimated at 30 percent. Turks and Caicos’ overall borrowing commitments are reducing as a result of the actions of this government. This is the most prudent course of action – reducing debt as it: improves investor confidence in the Turks and Caicos; improves
the quality of our borrowing options as we are seen as safe; keeps the costs of borrowing as low as possible – great news for the taxpayer; also ensures that we do not pass on the burden of debt to the next generation.” He said the total public debt held by the Turks and Caicos government at the end of financial year 2014/2015 is estimated to be $191.7m. Net public debt by the yearend will approximate $131.7m. “The sinking fund currently stands at some $60m. We are planning to make a further contribution of at least $37.2m early in the financial year 2015/2016. Further, I
plan a further deposit of $19m by February 2016 bringing the total in the sinking fund to more than $116.2m. Remember we currently make use of $170m of the $260m UK guaranteed facility. So, this would see us need to independently refinance less than $54m on the markets. I cannot highlight enough just how much of an astonishing turnaround this is. We faced real financial difficulty. We swallowed hard and have now largely overcome those difficulties.We will refinance this balance in February 2016, and look to pay off this lesser amount in a planned and sustained way too,” Misick said.
Page 20
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 17TH, 2015 – APRIL 24TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
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.
OASIS DIVERS is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates for the following positions. The successful applicants must: CERTIFIED DIVERS / LIFEGUARDS
-Hold a valid diving certification of Open Water Diver or higher -Be at least 25 years old -Have a clean criminal record -Have a valid passport -Hold a valid certification in CPR and First Aid -Have at least 3 years’ experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. Other experience in the tourism industry would be an asset -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business
TOUR DISPATCHER
-Have at least 3 years’ experience dispatching tours -Possess the ability to remain calm in a high stress environment -Be well spoken with English as primary language -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business -Have a valid passport -Be at least 25 years old -Have a clean criminal record
TOUR GUIDES
-Be at least 25 years old -Have a clean criminal record -Have a valid passport -Hold a valid certification in CPR and First Aid -Have at least 3 years’ experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. Other experience in the tourism industry would be an asset -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business
SALES ASSISTANT / LABOURER
-Minimum of 3 years general sales and merchandising experience (Sales Assistant) -Proven and unblemished track record of employment -Positive and disciplined attitude toward work in a customer service oriented business (Sales Clerk) -Excellent communication, inter-personal and customer service skills -Trustworthy and reliable disposition -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business
BOAT PAINTER
-Have a proven and unblemished track record of employment -Have a valid passport -Have at least 5 years’ experience in boat repair, including working with fiberglass and other dangerous chemicals -Positive and disciplined attitude toward work -Trustworthy and reliable disposition -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders Written applications only and accompanying CVs/resumes must be addressed to the Manager at the following address:
Cee’s Plaza, Suite No. 1 Church Folly PO Box 86 Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Islands OASIS DIVING, LTD. c/o EPIC Corporate & Consultancy Services Ltd. Phone: 649-946-1128 Fax: 649-946-1128 Email: oasisdiv@tciway.tc
Assistant Spa Manager: The Assistant Spa Manager is responsible for assisting in the daily operations, management, and profitability of the spa, along with the highest level of customer service and quality work environment. •Must hold CIBTAC or related 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 3 years in a similar position with a reputed hotel. •Must have knowledge of spa therapies and ability to teach yoga and pilates that relate to the well being of all guests in a spa environment. •Must be able to perform therapies around the Pool and Beach area. (Excessive sun exposure) •Must have: good communication skills, flexibility to work hospitality shifts, PC skills, be a Team Player, self-motivated, punctual, professional and able to work under pressure. •Must speak and read English. Preferred with Asian/Gulf countries work experience. •Fluency in MS office; preferably Microsoft excel, outlook. Restaurant Manager - Report Directly to the Food & Beverage Director. Oversees daily operations of the restaurant. Directs the activities of restaurant service personnel, Bartenders, Beverage Attendants, Host/ Hostess. Resolve customer complaints regarding food service. Train workers in food preparation, and in service, sanitation, and safety procedures. Observe and evaluate workers and work procedures to ensure quality standards and service. Assign duties, responsibilities, and work stations to employees in accordance with work requirements. Housekeeping Supervisor: Works with Room Attendants to ensure guest rooms and public areas are maintained to luxury standards. Assists in assigning staff daily tasks according to occupancy. Inspects work and coaches to develop consistent skills, assists in inventory and reporting. At least 2 years experience as luxury resort room attendant and supervisory experience preferred. PC skills required, Opera preferred, must have exceptional attention to detail and consistency in adhering to luxury standards. Servers - Provide guests with food and beverage service – restaurant, bar, room service, beach & pool. Able to work on feet all day, good math skill, experience in fine dining service an asset. Steward - Clean, transport, store and generally maintain all kitchen cookware and restaurant service utensils. Clean floors, windows, walls, ceilings and equipment associated with Food & Beverage operation or as otherwise directed by supervisors. Security Manager: The practical application of security measures and standards, which will include the well being of staff and guests, according to agreed policies of the company. To direct and coordinate the overall activities of the Security Team to guarantee the safety of all guests, employees and protected assets of hotel property. To perform this job successfully, individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily •Police or Military experience required with certification in First Aid training •Minimum 5 years’ experience as Security Manager with 2 years at a luxury resort •Exceptional customer service skills coupled with disciplined approach to providing consistent quality service levels. •Strong leadership skills with the ability to recruit, train, develop skills, mentor and motivate a team •Thorough knowledge of resort security procedures, operations and equipment, with the ability to execute all aspects •Thorough knowledge of fire, health and safety systems •Should be well versed with Computers/CCTV Footage/Vigilance during Operations. •Ability to effectively deal with internal and external guests, some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact and diplomacy to defuse anger and collect accurate information. •Self-motivated and dependable with an exceptional work ethic and strong problem solving skills •Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to speak, read and write fluently in the English language •Professional appearance and demeanor
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Digicel launches LTE in Grand Turk
Digicel rolled out its super-fast LTE in the island-capital of Grand Turk on Friday, April 1st, with a communityoriented all-day event that captured the imagination of residents there. Several people from a wide cross-section of the society turned out for the event which took place outside the Digicel building. The day was full of fun and featured a bouncing castle for the kids, face painting, music, prizes, ice cones and the most important was the golden ticket in the box for a 55-inch Samsung Smart TV. Digicel LTE now provides the fastest mobile internet in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Digicel LTE is 20 times faster than before. That means no more buffering and also a great customer experience. Digicel’s CEO Erik Staaf said Digicel will be providing best in class mobile services, be that from a post-paid to a prepaid services. “That means we are providing best in class home broadband services; that means we are providing the richest entertainment and TV content on the island with things like Sports max, and the HBO max, and our gold packages,” he said. Staaf said Digicel LTE will take entertainment to the next level. “It also means that we are providing business services to our corporate customers, helping them to be more effective and more efficient as they are working,” he said. These photos capture the atmosphere of the Digicel launch:
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Mental Health Prayer breakfast Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, his “Bill” and Claudette Clare. Scores of deputy Hon. Akierra Missick and persons from the community also came Minister of Tourism Hon. Porsha out in support of the event and to the Stubbs Smith, joined a number of clergy Clares. Tamara, who is living in the men and women on Saturday (April Cayman Islands, has been accused of 11,2015) at the Tropicana Show and killing her child Bethany Butler. The Supper Club for a fund-raising mental following are photo highlights of the health awareness prayer breakfast. event. The event was held under the The event was held for Tamara theme ‘ “Mental Health is everybody’s Munroe-Butler – daughter of William business.
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Taylor-Swift
“Blank Space” Nice to meet you, where you been? I could show you incredible things Magic, madness, heaven, sin Saw you there and I thought Oh my God, look at that face You look like my next mistake Love’s a game, wanna play? New money, suit and tie I can read you like a magazine Ain’t it funny, rumors fly And I know you heard about me So hey, let’s be friends I’m dying to see how this one ends Grab your passport and my hand I can make the bad guys good for a weekend So it’s gonna be forever Or it’s gonna go down in flames You can tell me when it’s over If the high was worth the pain Got a long list of ex-lovers They’ll tell you I’m insane ‘Cause you know I love the players And you love the game ‘Cause we’re young and we’re reckless We’ll take this way too far It’ll leave you breathless Or with a nasty scar Got a long list of ex-lovers They’ll tell you I’m insane But I’ve got a blank space, baby And I’ll write your name Cherry lips, crystal skies I could show you incredible things Stolen kisses, pretty lies You’re the King, baby, I’m your Queen Find out what you want Be that girl for a month Wait, the worst is yet to come, oh no Screaming, crying, perfect storms I can make all the tables turn Rose garden filled with thorns
Keep you second guessing like “Oh my God, who is she?” I get drunk on jealousy But you’ll come back each time you leave ‘Cause, darling, I’m a nightmare dressed like a daydream So it’s gonna be forever Or it’s gonna go down in flames You can tell me when it’s over If the high was worth the pain Got a long list of ex-lovers They’ll tell you I’m insane ‘Cause you know I love the players And you love the game ‘Cause we’re young and we’re reckless We’ll take this way too far It’ll leave you breathless Or with a nasty scar Got a long list of ex-lovers They’ll tell you I’m insane But I’ve got a blank space, baby And I’ll write your name Boys only want love if it’s torture Don’t say I didn’t say, I didn’t warn ya Boys only want love if it’s torture Don’t say I didn’t say, I didn’t warn ya So it’s gonna be forever Or it’s gonna go down in flames You can tell me when it’s over If the high was worth the pain Got a long list of ex-lovers They’ll tell you I’m insane ‘Cause you know I love the players And you love the game ‘Cause we’re young and we’re reckless We’ll take this way too far It’ll leave you breathless Or with a nasty scar Got a long list of ex-lovers They’ll tell you I’m insane But I’ve got a blank space, baby And I’ll write your name
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FUN & & GAMES GAMES LOCAL NEWS WORLD NEWS FUN
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Former Cayman Islands Premier says UK conspiracy toppled his government
Former Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush Cayman Islands Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush has alleged “unconstitutional interference” and “violation of the indigenous population’s rights” involving the territory’s former governor Duncan Taylor, Premier Alden McLaughlin, Police Commissioner David Baines, and other unnamed local politicians and civil servants in connection with the 2013 general election. According to the Caymanian Compass, Mr. Bush’s allegations were made Tuesday in a private members’ motion filed with the Legislative Assembly in which he asked for an independent review of “the involvement of the [U.K.] Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Office of the Governor, Commissioner of Police and the then-Leader of the Opposition [referring to Mr. McLaughlin] in the conspiracy to remove the thenconstitutionally elected premier [referring to Mr. Bush].” The motion stated that Mr. Bush had in his possession “irrefutable documentary evidence” of interference by the governor’s office in conspiring, along with local elected representatives and civil servants, “to topple a democratically elected government while misusing the power of the state and its judicial and law enforcement arms.”
