JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
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VOLUME 11 - NO. 23
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DEMONIC GAME CHARLIE CHARLIE IN TCI SCHOOLS T
he controversial and demonic game, Charlie Charlie Challenge, which has been sending teenagers around the world in a panic, has crept into schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Minister of Education Hon. Akierra Missick confirmed the incidences of the Charlie, Charlie Challenge rituals taking place only in private schools here, but the SUN has received reliable reports that the game is played in public schools also. “I have not received a single report from any of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG ) schools,” Missick said. “I believe that some private schools have been affected but from the government level, no. But school leaders need to be managers of their school. I know that some of the private schools have done devotion just like the government schools, so it (Charlie, Charlie) is not a concern that we have (in government schools). We haven’t had any complaints that their kids are entertaining it.” Minister Misick, asserted that only parents can ensure that Charlie, Charlie does not take over the Turks and Caicos Islands as it has been doing to other parts of the Caribbean, including The Bahamas. She said that it is up to parents to police the internet and to approve what their children search for online. “I don’t think anyone does (have the capacity to ensure Charlie Charlie does not come to our shores) because it is the internet. It is hard to police the internet. Parents
Hon. Sharlene Robinson returned as PDM Leader
The 40th National Convention of the People’s Democratic Movement was held on Grand Turk June 4-7, 2015, under the theme ONE PEOPLE, ONE DESTINY, ONE MOVEMENT! Party Leader, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, solidified her position as leader when delegates overwhelmingly elected to keep her and Deputy Leader Hon. Sean Astwood to communicate a message of confidence and stability. In the photograph, are members of the executive and supporters of the PDM. (See Page 6 for reports). need to parent, and I always say that. Some of the things that they are allowing their kids to access on the internet, they shouldn’t be able to, and I think that is where the issue is. “Because as long as they are on internet, whether it is Cha-Cha Slide, which is the hot thing, or Charlie, Charlie, parents need to have
more control over what their children are accessing online,” the minister urged. Quite a few pastors in the Turks and Caicos Islands have come out against the Charlie Charlie Challenge practice, with many saying it is another demonic pursuit to rob the country’s youth of their sanity. Several Caribbean
countries are reporting that school children have been rushed to hospital after playing the “demonic” game “Charlie Charlie”. The game is said to be a simplified version of the ‘Ouija Board’ and summons a Mexican “demon” by the name of Charlie. The ‘Charlie Charlie Challenge’ as it is being called entails placing two pencils on a piece of paper in the shape of the cross with the words ‘yes’ and ‘no’ written in each quadrant. Participants then repeat the phrase “Charlie, Charlie can we play?” in order to connect with the demon. The ‘demon’ is then asked specific questions and the top pencil moves in response. In Antigua and Barbuda, emergency medical services were kept busy after a group of students attending
the Jennings Secondary School fainted and had to be rushed to hospital after allegedly playing the game “Children started fainting and having seizures. Children were fainting while walking home, and some of them were trying to jump out the bus,” one student told the Antigua Observer newspaper. In St. Lucia, the Ministry of Education is being called upon to issue an official alert after a student began having unpleasant experiences after playing the game. . “My daughter came home crying and shaking after reporting that she saw desks floating,” the mother of the student, told a website.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
DEMONIC GAME CHARLIE CHARLIE IN TCI SCHOOLS
Continued from page 1
“We are Christians president of the National and so when she saw what Parent/Teacher Association, Ramatali warned was happening, she began Zena to pray. We also prayed with against playing the game her and counseled her. She which has been trending has faced other experiences globally over the last few like that in the past, so she days. is aware of what this thing “It is a very serious situation right now,” she said, adding is about. “The thing is, if it is that the game taking root done in the private homes locally is an indication of the the demon has access to the dangers of the internet. said home with or without the Ramatali consent of the person who children must be taught summoned it, but in the what is good and what is evil school gives access to the and that clearly, the Charlie entire student body putting Charlie Challenge is an evil other children at risk,”’ the game. “We have to teach parent is quoted as saying. Barbados school them that this is not teachers have also warned something that they want to their students from dabble in,” she said. “Children should engaging in the game, while in Trinidad and Tobago, the be supervised at all times.
What happens is that they spooky in the right setting, are unsupervised at break but will move around time and lunch time and the regardless of whether or not devil is actually fining work someone summons a demon after balancing them. for them,” she added. By while many men They further argue that of the cloth are convinced aside from gravity, “response that the game is a demonic expectancy”, could also be conjure, some in the science another force at work in the Charlie Charlie Challenge. world are not so sure. However, it is said They are debunking the existence of a Charlie that once the demon appears Charlie demon on the basis it is difficult to send it away, that trying to balance and its presence has caused one pencil upon another a number of children to results in a very unstable almost lose their minds. system, arguing that even A lot of teens have been slightest wind movement as reportedly hospitalized after someone’s breath will cause playing the game, with what doctors have describes as the top pencil to move. They argue that a “mass hysteria”. Children playing it precariously placed pencil that moves without anyone in the Dominican Republic touching it might seem have mysteriously turning
up with ‘inexplicable bruises’. In the Bahamas a number of students were rushed to hospital for fainting spells after playing the game. A 2012 study published in the journal Current Directions in Psychological Science found that people often employ a “response expectancy” in certain situations. The study says that by anticipating that something will occur, a person’s thoughts and behaviors will help bring that anticipated outcome to fruition. Scientists stated that in the Charlie Charlie Challenge, it could be that players expect a certain result and their actions during the game help bring it about.
HOW THE CHARLIE CHARLIE PENCIL REALLY MOVES It may seem supernatural but the ‘magic’ behind the Charlie Charlie Challenge is nothing more than gravity, according to the Live Science website. In order to balance an object on another, the centre of gravity of the top one needs to be precisely over the object supporting it. In this case the supporting object is a very narrow pencil and the ‘hard-to-balance objects have a tendency to roll around’. ‘Trying to balance one pencil upon another results in a very unstable system,’ the head of the anomalistic psychology research unit at University of London said. Christopher French added: ‘Even the slightest [draft] or someone’s breath will cause the top pencil to move.’ He said the pencils - which are placed quite precariously - will
It may seem supernatural but move around regardless of whether a the ‘magic’ behind the Charlie Charlie demon is summoned or not. Another force which makes Challenge is nothing more than the trick possible is the power of gravity, according to the Live Science website. suggestion. In order to balance an object People playing the Charlie Charlie game or using a ouija board on another, the centre of gravity of the employ a ‘response expectancy’, top one needs to be precisely over the according to a 2012 study published object supporting it. In this case the supporting in the journal Current Directions in object is a very narrow pencil and Psychological Science So by anticipating that the ‘hard-to-balance objects have a something will happen - which in this tendency to roll around’. case is the pencil moving - a person’s ‘Trying to balance one pencil thoughts and behaviors will help to upon another results in a very unstable system,’ the head of the make it happen. In the case of this spirit- anomalistic psychology research unit summoning game, it could be that at University of London said. Christopher French added: players expect a certain result and their actions during the game help ‘Even the slightest [draft] or someone’s bring it about - or instance, a well- breath will cause the top pencil to timed breath or a subtle wave of the move.’ He said the pencils - which hand which would topple HOW THE are placed quite precariously - will PENCIL REALLY MOVES
move around regardless of whether a demon is summoned or not. Another force which makes the trick possible is the power of suggestion. People playing the Charlie Charlie game or using a ouija board employ a ‘response expectancy’, according to a 2012 study published in the journal Current Directions in Psychological Science So by anticipating that something will happen - which in this case is the pencil moving - a person’s thoughts and behaviors will help to make it happen. In the case of this spiritsummoning game, it could be that players expect a certain result and their actions during the game help bring it about - or instance, a welltimed breath or a subtle wave of the hand which would topple
Deputy Premier Returns From Caribbean 2030 Conference In UK Deputy Premier and for the Caribbean and managing Minister of Education, Youth, risks and improving resilience. Sport & Libraries, Hon. Akierra Hon. Missick stated; Missick recently returned from the “Receiving the invitation to speak United Kingdom after attending at Wilton Park was an honour. I a conference in London, England, presented on the improvement of education standards in the 1-3 June 2015. The Wilton Park’s meeting, Caribbean, which focused on which was centered around the continuous teacher development theme ‘Caribbean 2030: New and support, parental involvement Thinking For A New Generation’ in learning and developing an was designed to tap into the adaptive curriculum approach to thinking of future Caribbean learning. “Discussions were very leaders. The agenda for the three- rewarding, delegates were not day meeting included presentations always in agreement but solutions and group discussions on drivers always remained the common goal. “In the end the TCI was for change and new thinking, the key challenges and opportunities applauded for our approach
to good governance and policy development, namely the developments and strengthening of institutions such as the Human Rights Commission, Complaints Commission, Integrity Commission and Public Financial Management Ordinance.” Wilton Park is considered one of the world’s leading institutions for in-depth discussion of international policy issues and challenges. Caribbean 2030 was held in association with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Caribbean Policy Research Institute Foundation and the Caribbean Council.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Youth, Sport & Libraries, Hon. Akierra Missick
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
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Chief Valuation Officer appraises Emerald Cay for $10 million By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor Shaban Hoza, Chief Land Valuation Officer has confirmed to the Supreme Court that he valued the Emerald Cay property in 2006 for $10 million. Hoza, who was giving testimony in the Timothy O’Sullivan and Gordon Kerr Emerald Cay sale trial said that after he considered all the relevant aspects of the property, valued it at $10 million. O’Sullivan and Kerr are accused by the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) for conspiring to sell the property, which houses a palatial mansion for $28 million but submitted documents for a $10 million sale, thus depriving government of its due stamp duty. Hoza told the court that the collector of stamp duty does not have professional training or experience to appraise land, and agreed that his decisions on value of land become the government’s decisions, noting
also that his duty is to carry out assessment of all land sales to ensure that the correct stamp duty is paid to government. He said that from time to time land transfers are referred to him for review, and that his estimation is based mainly on what a property would be sold for at the time he values it. He said after the sale of land is reviewed and deemed to be undervalued, he would communicate it to the collector of stamp duty, but was unsure as to where they take that such cases. Hoza said that he appraises a house based on the number bedrooms, space of the parcel and whether or not the property is rundown. He said that the Land Valuation Department maintains a database which is upgraded regularly and separate from the Land Registry. Hoza said that in 2006, he received communication from Stuart Taylor of the Collector of Stamp Duty, relating to land transfer document of Emerald Cay. He told the court that Taylor told him that there were certain
rumours going around concerning the sale of Emerald Cay and requested that he looked into it. He said then went to the Planning Department to peruse the application, and found that the Emerald Cay property was sold for about $6 million. Hoza said he was made to understand that the construction cost at Emerald Cay was $3.62 million. Hoza conceded that there were no past transactions that he could compare the value of the Emerald Cay property with, since it was the first sale of its kind in the TCI. He told the court that he made his estimate of the property based on Planning Department application, as he did not physically go to the property to inspect it. Hoza said that the value of properties are sometime very hard to identify, noting that at times the content add or decrease their value. He confirmed that the $10m that he assessed the property for on his witness statement appeared to be
fair at the time. He said that he visited once in 2004 to estimate a canal that was being built on the property, which estimated to value $250,000. However, he said that when the land was changing hands he did not go back to carryout additional assessment, admitting that it would have been sensible to do so, when asked to revalue the land at the time. Hoza told the court that when considering the value of the property in 2006, he did not factor in the swimming pool, the tennis court and a carport. He agreed with the Crown that such amenities add value to the calculation of the property. Hoza told the court that it was his understanding that the former Ramada Hotel, which was sold and later became Seven Stars Resort, was sold for $24 million and demolished not long after the sale. However, when challenged by O’sullivan’s counsel Jim Sturman QC, who said the condominium structures were spared the wrecking ball, Hoza said he was unsure.
