JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
VOLUME 11 - NO. 22
Website: www.suntci.com
Email: sun@suntci.com
by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
DELANO WILLIAMS
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NO APOLOGY FROM ‘WASHIE’
E
mbattled Turks and Caicos Islands Minister of Finance, Washington Misick continues to strike a defiant tone and has refused to apologise for his controversial and inflammatory antiforeigner statements which have caused him to be fiercely criticised locally, regionally and internationally. Instead, the former Chief Minister issued a diluted and self-centred press release on Wednesday June 3rd, describing his statements in the House of Assembly as “passionate, if not stately” and saying that they were “taken out of context”. The press statement was distributed by Simone Been, the Senior Press and Protocol Officer in the Office of Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, who is yet to make any public statement regarding the highly controversial comments from the 65-year-old Misick, who is his most experienced, an according to Progressive National Party (PNP) insiders, most-trusted Cabinet minister. Misick, who was Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1991 to 1995, made a feeble attempt to walk-back his controversial statements, but he also acknowledged that there has been “swirling debate ongoing regarding statements made by me in the House of Assembly during its last sitting” and that the statements were made during a “passionate
TAKES SELFIE WITH ENID CAPRON STUDENTS
Local track star Delano Williams takes a selfie with grade four students of the Enid Capron Primary School on Wednesday, May 27, 2015. The occasion was his trip to that institution to make a commitment through the Delano Williams Foundation to support the school in cash and athletics gear. The students of each class that he visited were ecstatic to see him as demonstrated in this photo. Looking on at right is Sophia Hamilton, Acting Principal for the school. Delano Williams is a former World Junior 200m champion. He is also the first non-Jamaican to win Jamaica’s signature high school track and field event – the National High School Athletic Championships, better known as CHAMPS. He is champion in the 100m and 200m. debate in which I expressed my personal view”. The Turks and Caicos SUN was the first media house to carry Misick’s comments word-for-word, but the lead article was since picked up by several Caribbean and international media houses, whose readers have peppered the Finance Minister with
criticism. Misick, obviously realising that his comments have become an unnecessary distraction for the PNP which has become increasingly unpopular, even among some of its most loyal supporters, also sought in the press release to portray his views as not being representative
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of Turks and Caicos Islanders. intent to cause discord among However, he still seemed to be the people living within our in absolute denial about the shores. I refute any notion far-reaching and damaging that I am a Xenophobe effects of his statement, which and, notwithstanding my he himself described as an utterances, wish to be judged “impromptu bombast”. by my record rather than by The veteran politician, an impromptu bombast. I say whose growing reputation without fear of contradiction for verbal mis-steps has that the Progressive National worried and angered some Party in and out of Government of his Cabinet and political is among the most inclusive colleagues, said: “It is and tolerant and liberal in the unfortunate that this stand region.” taken for Turks and Caicos The exact words which Islanders, in the Turks and Misick used during the House Caicos Islands, was taken out of Assembly debate, and which of context. I have been painted he said have been take out of in a light that is 100 degrees context, are as follows: removed from all that I am “We have something coming up and all that I have stood for here called Haitian Flag Day. and defended over the entirety We have got Haitian Flag Day. of my professional life, my We got Jamaica Day. We have political life and my adult life got Bahamas Day. generally. I can only call these tactics malicious and rife with Continued on page 2
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Continued from page 1
NO APOLOGY FROM ‘WASHIE’
When in the hell we going to have Turks and Caicos Day?” If these people want to be part of us, we cannot encourage, we can’t support them with all these days, if we are going to be (like) Singapore. If you are going to be in this country, be in this country, part of this country. If you want to be in Jamaica, if you want to be in Haiti or The Bahamas, stay there. And that’s part of the problem; it is being encouraged by a lot of these different groups, who are in senior positions in the private sector, who encourage this kind of stuff. So, we have to send a strong message. While we, as a people, have to make sure that we do the right thing by our country, and by the same token we have to make sure that people who come here do the right thing by our country,” he said. Minister Misick urged the populace not to support events staged by expatriate groups to honour their countries’ cultural and political achievements. “We should not be supporting these splinter groups with their different days. You would never see me appear at one of them. I would not. This is Turks and Caicos. If you are here, this is Rome, do as the Romans do! If you want to be here, you contribute here. If you don’t want to be here, if you want to be somewhere else, then American Airlines flies here many times a day.” In his press release, Misick acknowledged that the Turks and Caicos Islands is home to some 45 different nationalities. Despite his comments in the House of Assembly, he said none of them have ever been restricted
in the celebration of their national festivals. He added: “The Haitian and Jamaican in particular have been an integral part of the collage that is Turks and Caicos for as long as I can remember. Generations of them have assimilated into our society so that today there is not distinction between their children and mine. We extend a warm and friendly welcome to all who come to our shores legally and with goodwill, in any category of activity required by our economy and social system, we extend a hand of cooperation and friendship, and even a pathway to citizenship for those who meet the criteria and who have a genuine respect for our people, our way of life and our laws. I am passionate about my duty to this country both as a citizen and as a Member of Parliament and Cabinet, and I am passionate about my people, but to my immigrant friends, I have not turned my back on you; I have simply turned my face to the future; a future in which you are welcomed to share if you would stand with me to build this land, and so I stretch out my hand.” According to official figures, Turks and Caicos islands has a population of 31, 458, of which 12, 030 are British Overseas Territories Citizens and/or Belongers, 10,981 are Haitians, 1, 768 are Jamaicans, 1,476 from the Dominican Republic, 818 from the United States of America, 524 from The Bahamas, 403 from Canada, 381 from the United Kingdom, 374 from Guyana and 2,062 from other
The Jamaica Observer picked up the Turks and Caicos SUN’s lead story and featured it on the front page last week. Since then, several Jamaicans and others around the world, have peppered Washington Misick with criticism for his antforeigner remarks. countries. Meantime, Misick also recently went on the stateowned Radio Turks and Caicos, saying that SUN Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Hayden Boyce was “being personal” in reporting what the Finance Minister said in the House of Assembly. The SUN newspaper accurately reported what Misick said and all of the other local media houses have since carried his remarks. However, in her Wednesday press release, Simone Been the Premier’s
press officer, titled her press release “MINISTER’S RESPONSE TO THE TURKS AND CAICOS SUN NEWSPAPER”. Boyce subsequently wrote to Ms. Been, saying: “Dear Simone: I have to let you know that I find it particularly strange, to say the least, that you would issue a press release under the headline “MINISTER’S RESPONSE TO THE TURKS AND CAICOS SUN NEWSPAPER”, as if our newspaper was the only
media house in the Turks and Caicos Islands that carried the statements made in the House of Assembly by the Minister of Finance Hon. Washington Misick. To be absolutely sure, the minister’s statements were carried live on the stateowned Radio Turks and Caicos and then in their subsequent newscasts. They were also carried verbatim by 4 News, PTV 8, Magnetic Media and the Weekly News. Indeed those comments were picked up by other regional and international media houses who did nothing more than rehearse and regurgitate the exact words that the Minister of Finance stated. To now make it seem, therefore, that the SUN newspaper was solely responsible for reporting, and accurately so, what the Minister stated, and to single us out in your press release so as to falsely make it appear as though the newspaper did something nefarious or unprofessional, is something that I absolutely deprecate. No one can point to any aspect of the SUN’s report that was not factual. It certainly is not my intention to be caught-up in this raging debate, especially after having simply reported the truth. As the spokesperson for the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I respectfully ask that you exercise a little more care and caution when issuing your press releases, rather than giving the impression that you and others are targeting a particular media house for reporting the truth without fear or favour.”
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JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
NOTICE TO SUN NEWSPAPER ADVERTISERS Dear Valued Customers and Advertisers: Please be advised that the new deadline for the submission of advertisements and press releases to the Turks and Caicos SUN newspaper is 12 noon on Thursdays. Please continue to send your ads to sun@suntci.com or call us at 649-339-5879 for any queries. Thank you for continued support. Management of Turks and Caicos SUN newspaper
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
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Police investigate two shootings, one stabbing
Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are appealing to the public for information on two shootings and a stabbing that took place between the weekend and earlier this past week, which landed three people in hospital. The latest shooting took place at Millennium Heights in Blue Hills, Providenciales on Monday night about 9:7p.m., where a man identified as Dexter Hanna was shot from what the police believe was a targeted attack. Special Constable Audley Astwood, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Information Officer said that the police were informed of a shooting at Aquamarine Drive, and following investigations, went to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where the 35-year-old man, suffering from a number of gun-shot wounds. The police said Hanna underwent surgery and at the time was believed to be in critical condition.
“A crime scene was established along Aquamarine Drive and police are conducting a full investigation into what is believed to be a targeted attack,” Astwood said. Also on Monday night, Astwood said that a man was attacked by robbers in Discovery Bay, and stabbed multiple times. The SUN understands that 63-year-old man may lose an eye arising from the attack. The police said that about 7:42p.m., police were called to Turtle Creek Drive following reports of a stabbing. Following investigations at the scene, officers went to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where they found the man suffering from a number of stab wounds. The police said he underwent surgery and is believed to be in critical condition. On Saturday, May 30, a 26 year-old man was reported shot by masked men at Lifesaving store, located along Bay Road in Blue Hills. Police said the incident took place
about 10:24p.m. The police reported that two masked men entered the establishment, brandished guns and demanded money from the male store operator. It was reported that the store operator struck one of the armed men with a bottle, and one of them shot before darting from the establishment on foot. The injured man was rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre with life-threatening injuries and had to undergo emergency surgery. Special Constable Audley Astwood, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Information Officer, said that the CID, who are investigating the matters had not made any arrests. Police are appealing for public assistance into this incident and are urging anyone who has any information that could assist police, to come forward. In the meantime, the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident where a soccer player had his little finger
bitten off by another player at a football game at the National Stadium early Sunday morning. The police said the incident took place at about 12:30a.m. The police said that there was a match at stadium during which an altercation between two players developed. During the incident, one of the players chewed off the little finger of the other player. The injured player was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where he was treated and released. Meanwhile, the police are urging the public to report suspicious activities in their communities, which they said might help the police identify a suspect or a crime trend. For criminal activities in progress, call 911 or the police at 941-3327. Callers can also use the untraceable, anonymous Crime Stoppers Miami number at 1-800-(TIPS) or 1-8008477, where no names or numbers are requested and only the information provided is passed on to the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force.
Turks and Caicos Islanders plans to walk across Africa By Brandy Laporte
Mario Rigby
Mario Rigby is a fitness guru has done modeling and now he has decided to embark on this life changing adventure across Africa. Mario Rigby is the son of local restaurateur Zemar Stingl of Blue Hills, Providenciales current owner of Turks Kebabs on Grace Bay Road. Rigby was born in Grand Turk and grew up and lived in Providenciales. Rigby Currently lives in Oratorio, Canada Rigby has embarked himself on a once in a lifetime journey. He will be taking a solo expedition traversing the African continent from Cape Town to Cairo on foot and by sail or by paddle. This journey will take approximately 1 year and 3 months to complete and it will cover over 10,000km of beautiful African terrain. Rigby
plans to fly off on November 24th which is his birthday but in the meantime he will be documenting my preparations for this long and glorious journey. Rigby is a passionate fitness expert and group specialist. He is a former semi pro Track & Field athlete who has represented Turks & Caicos Islands in international and professional level competitions. Besides his passion for fitness he seeks adventures wherever they come. Rigby says that has been determined to seek out new and more extreme adventures that require the same fundamental skills acquired through my competitive experiences; focus, determination and preparation are needed to accomplish such a grandiose task as ‘Crossing Africa’. His training and preparations will be strenuous, tough and most of it
will be completely new to him. Rigby says, “I think this will make a remarkable story that will affect a lot of people from across the globe. My goal is to inspire others to face their fears, take risks and follow their deepest passions. Personally for myself I want to test the boundaries of what I am capable of. How far can I push myself and what experiences will I get from this. Along this journey I will visit schools and charities that will come across my path.” With the hopes of sponsors, news outlets and social media Rigby hopes to have his followers help donate to each school that he visits. With your help this expedition can have a major impact to those in need. It will also play an important role of modern explorers, combining technology of today with traditional styled explorations.
LOCAL POLICE TRAINED IN HANDLING THE MENTALLY ILL The Department of Mental Health continued its facilitation of lectures centered around mental health management with the TCI police force on May 6 and May 15. An initiative that has been ongoing since last year. The lecture, which was conducted by Dr. Diana Dizon, a psychiatrist within the Department, focused on Mental Health Crisis Intervention. Dr. Dizon stated; “Occasionally police officers are involved in responding to calls involving persons with a mental illness. It is important that Police officers not only be able to recognize
abnormal behavior and mentally ill persons, but also must be prepared to guard, restrain, or take into custody people whose behavior suggests the presence of a mental illness.” The 29 officers who attended the lecture were taught: •De-escalation skills •How to effectively communicate with someone who is mentally ill •How to respond to a behavioral crisis, including how to create a stable and
respectful environment within which the emotional individual can take comfort and relief. •Do’s and Don’ts for engaging with someone with a mental illness and; •Assessing potential of violence. The Department wishes to thank the Police Department for their help in facilitating these lectures and look forward to an ongoing collaboration to improve the way law enforcement and the community respond to people experiencing a mental health crisis.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Turks and Caicos Islands among UK offshore tax havens at heart of US investigation into World Cup corruption British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands feature heavily in justice department indictment of senior football officials British overseas tax havens play a key role in what US authorities have called “rampant, systemic and deep-rooted” corruption in the world of football, analysis by the Observer reveals. The 164-page US Department of Justice indictment, outlining the case against the 14 football officials and marketing executives who were arrested last week, shows that three of Britain’s overseas territories – the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos, all tax havens – allegedly played a part in masking kickbacks between officials and executives. The revelation has intensified calls for a clampdown on the offshore banking sector, where campaigners say a lack of transparency and oversight allows bribery and corruption to thrive. According to the indictment, Costas Takkas, a UK citizen who acted as attaché to Fifa’s vice-president, Jeffrey Webb, used a firm called Kosson Ventures, registered in the BVI and with bank accounts in the Cayman Islands, to allegedly facilitate illegal payments between a South American sports marketing agency, Traffic, and Fifa officials. The indictment raises questions about whether the banks in the tax havens should have flagged the transactions to the authorities as a potential concern. The indictment
states: “On or about November 21, said: “If you wanted to design a system Mountain, Georgia. The use of Kosson 2012, two wire transfers, of $750,000 to weed out corrupt and laundered Ventures in the scheme was “intended and $250,000, were sent from Front money, you would do it exactly to conceal the fact that the defendant Company A’s account at HSBC bank in opposite to the way places like the Jeffrey Webb was the beneficiary of Hong Kong to a correspondent account BVI and Cayman Islands are set up. the payment”, according to the US at Standard Chartered Bank in New They may have a veneer of light-touch prosecutors. York for credit to an account in the ‘regulation’, but secrecy is hardwired The Cayman Islands also name of Kosson Ventures, controlled into their DNA and it can be almost played a role in a bribery scheme to by Takkas, at Fidelity Bank in the impossible to get information out of allegedly persuade Fifa officials to vote Cayman Islands”. these islands.” for the 2010 World Cup to be held in A $500,000 payment to The use of the Cayman Islands South Africa. Warner is alleged to have Webb was made by Traffic “through to facilitate the allegedly corrupt promised one official $1m in return for the account of another individual, a transactions appears to have been his backing South Africa. It is claimed business associate of Co-Conspirator longstanding. The indictment states that “the first payment in the amount #2, to another account controlled that, in 1999, “Traffic caused $200,000 of $298,500 was made by wire transfer by the defendant Costas Takkas at to be wired to a correspondent account sent on or about December 19, 2008 … Fidelity Bank in the Cayman Islands”. at Barclays Bank in New York, for to a Bank of America correspondent Another defendant, marketing credit to an account held in the name of account in New York, New York, for executive Jose Margulies, had a an entity controlled by Co-Conspirator credit to an account controlled by controlling stake in a firm called #1 at Barclays Bank in the Cayman Co-Conspirator #1 at a bank in the Somerton, based in the Turks and Caicos Islands.” Cayman Islands”. Islands. According to the indictment, In 2012 Webb emerged as a Experts said the use of Margulies used the accounts of candidate to succeed Jack Warner as offshore accounts to facilitate Somerton and a Panama-based firm president of Concacaf, the federation corruption hit poor nations hardest. – referred to by the US authorities representing the North and Central Joseph Stead, economic justice adviser as “Margulies Intermediaries” – to American and Caribbean footballing at Christian Aid, said the government “mask the sources and beneficiaries nations. According to the US needed to send a consistent message. of bribe and kickback payments”. authorities, “an executive at Traffic “The UK government has rightly urged Between March 2003 and March 2008, USA supported Webb’s candidacy Fifa to uphold the ‘highest standards “Margulies Intermediaries wired more by causing $50,000 to be paid from of governance, transparency and than $3.5m into accounts controlled Traffic USA’s operating account to a accountability’, but this would carry by the defendants Rafael Esquivel Caymanian company” controlled by more weight if the UK required the [president of the Venezuelan football Takkas. same of its overseas territories. It federation], Nicolás Leoz [former Some of the money channelled should start by ensuring that they president of South America’s football through Britain’s tax havens was make public the owners of the confederation] and Eugenio Figueredo allegedly funnelled into property. hundreds of thousands of companies [head of Conmebol, the South American Takkas transferred funds from his they host. This would help remove football confederation], almost entirely Kosson Ventures account at Fidelity the opportunity for those tempted to through even, six-figure payments”. Bank in the Cayman Islands to engage in corruption and tax evasion.” Robert Palmer, head of Global SunTrust Bank in the US, allegedly to (Taken from The Guardian newspaper) Witness’s money laundering campaign, help Webb buy luxury homes in Stone
Affordable travel between the islands on the cards
Transportation between the islands are only a few tourism platforms that the Turks and Caicos Islands government is set to improve before next year’s travel blitz said to take place in May. Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing made the declaration while addressing the media during a news conference at the Premier’s Office in Providenciales, on May 27, 2015, to review the second Annual Premier Sales Blitz that took place in some United States cities, including New York. “We will continue to improve not only our transportation, but improve the market and promotion of it, and as you improve the marketing and promotion of it and the demand increases, then there is even more pressure to improve them, and I am certain that they will improve,” he said. He was responding to questions on whether or not some kinks in our tourism product that some of the travel agents raised during the trip would be improved by
next summer. “A lot of questions were centered around how do you get from Provo, where most of the flights come from, to these other places. And so, there is lot of work for us to do in improving the transport between the islands, not only making it more affordable, selling them as package deals so that persons can explore the other islands, which is our intention to experience our rich culture and heritage, which is unique to us,” the premier pointed out. He added: “In order for you to sell something - because we can’t sell just sun, sea and sand - people would want to know what else to do. So, we are to be able to tell them that these are the things to do, and not only in Provo, but you can get from Provo to North Caicos, you can get from Provo to South Caicos, you can get from Provo to North Caicos. And they can now begin to package these things.” At all of the stops, the group showed a video capturing the
diversity of the country, including culture, attractions, the turquoise waters and pristine beaches. He said that a number of the travel agents that sell the country are aware that there are much more outside of its high-end brand and sun, sea and sand. “What the video brought out was that a lot of people come to the Turks and Caicos Islands because they know it to be a highend destination, number one beach and sun, sea and sand. But very few travel agents who sell are well aware of the diversity of attractions, those attractions that were played in the video, and that were communicated from us to them,” he said. Accompanying the premier on the trip were members of the Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), including its Executive Director Stacy Cox, the TCI Airports Authority (TCIAA), represented by its chairman Gordon Burton, and the Real Estate Association, led by its Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing president Robert Greenwood.
TCI wins Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Student Colloquium Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture, Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith recently traveled to New York City to attend CTO’s Caribbean Week; where the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College tourism team participated in the annual Student Colloquium. The competition challenges students to present creative ideas for sustainable tourism projects or business initiatives in the Caribbean. Caribbean week is the largest and most effective event on the Caribbean calendar. It is a celebration of the
sights, sounds and unique vacation impact of these creatures. experiences and business offerings Judges were very impressed that the region offers. with TCI’s performance stating This year’s forum saw “Whilst the presentation was an 4 countries battling for the original, it is one that should garner championship with Turks and Caicos the attention of the Caribbean Region.” being victorious, bringing home the Minister Stubbs-Smith first place prize. St. Lucia came in at stated; “All teams were creative, 2nd place, the Bahamas at 3rd and passionate and represented their Jamaica with the 4th position. The countries well, however, I must team presented on the lionfish and express a huge congratulations to its effects on the tourism industry, team TCI, I am immensely proud of particularly the coral reefs. Students the job in which they’ve done and proposed that a lionfish festival would continue to look forward to our future be an ideal event, to address the participation in events such as these
as we continue to bring recognition to the TCI. “I’m also proud of the collaborative efforts between the Ministries of Tourism and Education, and the Tourist Board and the TCI Community College, when we all work together as a team anything can be accomplished.” Minister Stubbs-Smith is accompanied by Permanent Secretary, Desiree Lewis, and Director of Tourism, Mr. Ralph Higgs. The delegation returns to TCI on Saturday, 6th June 2015.
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Dr. Darren Hall wins Commonwealth Scholarship Dr. Darren Hall has been awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship to pursue studies leading to a Master’s Degree in Health Care Management for the academic year 2015. Dr. Hall, who is currently an attending physician at Family Care Medical Services Ltd, was one of the four (4) who submitted applications to the Ministry for consideration of a Commonwealth Scholarship Award. This year the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offered Turks and Caicos Islands the opportunity to gain at least one (1) scholarship for a candidate to study for a masters or PhD in the United Kingdom. These awards are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFIF) Areas of study for consideration of a Commonwealth Scholarship
Dr. Darren Hall included Education, Health, Economic Growth and the Private Sector, Governance and Conflict, Climate and Environment, Water and Sanitation, Food and Nutrition, Humanitarian
Disasters and Emergencies. Deputy Premier & Minister of Education, Hon. Akierra Mary Deanne Missick stated: “The Commonwealth awarded over 387 scholarships across the nations, we are even more proud because this was the first year in many that a Turks and Caicos Islander was successful in winning an award. We wish Dr. Hall all the best as he takes up his studies in the upcoming year and the further contribution he will make to the development of health care, on his return. “Persons are reminded that notice for Commonwealth Applications for 2016 will be advertised between August and December of this year, when further details including the application process and areas of priority will be announced.”