Mr. Bush did not make any of this “irrefutable evidence” public on Tuesday when he held a press conference to discuss details of his private members’ motion, but promised to do so if the motion was heard by the Legislative Assembly. Mr. Bush, while under a criminal investigation, was removed from the premier’s office in December 2012 following a no-confidence vote of the Legislative Assembly against his government. An interim government, made up of five members of Mr. Bush’s former United Democratic Party, led the Cayman Islands between late December 2012 and May 2013, when the current Progressives-led coalition was voted into office. “The indigenous people of these islands have had their rights infringed by using the jurisdiction as a[n] instrument to further the economic designs that were contrary to the interest of the indigenous people and, through systemic policies of discrimination, that constitutes a gross violation of their fundamental human rights protected under the United Nations Charter and the European Union regulations,” the motion read. In addition to calling for an independent commission of inquiry, Mr. Bush’s motion also sought to mete out “appropriate
responsibility” by making the inquiry public and allowing it to initiate legal action, if required, “at the appropriate international legal forum.” Mr. Bush also asked for what he called an “independent historical review” of legal measures taken by U.K. authorities “that has led to the marginalization of the indigenous Caymanian population and disrepute of its financial industry.” Asked Tuesday for a response to Mr. Bush’s motion, Premier McLaughlin said, “I think the Leader of the Opposition has finally taken leave of his senses.” The governor’s office noted it was aware of the private members’ motion, but said the decision whether to debate the motion was left with the Speaker of the House. Police Commissioner Baines had not commented on the motion as of press time. Premier McLaughlin said his government could consider, in due course, whether to accept the opposition leader’s motion. It is not legally required to accept it, but Mr. McLaughlin indicated his administration might do so. “[Mr. Bush] best be careful what he wishes for, he just might get it,” Mr. McLaughlin said. Secret meetings alleged Mr. Bush alleged that during 2011-2012, while he was under investigation in various criminal probes, certain meetings were held that discussed removing him as the then-premier from office and who might form the “interim government” if he were replaced. Asked to clarify what “irrefutable evidence” he possessed, Mr. Bush said he had written correspondence between the various parties – including former Governor Taylor, thenOpposition Leader McLaughlin, Commissioner Baines and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Some of the correspondence may be considered legally privileged, Mr. Bush said, but he noted that would not prevent him from discussing it within the Legislative Assembly’s confines.
St. Lucia pushing ahead with energy project
CASTRIES, St. Lucia – The St. Lucia government says it has started scientific investigations that will determine the possibility of geothermal energy development in the country. The Ministry of Sustainable Development said it has completed the first leg of aerial and ground surveys that could lead to the development of geothermal energy in St. Lucia. It said these are the first in a series of five general surveys to be conducted under Surface Exploratory Assistance provided by the New Zealand government at a cost of US$800, 000. Under the agreement, experts from New Zealand and the United States carried out helicopter aeromagnetics surveys over the town of Soufriere, south-west of here, over a two-day period, with the aim to detect faults in the earth’s surface that could provide conductivity for geothermal development. Geophysicist John Seabert, who headed the survey, said the data collected is of high quality and will help to pinpoint specific areas for possible geothermal development. The data collected will be transferred to scientists in Denver, Colorado for assessment and transmission to data maps that will detail the findings, the Ministry of Sustainable Development said.. Concurrent with the aerial surveys, geochemical studies were undertaken in and around the town of Soufriere by a team of geoscientists. Samples of water, gas, rock and soil were collected for testing that will better inform the geothermal exploration process. The results of the surveys are scheduled to be released in September.
Improved economic climate for investment in Caribbean PUNTA DEL ESTE, Uruguay – – The climate for private investment in infrastructure through public-private partnerships (PPPs) has improved in Latin America and the Caribbean in the last few years, according to a new report issued here. The report, titled “2014 Infrascope: Evaluating the environment for Public-Private Partnership in Latin America and the Caribbean” was produced by the Economist Intelligence Unit and commissioned by the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), a member of the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) Group. The biannual report measures the ability of 19 countries to mobilize private investment in infrastructure through PPPs. It was launched Tuesday at the MIF’s PPPAmericas Conference. “PPPs promise prosperity for the region as they combine private management and financing of infrastructure with its development as a public good,” said MIF Acting General Manager Fernando Jimenez-Ontiveros “It is healthy that that the public and private sectors share risks and responsibilities.”
Suriname stops Jamaican teen’s ISIS trip Suriname police said a 16-year-old boy from Jamaica was refused passage through Suriname on Saturday after Immigration’s officers suspected that he was traveling to join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) through Turkey. In a statement, the police said the teenager arrived at the Johan Adolf Pengel Airport on a flight from Jamaica, intending to transit to the Netherlands, from where he would travel to
Turkey.
“He was denied entry to Suriname because we received information from a regional intelligence service that he wanted to join ISIS,” the police, without identifying the teenager. The statement said that after the boy was interrogated and additional information received from Jamaica, the decision was made to send him back to Kingston on the next available flight. The statement said the
decision was made by the police chief, the Attorney General and management of the Military Police, which runs immigration services. Police said his repatriation is the result of successful cooperation between local and international intelligence services. “It sends a clear signal that Suriname is doing everything so the region does not become involved in terrorism.” This case comes just
weeks after the Jamaica Ministry of National Security in a statement on March 14 said there were no nationals fighting alongside ISIS. The statement was issued following warnings last month from US General John Kelly, Commander of the United States Southern Command (US SOUTHCOMM), that about 100 nationals from several countries in the Caribbean and South America, including Jamaica, have joined ISIS and were
returning to the region from where they could pose a threat to the US. General Kelly said that the countries involved don’t have the ability to monitor those returning well. In the statement, the Jamaica’s Security Ministry said “…it is possible that the reported comment may be the result of a misunderstanding.” Several countries, including Trinidad, St. Lucia and Suriname also refuted General Kelly’s statements.
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Everyone wants to go to Cuba now. Too bad for the rest of the Caribbean Buzz is building about the United States and Cuba rebuilding relations. No one seems more excited than American travelers. Cuba has been the “forbidden fruit” for U.S. tourism over the last 50 years and Americans are giddy to see their southern neighbor. But should Americans’ hunger for Havana concern other Caribbean countries? Tourism is a key industry for many Caribbean nations, creating jobs and bringing billions of U.S. dollars to a relatively poor region. Now some of those dollars will head to Cuba. “Cuba will be very stiff competition for them,” says Mauro Guillen, a business professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. “Cuba could be a paradise for tourism.” Americans can’t yet travel to Cuba in the traditional sense for sun, sand and salsa dancing. They need to go for a specific purpose, such as business trip, family visit, religious mission or “support for the Cuban people.” But the surge is expected soon. That’s why Airbnb announced Thursday it will begin operating in Cuba. Netflix , Mastercard and American Express will start doing business there soon too. Cuba’s tourism case: Cuba has
The Havana skyline a lot to offer. Last year, three million American companies are starting file tourists visited Cuba, more than every into Havana too. other Caribbean nation besides the The Dominican Republic and Dominican Republic, according to Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, where the Caribbean Tourism Organization. Cancun is, have the most to lose, And that’s with almost no Americans Guillen says. Others suggest that visiting Cuba last year. Jamaica and the nearby Caribbean The size of Ohio, Cuba has nine island nations could get hit hard too. UNESCO world heritage sites -- a Tourism makes up 43% of the major tourism pull. That’s more than Bahamas’ economy, almost 30% of the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Jamaica’s activity and 16% of the Jamaica and Puerto Rico combined. Dominican Republic’s economy. By Cuba’s mix of an urban experience comparison, only 8% of America’s and sunny getaway give it a dynamic economy is driven by tourism, according other islands don’t have, experts say. to the World Travel & Tourism Council. Since President Obama’s decision to “Neighboring countries will be lift some travel restrictions to Cuba, challenged when the hospitality level
Venezuela reiterates commitment to PetroCaribe
Venezuela has again restated its commitment to PetroCaribe, the Caracas’ oil initiative with several Latin American and Caribbean countries that sees them purchasing fuel on terms of preferential payment, with some of the funds going to social development programme in participating nations. President of PetroCaribe and the ALBA Bank, Bernado Alvarez, restated the commitment to the initiative on Tuesday at the inauguration of a US$31.6 million 34,000-barrel fuel storage facility in Lowmans Bay, built with PetroCaribe funds. The fuel depot will increase from 10 to 40 days the national storage of fuel for all purposes. Alternately, the fuel can meet the country’s electricity generation needs for three months, triple the previous capacity. Alvarez said that amidst “all this campaign against” PetroCaribe, Venezuela, and its president, Nicolas Maduro, the depot “is the proof that PetroCaribe is here to stay, and, as President Maduro said recently, to expand and we wish PetroCaribe the best future”. There have been concerns about whether PetroCaribe will continue amidst growing economic strain in Venezuela that some observers have blamed on poor fiscal policy, while other have claimed an attempt to undermine the Maduro administration. Alvarez noted PetroCaribe’s objectives: energy security, social and economic development, and regional integration. “As you see, we have done a lot and we have a huge task ahead,” he said of the initiative, which will be a decade old in June. “… and if you see what we have done and you see the challenges ahead, there is a bright future for us. It is the right moment to enhance, to support
catches up in Cuba,” says Jonathan Blue, managing director of Blue Equity, a private equity firm, and frequent traveler to Cuba. But others say American tourists going to Cuba is a win for others too. All for one and one for all?: The hope is the excitement surrounding Cuba will be an overall positive for the region. It’s like the idea of multiple gas stations on one block: the more the better. Plus, Cuba can’t yet offer the luxury hotels and experience that many other islands have. The Dominican Republic had five million tourists visit last year, up 12% from a year before, and it has 5-star hotels. A flood of US tourists to Cuba could flow over to other countries. “There’s a lot of romanticism around traveling to Cuba right now,” says Alana Tummino, policy director at the Council of the Americas. However: “there’s still going to be a lot of interest in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and all these other destinations.” Whether Cuba helps or hurts the rest of the Caribbean, one thing is certain: Americans -- and their businesses -- are coming.
Royal Caribbean Guests Suffer Vomiting Outbreak on 2 Ships
President of PetroCaribe and the ALBA Bank, Bernado Alvarez, PetroCaribe. And for that, I think we have to thank first, the vision of President Chavez, second the vision of PM Ralph [Gonsalves], and of course, the persistence, the hard work, the patience of all of us that have been involved in the project,” he said. Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves and Vice President of Venezuela Jorge Arreaza also attended the event. “PM we are here, vice President, we are here, we are happy to be inaugurating this plant, this is a much more strong PetroCaribe for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for the Hemisphere, for the Eastern Caribbean countries, and for regional integration,” Alvarez said. He lauded the name of the fuel depot – The Hugo Chavez Fuel Storage and Distribution Plant, as the best name for the facility. “We are here because of his (Chavez’s) vision and his persistence. And, in a way, PM, we are starting over, because the whole idea of the PetroCaribe agreement at the beginning was to give countries energy security. And part of the energy security was to have its own capabilities in storage. And this is what we are achieving today.
Hundreds of Passengers Experienced severe vomiting after catching norovirus Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has two ships at sea along the west coast of California and Mexico where passengers are experiencing gastrointestinal ailments that include vomiting and diarrhea. An outbreak on the Legend of the Seas, on a two-week cruise ending tomorrow, sickened 114 passengers, about 7 percent of the total, and two crew members, said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Infinity, part of the company’s Celebrity line, reported 106 sick passengers, or about 5 percent of the total, on a cruise ending Monday. Outbreaks of norovirus on cruise ships aren’t uncommon during the winter season. Cruise line operators are required to report the total number of gastrointestinal cases, with online updates posted when they account for more than 3 percent of passengers and crew. The two ships have increased onboard cleaning and disinfection procedures, according to the CDC. A
government health officer and an epidemiologist will board the vessels in San Diego, the center said on its Web site. The two Royal Caribbean cruises mark the fourth and fifth outbreaks reported this year, according to the CDC. That compares with eight in the same period last year and four in the comparable part of 2013. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Norwegian Pearl had an outbreak that involved 107 passengers on a cruise that ended April 6. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian officials didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean’s chairman and chief executive officer, said in an interview last year that such outbreaks are common on land. They get more attention on cruise lines because ship owners are required to report the data. Royal Caribbean, based in Miami, fell 1.5 percent to $79.99 at the close in New York. It has declined 3 this year.