Murder accused for August 7 sufficiency hearing Murder accused Jamesly Joseph of Dock Yard, Providenciales is to face the Supreme Court on August 7, 2015 in sufficiency hearing to see whether or not his alleged slaughtering of common law wife Dieula Jean has merit to go forward for trial. Joseph, 22, allegedly inflicted multiple stabs wounds on Jean, after both were said to a disagreement on May 25, 2015 at their home in the Dock Yard area of Kew Town, in the mid to late morning hour. After the alleged butcher, Joseph left the area but was later picked up by members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands
Police Force investigators in the vicinity of the popular downtown fast food outlet – Sweet Ts. After some level of investigation, the police charged Joseph on Thursday (June 4, 2015) with murder. He did not have an attorney when he appeared in Court One of the Providenciales Magistrate’s Court. The charge was read to him via interpreter. He made two appearances on his first court date. On his initial appearance, the police sought the permission of the court to extract DNA sample from Joseph, and when it was granted, the case adjourned. He returned later
in the day only to have the charge read against him. He was not allowed to enter a plea, as Chief Magistrate, Clinton Warner informed him that the Magistrates’s Court does not have jurisdiction to hear crimes of such nature. Judge Warner then ordered him remanded at Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk until his sufficiency hearing date. In the meantime, condemnation has been has been heaped on the recent upsurge in violence against woman and attack of other females in society, including a woman who was soused with gasoline and set alight by her lover in Kew Town recently.
A police detective marches Jamesly Joseph away from the courthouse towards police vehicle
Cayman Islands Police in TCI to probe fatal shooting by police
Jeff Walkin
Two sergeants and two constables from the Cayman Islands Police Service, will be in the Turks and Caicos Islands this week to carry out an independent investigation into the death of Jeff Walkin, who was shot by police in the early hours of Saturday June 6th. Nineteen-year-old Walkin, a Haitian-Turks and Caicos Islander, was shot by lawmen while he was about to commit a robbery in Five Cays, which is his neighbourhood. Police spokesman Audley Astwood said it’s in the interest of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and everyone involved
in an incident where firearms were discharged by police officers, that subsequent procedures should be open and transparent, and the integrity of all actions maintained. Astwood said the manner in which the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police responds to such incidents, and the professional standards applied, are of great interest to the Public, providing further reason to investigate such matters thoroughly and sensitively. About 12:58 a.m. last Saturay, police were called to Granny Hill in Five Cays, following reports of two males being
armed with firearms who tried to rob a man. Officers on patrol nearby responded and were confronted by two masked males who pointed firearms at the officers and as a result of that confrontation, Walkin, who was one of the masked men sustained a gunshot injury, while the other unknown masked man escaped on foot. Emergency services were contacted and efforts were made by medics to administer medical treatment while Walkin was being transported to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, but he was pronounced dead some time later.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
The People’s Democratic Movement emerges stronger from its 40th Convention The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) emerged stronger after its annual convention held on Grand Turk, the nation’s capital. Three days of events saw the party electing its officers, working in the community, speaking to the future and honoring the service of those who served the party during its existence. Party Leader, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, solidified her position as leader when delegates overwhelmingly elected to keep her and Deputy Leader Hon. Sean Astwood to communicate a message of confidence and stability. The PDM elects its officers every year at the business session of its annual convention. Election of Officers of the party took place during the business session of the convention, which saw party leader, Hon. Sharlene CartwrightRobinson and Deputy Leader Hon. Sean Astwood returned unopposed after a motion was moved by Hon. Goldray Ewing that the positions be
retained. Delegates in attendance Astwood was also retained. Although childhood leukemia in July 2012 supported this motion, with 51 out he was stricken by illness earlier in and has been receiving treatment in of 54 delegates openly voting to the year, Astwood appeared strong Miami. He is in complete remission support their continued service in an and vibrant and participated in and cured of the illness. The newly elected national unprecedented vote of confidence in all sessions and events of the 40th chairman vowed to support the team Convention. their leadership. Astwood stated, “Through in Parliament and get the party’s Party Leader and Leader of the Opposition stated, “I am God’s mercy and grace I am back with machinery in top shape. “I will do my best to support humbled by the outpouring of the fold to continue to fight.” He also thanked those in this awesome and hard working team such overwhelming support for my leadership, and through God’s grace, attendance and across the country, we have in Parliament and help the he will lead us on to victory at the next “God answered the prayers of leadership prepare the party for its thousands of persons across this land upcoming election campaign,” he said. general elections.” Although speculation on She added that it was to heal my body and I am forever in Parnell running for elected office has reassuring that party members their debt.” Also elected was a new excited the party’s base, Parnell said, expressed support not just in herself but also in her team and the work that National Chairman, Doug Parnell, “Whether or not I am a candidate will they have been doing over the past who had remained out of frontline not affect my support for the PDM politics for the past three years due to and its leadership; I am a PDM and year. I encourage all those supporters to “We have been vocal an illness with his five year old son. and proactive when it comes to Parnell commented,” I thank share my excitement and rally behind representing our people, we have the party for affording me the time this team. ” The party attended worship defeated bad legislation designed to to be with my family during a very hurt the pocket books of the people, challenging period for us and I am service on Sunday at Salem Baptist and the delegates seem to remember honored that the convention has Church and was exhorted by Pastor Chad Archbold to remember where and appreciate this work”, she said. shown such strong support for me.” Deputy Leader Hon. Sean Parnell’s son was diagnosed with real true power comes from.
Report from PDM convention The 40th National Convention of the People’s Democratic Movement was held on Grand Turk June 4-7, 2015, under the theme ONE PEOPLE, ONE DESTINY, ONE MOVEMENT! This historic event saw activities centered on honoring the political giants that founded the party, and leaders that guided the party during its 40-year existence and the future of the movement and its relevance for the nation. A candlelight vigil was held on Thursday night to remember the country’s sole national hero The Most Excellent Hon. JAGS McCartney. On Friday, Leader of the Opposition Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson and her fellow MPs Hon. Edwin Astwood, and Hon. Derek Taylor committed to a day of service to the community by painting the children’s park in North Back Salina. Friday night was the Legends Ball where party delegates, stalwarts, former leaders, Members of Parliament, party supporters and well wishers and Rt. Hon. Dorothy McCartney dined together in an elegantly decorated ballroom adorned with a magnificent display of party colors. The keynote speaker Dr. Hubert Fulford delivered a speech focused on inclusiveness and the oneness of the PDM. He said that the convention’s theme in its 40th year captured accurately the motivations behind Jags’ dream for the nation.
The night also saw speeches delivered by former leaders, Douglas Parnell, Floyd Seymour and Derek Taylor, who all echoed the call for party unity ahead of the next general election. But it was the speech delivered on behalf of the youth by Creshell Bain that captivated the audience enjoying the evening’s event, as she exhorted the youth to look to the stability and inclusiveness offered by the PDM as some of the traits that will make the youth strong and successful. Introduced and described by former Deputy Speaker Dwayne Taylor as a fierce fighter on behalf of the people, leader of the party Hon. Sharlene CartwrightRobinson spoke to the future of the party and its relevance to the people today. She highlighted a list of demands issued by JAGS McCartney in the Junkanoo Club on June 6, 1975, and said that the aims and objective of the PDM remain steadfast in the full pursuit of those demands issued by JAGS but reminded the attendees that, without forming the government, those demands are just a wish list. She implored all in attendance to bind together as ONE PEOPLE, with ONE DESTINY and declared that together the PDM remained ONE MOVEMENT! Saturday, June 6, 2015, was the party’s business session, where delegates learned in more detail of the work of the party around the islands and received the reports from party officers.
Election of Officers of the party took place during the business session of the convention, which saw party leader, Hon. Sharlene CartwrightRobinson and Deputy Leader Hon. Sean Astwood returned after a motion was moved by Hon. Goldray Ewing that the positions be retained. Delegates in attendance supported this motion, with 51 out of 54 delegates openly voting to support their continued service in an unprecedented vote of confidence in their leadership. The following persons were additionally elected to office: Mr. Douglas Parnell Mr. Karl Bain Mrs. Patricia Saunders Mr. Princie Harris Mr. Kelvin Williams Ms. Gladyss Kennedy
- National Chairman - 1st Vice Chair - 2nd Vice Chair - Party Whip - Assistant Treasurer - Assistant Secretary General Pastor Terrence Smith - Party Chaplain Mr. Llewellyn Handfield, - Trustee Mr. Charles Garland - Trustee Hon. Derek Taylor - Trustee
LAWS OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS 2014 REVISED EDITION PUBLISHED The Turks& Caicos Islands (TCI) Government, Office of the Attorney General is pleased to announce the publication of the 2014 Revised Edition of the Laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The 2014 Revised Edition comes into force on 15th June 2015 and contains the consolidated text of the Ordinances and subsidiary legislation of the Turks and Caicos Islands as at 31st December, 2014. This edition is in the form of
loose leaf volumes handsomely bound Knowles, Attorney General stated; and presented and accompanied by a “It’s very important that our laws are searchable CD-ROM. Persons wishing regularly updated and available to to purchase the new 11 volume set and the public. This is only one aspect accompanied CD-ROMs, the cost is of a three phase project which will US$1,800. For those persons wishing ultimately culminate in the revised to only purchase a CD-ROM, the cost laws being available in hard copies, is US$1,000. on searchable CD-ROMs and on line In addition, individual updates.” “Copies of this 2014 Law booklets are also available for sale at $10.00, $50.00 and $75.00 each, Revision will be available in the public libraries on Grand Turk and depending on size. Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite- Providenciales and the Prison”
Persons interested in purchasing copies of the 2014 law revision should place orders by contacting: Ms. Simeka Boyce Senior Legislative Systems Administrator Attorney Generals Chambers Waterloo Road, Waterloo Plaza, Grand Turk Telephone: 649-338-3273 or by email on sboyce@gov.tc
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
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Chief Magistrate to rule on David Smith extradition Any day now, Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner is expected to rule on whether or not David Smith, the convicted ponzi schemer is to be extradite to the United States to serve out his 30-year sentence to which a District Court judge sentenced him some three and a half year ago. Both the prosecution and the defense made arguments as to why Smith should be extradited and why he should not serve out his sentence in the US after a plea agreement in July 2010. The sentence was said to run concurrently with the six and a half years that Smith already serve at her Majesty’s prison after pleading guilty to financial crimes charges. Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) John Masters told the court that Smith agreed that he would not challenge extradition after completing his sentence locally, but now he was trying to frustrate the agreement as far as the United States is concerned. He said that Smith, in the plea agreement, said he would not contest the extradition. He said that a benefit of the agreement was that Smith would return to the TCI to serve out his sentence, saying that he was released on trust of the agreement but now he is taking advantage of the benefit. He said that Smith had consented to the extradition during the agreement, and that while he is not bound by the agreement, he should abide by it. Masters said that Smith was not extradited because he was charged, but because he was sentenced. He
said it was in good faith that the US allowed him to serve out his sentence here rather than in the US, admitting that the plea agreement was extrajudicial, and so the local court is not bound to adhere to it, but said that he was convicted for an extraditable crimes. It his argument on behalf of the defense, attorney Oliver Smith, raised double jeopardy argument, saying that his client was convicted for the same crime in the TCI as in the US, saying that both jurisdiction sentenced him on the $220 million money laundering charge. Smith also argued that wire fraud – one of Smith charges – is not an extraditable crime. At the time, Judge Warner stepped in and pointed out that if the victims for both the US and the TCI are the same, that would constitute double jeopardy. Smith also pointed out that when Smith made the plea agreement, he did so only on the basis that he would travel to the US to answer to the charges, and to return there to serve out his sentence. The SUN spoke with both Masters and Smith after the cause was adjourned. Smith noted: “The defense case is two grounds, that the agreement is not valid and it is not something that is applied. One of the crimes is definitely not an extradition crime, and the other crime is double jeopardy. Double jeopardy means that if you commit a crime in one jurisdiction and they are trying to bring you back to another jurisdiction
to try you for the same crime, that’s double jeopardy. Even in that case where he was convicted a second time, double jeopardy still attaches in relation to extradition. Masters explained: “The respondent David Smith had entered a plea agreement in the United States, which resulted in him being sentenced to 30 years in prison. He also had a conviction in Turks and Caicos for about six years. “Part of the agreement was that he serves 30 years over there and the six years taken into account here, notwithstanding making a plea agreement and saying he would not raise a lot of issues. (David Smith said) ‘Yes, I promised the US court all those but I am not bound by my promise in the TCI. And so, he told the US court one thing and told the court here another thing and then argued that he is allowed to do that, basically. On the matter of double jeopardy, Master’s said: “Double jeopardy applies when you are already been convicted for the offense that you are about to be tried for. The Crown’s position is that is the sort of point you raise when you are charged and brought before a court and you say it is double jeopardy because I have already been convicted or acquitted for it elsewhere. In this case, he has already been convicted in Turks and Caicos, and he went to the US and said nothing, ‘I have already convicted, it’s double jeopardy’, and he conceded that it wasn’t an overlap.