Fishing regulations postponed for consultation The Turks and Caicos Islands Fisheries (Protection) Regulations 2015 has been postponed to September 1, 2015. The Regulations, previously scheduled to come into operation on June 1, 2015 has been delayed in order to facilitate further focus group
consultation on a number of provisions within the new regulation. Premier, Dr. the Hon. Rufus Ewing stated; “As a Government, we understand the importance of the regulations governing our waters and its protection, and we also understand and take seriously our role
in hearing the voice of the people. It is expected that this extended period of consultation will result in amendments to some provisions of the new Fisheries Regulations and will address many of the concerns submitted by members of the public.”
Turks and Caicos Sun Suite#5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 946-8542 Fax: (649) 941-3281 Email: sun@suntci.com Read us online at www.suntci.com Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce Senior Editor: Vivian Tyson Office Manager: Dominique Rigby Graphic designer Information Technology and Production Manager: Kelano Howell The Turks and Caicos SUN is a subsidiary of The SUN Media Group Ltd. We are committed to excellence in journalism, educating and informing our readers, serving and satisfying our advertisers and assisting in the overall development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
HAB MANAGEMENT LTD HAB Management Limited is a seeking suitably qualified individual to fill the following opening. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.
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Responsible for implementing and enforcing security measures in order to provide maximum protection to the lives and properties of the company, employees and guests. Responsible to guard, patrol and monitor company premises to prevent theft, violence or infractions of rules.
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Requirements •Must have five years or more experience as a Security Officer. Law enforcement/ security experience preferred. •Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. •Must be computer literate and have working knowledge of CCTV systems and software. •Must be willing to work a variety of day/night and weekend shifts. •Able to be on feet for long periods of time. •Excellent people skills. •Professional, neat, clean cut appearance is necessary. •Clean driver’s license.
Salary for this position is $15,000.00 per annum, commensurate with experience, training and education. Interested applicants should email resumes by June 16, 2015 to ronnie@habgroup.com or submit by fax 649-946-5191. Only persons selected for an interview will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.
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LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
Statement from June 3rd Cabinet meeting
His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, chaired the 15th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 3rd June 2015 at the Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales. All Ministers were present except Hon. Minister of Education, Youth, Libraries and Sport, Hon. Minister Tourism, Environment, Culture and Heritage.
a road reserve and to provide an alternative road access to Parcel 10506/96 and other neighbouring parcels, situated in Block 10506, South Suburbs, Grand Turk; (c) The survey and mutation of Crown Land Parcel 10506/114 in order to create a road reserve as an extension to the existing road parcel (Parcel 10506/35), in order to provide direct access to the public road in the area to Parcels At this meeting Cabinet: 10506/31-34 & 36, situated at South Suburbs, Grand Turk; • Advised HE. the Governor •Approved a report from the to approve the grant of a long-term (99 National Parks Committee setting out years) lease over 0.46 acres (approx) proposals for revisions to the National of accreted land lying seaward of Parks Ordinance and revisions to Parcels 60905/214 & 60906/227 to protected areas. Cabinet requested Desarrollos Turks and Caicos Limited that the proposals be released for and a license for use of the beach public consultation in due course; front jetty located adjacent to their •Advised HE. the Governor development; to enter into a lease agreement for •Advised HE. the Governor the former TCI Bank building in to grant approval for the survey and Providenciales. The building will mutation of the following Crown Land provide centralised accommodation parcels for the purpose of creating for the departments currently under road reserves and/or road easements; the management of the Ministry of (a) The survey and mutation of Crown Finance, namely Customs, Revenue Land Parcel 60002/54 in order to Control Unit and Treasury; create a road reserve/easement to • Advised HE. the Governor provide access to Parcels 60002/374- to grant approval to negotiate a 381 in Providenciales; (b) The survey compensation settlement (subject and mutation of Crown Land Parcels to valuation) with the various 10506/94 & 114 in order to create proprietors, in respect of land
acquired by TCIG for the development of a bypass from Kew Rural to Kew Township, following Tropical Storm Cristobal; •Advised HE. the Governor to approve the following appointments to the Telecommunications Commission: Telecommunications Commission for the period June 19, 2015 to March 31, 2016; Heather Allen, Chairman (Attorney-at-Law),Andre Garneau, Member (Attorney-at-Law), Shaveena Been, Member (Accountant), Terrance Robinson, Member (Business/ Technical), Herbert Ingham, Deputy Chairman (Business/Technical), Pedro Ariza, Member (Business/ Technical), Permanent Secretary (MHTC), Ex-officio Member, Director General, Secretary. The appointments are made In accordance with Part II, Section 3 (1-4) of the Telecommunications Ordinance; •Advised HE. the Governor to approve the following appointments to the Prison Visiting Committee; Perry Missick, Chairman, Father Mark Kendall, Member, Jennifer Forbes, Member, Michael Robinson, Member, Leo Selver, Member, Belinda Lightbourne, Deputy Chairman, Jennifer R Lightbourne, Member. The appointments are made in accordance with section 44 (1) and (2) of the
Prison Regulations; •Advised HE. the Governor to approve the following appointments to the Parole Board; Montel Archibold, Chairperson, Bernadine Smith, Member, Carolyn Wilson, Member, Permanent Secretary (MHTC), Member, Prison Superintendent, Member, Director of Social Development, Member. The appointments are made in accordance with Section 3 (1) and (2) of the Parole of Prisoners Ordinance; •Advised HE. the Governor to approve the following appointments to the Radio Turks and Caicos Board of Governors; Vaughn Hinds (Business / Technical), Chair, Cheryl Ann Foreman, Member; Tijuana Rasheida Ewing, Member (Attorney At Law), Jermaine Fulford, Member, (Business/Technical), Desiree James, Member (Accountant), Permanent Secretary, (MHTC), Member, Senior Government Press Officer, Member. The appointments are made in accordance with Section 3 of the Radio Turks and Caicos Ordinance; Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.
PROVO WATER COMPANY LTD. We are currently seeking a qualified applicant to fill the position of Pipe Labourer:
Seven Stars Resort is seeking suitably individuals to fill the positions outlined below. Ideal candidates must possess luxury resort experience, a professional demeanor, and a strong command of the English Language (oral and written). Relevant experience and a passion for hospitality is required. Salary is based on experience and qualifications. •Accountant •Landscaping Manger •Security Officer •Housekeeping Manager •Housekeeping Attendant •Stock Controller •Air Conditioning Engineer
Interested candidates should apply via e-mail to Seven Stars at hr@sevenstarsgracebay.com for consideration. Application deadline: June 19, 2015
ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING ABOVE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED.
REQUIREMENTS: •Minimum of 3 years experience in waterworks and piping networks. •Must be in good health to meet the demands of physically challenging work •Must be available for emergency maintenance calls on evenings and weekends according to rotational schedule. •Must have a clean driver’s license WORK ENVIRONMENT: •Hot, dusty and muddy conditions including confined spaces •Active roadways and associated traffic noise levels •Remote locations JOB DESCRIPTION: •The Pipe Labourer is responsible for: •Using hand digging tools to excavate and bury pipes and plumbing fixtures •Installing, repairing and maintaining pies, fixtures and other plumbing used for water distribution in residential, commercial and industrial connections. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE TO: 1.Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks. 2.Reads and follows installation plans and establish the sequence of pipe installations. 3.Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required angle, using hand and power tools or machine such as pipe cutters, pipe threading machines and pipe bending machine. 4.Use hand or powered tools to excavate trenches and ditches. 5.Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings, using hand and power tools. 6.Repair and maintain plumbing, replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes. 7.Attend Emergency callout when necessary. 8.Carry out all other duties as directed by the Supervisor. Salary Range: US$ 8.00 - $ 12.00 per hour All applications must be submitted by June 15th, 2015. Turks & Caicos Islanders need only apply. Office Manager PROVO WATER COMPANY LTD. P.O. Box 39, Grace Bay Road Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Fax: (649) 941-8310 Email: K.Clarke@provowater.tc
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LOCAL NEWS
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The PDM addresses recent changes at Beaches
About a week ago, news circulated around the country of mass immediate terminations at the country’s largest resort, Beaches Turks and Caicos Islands. The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), before hastily rushing to respond publicly, first sought to investigate the matter further. We now seek to provide the public with our findings and discussions on the issue. We have had the opportunity to speak with management at Beaches and also other individuals who have informed us that there are persons who have parted company with Beaches. We were told initially that there were 23 persons, four of whom were Turks and Caicos Islanders, two PRC holders and the rest were guest workers who were recruited from overseas. Since receiving those figures, we are aware of additional Turks and Caicos Islanders who have ceased to be employed with Beaches. We accept that companies have the right to restructure or downsize but when the resort which has always claimed it has been operating on a severe shortage of staff undertakes such an exercise, we felt it important to gain a better understanding. To this end, members of the
PDM visited Beaches and met with management who explained that it was a company’s decision to restructure. We were provided further insight, including the additional two Turks and Caicos Islanders affected. We were made aware that the former employees were compensated. Also, the approach taken as to how those affected were informed and eventually let go was thought to be in the best interest of all parties involved. During the meeting, we were informed that the company had made the government aware of its position in advance and had spoken to top officials in the Ministry of Border Control. In light of the information received, we raised the following concerns: - Will the posts held by TC Islanders be filled or no longer needed? - Will expatriate labour be imported to fill any of the vacancies? -Was the resort concerned over the amount of management experience exiting at the same time? -Is there any concern at the level of uneasiness among remaining staff as to the uncertainty of their jobs? - What is the message sent to aspiring young Turks and Caicos Islanders aspiring to management positions? Is this the correct message they wanted
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to send? -Did the company discharge its responsibility to ensure that the guest workers were repatriated to their home countries? - Was there any truth to an additional 50 – 70 line staff being subjected to the same exercise? We were assured that the exercise was complete and that there would be no more restructuring of this sort. We were told that several of the posts would be reviewed over the next few months and assessed as to whether it will need to be filled. However, two would be filled with Turks and Caicos Islanders. We were told that the Company had discharged its obligation relating to the imported expatriate labour; it would commit to more training and it has already advised staff that the exercise has been completed. Nonetheless, we believe that the responsibility remains with the Labour Department and the Ministry of Border Control to ensure that Turks and Caicos Islanders are given first preference for employment in accordance with the Law which protects and provides for this. The Turks and Caicos Islands is in a position where there is a single major resort that employs more
Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson - Opposition Leader persons than the government. Whilst we appreciate the investment, any development that takes place must be to the mutual benefit of the investor and the islands with the provision of jobs taking priority. No development must be allowed to leave our people behind or out. The Government must take a stand on this issue and whilst companies have the right to downsize at will, we must be certain that the government is not aiding in the sidelining of its own people by ignoring its policing of labour at all places of employment and also in the issuance of work permits. We can assure the people of these islands that we will continue to monitor this matter closely.
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Skippings decries Beaches firings
Former Chief and Immigration minister Pastor Oswald Skippings is classifying the Beaches Resort firings as a déjà vu of his former government all over again. Skippings, formerly of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and now leader of the Progressive Democratic Alliance (PDA), was responding to news that Beaches Resort has axed more than 20 employees, majority of them managers, under what it said was a restructuring programme. However, Skippings is not convinced. “The recent act of letting go local managers from Beaches Resort in Providenciales is a replay of what I encountered as minister of immigration and Labour in the late 90s when there was a noticeable scarcity of local managers at that hotel, a situation that I found unacceptable and intolerable and took deliberate measures to correct,” he said. Skippings pointed out that it has come to his attention that the resort has employed a policy of minimizing the placement and promotion of Turks and Caicos islanders in managerial roles in their establishment.
“In recent times the management is also accused of deliberately frustrating established workers in an effort to break long term service, thereby preventing them from accruing meaningful benefits in accordance with labour regulations. “It is becoming more and more apparent that once Turks and Caicos employees near long service, they are constantly harassed and frustrated on the job so that they are forced to quit and thereby forfeit all their accrued benefits that they would normally get if they are fired or if they continue their employment until retirement,” he said. To this end, Skippings calls on government to intervene and take the necessary steps to rectify the problem. “Government needs to wake up from its apathetic coma and demonstrate some nationalistic initiative and effectively apply its immigration and labour policies to protect the interests of Turks and Caicos Islanders. Elected officials need to realize that where realistic, Turks and Caicos Islanders are supposed to be first in their own country and not suffer the unbearable level of discrimination and rejection that is now blatantly and fearlessly exhibited
EXECUTIVE CHEF
by some in this country. “The result of these excessive and unconscionable oppressive actions that are being leveled against Turks and Caicos Islanders in the employment industry is creating a national atmosphere of depression, despair and hopelessness among Turks and Caicos Islanders and is threatening the very survival of too many families throughout the length and breadth of the Turks and Caicos islands,” he said. He added: “It is obvious that there needs to be more goodwill between employers and Turks and Caicos workers in these Islands with the understanding that it is supposed to be a mutually beneficial arrangement with a conscious spirit of fairness. “It is obvious that all these unfair practices are being leveled against our people because of the prevailing apathy and impotence of our elected leadership which seems totally oblivious to the systematic abuse, disempowerment and impoverishment of our Turks and Caicos people, a situation which has become the order of the day.” He said that Beaches situation brings into focus government’s
Oswald Skippings allowance of having individual control of too big a slice of the tourism pie. “Such distasteful and oppressive actions bring in focus the urgent need for a clear government policy that prohibits a single individual or corporation from owning and or managing too much of our tourism product. Failure to do so and to continue to allow unchecked, disproportionate ownership of such an important resource, create the real possibility of the reins of our economy being in the hands of greedy and selfish business moguls who then feel empowered to manipulate government and workers alike. “These injustices against our people are not acceptable to the PDA as an aspiring political party, nor would they be tolerated by an elected PDA government,” Skippings vowed.
IMMEDIATE OPENING Cosmetologist Requirements:
An Executive Chef is required for an establishment based in Providenciales. Duties include but are not limited to: To participate in preparation and implementation of the strategic planning and plan the yearly food revenue and profit targets; Analyze local-market needs and trends, and then lead the definition of the company’s overall Food & Beverage offering; Direct and coordinate the daily activities of the kitchen and control payroll and business expenses of the department; Manage relationships and contracts with suppliers and maintain the highest standards of Food Hygiene, and adherence with all Health and Safety standards; Multi Language a must. English/French/Irish. At least 20 years cooking experience and at least 8 years experience as an Executive Chef, 5 star Resort experience is required. Computer skills with POS systems, QuickBooks, Inventory Management, Payroll systems and Menu Tracking back of the house experience are required. International especially Caribbean experience a must. Remuneration based on experience. All applications must be submitted to: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Services Limited 007 Emily House, 1105 Leeward Highway, Providenciales Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-333-7777
•Prior experience working as a Cosmetologist in the spa department in a luxury resort •Excellent communication skills •Ability to understand the guest, internal and external, and meet and exceed the needs of both the guest and the company •Ability to provide genuine service through actions that display self-confidence, grace and courtesy to guests and colleagues •Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts
Duties Include:
•Provides consistent professional hair treatments in accordance with spa protocols and accepted certification practices •Complete knowledge and understanding of all services and products while educating guests in these areas •Possess and maintain knowledge of current hairstyles and trends •Assist in inventory •Upholding the standards of sanitation and sterilization as directed by law and the spa’s policies and procedures •Performing prep work and properly cleaning and restocking work area as required •Must be able and willing to work all day and shifts Starting salary $6.25 per hour not including service charge and tips
Interested applicants should apply to Regent Palms, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume to marjorie. dorsett@regenthotels.com, no later than end of day Friday, May 12th, 2015.
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Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell, QC, accuses two top lawyers of deliberate dishonesty Queen’s Counsel Andrew spent building the house which has 8 Mitchell has accused lawyers Tim bedrooms, a theatre, a library, and a O’Sullivan and Gordon Kerr of being swing bridge to allow access. The house was designed and engaged in a “deliberate and dishonest” attempt to suppress the price at which constructed with the assistance of a property was bought, in order to architect Ron Shaw and construction evade the payment of significant stamp work was principally carried out by duty to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Projetech. It was bought by American Mitchell made this accusation during his opening address to the billionaire Timothy Blixseth through jury in the high-profile Emerald Cay his companies. O’Sullivan of the stamp duty case which is being heard law firm, Miller Simons O’Sullivan by Mr. Justice Robert Schuster in the represented Blixeth, while Kerr, of new court located in the former Myrtle Misick and Stanbrook, represented the Rigby clinic. sellers. Mitchell told the jury that in Emerald Cay is a multi- million-dollar private island located off August 2006, it was made to appear as though the value of the mansion on the Silly Creek and Chalk Sound. It was once owned by Mr private island was $10million, so that Gary and Mrs Angelica Silvestri (Mrs on the face of it, the Government was Silvestri also known by her maiden due $975,000 in stamp duty. name, Morrone). The Silvestris owned He noted, however, that the land at Emerald Cay for about 7 $28million changed hands. Mitchell said the Crown’s case years and they built the house on the is that the real price paid for Emerald land which took 4 years or so to build. Well over $16million was Cay was approximately $27million,
therefore the stamp duty which should have been paid, was $2.6million. He argued that by only declaring $10million as the price for the house, over $1.6million in stamp duty was evaded. Explaining how this fraud was carried out and how the two lawyers were involved, Mitchell said they created various bogus agreements or contracts which were were made or executed, at the same time that Emerald Cay was bought. Under these agreements, he said, $17million was payable by Mr Blixseth to the Di Silvestris in addition to the $10million paid for the property. Mitchell said that on the face of these agreements, this money was paid for consultancy services, an option to buy the house, further work to be carried out to the house after the sale and further chattels. He said these agreements were shams and this would have been obvious to the attorneys, as they were created to
cover up the payment by Mr Blixseth to the Di Silvestris of that further $17m which was really for the property and upon which stamp duty should have been paid. The prosecutor noted that attorneys act for clients and owe duties to them, but they (lawyers) must also obey the law. In a property transaction, Mitchell said, lawyers must ensure that the transfer of the land is done according to the law of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Included in that responsibility, he said, is the obligation to ensure that all legal requirements are complied with and if a client seeks or wishes to undertake something which is not according to law, the attorney must advise his client that it is wrong, and withdraw from acting if the client will not take the advice. “What an attorney must never do is act for a client to execute an illegal transaction, which is what we suggest the defendants did in this case,” he said.
CHARGES AGAINST TIM O’SULLIVAN & GORDON KERR 1. TIMOTHY PATRICK O’SULLIVAN and GORDON WILLIAM KERR between the Ist day of January 2005 and the 31st day of March 2007 conspired with Timothy Blixseth, Andrew Hawes, Angelica Morrone and Garry Di Silvestri and others to cheat the Collector of Stamp Duty and the public revenue of Stamp Duty due and payable upon the sale by a company known as Worldwide Commercial Properties Limited to a company known as Emerald Cay Limited of all the land and real property known as Emerald Cay, by falsely representing that the value of the transaction for the said sale was $l lmillion (including $1 million for chattels) when in fact and in truth the true value of the transaction was in the sum of approximately $28 million, thus depriving the public revenue of stamp duty in the approximate sum of $1.5million.