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Shell says it will continue to invest in Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago says it has been given an assurance that the Royal Dutch Shell company which acquired BG Group for £47 billion (One British Pound =US$1.46 cents) would continue to invest in the energy sector in the twin-island republic. Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar addressing the Summit of the Americas Chief Executive Officers conference Friday, said that she had been given the assurance from the chief executive officer of Royal Dutch Shell, Ben van Beurden, on the same day of the acquisition earlier this week. Addressing the summit on the “Energy: Fuelling America’s Growth,” Prime Minister Persad Bissessar said in his letter “Shell confirmed their acquisition of BG Group and committed to continue investing in Trinidad and Tobago. “I thank Mr van Beurden for his kind letter and give him the assurance that his company has a friend in Trinidad & Tobago,” she said, “the extent of our participation in global energy is made clearer when we note that Trinidad and Tobago accounts for 17 per cent of BP’s global volumes and 13 per cent of BG’s global volumes. “And our energy sector now finds itself holding strongly at the centre of a new dynamic with the Royal Dutch Shell acquisition of BG Group for £47 billion. BG is our second largest gas producer, and is a shareholder in the Atlantic facility which includes four LNG trains. “Shell is also a shareholder in Atlantic through its buyout of Repsol’s interest in 2013. And the BG assets in Trinidad & Tobago will of course be an important factor in how the acquisition is finalised” she told the conference. Persad Bissessar said that as an energy brand, Trinidad and Tobago is highly regarded globally being the world’s largest exporter of ammonia and methanol, and world’s sixth largest exporter of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Almost half of that LNG goes to three South American countries: Argentina, Brazil and Chile, she said, adding that her oil rich twin island republic also supplies LG to the Dominican Republic, Puerto
Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad Bissessar Rico, Canada and in decreasing volumes to the United States because of the shale revolution. “Our LNG trade is therefore well integrated into the Americas, which places us as partners in the economic development of the countries within our markets. “And this will be further enhanced in the near future when the Panama Canal expansion is completed. This leadership position has been won over many years of political stability and peace; deep regard for the rule of law, and our reputation for always honouring the sanctity of contracts,” she told delegates. But she said that while energy remains the cornerstone of the country’s economic growth, her administration has over the last five years sought to reconfigure the economy by shifting away from an over-reliance on the energy sector. “Economic diversification has become a major component of our economic policies for sustainability. This has seen a marked strengthening of the manufacturing sector, and of course the financial services sector which has been modernised through a number of regulatory and legislative changes.” She said also core to the economic transformation is a vision to create a property owning, knowledge driven democracy. “We have looked at the model of Ecopetrol in Colombia, which has earned an impressive reputation by divesting shares of that valuable oil company to its citizens. In the coming weeks we will
embark on another initial public offering for one of our valuable natural gas companies Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited. In doing so, our intention is to increase citizen ownership and participation in resources that are managed by some of the largest corporate entities,” she added. Persad Bissessar said that during the period 2011 to 2013, an estimated US$5.8 billion was spent on developing energy assets in Trinidad& Tobago. She said foreign direct investment (FDI) in the energy sector is expected to register an additional two billion US dollars and that both BP and BG are at the forefront of these investments. She said BP’s capital expenditure for 2015 into 2016 will focus on the Juniper project, which is a $US2.1 billion project and will spread itself over approximately two and a half years and “is the largest capital outlay for upstream development in the history of Trinidad and Tobago”. She told the delegates from 2012 to 2014, oil production held at approximately 81,000 barrels of oil per day and that by January 2015, oil production was averaging at about 84,600 barrels of oil daily. “We expect in 2015 a fur per cent increase in oil production over what was attained in 2014,” she said, adding that a crude oil audit at the end of 2011 showed proved reserves at 199.5 million barrels of oil, probable reserves 85.5 million barrels of oil and possible reserves 124.8 million barrels. The total crude oil figure of the proved plus the probable plus the possible reserves for crude oil was 409.8 million barrels.
Cuba Welcomes Removal from US Terrorism Sponsor List Obama of Cuba is praising accused President Barack “capitulating to dictators.’’ Obama’s decision to The United States first remove the Caribbean placed Cuba on the island nation from list of state sponsors of Washington’s list of state terrorism in 1982, due sponsors of terrorism. to communist island’s Josefina Vidal, support for leftist Havana’s chief diplomat separatist groups such for U.S. affairs, issued as FARC in Colombia a statement Tuesday and the Basque armed welcoming Obama’s “fair group ETA in Spain. decision to take Cuba off But Havana is now a list that it never should sponsoring peace talks have been included on.” between FARC and the Obama informed Columbian government, Congress of his decision and has distanced itself earlier in the day, after a from ETA. State Department review concluded that Cuba Financial impact “has not provided any support for international Cuba’s removal from terrorism” in the last six the U.S. list of state months and given the sponsors of terrorism U.S. assurances that it could help it secure new does not intend to in the financial investments future. from international Congress has 45 markets. days to overrule the Foreign investors in president’s decision Cuba said delisting through a joint resolution, the country would but lawmakers cannot prove positive for the island’s stop it unless both Caribbean chambers approve a joint economy. Banks could resolution, a move that legally do business with Cuba while it was on the is highly unlikely. list but the regulations Reaction from proved onerous, leading US Congress 20 banks to stop doing business with the Many of Obama’s Cuban government or fellow Democrats hailed Cuban interests in third his decision and some countries over the past experts said it was long 18 months, Cuba said. Obama’s action came just overdue. But U.S. Senator days after he met with Marco Rubio, a Cuban- Cuban President Raul American lawmaker Castro at the Summit of from south Florida the Americas in Panama, and newly announced the first face-to-face Republican presidential meeting of leaders of the candidate, denounced it two countries in more as a “terrible’’ decision, than 50 years. saying Cuba was Washington and Havana helping North Korea have held several rounds evade sanctions and of talks since the two harboring fugitives from leaders announced last American justice. The December that they fugitives include Joanne planned to resume Chesimard, wanted in normal diplomatic the slaying of a New relations, bringing Jersey state trooper in an end to hostilities the early 1970s. stemming from the Cold Republican U.S. War. Representative Mario Iran, Sudan and Syria Diaz-Balart, another remain on the U.S. list C u b a n - A m e r i c a n of state sponsors of lawmaker from Florida, terrorism.
Pair jailed over drug smuggling plot in Bermuda
HAMILTON, Bermuda He was found guilty last — A 29-year-old drug smuggler month of conspiracy to import convicted last month by a and supply the drugs after a Supreme Court jury for his two-month trial. role in a near six million US A second man, Brian dollar cannabis plot has been Anderson, 52, admitted jailed for 10 years. helping to move the drugs once Darrin Virgil received they had arrived in Bermuda his sentence on Monday for and was sentenced to three his involvement in the drug- years behind bars. smuggling operation which At the trial the jury freed saw the drugs arrive on the three other co-defendants. John Jefferis was found island in a shipment of steel that originated in Ontario, not guilty by a majority verdict of 10-2, while brothers Corte Canada.
Gibbons and Iman Gibbons were cleared by a unanimous verdict. Originally, seven men and one woman were charged in connection with the case. However, Anderson pleaded guilty during the trial and three other defendants — Dina Tucker, Damon Edwards and Shannon Trott — were found not guilty after Puisne Judge Carlisle Greaves ruled that there was insufficient evidence to convict them.
The jury heard that in November 2012 Customs officers processing cargo of the Bermuda Container Line’s Oleander ran an X-ray of a container with several steel sheets and noticed a series of rectangular objects hidden inside. Days later, police watched as the container was delivered to the Abbott’s Cliff area of Hamilton Parish. Officers discovered that hidden inside the steel sheets
were 119 kilograms of cannabis, with an estimated street value of more than US$5.9 million. Prosecutor Takiyah Burgess told the court that Virgil and Anderson committed the offences for their “own personal gain. “The evidence suggested that this was not an isolated incident, but part of an ongoing operation which was halted by the interception of these drugs by police,” she added.
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Florida man arrested after Small amounts of landing small helicopter pot decriminalized in Jamaica on U.S. Capitol grounds
A man takes pictures of a gyro copter that was flown onto the grounds of the U.S. Capitol as it is towed from the west front lawn in Washington April 15, 2015. WASHINGTON - A Florida man was arrested after he landed his small helicopter on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, police said, violating restricted airspace and causing a security scare. Doug Hughes, 61, a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier from Ruskin, Florida, has been jailed and is facing undisclosed charges after he flew his “gyro copter” over Washington and landed on the Capitol grounds about 1:30 p.m., the U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement. The Tampa Bay Times reported that Hughes planned to make the flight to draw attention to the issue of campaign finance reform. He wrote letters addressed
to each member of Congress calling for changes, the paper said. Security rules prohibit aircraft from flying in the area of the Capitol and the White House without permission. A bomb squad investigated the aircraft and found nothing hazardous, the Capitol Police statement said. A U.S. Postal Service spokeswoman confirmed that the person in custody was a rural letter carrier, but did not give a name. Streets near the Capitol were temporarily closed while police investigated and removed the aircraft, which resembled a small open-air helicopter with a single rotor on top.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said it was investigating the incident. It said the pilot of the gyro copter was not authorized to enter restricted airspace. In a bystander video that was obtained by the Associated Press, the copter is shown flying over the reflecting pool west of the Capitol and landing on the lawn. Nora Neus, 21, of Tenafly, New Jersey, told Reuters that after the craft landed, police ordered the man in it not to move. She said he did not resist arrest. “It seemed relatively intentional, he just kind of landed and sat there,” said Neus, who was in Washington for a job interview. Hughes took off on Wednesday morning from near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, about 65 miles (110 km) north of Washington, and headed for the Capitol, a Tampa Bay Times reporter told Reuters. The incident came several days after a man shot himself to death in front of the Capitol on Saturday and sparked a temporary lockdown. In January, a small “quadcopter” drone crashed onto the White House lawn. The man who was operating it did not face criminal charges.
No party will win outright UK election, says Nick Clegg Nick Clegg has said no party will win an government and add a brain to a Labour one”. outright election victory and warned voters they A “few hundred votes”, he claimed, could face a choice between the Lib Dems, the SNP and make the difference between a “decent, tolerant and UKIP over who holds the balance of power. generous” government in the centre-ground and a Launching his manifesto, the Lib Dem leader said “coalition of grievance” involving either the UKIP or he would seek to form a “coalition with conscience” SNP. that would not “lurch off to the extremes”. Opinion polls suggest the SNP, whose former He pledged £2.5bn more for education after leader Alex Salmond is standing for Parliament, 2017 to boost opportunity. could make huge gains in next month’s poll and Mr The Conservatives and Labour have both Clegg suggested it would be Mr Salmond, rather insisted they can win on their own. than his successor as SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, UKIP leader Nigel Farage, who published his who could end up “calling the shots”. party’s own manifesto on Wednesday, has rejected “Somebody is going to hold the balance of suggestions he has made approaches to the power on 8 May,” he said. “It is not going to be David Conservatives about a post-election deal, saying Cameron or Ed Miliband. It could be Alex Salmond, he would “only be speaking to the British people” it could be Nigel Farage or it could be me and the between now and 7 May. Liberal Democrats. Mr Farage suggested a referendum on the “Only the Lib Dems can make sure the UK’s membership of the EU would be the main “red next government keeps Britain on track. Every Lib line” in any negotiations with another party, saying Dem you elect makes Labour’s reckless borrowing it would have to be a “full, free and fair” vote rather less likely, makes George Osborne’s ideological cuts than a “stitch-up”. less likely and every Lib Dem you elect is a barrier Speaking in south London, Mr Clegg declined between Nigel Farage and Alex Salmond and the to specify any red lines but said he would “die in door to 10 Downing Street.” the trenches” to defend the party’s five key priorities on education, health, tax, the deficit and the environment if it stayed in government. Mr Clegg, whose presentation was interrupted by technical glitches, said no party would win enough seats to gain victory and either the Conservatives or Labour would have to work with others if they wanted to take power. He said the Lib Dems’ “gutsy” decision to join the Conservatives in coalition in 2010 had been vindicated, saying they had turned round the economy and governed with “compassion and a sense of fairness”. Making the case for another coalition, Mr Clegg said a vote for his party would stop the Tories or Labour governing on their own, arguing the Lib Dems would “add a heart to a Conservative Nick Clegg
KINGSTON, Jamaica - Drug law amendments that partially decriminalize small amounts of pot and pave the way for a lawful medical marijuana sector went into effect Wednesday in Jamaica, a country where the drug has long been culturally entrenched. Justice Minister Mark Golding described the reforms as “long overdue” on the Caribbean island, where the drug is revered by members of Jamaica’s Rastafarian movement and used regularly by many ordinary Jamaicans. Jamaica’s Parliament gave the amendments final approval in February. The act makes possession of up to 2 ounces (56 grams) of marijuana, or “ganja” as it’s known locally, a petty offense that could result in a roughly $5 ticket but not in an arrest or a criminal record. Cultivation of five or fewer plants by any household is allowed. And Rastafarian adults are now permitted to use marijuana for sacramental purposes for the first time since the homegrown spiritual movement was founded in the 1930s. In the late reggae icon Bob Marley’s old neighborhood of Trench Town, a dreadlocked Rastafarian adherent known as Nature enjoyed a pipe stuffed full of “wisdom weed” during a Wednesday morning smoking session. He said Jamaican police, frequently criticized for heavy-handed behavior when dealing with young men smoking marijuana, will have to learn restraint. “The Babylon police used to abuse the Rastaman for smoking the herb. But the times are changing and the agitation has to stop,” Nature said in the Trench Town Culture Yard, where tree trunks are painted in the black, yellow, red and green of Rastafari, a movement that reveres Ethiopia’s late Emperor Haile Selassi as a god and considers black people living outside Africa as captives. Jamaican authorities have become emboldened by changes to pot laws in U.S. states and numerous countries, and they hope the island can become a player in the burgeoning medical marijuana industry, health tourism and the development of weed-derived products. The new amendments allow possession of marijuana for certified scientific research. A new “cannabis licensing authority” is supposed to regulate the cultivation and distribution of marijuana for legal purposes. However, it’s not clear when a regulated and taxed medical marijuana sector will get off the ground in Jamaica.