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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.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Tourist’s body fished from sea
A female police officer partially blocked view of undertakers preparing to remove the body of the drowned male tourist in the morgue A body fished from the sea off the South Dock area of Providenciales on Wednesday, June 10, 2015, has been confirmed to be that of 47-yearold American tourist who went missing since Tuesday, June 10. At press time, the police did not give the identity of the man on the explanation that he next of kin would have to be contacted first. The body was spotted near a cay in the Chalk Sound area by the police who went in search of the missing man. The body was removed to the morgue on Providenciales Wednesday afternoon. A kayak, believed to be the vessel that the man was travelling in at the time of his disappearance, was also removed from the scene by the police. The SUN understands that he
was to have left the island on Monday, June 8 at 2p.m, but after he failed to check out of the hotel he was staying, the police was notified. Carl Simmons, owner of Tropical Shipping Turks and Caicos, told The SUN that police investigators contacted him to borrow a boat to assist with the body’s retrieval. He said that the body was spotted about half mile from the shore line. “I was at work and the police called me and asked if I could assist them with a boat to go in (the water) and look for a body somewhere in Chalk Sound, and immediately I accommodated the police. With about two or three police on my vessel, we went to the direction that they told me to go, and we saw the body hanging under one of the Rocks on one of the
cays in Chalk Sound,” he said. Simmons said he assisted the police into getting the body on the boat and brought it ashore. He said the body, which was fully clothed in casual outfit, showed slight signs of decomposition, but was largely intact. “The body was intact, there didn’t seem to be any marks or anything on it. It had clothing on, and shoes, but there was slight indication that it had started to decay. He was dressed like a tourist. He was in a very casual outfit of clothing, and seemed like he would be dressed to be inside the water. “He had water-type clothing on. He looks to be in his late 40s, early 50s, about 350 pounds. The waters were calm, so we could identify the body very easily. ” Simmons said. Earlier, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force issued a news release of a missing man it said
disappeared on June 8, 2015. “Officers of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating the disappearance of the 47 year old male who was a hotel guest in the North West Point area of Providenciales. “The 47 year old male was last seen on Monday (June 08th, 2015) sometime after 8a.m., at an area on the compound of the hotel he was staying at. At the time he was last seen, he was sitting in a vehicle and from that view, the only description of the clothing worn by the 47 year old male was a beige shirt. “He is described as a Caucasian male with blonde hair and blue eyes standing at about 6 feet 3 inches tall and of a heavy build weighing about 280 pounds,” the police news release said. Astwood said that the police has not suspected foul play but would make
Photo shows the general area of the water that the body was found
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
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
FortisTCI Excels at Making Major Investments in Employee Education & Training Employing the best people with the right qualifications and expertise is critical to the operations of FortisTCI (the Company). That is why the Company continues to invest heavily in personal and professional growth through training for its employees. Over $2 million dollars (see table below) was spent on internal and external training initiatives between 2010 and 2014; many of which are certified. This figure includes the cost of scholarships, apprenticeship programs, high school and college internships, on the job training, and leadership development. Community College support, seminars etc. The Company’s major investment in training derives from the fact that it has been increasingly more difficult to secure qualified and experienced talent. The Company maintains a Five-year Strategic Training Plan that identifies specific skills gaps, as well as an Annual Training Register which identifies training that will be undertaken each year. This approach helps to ensure that the necessary skills are available at all times in an industry with a mandate to carry out operations that are critical to the Country. In early 2015, FortisTCI successfully met all requirements for the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
accreditation standard and criteria. The Company now serves as one of only eight Accredited Training Sponsor (ATS) sites within the region. This five (5) year step program for mechanics and engineers is one of several initiatives implemented to broaden the technical skill set available within the organization. The Company has also launched a program for plant operators through the American Society for Power Engineers (ASOPE). The ASOPE Program requires participants to complete four levels of certifications including third, second, and first class engineer, and chief engineer; to date, the first of the four levels has been completed. Both NCCER and ASOPE are internationally recognized, and participants undergo practical and theoretical learning sessions. Other certified technical training courses administered at FortisTCI include a two year customized Meter Technician Program and a four (4) year, four (4) level Linemen Apprenticeship Program. The Company has also created opportunities specifically for Turks and Caicos Islanders to obtain university level education through
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its bonded scholarship programs. To date, FortisTCI has served as the primary benefactor of four university bachelor degrees and one MBA with an additional bachelor degree in progress and an MBA that is set to finish in 2015. The FortisTCI Student Internship Program (SIP), Student Summer Employment Program (SSEP) and Student Apprenticeship Program are all geared toward providing exposure to local high school and college students. Through these programs, students can experience the day-to-day operations of an electric utility company and FortisTCI can identify potential candidates for future scholarship awards. The Company considers itself an “employer of choice” in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and has one of the highest percentages of locally employed personnel with 86% of its staff being Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Leadership and on the job training programs have also been established to develop employees that possess potential leadership capabilities. Since January 2015, a total of 4,164 training hours has been recorded by employees. FortisTCI President and CEO Eddinton Powell said, “Utilities are among the fastest changing business segments in the world. Smart technologies are revolutionizing our industry, while customers’ demands and expectations are changing. In a fast paced performance-based organization, our employees must be on the cutting edge of innovation, experts in their fields, and multiskilled workers. Investing in and developing our people is a part of our mission because it is vital to the level of service FortisTCI can provide to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our employees are our greatest assets.”
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 11
LOCAL NEWS
Architect’s revelation triggers Emerald Cay investigation
Tim Ossulivand Arthur Been, Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and former Head of the Collector of Stamp Duty, said that he decided to pursue the Emerald Cay property sale because his deputy told him that the architect who designed the structure told him that it was worth more than $10 million. Been made the disclosure while testifying in the Timothy O’Sullivan, Gordon Kerr stamp duty fraud trial on Tuesday (June 9, 2015) in the Supreme Court in Providenciales. Been said that his deputy Stuart Taylor told him that the architect
for the property told him that the development valued in excess of $21 million and that the $10 million that was being touted by the attorneys was not correct market figure. He said Taylor told him that something was not right with the sale, and so he should launch an investigation into it. He said that stamp duty is paid based on market value and valuation by the chief valuation officer, agreeing that sometimes properties are sold below the market price. He said that Taylor informed him that Shaban Hoza, the Chief Valuation Officer had valued the land for $10 million. He told the court that while they believed that that the property may have valued much more than it was sold for, valuation of land is not his area or expertise. Such skills, he said rests with the Land Valuation Department. He said though that his job is to assess stamp duty on the market value. Been said that while he was in Florida sometime in 2006, Taylor called him to point a suspicious transaction, urging him to launch some level of investigation into it. Been said he contacted former head of the Financial Crimes Unit, Mark Knighton, that same day for him to initiate the investigation. The finance deputy PS said
SENIOR DYNAMICS AX MECOMS Description Perform consulting duties related to the implementation of the Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP system and the MECOMS Utility Solution Develop software customizations using the X++ programming language to meet unique business requirements
Main Duties and Responsbilities
Meet with department heads and business users to understand business processes and requirements related to the ERP Solution Configure Dynamics AX and MECOMS to meet the business requirements Design and develop software customizations using X++ and deep knowledge of Dynamics AX and MECOMS to meet unique business requirements Migrate data from existing sources to Dynamics AX and MECOMS Train users to productively use the system Support go live and post production phase of new system
Minimum Requirements 5+ years’ experience as a Microsoft Dynamics AX Consultant and X++ software developer Detailed knowledge of the Dynamics AX Trade and Logistics and Project Modules Training Certification on the MECOMS Utility Solution from Ferranti Computer Systems 7+ years’ experience implementing Dynamics ERP solutions in complex organizations Compensation Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is June 26, 2015:
Dr. Kellie-Ann Evans-Hall Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or khall@fortistci.com
he made the determination since his $40 million. Questioned by Gordon Kerr’s department does not have the resources to carry out such investigation. He attorney Andrew Radcliffe, Been said said that Taylor called him the same that he gathered information of the day that he received the stamp duty property six years after it was sold. He told the court that it is the practice to documentation. Been, who is based in Grand ask the chief valuation officer to assess Turk, said that after he returned properties on behalf of the government to the TCI, met with Knighton in since his office does not have the Providenciales, and after that meeting, qualification to do so. met with O’Sullivan. Been said he told Sullivan that he visited his office to discuss the Emerald Cay sale. Been told the court that he came to the conclusion that the land was undervalued after perusing documentation relating to its sale. Under cross examination by O’Sullivan attorney Jim Sturman, Been said that when he put it to O’Sullivan that the property valued in excess of the $10 million, the attorney told him that it could be true or false, but he would have to check with his client for confirmation. He said that O’Sullivan told him that the property was sold for $10 million before construction was complete, and that the transfer was done after its completion. Been said he could not say whether or not his query into the price of the property was based on an article he saw in Golf Magazine that indicated that the property was worth Gordon Kerr
AVAILABLE POSITION HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT -- (TEMPORARY FOR ONE YEAR) Purpose: Responsible for providing administrative assistance to Human Resources & Training department ensuring effective and efficient operation of department, processes and programs; coordinate intra and interdepartmental communication. Indicators of Success: •Internal customer satisfaction •Attendance and timeliness •Completion of work assignments (safely, timely, completely, correctly) Areas of Responsibility: •Handle all administrative work (correspondence, filing, etc.) for department accurately and on a timely basis. •Assist in the hiring process: - maintain job requisitions, ensuring proper approval and compliance with resort policy - create and place job ads (newspaper, radio and internet) - receive and organize applications and refer to next stage in interview process •Ensure all new hires are processed completely, accurately and on a timely basis; prepare employment contracts and other employment documents as needed; provide required information to Payroll. •Assist in preparation and execution of all employee developmental and social programs and activities. •Update notice boards on a regular basis, ensuring the information posted is relevant and up-to-date. •Assist with creation and production of training materials and organization of training sessions and recordkeeping. •Create and/or produce printed materials such as promotional flyers, notices, etc. maintaining all resort standards and ensuring high quality. •Assist with regular and special reports and projects. •Ensure confidentiality of all activity and documentation is maintained at all times. •Ensure all work areas are kept clean, tidy and safe. •Other duties as may be requested or required by department or other manager. Key Skills and Requirement: •Knowledge of Word, PowerPoint and Excel •Typing and computer proficiency
Interested applicants should submit an updated resume to marjorie.dorsett@regenthotels.com, no later than end of day Friday, June 26, 2015. This position is a one year agreement only.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
“Waterloo” is part of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ living history, says Governor The 200th anniversary of one of the most important and historic buildings in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is being celebrated on, Monday, 15 June 2015. His Excellency the Governor’s official residence in the capital Grand Turk was named Waterloo after the famous battle fought in 1815. The anniversary was marked by a reception hosted by the Governor at the house on the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s official birthday. “Waterloo is an important, historic and living piece of the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Governor Peter Beckingham. “At a time when there is a growing appreciation of TCI culture for residents and visitors alike, Waterloo must be recognised as one of the most significant buildings in the Caribbean, given its age, and its key role at the heart of the Islands’ political development. “The Islands are very fortunate that this historic building has been so well cared for, and has survived fires, termites, remodelling work and hurricanes in 1866, 1926, 1945 and 2008.” In recognition of the anniversary, Governor Beckingham has published a commemorative booklet about the property, including a forward by local historian Dr Carlton Mills who said, “The significant role that this property has played in the Turks and Caicos since 1815 must be captured and shared as an important part of the Islands’ heritage and legacy.” Historical, cultural and political highlights of Waterloo include: •The Waterloo residence was built
in 1815, and named after the Napoleonic battle of June 18, 1815. It was built in the style of a Bermudan home, with just one wing and, in the style of the time, an open air kitchen. •In 1857 the local owner of Waterloo, James Misick, sold the property to the British Government for £1,046. The British had been looking for a more secluded property for their ‘King’s Agent’ or Crown representative in the TCI, known as the President. •In 1874, on the request of the people of TCI, the Islands became a dependency of Jamaica. With this change in constitutional status Britain was no longer represented by a President but by a Commissioner, who reported to the GovernorGeneral in Jamaica, and lived in Waterloo. •By the 1940s the Commissioner, Edwin Arrowsmith, found the house in poor repair; finding it, “covered with old cloth backed paper which was dilapidated and housed multitudes of cockroaches”. He begun some modernisation, which was continued by a number of his successors. •After Jamaica became independent in 1963, the TCI became a Dependency of the United Kingdom, and responsibility fell to the Governor General of the Bahamas, who nominated Administrators to represent British interests, who continued to live in Waterloo. •Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandra have all visited Waterloo. •In 1973 after Bahamian independence, the TCI chose to retain its British Dependent status and the Islands welcomed its first
Governor. •In 1975 members of the Junkanoo Club marched on Waterloo to demand social, economic and political reform. They held a sleep out on the lawn and remained there until their demands were met. Their protest secured a new Constitution and the start of TCI Ministerial Government in 1976. The first Chief Minister was the Right Honourable James Alexander George Smith, or ‘JAGS’, McCartney. •Renovations and improvements to Waterloo were commissioned in 1993, to restore as far as possible the original features, including the windows and the property’s unusual guttering.