2. TIMOTIIY PATRICK O’SULLIVAN and GORDON WILLIAM KERR on or about the 14th day of August 2006 cheated the Collector of Stamp duty and the public revenue of approximately $1.5million by falsely representing that the value of the property and land transaction in respect of the sale of Emerald Cay was $11 million (including $1 million for chattels) when in fact and in truth the real value of the transaction was in the approximate sum of $28 million. 3. TIMOTHY PATRICK O’SULLIVAN and GORDON WILLIAM KERR between the lst day of January 2005 and the 31st day of August 2006 conspired with Timothy Blixseth, Andrew Hawes, Angelina Morrone and Garry Di Silvestri and others to false account in that knowing that documents required for an accounting purpose were to be relied on by
the Collector of Stamp Duty in accepting the declaration as to the value of the consideration for the sale of all that land and property known as Emerald Cay, falsely represented with a view to cause loss to the Public Revenue and with a view to gain for the said Timothy Blixseth, Andrew Hawes, Angelina Morrone and Garry Di Silvestri, by declaring that the value of the transaction for the said sale was $11 million (including $1million for chattels) when in fact and in truth the true value of the transaction was in the sum of approximately $28 million, thus depriving the public revenue of stamp duty in the approximate sum of $1.5million. Jim Sturman QC and Peter Cadman are representing Timothy O’ Sullivan. Andrew Radcliffe QC and Conrad Griffith are representing Gordon Kerr
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Lawyers tried to cut a deal for Emerald Cay to be TCI White House, prosecutor says Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell O’Sullivan emailed Blixseth and Mr said that at one point, after Emerald Hawes the next day and explained Cay was that Knighton was concerned about sold and when Michael Misick the true price paid for the property, was Premier, there was a suggestion which they had just purchased. that the private island it might be He said that within a week, sold on to the TCI government in it seems a plan was hatched for Mr exchange for some Government land Blixseth to speak to the then Premier, on Middle Caicos to become the Turks Michael Misick and tell him about and Caicos Islands White House. some of the Agreements, although In his opening statement not all of them. in the emerald Cay case, Mitchell They decided to disclose the said that tollowing the transfer of Option Agreement ($4m), the Works Emerald Cay, Stuart Taylor who Agreement ($500,000) and the was the assistant Collector saw the Installation Agreement ($6m), but not transfer document as soon as it was the Consultancy Agreement ($6.5m). submitted. He immediately thought Mitchell said the idea of this partial the $10million figure was very low disclosure being made to Mr Misick, it and he referred the matter to his boss, seems, was to see if they could “cut a the Collector, Mr Arthur Been who deal with the Premier”. contacted Mark Knighton who was In this e-mail Mr O’Sullivan the Assistant Superintendent in the repeated what Mr Kerr told him that Financial Investigation Unit of the anything could be put on the transfer TCI police at the time. document, because the Government Knighton made some had a revaluation process. preliminary inquiries and decided to “Perhaps Mr Kerr and Mr speak to Mr O’Sullivan by telephone O’Sullivan will say to you that they on March 8th 2007, informing him really believed that. Not only is that that Government had concerns about nonsense for the reason I have just the price paid for the property. given. You might also find such an This caused O’Sullivan to assertion surprising considering, for email Kerr warning him of the inquiry, example, the lengths the attorneys but Kerr’s response to O’Sullivan was went to avoid raising an issue with that the consideration placed on the the Collector about Stamp Duty and transfer document was irrelevant trying to make it appear that $10m because the Government has a power would be a proper consideration for to re-value. the transfer,” Mitchell stated. Mitchell said this was According to the Prosecutor, “obvious nonsense” because all in March 2009 O’Sullivan suggested tax systems have a process for re- sending their client ledger to the assessing the correctness of tax if it is Government. This, Mitchell said, thought there is an under-declaration. shows he knew the issue was the This, he said, has nothing to do with amount paid, not the value of the land. the obligation placed on tax-payers He said there is a reference and attorneys acting on their behalf to an article in Golf magazine placing to make correct declarations of tax a value of $40m which is referred and not knowingly misrepresent the to in an email. In March 2007 Mr true facts. Knighton rang Mr O’Sullivan again The Prosecutor noted that and in accordance with their plan,
Mr Knighton was told about the Agreements, except the consultancy agreement. This was reported back by Mr O’Sullivan to Mr Blixseth and Mr Hawes. O’Sullivan pressed Mr Blixseth to speak to Mr Misick and said he did not want anything in writing to Mr Knighton until that had been done. On the 28th March 2007, O’Sullivan prepared a letter to Mr Misick which he delivered in person to his house the next day. This letter contained the partial disclosure, suppressing the Consultancy Agreement but disclosing the others. Mitchell said O’Sullivan seeks to maintain the false impression that these Agreements are about “the value of the various improvements and installations done post transfer and the very expensive toys and amenities provided with the residence at this time.” The direct appeal to the Premier didn’t work, Mitchell said. On the 22nd January 2008, the stamp duty officials Mr Been and Mr Taylor visited O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan later emailed Mr Been and Mr Taylor that day saying that from his “client’s perspective”, the money paid for the land and building was $10million. O’Sullivan followed this with an e-mail to Mr Blixseth and Mr Hawes saying the government are “aware that more than $10m was paid in respect of the transaction.” Mitchell said that the next day (23rd January 2008), O’Sullivan advised his client again to enlist the Premier’s help. He suggested a phone call from Mr Blixseth to Mr Misick in which Mr Blixseth would say he is offended by the stamp duty issue being pursued by the Government and that he has done much to promote
and commit to the TCI. The idea is that Mr Blixseth might pay another $400,000 or $500,000 to conclude the matter. The Prosecutor said it was pointed out to Mr Blixseth that the Government is still ignorant of one of the Agreements (although he says it is the Installation Agreement). Mitchell said efforts to pressurise the Government through Mr Misick were redoubled, as both Mr O’Sullivan and Mr Blixseth telephoned and/or emailed him and Blixseth met Mr Misick on the 19th February 2008. Mitchell said it seems a suggestion was made that if the property was transferred to the TCIG in exchange for land in Middle Caicos, the stamp duty inquiry would be dropped. This discreditable attempt to thwart the investigation through Michael Misick did not work, Mitchell said. According to Mitchell, Kerr was later interviewed as part of this case on 11th January 2012. He gave a long prepared statement, the essence of it is to deny any wrongdoing, assert that he thought the Agreements were valid and he had no reason to suspect they were not and that his client, Gary Di Silvestri had a habit of communicating directly with Mr O’Sullivan, so that he (Mr Kerr) was not aware of negotiations as they unfolded and he was also on holiday at the beginning of July 2006, just before the transaction was effected. Mr O’Sullivan was interviewed on 24th January 2012. He also gave a prepared statement and he denied any dishonesty in relation to the transaction, he said that it was driven by the Di Silvestris, that his fees were reasonable and that he had received no other payments in connection with it.
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SIPT ignorant of Emerald Cay sale facts Queen’s Counsel attorney Andrew Radcliffe told the Supreme Court that the Special Investigations and Prosecution Team (SIPT) was ignorant of the facts when they were charging his client attorney Gordon Kerr, but decided to go ahead with the charges anyway. Kerr of the law firm Misick and Stanbrook and his colleague Timothy O’Sullivan of Miller Simons O’Sullivan are charged with defrauding government of stamp duty arising from the sales of Emerald, which the SIPT claimed changed hands for $28million, but the defense arguing was sold for $10million. The property, which was originally owned by Gary and Angelica Sylvestri, was sold to Timothy Blexseth in 2006. O’Sullivan represented the Blixseth, who was buying the property, while Kerr represented the Sylvestris, the sellers. Radcliffe said that in 2006 when the government surveyor was asked to value Emerald Cay, he did it for $10 million. He said that the SIPT’s decision to still press charges against the lawyers stemmed from
its lack of understanding of what was explained to them relating to the sale of the property, but despite their ignorance, made up their minds up to go ahead with the charges anyway. Radcliffe said that Kerr was on holiday in Scotland at the time when the deal was going through, and that on many occasions, the Sylvestris bypassed Kerr and spoke directly to Blixseth. Radcliffe said that his client is being badly wronged when the criminal charges were slapped on him. He said that Kerr made nothing directly from the sale of the Emerald Cay, saying that it was his company Misick and Stanbrook that made money from it. He said that Misick and Stanbrook would still be paid even if the deal had fallen through because the local Barr Association set a standard percent for such transaction. He said that neither Kerr nor O’Sullivan was responsible to pay the stamp duty for the sale of the property, declaring that it was the buyer’s responsibility. For his part, Jim Sturman QC, the lead counsel for O’Sullivan said told the court that lead SIPT
prosecutor Andrew Mitchell, began at the transaction segment and not from the beginning the deal, telling the court that O’Sullivan made no gain from the arrangement. He maintained that the property does not value $28million as suggested by the SIPT, which he knocked for promising to spend just one year in the TCI, but was in fact in its sixth year here. Sturman told the court that at the time of the Emerald Cay sale, no house in TCI was sold for $28million. He said that the Ramada Hotel on Grace Bay, which is now Seven Stars Resort, in 2003, was sold for $24million. He argued that if the Emerald Cay property had valued $28milion, why would its owner Timothy Blexseth had suggested a swap for property in Middle Caicos at one point. He said that the house that the prosecution said valued at $28million was insured for $5million when it changed hands, meaning that at that time it was worth $5million. He said that after discussion with the insurance company, it was settled
that the property would be insured for between $9 million and $10 million. He said that O’Sullivan was out of the loop for a great deal of time as it related to the Emerald Cay transaction, resulting in the attorney asking a series of questions as indicated by his email correspondences. Sturman said that if his client was up to any skullduggery, he would not be asking so many questions, suggesting to the court that he was ignorant to what was going on for eight months when the transaction was being drafted. He said that the transaction ran for nine months before O’Sullivan came into it, since the Sylvestris and Blexseth did not keep him in the loop. He said two deals were done, one in the Turks and Caicos with the local lawyers and other in the United States, between the Sylvestris and Blexseth. Sturman said it was never contemplated that the property would be sold for $28millon, and it never did, but changed hands for $10milion and $1million in fees and charges.
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LOCAL NEWS
Women’s rights advocates alarmed at domestic violence rise By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor The recent upsurge in domestic violence resulting in one woman chopped to death, another doused with gasoline, and set ablaze is of tremendous concern to two prominent matriarchs of the Turks and Caicos. Lillian Boyce, Former Deputy Premier and Minister of Gender Affairs and convener of the Sister Sister Organisation, and Rita Gardiner, former head of the Gender Affairs Unit, are calling on the government to quickly fund legislations recently passed to protect women and children, and also calling on the church and other civic groups to take action against such societal atrocities. “In recent time, we have seen too many issues surrounding domestic violence against women, that is why we are so concerned and we want to call upon government first to address the issue of domestic violence such as re-implementing Domestic Violence Unit with the police, we had Irene Butterfield, who was doing a tremendous job. Now, you don’t hear anything about the Domestic Violence Unit, and I think it is very sad. “We saw the other day a woman being burnt by her husband and another woman met her death through a stabbing incident by her husband or her friend. We may not hear the cries through our community because these people may not be our neighbors, but as women, we have to be our neighbor’s keeper. When it (domestic violence) happens to one woman, it
(left) Rita Gardiner and (Right) Lillian Boyce happens to all of us, it doesn’t matter the nationality,” Boyce said during an interview with The SUN. Boyce also used the occasion to call on government to bring back the domestic violence hotline, which she said, under the former PNP administration was highlighted in the media. Gardiner, the first director of Gender Affairs, in support of the call, said that immediate funds should be dispatched to give the legislations teeth. “I think we ( in the past) have done a lot of work to bring domestic violence to the forefront. The recent legislations passed were something that the Gender Affairs embarked on in 2001. I am really glad that it was passed last month, all four bills were passed for the protection of women and children. “And now, I am appealing to the government to put in the necessary resources, the human resources, financial resources,” she said, noting that special judges should come in to deal with such cases. “If you are going to have cases
in camera, such as rape cases, you need special judges that they need to bring in, particularly for these areas – for the family court. You just can’t use the same judges that you use on other cases. We need the Domestic Violence Unit in the Police Department to be active and up and running, because we are seeing rape cases on rise in the Turks and Caicos,” she said. She said that some women that experienced domestic violence complained to her that they are afraid to report the incidences because they are afraid of repercussions. Gardiner said that incest and other domestic violence are also on the rise in the TCI but parents treat it as a non-issue. “Sometimes the mothers turn a blind eye to these things, just to keep that friendship with that male partner, and at the end of the day you are using your children. Incest and rape is on the rise here in the TCI. “Domestic violence, not only between a husband and a wife, but we are seeing it with boyfriend and girlfriend – young people. And they are being threatened. I know for sure
of young girls that are being beaten and they say they can’t leave the boy simply because he threatened to beat them further or they will lose their life, they remain in the relationship,” she said. Gardiner said also that the police should be sensible to victims when they come to report such crimes. “So I believe, too, that we need to see the police trained more and become more sensitive (on how to treat domestic violence cases and victims). I remember years ago when we had training for police officers so that they could become more sensitive to these cases. “Now when you go to the police station to report domestic violence case, to some of them, it is just another case. We need these police officers to be trained and sensitive to these cases. Whenever they are called they don’t turn a blind eye to these things because at the end of the day, someone can lose their life,” she said. In the meantime, Boyce questioned the circumstance under which the woman was murdered without anyone in the Kew Town community trying to stop it. “I am having nightmares about that woman who lost her life. I am wondering where were the neighbors, couldn’t someone come to her rescue? ,” she said. Gardiner suggests that a series of public pushbacks should take place such as a march, as was done some years ago, saying that all stakeholders, such as NGOs and the church should take part.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
LOCAL NEWS
Iris Stubbs students tour Providenciales International Airport
Students of the South Caicos based Iris Stubbs Primary School have taken a behind-the-scenes tour of Providenciales International Airport. The students traveled by boat to Providenciales to spend the day at the airport and have lunch on island before returning home later that evening. The tour group consisted of 16 bright and blooming minds from the third grade class and 3 teachers. The focus of the tour was to highlight all of the new additions to the terminal facility and develop the student’s knowledge of aviation. The students were thrilled to view the Domestic and International Check in Areas, Domestic and International Arrivals and the highlight was the new International Departures area where the students were able to view planes from the outdoor Sky Lounge. Students were very keen on asking questions about the new luggage trolley system and even the new baggage wrap system
that is now being offered in the CheckIn Hall. The luggage wrap staff was kind and offered a demonstration for the students to see their new machine in action. ‘ ‘We are so grateful for the staff at Providenciales International Airport to take time out of their busy schedule to show generosity and for the very special opportunity for our students to see the airport up close and even see planes land.’’ said teacher, Tka Francis. Lavern Reynolds of the TCIAA, commented; ‘‘My team and I take pride in offering tours of our newly renovated facility. It helps persons to experience what we work so hard to accomplish and they get to see some areas that they would never normally see as a passenger such as the fireHall and back of house operations areas.” Airport tours such as this give the students a hands on grasp of aviation and an experience that they would never be able to get inside of a classroom
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Canada and Turks and Caicos Islands meet to work toward closer ties
TCI and Canadian delegation David Anderson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ricardo Don Hue Gardiner, Minister of Border Control and Labour of the Turks and Caicos Islands, on May 28th co-chaired the first meeting of the Canada-Turks and Caicos Islands Bilateral Working Group, held in Ottawa. The working group was established as a follow-up to a meeting between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Rufus Ewing, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, in the spring of last year. Parliamentary Secretary Anderson and Minister Gardiner expressed satisfaction with the results of the first meeting of the working group and agreed to explore further areas of collaboration.
Affair, said: “The obstacles in the region are best met through cooperation and by taking action to strengthen institutions. Common challenges, such as strengthening the economy, encouraging sustainable energy and combatting transnational crime, are best met by capable and resilient regional organizations.” Ricardo Don Hue Gardiner, Minister of Border Control and Labour, Turks and Caicos Islands, added: “We are pleased to begin this dialogue Minister Gardiner added with Canada, which has been a longthat the Canadian delegation had time friend of the Turks and Caicos extended the highest level of courtesy Islands. The bilateral working group to the Turks and Caicos group, which established at the request of Prime demonstrated both Canada’s grace and Minister Harper and Premier Ewing a level of seriousness concerning the provides an excellent platform from regard that Canada and the Turks and which we can examine more closely the factors that strengthen our relationship Caicos Islands have for each other. “The relationship between Canada and the areas of cooperation that can and the Turks and Caicos Islands is benefit both parties.” The TCI delegation which is long-standing. It is founded on our Commonwealth heritage, as well as Chaired by Border Control Minister, our enduring social and economic ties. Don-Hue Gardiner includes attorney Canada looks forward to continuing Mark Fulford and economist, Dr. to work with the Turks and Caicos Gilbert Morris, Ronlee James and the Islands to strengthen our bilateral country’s Chief Statistician, Shirlen relationship,” said the Honourable Rob Forbes. The Canadian delegation Nicholson, Minister of Foreign AffairsDavid Anderson, Parliamentary extended the highest level of courtesies Secretary to the Minister of Foreign to the Turks and Caicos group which
demonstrated both Canada’s grace and a level of seriousness concerning the regard the two countries have for each other. •The working group reviewed the bilateral relationship and discussed new areas for cooperation. It met with several technical experts and held productive exchanges on shared goals in economic prosperity, regional security, stability and democracy, as well as cultural and professional exchanges. •As a result of the discussions, the two parties agreed to explore cooperation in publicprivate partnerships to promote innovative Canadian approaches to project implementation in the Turks and Caicos Islands. •The Canada Revenue Agency will pursue further cooperation on approaches to tax administration. •Canada also extended an invitation for officials from the Turks and Caicos Islands to participate in training on countering money laundering and criminal financial transactions and explored areas for parliamentary cooperation.
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION
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 •Lifeguard experience is a plus •Must be able to work on shifts
Submit application to :humanresources@thewestbayclub.com
BOAT CAPTAIN An experienced Boat Captain is required for an establishment based in Providenciales. Applicant must have valid Boat Master’s License and be proficient in any software on the vessel, able to use it day-to-day or in an emergency. Applicant must also be organized and have a strong eye for detail, able to find any reason why the vessel may not be seaworthy or any machinery would be dangerous, and able to deal with any problems effectively in open sea. Remuneration based on experience. All applications must be submitted to: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Services Limited 007 Emily House, 1105 Leeward Highway, Providenciales Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-333-7777
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 60501/64 Blue Hills & Stamers Run, Providenciales. Single storey detached dwelling house providing three bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchens, living/ dining area and laundry room on approx. 0.22 acre. Registered Proprietor: Thelma Adlaide Lightbourne 2.Parcel 60003/7 Northwest and North Central, Providenciales. Single storey with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room and living/ dining area on 0.22 acre. Registered Proprietor: Alina Luann Percy 3.Parcel 60503/145 Blue Hills and Stamers Run, Providenciales. Single storey with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining area and storage area with an attached two storey with 2-two bedroom apartments on 0.38 acre. Registered Proprietor: Sharon Elizabeth Rigby 4.Parcel 60900/288 Leeward Going Through, Providenciales. Property consists of a main house with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, living/dining room and an apartment unit with one bedroom, one bathroom, kitchen, and living/dining room on 0.36 acre. Registered Proprietors: Mark Andrew Knighton and Julie Margaret Knighton 5.Parcel 60900,112 Leeward Going Through, Providenciales. Single storey with two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen and living/dining on 0.72 acre. Registered Proprietor: Sherwin Deon Penn 6.Parcel 10103/57 North East Suburbs, Grand Turk. Undeveloped land consisting of 0.44 acre. Registered Proprietor: Pedro Manuel Ariza 7.Parcel 10408/68 East Suburbs, Grand Turk. Single storey with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining area and laundry room on 0.20 acre. Registered Proprietor: Pedro Manuel Ariza 8.Parcel 60003/6 Northwest & North Central, Providenciales. Single storey comprising of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining room and laundry room on 0.32 acre. Registered Proprietor: Nicole Erin Moir 9.Parcel 60002/133 Northwest & North Central, Providenciales. Single storey comprising of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining room and laundry room on 0.31 acre. Registered Proprietors: Abailgail Adiza Ziba Malcolm Delancy and Terrence Hibbert 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 19th day of June 2015. A reserved price will be fixed on all parcels and a deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
No more flags!
“ON MY MIND” By Damian Wilson
“I am a born and using these phrases, and bred Turks Islander, my ones like them, for ages navel string bury here.” in order to convey our pride in being a local. “This is my rock!” These are all This especially occurs local phrases that I have when we feel that some been hearing since the “foreigner” is trying to advent of my existence. take advantage of us or We, Turks & Caicos disrespect our country. However, for Islanders, have been
many years it has baffled me as to why I have never seen this, often times fierce, defense of where we were born move from individual pride to a collective national pride. For a long time I have watched, as many of you have, many local individuals and groups put on cultural event after event after event, all to no avail in terms of support amongst locals or success in helping instill national pride. I often say that many of us, Turks & Caicos Islanders, speak a lot about national pride and learning our cultural heritage but quite often that is where it stops, just talk. We rarely go beyond talk and support with our physical presence, especially not
financial support. While in the UK, I would look on Facebook every year for pictures from the motorcade put on by the Taxi Association - Here’s where I say thank you to them for doing what they can - And every year I would be disappointed in the level of support that they would receive. So this year, when talks come up about National Heroes Day and the motorcade, I will honestly admit that I was one of those skeptical about it. When persons involved started promoting the event, I immediately wanted to support their effort, but I thought: “Well, here we go again. Another year of locals complaining about other nationalities
but not showing pride in the numerous Turks & their own”. Caicos flags being waved I was never more and blowing in the wind. happy to be so wrong in Honestly, it was the most TCI flags that I had ever my life! When I saw the seen at one place, in one support in the motorcade moment, at any given I was so surprised. I time in my young life in stood on the pavement the TCI. One thing made next to IGA Gourmet’s parking lot and looked at me even more proud. cars stretching from one Hearing flag vendor round-about to another. after flag vendor tell me: At that moment I wanted “No more flags, we’re sold to hug my people; I felt out”. such an immense rush of Let’s keep the pride, it was almost like momentum going! watching my son being *Damian Wilson born all over again. As we pulled was born in Grant into the parking lot Turk. He is currently across from Butterfield Operations Manager at Square and saw the 88.1 Smooth FM. He has considerably large crowd been in Broadcast media that begun to gather for the last 10 years of and enjoy the festivities, his life and is married I was nearly brought with two children. to tears as I watched
Olswang former chief exec Stewart reappears in Turks and Caicos at Griffiths & Partners After having unexpectedly stepped down from his role as Olswang’s chief executive in October last year amid differences with other partners, David Stewart (pictured) has re-emerged away from the City as a partner at Turks and Caicos firm Griffiths & Partners. Stewart joins as the offshore firm’s fifth lawyer. The outfit, which is led by Conrad Griffiths QC, covers banking, finance and regulatory, corporate, litigation, real estate trusts and private client services. The move has seen Stewart return to Turks and Caicos Islands, where he worked as an attorney at Miller Simons O’Sullivan from September 1990 to May 1992, before he left to join the City litigation group at legacy
SJ Berwin where he made partner. Stewart joined Olswang in 1997, becoming managing partner ten years later till 2010 when he took up the chief executive role at the media leader. However, halfway through his term, he unexpectedly stepped down from the role and resigned within the same month of October. It is still unclear as to exactly why Stewart decided to step down, but it is understood there was a difference in views between Stewart and other partners on strategy, upgrading elements of the firm, office expansions and firm spending. Olswang recently elected intellectual property partner Paul Stevens as leader of the firm, taking over from Michael Burdon who was handed the role on an interim basis.
Caribbean Aviation Maintenance Services is seeking an Upholster with 7 years or more experience in aviation upholstery and grooming to provide, upholster Service to its fleet of aircrafts.
Candidates should possess a valid TCI driver’s license and a clean police record. Must be able to work nights and week end.
Summary of skills needed: • Self motivated • Proficient in Microsoft word, excel and power point. • Ability to work independently and prioritizes work appropriately. • Excellent time management skills • Detail orientated All applications should be address to HR@intercaribbean .com
David Stewart.
Wanted one Gardener To clean and keep garden free of weeds and shrubs and removing garbage. To maintain and clean pool and pool area. Applicant must be of good character and totally flexible and able to reside on premises. Salary $5.00 per hour.