Thousands flee as IS group advances on Iraq’s Ramadi BAGHDAD - More than 2,000 families have fled from the Iraqi city of Ramadi, an official said Thursday, as the Islamic State group advanced on the provincial capital of the western Anbar province, clashing with Iraqi troops. The extremist group, which has controlled the nearby city of Fallujah for more than a year, captured three villages on Ramadi’s eastern outskirts on Wednesday. The advance is widely seen as a counteroffensive after the IS group lost the city of Tikrit, Saddam Hussein’s hometown, earlier this month. Hundreds of U.S. troops are training Iraqi forces at a military base west of Ramadi, but a U.S. military official said the fighting had no impact on the U.S. soldiers there, and that there were no plans to withdraw them. Sattar Nowruz, from the Ministry of Migration and Displaced, said those fleeing Ramadi have settled in southern and western Baghdad suburbs. Tents, food and other aid are being sent to them, he said. The ministry is also assessing the situation with the provincial government in order “to provide the displaced people, who are undergoing difficult conditions, with better services and help,” Nowruz said. Sporadic clashes were still underway Thursday, according to security officials in Ramadi. Government forces control the city center, while the IS group has had a presence in the suburbs and outskirts for months. They described Ramadi as a ghost town, with empty streets and closed shops.
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Hillary Clinton’s 2016 White House launch contrasts with her 2008 bid
Hillary Clinton cast herself as a champion for everyday Americans on Sunday, kicking off her long-awaited second run for the White House with a vow to fight for a level playing field for those recovering from tough economic times. Clinton, who begins the 2016 presidential race as the commanding Democratic front runner, entered the fray with a flurry of video, email and social media announcements that indicated she had absorbed some of the lessons of her painful 2008 loss and would not take anything for granted this time. When she lost the Democratic nominating battle to Barack Obama, her campaign was heavily criticized for conveying a sense of arrogance and entitlement, and for being out of touch with the party’s progressive wing. This time, the video launching her campaign portrayed her as a warmer, more empathetic figure and laid the groundwork for a more populist economic agenda. Eight years ago, her launch message was “I’m in it to win.” On Sunday, she shifted the attention to voters, declaring on her new website, “Everyday Americans need a champion. I want to be that champion.” Her roll-out included a sophisticated use of social media, including Twitter, Facebook and YouTube - a contrast to her last campaign which was seen as less adept than Obama’s at using technology to convey messages. But showing a more down-to-earth side while connecting with ordinary voters will be a challenge for Clinton, one of the most famous figures in the United States after decades as the wife of former President Bill Clinton, a U.S. senator and secretary of state. Indeed,
Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail her launch drew praise from French and German government ministers. While Clinton enters the race as prohibitive favorite to be her party’s presidential nominee, a crowd of potential candidates are vying for the Republican nomination. Clinton’s campaign will be based around her plans to address economic inequality and will tout the historic nature of her effort to become the first woman U.S. president, aides said. In announcing her presidential bid in 2007, Clinton spoke to the camera alone while sitting on a couch and asked voters to join her later for a series of Web chats. This time, her video featured a mix of Americans talking about their futures and their economic troubles, along with images of Clinton in listening mode and only a small snippet of her speaking. Her announcements featured strong words but no specific policy proposals about the struggles of working Americans and the need for economic equality. That included a shot at executive salaries that reflected populist rhetoric to a degree that could
raise alarm among her Wall Street backers. “Families have fought their way back from tough economic times. But it’s not enough - not when the average CEO makes about 300 times what the average worker makes,” Clinton said in an email to supporters. One analyst noted the picture of Clinton on her launch website, holding a paper coffee cup and talking to a gray-haired man and woman, showed her appreciation for one set of voters. “Having your maiden voyage launched with senior citizens may not look like the future but it’s a core constituency,” said Linda Fowler, a political scientist at Dartmouth University. Aides have said Clinton’s campaign schedule will feature plenty of smaller events where she can listen to voters. She will visit Iowa, which holds the kickoff contest in the nominating process early in 2016, this week on a “listening tour.” It will include a roundtable discussion with students and educators on Tuesday and small business owners on Wednesday. “I’m going to work my heart out to
earn every single vote, because I know it’s your time,” Clinton said in her email to supporters. She mentioned her father’s small business, her mother’s “tough childhood” and her baby granddaughter. Opinion polls show Clinton has a huge lead over potential Democratic rivals, and few are expected to enter the race. A Reuters-Ipsos tracking poll shows Clinton backed by more than 60 percent of Democrats. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, a favorite of the party’s liberal wing who says she is not running, is a distant second at 18 percent. So far, only former Senator Jim Webb of Virginia and former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, who both languish in single digits in polls, are the only Democrats to make moves toward a candidacy. PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKES
Even before Clinton entered the race, potential Republican opponents took swings at her. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush criticized her guidance of U.S. foreign policy as secretary of state. “We must do better than the Obama-Clinton foreign policy that has damaged relationships with our allies and emboldened our enemies,” Bush said in a video released by the political action committee Right to Rise. Many Democrats have been waiting for Clinton to get back into the White House fight since the day in June 2008 when she pulled out of her primary battle against Obama with an expression of regret that she could not crack “that highest and hardest glass ceiling this time.”
Ex-NFL player Aaron Hernandez convicted of murder, gets life FALL RIVER, Mass. -- verdict, and Lloyd’s Former New England Patriots mother also cried. star Aaron Hernandez was Jenkins wept loudly on convicted of first-degree his mother’s shoulder. murder and sentenced to life in Hernandez, his eyes prison Wednesday in a deadly red, mouthed to them: late-night shooting, sealing “Be strong. Be strong.” the downfall of an athlete The former football who once had a $40 million pro from Bristol, contract and a standout career Connecticut, was also ahead of him. found guilty on both Hernandez, 25, looked weapons charges to his right, pursed his he faced. The jury Aaron Hernandez lips and sat down after the deliberated for 36 hours former Pro Bowl athlete, who jury forewoman announced over seven days before was considered one of the top him guilty in the slaying of rendering its verdict. Odin Lloyd, a 27-year-old For reasons that were tight ends in the game. Prosecutors presented landscaper and amateur never made clear to the jury, weekend football player Lloyd was shot six times in the a wealth of evidence that who was dating the sister middle of the night on June 17, Hernandez was with Lloyd of Hernandez’s fiancee. The 2013, in a deserted industrial at the time he was killed, conviction carried a mandatory park near Hernandez’s home including home security video from Hernandez’s mansion, sentence of life without parole in North Attleborough. testimony and and automatically triggers Police almost immediately witness an appeal to Massachusetts’ zeroed in on Hernandez cellphone records that tracked highest court. because they found in Lloyd’s Lloyd’s movements. Hernandez’s lawyer, Hernandez’s pocket the key to a car the mother, Terri, and his fiancee, NFL player had rented. James Sultan, acknowledged Shayanna Jenkins, cried and Within hours of Hernandez’s for the first time during closing gasped when they heard the arrest, the Patriots cut the arguments that Hernandez
was there when Lloyd was killed. But the attorney pinned the shooting on two of Hernandez’s friends, Ernest Wallace and Carlos Ortiz, saying his client was a “23-year-old kid” who witnessed a shocking crime and didn’t know what to do. Wallace and Ortiz will stand trial later. Prosecutors have suggested Lloyd may have been killed because he knew too much about Hernandez’s alleged involvement in a deadly 2012 drive-by shooting in Boston. But they were not allowed to tell the jury that because the judge said it was speculation. As a result, they never offered a motive beyond saying Hernandez appeared angry with Lloyd at a nightclub two
nights before the killing. Hernandez faces further legal trouble: He is awaiting trial on murder charges in the drive-by shooting. He is accused of gunning down two men over a spilled drink at a nightclub. In the Lloyd killing, the defense argued that investigators fixated on Hernandez because of his celebrity and conducted a shoddy investigation in their zeal to confirm their suspicions. Prosecutors said Hernandez organized the killing, summoned his two friends to help carry it out, and drove Lloyd and the others to the secluded spot in the industrial park. During closing arguments, prosecutors also accused Hernandez of pulling the trigger, though under the law it was not necessary to prove who fired the shots to convict him.
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Wi-Fi on planes opens door to in-flight hacking Hackers on commercial flights could now bring down the plane they are on by using the on board Wi-Fi, a US government watchdog has warned. The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) does not suggest it would be easy to do but it points out that as airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration attempt to modernise planes and flight tracking with internet-based technology, attackers have a new vulnerability they could exploit. The GAO says: “Modern aircraft are increasingly connected to the internet. This interconnectedness can potentially provide unauthorized remote access to aircraft avionics systems.” The report highlights the fact that cockpit electronics are indirectly connected to the passenger cabin through shared IP networks. The connection between passengeraccessible systems and the avionics of the plane is heavily moderated by firewalls, but information security experts have pointed out that firewalls, like all software, can never be assumed to be totally infallible. “Four cybersecurity experts with whom we spoke discussed firewall vulnerabilities, and all four said that because firewalls are software components, they could be hacked like any other software and circumvented,” explains the office. “According to cybersecurity experts we interviewed, internet connectivity in the cabin should be considered a direct link between the aircraft and the outside world, which includes potential malicious actors,” the report adds. The Federal Aviation Administration does not currently verify the cybersecurity of a new airliner before certifying it for scope, although it “currently issues rules with limited
scope, called Special Conditions, to aircraft manufacturers when aircraft employ new technologies where IP interconnectivity could present cybersecurity risks”. The report praises the FAA for the steps it has taken to get its cybersecurity policies in order, but says that “opportunity exists for further action”, and particularly highlights as a cause for concern the fact that cybersecurity responsibility is split over multiple FAA offices. Advertisement A worst case scenario is that a terrorist with a laptop would sit among the passengers and take control of the airplane using its passenger Wi-Fi, said Rep. Peter DeFazio, an Oregon Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee who requested the investigation. “That’s a serious vulnerability, and FAA should work quickly” to fix the problem, DeFazio said. The GAO released a separate report last March that determined the FAA’s system for guiding planes and other aircraft also was at “increased and unnecessary risk” of being hacked. One area of weakness is the ability to prevent and detect unauthorised access to the vast network of computer and communications systems the FAA uses to process and track flights around the world, the report said. The FAA relies on more than 100 of these air traffic systems to direct planes. In January 2015, the GAO praised the FAA for taking steps to protect air-traffic controllers, but warned that “significant security control weaknesses remain that threaten the [FAA’s] ability to ensure the safe and uninterrupted operation of the national airspace system”.