•In 1999 a nine-hole golf course was created in the grounds, and despite damage in the 2008 hurricane, it is still used by local players who encounter tough greens and unusual fairways! •Today Waterloo is the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen’s representative in the UK Overseas Territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands, His Excellency the Governor. The house is regularly used for meetings with the Premier, the official opposition, overseas investors, church leaders and community groups, and school children regularly tour the building and property.
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
United Airline Houston’s inaugural flight landed in the Providenciales
Team TCI that traveled on the Inaugural flight Houston’s inaugural flight landed on Saturday at the Provo International Airport in Providenciales on 5th June 2015, as hundreds of visitors arrived on the island for their vacation, some for the very first time. There were as many as nine airlines that were on the ground Saturday and it seemed the International Arrivals area was going to be over crowded with so many visitors getting into Providenciales at one time. Saturday is the busiest day for the country’s gateway Providenciales International Airport and as hundreds were being processed by Immigration, collecting their bags at the one baggage carousel and filing through Customs it seemed that is would have been an awful mess, but Lavern Reynolds, Terminal and Marketing Manager and the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority said that things were under control. Speaking with Lavern Reynolds, Terminal and Marketing Manager of the International Airport here in Providenciales she
said “We are delighted to welcome United Airways here to Providenciales with our Inaugural flight from Houston Taxes to Providenciales. We almost had a full flight with approximately one hundredseventy passengers on the plane. Persons were very excited to be coming to our tropical destination and the few that I have spoken with were very excited about coming to go to the beaches of course and do some diving and we are welcoming them with open arms as we were able to fly over to Houston, Texas to come along with them on this maiden voyage. We look forward to opening up many more routes from North America to Providenciales.” She added, “This flight is going to be arriving once a week every Saturday. Saturdays are the busiest time of the week for us but fortunately it allows the passengers the ability to connect to other destinations. I don’t think it is overwhelming. I think it is one of those things whereby we have to put all of our ducks in a row; we have other partners that
we are working along with, which is Customs, as well as Immigration and the airlines and the other entities within the airport itself. I think it’s wonderful for us to be able to keep busy and give them work pretty much, all year round. So I think it keeps us on our toes because you might get a bit relaxed in the off season and then you have to speed things up for the winter season; this way you keep yourself at a very busy pace, all year round.” Minister of Tourism, Porsha Stubbs- Smith said, “Being responsible for guests coming to the Turks and Caicos Islands I am overwhelmed, happy, excited and enthusiastic because I want the persons who are coming to our country to experience what we experience on a daily basis here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Coming on that plane... the three hours
were not a problem for me at all because it was at least two-hundred persons for their first time coming to the TCI and you should see the joy on their families’ faces and the kids talking behind me saying things such as ‘Dad the water is so lovely’ knowing that we are the jewel of the Caribbean, being voted best beach so many times, being voted number one destination not so long ago, winning other awards for our shores I was really and truly happy.” She added that “This flight was like none other I love the décor of the liner that brought us in. United has a very good aircraft. They serve you complimentary drinks, they have a first class section, the staff on board was very friendly, over all the passengers were comfortable and the three hours went by very quickly.
Happy couple bound for TCI
I think that persons are also very excited that we having a flight that does not have to go through Miami or Charlotte or an Atlanta. I have spoken to persons from Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Dallas were on that flight and they were happy that they didn’t have to do them connections.” Ralph Higgs, Tourist Board Director, was pleased with the processing speed of TCI Border Control but said, there is some work to be done. He said “(It was) very impressive (with) eight or nine jets are on the airport at the same time. I think that speaks to a lot of positive things but it also speaks to situations that we must internally address as quickly as we can. Sometimes success can present challenges and we are very cognizant of that, and we will continue grow as we try to mitigate the challenges that growth brings.”
United agent gifting passengers with beach bags
C
C
hukka aribbean is seeking bright, energetic individuals to join our team in the following categories: Chef Scullion Sales Associates Aqua Photographers Applicants should be “ Belongers “ and possess the aptitude to read and write English Speaking another language will be an asset Applications should be emailed not later than June 29,2015 to : gtadminmgr@chukka.com
Wedding couple with Ralph Higgs
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
United Pilot proudly holding his beach bag
United Inaugural gate display
Interested persons should contract the Office Manager at 941-4500.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Leadership Crisis? employee would want to experience. I know that many of us would say that this could never happen in the TCI. However, lately I’ve gone to several business establishments and heard and seen supervisors and managers ripping into staff right in front of customers/clients. Now I’m no expert in anything, especially leadership; however, I can’t imagine that this sort of open disrespect of the employee does anything positive for the organization or the employee themselves.
Vacancy Position: Location:
Chief Executive Officer Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales
•Fundamental Leadership Role •International Organisation •Very Competitive Remuneration InterHealth Canada is a leading healthcare organisation specialising in the development, commissioning and management of healthcare facilities on the international stage. We are currently looking for a CEO to manage the Cockburn Town Medical Centre and the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. The CEO will provide the leadership and assume responsibility and accountability for the overall strategic and operational planning of the two Turks & Caicos Island’s facilities. This will be carried out in conjunction with the overall strategic direction of the health system, in partnership with InterHealth Canada and the Turks & Caicos Islands Government.
Responsibilities: •Commitment to the Cockburn Town Medical Centre, Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, and their strategic principles •Strategic planning consists of but is not limited to the following: o In collaboration with the Board of Directors, corporate staff, hospital employees, community and Turks & Caicos Islands Government. o The CEO will cultivate a vision & mission that represents the facilities within the community. o Meet with local businesses to align expectations, opinions and goals of the facilities. •In collaboration with the Board of Directors the CEO will construct and communicate an annual Strategic Plan and deliver progress reports to the Board of Directors, Turks & Caicos Islands Government and hospital employees. •The CEO will provide leadership while growing and enhancing a model integrated health centre with outstanding clinical outcomes and excellent service. •Establish a culture of collaboration and integration that enhances the provision of excellent patient care, patient satisfaction within a safe environment. •Oversee a strong workforce development through recruitment and retention, employee satisfaction, engagement while maximising growth potential of all employees •Manage the company’s performance to maximise operational efficiencies providing the highest quality of safe and appropriate patient care •Ensure effective communication on all levels from a bottom up and top down approach. •Implement through “lean processes” a focus on improving quality of care with standards of excellence for a consistent patient experience. •Continue to support the information technology strategic plan, which moves toward a more fully electronic clinical environment by 2020. •Drive the planning and development of capacity expansion projects and guide the development of services for the increase in the facilities. •The CEO will represent the company and guarantors of its obligations and rights under the company’s agreements with the public partner. •Lead and support key committees pertaining to service areas. •Organisationally, the CEO will work collaboratively with the hospital leadership and the Turks & Caicos Islands Government to develop and implement well-balanced clinical programs designed to ensure the operational and strategic success of our facilities. •Financial Management The successful candidate will be an experienced CEO with business acumen; experienced in providing leadership through change to staff in complex and diverse operations; and have proven ability to collaborate and influence industry bodies and all levels of Government. Other important qualities include appropriate qualifications, strategic thinking, high level negotiation and communication skills, understanding HR principles, experience in managing resources and working to budgets. A competitive remuneration package will be offered to secure the calibre of the person we are seeking based on qualifications and experience managing and growing similar sized facilities.
All applications may be submitted to HR@interhealthcanada.com by the closing date: 30th June 2015
“ON MY MIND” By Damian Wilson
No… Just in case you’re wondering, this column piece is not about the recently concluded PDM convention and the leadership of the party; or even the leadership of any political party for that matter. At some point we have to allow the politicians some room to breathe and assess themselves. So in this piece I really want to deal with something I never actually thought about until now… Leadership amongst our supposed business professionals. Imagine that you’re at work, and hard it, doing all you can to ensure that the organization succeeds. Now imagine that you make a mistake, maybe it’s not your first time making this very same mistake, maybe the mistake has to do with a client/ customer. You call over your immediate supervisor or the manager for assistance. Instead of first offering advice on how to help the client/ customer that’s waiting in front of you, your supervisor/manager starts laying into you, and their words aren’t so kind. They begin to really insult you, calling you worthless or helpless, telling you how their 10yr old could do a better job, that they don’t know why you were hired, and so on. A complete nightmare scenario that no junior
In witnessing this frightening scenario on more than one occasion lately, I decided to ask around and see if anyone else noticed the same things that I had. To my surprise many people responded by telling me that that sort of behaviour is quite normal for many supervisors and managers here. In fact, I was told that in the Turks & Caicos “you can only get ahead by making others look less than you”, that this is not just the norm for most organizations, but it’s an unwritten rule. However, I refuse to believe that our supervisors and managers could be so small minded and short sighted. One must learn that leadership is not about you, the leader, but it’s about the people you serve and those who serve with you. “A rising tide floats all boats”, as the old cliché goes. Leadership is about people, recognizing that a person is a person no matter how small. Real leaders build up, guide, shape and utilize those under their leadership; it’s not about establishing an attitude of overbearing superiority. Such overbearing leaders have a superiority complex. My late Uncle Joseph Williams, former Chief Environment Health Officer, would always tell me: “Damian, no leader knows everything. And when you don’t know, you utilize the people that do know.” So my question is: Are you really a leader? *Damian Wilson was born in Grant Turk. He is a journalist, poet, and social thinker. He has been in broadcast media for nearly the last 10 years of his life and is married with two children.