Wanted one Domestic Worker To clean and maintain a private home. Duties include cleaning floors, windows, disposing of garbage Applicant must be of good character and totally flexible and able to reside on premises. Salary $5.00 per hour Interested persons should contract the Office Manager at 941-4500.
INTERCARIBBEAN AIRWAYS IS SEEKING A SUITABLE QUALLIFIED APPLICANT TO FILL THE POSITION AS OPERATIONS CONSULTANT. Persons interested in applying should have the following: 10 – 15 years of experience in the airline travel industry. Strong management and leadership skills Proven record of involvement in new/established airline start –up Strong working knowledge of regulations involving FAA, ICAO, EASA regulations, and safety systems involving FAA, ATOS and ICAO/ IATA IOSA Qualifications and experiences: Bachelor of Science degree/ graduated from a recognized Aeronautical school. Must have experience with creating the following: Operations manuals, flight operations Aircraft operating manuals Safety system manuals Accident management manuals. All applications should be send to hr@intercaribbean .com
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Position Title: Executive Chef Department: Culinary Provo Water Company Limited is seeking a Qualified Chartered Engineer to fill the position of Head of Engineering. Position Summary
The Head of Engineering Department of Provo Water Company shall manage, supervise and oversee the over-all technical operation of the company’s water distribution system including but not limited to the development of piping structural plans and the subsequent implementation thereof. This includes the following duties and responsibilities:
Description of Duties
•Designing of overall water distribution schemes and associated structures such as pumping stations, pipe works and earthworks where necessary. •Formulations of technical policies governing operational procedures in the building, renovation and expansion of the water distribution infrastructures and the proper utilization of material resources; •Development and maintenance of standards and practices for water installation and engineering practices within the company; •Transacts and negotiates with consulting engineers, government departments, others utilities, contractors and suppliers on works required by the company or as solicited by any government or private entity for the best interest of PWC; •Organizes work activities within the engineering department and delegate task among engineering staff in accordance with the level of importance and priorities as required in the distribution and maintenance; •Set up and maintain a data base that will consolidate all generated technical and administrative data from the engineering and distribution that will serve as primary source of information and reference in PWC’s future undertakings; •Carry out and implement all other activities for the engineering department as mandated and required by the Managing Director which includes among others the following: •Design of capital works, preparation of drawings and contract documents •Provision of standard specification for all material requirement in the distribution works •Implement health and safety, safe working procedures within the engineering and distribution department •Gathers data of meter readings for use in the billing and technical analysis •Conducts investigative and analysis works arising from technical complaints •Carry out land surveys for distribution requirement or in drawing out quotations •Coordinates main testing, flushing and sterilization function •Formulates leak detection plans and activities •Updates the mainlaying programmes •Prepares reports and technical information as required by the Managing Director •Attends meeting and seminar for the furtherance and upliftment of engineering operation •Supervises and controls all other technical activities as delegated by the Managing Director.
Performs all other delegated functions from the Managing Director that is in line with engineering works and in consonance with the existing rules, policies and standards of Provo Water Company.
Education
Successful applicant requires an accredited bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. A post-graduate degree in civil engineering or water related field is preferred. Relevant professional qualification is required.
Desired Experience
Applicant must have 7 to 10 years of progressive civil engineering experience, including previous supervisory duties. Experience in water supply utility environment is a must. Candidate should have a strong analytical background with a proven record of achievement. Salary Salary starts at $63,000 p.a. plus benefits Deadline All applications (inclusive of cover letter, CV & copies of qualifications) must be submitted by 15th June 2015 to:
Managing Director PO Box 39 Provo Water Company Limited Grace Bay Road Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands provowater@tciway.tc
Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified
Job Description:
The Executive Chef is responsible for all food production including that used for restaurants, IRD, banquet functions, and staff cafeteria.
General Responsibilities Include:
Maintains quality of food product and ensures consistency in food delivery standards Develops new menus and oversees the implementation in a timely manner that is coordinated in an organized calendar with the approval of Senior Hotel management Ensures that high standards of sanitation, cleanliness and safety are maintained throughout all kitchen areas at all times Safeguards all food preparation for employees by implementing training to increase their knowledge about safety, sanitation and accident prevention principles Develops standard recipes and techniques for food preparation and presentation which help to assure consistently high quality and to minimize food costs that is defined in a formal recipe guide Evaluates food products to assure that quality standards are consistently attained, which may be revised as needed to achieve profitability for the hotel Maintains food, labor and other costs to budget Establishes controls to minimize food and supply waste and theft Schedules and coordinate labor within budgeted labor costs Oversees culinary operating expenses and make recommendations to hotel that will drive profitability Consults with the Food & Beverage Director/General Manager about food production aspects of special events being planned Visits dining areas to welcome guests, make menu recommendations and assist with service recovery Attends food and beverage staff and management meetings Ensures that representatives from the kitchen attend service lineups and meetings Develops policies and procedures with Human Resources to enhance and measure quality; continually updates written policies and procedures to reflect state-of-the-art techniques, equipment and terminology Selects, trains, and supervises colleagues in the proper preparation of menu items, equipment, and safety measures that to be presented in comprehensive ongoing training program Provides training and professional development opportunities for all kitchen staff
Skills/Knowledge Required:
Strong computer literacy, with knowledge of Word, Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint Ability to read and employ math skills for following recipes and analyzing costs Exceptional communication skills, passionate, strategic and innovative Ability to develop strong work relationships with both Guests and staff Self-confident, proactive, and able to prioritize and make effective decisions Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices within the Food & Beverage/Hospitality profession
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to walk and stand for up to four (4) hours in length Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch Must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 lbs. Requires grasping, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity Must be able to be around heat and hot equipment for up to four (4) hours in length
Qualification Standards: Education: High school or equivalent education required. Diploma/Degree in Culinary Arts or related discipline preferred
Experience: Minimum 6 years’ experience of management in multi-outlet
kitchens with a strong general operational knowledge and a minimum of 2-3 years in an Executive Chef role; previous Executive Chef experience at a 4/5 Diamond/Star rated resort and Previous Cruise Ship experience are preferred. Previous island experience is a requirement. Working knowledge of French, Spanish and English are required.
Licenses or Certificates: Ability to obtain and/or maintain any
government required licenses, certificates or permits; certification as Executive Chef or Certified Master Chef by a government accredited culinary agency; CPR certification and/or First Aid training preferred
Grooming: All staff must maintain a neat, and well-groomed appearance (specific standards will be provided)
Interested Applicant’s please email all applications to info@saunders.tc
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS Job Title: Location:
Job Title: Chief Financial Officer Type: Permanent Location: Digicel TCI, Graceway House Leeward Highway, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Responsibility •Manage the financial resources of the company and conduct resource planning for future needs. •Drive strategic planning of the organization. •Supervises business performance and takes steps to improve the performance of the organization. •Responsible for account monitoring and control of all the departments of the organization. •Prepares and supervises the financial reports in discussion with other departments in the company, and presents to Senior Management Team/Board of Directors •Assist in the analysis and development of new pricing structures and promotions. •Management of all Balance sheet accounts, ensuring timely completion of reconciliations and clearance of reconciling items. •Prepare annual accounting files for auditors and draft statutory accounts. •Ensure that company’s policy regarding procurement and expenditure is observed and that the requisite approvals are obtained before disbursement of funds.
ACADEMIC QULIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: •Qualified CIA,ACCA,CMA or CPA •Experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and cost control principles including International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) •At least 10 years of financial experience and management experience with the day –to-day financial operations in a large organization.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND SPECIALIZED TECHNIQUES: •Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles (US GAAP & IFRS reporting standards) •Knowledge of automated financial and accounting software applications •Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements and projections. •Working knowledge of short and long term budgeting and forecasting, rolling budgets, and product-line profitability analysis •Professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills •Leadership skills and ability to motivate team to produce quality output and meet tight deadlines while keeping routine tasks up-to-date •Willingness to work flexible hours •Willingness to travel to Board meetings monthly
Products Manager Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
KEY OBJECTIVES: •End-to-end ownership and management of the product development lifecycle for assigned product and promotion initiatives from concept through to implementation. •Responsible for product design, creating detailed product specifications, developing and managing project plans and developing product documentation. •Monitor market trends and industry developments and proactively recommends portfolio enhancements. •Develop products that are customer focused and relevant. DUTIES: •Responsible for requirements gathering from all key stakeholders identified. •Responsible for product design, creating detailed product specifications, developing and managing project plans and developing product documentation while adhering to the product development process. •Evaluate new concepts and ideas to determine feasibility prior to implementation. •Execute the end-to-end product development process including : Drafting concept documents, requirements gathering and documentation, full service description documentation (SDD), project planning and implementation, product testing, reporting, training, FAQ, T&C, launch and initial post launch review and lessons learnt. •Liaise with all stakeholder departments (i.e. functional areas) to ensure timely and accurate set-up and documentation of new products and changes to existing products. •Define product reporting KPI requirements; ensure requirements are submitted to IT (MIS/DWH) by stakeholders and developed; ensure test reports are run successfully prior to launch; ensure accurate, timely product reports for the product or promotion at launch. •Work closely with Customer Care to define the end-to-end tests cases for product User Acceptance testing (UAT), monitor results, escalate issues to Technical/IT and review and approve the final successful pre-launch test cases. Also ensure post-cutover testing is successfully completed. •Project management and tracking of the status of assigned initiatives i.e. For products enhancements and/or new product developments and/or product decommissioning. •Provide progress and status reports to the Manager and Department Head (and SMT where required) •Lead cross functional project teams through the implementation and delivery of new products and promotions and/or enhancements to existing products and promotions. •Provide inputs into requirements for market research, feasibility studies, and competitive intelligence to inform product development. •Research evolving markets, market trends, customer needs and gathering and summarizing functional products specifications in conjunction with key stakeholders to inform roll out of products and promotions. •Obtain product ready sign-offs from the SMT and key stakeholders prior to launch •Contribute to the delivery of the P&L revenues for the Products portfolio. •Develop strategies from business analytics, and providing inputs into business cases and/or product pricing models for launch. •Look for new areas of development and identify new promotions, products or pricing initiatives for assessment and/or implementation. •Manage the reconciliation and payment process for content vendor invoices. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE •Minimum of a First (1st) degree in Business, Finance, Marketing or Science (or equivalent professional qualification). •4 to 5 years Commercial experience working in a revenue generating or product type role for a telecoms provider. •Strong product development/management skills and has experience in gaining support for initiatives in a diverse, cross-functional environment, taking full ownership and responsibility for assigned product initiatives. •Strong project management experience (or qualifications) •Sound knowledge of budget, business case preparation and financial analysis PROFILE: The ideal candidate must: •Be of a strong project management background with experience in developing and implementing complex projects across cross-functional teams. •Be highly analytical and results oriented. •Demonstrate strong leadership skills, and is self-managed with the ability to positively influence others. •Possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills. •Be flexible and resilient and also be able to handle constant change. •Possess solid technical or functional knowledge of telecommunications products and technologies; particularly the various products and services offered by the Company. •Be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Visio and PowerPoint. •Handle challenges well, and be able to work in a high pressure environment with tight deadlines. •Be able to maintain proper documentation and pay attention to the details. •Be highly creative and energetic. •Be able to influence and interface well with supporting stakeholder teams, and balance commercial and technical requirements and objectives. SALARY: Based on Qualifications and Experience
Interested Applicants should forward their resumes to hrtci@digicelgroup.com
DEADLINE: Interested applicants should forward their Resume and Cover letter to hrtci@ digicelgroup.com on or before June 21, 2015.
Suitably qualified and experienced Belongers are encouraged to apply.
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
All Cancer Walk attracted hundreds The National Cancer Society All Cancer Walk took place on Saturday, May 2, 2015 in Grace Bay. The walk began in the Scotiabank parking lot, which took the participants to along Grace Bay Road to Leeward and back. More than 200 persons
took part in the walk, as the National Cancer Society brings awareness about the disease. Doctors were also on hand to conduct blood pressure and blood sugar and chiropractic tests. The following are photo highlights of the event.
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
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We Carnival Costume Unveiling Summer in the Turks and Caicos Islands is about to be one like no other, with "We Carnival" set for July 3st1 to August 3rd on Providenciales. We Carnival hosted their costume unveiling party at the Crackpot Kitchen Restaurant in Grace Bay on Thursday May 28th, 2015. Mr. ‘We’ Daryll Williams, the organiser of this event, said Williams Entertainment Carnival (We Carnival) is committed to hosting an annual carnival under the company’s umbrella. We Carnival in the Turks and Caicos Islands will feature local artistes, local producers, song writers, painters, craft makers, and putting
local performers on the map. In addition, Soca King or Queen will be crowned this year 2015. The event will be having six different carnival bands representing each of the different islands in the Turks and Caicos, with costumes made by the different colours of the TCI. Costumes were made by Shamair Dior ‘T’ingz Nice Designs’. Present at the launching event were Hon. Akierra Missick Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, sponsors, and The Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing.We Carnival is scheduled to take place on July 31st, 2015 – August 3rd, 2015, at a location that will be announced very soon.
The Premier said: “I think this festival adds diversity. The costumes are indeed awesome. I like how they incorporated the different colours of the islands that’s part of the theme for the different bands that will be there and they tried to incorporate some different aspects of the island heritage like the Taíno Indians who lived here a long time ago (and) who were the first settlers here. And so I think that it will add a different dimension to entertainment that we need to bring back to the islands not only for the locals to enjoy but also for tourists to come to our shores and enjoy and be a part of our celebrations.” He added: “My fear was that bringing a carnival to the Turks and
Caicos Islands, or (being) associated with it will take away from us trying to promote our culture and our heritage as we know it. We went back and forth on this topic, but I understand him (Williams). He is an entrepreneur. He is passionate about our islands and entertainment and I congratulate him on his efforts and endeavors and I will do everything that I can to support him in all of his endeavors and with this upcoming event I will seek to do so and to ensure that tourists that come to this island at least get some diversity of activities that they can enjoy themselves while they are here.”
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Congratulations TeAndra!
The FortisTCI Family Congratulates TeAndra Thomas on attaining her Bachelor of Engineering degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
“We are extremely proud of TeAndra’s hard work and congratulate
her on this major milestone. TeAndra’s accomplishment epitomizes one our core beliefs, that the currency of the future is knowledge.” -FortisTCI President & CEO, Eddinton Powell www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 | P.O. Box 132 1030 Leeward HWY, Providenciales, TCI
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Finance Minister’s Statement and its context
By Devon Williams
In the spirit of political maturity, I will try a critique of the government of the day and before and see what happens. The statements made by Former Chief Minister Washington Misick in Parliament is one that is in my view, xenophobic and hypocritical and must be taken in the context that it is in. A xenophobe is person who is fearful or contemptuous of that which is foreign, especially of strangers or of people from different countries or cultures. This fear has no place in a modern society and should not be motivated or promoted by modern day political figures. The parliamentary statement is even hypocritical because it does not in any way reflect the views of the party on whose platform the same minister was elected. The Progressive National Party (PNP) is known for being one of the most progressive and culturally tolerant political parties in the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) and for a PNP minister to be on a national stage spewing this level of xenophobia is in my view extremely hypocritical. The TCI Constitution protects the rights of persons to freely associate. In other words, you can gather with anyone you want to gather with and celebrate whatever you want to celebrate, as long as you do so within the confines of the laws.
Now, before I go too deeply into this, allow me to also add that the idea of the Minister implying that other nationals should be subjected to celebrating TCI culture is also primitive and actually crazy. Very few people in the TCI celebrate what is known and sold as TCI culture. This is because culture is at best a bit of history reenactments that date back only about 40 to 50 years. The main problem with TCI culture as it has been presented by the Goverment in modern years, is that it plastic and appears to be fabricated. Truth is the TCI as a nation lacks the basics for the formation of the level of self-pride that is needed to build a true and lasting cultural heritage. The TCI is one of few countries in the region that has never had to unite and overcome any obstacles as a nation. Many will lash back and quip, JAGs McCartney and the Junkanoo Club incident, the Blackpower Movement. The Blackpower Movement of the 1970’s was a remains on record as the most “half-hearted” struggle against British rule ever in the history of men. Allow me to explain why self pride could not be built on it. Basically the British record reads like this JAGS and his friends resented the idea of the governor recruiting foreign police offices, they booed the officers and made some “rookery” the police responded by firing some shots in the air, JAGs and his boys barricaded themselves in a rum bar, and made
Devon Williams demands, and held hostages. Happy hostages I might add, because in actuality, those hostages may not have even known they were hostages, the story is that they were given unlimited liquor during the whole ordeal and the only tough choice they faced was choosing between rum and monkey bag. Now, for the life of me, do you expect a Christian society to build its self-pride on a movement fueled by rum? The only demand of the Junkanoo Club incident was that a commission be setup to investigate the Junkanoo Club incident. The whole struggle lasted a single night, and no animals were armed during the operation. Now as we get back the statement; everyone who knows Hon. Washington Misick knows that his in not very xenophobic. In fact, I don’t think he is in the least bit xenophobic. This man has a multitude of friends
from Europe and Asia and North American and primarily spends his leisure time with them. The real problem is that this government of the day so busy on the unimportance that the important issues are going unnoticed. Since the minister is finding so much time in Parliament to bash other nations for celebrating the fruits of their struggle, I would seize this opportunity to present a few struggles that are dear to the hearts of TCIslanders that should be on his tongue in parliament: 37.5% Import duties on goods, 72.5% import duties on cars, CPF, Payroll Tax, Property Tax, $500 fee to register a Belonger child, the invisibility of elected officials, government officials frequent flyer policy, bad roads, horrible internet and on and on and on. The bottom line is that the TCI has been built on help and assistance from other nations and if the TCI does not represent anything else it represents an opportunity for advancement and an fertile ground for ideas to take root and grow into something good. The jealousy of the crowds that other nations attract and the unity they display cannot pale the fact that this is where many people have decided to call home. The difference is that the celebrations are based on love, love for country, love for unity and love for a proud identity. No nation, pride, love nor culture can ever be built on hate.
We Want Your Money Not your presence. Dear Washington Misick, I am an American that has owned property in the TCI for over 30 years. For the past 8 years our family has gathered at our vacation home on Provo annually to celebrate the holiday of American Independence (4th of July). Our home sleeps 10 people and it is always full for that occasion and the overflow stay at local hotels. I estimate that during the ten days my family members and friends are here for that
holiday they spend an estimated $35,000 to $40,000.00 locally at restaurants, hotels, water sports operators, IGA and on misc tours. I have just posted an e-mail to my family and friends with recent quotes from you, our esteemed Finance Minister, the Honorable Washington C. Misick. My Family and friends all agree and have decided to avoid distressing you with our July 4th celebration this year and we are now in the process of booking 10 days in Nassau Bahamas, where the local population seems receptive to our
celebration plans. The cost will probably be about the same to my family but we won’t be offended by giving our hard earned holiday dollars to those who do not appreciate our patronage. The local TCI newspaper’s tell us this week that the real estate market in the TCI has improved. Maybe this is a good time to relocate to another Caribbean destination where there is less government sponsored hate. Frank Morgan
Jamaicans and other online readers respond to Washie TURKS and Caicos Islands Finance Minister Washington Misick has drawn the ire of Jamaica Observer online readers over his broadside against Jamaicans and other foreign nationals whom he accused of openly celebrating their cultures in his country. He advised them to stay out if they want to continue such practice. The insulting remarks were made as Misick addressed the TCI House of Assembly over a week ago. Here are some edited comments in response to an Observer report on the TCI Sun story published on Friday: John H Christian That is a very interesting outburst by Misick. Logic to JA @John H Christian: Forward with the CCJ, we are very loved. Unity is clear. We are taught to love all islands, they weren’t taught that, just ask. It’s strange how we grew up loving all islands and they hated us. FYI, he’s just prejudiced and xenophobic. 1H3 Turks and Caicos is still a little colony. They do not have much voice in the world and the poor souls are trying to
be heard. thirdround I wonder if the immigrants wanted to celebrate 4th of July or Canada Day he would dare make that outburst! Raymond D. Grant They are a minority in their own country. That is why they are so insecure. Ras Michael If not insecure it is arrogance, especially since he is finance minister. Everyone knows that celebrations make people spend money, and the more people spend, the better it is for the economy. jamdown21 Hard to imagine a finance minister with such a myopic view. noshel Do they celebrate their own culture? If no, that’s their problem. Maybe if they start celebrating their culture, I am sure that others will take part in it! leon People should stop coming to your country. Foreigners are the backbone of the TCI. Sensehfowl A man on the edge, but I can understand his frustration. Seems the
culture of his country is being eroded by other more dominant cultures in the Caribbean. Well, Sir, it is your country, fix it. Andrew Simpson Miller They have no culture or don’t publicly take pride in it. guest Basically they have no culture! It is like nothing exists. Only persons who live here will know this. The days he is referring to are the different independence days. What are they going to celebrate if they are not independent? The national hero was a Jamaican. Even the music, Rake n Scrape, is now an issue because Bahamas said it started there. Carlton It is difficult to understand this level of reasoning from a finance minister, especially with the level of cultural diversity in the country. Guess Mr Misick, I think you are really off. This sort of xenophobic diatribe is so 18th century. What about freedom of assembly and association? Haven’t those principles reached the shores of your country as yet? Why don’t you organise a Turks and Caicos Islands
day? clrey Mr Misick, take a chill pill. Without these people you don’t have a country called TCI; you have a backward little village in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. Rose @clrey: It’s in the Atlantic Ocean, not Caribbean Sea, but I agree with the rest. Very Regula Clearly he deserves our sympathies. leomac Are you kidding me? What rubbish! fieldgar The problem with some of these officials is that they don’t study history and learn from it. Mr Miss it [sic] go read what Michael Manley said about five flights leaving Jamaica a day for the USA. Crucial Investors should just pack up and go. Everybody shoulda coulda fit a Merica. See how sorry you would be for thinking and saying that. Marky mark What does the tourism minister think of this?