Russia blames US for security crises, turmoil in Ukraine Top Russian officials accused the United States on Thursday of seeking political and military dominance in the world and sought to put blame on the West for international security crises, including the conflict in east Ukraine. Evoking Cold War-style rhetoric, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said a drive by the United States and its allies to bring Kiev closer to the West was a threat to Moscow and had forced it to react. “The United States and its allies have crossed all possible lines in their drive to bring Kiev into their orbit. That could not have failed to trigger our reaction,” he told an annual security conference in Moscow. Echoing his comments, General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, told the meeting: “Considering themselves the winners of the Cold War, the United States decided to reshape the world to fit its needs. “Aiming at complete dominance,
New York protesters march against police brutality
Washington stopped taking into account the interests of other countries and respect international law.” Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine last March following what it says was an “unconstitutional coup” in which street protests toppled a Moscow-allied Ukrainian president in Kiev after he ditched a deal to move closer to the European Union. Separatist unrest then spread to eastern, Russian-speaking regions of Ukraine where fighting between Kiev’s troops and pro-Russian rebels killed more than 6,000 people. The West says Moscow drives the rebellion, sends serving Russian troops there and provides the rebels with arms, training and intelligence. President Vladimir Putin on Thursday repeated Moscow’s denial, saying Russian military forces were not in Ukraine and denying that it was providing troops and support for pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.
NEW YORK— Hundreds of protesters gathered in New York City on Tuesday night to march against police brutality. The march was organized by National Actions to Stop Murder By Police. Many of the protesters cited the deaths of Eric Garner in Staten Island and Walter Scott in South Carolina. The protesters marched from Manhattan’s Union Square and across the Brooklyn Bridge where they partially blocked traffic. Several people were seen getting arrested, but police said early Wednesday that information on the number of arrests was not yet available. Police say an off-duty police officer driving home on the bridge was assaulted by two protesters when he
got out of his vehicle to investigate. Police say the suspects ran off after he identified himself as a police officer. He was hospitalized with injuries to his face and arm. Mayor Bill de Blasio released a statement condemning the violence. Last year, two officers were assaulted on the bridge during a protest over Garner’s chokehold death. Seven people were seen on amateur video pushing, kicking and punching the two officers. Five people were later arrested in that assault. Organizers said Tuesday’s protest in New York was one of 28 being held across the country. In Springfield, Massachusetts, police arrested and charged 15 people with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after they blocked traffic at a major intersection.
2015 was deadliest year for migrants crossing Mediterranean International rights agencies April 2014, that had grown to 96. So, said 2015 is shaping up to be the we are at least five times the first four deadliest year for migrants crossing months of 2014’s rate.” the Mediterranean Sea. In the latest Millman said the tide of tragedy, the human rights group, Save migration from Libya toward Italy the Children reports an estimated is growing at a far more alarming 400 people, many of them children, and more deadly rate this year than lost their lives in recent days while last. He said many more migrants making the dangerous crossing from are fleeing Libya and making the Libya to Italy. precarious journey across the sea to The month of April is only half over escape the violent and crime-ridden and yet it has been extraordinary in conditions in that country. terms of the number of people rescued “A lot of what we see are at sea. Official figures indicate the people who are part of the traditional Italian Coast Guard has picked up work force that come up from West more than 7,000 migrants between Africa to work in Libya. But, because April 10 and 13. Save the Children it is difficult to remit money home said some 450 of them are children - and because there is just so much 317 unaccompanied by an adult. common crime in the streets of cities Joel Millman, a spokesman for like Tripoli right now, they are afraid the International Organization for that they cannot keep their money, Migration, said so far about 8,000 they cannot stay safe,” he added. “So, people have been rescued in April. they are seeking a way to get out on These numbers, he said, indicate the these ships.” 2015 migrant smuggling season is in The United Nations High full swing. Commissioner for Refugees said “We are on pace to be well ahead at least 3,500 people drowned of last year’s totals for all migrant while attempting to cross the arrivals from Africa into Italy and we Mediterranean from North Africa in are…in pace to be five times the rate 2014. International humanitarian of fatalities,” stated Millman. This agencies predict that record number past weekend, we passed 500 deaths of deaths will be surpassed this year. on the Mediterranean of migrants They are calling on the European leaving Africa. This time last year Union to step up action to stop this there were 47, although at the end of intolerable loss of life.
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Percy Sledge, Who Sang ‘When A Man Loves a Woman’, Dies
Percy Sledge kneels as he performs “When a Man Loves a Woman” NEW ORLEANS— Percy Sledge, blinding, all-consuming love haunted who soared from part-time singer and by fear and graced by overwhelming hospital orderly to lasting fame with emotion. his aching, forlorn performance on the “When a Man Loves a Woman” classic “When a Man Loves a Woman,” was a personal triumph for Sledge, died Tuesday in Louisiana. He was 74. who seemed on the verge of sobbing Dr. William “Beau” Clark, coroner throughout the production, and a for East Baton Rouge Parish, confirmed breakthrough for Southern soul. It to The Associated Press that Sledge was the first No. 1 hit from Alabama’s died early Tuesday morning, about an burgeoning Muscle Shoals music scene, hour after midnight, of natural causes where Aretha Franklin and the Rolling in hospice care. Stones among others would record, A No. 1 hit in 1966, “When a Man and the first gold record for Atlantic Loves a Woman” was Sledge’s debut Records. single, an almost unbearably heartfelt Atlantic Records executive ballad with a resonance he never Jerry Wexler later called the song “a approached again. Few singers could transcendent moment” and “a holy love have. Its mood set by a mournful organ hymn.” and dirge-like tempo, “When a Man Sledge’s hit became a standard Loves a Woman” was for many the that sustained his long touring career definitive soul ballad, a testament of in the U.S., Europe and South Africa,
when he averaged 100 performances a Quin Ivy. year, and led to his induction into the In the 2013 documentary “Muscle Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Shoals,” Sledge recalled recording the It was a favorite at weddings - Sledge song: “When I came into the studio, I himself did the honors at a ceremony was shaking like a leaf. I was scared.” for musician and actor Steve Van He added that it was the “same melody Zandt - and often turned up in movies, that I sang when I was out in the fields. including “The Big Chill,” “The Crying I just wailed out in the woods and let Game” and a 1994 Meg Ryan drama the echo come back to me.” named for the song’s title. The composition of the song has “When a Man Loves a Woman” long been a mystery. Some thought that was re-released after being featured Sledge wrote it himself. Sledge said he in Oliver Stone’s Vietnam War film was inspired by a girlfriend who left “Platoon” in 1987 and reached No. 2 him for a modeling career after he was in Britain. Michael Bolton topped laid off from a construction job in 1965, the charts in the 1990s with a cover but he gave the songwriting credits version and Rolling Stone magazine to two Esquires bandmates, bassist later ranked it No. 53 on its list of the Calvin Lewis and organist Andrew greatest songs of all time. Wright, who helped him with the song. Recognizable by his wide, gapWhile identified with the Muscle toothed smile, Sledge had a handful Shoals music scene, Sledge spent most of other hits between 1966 and 1968, of his career living in Baton Rouge. He including “Warm and Tender Love,” “It was inducted in the Alabama Music Tears Me Up,” “Out of Left Field” and Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Louisiana “Take Time to Know Her.” He returned Music Hall of Fame in 2007. to the charts in 1974 with “I’ll Be Your In April 1994, Sledge pleaded Everything.” guilty in federal court to tax evasion Before he became famous, involving income from concerts in the Sledge worked in the cotton fields late 1980s. He was sentenced to six around his hometown of Leighton in months in a halfway house, given five northwest Alabama and took a job years of probation, and ordered to pay in a hospital in nearby Sheffield. He $96,000 in back taxes and fines. When also spent weekends playing with a he pleaded guilty, he told the judge, “I rhythm-and-blues band called the knew I owed more.” Esquires. A patient at the hospital Sledge had surgery for liver heard him singing while working and cancer in January 2014 but soon recommended him to record producer resumed touring.
Al Sharpton praises South Carolina mayor where officer shot black man Sharpton told the New York Times he would Civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton on Sunday praised the mayor of a South Carolina town urge authorities to prosecute a black police officer, where a white patrolman was charged with murder Clarence Habersham, who arrived on the scene just after the fatal shooting of a black man and said other after Scott was fatally shot. Critics have said video evidence contradicted Habersham’s report. officers there should face charges. New York-based Sharpton said he hoped the On Sunday in South Carolina, Sharpton said prosecution of the officer, who shot Walter Scott in officers who had turned in false reports should not the back on April 4, would mark a turning point in expect superiors to cover for them, regardless of race. the United States. The incident was caught on video “If you lie, you go where liars go,” he said. “It’s not about white cop, black cop. It’s not about black and by a bystander. “Rather than duck, the mayor stood up,” white. It’s about right and wrong.” Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral for Sharpton said of North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey, who attended Sunday’s service at a local Scott on Saturday in Summerville, north of North church where Sharpton spoke. Charleston where the shooting took place. Scott, 50, “Maybe now, between a Southern white mayor was the father of four. Sharpton, who preached at Charity Mission and a forgiving black mother, maybe this nation will Baptist Church in North Charleston, is expected to deal with this.” Scott’s shooting was one of the latest in a lead a prayer vigil on Sunday afternoon at the site series of killings that have stoked a national outcry where Scott was shot. over police use of force against African-Americans. Michael Slager, 33, the North Charleston officer Last year, the fatal shooting of an unarmed black who fired eight times at Scott’s back as he fled from man in Ferguson, Missouri, and choking death of a traffic stop, has been charged with murder and a black man in New York City triggered a wave of dismissed from the police force. Slager pulled Scott’s black Mercedes-Benz over demonstrations across the United States. Sharpton said it seemed providential that for a broken tail light. Video from the dashboard “way down in South Carolina, where we are still camera in Slager’s police cruiser recorded a protesting the Confederate flag, that in the Deep respectful exchange between the two men before the South, a mayor and police chief did what we couldn’t officer returned to his patrol car. Minutes later, after being told by Slager to stay get mayors in the North and the Midwest to do.”
Al Sharpton in the Mercedes, the man emerged from his car and ran off. Scott, who was apparently unarmed, had a history of arrests for failing to pay child support. A cell phone video taken by a bystander showed the men in a brief tussle before Scott ran off again. It also shows Slager firing his gun and Scott slumping onto the grass. There was a gap between the dashboard video and the bystander video, however, as the officer was not wearing a body camera.
China growth slowest in six years
China grew at its slowest pace in six years at the start of 2015 and weakness in key sectors suggested the world’s second-largest economy was still losing momentum, intensifying Beijing’s struggle to find the right policy mix to shore up activity. Measures to support the property sector and a series of cuts in interest rates and bank reserve requirements look to have delivered less support to the economy than hoped, apart from
feeding a stock market surge, raising expectations of more stimulus soon. Gross domestic product (GDP) grew an annual 7.0 percent in the first quarter, slowing from 7.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014, China’s statistics bureau said. While matching the median forecast in a Reuters poll, some analysts said it seemed stronger than data on the components of growth suggested. “Despite a headline growth rate in line with expectations, underlying
economic activities appear to have softened further,” Qu Hongbin, HSBC’s co-head of Asian Economic Research, said in a note. “We expect policy makers to deploy further monetary easing and other growth-supporting measures in the coming weeks.” Analysts calculated the GDP deflator had fallen 1.2 percent, a six-year low, indicating broad deflationary pressures. Monthly retail sales, industrial
output and fixed asset investment data released with the GDP figures all missed analyst expectations. Growth in fixed-asset investment (FAI), a key economic driver, was the slowest since 2000, while industrial output grew at its weakest since the global financial crisis in 2008. Power output, which some analysts use as a proxy for economic activity, fell an annual 3.7 percent in March, the biggest fall since the 2008 crisis.