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 15
LOCAL NEWS
Measures to reduce noncommunicable diseases in TCI
Hon. Dr. Premier Rufus Ewing In a press conference held just moments following the closure of the Forum of Key stakeholders on NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs) last evening in Barbados, Premier and Minister of Health, Agriculture and Human Services of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Dr. The Hon. Rufus W. Ewing committed to championing the fight against NCDs in the Turks and Caicos Islands and regionally at
the level of Heads of Government in CARICOM. This was in response to the announcement made by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) during the two day forum, that despite the region’s efforts to reduce the risk and impact of NCDs in the Caribbean, current trends show that the goal of 25% reduction in deaths associated with NCDs is still beyond reach for 2025. The two day NCD Forum which was attended by Caribbean Ministers of Health, including Premier Ewing as the highest ranking political leader, informed those gathered that NCDs continues to be a major development issue for the region, with 3 out of every 4 deaths being due to NCDs and that 73 percent of those deaths occur in the productive age group of 30 to 69, regionally. Premier Ewing, in his contribution during the panel discussion at the Forum, emphasized the importance of political, technical and private sector leadership in adequately addressing NCDs. Premier Ewing, during the discussions at the Ministerial Forum, reaffirmed his Government's
commitments to strengthening living with a focus on prevention and primary health care in the Turks and staying healthy. Caicos Islands, thereby addressing The NCDs Agenda which NCDs and ultimately meeting the addresses the prevention and control global target. The Premier, in laying of NCDs was brought to the world out the road map for minimizing stage back in 2011, when a High Level the impact of NCDs, identified Meeting, attended and championed his Government’s key initiatives by the Region of the Americas, and as including: the tabling of the particularly the Caribbean SubTobacco Control Bill in region, led to a Political Declaration Cabinet and the House of Assembly for countries to implement measures towards the reduction in tobacco designed to tackle this global epidemic. consumption and the promotion of This Declaration was most recently smoke-free zones; the establishment reaffirmed and adopted by the United of a Chronic Disease Commission for Nations General Assembly. the incorporation and collaboration The forum which also saw with the health public sector and non- the participation of Health officials government organizations (NGOs) as from all across the Caribbean Region partners in the fight against NCDs; was organized by the PAHO and the implementation of the Turks and WHO and was held on the 8th and Caicos Islands National Action plan 9th of June in Bridgetown, Barbados. for the prevention and control of NCDs, Among the forum’s key objectives was as coming out of the National Health a discussion on strategies to make Strategic Plan; the implementation of recommendations that will ensure the Health in All policy approach to that the goal of reducing the impact the development of national policies of NCDs remain high on the political with the recognition of health as also agenda in the Caribbean, as well as being a development issue; and, the the development of initiatives that will strengthening of the national Healthy ensure universal health care coverage Lifestyles initiatives intended to bring and universal access to health care about changes in attitude and cultural within countries of the region. practices in the approach to healthy
HERTZ/ MYSTIQUE CAR RENTAL TEL # 649-941-3910 VEHICLES FOR SALE Brand New 2015 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED 4 DOOR $48,500.00 left and right hand drive available
Feel free to stop by for used vehicles for Sale from $5,000 upward or call us at 649-941-3910 Nissan-March
Daihatsu Sirion
Toyota Passo
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
LOCAL NEWS
Little Mr. and Miss ECPS Pageant Enid Capron Primary School is hosting there 9th annual Mr. And Miss Enid Capron Primary School on the 12th of June. The ECPS pageant started in 2007, and this year there are ten contestants consisting of six girls and four boys from grades 3 to 5 vying for the titles of Mr. and Miss ECPS. The pageant was usually held at the Williams Auditorium but since that is no longer available it will be held at Felix Morley Community Center in Five Cays. The contestants in the girl categories are Jordinae Williams sponsored by Max Mini Mart, Adonesha Noel sponsored by Blue whale Tours & Excursions and, Bryanca Brown Sponsored by Connally KIA Motors, Windrier Cox sponsored by Coxco, Phileah Robinson Sponsored by T.C.I Travel Smart and Gabrielle Stuart sponsored by Island Furniture and Design. The boys competing for Mr. ECPS are Stanley Louis Sponsored by Bugaloos, Ruben Centatus sponsored by Grace Bay Car Rentals, Fredlin Morency Sponcered by Graceway I.G.A. The contestants are all ready to give their all and fight for their individual titles. The confident Adonesha Noel said she 10 years old and she enjoys reading, dancing and modeling. She joined the competition because she believes whatever a person puts their mind to can be achieved through hardwork and dedication. And she encourages the public to purchase their tickets and watch as she obtains her crown as Miss ECPS. Phileah Robinson is 8 years old and her hobbies include sing dancing and public speaking. She invites the public to watch her obtain the crown and the title of Miss ECPS on June 12th. The vibrant Bryanca Brown is from the beautiful, phenomenal Providenciales she is an outstanding student. She says that this competition is no competition for her and the she is a queen with the eyes of a tiger and says to come and hear her roar because she excels at anything anyone can imagine. Gabrielle Stuart invites the public to come out and support her in the running to become the new Miss ECPS as she blows you away being the talented songbird of the Enid Capron Primary School. Windrier Cox said she will be yearning for the title of Miss ECPS on June the 12 her hobbies are dancing, singing and reading and she is certain that she will leave the competition as the future Miss ECPS. Jordanae Williams is 9 years old and she encourages the public to come out and watch her and the other contestants perform in the battle to become the New MR. and Miss ECPS.
New Zika Virus reaches Caribbean The Caribbean region is now reporting its first case of the mosquito borne Zika Virus (ZIK-V). According to curacaochronicle.com, a 12-year-old from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is the very first case to reach the Caribbean’s shores a month after being reported in the South American country of Brazil. The media house said that the 12-year-old has been hospitalized in a private medical facility. The Zika virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes Aegypti mosquito, the same mosquito that transmits Chikungunya and Dengue. Reports say that the virus is similar to dengue with symptoms that include fever, joint and muscle pain, conjunctivitis, headache, weakness, rash and swelling of the lower limbs. After the bite of an infected mosquito, symptoms usually appear following the incubation period of three to 12 days. They last for four
to seven days. No deaths due to the Zika virus have been recorded worldwide to date. The Zika Virus was first isolated in 1947 in a Rhesus monkey in the Zika Forest, Uganda. It was first isolated in humans in 1952 in Uganda and Tanzania. Dominican Health authorities have joined their voices with the other regional health organizations to warn citizens to play their part to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the likelihood of the disease reaching the shores of the island. A Health Risk Management Task Force has been activated to review and refine management strategies and guidelines which will shape the Ministry’s response in the event of the disease surfaces in Dominica. Additionally fogging activities has been initiated in areas of high Aedes Aegypti mosquito infestation across the island.
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
"Michael Jackson" returns to TCI Based on overwhelming response to last year’s show, organizers of this year’s TI Summajam Festival, the number one celebration in the nation’s capital, Grand Turk, have secured the contracting of Michael Jackson Celebrity Impersonator Extraordinaire, Bobby Miller to highlight the event for a second time at the annual festival June 25h and 26th. Bobby Miller, who hails from Atlanta, Georgia says that he is delighted to return to the Islands and promises to put on two new shows that the people of Grand Turk will never forget. And the performance comes at a particularly special time, as June 25, 2015 will mark the 6th anniversary of Michael’s untimely death. There are many Michael Jackson Impersonators, but there is only one Michael Jackson Impersonator Extraordinaire -Bobby Miller. He looks like Michael, he dances like Michael, he sings like Michael- you will believe he is Michael! He has been a fan of Michael Jackson since youth. Bobby’s childhood was not without its challenges as he
grew up in a broken home without a father. Bobby had to learn how to become self sufficient at an early age and found influence and inspiration in the phenomenon, Michael Jackson. Bobby so admired Michael Jackson that he started his career by performing for his mother’s house guests and in the local neighborhood with a bucket to collect funds to help with the finances at home. Those who witnessed Bobby’s early performances were amazed by the authenticity of his dance moves. The moves seemed to come naturally, as if that same special gift had been bestowed upon him by Michael Jackson himself. Bobby came to be known as “The Little Michael Jackson” and at the age of eight, started entering talent contests, shows and school events performing as the King of Pop. One cannot tell the difference when he is on stage; he looks like Michael, sings like Michael, dances like Michael and dresses like Michael. Booby soon found that performing was his outlet to life, and performing as Michael Jackson makes him the happiest.
NOTICE Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 1990 An application, PR12247, by AYMCS Ltd for REZONING THE OF 60905/105 FROM (TO1) TOURISM TO (C1) COMMERCIAL has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Outline Development Permission on 60905/105 LEEWARD GOING THROUGH. Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the director of planning, south base, Grand Turk or through the department of planning, downtown, town center mall, Providenciales, within twenty eight (28) days of publication of this notice. DATED: JUNE 10th 2015
Bobby has studied Michael Jackson his entire life, performed as Jackson for decade and has been awarded for his innate ability to embody and exude the spirit and style of the King of Pop whilst on stage. Bobby has evolved from performing for family and friends for tips in a bucket to gracing the main stage backed by a band and team of talented dancers. He has served for the opening act for many large entertainment events as well as the main attraction on others and has gained quite a bit of attention from the press. According to Miller: “When the glove goes on and it’s time to perform, I feel as if I am the “real” Michael Jackson’. Now that the King of Pop is no longer with us, Bobby continues to honour Michael Jackson by giving fans a chance to experience the King of Pop legacy through his electrifying performances. Bobby will continue to keep the MJ Legacy alive with his shows in Grand Turk this June 25th and 26th performing for fans of all ages, all of Jackson’s greatest hits. This is a show you won’t want to miss!
This year’s celebration kicks off; Wednesday, June 24th at 5:00 p.m. Contestants Motorcade ending at the Parade Grounds with music by DJ Shakes Thursday at 8:00 p.m. The Miss Teen Grand Turk Pageant at the Library Courtyard The Tribute to Michael Jackson Show DJShakes Friday at 9:00 p.m. The Miss Grand Turk Pageant at the Library Courtyard The Tribute to Michael Jackson Show Part 2 The Grand Turk Music Awards featuring this year’s awardees: Musicians/ Entertainers: Keno and Kazz Hall Live Music by Keno N Kazz, Elroy N Daz DJ Shakes Saturday at 5:00 p.m. at Grand Turk Flag Day Motorcade The Parade GroundsMusic by Island Vibes Band and DJ Shakes Softball and Volleyball Competition
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION
Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands. 1.Parcel 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
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
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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LOCAL NEWS
JOB TITLE: ICT Engineer DEPARTMENT: Technical REPORTS TO (TITLE): Chief Technical Officer Primary objective of the job: The IT/IP Engineer will be responsible for the real-time management of all IT/IP based local and wide area networks which support the technical operations and services of Digicel TCI.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS Financial Services Commission Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) – Architectural Services
Main Duties and responsibilities: •Design IT/IP Network Architecture •Responsible for the design, installation and support of all IP based systems to support the technical operations of the business. •Design IP Numbering an addressing schemes, Development, Configuration and Implementation of IP based systems •Perform dimensioning and capacity planning of IP network •Implement and Support Cisco Call Manager PBX system. •Responsible for the operation and maintenance of all IP based systems, which include Cisco network devices, SUN Solaris servers. •Responsible for the operation and maintenance of all IP based services, IP traffic management utilising VLANs and routing protocols (RIP, OSPF), also DNS, Microsoft ISA 2004 Web PROXY, and NTP applications. •Perform all required software and hardware upgrades for above mentioned systems and services •Provide on-call support for after hour outages & planned works, including creation and submission of required forms •Develop and schedule preventative and corrective maintenance policies and procedures, such as regular backups, hardware/software upgrades, and spares inventory, to ensure high availability of all IP based systems. •Ensure that Digicel TCI continue to operate on secure local and wide area networks with the implementation of VPN technologies and firewall policy management •Provide proactive support of WAN data and voice links (VSAT, leased lines) to provide 100% availability of all IP services, including VoIP, PRI, ITP (SS7 over IP) and internet, and to ensure continued connectivity to other Digicel locations and external parties •Ensure adherence with IP Security Established standards and policies as they relate to new and existing LAN and WAN network infrastructure, IP traffic, and network configuration procedures •Ensure that network metrics are closely monitored and captured so as to provide proactive network management, as well as regular feedback on network performance in the form of reports to management •Provide IT/IP Support to other departments and external parties as required •Provide support for VAS sytems. Academic qualifications and experience required for job: •3-5 years’ experience in IT/IP based network design, implementation and administration •CCNA, CCNA Voice and Microsoft MCSE certification and Solid hands on experience with Cisco devices •In-depth knowledge of switching, routing, LAN and WAN technologies •Hands on experience with UNIX and/or Linux systems to support applications Splat and Solaris. •Design, implementation and operational knowledge of network security (VPN, firewall management, intrusion detection) •Minimum of a Bachelors Degree in Computer Sciences or equivalent field Functional Skills: Ability to work unsupervised and handle multiple priority assignments simultaneously Good team player with excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills Possess first rate organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage responsibilities in a high pressure environment Demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional teams Ability to meet deadlines while paying attention to detail High degree of initiative and creativity
SALARY: Based on Qualifications and Experience DEADLINE: Interested applicants should forward their Resume and Cover letter to hrtci@digicelgroup.com on or before June 29th. 2015 Suitably qualified and experienced Belongers are encouraged to apply.