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
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LOCAL NEWS
Oasis Sky Lounge
Seek 1 Waitress Contact 244-2088
VILLA CARE TAKER A Villa Care Taker is required for an establishment based in Providenciales. Salary commensurate with experience. Application must be submitted to: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Services Limited Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-333-7777 Email oa@fcorporatemsl.com
INTERCARIBBEAN IS SEEKING AN ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN. The successful applicant must: • Have certification from an accredited institution, • 10 years or more experience, • Track record of trouble shooting and fixing electrical problems successfully • Dependable, innovative, with strong team player • Can work independently • Ability to communicate written and verbally to other intercompany department • Computer literate and can work with Microsoft word and Excel All applications should be address to HR@intercaribbean .com
ALBERT GRANT
Gemini Secretarial and consultant
is looking to hire the following persons:
One Sales Associate/clerk to work Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, $6.50 per hour
SEEKS 1 CASHIER Salary $6.25 per hour Contact 241-4161 ELEGANT BEAUTY SALON
2 Domestic Workers, Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, $6.00 per hour 3 Waitress/Barmaid, Tuesday - Sunday, 3:00 pm - 1:00 am, $6.50 per hour.
LINEN & THINGS
BRAIDING HAIR
SEEKS 1 Hairstylist Mon-Sat Salary $6.00 per hour Contact 241-4404
HANDY’ PRO MAINTENACE SEEKS
1 PLUMBER Must be fluent in English & French Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 242-0388
SEEKS Sales Clerk Interested persons should contact 243-4939
Marlon Francis
Is currently looking for a Helper for his apartment complex. Work hours are weekdays 8am to 5pm and flexible on weekends and holidays. Salary is negotiable. Please call 2450420 for more information.
Minimum 2 years sales experience Experience in jewelry sales Impeccable references and police clearance Impeccable English, other languages –advantage High level of customer service and customer attending skills Sales references-advantage JEWELER NEEDED WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS Minimum 5 years experience in setting and sizing gold, silver and gems Tel: 649-946-1083 Fax: 649-946-1988 E-mail: kwatts@shopdi.com
NEW STYLE CONSTRUCTION
PLATINUM FITNESS GYM
SEEKS
SEEKS
LABOURER Salary $6.25 per hour Contact 946-8876
1 Cashier Salary $250.00 per week Mon-Sat 6am – 3pm Contact 342-5222
DIAMOND CLEANING SERVICES
ALEXANDRA SMITH
Is looking for 2 Domestic Workers Male & female Must be reliable, hardworking & willing to work mornings, nights, split shift, weekends, and holidays
Salary $6.50 per hour From 8:30 am to 4:30 weekdays Contact 241-7600
Sure Security Services
Deluxe Maintenance and Contracting Services Seeks 1Painter, Mason, Carpenter, Electrician Labourers, Plumber Salary based on experience Interested persons should Contact: 946-8876
IS LOOKING FOR A
SEEKS 1 Labourer Salary $5.50 per hour Contact 243-6416
MR WASTER CHERY
SALES AND MARKETING AGENT To make sales calls and promote tours and services arranged thru the company. Must be a Belonger, have own vehicle, police record. Available Mon-Sat, 9-5 Send your resume to info@islandarrangements.com
MODERN DAY CONSTRUCTION
SEEKS
Is currently seeking a Helper. Hours of work are 7am to 6pm weekdays and 8am to 5pm Weekends and Holidays. Wage is $7.00 per hour. To learn more about the job please call 3312839.
Is looking for 1 Cleaner Applicant must be fluent in English & French Must be honest reliable and willing to work Contact 242-2869
Carpenter $9.00 per hour Mason $9.00 per hour Helper $6.50 per hour
Contact 241-4108
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWSNEWS CARIBBEAN
Restaurant Manager Reporting to the Food & Beverage, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: Summary of Responsibilities: •Consistently offer professional, friendly and engaging service •Assist the F&B Director to lead and manage the day to day operations of the Food & Beverage Division ensuring all service standards are followed •Drive innovative promotions, menus and concepts; creating a destination of choice for both resort and external guests •Lead and support all F&B departments in the achievement of their financial and operational targets •Assist in the preparation of annual budgets and administer in a fiscally responsible manner •Implement effective control of food, beverage, labor and operating expenses throughout the F&B division •Assist in the preparation of the annual strategic plan and achieve the goals and targets therein •Ensure the implementation of standards in guest service and constantly seek out ways to improve product and service as well as increase volumes and profits •Assist and or oversee the selection, training and development of all colleagues to ensure timely recruitment and career growth •Follow department safety policies, procedures and service standards •Other duties as assigned Educational and Other Requirements: •Minimum of 3 years of previous Food & Beverage management experience in a leadership role •Computer literate in Microsoft Window applications required •University/College degree •Strong interpersonal and problem solving abilities •Highly responsible & reliable •Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced environment •Ability to work cohesively as part of a team •Ability to focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times Salary for these positions will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Please Submit Applications to: cgibbons@wihl.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department. Submissions to be no later than June 19th, 2015 Belongers need only apply.
SHARPER IMAGE BARBERSHOP
KADEEN AGENCY
SEEKS
On behalf of clients we are looking for 2 Labourers Must be hardworking, have a drivers license be able to work without supervision Salary $6.50 per hour Contact 231-6565
1 BARBER Salary $6.50 per hour Must be hardworking and reliable Interested person should contact 333-6695
PUBLIC NOTICE FROM THE TCIAA The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority would like to thank all persons that have expressed interest in securing limited retailspace at the South Caicos Airport. The TCIAA will contact individuals to request additional information based on the provision of a proper business plan to facilitate fair review. Any other persons wishing to express interest may do so with full business and financial plans on or before June 30th, 2015. Information may be delivered to the TCIAA main office or sent via email to info@tciairports.com.
BUTTERFIELD GOLD GROUP OF COMPANIES POSITIONS AVAILABLE Island Pride Fuel One (1) Gas Attendant Good oral and written skills, no experience necessary. Knowledge of basic mechanically skills would be an asset. Knowledge to maintain gas pump machines would be an asset. Wages: $6.50 per hour Application forms available from Butterfield Gold Human Resource Department. Only applicants selected for interview will be notified. Submit applications to by June 18, 2015 to: Butterfield Gold Ltd., Human Resource Department Town Center Mall Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211
CARIBBEAN WORLD
JUNE 5TH, 2015 – JUNE 12TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWSNEWS CARIBBEAN
NEWS NEWS
Cayman Islands Premier defends country following Webb arrest
As Cayman finds itself at robust global standards in relation to overseas tax havens as playing a key the heart of what may be the world’s the regulation of domestic and cross role in the “rampant, systemic and biggest ever corruption scandal, border financial transactions.” deep-rooted” corruption in FIFA. This following the arrest of local football According to the Cayman has intensified calls for a clampdown boss, Jeffrey Webb, the premier News Servie, h\He added that the on the offshore banking sector, which has defended the jurisdiction in a jurisdiction had “excellent ratings from campaigners and many NGOs say statement from his office about the assessments by the Global Forum and allows bribery and corruption to thrive FIFA probe. Alden McLaughlin said the FATF”, which demonstrated those because of a lack of transparency. that local law enforcement agencies standards. Labour MP and Treasury were cooperating with international The robust standards have select committee member, John Mann, investigating authorities and that the offered little protection from the has said the use of UK offshore havens Cayman Islands Monetary Authority onslaught of negative media coverage made the US probe more difficult. was taking appropriate action that the arrest of Webb and the release “They are centres for money laundering regarding the involvement of Fidelity of the US indictment has caused for in a very big way,” he told the UK Bank. The government, he said, “takes Cayman. media. “We are negotiating to change a zero tolerance approach” to illicit As the most senior of the FIFA officials relations with the European Union, Cayman Islands Premier Alden McLaughlin activities via Cayman. arrested in the probe in Zürich last but we should spend just as much “We do not intend to particular, US authorities and there is week, Webb is front and centre of the time renegotiating the deals with the compromise the hard work we have no doubt that we have and will continue investigation. Allegations that he and overseas territories. They are becoming done over the past couple of decades to fully assist in the investigation and others used Fidelity Bank, where he a serious problem for the world.” and the good rating and reputation we ultimate conclusion of these matters,” worked for many years, as well as other Questions are being asked have earned,” McLaughlin said in the McLaughlin stated. offshore Cayman entities, has ensured around the world why the banks statement about the impact Webb’s Despite the obvious damage that the Cayman Islands is once again and institutions in tax havens — the arrest, the allegations regarding his the scandal is doing to the islands’ making headlines as a tax haven with British Virgin Islands and the Turks reported part in the football bribery reputation and the clear implications a dubious reputation. and Caicos islands as well as Cayman scandal and the use of Cayman-based for the financial sector, given the This has led to further calls, in — did not flag the transactions cited financial institutions to move the accusations made in the US indictment, the UK in particular, for a clampdown in the indictment, such as two wire alleged ill-gotten gains. the premier insisted that the on the jurisdiction and offshore transfers of $750,000 and $250,000 “We have a long history of Cayman Islands has a reputation for finance in general. The British press that ended up in an account at Fidelity cooperating with global, and in “engagement and achievement of very has described Cayman and other UK Bank in the Cayman Islands.
Caribbean and US officials meet on security issues WASHINGTON – Caribbean and United States officials are Wednesday meeting here to discuss emerging threats to citizens and their communities in the region. The United States Department of State says top US officials will participate in the three-day United States-Caribbean High-Level Citizen Security Dialogue (HLCSD. The State Department said that the US delegation comprises Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta S. Jacobson, Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) William R. Brownfield, and Acting Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean Beth Hogan of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). It said the threeday event”strengthens the United States? citizen security partnership with the Caribbean, defines current and emerging threats to citizens and their communities and results in collaborative responses to address them”. The meeting comes as the Caribbean Basin
Security Initiative (CBSI) marks its fifth anniversary. The meeting is closed to the press, but the State Department said Jacobson will lead a discussion on the CBSI and future opportunities for collaboration. It said Brownfield will lead a discussion on countering narcotics trafficking in the Caribbean, and Hogan will lead a discussion on challenges impacting Caribbean youth. During her visit to The Bahamas, Jacobson will also hold bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Perry Christie and Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell. She will also engage with senior government officials and leaders from the private, education, and civil society sectors, the State Department said. The State Department said CBSI brings all members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Dominican Republic together to collaborate with the United States on efforts to reduce illicit trafficking, increase public safety and security, and address underlying causes of crime and insecurity throughout the Caribbean.
Three police officers charged in connection with robbery at police station CASTRIES, St. Lucia – The Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) Tuesday defended its integrity after three of its members were charged in connection with the disappearance of nearly EC$$4,000 from a police station, north of here, in 2010. “I want to propose to those who feel sceptical about such developments, that not all our men and women have been proven to be bad eggs,” said Acting Police Commissioner, Errol Alexander.
He told a news conference that the incident involving the three police officers is not only unfortunate, but paints a bad picture for the force. Alexander said a majority of his officers were upstanding, ethical, disciplined and law abiding servants, but the incident should serve as an example to police officers that they should not engage themselves in this kind of behaviour. “We must always subject ourselves to the guidelines, procedures,
rules and organizational core values which govern our profession; our actions will always be subjected to review,” he said. The three police officers, including a sergeant, had been charged with stealing, failure/refusal to deliver money and false attestation. Alexander said that the RSLPF will allow the law to take its course. Court officials say the police officers could serve at least two years in jail if convicted on the charge of false attestation.
Jagdeo petitions High Court to quash travel ban GEORGETOWN, Guyana, May 30, CMC – Former President Bharrat Jagdeo has petitioned the High Court to lift the travel restriction imposed by the Lower Court due to private criminal proceedings that were recently brought against him. When he appeared in court earlier this week, Magistrate Charlene Ortega ruled that the former head of state must seek the court’s approval before he leaves the country. In the petition to the High Court, Jagdeo, through his attorney Mursalene
Bacchus, asked the court to remove the restriction, as he is required to leave the country regularly because of international obligations. According to the petition, the condition outlined by the magistrate would cause “onerous duty and grave hardship on your petitioner (Jagdeo), since he resides 75 miles away from Whim Magistrate’s Court and he can only seek permission to leave the jurisdiction on days that the case would be called.” The application also states that the Magistrate failed to consider that the former president may have
medical emergencies and obligations that will require him to be out of the country. Jagdeo faces the possibility of a jail term under the Representation of the People Act if he is found guilty. The former president is facing a charge filed by attorney Christopher Ram who alleged that statements made by Jagdeo on March 8 about the beating of drums to drive one race out of office could result in ethnic violence or hatred as cited in the Representation of the People Act. He is scheduled to return to court on June 23.
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CARIBBEAN LOCAL NEWSNEWS
Jebb Webb and Canover Watson owned massive mansions in Georgia Two top-level Cayman Islands football officials who face separate criminal investigations related to bribery and corruption charges bought houses on the same street in Loganville, Georgia, within the past five years, the Cayman Compass has learned. One of the homes is a threestory mansion valued at US$931,000 located at 2116 Adel Drive in the small town east of Atlanta. A swimming pool was built on the property with the proceeds of bribes funneled through several international bank accounts, front companies and intermediaries, U.S. federal prosecutors have alleged. The 9,851-square-foot home, which is listed as having six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, is owned by Cayman Islands resident Jeffrey Webb and his wife, Atlanta-area physician Kendra Gamble-Webb, according to Rockdale County, Georgia, tax records. It is one of several properties Webb owns in the state of Georgia that are now potentially subject to asset forfeiture proceedings, according to federal court indictments issued last week. Just three houses down from the Webb home, at 2128 Adel Drive, is a US$550,000 two-story, 7,694-squarefoot home on 3 acres owned by suspended FIFA audit committee member and Cayman Islands
Jeffrey Webb’s house, left, and Canover Watson’s house, both on Adel Drive in Loganville, Georgia businessman Canover Watson. Watson, who is not charged in connection with the FIFA bribery scandal that led to the indictment against Webb and others last week, is facing a criminal trial in Cayman in November related to allegations that he used his former position as a member of the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority Board to enrich himself through the award of two public hospital contracts. The two contracts, one for the installation of the hospital’s CarePay patient swipe-card system in 2010 and the other for the creation of a computerized pharmaceutical tracking system in 2011, were awarded while Watson was chairman of the Health Services Authority Board. It is alleged by Crown prosecutors in Cayman that Watson had a financial interest in the local branch of the company to
which the contracts were awarded, an interest that he did not disclose. U.S. indictment The more wide-ranging U.S. federal indictment against nine current and former FIFA officials filed in the Eastern District of New York alleges that Webb solicited bribes totaling more than US$4 million in exchange for approving deals for the marketing and media rights to FIFA matches in the CONCACAF (Central and North American and Caribbean) region to select sports marketing firms. Webb is also accused of receiving at least some of the US$40 million in bribes paid to six FIFA officials in exchange for the rights to the Copa America and Centenario 2016 football tournament. To date, the Cayman Islands and U.S. federal investigations against Watson and Webb, respectively, have not been linked.
Haiti election council under fire for barring top presidential hopeful
Former Haitian prime minister Laurent Lamothe PORT-AU-PRINCE Haiti’s presidential campaign is barely under way and election officials are already under fire for barring the candidacy of former prime minister Laurent Lamothe, who hoped to succeed his former boss, President Michel Martelly. Lawyers for the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) on Wednesday ruled Lamothe lacked the required “discharge,” a routine investigation of government ministers into their use of public funds. “The CEP’s decision confirms the arbitrary nature of the electoral process in Haiti, a real threat to democracy,” Lamothe wrote on Twitter Wednesday morning. Lamothe’s campaign
accused Martelly of trying to manipulate election officials to prevent him from running. The campaign says its internal polling shows Lamothe is the clear front runner. “There is a clear political motivation of what is supposed to be an independent court - and it is being manipulated by those who do not want to see Lamothe as a candidate,” said an adviser to the Lamothe campaign. Lamothe and Martelly have been at odds since the arrest of an accused drug trafficker and kidnapper, Woodly Ethéart, who has close ties to Martelly’s relatives. Candidates have three days to appeal the rulings. The first round of the presidential election is Oct 25. If no candidate wins outright there
will be a runoff December 27. Of 70 candidates who registered to run, 23 were challenged on legal grounds by a board of lawyers for the CEP. The board rejected Lamothe and two others outright. Political observers said the decision appeared to unfairly discriminate against Lamothe. “There are other candidates who were accepted who also didn’t have the discharge. They are in the exact same position as Lamothe,” said Pierre Espérance, the executive director of the National Human Rights Defense Network. Among those allowed to proceed were Thierry MayardPaul, a former interior minister and adviser to Martelly, Mario Andersol, the former chief of Haitian police, and Duly Brutus, Martelly’s foreign affairs minister. A discharge is usually conducted by legislators, but Haiti has not had a functioning parliament since Jan. 12, when the terms of the entire Chamber of Deputies and a third of the senators expired. Without a parliament, many former members of the government are left without a discharge. Martelly announced Friday he would not grant discharges for anyone by decree. Elections for a new parliament are to be held August 9 with more than 2,000 candidates.
Details from U.S. court records U.S. federal court records allege that Costas Takkas, Webb’s attaché at CONCACAF who is also charged in the FIFA corruption probe, told a third party in 2012 that Webb wanted a US$3 million bribe in exchange for awarding commercial rights to certain 2018 and 2022 World Cup qualifying matches to a sports marketing company called Traffic USA. It is further alleged that the bribe was split between two companies, Traffic USA and what is referred to as “Sports Marketing Company C”, so that each would pay US$1.5 million to Webb. It is further alleged that Traffic USA’s payment was transmitted to Takkas through a Miami bank to an HSBC bank in Buffalo, New York, and eventually transferred to an HSBC bank in Hong Kong. The indictment alleges that two wire transfers totaling US$1 million were sent from Hong Kong to a correspondent account in New York City for credit to an account in the name of Kosson Ventures – a company controlled by Takkas – at Fidelity Bank in the Cayman Islands. The court records state that the remaining US$500,000 from Traffic USA was paid into another account controlled by Takkas at Fidelity Bank in the Cayman Islands.
Public servant awarded nearly one million dollars in compensation A High Court Monday awarded a public servant nearly one million dollars (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents) in compensation after she was forcibly placed in a mental institution three years ago. Justice Judith Jones ordered the Northwest Regional Health Authority (NRHA) to pay Cheryl Miller TT$835,000 after she filed the unlawful imprisonment lawsuit. Miller was taken from her workplace in 2012 and taken to the St Ann’s Hospital, where she spent two weeks, before a habeas corpus action freed her. The judge ruled that Miller be compensated TT$310,000 in special damages,TT$450,000 in general damages, and TT$75,000 in exemplary damages. Four other defendants in the lawsuit – the attorney general, the permanent secretary and deputy permanent secretary of the Gender Affairs Ministry, and former Minister of Gender Affairs, Youth and Child Development Verna St Rose-Greaves – were not found to be liable in the case. Miller, an employee of the Ministry of Gender Affairs, Youth and Child Development, had been detained on March 20, 2012, under Section 15 of the Mental Health Act, which states that on the orders of a mental health officer, a person who looks mentally ill, may be taken to a mental-health institution if they are found wandering at “a highway or public place.” Miller was released from the mental institution on April 5, after Justice Vasheist Kokaram ordered that she be released and psychologically evaluated by an independent practitioner. The report done by psychiatrist Dr Gerard Hutchinson found that she did not pose a danger to herself or to members of the public.
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Mccartney: I’M Staying With The DNA
Caribbean told to brace for 11 storms in 2015
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The US-based National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting six to 11 named storms for the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season even as regional disaster officials warned Caribbean countries not to become complacent. NOAA said of the 11 named storms, six could become hurricanes and two major hurricanes in excess of winds of 111 miles per hour (mph). “The main factor expected to suppress the hurricane season this year is El Niño, which is already affecting wind and pressure patterns, and is forecast to last through the hurricane season,” said Dr. Gerry Bell, the lead seasonal hurricane forecaster with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. Branville McCartney “El Niño may also intensify as the season progresses, and is expected to have its greatest DEMOCRATIC National influence during the peak months of the season. We Alliance Leader Branville also expect sea surface temperatures in the tropical McCartney said he wanted to Atlantic to be close to normal, whereas warmer make it “absolutely clear” that his waters would have supported storm development.” affiliation with the FNM was a Executive Director of the Barbados-based “thing of the past” affirming that Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency he was “already home with the (CDEMA), Ronald Jackson, is urging regional DNA.” countries to be fully prepared for the 2015 season. According to the Nassau “I am particularly peeved that the focus Tribune, Mr McCartney was on climate change has largely been heavy on clean responding to what he labelled technology energy efficiency, which is important as “overtures” made by FNM because that is also going to be a major game-changer supporters in recent weeks. He for our economies, but we have not seen a requisite vowed that both he and his party focus on the areas of preparedness for response,” he are here to stay. said. He was contacted after Jackson said that while the region would not former deputy prime minister be spared the impact of climate change it was vital to Frank Watson told The Tribune look at the related effects such as increases in vector that it was time that the former related issues like mosquito borne illnesses and more Bamboo Town MP “comes back weather related issues including floods and droughts home,” referring to the FNM. Mr and put systems in place to address these. Watson is also a senior member of “But we are not investing in the ability to the Free National Movement. cope with these expected scenarios, we are not Mr McCartney said increasing the capacities of our first responder core despite “rumours” centred on the such as our fire fighters, (or) our health services,” he possibility that he may return to said. the FNM, he has no intentions of He acknowledged the financial problems going back. facing Caribbean countries, but nevertheless felt “Bran is not going to the that more could be done as individual states and as a FNM, Bran is not folding up the region to prepare for such occurrences. DNA. The DNA is bigger than He adopted a similar stance regarding the Bran. To make it absolutely clear general level of preparation for emergency situations - I, Branville McCartney will at the national level, insisting that “the area of remain with the DNA and we are preparing for response has not been one that has moving forward,” he said. benefitted from significant investment of resources, McCartney launched the either nationally or in the broader program in the DNA in 2011, after resigning from region. the Ingraham Cabinet and the “This is one of the reasons that CDEMA has FNM because he was dissatisfied actually positioned preparedness and response as with the party’s policies and what one of its major priority programs that it would be he considered a lack of seeking to have resourced to ratchet up the level of preparedness in our member states,” he added.
opportunity for members of the party to express their concerns about the direction of the nation. The DNA leader acknowledged that he and Mr Watson have enjoyed a “great working relationship” over the years, but said his decision goes beyond “friendship, popularity, public debates and even party colours.” “Instead of focusing on party allegiances, we should be focused on how we can improve the issues this country has with healthcare, crime, education, environment and unemployment. That is what the DNA is working to do. “If you took a long hard look at the Bahamas, you would have to admit that as a country the Bahamas is in a bad place. How we have progressed as a country in the past 40 plus years, it is not good. We our suffering, the country is suffering,” he said. “We have persons from both sides of the political divide who came to the DNA because they understand that the PLP and the FNM aren’t truly working to move the Bahamas forward. There are those out there that want to keep up a two-party system but there is a larger percentage of people out there that are focused on moving away from that political way of thinking and they want to move the Bahamas forward. “The DNA is quickly
becoming the party for those that want to see the Bahamas move forward. In only 11 months we garnered ten per cent of the vote. Since the 2012 election, our base is three times larger than it was at that time. “We are becoming a huge party with a deep bench,” said Mr McCartney. Last week, Mr Watson said the DNA could be a spoiler in the next general election. “I don’t know who they will spoil it for, whether the FNM or the PLP this time,” Mr Watson said in a recent interview. “I think Bran ought to come back home. I don’t think he is (in) tune with the PLP’s philosophy. He’s got something going for him. He’d certainly be an asset to (the FNM).” His comments came as the FNM faces increasing criticism for its performance as an opposition, with some critics blasting Dr Hubert Minnis’ leadership style. The FNM has also faced criticism in some quarters for not being aggressive enough when dealing with the perceived missteps of the Christie administration. Mr McCartney said although it is “unfortunate” that his former party is going through reported leadership issues, his new party is “working to holding the government’s feet to the fire.” “The (DNA) has been a stronger opposition than the real opposition,” he said. “To have a functioning government you need a strong opposition. To this point (the FNM) has not been a strong opposition. The DNA is in the community. The DNA is working. The DNA is trying to make the lives of Bahamians better.” According to Mr McCartney, the DNA represents the “ideology change” the Bahamas needs. He claimed that the DNA “came as a result of the need for a new political option.”