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Apple expected to quickly ramp up smartwatch production
Apple Inc is likely to quickly ramp up production of the Apple Watch after strong pre-orders outstripped limited supply Apple is likely to quickly ramp up production of the Apple Watch after strong pre-orders outstripped limited supply, analysts said on Monday. Apple’s website lists shipping times in June for some models, and four to six weeks for others, suggesting the company is straining to meet demand. However, analysts said Apple could sell between 2.3 million and 4 million watches in the quarter ending June.Apple was widely expected to disclose pre-orders on Monday, following its usual pattern after a product launch. But Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said this may not happen this time because of the supply issue. “Overall we view the trends
over the weekend as an indication of solid demand paired with very limited supply, with supply being the most significant limiting factor,” Munster said in a client note. Munster, who thinks Apple will sell 2.3 million watches in the April-June quarter, expects the company to ramp up production between mid-May and June. Estimates by shopping data firm Slice Intelligence and brokerage Cowen and Co pegged bookings on Friday, the first day of pre-orders, at about 1 million in the United States. For comparison, about 720,000 Android-powered smartwatches offered by companies including Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (005930.KS) and Sony Corp
(6758.T) were shipped in all of 2014, according to market research firm Canalys. Analysts at brokerage Pacific Crest said their checks showed that Apple appeared to be ordering components for the watch that would allow it to make well over 20 million this year. UBS estimates that Apple will sell 16 million watches in fiscal 2015 ending September and 40 million in fiscal 2016. The watch, which allow users to check email, listen to music and make phone calls when paired with an iPhone, goes on sale officially on April 24. BofA Merrill Lynch expects Apple to ship 4 million smartwatches in the quarter, while Cowen expects 3 million. The watch is Chief Executive Tim Cook’s first new major product launch and the company’s first foray into the personal luxurygoods market. Despite mixed reviews, which generally praised the watch’s styling but criticized its less-thanspectacular battery life and slowloading apps, people flocked to Apple stores to get a close-up look. Apple booked pre-orders for about 4 million iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models when they were released in September.
EU says Google hurt consumers and competitors in Internet search case
The European Union accused Google Inc on Wednesday of cheating consumers and competitors by distorting Web search results to favor its own shopping service, after a five-year investigation that could change the rules for business online. It also launched another antitrust investigation into Google’s Android mobile operating system, a key element in the U.S. tech giant’s strategy to maintain revenues from online advertising as people switch from Web
browser searches to smartphone apps. Competition C o m m i s s i o n e r Margrethe Vestager said Google, which dominates Internet search engine markets worldwide, had been sent a Statement of Objections - effectively a charge sheet - to which it has 10 weeks to respond. Investigations into Google’s business practices in other areas would continue, with the shopping case potentially setting a precedent for concerns over Google’s search products for hotels, flights and other
services. Vestager, a Dane who took over the politically charged case in November, announced the moves on the eve of a high-profile visit to the United States. Her findings follow nearly five years of investigation and abortive efforts by her Spanish predecessor, Joaquin Almunia, to strike deals with Google. “I am concerned that the company has given an unfair advantage to its own comparison shopping service, in breach of EU
antitrust rules,” she said. Google could face fines, she warned, if the Commission proves its case that it has used its “near monopoly” in Europe to push Google Shopping ahead of rivals for the past seven years. Google rejected the accusations. In its first reaction, the Mountain View, California-based company said in a blog post that it strongly disagreed with the EU’s statement of objections and would make the case that its products have fostered competition and benefited consumers.
GM spared by bankruptcy judge from ignition-switch suits
General Motors Co. can’t be sued over alleged wrongdoing that occurred before its 2009 bankruptcy, but may face claims over later actions tied to older cars, a judge ruled as part of cases tied to ignition switch defects. The question of GM’s bankruptcy shield arose in the recall of millions of cars with defective switches. The carmaker argued that its 2009 government bailout created a new company
free of liability for the acts of “Old GM.” GM rose more than 2 percent on the ruling. At least 74 people were killed when GM cars suddenly turned off after the faulty ignition switches were jostled. More than 2.59 million vehicles have been recalled for just one type of switch defect. While U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Gerber sided with the Detroit-based automaker on
the question of pre-bankruptcy liability, he opened the door for some ignition-related claims against the reborn company. Affected car owners who weren’t injured sued GM, seeking compensation for their vehicles’ loss in value. Wednesday’s ruling allows some of those lawsuits over GM’s failure to warn about the switches to proceed. The motorists still have to prove their cases to get any money.
Casinos failed Atlantic City, but they’re still part of its future
When the Resorts International Casino opened its doors on May 27, 1978, politicians and residents alike felt that the gambling den would be just the ticket to turn Atlantic City, N.J., around. A crowd of thousands gathered just off the beach on the city’s famed boardwalk with pocketfuls of bills and coins that they couldn’t wait to plunk down on tables and drop into machines. It was the first time gambling had been legalized outside of Nevada, and the 1.5 million New Jersey residents who voted in favor of the measure to bring casinos to the dowdy “Queen of Resorts” no doubt believed they had placed a winning bet. And for many years it was. State Senate President Stephen Sweeney, a Democrat, recently told The Deal that the city “had a monopoly on gaming for 30 years.” Recently, though, the tide shifted. In the past 18 months, four casinos—Revel AC Inc., Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, the Atlantic Club Casino Hotel and Showboat Atlantic City—have closed their doors, costing 8,000 workers their jobs. The fading fortunes of Atlantic City’s gaming industry have taken a toll on the municipal fisc. An emergency manager has been tapped to look into the city’s dire finances. Three of the four recently shuttered casinos have gone through bankruptcy: Revel filed for bankruptcy for the second time on June 19; the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, owned by Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc., filed its latest Chapter 11 petition on Sept. 9; and the Atlantic Club Casino Hotel filed on Nov. 6, 2013. Showboat Atlantic City, owned by Caesars Entertainment Operating Co., closed shop before the gaming company’s voluntary Jan. 15 Chapter 11 filing. The run of bad news prompted Sweeney to publicly lament that the city and its boosters had been “knocked down.” So, what happened? Wayne Weitz, managing director at restructuring firm Gavin/Salomonese LLC, pointed out that part of the problem for Atlantic City is the proliferation of other casinos in the Northeast. Pennsylvania, for example, granted five casino licenses in December 2006. Those locations have since opened and “Pennsylvania has passed New Jersey as the second [highest earning] casino state in the country,” Weitz said. (First, of course, is Nevada, due to Sin City.) Weitz also said that Atlantic City was once a “huge draw for New York [residents],” but now those funseekers are more likely to go to Foxwoods Resort Casino or Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. For many in the Northeast, “you’re not going to A.C. for the casino; you can get the casino elsewhere.” Timothy W. Walsh, partner at McDermott Will & Emery LLP, echoed Weitz’s comments. Walsh noted that a “big issue you have is the easing of casino restrictions in neighboring states,” including Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New York. “That takes away a lot of the draw to Atlantic City,” he said. But the proliferation of gambling is only part of the problem. Atlantic City itself contributed to the downturn. The town is too remote and automobilecentric. A contentious labor dispute is simmering. Some of the properties are poorly designed. And while a seaside location is nice enough in the summer, New Jersey’s weather isn’t exactly a yearround draw. Nonetheless, developers haven’t given up on the city.New projects promise to make the town an attractive destination for a wider population. The state and local governments are considering regulatory and financial reforms that should make the city more business-friendly. For now, while policymakers and investors try to revive the business, the workers whose jobs depend on the casinos and those 1.5 million New Jersey residents who bet on the industry can only watch and hope they don’t roll snake eyes.
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Fast-Food Workers Rally in 230 Cities Seeking Higher Pay Fast-food workers are holding rallies in 230 U.S. cities Wednesday in their biggest protest yet for higher pay and union rights. The events were organized by the union-backed Fight for $15 campaign, which is demanding that McDonald’s Corp. and other fast-food chains raise their minimum wages to $15 and let workers unionize. The protests are the largest action to date for a movement begun in November 2012, organizers said. About 1,000 workers protested outside a McDonald’s in Brooklyn, New York, while others rallied Wednesday morning in cities such as Chicago, Miami and Washington, according to organizers. Fast-food employees also went on strike in New Zealand and protested in Finland and Japan, organizers said. In Chicago, about 150 people protested outside a McDonald’s on the city’s South Side, said Deivid Rojas, a spokesman for Fight for $15 in Chicago. Protesters also have been joined by about 40 striking truck drivers and security guards, he said. McDonald’s said earlier this month it would raise wages and offer paid vacation at U.S. companyowned stores, which account for about 10 percent of its more than 14,000 domestic restaurants. The move came after a handful of major retail
The events were organized by the union-backed Fight for $15 campaign, which is demanding that McDonald’s Corp. and other fast-food chains raise their minimum wages to $15 and let workers unionize chains announced wage hikes amid a growing list of major U.S. employers. tightening labor market. In recent months, Wal-Mart Stores The restaurant chain’s Inc., Target Corp. and TJX Cos. have critics weren’t mollified, saying all vowed to boost pay to at least $9 the announcement was a public- an hour this year. About 3.13 million relations stunt designed to fend workers prepare and serve food in the off the growing protest movement. U.S., earning an average of $9.19 an Instead, McDonald’s emboldened the hour, according to government data. protesters, said Mary Kay Henry, president of the Service Employees McDonald’s Raise International Union, the labor group backing the rallies. McDonald’s said it would raise “It showed that if we come together, pay at its company-owned stores by things can change,” Henry said in an at least $1 above the local minimum interview. “There’s momentum behind wage. The Oak Brook, Illinois-based working people joining together to chain expects workers to earn more improve their lives. That’s what this than $10 an hour, on average, by the movement is about.” end of 2016. McDonald’s said about In its pledge to improve wages 90,000 employees would get the and benefits, McDonald’s joined a raises. They won’t be given to the
Price of oil rises, but future direction remains question mark
Crude oil HOUSTON — Oil prices jumped on Wednesday with the surprising news that domestic crude stockpiles rose by the smallest amount for any week this year. The Energy Department reported that stockpiles rose by only 1.29 million barrels last week, about a third of what most traders had expected. That drove the price of the American West Texas Intermediate benchmark up by about 5 percent on Wednesday, to $56 a barrel, the highest level this year but still more than 40 percent below last summer’s levels. Domestic stockpiles have increased for 14 straight weeks to more than 480 million barrels, the equivalent to what the nation consumes in about a month and the highest level since 1982. Many oil analysts have predicted that oil prices, which had dropped to nearly $40 in December and January, would fall again once domestic stockpiles overflowed. The likelihood of that happening has lessened with the
new report and with refineries almost fully back in operation after seasonal retooling to meet the heightened demand of the coming summer driving season. Domestic production growth is finally easing after companies decommissioned more than half of their rigs from a year ago. The Energy Department this week predicted that oil production from shale fields would fall this month by 45,000 barrels a day, the first monthly decline since 2011. The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline on Wednesday inched up a penny, to $2.39 a gallon, still 4 cents below a month ago and $1.25 lower than a year ago. But even with oil benchmark prices climbing over the last week or so, there is a vigorous debate among oil analysts about the direction prices will go in the coming months, causing confusion among energy company executives. Citigroup, for one, expects prices to continue falling in
the coming months, as output remains high, supply builds up and investors who had helped prop up prices begin to sell. “While prices have held relatively firm, there are significant signs of weakness ahead,” Citigroup said in a note to clients on Tuesday. In a report on Wednesday, the International Energy Agency said that the outlook for oil prices remained uncertain. Given the price collapse, “one might be hoping for more clarity on supply and demand,” the agency acknowledged in its monthly Oil Market Report. “Yet in some ways, the outlook is only getting murkier.” The agency’s report reflects a broad debate inside and outside the oil industry about where prices might eventually settle. Royal Dutch Shell, the oil giant that announced an almost $70 billion takeover of the British oil and gas producer BG Group last week, is expecting prices to recover much of their recent drop over the next few years. It projects prices to hit $90 a barrel in 2018. As the International Energy Agency noted, competing forces are still playing out in the market, making the direction difficult to discern. Low prices have stimulated higher-than-expected demand for oil products in China, India and even Europe, which has been plagued by lethargic economic growth, the agency said. But whether that increased consumption is a “temporary aberration” remains to be seen, it added.
approximately 660,000 employees at U.S. restaurants run by franchisees. The Fight for $15 movement began in 2012, when about 200 workers walked off the job in New York. The protests have since expanded beyond fast food to include workers from other low-wage industries, including child-care and home health workers. Adjunct professors and airport workers also were expected to join Wednesday’s rallies. McDonald’s has said the protests are staged events and that participants have been paid to attend. McDonald’s also said many of the protesters don’t actually work at its restaurants. “Our estimation from field reports is that approximately 10 to 15 actual McDonald’s workers have participated in each of these days,” said Heidi Barker, a company spokeswoman. McDonald’s doesn’t set wages in its franchised stores, which make up about 90 percent of its U.S. restaurants, she said. The SEIU’s Henry said the company’s claim that workers are doing anything other than expressing their discontent with low wages “reflects a level of disrespect that McDonald’s has for its front-line workforce.” “I’m insulted by McDonald’s suggesting these are somehow not their employees,” Henry said.