Purpose of RFQ
The Financial Services Commission hereby invites the submission of interest to this Request for Qualification (RFQ) from qualified firms and individuals to provide architectural services in connection with the renovation of a unit owned at Caribbean Place, Unit #8, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.
Objective
The Commission proposed to retain the services of a highly trained, qualified and experienced architect to prepare a plan to guide the renovation work, such services to be remunerated at a fixed contractual sum.
Scope of the Work
The selected architect will plan, design and submit plans, detailed specifications and estimated cost to facilitate our going to tender for a contractor to carry out the renovation works. Subsequent to commencement of the renovation works the chosen architect will carry out inspections to ensure that the work is being carried out to the highest standards as well as in conformity to the plans. The terms of the assignment are to be set out more fully in a contract.
Information to be submitted with Proposal
1.Firm Information & Legal Status- name, address, contact details, structure of the firm (sole, partnership, etc.), size, history, project leader to be in charge, proof of business licence, architects’ licence, incorporation or business name certificate. 2.Financial Status – One (1) bank reference letter; professional insurance coverage. 3.Experience and References – information on firm’s and project leader’s prior experiences; two (2) references from prior clients. 4.Business Ethics Statement -a statement to the effect that the firm or principals is no way connected to or have dealings with any Officer or Director of the Commission; all information submitted is true. 5.Available Resources - to assess ability to present drawings and specifications within three (3) weeks of contract signing.
Selection Process
The Commission will review and evaluate the proposals received to determine which applicant should be selected. The Commission reserves the right to negotiate with one or more parties and is not obligated to enter into any contract with any of the respondents. The selected respondent will then be contacted to be shown the building in question, discuss the possible outcomes and to negotiate a fee and if a price cannot be agreed then the Commission will move to the next most qualified responded or abandon the process, as it sees fit.
Criteria for selection
Selection will be based on: qualification, experience, compliance status and available resources to complete this project in time as outlined.
Procedure for Submission of Proposal
Interested parties should submit their response in writing in a sealed enveloped marked: Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) – Architectural Services addressed to the Managing Director with the word CONFIDENTIAL no later than 2:00 pm Friday June 26, 2015 at Unit D7/D8, Caribbean Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales.
Financial Services Commission: RFQ #01/2015June 9, 2015
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
LOCAL NEWS
Provo Water Company Limited is seeking a Qualified Chartered Engineer to fill the position of Head of Engineering.
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Position Title: Executive Chef Department: Culinary 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:
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
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 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 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 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Knowledge is the Currency of the Future Training investment statistics since 2010 2010 Actual
2011 Actual
2012 Actual
2013 Actual
2014 Actual
Total
*Training
$248,582
$234,053
$257,445
$376,143
$565,773
$1,681,996
Scholarships
$108,922
$57,113
$110,972
$36,978
$32,130
$346,115
$357,504
$291,166
$368,417
$413,121
$597,903
$2,028,111
Subject
Total
*Other Training Examples - Apprenticeship programs, exposure to sister utilities,
Community College support, seminars etc.
Invested into training over the last 5 years
www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 | P.O. Box 132 1030 Leeward HWY, Providenciales, TCI
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 23
Little Miss and Mr. ECPS Pageant contestants on parade The Little Miss and Mr. Enid Capron Pageant was scheduled to be held Friday, June 12, 2015 at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Complex. Nine contestants – five girls and four boys – are contesting the pageant. The contestants were
involved in a motorcade on Friday, June 5 across Providenciales. They started in Five Cays and journeyed to a number of settlements across that island. The following is a snapshot of the event.
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LOCAL LOCALNEWS NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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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
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LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
A REWARDING CAREER WITH COMO HOTELS & RESORTS STARTS TODAY!! PARROT CAY BY COMO HAVE THE FOLLOWING VACANCIES
Executive Assistant Manager
and staff. •To cultivate strong work relationships and communication with hotel staff, while maintaining an “Open Door” policy to gain comfortable chains of communication with staff. •Inspect rooms for VIP guest. •Responds to all guest and employee emergencies.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
To support the General Manager in all aspects of the resort operations and to maximize the satisfaction for each and every guest. In the absence of the General Manager, the Executive Assistant Manager will be in charge of the operation and therefore must meet all the requirements that are set out by COMO Hotels and Resorts.
RESPONSIBILITIES: •Confers with General Manager, Island Director and department heads to review activity, operating and sales report. Recommends needed change in programs or operations. •Monitors and maintain financial accounting records and prepare reports as required. •Monitor maintenance progress in relation to furniture, fixtures and equipment conditions. Recommends improvements and prepare status report. •To contribute to the planning, development and implementation of the property policies and goals, maximizing standard of guest service, occupancy rates and revenue goals. •Prepares, allocates and manages hotel operating budget. Identifies areas in which upgrades are needed or reduction can be made. •Acts as hotel public relations and promotes the property within the hotel industry, local community and trade associations. •To communicate with the heads of department to ensure adequate coordination and operations implementation. •To regularly update the General Manager on all operations achievements and key issues •To meet, greet and bid farewell to all guests of the resort. •Perform daily and weekly property inspections to ensure that property grounds, physical plants and work areas are maintained to standard and all resort safety equipment are in good working condition. •Ensures hotel staff complies with all safety and health requirements of the resort. •To participate in preparation of the resort strategic plan, marketing plan and goals program. •To attend all other meetings as required by the administration team and chair meetings as and when instructed by General Manager. •Liaisons with guest staff and vendors to resolve conflicts courteously and professionally. •Ensures resort supplies are ordered and stocked in advance of need. •Ensure proper use and care of all property equipment and supplies. •Initiate safety training. •Demonstrate visible presence while on duty and be readily available and easily approachable by guests and staff. •To maintain a positive, professional and natural manner with all guests
•Meeting management •Decision making •Scheduling •Excellent organizational and time management skills – ability to prioritize daily tasks. •Professional verbal & written English. •Analyses and interpret hospitality industry journal. •The ability to effectively present information to management, public groups and potential clients. •Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw conclusion. •An in depth knowledge of administrative duties, clerical procedures and supervising office systems. •Practical experience with Power point, MS Word, Excel and unified messaging system. •Attention to detail. •Ability to perform effective judgment in recognizing scope of authority. •Reliability in protecting confidential information. •Remote island experience. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
•Must be able to sit, stand, walk, talk and listen for a lengthy period of time. •Must possess good vision.
Experience Essential
•College degree in related field. •At least 3 to 4 years years experience or combination of education and experience. •Second language French or Spanish will be a plus.
Other Managerial Positions: •Chief Engineer •Power House Technical Consultant •F&B Director •Staff Welfare Manager •Director of Owners Assets •Director of Engineering •Asst. Recreation Manager
OTHER POSITIONS Spa Therapists Turndown Housekeeping Attendant Resort Butler Reverse Osmosis Plant Operator Accountant Health & Safety Manager (Island Nurse)
Evening Spa Attendant F&B Server Guest Services Supervisor Duty Manager Commis Chef Private Estates Housekeeping Supervisor
K9 Dog Handler Duty Manager Head Baker Chef de partie Seamstress
Salary for this position will be paid base on qualification and experience. Please note that all application must be submitted with a valid Police Record, two reference letters from previous employers or a notary public and current educational certificates. Must be willing to relocate. Only suitable candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Forward your resume to the Human Resources Department at the following address: Parrot Cay Resort and COMO Shambhala P.O. Box 164 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Ph: (649) 946 7788, Fax: (649) 946 7749 Email: careers.parrotcay@comohotels.com
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS WORLD NEWS
Come and join our winning team!!! Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond all inclusive property in the Caribbean is inviting applications from suitably qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions. Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends. The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that only short listed applicants will be contacted for an interview.
The Food and Beverage Department requires: ü Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience in managing multiple Restaurant outlets with seating of over 200 o Five (5) years relevant experience in Fine Dining, Al La Carte and Buffet The Travel and Loyalty Department requires: ü
The Administrative Department requires: ü Nurse Requirements include but are not limited to: o Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records including changes in patients' conditions. o Prepare patients for, and assist with, examinations and treatments. o Perform administrative tasks required in the nursing center o Perform physical examinations, make tentative diagnoses, and treat patients in-route to hospitals The rate for the position listed above is $15.00 an hour.
Travel and Loyalty Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience in meeting high volume sales targets o Five (5) years relevant experience
The Spa Department Requires ü Spa Attendant ü Spa Therapist/Technicians/ Cosmetologist ü Tennis Instructor/Pro Requirements include but are not limited to: o Certification in one or more of the following areas: Massage, Esthetics, Body treatments, Hair services, Tattoos and Nail services. (Spa Team Member) o Certification as a tennis professional (Tennis Pro) o Must be sales driven with proven customer service skills, upgrading of services/ retail.
The salary ranges for the positions listed above are $30,000.00 to $50,000.00 The Engineering Department requires: ü Shift Leader Requirements include but are not limited to: o Knowledgeable of in related fields both in theory and practical
Remuneration: Bi-weekly base pay plus commission
The rate for the position listed above is $6.25 to $8.00 an hour. ü
The Housekeeping Department requires: ü Room Attendants/ Domestic Worker ü Housemen ü Public Area Attendant/Cleaner Requirements include but are not limited to: o One years’ experience in a hotel environment an asset. o Physically fit
Labour Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically Fit o Ability to carry out labour intensive task
The rate for the position listed above is $6.25 an hour.
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 an hour.
The Food and Beverage Department requires: ü Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Three years supervising a restaurant with seating over 100 persons an asset. o Excellent customer service skills o Knowledge of wines
ü
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $6.75 an hour. ü
The rate for the position listed above is $7.00 to $11.00 an hour. ü ü
ü
Hostess Server Requirements include but are not limited to: o One year’s experience in a restaurant with seating for over 100 persons an asset. o No food allergies o Ability to work in the sun o Physically fit
Housekeeping Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Supervises and may participate in housekeeping services including cleaning, mopping, scrubbing, sanitizing the floors and other surfaces as well as the refinishing, waxing and polishing of floors, tile work and other various floor and wall surfaces in stairways, hallways, restrooms, offices, laboratories, recreation and locker rooms.
The rate for the position listed above is $6.25 to $8.50 an hour. The Laundry Department requires: ü Laundry Attendant Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically fit o Previous experience in commercial Laundry an assist
Dining Room Cleaner Requirements include but are not limited to: o No food allergies o Ability to work in the sun o Physically fit
The rate for the position listed above is $6.25 an hour. The Stewarding Department Requires: ü Supervisor ü Steward Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience in supervising a cleaning team (supervisor) o No Food or chemical allergies o Physically Fit o Ability to carry out labour intensive cleaning task
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 an hour. The Bar Department requires: ü Bartenders ü Bar Porters ü Beach/ Pool Server ü Cocktail Server/ Waitress Requirements include but are not limited to: o Ability to mix a variety of drinks alcoholic and nonalcoholic. o Outgoing personality o Ability to work in the sun o Physically fit
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $8.00 an hour. The Entertainment Department requires: ü Audio Video “AV” Technician Requirements include but are not limited to: o Ability to set up and breakdown sound system for an event o Conduct inventory and ensure equipment is maintained in a good working order.