Six Caribbean banks implicated in FIFA corruption scandal
Jamaica’s health ministry tackles Zika Virus THE Ministry of Health has embarked on a series of training activities that will look specifically at the Zika Virus but more broadly on sustained integrated vector control. Over 100 senior staff members of the ministry attended the National Workshop on Preparedness and Response to Zika Virus Infection, in Kingston, on Friday, at the Knutsford Court Hotel. The Zika Virus, which has caused a recent health scare in the South American country of Brazil, is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Its symptoms include severe fever, joint and muscle pains, headaches, rashes and conjunctivitis. These symptoms usually appear three to 12 days following a bite. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Health, Dr Fenton Ferguson said that the region should prepare for the introduction of a new disease and/or a disease outbreak every two years. This, he said, is coming out of discussions at the recent World Health Assembly. “This year we face the threat of the Zika Virus. We do not yet know what the next two years will bring, but we have to prepare nonetheless. We cannot let our guard down,” he said.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad -- According to the 166-page indictment in United States vs. Jeffrey Webb, et al, in which many senior FIFA officials and others are charged with multiple counts of racketeering, money laundering and wire fraud involving $150 million, six Caribbean banks are listed as having completed wire transfers of large sums of money for the defendants. The regional banks listed in the indictment are: First Caribbean International Bank (Bahamas) Barclays Bank (Cayman Islands) Fidelity Bank (Cayman Islands) First Citizens Bank (Trinidad and Tobago) Intercommercial Bank (Trinidad and Tobago) Republic Bank (Trinidad and Tobago)
None of the banks has
been charged with any crime, or regulatory violation. On Friday, the Bankers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago stated that it remains committed to working with local and foreign regulators and law enforcement agencies as the investigation progresses. “The Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT) has taken note of the fact that certain local commercial banks have been named in the indictment raised against the Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West, Austin ‘Jack’ Warner,” the association said in a release. “BATT wishes to acknowledge that banks, as responsible corporate bodies, are committed to co-operating fully with regulatory and law enforcement agencies when engaged on matters of a regulatory, legal and/or criminal nature,” it noted. Warner, who is a former
FIFA vice-president, was indicted in New York last Wednesday and was arrested the same day in Trinidad pending extradition to the US. He is currently free on TT$2.5 million (US$395,000) bail. Under the treaty between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, the US now has 60 days to produce a formal request for Warner’s extradition. Meanwhile, three British banks have launched internal reviews of transactions linked to allegedly corrupt payments by FIFA officials outlined in the US indictment. The banks – Standard Chartered, Barclays and HSBC – are understood to be looking into the details of payments after they were cited in the indictment. The three banks are not accused of any wrongdoing the reviews are said to be in part to ensure that they have complied with anti-money laundering and bribery rules.
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Cameron under mounting pressure to reject £7,000 pay rise for MPs
Then, last night, Downing Street changed tack and said it would make a final appeal to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) to abandon the plans – a move it had earlier ruled out. Education Secretary Nicky Morgan became the first Cabinet minister to break ranks yesterday, saying she would give a chunk of the extra cash to charity if the pay rise goes ahead. Mrs Morgan said it was not the ‘right time’ for a pay rise adding: ‘I think MPs are going to make it very clear that they don’t think this is the David Cameron right thing to do.’ Asked what she will do if she David Cameron was facing a Cabinet split yesterday over his refusal is paid the money, she said: ‘I already to block an ‘immoral’ 10 per cent pay make charitable donations and it is an opportunity to increase them.’ rise for MPs. And one Cabinet minister Downing Street attempted to close down the row over the £7,000 pay told MailOnline the Prime Minister increase by saying it was powerless should change the law to allow the to overrule the independent expenses government to cancel the increase. Meanwhile union leaders watchdog which proposed it. A spokesman for the Prime warned they would demand a 10 per Minister said he would accept the pay cent pay rise for millions of workers rise, despite branding it ‘unacceptable’ whose annual increases are due to be capped at 1 per cent for the next two before the election. But some ministers are years. privately aghast at the prospect Unison boss Dave Prentis said: of trying to impose pay restraint ‘It is ironic that NHS workers had to on millions of ordinary workers fight to get 1 per cent when MPs are while pocketing a massive pay rise being handed a 10 per cent pay rise. There is now a case for public sector themselves.
Former FIFA official Jack Warner promises to reveal ‘avalanche’ of secrets Former FIFA vice president Jack Warner, who last week was among the high-ranking officials named in a 47-count criminal indictment alleging bribery and racketeering, made a televised address in his native Trinidad & Tobago on Wednesday, saying he will prove a link between soccer’s governing body and his nation’s elections in 2010, according to the Associated Press. In the address, a political advertisement by the Liberal Independent Party he helped found, Warner said he has documents and checks that link FIFA officials, including embattled President Sepp Jack Warner said “not even death will stop the Blatter, to the 2010 election in Trinidad avalanche that is coming”. & Tobago. “I apologize for not disclosing including his role in the selection of my knowledge of these events before,” South Africa to host the 2010 World said Warner, who told supporters he Cup. There are allegations that a South will not hold back in his newfound plan African soccer official gave a briefcase to expose scandal, according to the stuffed with U.S. currency in stacks Associated Press. He said he plans to of $10,000 to Warner’s representative turn documents over to his attorneys. and that secretive wire transfers were “Not even death will stop the made from a Swiss account to a bank avalanche that is coming,” Warner in New York. said as his supporters cheered in A former member of FIFA’s celebration. “The die is cast. There can executive committee and a past be no turning back. Let the chips fall president of CONCACAF, the where they fall.” federation that oversees soccer Warner, who faces eight in North America, the Caribbean criminal counts in the U.S., and Central America, Warner was surrendered to authorities in Trinidad implicated in numerous corruption & Tobago last week and was granted allegations daring back to the 1980s. a $395,000 bond after spending the In the spring of 2011, FIFA’s ethnic night in jail. committee began official proceedings Much of the Department of against Warner that led to his Justice case revolves around Warner, suspension and later resignation.
workers ... to get at least the same.’ Ipsa was set up in the wake of the expenses scandal to end the row over MPs voting on their own pay. The proposed pay increase would increase an MPs’ basic pay from £67,060 to £74,000 – a rise of 10.3 per cent. In a further damaging twist, it emerged that the pay rise will lead to a £10million pension bonanza for longstanding MPs, whose pensions are linked to their salaries. Speaking before the election, Mr Cameron described the plans as ‘simply unacceptable’, and warned he would scrap Ipsa if it refused to back down. But the Prime Minister appears to have caved in to his own backbenchers, who believe they are worth much more than their current salary. Candidates for the Labour leadership Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall have heaped pressure on Mr Cameron to block the move, saying they would give the money to charity if the pay rise is approved. Labour sources said acting leader Harriet Harman viewed the pay rise as ‘unacceptable’ and would not take it. The SNP also condemned the proposal, saying it was ‘not right’ for MPs to take a massive pay rise at a time of austerity.
By contrast, most members of the Cabinet contacted by MailOnline issued brief statements saying they disagreed with the pay rise, but believed it should be left to Ipsa. The pay rise will be backdated to May 8, the day after the election. Although Ipsa is responsible for MPs’ pay, the Prime Minister decides how much money ministers get on top of this. It had been mooted that this top-up would be cut by £6,940 – the same as their pay rise as MPs – to freeze their salaries overall. But the top-up is to be frozen, giving them an overall raise. Mr Cameron will receive a 4.9 per cent pay rise, with his total package increasing from £142,500 to £149,440. Cabinet ministers will see their salary go up from £134,565 to £141,505 – up 5.2 per cent. And the salary of the Leader of the Opposition – whoever it turns out to be – will go up 5.4 per cent from £128,836 to £135,776. The Prime Minister’s spokesman said: ‘There’s effectively two jobs that a minister does. There’s the job they do as an MP and the job they do as a minister. The PM, in setting the ministerial pay, has frozen that for five years. It’s for Ipsa as an independent body to determine the MP pay element.
Egyptian court revives charges against Hosni Mubarak
Egypt’s highest appeals court on Thursday revived charges against former President Hosni Mubarak in connection with hundreds of protester deaths that came as his autocratic rule was drawing to a close more than four years ago. If the case goes ahead, it would mark Mubarak’s third trial on these charges. The ex-leader had previously been convicted and sentenced to life in prison for failing to halt the protester killings by security forces, but a criminal court overturned that conviction in November, seemingly bringing the case to a conclusion. The prosecutor had the right under law, however, to seek permission from the Court of Cassation to try the case again. That was granted in Thursday’s ruling, though the court upheld the dismissal of charges against seven co-defendants. There can be no appeal of the outcome of the new trial, which is to begin in November. The tortuous legal proceedings against the former leader mirror the political turmoil that has gripped Egypt since Mubarak’s ouster in 2011. After three decades of Mubarak’s dictatorial rule, Egyptians initially clamored to see him brought to justice. The 87-year-old leader, who has been confined in a military hospital, has also faced charges associated with graft and corruption, carrying prison terms and fines. But the murder-related charges, stemming
from authorities’ violent attempts to quell the mass uprising against him, were the most serious. Court proceedings, with the once all-powerful Mubarak caged in the defendant’s dock while lying on a gurney, at first riveted the country, but the novelty faded as the legal case dragged on and new tumult erupted. Egypt’s post-revolution era has seen dramatic political reversals of fortune. Some associates of Mubarak who fell from favor with his ouster have moved to reattain positions of power, and more hope to do so when long-delayed parliamentary elections take place. The country’s first freely elected president, the deposed Islamist Mohamed Morsi, is now imprisoned and facing a plethora of criminal charges. A court has already handed down a preliminary death verdict in one of the cases, and that sentence is due to be affirmed or rejected by the court later this month. President Abdel Fattah Sisi, who as defense minister overthrew Morsi in a popularly supported coup in 2013, has faced some international pressure to carry out reforms after a harsh and wide-ranging crackdown on political opponents including Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood. But admonitions from key foreign governments have been relatively mild as Sisi has cast himself as a crucial bulwark against Islamist militancy that has surged across the region.
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Bruce Jenner officially changes from man to a woman Former male Olympic male athlete Bruce Jenner will appear on the cover of Vanity Fair’s July issue as a woman. The headline reads “Call me Caitlyn,” officially announcing Jenner’s new name for the first time. The issue will hit newsstands June 9. After undergoing hours of sleeve dress. In the images, Jenner facial-feminization surgery, breast poses on a couch, in a makeup chair, in augmentation and hormone therapy, the car and in front of a large window. Bruce Jenner has revealed a new The reality star told the mag: “If I was identity and name in the latest issue of lying on my deathbed and I had kept Vanity Fair, which shows a large photo this secret and never ever did anything of Jenner as a woman with the caption about it, I would be lying there saying, “Call Me Caitlyn.” ‘You just blew your entire life.” Jenner, 65, says in the video The one-time Olympic gold medalist poses on the cover in a one- that the cover shoot will change everything. piece corseted lingerie outfit. “As soon as the Vanity Fair A video that accompanies the cover online shows Jenner being cover comes out, I’m free.” The Vanity Fair cover story photographed for the magazine, saying: “Bruce always had to tell a lie. He was says that as of March, Jenner had not always living that lie. Every day he had gender reassignment surgery. The always had a secret from morning article notes that most doctors advise till night. Caitlyn doesn’t have any not to get that surgery for at least a year after a transition. secrets.” The photos that accompany The article reveals Jenner the story show Jenner in two long had transitioned into Caitlyn by the gold gowns, a long off-the-shoulder time the memorable Diane Sawyer mermaid dress, a lace corset, a tight interview aired back in April. Still, long sleeve V-neck dress and a red long Jenner told the magazine using a new
name doesn’t always come naturally. “A guy came in the other day and I was fully dressed—it’s just habit, I said ‘Hi, Bruce here,’ and I went, Oh f--k, it ain’t Bruce, I was screwing up doing it.” The reality star has a public appearance planned for July 15 at ESPN’s ESPYs in Los Angeles during which Jenner will be awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Ten Kardashian and Jenner children are scheduled to be present for the event. Still, the Jenner side of the family will not participate in the upcoming E! series about Jenner’s transition. But they maintain that they are extremely supportive. Oldest son Burt Jenner, 36, told Vanity Fair: “I have high hopes that Caitlyn is a better person than Bruce. I’m very much looking forward to that.” The Vanity Fair story reveals that shortly after Jenner’s facial surgeries, the former decathlon champ experienced a moment of sheer panic thinking, “What did I just do? What did I just do to myself?” A counselor from the Los Angeles Gender Center went to
Jenner’s home to help. The counselor explained it’s common for people to have those types of reactions following a transition surgery, and the emotions are often brought on by the strong pain medications. The article also reveals when news first hit the web that Jenner had a tracheal shave, the star contemplated suicide. The iconic athlete clarified that Bruce Jenner’s sexual preference had always been for women, but as Caitlyn Jenner, the star is unsure of what sexual preferences lie ahead. Regardless, Jenner said it is a lowpriority. “If you have a list of 10 reasons to transition, sex would be number 10.” Almost as soon as Vanity Fair’s cover was published online, a verified Twitter account emerged for Caitlyn Jenner that is quickly approaching 1 million followers. The description for the account reads: “I’m so happy after such a long struggle to be living my true self. Welcome to the world Caitlyn. Can’t wait for you to get to know her/me.” Khloe Kardashian quickly tweeted her support upon the release of the cover.
Suge Knight sued for wrongful death Suge Knight, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Cle “Bone” Sloan, and Universal Studios have been sued for wrongful death by the widow of Knight’s friend Terry Carter, according to court documents acquired by EW. In the lawsuit, Lillian Carter, on behalf of herself and her and Carter’s two daughters, states that Knight “carelessly, recklessly, violently, and negligently drove Vehicle 1 towards Bone … causing Vehicle 1 to strike Terry Carter and killing him.” In her claim against Universal
and the other parties, Lillian Carter says the defendants were negligent because they should have known about “the long-standing tensions that had existed over the years between Dr. Dre and Suge” and the fact “that Suge was a violent individual, who has been arrested several times in the past and charged with violent crimes…” Carter seeks unspecified general and punitive damages, funeral costs, and court costs. Dre and Knight founded Death Row Records together, but
then their relationship went south, so much so that the former acquired a restraining order against the latter. The incident occurred at Tam’s Burgers—who’s also named in the suit—after a flare-up on the set of Straight Outta Compton on Jan. 29, where Dre did not want Knight anywhere near the set, according to the documents. Since then, Knight has been arrested on suspicion of murder, to which he pleaded not guilty in April. He is being held without bail. Suge Knight
US Army gets updated uniforms
U.S. Army U.S. Army’s new Operational Camouflage Pattern uniforms. The U.S. Army announced Monday that it has updated its camouflage uniforms once more in an ongoing effort to provide better protection for its soldiers, according to a news release by the Army News
Service. The Army had previously released a new version of its uniform last summer. All current Army personnel should use military funds allotted to each of them to buy the new uniforms,
which are scheduled to be made available by July 1, said Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey. “All enlisted Soldiers receive an annual stipend for the purchase of uniforms and accessories. I myself will wait until I am issued my clothing allowance before purchasing a uniform with the Operational Camouflage Pattern,” Dudley said. “I encourage all Soldiers and leaders to do the same by budgeting for a new uniform, belt, boots, and T-shirts as you receive your clothing allowance over the next 2-3 years.” It was unclear how much the new uniforms would cost soldiers, but it will
because of be comparable to previous materialized uniforms, according to the complaints over concealment press release. New enlistees issues for soldiers. will be presented with the While the new Operational Camouflage uniforms announced Monday Pattern uniforms and will at first glance look very not be required to pay for similar to their predecessor, them. There will be a two- there are a handful of lessyear transition period to obvious changes to everything allow all Army enlistees a from the addition of a zipper chance to buy the uniforms. to an upper sleeve pocket to The Army as the removal of a drawstring recently as last summer to the waist of the pants. instituted a new-look Soldiers will be allowed to camouflage uniform with a have mismatched accessories different “pattern would offer -- such as wearing boots from exceptional concealment, the old uniforms with shirts which directly enhances force from the new uniforms -protection and survivability during the multiple-year for soldiers.” That uniform, window they have to fully which was similar to the update their uniforms. classic camouflage look,
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Tweets spark alarm that Queen Elizabeth died
Ahmen Khawaja, a broadcast latest embarrassing episode for the journalist in the BBC’s Urdu service, BBC and Buckingham Palace. must have thought she had the The corporation’s head of ultimate scoop. newsgathering, Jonathan Munro, had “BREAKING,” she announced expressly told staff to keep the fact of on Twitter. “Queen Elizabeth is being the dress rehearsal off social media. treated at King Edward 7th Hospital The BBC said in a statement: in London. Statement due shortly: @ “During a technical rehearsal for an BBCWorld.” obituary, tweets were mistakenly sent If that was not enough to from the account of a BBC journalist pique the interest of her followers saying that a member of the Royal on the social media site, who quickly family had been taken ill. The tweets began retweeting the news to their were swiftly deleted and we apologise followers, her next announcement was for any offence.” truly momentous. Sources said the tweets “?’Queen Elizabrth [sic] has were sent as a “direct result” of died’:@BBCWorld,” she wrote, surely the rehearsal being overheard and imagining a nation and Commonwealth mistaken for the real thing. The BBC immediately plunged into mourning. said an investigation as part of the But if Miss Khawaja, 31, was corporation’s disciplinary process Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II not already wondering why she was would now take place. the only person on the web tweeting “Apologies for upsetting anyone!” Ms Khawaja describes herself about the demise of the world’s second- Palace felt it had no choice but as a multimedia producer at BBC longest reigning monarch, she was to issue a statement denying that the News, producing news bulletins for about to find out. Queen was ill, breaking its own normal BBC Urdu’s current affairs television The BBC was at that moment protocol of refusing to comment on programme Sairbeen. She also reports carrying out a rehearsal of its coverage speculation about the health of the for its website and radio shows. of the Queen’s death, and it appears Royal family. A Buckingham Palace that its journalist had mistaken the By sheer coincidence the spokesman said: “I can confirm that dry run for the real thing. Queen was at the King Edward VII’s the Queen this morning attended her On realising her mistake, Ms Hospital on Wednesday for her annual annual medical check-up at the King Khawaja deleted her tweets, declaring check-up, but sources said Ms Khawaja Edward VII’s Hospital in London. it a “false alarm”. She also said it was did not know that. “This was a routine, prethe result of a “silly prank” after her The journalist now faces scheduled appointment, the Queen phone was left unattended, adding: disciplinary action for causing the has now left hospital.”
Death toll from capsized China ship rises, families demand answers The death toll from a ship that capsized on China’s Yangtze River has risen to 65, state television reported on Thursday, but more than 370 people were still missing and families broke through a police cordon to march to the site and demand answers. Another 39 bodies were recovered overnight, CCTV said on its microblog. Only 14 survivors, including the captain, have been found since the ship carrying 456 people capsized in a freak tornado on Monday night, in what could be China’s worst shipping disaster in almost 70 years. However, rescuers are not giving up their search of the ship, which was carrying many elderly Chinese tourists, despite the fading hopes of relatives. They plan to cut a small rectangular hole through the Eastern Star’s upturned hull to get better access, the official Xinhua news agency reported. “The ship sank in a very short time frame, so there could still be air trapped in the hull,” Li Qixiu of the Naval University of Engineering told Xinhua. “That means there could still be survivors.” About 80 family members, frustrated by the paucity of information coming from authorities, hired a bus to make the eight-hour journey from Nanjing to Jianli county in Hubei, where the ship sank. The protesters later broke through a cordon of 20-25 paramilitary police who had tried to stop them at a roadblock. June 4 marks the anniversary of the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators around Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, and any sort of protest is strongly discouraged by China’s stabilityobsessed leaders. Early on Thursday, the deputy police chief of Jiangsu province, of which Nanjing is the capital, told the relatives they could go to the disaster site only in the daytime. He promised to arrange buses for them to view the boat in the morning, but said journalists were barred from the trip.