Ernst & Young settles with NY for $10 million over Lehman auditing Ernst & Young will pay $10 million to settle a New York lawsuit accusing the accounting firm of helping Lehman Brothers deceive investors in the years leading up to its 2008 collapse, the New York attorney general said on Wednesday. The 2010 lawsuit claimed Ernst & Young’s auditing facilitated a “massive accounting fraud” and sought $150 million in fees that the firm earned from Lehman between 2001 and 2008, plus investor damages and equitable relief. While the $10 million was much smaller than what the attorney general’s office had sought, Ernst & Young agreed to pay $99 million in damages to investors in a class action settlement approved a year ago. The case was the only action by a law enforcement authority in connection with Lehman’s 2008 collapse, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said in a statement. “If auditors’ reports…provide cover for their clients by helping to hide material information, that harms the investing public, our economy and our country,” Schneiderman said. Nearly all the $10 million will go to investors in Lehman securities, the office said. The case was the last significant lawsuit against Ernst & Young over Lehman, according to a spokeswoman for the accounting firm. “After many years of costly litigation, we are pleased to put this matter behind us, with no findings of wrongdoing by EY or any of its professionals,” the firm said in a statement. According to the complaint, Ernst approved the “surreptitious” removal of tens of billions of dollars of debt from Lehman’s balance sheet to make the investment bank appear less indebted at the close of financial quarters. Lehman filed for bankruptcy on Sept. 15, 2008, helping to trigger the global financial crisis. Once the fourth-largest U.S. investment bank, Lehman held large quantities of risky subprime mortgage securities.
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BlackBerry Leap debuts in UK, coming to US soon
Down but by no means out, Android get deeper into the enterprise beleaguered BlackBerry looks to thanks to BYOD policies, BlackBerry, recapture marketshare with the Leap with these new features, is trying to smartphone, which is headed to the regain its place with business users, US soon. as well as IT department charged with The once mighty smartphone creating mobile device management manufacturer BlackBerry announced (MDM) policies for workers. its latest device, the Leap, will make The new BlackBerry operating its international debut in the United system incorporates updated icons and Kingdom, noting the smartphone will an instant action bar, which groups make its way to American shores in most commonly accessed functions in the next few weeks. the center of the screen. While pricing for the US version The company’s embrace of the is not yet known, the Leap smartphone, virtual keyboard continues through which features the latest BlackBerry with the Leap -- which also offers 10.3.1 operating system, a 5-inch edge- multi-language support, customization to-edge HD display and more than a options and personalised next-word full day’s battery power, will retail for suggestions. 199 GBP, or a little less than $300. The BlackBerry Leap also features Aside from the US and UK an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera markets, BlackBerry will make the with LED flash, autofocus and 1080p Leap available in other major markets, HD video recording, a front-facing including Germany, France, Canada, 2-megapixel camera with 720p HD United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, video recording capability, a Dual Core and India. 1.5 GHz Qualcomm 8960 processor, However, BlackBerry is putting 16GB of internal memory and 802.11 a major focus on software and security b/g/n wireless capability. with the launch of the Leap, including The Leap also comes with Assistant, support for encryption, plus built-in the company’s first digital assistant, malware protection and back-up, wipe, which can be used with voice and text and restore. commands to help users manage work As Apple’s iOS and Google’s and personal email, contacts, calendar
X, Microsoft Windows or Android operating systems. [ READ ABOUT THE BEST BYOD OPTIONS.]
The BlackBerry Leap is coming to the US soon and other native BlackBerry 10 apps. Another major feature of the phone is BlackBerry’s Blend platform, which brings messaging and content from the smartphone to a computer or tablet running Apple’s Mac OS
Blend lets users access instant message notifications, read and respond to email, BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) or text messages, and access documents, calendar, contacts and media in real time on whatever device the user is on. Rounding out the package are the preloaded app storefronts, BlackBerry World geared at productivity apps like Cisco WebEx Meetings and Evernote, and Amazon Appstore, which offers a host of Android apps ranging from Candy Crush Saga to Amazon Shopping. BlackBerry’s global market share slipped to 0.4 percent in the fourth quarter from 0.5 percent in the previous three months and in both the first and second quarters, according to a recent report from IDC. The main reason for much of this decline is due to Android and Apple’s iOS -- those two companies make up more than 95 percent of smartphone market share worldwide.
This airline is getting bigger seats -- in economy
This week, Southwest Airlines announced that its new 737 airplanes will boast seats with a rare commodity: a little extra room for your butt. The bottom seat cushions will be 17.8 inches across, whereas the typical seat width on 737s is 17 to 17.3 inches. “The new aircraft seats are the widest economy seats available in the single-aisle 737 market, and offer a unique design that gives our customers what they asked for: more space,” Bob Jordan, Southwest’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said in a press release announcing the new seats. Passengers won’t get to enjoy the extra seat width until mid-2016 at the earliest. That’s when Southwest’s forthcoming 737-800s will first hit the runway and begin accepting passengers. Will the new seats transform the flying experience of passengers? Honestly, probably not. An extra half-inch or so of space is nice, but for most travelers it won’t feel like a true game changer. Besides, the seats in some other airlines’ economy sections are already wider than Southwest’s new
The economy seats on Southwest Airlines’ new 737s will be only slightly larger — but it’s a welcome change. seats. According to SeatGuru, carriers that commonly use 737s, such as Alaska Airlines and Southwest, currently have seat widths of 17 to 17.1 inches. But on JetBlue, which prefers different aircraft (Airbus, Embraer E-190), the seat widths range from 17.8 to
18.25 inches. Meanwhile, Airbus has argued that airline seats should be at least 18 inches wide, pointing to studies that show sleep quality is 53% better on 18inch seats compared with 17-inchers. Airbus also pointed out that human beings today tend to simply be larger and heavier than prior generations, and that other industries are more accommodating. The typical modern American movie theater seat, for instance, is 22 inches wide, one inch more than the average of a decade ago. Nonetheless, Southwest’s move is a welcome change, if for no other reason than that it goes against the trend of airlines cramming in more and more seats and scaling back passengers’ personal space in economy sections, with the hopes of boosting profits—which are already at record highs thanks to high airfares and low fuel prices. Southwest remains an anomaly in the industry for maintaining its free checked baggage policy. Slightly wider seats could prove to be another way the airline can differentiate itself from the pack in a passenger-friendly way.
Why Bank of America’s $3.4 billion in earnings wasn’t that impressive After years of souring loans, bad acquisitions, and fines, Bank of America finally had its chance to show Wall Street its stuff. What it had to show was meh. On Wednesday, Bank of America said it earned $3.4 billion in the first quarter of 2015. That was up from a loss of $267 million during the same period a year ago. But that was before legal charges, which were $6 billion in the quarter a year ago. Strip those out, and BofA’s pre-tax earnings actually fell 17%. Nevertheless, the results were better than expected and shares of BofA BAC -1.14% were down slightly for the day, closing at $15.64 What you need to know: Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan’s plan for a while
has been to leverage different parts of his giant bank to grow business elsewhere. The bank branches are supposed to nab people for BofA’s Merrill Lynch brokerage business and also its mortgage business. The commercial lending side of the house is supposed to drive business for its investment bankers and traders. And all of that cross-selling is supposed to make the bank more efficient and profitable. This quarter, that business model really didn’t work. Revenue in all of its major businesses dropped during the first quarter of 2015. Overall, sales were down nearly 6%. “At a time of continued low interest rates, we had good expense control as we focus on responsible growth with a
balanced platform,” Moynihan said in a statement. The big number: BofA’s trading business offers a good example of how Moynihan’s cross-selling strategy didn’t work. Many analysts expected the quarter to be a good one for Wall Street trading desks. Rival JPMorgan Chase, which reported higher revenue and earnings in the first quarter on Tuesday, got a big bump from increased trading revenue. But revenue from BofA’s trading business fell by just over $400 million in the quarter, down 7% from a year ago. Profits plunged 28%. Why? BofA said much of its trading is tied to new issues because it is a large underwriter of stock and bond offerings. But stock and bond offerings were down in the
Bank of America quarter, and so was its trading operations. JPMorgan is showing how being a big diversified bank can pay off. BofA just looks bloated. What you may have missed: The other prong on Moynihan’s plan for improving BofA is cost cutting. That worked out a little better in the first quarter. Overall, expenses were down $6.5 billion from the first quarter of
2014. But, again, that includes legal expenses. Still, even after taking legal expenses out of the equation, expenses were down 6% compared to a year ago. BofA’s head count dropped by 18,902 employees over the past year, or nearly 7% of its workforce. Moynihan sited the headcount reduction as part of the bank’s efficiency efforts.
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Bolt keen on Gatlin showdown, any time
Usain Bolt of Jamaica (R) runs next to Justin Gatlin of the U.S. on his way to win the men’s 100 metres during the IAAF Diamond League athletics meeting, also known as Memorial Van Damme, in Brussels September 6, 2013. Usain Bolt kicked off his campaign to win sprint honours at Beijing’s World Championships later this year on Saturday and said he would be willing to face American rival Justin Gatlin at any time. Gatlin dominated 2014 with world leading and career best times of 9.77 and 19.68 seconds over the 100 and 200 metres respectively. Bolt missed most of last season with injuries and their potential showdown in Beijing is expected to be a highlight of the Aug. 22-30 championships. “I never have a problem competing as long as I know that I’m in great shape and I’m getting there,” Bolt said after running a 200 metres race, his first over the
distance in more than 18 months. “It’s good to compete against the top people to see exactly where you are and what you need to work on, so for me I never back down from a challenge and as long as I’m not injured, I’m always ready to go, so we’ll see what happens.” Bolt’s manager earlier this week seemed to downplay the possibility of a early meeting before Beijing with Gatlin, who has sparked outcries in Europe for running after serving two doping suspensions. “I don’t know where the other sprinters are running but I believe many meets would prefer not to invite athletes who bring negative headlines to their event,” Ricky Simms said in an email to
Reuters. Running in lane six, Bolt blazed off the corner at the UTECH Classic, before pushing to the finish line in 20.20 seconds. “I always try to run 19 anything, pretty much so I wasn’t really pleased,” said the 100m and 200m Olympic champion, who shook his head in disappointment. “But as I said, I didn’t feel as smooth as I expected to feel but I haven’t really been sprinting over the 200 over the last year so I just need to get back into race shape and I’ll be fine.” He now turns his attention to a 100m race in Rio on April 19 before the IAAF World Relays in the Bahamas May 2-3. He also has races planned for New York, Paris and Lausanne so far.