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 an hour. Kitchen Department requires: ü Cook (Grade 1,2 and 3) Requirements include but are not limited to: o Must have worked in a Resort kitchen or medium to large sized restaurant o Must have over three years’ experience o Professional qualification an asset
The rate for the position listed above is $6.25 to $8.00 an hour The Rooms Division Department Requires: ü Butler Requirements include but are not limited to: o Member of the Association of English Butlers o Ability to go above and beyond for guest
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $8.00 an hour.
Linen Room Controller/ Attendant Requirements include: o Knowledge of inventory, stock and par levels o Computer literate o Physically fit
The rate for the position listed above is $6.25.
Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn The Human Resources Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186 Lower Bight Road
and
and should reach not later than June 30th 2015
The Labour Commissioner Labour Department Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
VILLA CARE TAKER
Oasis Sky Lounge
Seek 1 Waitress Contact 244-2088
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
PO Box 329, Graceway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies Tel 649 441 5638 Email: director@provoprimary.com Website www.provoprimary.com EARLY YEARS, KEY STAGE ONE AND TWO TEACHERS AND TEACHING ASSISTANTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2015 Key Stage One and Two teaching applicants must have an excellent working knowledge of the British National Curriculum Guidelines, holding a teaching degree or PGCE and have QTS status with at least 2 years’ experience teaching The British National Curriculum Early Years teachers must hold an NNEB, NVQ, Early Childhood Certificate, or equivalent and must have experience working with The Foundation Stage British National Curriculum Teaching assistant applicants must have experience working in an Early Years environment and/or hold an Early Childhood Certificate. Please send or email letter of application, resume, and contact details together with the names and phone numbers of two referees and a police check to the Director at the above address.
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
NEEDLES & PINS UPHOLSTERY SERVICES
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.
Debbie’s LINEN & THINGS
REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING: EXPERIENCED UPHOLSTERERS (2) MACHINE MECHANIC (1) TAILORS (2) DOMESTIC (1)
Please apply with resume via Email: needlesandpins@express.tc
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
The closing date for applications is June 23, 2015
KADEEN AGENCY 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
DIAMOND CLEANING SERVICES
COUGAR HOLDINGS LTD REQUIRES LABOURER FOR AUGUST 2015 START, MUST SPEAK, READ AND UNDERSTAND ENGLISH. MUST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK
KADEEN AGENCY
On behalf of its clients is looking for (1)Housekeeper (1) Handyman Duties include general household cleaning; shopping, cleaning services in villas, house sitting maintenance in all areas etc. Should have a driver’s license. Salary $6.25 per hour Contact 231-6565
in Middle Caicos, is looking to hire a Waitress to work 5 days per week at $6.25 per hr. Please contact (649) 241- 2855 for further details
WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS
MUST HAVE OWN TRANSPORT. $6.00 PER HOUR, 6 DAYS PER
WEEKPLEASE FAX APPLICATION LETTER TO
946-5701
TRIAL
ENTERPRISES
SHIANN GARDINER
Labourer $6.500 per hour Contact: infotrail. tc 9467889
is looking to hire a Domestic Worker to work 5 days per week at $6.25 per hr. Please contact (649) 232-3264 for further details
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
SHANETA'S KITCHEN
SHARPER IMAGE BARBERSHOP SEEKS
1 BARBER Salary $6.50 per hour Must be hardworking and reliable Interested person should contact 333-6695
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
BUTTERFIELD GOLD GROUP OF COMPANIES LOCAL NEWSNEWS CARIBBEAN
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
Londolozi Ltd. is inviting applications for the following position:
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Island Pride Fuel
Restaurant Manager
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.
Reporting to the Food & Beverage, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:
Wages: $6.50 per hour
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
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
PO Box 329, Graceway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies Tel 649 441 5638 Email: director@provoprimary.com Website www.provoprimary.com
CARETAKER/JANITOR Caretaker/Janitor required to work in our school between 7.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. You will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the school facilities to a high standard. Duties would include cleaning, general maintenance, repairs and gardening
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
.
PART-TIME CLEANER We require a Cleaner to work in our school. Hours of work would be: Monday to Friday 3 pm – 6 pm; Saturday 8 am – 5 pm. Applicants must be physically fit, hardworking, dependable and trustworthy and be able to provide excellent references (including a police check). Good working knowledge of English is essential.The closing date for application is June 23rd, 2015
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.
Book your own car rental, Hotels, Vacation home & more. Contact for more information
GET YOUR TICKET
GET YOUR CAR VOUCHER GET YOUR ACCOMADATION
GET YOUR CRUISE
Ticketing (International, Domestic & Regional), Cruises, Car Rentals, Hotels, Vacation Home Rentals, US & Bahamian Visa Application Assistance
CARIBBEAN WORLD
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWSNEWS CARIBBEAN
NEWS NEWS
Private Caribbean island in The Bahamas on sale for £90million
Situated in the heart of the Exuma Chain, in the Southern Bahamas, the breathtaking 70,000 sq ft stretch of land is in a prime location for billionaires looking for a private resort to call home If you ever dreamed of following in the footsteps of billionaire Richard Branson by owning your own island in paradise, now is your chance if you are willing and able to splash out a cool £90million. One of the most expensive private islands in the world, Cave Cay, in the Caribbean, Bahamas, has come on the market. You can arrive in style by air or sea as it boasts its own airstrip and a super-yacht friendly deepwater harbour. And once there, you’ll find it quite easy to relax as the private retreat - a breathtaking 70,000-squarefoot stretch of land - is set among crystal-clear turquoise waters and comes with unspoilt sandy beaches. Not only that, but Cave Cay, in the heart of the Exuma Chain, is completely self-sufficient, with water and power supplied by diesel generators, and solar energy can easily be made available. For owners making an entrance by private yacht or plane, the new owner will be able land their jet on the 2,800 ft airstrip, or anchor their superyacht in any of the 36 dock slips in the deep water harbour. Perched atop one of the highest points on the
island, the luxurious main house is ‘move-in’ ready and enjoys 360-degree views of the entire island. The lucky island owner will be able to take a leaf out of Branson’s book and dream up their ideal island retreat, as the island comes with planning permission to build 38 new buildings. Cave Cay is approved
for use as a private residence or a commercial operation, with the potential to be transformed into the ultimate getaway for the mega rich, or a super luxury resort for decadent holiday makers. Forget having to lift a finger during your stay; the island comes with a team of six employees who are intimately familiar with the area. The 222 acre island, on the market with Vladi Private Islands, lies next door to Musha Cay - David Copperfield’s privately owned island - and is described as one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Pedro Arez, director of Vladi Private Islands, said: ‘Formerly a British colony, Cave Cay is one of the most beautiful spots in the world, with a ready-made beach compound, airstrip and harbour, and wide scope
At £90m, Cave Cay in the Bahamas (see left) is one of the most expensive islands on the market and is naturally unaffordable for most but with its very high end structures and buildings, and enough space for 38 new buildings, it’s the perfect billionaire’s getaway
Map of Cave Cay
to build more luxurious developments. ‘At £90m, it’s one of the most expensive islands on the market and is naturally unaffordable for most. ‘But with its very high end structures and buildings, and enough space for 38 new buildings, it’s the perfect billionaire’s getaway. ‘However, you would need a lot of money to develop and sustain life here.
‘Neighbouring Musha Cay is actually owned by Magician David Copperfield, so the area is very sought after by the rich and the famous. ‘Simply nothing is ugly here - it’s a ready-made paradise.’ Richard Branson owns Necker Island in the Caribbean, which can be hired at a cost of £1,000 per person, per night.
Caribbean tourism competitiveness not to be taken for granted The performance of only five of the 14 independent Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries are recorded in “The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2015” published by the World Economic Forum. Of the 141 countries measured by the report, Barbados is the highest-ranked CARICOM country at 46, followed by Trinidad and Tobago at 69, Jamaica at 76, Guyana at 104, and Haiti at
133 near the end. The only other Caribbean It is regrettable that the majority of country graded in the report is the Dominican tourism-dependent CARICOM countries were not Republic at 81. Surprisingly, countries such as included in what the report rightly describes as “a the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and strategic tool for both businesses and governments”, Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. allowing for “cross-country comparison of the Lucia, all of which rely heavily on tourism for their drivers of” Travel and Tourism (TT) competitiveness, economic growth, are not included in the report’s “for benchmarking countries’ policy progress and for measurement of competitiveness due to insufficient making investment decisions related to business data. and industry development”.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JUNE 12TH, 2015 – JUNE 19TH, 2015
CARIBBEAN LOCAL NEWSNEWS
Cayman Islands Police have Sir David Simmons money but problems hiring refuses to apologise
Cayman Islands the total planned in the budget government immigration and for the upcoming 2015/16 year. hiring freeze rules are combining However, at various times in a to prevent additional police budget year, the government will officers from being hired to patrol give directives for the “freezing” of local communities, Royal Cayman current vacancies in order to save Islands Police Commissioner money. David Baines said. “I will be in the region of According to the Caymanian $1.9 million underspent on my Compass, Mr. Baines, in testimony budget this year [referring to the before the Legislative Assembly’s 2014/15 budget year that ends in Finance Committee, fielded June], not because I didn’t want questions about police responses to spend it, but due to various to certain incidents that some bureaucratic procedures that lawmakers indicated were lacking, prevent the quick advertisement particularly in the less-populated and replacement of positions areas east and north of Bodden that become vacant by retiring Town. or leaving staff,” he said. “The “I have to manage demand police and other agencies that with the resources I have,” Mr. have a significant expat workforce Baines said. “I haven’t asked get disproportionately hit by this for more of the budget. I have moratorium on appointments as it asked for the budget that’s been is the short-term contract[s] that allocated.” are subjected to most churn and The commissioner said are most affected by freezes.” that RCIPS has struggled through Police staffing during “stop-starts” over the past several the government’s 2013/14 budget months where certain policing year, the latest records available, programs could not begin because showed 217 Caymanians and 232 of uncertainty about staffing. He non-Caymanians working in the said he did not intend to criticize RCIPS, about a 52 percent nonthe current Progressives-led Caymanian workforce. Over each administration in making his of the last two years, the RCIPS remarks, but was merely flagging has hosted one cadet course to up a structural problem that hire local officers. The classes existed in government finances. typically add 12 to 15 cadets to the “It happens with the department. police, probably as one of the North Side MLA Ezzard most affected departments, Miller asked how many police namely because we’ve got around officers should be added to ensure 50 percent of expats, so when “increased police presence” in there’s a freeze needed to meet North Side and East End districts. a budgetary need in the country, “I don’t need additional budget,” the gaps and vacancies are held Mr. Baines said, adding that in those departments which have hiring nearly 40 more officers [the] most expats,” Mr. Baines told would prevent the police from the committee. He was referring having to “rob” from certain to a “soft” hiring freeze that the areas of the department to staff civil service started around 2009 others – for instance – taking and has maintained to some level neighborhood police officers off ever since. their assignments to boost local “At the minute, my budget patrols. suggests that I should have 487 “If we’re fully officers,” Mr. Baines continued. [strengthened], I don’t need to “I’ve got 450. We move constantly deviate people from shifts in the to fill those vacancies, and it eastern districts,” he said. makes sense that I don’t like to Warrants take staff from one area … into the other. I seek to use [officers] In addition to the hiring in the best areas to develop public confidence and reassurance, to issues, Mr. Baines said, a great meet local demands but also to deal of police officers’ time over have sufficient [officers] there to the past 18 months has been spent respond quickly to any incidents on serving either arrest warrants or summonses from the courts. that are developing.” Mr. Baines said it has On Tuesday, Mr. Baines clarified that 487 is the total been the intention to move more number of jobs in the RCIPS, both of the process serving duties to the civilian and police. That figure is court marshals service, but
to Jamaican MP
Royal Cayman Islands Police Commissioner David Baines
for a variety of reasons that hasn’t happened. “Sadly, it is left as a baby for the police to look after and deliver,” he said. There are already hundreds of outstanding warrants dating back years that have not been served, and Mr. Baines said Monday that the situation isn’t getting any better. “The reality is that often we serve all of them, a warrant is executed, the matter goes to court and then it’s put off for another date,” Mr. Baines said. “We then get further summonses or warrants issued when it’s delayed yet again. So it triples, quadruples the number of times we have to go through the same process to go before a court.” Traffic department To help alleviate officers’ workload, Mr. Baines said the RCIPS has begun traffic enforcement efforts with the special constabulary. Special constables are unpaid, volunteer officers who work in certain capacities with the police. During the 2010/11 budget year, the RCIPS effectively eliminated its traffic department, shunting traffic duties to rankand-file patrol officers. Since that time, the overall number of traffic tickets issued by police has declined steadily, reaching an alltime low last year before trending up again this year. Mr. Baines said the special constabulary unit would focus on traffic issues such as covered license plates, tinted windows and speeding.