US says 10000 Islamic State militants killed More than 10,000 Islamic State fighters have been killed since the international coalition started its campaign against the militant group nine months ago in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday. Speaking after the coalition met in Paris, he said there had been a great deal of progress in the fight against Islamic State but that the group remained resilient and capable of taking the initiative. “We have seen a lot of losses within Daesh since the start of this campaign, more than 10,000,” Blinken said on France Inter radio, using a mildly derogatory term for Islamic State. “It will end up having an impact.” On Tuesday, Western and Arab states carrying out air strikes on Islamic State fighters backed Iraq’s plan for retaking territory after being accused by the Iraqi premier of not doing enough to help Baghdad push back the insurgents. “At the start of this campaign (we) said it would take time,” he said. “We have conceived a three-year plan and we’re nine months into it.”
The episode is another black mark for the BBC, following previous rows including a trailer edited to give the false impression that the monarch had stormed out of a portrait sitting in 2007, the BBC’s inane coverage of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant and a documentary earlier this year which was postponed after an intervention from Clarence House. The BBC carries out dress rehearsals for the event of the death of the Queen or other senior members of the Royal family at least once a year. Shortly before the erroneous tweets were sent out, Mr Munro had emailed staff to say: “This morning we are carrying out a low-key rehearsal for the way in which television might cover a Category One obituary. This has been in the diary for some time there is NO editorial reason why this is happening now. “Procedures have been put in place to isolate the rehearsal from any output. It’s essential that we can rehearse these sensitive scenarios privately. BBC Tours have been suspended, and the blinds from public areas including reception and the media cafe will remain dropped. “I’d also ask for your help in refraining from any external conversations and all social media activity about this exercise.”
Most Americans back legal status for immigrants in US illegally WASHINGTON — A majority of Americans support allowing immigrants living in the country illegally to stay and be granted legal status, according to a new poll released Thursday. The survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 72 percent of Americans support legal status for such immigrants. The survey results come at the beginning of the 2016 presidential campaign, in which immigration is expected to be a key point of debate. The poll found that 56 percent of Republicans agree that immigrants living in the U.S. illegally should be able to stay — so long as they meet certain criteria. The poll question did not specify what those requirements might be. The Pew survey also found that about half of Americans think a lot more can be done to secure the nation’s border. Border security is a common starting point among many Republicans for any plan to overhaul the country’s immigration system. While 63 percent of Republicans also said they believed immigrants in the country illegally are a burden on the country, the Pew survey also suggests there is a growing divide between Republican voters and Republican lawmakers. Researchers found that only 34 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents said the party is adequately representing their views on illegal immigration.
DUI suspect showed up drunk to be fingerprinted UNIONTOWN, Pa. — Police say a Pennsylvania man showed up drunk to be fingerprinted for a previous drunken driving charge and earned himself another one in the process. Online court records don’t list an attorney for 41-year-old Kevin Kroll, of
Dunbar Township. He faces a preliminary hearing June 30 on charges of drunken driving and public drunkenness for the Feb. 20 incident. That’s when Uniontown police say Kroll walked in smelling of alcohol when he arrived to be fingerprinted for a Jan. 9 drunken driving incident.
The officer smelled alcohol and gave Kroll a breath test — and later a blood test — both of which showed he was legally intoxicated. Uniontown Lt. Tom Kolencik says, “To come in intoxicated is disrespectful to the judicial system and disrespectful to the police.”
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Why US billionaires may not be able to buy the 2016 election
Florida Senator Marco Rubio has one; Texas Senator Ted Cruz has one; even former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, considered a longshot for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, has a billionaire in his corner. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has two. Campaign finance watchdog groups fear heavy spending by these ultra-rich Americans will warp the election - already expected to be the most money-soaked in history. The idea that billionaires can buy elections has taken root in the public imagination. Those billionaires are now seeing small, early signs of a pushback. Whether these are the beginning of a new trend is far too soon to say, but polls show there is wider discontent about the perceived influence of big money in U.S. politics and a growing gulf between the country’s very rich and very poor. These nascent rumblings - along with evidence that the superrich are inefficient political spenders - raise questions about how effective billionaires will be in the 2016 elections. Some voters in Philadelphia, for example, were turned off by the
billionaires backing a top candidates in 2016. was considered the favorite Williams declined to comment. candidate in the city’s May 19 Miami car dealership for the city’s next mayor. Through a spokesman, the mayoral race. And a Silicon mogul Norman Braman has He won support from three three billionaires declined to Valley startup, Crowdpac, is been outspoken about backing billionaires, Joel Greenberg, comment. hoping to bank on public ire his longtime protege Rubio; Jeff Yass and Arthur Dantchik, against big political spenders financial investor Foster founders of the Susquehanna FIGHTING BACK to attract small donations Friess was in the audience International Group, a global to its new for-profit election cheering Santorum on when financial firm headquartered Crowdpac, an online campaign crowdfunding he announced his presidential in a Philadelphia suburb. political fundraising platform platform. bid two weeks ago; and Bob The three backed Williams, that works like Kickstarter “There’s growing Mercer, the founder of a New encouraging voters to support - an online tool that lets public awareness about rich York hedge fund, has been his views on a hot-button entrepreneurs gather funding people trying to buy elections identified as supporting Cruz. education policy issue. for new projects through and that makes the task of The billionaire industrialists They spent nearly small donations sees winning all the more difficult,” Charles and David Koch have $7 million on television ads fighting billionaires as part said Darrell West, the author publicly vowed to spend nearly promoting Williams. In of its business model. Mason of “Billionaires: Reflections $900 million influencing races response, unions and other Harrison, the site’s political on the Upper Crust,” and the in 2016. community groups, who director, says Crowdpac wants director of governance studies The Democrats have opposed Williams’s education to get more middle-class at the Brookings Institution billionaire supporters too - platform, coalesced around people involved in politics think tank. most prominent among them another candidate, Jim by hosting smaller donation Potential big donors is former hedge fund manager Kenney. One of the groups, drives for candidates. dispute the notion they are Tom Steyer. The billionaires Action United, organized a “We have a lack of trying to buy elections and say George Soros, Alice Walton march in front of SIG’s offices money from small donors in they are simply using their and Marc Benioff made small with placards that said, “Stop American politics, and if we positions to try to influence donations in 2014 to an outside billionaires from buying our have more people involved in the future of the country in a spending group, Ready for next mayor!” the political process we can positive way. Hillary PAC, backing Hillary “I would have looked make great strides in terms “I do believe – and Clinton, now the front-runner seriously at Williams if not of diluting the influence from I’ve told my kids this - that in the Democratic presidential for the money,” said JoAnn special interests,” he said. I can do more for them by primary contest. Seaver, 85, a retired teacher A veteran of giving money to the right who voted for Kenney. She was Republican Mitt Romney’s presidential candidate in 2016 PHILADELPHIA STORY one of several Philadelphia 2012 presidential campaign, than by leaving them double voters Reuters interviewed on Harrison is not the typical that amount in my will,” said Amid the populist election day who said Williams’ liberal voice decrying money David Walsh, a retired investor outcry against CEO pay and billionaire backers were a in politics. But Crowdpac’s living in Jackson, Wyoming, income inequality there may turnoff. “You don’t think that Twitter tagline sounds very who would not disclose his net be some risks in candidates money should govern people similar to the calls from nonworth but has given several being so publicly linked to the who are elected, but what do profit watchdog groups to multi-million dollar gifts to extremely rich. you do, just let the billionaires level the political playing field. charitable causes and said he In Philadelphia, take over?” It reads: “Together we can planned to donate heavily to Anthony Hardy Williams A spokesman for beat the big donors.”
Islamic State militants use water as weapon in western Iraq Islamic State militants have closed gates of a dam on the Euphrates River in western Iraq, reducing the water and giving them greater freedom of movement to attack government forces downstream on the southern bank, local officials said. The militants have redirected the flow of water to their advantage on the battlefield around the city of Ramadi. But the tactic also threatens southern provinces with drought and the water has been reduced to worrying levels, the officials said. The Euphrates has acted as a barrier between the militants who control its northern bank and progovernment forces who are trying to advance towards Ramadi on the other side. A spokesman for the governor of Anbar province, of which Ramadi is the capital, said security forces would now have to redeploy along the river to prevent the insurgents from infiltrating. “Previously they had to monitor only the bridges and certain areas, but now all of the river will be crossable,” Hikmat Suleiman said.
Masked Sunni gunmen walk with their weapons during a patrol outside the city of Falluja Islamic State has previously sought to use water as a weapon in its war against the Iraqi government. Last summer, the militants seized the Mosul dam in northern Iraq and threatened to submerge Baghdad until Kurdish forces drove them back with the help of airstrikes from an international coalition. The Anbar provincial council met on Wednesday to discuss how to respond. One member, Taha Abdul Ghani, suggested the government
should bomb one of the dam’s gates to release the water. Residents of Ramadi and a local irrigation official said however the insurgents had left two of the dam’s gates open, apparently to avoid flooding areas under their own control upstream. The partial closure of the Ramadi dam has forced more water into a tributary running south to the Habbaniya lake, officials said. Falih al-Essawi, a senior
provincial security official, said the government had opened another dam to channel water from the Habbaniya Lake back into the Euphrates and prevent shortages in the southern provinces. But he said this was only a temporary measure that would not be effective for more than three days. “The government must act immediately otherwise dire consequences and an environmental catastrophe will be inevitable,” he said.
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IMF says some countries can just live with high debt Some countries with high public debt levels might be able to “just live with it,” because cutting back carries its own risks, three IMF officials said in a paper that disputes decades of dogma about the benefits of austerity. The euro zone and other advanced economies have struggled with ballooning debt in the wake of the 2007-09 global financial crisis. Some have faced pressure to satisfy markets through fast fiscal consolidation. The International Monetary Fund has already cautioned that cutting back on spending or raising taxes too quickly after the crisis could hurt growth. Now, IMF economists Jonathan Ostry, Atish Ghosh and Raphael Espinoza take that advice a step further, arguing that countries able to fund themselves in markets at reasonable costs should avoid the harmful economic impact of austerity. “A radical solution for high debt is to do nothing at all,” they write in a blog accompanying a Staff Discussion Note, which does not represent the IMF’s official position, but could help shape its
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo is seen at the IMF headquarters building policies. “Debt is bad for growth ... but it does not follow that paying down debt is good for growth. This is a case where the cure may be worse than the disease: paying down the debt would require further distorting the economy, with a corresponding toll on investment and growth.” Instead, countries can wait for their debt ratios to fall through higher economic growth or a boost in tax revenues over time. The austerity debate has become a hot political topic
in countries such as the United Kingdom and Greece as voters protest the pain of budget cuts. Greece’s Syriza government swept to power in January promising an end to austerity, but now faces pressure for more cuts in exchange for cash from international lenders. The IMF economists did not mention many specific countries, but cited a 2014 chart from Moody’s Analytics that put most advanced economies, including the United States, United Kingdom and Germany, solidly in the “green zone” of ample fiscal space, meaning there is no rush to cut back debt. France, Spain, Ireland should be cautious about debt, while Portugal faces “significant risk.” Japan, Italy, Greece and Cyprus face “grave risk,” meaning they must cut back, according to the chart. “Where fiscal space has run out ... debt sustainability constraints leave few options,” the three economists said in the blog. “This certainly applies to countries like Greece.”
Users privacy under attack from tech giants that it does not build a customer Tim Cook said Silicon Apple wants to be.” Valley companies are “gobbling The comments have profile based on email content up” everything they can learn been interpreted in some or web browsing habits to sell to about their customers in an quarters as a swipe at rivals advertisers. Apple does, however, attempt to sell advertising. such as Facebook and Google. Mr Cook suggested have an ad business of its own The approach is one Apple does not believe in, he told the trade-off of providing which it claims supports app attendees of a dinner hosted by reams of data to such firms in developers who depend on it. iAds allows companies the Electronic Privacy Infor- exchange for free services is not mation Centre in Washington, as favourable a deal as it may to target customers by crossseem. checking customer details DC. “I’m speaking to you Eventually, customers against other data sources. Mr Cook has said the from Silicon Valley, where will realise the ramifications company some of the most prominent of allowing companies access California-based and successful companies to email, search histories, and has never worked with any government agency to grant have built their businesses photos, Mr Cook said. by lulling their customers The comments seem “back-door” access to any into complacency about their to indicate a clear stance on information. He said allowing such personal information, Mr Cook behalf of Apple with regard to the increasingly fraught area access to governments could said. “They’re gobbling up of personal privacy in the tech leave that information open to others too. everything they can learn about world. The Apple boss has “If you put a key under you and trying to monetise it. We think that’s wrong. And it’s previously defended Apple’s the mat for the cops, a burglar not the kind of company that privacy track record, claiming can find it too,” Mr Cook said.
May auto sales in US race to strongest pace in nearly a decade C o n s u m e r s pickup truck, remained emboldened by easy- in high demand and to-get loans and cheap the company said it is gas pushed U.S. auto reducing downtime at sales in May to their two plants this summer. strongest pace in a Ford said F-150 sales decade, countering will rise as production weakness in other ramps up at its Kansas economic indicators. City, Missouri, plant. U.S. May auto sales For the second year hit 17.79 million last in a row, May auto sales month on a seasonally were boosted as more adjusted annualized consumers returned basis, according to to showrooms after a Autodata Corp, the harsh winter, a GM highest since summer spokesman said. 2005. GM sales reached On Tuesday as 293,097 vehicles on automakers reported strong pickup truck and robust sales, data crossover sales. GM showed new orders for said its average sale U.S. factory goods in prices in May rose $550 April fell 0.4 percent, to about $34,000 per a day after a Federal vehicle. Reserve official said May sales for Toyota second-quarter growth Motor Corp and Nissan may be slower than Motor Co both slipped expected. less than 1 percent. Sales of pickup Honda Motor Co sales trucks and SUVs in rose 10.6 percent. May led the way again, Fiat Chrysler’s which bodes well for U.S. sales hit 202,227 profit margins of the vehicles in May, the major automakers. first time above 200,000 Consumers are in any month since snapping up trucks and March 2007. sport utility vehicles Automakers are still as the national price of benefiting as consumers gasoline averaged $2.75 who put off buying a gallon, nearly a dollar new vehicles from less than this time last 2008 to 2013 return to year. showrooms, said Dave C o n s u m e r s Fish of MaritzCX, a are finding it easier market research firm. to obtain auto loans. Maritz estimated that Experian said nearly 30 if automakers sell 17.1 percent of new-vehicle million cars and light loans have payback trucks this year in the periods longer than six United States, another years. 13 million older vehicles Industry sales would still need to be are expected to top 17 replaced. million vehicles this But he cautioned year, besting the 16.94 there were signs the million reported in 2005. recovery could have GM sales rose 3 percent limits. Many younger in May, while Fiat consumers are delaying Chrysler Automobiles’ getting driver licenses increased 4 percent, or buying new cars, the automakers said on and households aren’t Tuesday. adding more cars, on Ford Motor Co average. sales fell 1 percent as “It looks like the its F-Series pickup good times may roll trucks declined 10 for some time into the percent. Its primary future,” Fish wrote in a model, the F-150 report.
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US hotel business poised for good years Steadily expanding demand, in line with a moderately growing U.S. economy and a still low rate of new room construction, bodes well for the U.S. hotel industry in the near term, leading executives in the business said on Monday. A surge in deals for U.S. hotels, driven in part by Chinese money seeking investment abroad, has led to worries of a market that might be getting expensive. Sales volume was up 81 percent to $13.3 billion in the first four months of the year in the Americas, driven by U.S. deals, according to Jones Lang LaSalle. The notion of an overheating market is not merited, a bevy of speakers at New York University’s International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference said on Monday. “Are we near the end? We would say no,” said Jonathan
Gray, global head of real at historically low levels.” An examination of estate at private equity firm Blackstone Group (BX.N). “The new construction that’s in the hotel business should do pretty pipeline when compared to the well in this environment.” last big cycle in the 1990s is The U.S. hotel industry will enough to show the current cycle experience “exceptionally good has a long way to run, said Geoff years” in the near term as the Ballotti, president and CEO of increase in new construction Wyndham Hotel Group, a unit stays below historic norms, of Wyndham Worldwide Corp said Chris Nassetta, president (WYN.N). and chief executive of Hilton “In terms of cycle, we’re in month 57, and it’s feeling Worldwide (HLT.N). Growth in hotel rooms more and more like the cycle over existing supply was 1 that began in 1992 and ended in percent last year and will likely 2000,” Ballotti said. be slightly above that this year, One speaker said signs Nassetta said. An industry of a downturn can be seen. decline typically does not occur Interest rates will until new supply reaches 4 rise and cap rates, a valuation metric in commercial real estate, percent or higher, he said. “The next few years are will start to fall, said Barry going to be exceptionally good Sternlicht, chairman and CEO years in this business, amongst of Starwood Capital Group. “The market is going the best years that we’ve seen,” Nassetta said. “It’s the simple to invert. I think we should be laws of economics at work. While prepared for it,” Sternlicht said. supply is inching a little bit, it’s
Boeing starts building first 737 MAX jet on schedule
Boeing Co said that it has started building its first 737 MAX single-aisle jetliner on schedule, an important milestone for a new plane model that accounts for nearly half of the company’s plane orders. The first 737 MAX, a more fuel efficient version of Boeing’s top-selling jet, is scheduled to be completed this year and begin flights tests in 2016. Customers will begin receiving the aircraft in the third quarter of 2017, Boeing said. The first wing spars, large structural pieces that run perpendicular to the fuselage, were loaded into drilling and riveting machines on May 29, beginning the building process, said Keith Leverkuhn, vice president and general manager of the 737 MAX program. Boeing is adding more automated machines as it begins assembly of the MAX, and as it prepares to increase production to 52 of its 737s a month in 2018, from 42 a month now. Some of the newest machines, which began making wings for current generation 737s in March, automate about 90 percent of the wing assembly
Boeing 737 Max Jet process, up from 70 percent on older, legacy machines that Boeing has used for decades, Boeing said. Automation is crucial to reaching reach that rate, and possibly go higher, to 60 or more jets a month. Boeing’s 737 wing factory is an obvious target. Most of the 100,000 rivet holes that are drilled and filled with fasteners per day, enough for two sets of wings, already are automated officials said. Boeing is studying whether to automate other parts of wing production line. It does not expect automation to reduce the number of workers needed. Rather it enables higher production rates while improving
quality, Boeing said. “Increased automation doesn’t mean less jobs,” said Barry Lewis, manufacturing operations leader for wings during a tour of the factory near Seattle. “Increased automation means we can go higher in rates with a stable workforce.” Boeing has received 2,724 orders for the 737 MAX, which competes with Airbus’ A320neo. Boeing has 5,667 unfilled orders for commercial aircraft. The 737 MAX promises to be 20 percent more fuel efficient than the current 737, and to have operating costs that are eight percent lower than its nearest competitor, Boeing says.
Skype bug crashes app with commonly used text Just a week after a similar bug was found to be restarting iPhones and messing with their messaging apps, a bug that crashes the video chat app Skype is now wreaking havoc. But while the Apple bug involved a string of Chinese, Arabic and Marathi characters unlikely to be used together (except when deliberately trying to crash someone’s phone), all that’s needed to trigger the Skype shutdown is the characters “http://:”.
Duplicated colon aside, that text, denoting “hypertext transfer protocol”, is the simple command at the start of every web URL which directs our browsers into the world wide web. Ergo, it’s not impossible to unwittingly type it into a Skype chat box while trying to send a website link to a friend — only to have the app suddenly crash on them before you’ve had a chance to wish them happy birthday. The bug affects the Skype app on iPhone, iPad,
Android and Windows devices, according to The Guardian, and continues to crash the app even when relaunched, thanks to Skype thoughtfully loading text from previous chat sessions each time you log in. Skype said it has now released an update for the bug. “We are aware of a problem that was causing Skype clients to crash,” a representative posted on the company’s community forum.
Huawei’s P8 Lite Tickles US Smartphone Market
Huawei P8 Lite Huawei launched the P8 Lite, a US$250 unlocked smartphone running Android 4.4. The company has positioned the device as offering consumers in the United States premium design and features at an accessible price The P8 Lite has two 4G LTE SIM card slots, a 5-inch HD Corning Gorilla Glass 3 720p display, a 13-MP rear camera, and a 5-MP front camera. It has a 1.5-GHz Qualcomm Octa-core processor. The 4.76-ounce P8 Lite has a microUSB port and a microSD card slot, and a removable battery. It comes in black or white. The P8 Lite supports GSM, Edge, HSPA and UMTS. That will let it run on AT&T’s and T-Mobile’s networks but not on those of Verizon or Sprint. Languages supported are English, Spanish, and both simplified and traditional Chinese. Though some critics have dismissed the P8 as a low-end phone, “this is a mid-range device masquerading as a lowend one,” remarked Ramon Llamas, a research manager at IDC. “The 5-inch screen is very generous -- most lowend smartphones have screens below 4.5 inches,” he told the E-Commerce Times. “And you have a good processor, and good connectivity, and it comes at $250 unlocked.” Huawei’s go-tomarket strategy is to address the “small but growing unsubsidized smartphone market here in the United States,” suggested Wayne Lam, a principal analyst at IHS. The device “is a pretty good value for $250, given its specifications,” he told the E-Commerce Times. “It’s for the aspiring value customer who wants a better smartphone experience at a good price point.” Huawei’s giving users a choice, Lam contended. “Currently, you can either buy a really inexpensive smartphone with pretty lousy user experience, or a really expensive one with great user experience. The P8 Lite attempts to straddle that
divide.”