Sunil Narine cleared to bowl in IPL
Sunil Narine will play the IPL this season for Kolkata Knight Riders after the BCCI’s sub-committee dealing with suspect actions gave him a clean chit. Narine had taken a retest at Sri Ramachandra University, an ICC-accredited centre, on Thursday where he was put through various tests by the panel comprising former India captain S Venkataraghavan, former India fast bowler Javagal Srinath and ex-international umpire AV Jayaprakash. “The committee concluded that Mr. Sunil Narine, who had remodelled his bowling action, was within the ICC approved limits for all types of deliveries that were assessed and has hence recommended to the BCCI, that his name may be removed from the warning list of bowlers with suspect action,” a BCCI press release said. This means Narine will
Narine was first called for a suspect action last October be available for selection for the defending champions who play the tournament opener against Mumbai Indians at Eden Gardens on April 8, and in all BCCI-organised tournaments henceforth. Narine was first called for a suspect action last October during the Champions League
T20. Subsequently he was asked by the BCCI to get it tested at any of the ICC-accredited centres with a rider saying that he would need to travel to Chennai centre if the panel deemed fit. Objecting to this condition, Knight Riders management sought the intervention of BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya and lodged a protest. It was Dalmiya who made the first call to Knight Riders to inform that Narine was cleared. “The work has been done. Sunil Narine has been cleared,” Dalmiya told ESPNcricinfo. Venky Mysore, the Knight Riders’ chief executive, said the franchise was relieved that Narine, their premier matchwinner, was available to play again. “It is a matter of genuine relief. We are very thankful to the BCCI president, secretary and other board officials for bringing the matter reach the appropriate conclusion.”
Countdown to 2015 World Relays in The Bahamas
Next month, hundreds of athletes from around the world will be in Nassau for the IAAF/BTC World Relays, Bahamas 2015. Aside from the exciting clashes, enthusiastic crowds and innovative presentation, last year’s inaugural edition will be remembered for the trio of world records witnessed at the Thomas A Robinson stadium. No doubt world records will once again be targeted in Nassau, so here we take a bit of a closer look at the world records in the 10 events that will be contested there, including the latest addition, the distance medley relay. MEN’S 4X100M – JAMAICA 36.84 The world record in this event has been broken three times since 2008, Jamaica doing so each time. Usain Bolt, Nesta Carter and Michael Frater all played a part in each of those record-breaking performances. The eight fastest times in history have been set in the past seven years; six of them belong to Jamaica and two to the USA. WOMEN’S 4X100M – USA 40.82 Like catching a bus, you wait ages for one to arrive and then two turn up in quick succession. The previous world record of 41.37 had stood to East Germany since 1985, but after the USA smashed it with 40.82 at the 2012 Olympics, Jamaica posted the second-fastest time in history to win the world title with 41.29 in Moscow two years ago. MEN’S 4X200M – JAMAICA 1:18.63 One of three world records to be broken in Nassau last year, a Jamaican quartet of Nickel Ashmeade, Warren Weir, Jermaine Brown and Yohan Blake shaved 0.05 off the mark that had been set 20 years earlier by the USA’s Santa Monica Track Club. World silver medallist Weir produced the fastest split of the team with his 19.2 effort on the second leg. WOMEN’S 4X200M – USA 1:27.46 At the Penn Relays 15 years ago, a US quartet clocked 1:27.46. It might be a rarely run event, but a sign of the quality of the world record came at last year’s IAAF World Relays when the winning team was almost two seconds adrift of the mark. MEN’S 4X400M – USA 2:54.29 An all-star squad of Andrew Valmon, Quincy Watts, Harry ‘Butch’ Reynolds and Michael Johnson teamed up at the 1993 IAAF World Championships to smash the world record by almost one-and-a-half seconds. After a storming 44.43 first leg by Valmon, the splits got progressively quicker, culminating in a 42.91 lap from Johnson, the fastest in history. WOMEN’S 4X400M – SOVIET UNION 3:15.17 The women’s events at the 1988 Seoul Olympics climaxed in a record-breaking 4x400m in which both the Soviet Union and the USA ran faster than the previous world record. Anchored by individual 400m champion Olga Bryzgina – one of two women on the team to clock a sub-48-second split – the Soviet Union held off the USA’s challenge by a third of a second. MEN’S 4X800M – KENYA 7:02.43 At the 2006 Golden League meeting in Brussels, a Kenyan team of Joseph Mutua, William Yiampoy, Ismael Kombich and Wilfred Bungei took more than a second off the world record set by a powerful British quartet 24 years earlier. Just 0.39 behind in second, the USA also ran faster than the previous mark. WOMEN’S 4X800M – SOVIET UNION 7:50.17 It may not be contested often, but this is one of the toughest world records on the books. Averaging 1:57.54 per split, the Soviet team of Nadezhda Olizarenko, Lyubov Gurina, Lyudmila Borisova and Irina Podyalovskaya set this mark in 1984. Incredibly, a Soviet ‘B’ team finished second in 7:51.62, an average of 1:57.90 for each leg. MEN’S DISTANCE MEDLEY – KENYA 9:15.56 A bit like the men’s 4x800m, when Kenya broke this world record, a second-placed US team also ran faster than the previous mark. In a close race at the 2006 Penn Relays, Elkanah Angwenyi ran the opening 1200m leg before Thomas Musembi ran 400m, handing over to 800m-leg runner Alfred Kirwa Yego. On the final 1600m leg, Alex Kipchirchir overtook Bernard Lagat to secure the victory and the world record.
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SPORTS Masters win could boost golf, Jordan Spieth’s endorsement portfolio Golf wunderkind Jordan Spieth’s resounding win at the Masters golf tournament on Sunday not only will boost his personal sponsorship deals but could give the sport a much-needed jolt. Spieth had already amassed an impressive list of endorsements before the Masters, including AT&T Inc, Rolex and Under Armour Inc, which signed a multi-year deal with Spieth in January. Under Armour did not return calls for comment. Now that he’s considered one of the top golfers in the world, Spieth can be expected to add two or three large sponsors this year, said Matt Delzell, managing director of The Marketing Arm, a promotions and marketing agency. The 21-year-old Texas native tied Tiger Woods’ record of finishing the course 18 under par and became the second-youngest golfer to win the prestigious tournament at Augusta National, sending final round TV ratings up 23 percent over last year’s final, according to Nielsen data provided by CBS Sports. When Bubba Watson won the green jacket at the 2014 Masters, he played to the smallest TV viewing audience for the event in more than 25 years - about 8.5 million viewers, according to
Nielsen. Back in 1997, Tiger Woods won his first Masters in front of nearly 16 million TV viewers. “When Tiger faded, the interest in golf began to fade,” said Rob Prazmark, president of 21 Sports, a Connecticut-based entertainment marketing company. “Spieth could be the next great inspiration.” However, Spieth, who is now ranked second in the world according to the official world golf ranking website, does not have name recognition. Last week, Jordan Spieth of the U.S. smiles as he wears his Champion’s before his Masters triumph, less than 20 percent of green jacket on the putting green after winning the Masters golf Americans knew who he was, according to Repucom, tournament at the Augusta National Golf Course in Augusta, Georgia April 12, 2015. a sports and entertainment analytics company. That could now change, sports marketing sponsors, Delzell said, are the financial services insiders said, if not overnight then certainly if he industry and high tech, where he could promote an edgy accessory that appeals to a younger audience. continues to chalk up wins. While golf ’s popularity has been declining in Spieth has moved up the list of attractive celebrity recent years, the U.S. is the biggest golfing market sponsors, but companies will watch for two possible in the world and is especially popular among pitfalls, experts said. If he fails to consistently win households with an income of more than $100,000 more big tournaments, Spieth’s name recognition per year. Golf sponsorships remain an important could dwindle. Such a fate could also befall him if he marketing tool for brands trying to reach affluent gets embroiled in any bad-boy antics. people. Golf ’s most marketable celebrity, Rory “Golf needs a hero,” said Jason Maloni, head of McIlroy, has sponsorship deals that total more than the public relations firm Levick’s sports and $40 million a year. entertainment team. “(Spieth is) still a ways away from icon status.” Two likely areas in which Spieth will seek
Donald steps down as South Africa bowling coach Allan Donald has stepped down as South Africa’s bowling coach in the first of what is expected to be a series of changes post the 2015 World Cup. Donald held the role for four years since 2011 and served under Gary Kirsten and Russell Domingo while also working at IPL teams Pune Warriors and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Donald’s decision coincided with the expiration of his contract, which along with the rest of the South African Allan Donald: “I was blessed to have worked with the best bowling attack in the world over a four-year support staff and selection panel, ran period” its course at the conclusion of the World During his time with the South African but they could not replicate the same Cup. Taking the team to the semi-finals side, Donald preached aggression and sustained success in the fifty-over of the tournament, for Donald, marked encouraged the pack to adopt that format and there are concerns over mantra. the quality in the second tier. Under the end point of his tenure. “I always wanted to give myself Dale Steyn led the response. Donald, the likes of Wayne Parnell the chance of working up until the South Africa’s pace spearhead has not developed the consistency World Cup,” Donald told ESPNcricinfo. continued his dominance at the top of that would have been expected of “I really felt now was a good time to get the Test rankings. Under Donald, South him while Marchant de Lange and and get on with it and that’s that. It’s Africa’s premier pacers blossomed Beuran Hendricks’ careers have been been four awesome years and I will in the longest format with Vernon interrupted by injury. Kyle Abbott has Philander becoming the fastest to 100 come through, with success at both Test miss the guys big time.” Donald hailed the attack he Test wickets in more than century, and and limited-overs levels, and Donald worked with as the “best in the world,” Morne Morkel finding what Donald also took a special interest in Under-19 and picked out their claiming of the called an “inner mongrel.” World Cup winner Kagiso Rabada, who More recently, all three also Donald called a “thoroughbred” with a Test mace as a highlight in what he formed the core of the ODI attack bright future. called the “best four years of my life.”
It’s because of players like Abbott and Rabada that Donald believes he is leaving South Africa in good hands. “I have a lot of respect for the environment and culture that the players have created and I have no doubt that it will continue to grow under the leadership of Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis,” he said. Charl Langeveldt, the former international who has been consulting with the national team since their series against West Indies and traveled to the World Cup, is the front runner to take over from Donald. Domingo, who was given an extension last September, has yet to choose the rest of his support staff which previously included Adi Birrell as assistant coach and Claude Henderson as a spin bowling consultant. Both are expected to be retained. Donald’s departure was expected to be the major change following the 2015 World Cup but South Africa are also likely to have a new selection convener in the near future. Andrew Hudson is set to be replaced when the new panel is voted on at the end of the month.
Prepare For Pricey US Open Tennis Tickets If Serena Williams Breaks Chris Evert’s Record With the BNP Paribas Open and the Miami Open having wrapped up earlier this month, there will be a three month period of ATP tournaments occurring outside of the United States. Highlighted by the French Open from May 24th through June 7th and Wimbledon, taking place June 29th to July 12th, the schedule will take world’s best tennis players all over the globe before they return back to America in mid-July for ATP play. There are six remaining professional tournaments taking place on American soil, culminating in the final
major tournament, and the priciest remaining ticket: the U.S. Open. The 2015 U.S. Open commences in its usual residency at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens, on Monday, August 31st, and runs for two weeks, coming to a close on Sunday, September 13th. As expected, tickets are already at a premium, with the average secondary market price currently at $415, according to Championship Tennis Tours. The cheapest tickets are Promenade seats that are available or just $59 during
the evening session of August 31st. Grounds passes are available during the sessions before the quarterfinals, ranging from $79 to $95. The most expensive session is currently the Men’s Semifinals on September 11th. The average U.S. Open Men’s Semifinals ticket price at Championship Tennis Tours is $1,252 with the cheapest tickets starting at $275. The Men’s Finals two days later have a higher get-in price ($285) but a lower average ticket price ($1,202.) The Women’s Finals is significantly cheaper with the average price at $672
and the cheapest tickets starting at $165. That price can certainly increase if the top women advance to the finals.
Serena Williams
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