Segments of the market want “decent quality phones at a very low price, and vendors are responding to that,” IDC’s Llamas said. “You have Motorola’s Moto E device, which is very popular, very good, very strong, and Alcatel with its Idol 3, using the same exact strategy as Huawei -- decent specs for a competitive price, also $250, and also available unlocked.” IDC expects demand for prepaid devices to grow, Llamas said. P8 Lite Pros and Cons The P8 Lite’s biggest draw is that it’s unlocked, Lam said. “We’re starting to see movement here in the U.S. of consumers opting to buy phones outright without any SIM locks on the device so that they can shop around or take their service from one carrier to the next,” Lam observed. “Realistically, however, their choice is only between GSM providers such as AT&T and T-Mobile.” What Huawei Needs to Do Huawei has “some” brand presence in the U.S., but it’s not very strong, said Tuong Nguyen, a principal analyst at Gartner. One concern is that it would be “difficult, if not impossible,” to move up-market, which could impede brand growth, he told the E-Commerce Times. Also, competition in this sector is very strong. The other challenge Huawei faces is the sales channel, Nguyen pointed out. “The U.S. market depends heavily on operator-channel sales, and [the P8 Lite’s] sales volume will likely be limited because it’s using retail and online channels.” The P8 Lite can be ordered online from Huawei’s e-commerce site, Amazon, Best Buy, Fry’s Electronics and B&H. It’s also available in-store at Fry’s and B&H, and soon will come to some Best Buy stores.
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Apple expected to unveil updated television
New software, new services and an updated Apple TV are among the rumoured highlights of Apple’s developer conference, which is due to take place next week. Preparations are already under way for the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), which takes begins on June 8th at San Francisco’s Moscone Centre. Apple uses the event every year to announce the new version of its mobile software, with iOS9 likely to feature heavily at the event. Among the new features expected are Force Touch support, bringing some of the new desktop functions to the iPhone; a split screen mode; and improved security features. Stability and eliminating bugs will also be a key part of the new iOS, a problem that has dogged its new software. An update for its
desktop software, OS X, is also expected, although it’s not believed it will be as dramatic an overhaul as last year’s offering, Yosemite. Apple’s purchase of Beats Music last year has set it up to take on the established streaming services such as Spotify and Deezer, with a new subscription music service expected to be unveiled at WWDC. The service could be available for $10 a month, a move that would risk Chief executive Tim Cook of Apple cannibalising iTunes download revenue. redesign for iOS’s digital However, reports assistant Siri, with a from the Wall Street Journal new interface that draws indicate that the introduction inspiration from the Apple of the service could be delayed Watch. as the company attempts to Apple is also likely get the licences in place. to use the event to announce This should also be joined by updates for other products a new version of iTunes Radio, we’re already familiar with, Apple’s internet radio service from Apple Pay – currently that launched in 2013, with available in the United States celebrity DJs expected to front – to Apple Watch and HomeKit, it. which aims to simplify home There’s also talk of automation using a common
language that manufacturers can use and also builds in support for Siri. Although there have been rumours for some time of a potential Apple TV set, the expectations are that this year’s WWDC will feature an update for Apple’s TV streaming device, which hasn’t been upgraded since 2013. However, plans for a TV streaming service have been shelved for now, according to
reports from Recode. In the area of transport, considered an outside chance, there are also rumours that Apple will offer up some form of confirmation that it’s working on a car, with recent comments from Apple’s senior vice-president of operations about the car being the ultimate mobile device reigniting speculation. Apple already offers CarPlay for incar entertainment that brings content from a driver’s iPhone into the dashboard, with Audi already offering the system on its newest models and other car brands set to roll it out in the coming months. Perhaps more likely is a link up with transit services that will inform you of the next bus or train to arrive at a stop. Link that with Siri and it would be a useful service for urban commuters and tourists if it comes to pass. And, of course, if it’s rolled out in Ireland.
Google defends accident records of self-driving cars
Google’s self-driving cars have been involved in 12 accidents over the past six years, though the company says the self-driving cars have never been at fault. Google co-founder Sergey Brin Google has nothing to hide, Brin says he sees little reason to release the disclosed that one of the company’s accident reports involving the internet self-driving cars was rear-ended at a company’s self-driving cars because traffic signal during the past week. With that collision, Google’s he believes there’s nothing new in documents withheld to protect the self-driving cars have now been privacy of other motorists. involved in 12 accidents while covering Brin, who oversees Google’s more than 1.7 million miles over fleet of self-driving cars, outlined his the past six years, according to the rationale on Wednesday during a company. sometimes-testy exchange with a long- The self-driving cars have time critic at the company’s annual never been at fault, according to shareholders meeting in Mountain Google, though a company employee View, California. was in control at the time of one crash. As part of his effort to show “We don’t claim that the cars are going
to be perfect,” Brin said. “Our goal is to through a stop sign. “I suppose we could give more beat human drivers.” Google is planning to begin detail and we are open to that, but testing the latest version of its self- you are not going to learn anymore,” driving car around the streets of Brin told John Simpson, Consumer Mountain View and other nearby Watchdog’s privacy project director. Simpson told the AP that he public roads this summer. About 25 of the pod-like, two-seat vehicles initially believes the records would shed more will be cruising around at speeds light by at least revealing the dates, times and precise locations of each topping out at 25 miles per hour. Consumer Watchdog, a group accident. The driverless cars are that has been lambasting Google for years, is demanding that the company among several ambitious projects that release the self-driving cars’ accident Google has been funding outside its reports filed with the California primary business of internet search Department of Motor Vehicles and and advertising. The list of far-flung other government agencies to give initiatives include a contact lens that the public a better understanding of monitors glucose levels in diabetics and the risks posed by the vehicles. The internet-beaming balloons hovering Associated Press also has requested over remote areas of the world that have little or no online access. the records from Google and the DMV. Both Google and the DMV have cited Google CEO Larry Page, the company’s privacy concerns for keeping the other co-founder, describes the projects as “moonshots” that he hopes will make reports under wraps. Even if the accident records the world a better place. He assured were released with the names of Google shareholders on Wednesday the drivers redacted, Brin said the that “everything is getting better, in documents wouldn’t disclose anything general, by quite a bit,” thanks to different from a summary that the technology. company posted online three weeks ago. “I think we should be optimists and Google says its self-driving cars have be excited by all the things we are been rear-ended eight times, including building and contributing to the world,” the most-recent accident, side-swiped Page said. twice and hit by another vehicle rolling
Apple recalls some Beats Pill XL speakers Apple Inc said it is recalling some Beats Pill XL portable wireless speakers due to a fire hazard caused by overheating batteries. The iPhone maker will recall about 222,000 speakers in the United States and about 11,000 in Canada, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said on Wednesday. Apple has received eight reports of overheating speakers, the CPSC said in a statement. The company did not disclose the
number of speakers affected by the recall or the number of complaints it received, but said the recall does not affect any other Beats or Apple products. Apple said it will issue store credit or a refund worth $325 within about three weeks of receiving the faulty speakers, which were introduced by Beats in November 2013. Apple agreed to buy Beats for about $3 billion in May 2014 in an effort to jump-start an uneven attempt
to make headway in music streaming as iTunes sales were declining. This is not the first time that Apple has had to recall products. The company had launched an iPhone replacement program in August last year after admitting some smartphones sold between September 2012 and January 2013 had faulty batteries. (apple.co/1uBotvd) In 2011, network connectivity issues had forced Apple to recall some iPad2 tablets that were designed to A picture illustration shows Apple Inc’s logo run on Verizon’s network. reflected in a person’s eye
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Jeff Webb kicked out as local football president Facing corruption announcement Tuesday from related activities by FIFA’s allegations and suspended world football boss Sepp ethics committee. He was from “football-related Blatter that he would resign “provisionally dismissed” as activities” by world governing as FIFA president, just days president of CONCACAF, the body FIFA, Jeffrey Webb has after he had been re-elected. governing body for football in been replaced “on a provisional CIFA said in a statement North and Central America basis” as president of the that it was “concerned and and the Caribbean, losing his Cayman Islands Football disappointed” to learn of position as vice president of Association, a position he has Webb’s arrest but declined to FIFA as a consequence. held for 24 years. comment on the allegations, CIFA’s statement First Vice President saying the presumption of continued, “As a result of the Bruce Blake has taken over innocence until proven guilty decision of the FIFA Ethics as acting president of the “must prevail.” Committee on 27 May to organization. CIFA has also provisionally ban Jeffrey The announcement, declined to comment on what, Webb from carrying out any the first public comment if anything, other Cayman football-related activities on from anyone involved with officials knew about the deals a national and international Cayman football since Webb detailed in the indictment. level, the CIFA Executive was arrested in Switzerland Webb is one of 14 current Committee took the decision to a week ago, followed an and former FIFA officials, appoint Bruce Blake as acting emergency meeting of the businessmen and sports president on a provisional association’s executive marketing executives accused basis, pending the outcome of committee on Monday night. of a bribery and corruption any on-going investigation by “Our thoughts and racket connected to television the FIFA Ethics Committee.” prayers go out to Jeffrey and rights for international Webb was first elected his family at this difficult football tournaments. as resident of CIFA in 1991 time,” the association said in Webb, once tipped by and has been consistently rea short statement. Blatter himself as a potential elected since then. He is next The decision successor, was “provisionally up for re-election in 2017. coincided with the shock banned” from football- Whether he returns
Fearless Windies plot end to Aussie domination
Captains Denesh Ramdin and Michael Clarke with the Frank Worrell Trophy. ROSEAU, Dominica – Lowly- in Bridgetown to prepare for the ranked West Indies, anxious to series. build on a momentum gained “We did some good things from a one-all draw with England, and hopefully we could carry them are seeking to ignite the end of into the game. We know that they a 20-year domination by highly- are a good team. They will come ranked Australia, when the two hard at us and we need to stand sides begin the first of a short Test up as big men and be counted.” series here today. The Aussies, on the other Morale is said to be high hand, will be eager to take on in a West Indies team packed a Caribbean side without Shiv with young players who appear Chanderpaul who has played nine undaunted by the prospects of home series against them scoring David and Goliath-like contests five centuries and averaging that loom in Roseau and Kingston. 80.38 in the process. West Indies, eighth in The middle-order the ICC Test rankings, above vacancy created by Chanderpaul’s Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, are controversial exit is likely to be planning to take the fight to filled by Shane Dowrich who Australia who are second to South impressed with half-centuries in Africa and who have not played a his two innings for the President’s Test since January. XI during the tour match. “I think we are in a good Jermaine Blackwood, frame of mind after the last Test whose role in the middle order match with a win against England takes on added importance with and a good week in Barbados,” Chanderpaul’s omission, will hope said captain Denesh Ramdin to continue his form against the yesterday after an intense one- Australians after emerging as the week training camp leading West Indian run-scorer
Jeff Webb to the role will depend on the “We are focused on hosting the outcome of the FIFA Ethics CONCACAF Boys Under-15 Committee probe as well as Championship in August of the criminal prosecution. this year, the Men’s Olympic CIFA’s statement qualifying in Haiti this month added that the events of and our end of season awards the past week would not ceremony on 26 June 2015, in prevent it from proceeding addition to the completion of with events planned for the the artificial turf field at the coming months, including the Centre of Excellence. CONCACAF Boys Under-15 “CIFA recognises the championships – a 37-team importance of football within event also featuring Brazil our community and will and England, that is expected continue to support efforts to to be the biggest sporting provide opportunities for local event Cayman has hosted. athletes.” The statement said,
in their recent series against England. “They are a tough team but we have some youngsters who have done well in regional tournament,” Ramdin told WICB media. “They have the talent. It’s just some experience at this level now and they are going to get the opportunity. I think that are going to put up their hand and be counted.” The Aussies suffered a setback with opening batsman Chris Rogers ruled out due to symptoms of concussion after being struck on the helmet by a local bowler in the nets on Sunday. He is expected to be replaced by Shaun Marsh who scored an impressive hundred in the tourists’ lone warm-up match against the President’s XI in Antigua. The first match between Windies and the Aussies is the fourth time Test is being played at Windsor Park where spin is said to be king. Of the 101 wickets which have fallen at Windsor Park, spinners have claimed 58, leaving the two sides pondering their spin options. West Indies will decide from the Guyanese duo of Devendra Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul, while the visitors have brought Nathan Lyon and the uncapped Fawad Alam, the former Pakistani asylum-seeker.
Usain Bolt getting back into shape ahead of worlds OSTRAVA, Czech Republic — Usain Bolt is not worried by Justin Gatlin’s fast times and is using this season to get into shape ahead of the world championship in Beijing after his injuries last season. The Jamaican great was talking Sunday in the eastern Czech city of Ostrava, two days before he runs the 200 meters at the Golden Spike meet there. The six-time Olympic champion said his focus this season was “on trying to get back into shape, get a lot of races on my belt” before the world championships in August. Tuesday’s event will be his second 200 after clocking 20.20 seconds in Jamaica in April. Bolt said he was feeling better than a month ago and that his coach expects an unspecified fast time in Ostrava. “I’m in much better shape, I’ve been working harder,” Bolt said. “(My coach) is very happy with the progress I’ve been making.” Bolt previously said his goal remained to break his own 200 world record of 19.19, set in 2009. “I’ve never really thought about the 100 that much after running 9.58,” Bolt said about his world record. “The 200’s my favorite event. I really focus on trying to run faster over 200. My aim is always gonna be the 200 meters. That’s one of the biggest goals of my life.” Coming from injuries, Bolt said he needed to focus on his technique “to make sure everything is fine tuned” and he had even “started eating better” as part of the process. “My start is always crap as everybody knows, I still have to work on that. The 200 meters, it’s just work on little things on the corner and coming out of the corner and dropping my shoulders. I’m just trying to get everything together, leading up to the world championship. As long as everything comes together there shouldn’t be a problem.” In Bolt’s absence, Gatlin was the fastest man in the world last season over both 100 and 200, and ran even faster in the Diamond League opener in Doha, Qatar, clocking a world leading 9.74 in his first 100 of 2015.
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Blatter rocks world Chuck Blazer, ex-FIFA official, admits to arranging soccer by quitting FIFA amid scandal and accepting bribes Sepp Blatter rocked the world of soccer on NEW YORK -- Former Tuesday by unexpectedly saying he would step FIFA executive committee down as FIFA president in the wake of a corruption member Chuck Blazer told a U.S. investigation that reportedly may include the federal judge that he and others embattled chief himself. on the governing body’s ruling Citing sources familiar with the case, The panel agreed to receive bribes in New York Times and ABC News reported on Tuesday the votes for the hosts of the 1998 that Blatter was being investigated by the Federal and 2010 World Cups. Bureau of Investigation and U.S. prosecutors. Reuters Prosecutors unsealed a was not immediately able to confirm the report. 40-page transcript Wednesday of Blatter has not been charged with any wrongdoing. the hearing in U.S. District Court Blatter, 79, announced his decision to step on Nov. 25, 2013, when Blazer down at a hastily arranged news conference in Zurich, pleaded guilty to racketeering and six days after police raided a hotel in the city and other charges. arrested several FIFA officials, and four days after he Blazer, in admitting 10 Former FIFA executive committee member Chuck Blazer was re-elected to a fifth term as FIFA president. counts of illegal conduct, told the Blatter said an election to choose a new court of his conduct surrounding host, won by France over Morocco governing body since 1998, said president would be held as soon as possible, though the vote that made South Africa 12-7. Tuesday he will be resigning, an a FIFA official said it would probably not take place the first nation on that continent Warner was among 14 announcement made six days until at least December. to host football’s premier event. football officials and businessmen after the indictments were “FIFA needs profound restructuring,” said “Beginning in or around named in an indictment unsealed and four days after Blatter, a Swiss national who has been a dominant 2004 and continuing through 2011, announced last week, and those he was elected to a fifth term. A presence at FIFA for decades. I and others on the FIFA executive charges said a Moroccan bid new president will be chosen “I decided to stand again to be elected because committee agreed to accept bribes representative offered a $1 million by FIFA’s 209 member nations I was convinced it was the best option for football. in conjunction with the selection bid payment. Blazer, whose guilty and territories, likely between “Although the members of FIFA gave me of South Africa as the host nation plea was made public last week, December and March. a new mandate, this mandate does not seem to be for the 2010 World Cup,” Blazer said he agreed with others “to Now 70, Blazer was wheelchair- supported by everyone in the world.” told U.S. District Judge Raymond facilitate the acceptance of a bound at the hearing, according Blatter’s decision to step down as the growing J. Dearie. bribe.” to Dearie. Blazer told the court he scandal plunges FIFA further into the worst crisis Blazer was the No. 2 He also admitted had received chemotherapy and in its history was welcomed by his most prominent official of football’s North and to corruption involving the radiation for rectal cancer, and he critics. Central American and Caribbean CONCACAF Gold Cup, the also suffered from diabetes and European football federation chief Michel region from 1990-2011 and served region’s top national team coronary artery disease. Platini, a French former international player and on FIFA’s executive committee tournament which he helped Dearie said prosecutors “identify favorite to succeed Blatter as FIFA president, said,: from 1997-2013. South Africa launch in 1991. FIFA and its attendant or related “It was a difficult decision, a brave decision, and the defeated Morocco 14-10 in the “Beginning in or about constituent organization as what right decision.” host vote. 1993 and continuing through the we call an enterprise, a RICO, The second favorite on the list, Jordan’s South African Football early 2000s, I and others agreed enterprise.” Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, who stood against Blatter Association president Molefi to accept bribes and kickbacks in “RICO is an acronym for, and don’t but withdrew after gaining 73 votes to Blatter’s 133 Oliphant sent a letter to FIFA conjunction with the broadcast overreact to this as I am sure in the first round of last Friday’s vote, stopped short secretary general Jerome and other rights to the 1996, 1998, most people do, Racketeering of confirming that he would run again. Valcke in 2008 asking FIFA to 2000, 2002 and 2003 Gold Cups,” Influenced Corrupt Organization,” Asked if there should be a fresh start at withhold $10 million from the Blazer said. the judge said. FIFA, he told Britain’s Channel 4 News, “I’m willing budget of the 2010 World Cup While many of the Blazer forfeited over $1.9 to help.” organizers and to use the money allegations were made public million at the time of his pleas Greg Dyke, chairman of the English Football to finance a “Diaspora Legacy last week, the transcript of the to racketeering conspiracy, Association and one of Blatter’s most outspoken Programme” under the control closed-court hearing in Brooklyn wire fraud conspiracy, money critics, said it was “good news for world football” but of then CONCACAF President more than 1 1/2 years ago put laundering conspiracy, income tax then questioned Blatter’s motive. “Who got him? Who Jack Warner. South Africa Sports them in the first-person voice of evasion and failure to file a Report shot him?” he asked. Minister Fikile Mbalula denies Blazer, once the most powerful of Foreign Bank and Financial “I don’t believe he went for any sort of moral the money was a bribe and says football official in the United Accounts. He agreed to pay a basis so something has happened between then and it was an “aboveboard payment” States. Blazer’s allegations have second amount to be determined now which means he has to resign.” to help football development in assisted an investigation by at the time of sentencing. FIFA, which Blatter had led since 1998, Caribbean region. U.S. prosecutors, who foresee Four sections of the transcript was shocked last week by the announcement of a Blazer also said he was additional people being charged. were redacted by prosecutors, U.S. investigation into alleged widespread financial involved in bribes around 1992 in FIFA President Sepp presumably to protect avenues of wrongdoing stretching back more than two decades. the vote for the 1998 World Cup Blatter, who has run the their investigation. Swiss authorities also mounted their own criminal probe into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar, respectively. Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said ROME — With the me in position to say entering a in 19.68 in Eugene, Oregon, Blatter’s decision to step down was “courageous” and world-leading times in the race, ‘OK, I’m the man to go last weekend, matching his would help prevent a split in FIFA. personal best. 100 and 200 meters this year, out there and go against.’” Justin Gatlin says he — not Gatlin beat Bolt at the He will be aiming for Usain Bolt — is the man to beat Stadio Olimpico two years ago, his fourth career win in Rome, for now. although the Jamaican is not the fourth stop of the Diamond The big goal for both entered this year. League. Gatlin clocked 9.74 “I’m just starting off where I sprinters remains the world championships in Beijing in seconds in the Diamond left off last year,” Gatlin said. League opener on May 15 in “I want to go out there and August. “Right now, I can’t the sweltering heat of Doha, dominate each race, and that’s consider myself the favorite Qatar. Only four sprinters have what I’ve been doing.” because it’s months away,” ever run faster, including Bolt, Gatlin skipped along Gatlin said. “I’m just trying to who set the world record of 9.58 the track during his workout, stay healthy and strong. But in 2009. sunglasses on, seemingly having two world leads does put Gatlin won the 200 without a care in the world. Sepp Blatter
Gatlin says he, not Bolt, is the man to beat for now
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Press Statement from Team TCI at Sol Rally Barbados On behalf of Bambarra Rum Ltd, I would like to congratulate Stan Hartling, Paul Horton and the entire crew for their participation in this year’s Sol Rally Barbados event in which they proudly represented the Turks & Caicos Islands. Sol Rally Barbados has seen a record year for participation in which 15 Nationalities have competed this year. It was truly spectacular to see Turks & Caicos Islands and Bambarra Rum Ltd competing at this level. Although the guys have been participating in this event for years, it was Team Bambarra LAP_Turks-and-Caicos_7.5x5_v1.pdf 1 3/28/2015 11:56:21 AM
the Bambarra team’s first experience and we were absolutely enthralled by the ‘charged-up’ atmosphere of the entire ensemble. Bambarra Rum Ltd “The Spirit of the Turks & Caicos”
was proud to support our guys and prouder still of the support/turnout of TCI Residents at the
event in Barbados. We, at Bambarra Rum, have pledged support for this event in the years to come as we see this as a ‘can’t miss’ opportunity to further
promote our Islands and local products. Kudos! Team TCI
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