Sean Paul’s wife apologises for Usain Bolt criticism
Jodi Stewart Henriques had said she hoped Bolt would ‘go back to wear he came from’, but has taken to Facebook to retract her comments. The wife of rapper Sean Paul, and neighbour of Usain Bolt, has apologised for comments she made about the Olympic sprinter. Jodi Stewart Henriques had said she hoped Bolt would ‘go back to wear he came from’, but has taken to Facebook to retract her comments. She initially called Bolt a ‘horrible neighbour’, and called him a ‘party clown’.
Henriques said: “Between the bikes, loud, horrid music, parties and screams, I honestly wish he would go back to where he came from. He’s a horrible neighbour. “He takes his nasty behaviour with him everywhere. He’s the ultimate party clown.” However, she has now apologised for the online rant, saying she should have handled the matter privately. Her new post read: “After some much needed introspection I would like to publicly apologize for the comments made about
Usain Bolt. Not only were they unwarranted but also highly inappropriate and for this I am truly sorry.
Jodi Stewart Henriques
Former Chief Justice of Barbados, Sir David Simmons Tivoli Enquiry chairman Sir David Simmons yesterday refused to apologise to Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Daryl Vaz for putting into the public realm unsubstantiated information from a police diary alleging that fugitive Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke and his family sought refuge at Vaz’s house while the Tivoli ‘don’ was on the run in May 2010. “I find it ironic, to put it at its lowest, and certainly not in congruence with common sense, that I should be pilloried by Mr Vaz and asked to apologise to him for having his name and reputation cleared and vindicated,” said Simmons at the start of a session of the enquiry at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston. “In the circumstances, of course, I do not apologise to Mr Vaz; there’s nothing to apologise for. His name and reputation had been cleared by that evidence yesterday. He should be grateful it came in,” Simmons added. But in response to Simmons’ refusal, Vaz told the Jamaica Observer that there is nothing to be thankful for, because the unsubstantiated information Simmons made public had been away in a police diary. Vaz said that Simmons, a Barbadian, does not understand the Jamaican society, noting that once the information came out there would be some people who would always hold the unsubstantiated information to be true. “In essence, I want to thank Sir David for hitting me in my head with a sledgehammer and putting a Band-Aid on my wound and then claim that he has healed me,” Vaz said. “This is what has happened to me and my family. He’s being disingenuous,” added Vaz. Simmons read the information from the diary on Wednesday and asked Deputy Commissioner of Police Clifford Blake if the Jamaica Constabulary Force found any evidence to confirm the report, which alleged that Coke was seen at the residence of Vaz, who was the information minister in the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Government at the time. Blake said the information was baseless and could not be substantiated. The alleged sighting was on May 25, 2010 — a day after the security forces launched their operation to apprehend Coke on an extradition warrant and restore law and order in Tivoli Gardens. Aided by heavily armed men, Coke — who was wanted in the United States to face drug and gunrunning charges is believed to have fled Tivoli Gardens through storm water drains. The police were forced to launch the operation after gunmen barricaded the Tivoli Gardens community and attacked lawmen when it was announced by then Prime Minister Bruce Golding that authority would be given to commence extradition proceedings against Coke, who was a supporter of the JLP. On Wednesday, Vaz chided the chairman and asked for an apology for what he described as Simmons’ “thoughtless, insensitive, careless, reckless and downright irresponsible action”. Meanwhile, the enquiry will resume on June 27 with a new witness.
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Guyana vows to resist Venezuela offshore territory claim GEORGETOWN, Guyana — A potentially rich oil discovery off the northern coast of South America has rekindled a border dispute between Guyana and its much larger neighbor Venezuela. Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Venezuela on Monday of posing a “threat to regional peace and security” with a recent decree extending its territorial claims farther out into the Atlantic Ocean. The decree is a “flagrant violation of international law and is inconsistent with the principle that all states should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states,” the ministry said in a statement Monday. Guyana said any attempt by Venezuela to enforce its claims will be “vigorously resisted” and brought to the attention of the international community. Venezuela has long claimed about two-thirds of Guyana west of the Essequibo
River. Last month, the government of President Nicolas Maduro announced it was expanding its “integral maritime zone” farther out into the Atlantic Ocean in waters claimed by Guyana, clearly encompassing an area where Exxon Mobil Corp. reported that it had made a significant oil discovery. The decree came a week after Exxon Mobil Corp., exploring under an agreement with Guyana, announced the discovery about 120 miles (about 193 kilometers) off the country’s coast and was working to determine the commercial viability of the find. In October 2013, the Venezuelan navy detained an oil research vessel operating under contract for U.S.-based Anadarko Petroleum Corp. because it claimed it was conducting exploration in its waters without authorization. Guyana had said the vessel was operating in its territory. Meantime, Venezuela on Tuesday demanded that
neighboring Guyana halt no comment on the bilateral Guyana says Caracas oil exploration being carried dispute. agreed to relinquish the out by Exxon Mobil Corp in Guyana’s new Essequibo following a ruling disputed offshore territory in government on Monday by an international tribunal an escalation of a long-running attacked a territorial decree in 1899, but that Venezuela border dispute between the by Venezuelan President later backtracked on that two South American nations. Nicolas Maduro as an attempt decision. Exxon last month to annex its waters following Venezuela says the 1899 said it found oil off Guyana’s an oil discovery. ruling was unfair and insists coast, spurring complaints “(That was) a grave diplomatic the territory is still in dispute. from Caracas that Guyana mistake. Exxon Mobil is Maps in Venezuela usually is unfairly exploiting a behind all this,” Maduro said describe the Essequibo as the disputed territory that must in a televised broadcast on “reclamation zone.” be negotiated through a Tuesday evening. “As the economy mechanism created via a 1966 “I hope... the deteriorates in Venezuela and treaty signed in Geneva. Guyanese president can the pivotal parliamentary “Until there is a reflect and take the necessary elections (which should take resolution of the issue of steps for a process of dialogue place before the end of this territorial reclamation ... and abandon grandiloquent year) approach, Maduro there can be no unilateral discourse and stop listening to can potentially turn to the use of these waters,” Foreign the bad, pernicious and wrong tried-and-tested strategy Minister Delcy Rodriguez said advice from Exxon Mobil and of appealing to nationalist in televised comments. the officials it has bought.” sentiment,” IHS Latin “The new government The sparsely America analyst Diego Moyaof Guyana shows a dangerous populated and dense jungle Ocampos said in a note to political provocation against a area known as the Essequibo clients. peaceful Venezuela, supported encompasses an area “ N e v e r t h e l e s s , strong rhetoric, by the imperial power of equivalent to around two- despite from the an American transnational, thirds of Guyanese territory. especially Exxon Mobil,” she said, It functions in practice as Venezuelan side, an armed referring to Guyanese part of Guyana and shows conflict between the two authorities elected in May. no discernable trace of countries is highly unlikely.” Exxon has said it has Venezuelan influence.
Murder on the increase in The Bahamas
The Bahamas Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said crime continues to trend down in all categories except murder, adding that more has to be done to fight crime instead of believing that we can “arrest our way out of this”. His comments came a day after the country’s murder toll for the year hit 67, after the discovery of two bodies in New Providence. Up to press time, four people had been murdered in the first nine days of this month, already tying the total number of homicides recorded for the whole month of June in 2014. Commissioner Greenslade said: “Crime continues to trend down in all categories except the difficult category of murders. We still see multiple shootings…That is why I said initially, notwithstanding anything that we do that is good or positive, the public is concerned about the level of that egregious category of crime such as murders, and we have to, all of us, apply our minds to that. I do not believe that it is sufficient for any of us to form the impression that we can just arrest our way out of this. “We have far too many healthy bodied young people, idle in our communities, many of them with a sense of hopelessness, waiting for an opportunity to engage in illicit activities. You can drive on any street of New Providence, any day, any night, and see it for yourselves.”
He added: “It’s a difficult conversation to have. It’s going to offend a lot of people. But if we want to have that conversation let’s be honest about it. Arresting Bahamians day in and day out is not a simple solution to the problem.” Police were called to two separate crime scenes on Monday. A suspected vagrant was found naked and beaten to death in an abandoned building off East Street South. This find was just hours after police discovered the lifeless body of another man with a gunshot wound in his chest off Fire Trail Road. Yesterday, Mr Greenslade said that despite police officers’ hard work, the illegal gun trade continues to flourish and affect crime. “The evidence is clear. Since 2010, we have taken an excess of 2,200 illegal guns out of the hands of bad people in this country and over 30,000 rounds of ammunition. In many of those cases, those people, the perpetrators, have returned to our communities to pick up another gun. So how do we stop that is still the critical question.” He added: “All of us are going to have to draw a line in the sand and say ‘enough is enough’. It cannot be a fair conversation, it cannot be a proper conversation to simply discuss a police organisation. This has to be about all sorts of reforms, across The Bahamas, at various levels, with every single sector of society playing their respective roles. We have the ability to do it. “But we need to be on one page, we need to speak with a united voice, and we need to demonstrate – all of us – that we are sincere in making The Bahamas a safer place.” At the beginning of this month, this newspaper reported that murders were up five per cent compared to the same time last year, based on an analysis into the country’s homicide figures for the first five months of 2015.
Buying Your St Kitts Citizenship May Get More Expensive Soon
st kitts passport Here’s a warning for the politically disaffected: Buying yourself citizenship in the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts & Nevis is going to get harder and more expensive. The twin-island country of about 51,000 people plans to be “more stringent” in preventing people with a criminal history from purchasing citizenship and is considering raising the investment fee beyond the current $250,000, Prime Minister Timothy Harris said in a pair of interviews last month. Some previously purchased passports may also be revoked, he added. “We must bring the best of the best to St. Kitts & Nevis, so that our product can be more discerning, and certainly changes in the fee structure is one option that will bring that,” Harris said. “We will exclude some and bring the more discerning of prospective economic citizens to our shore.” While the government’s citizenship-by-investment program, in place since 1984,
helped St. Kitts & Nevis weather the global financial crisis, it has earned the country criticism as well. Canada in November revoked St. Kitts & Nevis citizens’ visa-free travel. The U.S., which offers its own residency-forinvestment program starting at $1 million, issued a financial advisory against holders of citizenship-by-investment passports, saying Iranian nationals used the St. Kitts program to evade sanctions on their country. The passport deal “is attractive to illicit actors because the program, as administered, maintains lax controls as to who may be granted citizenship,” Treasury said. The program injected more than $74 million into the $766 million St. Kitts & Nevis economy in 2013, according to a budget presentation last year by then-Prime Minister Denzil Douglas. The IMF forecast revenue from the program at about $37 million per year from 2015-2017.
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NEWS
New York man charged with murdering police officer A New York man accused of shooting a plainclothes police officer last month was charged with firstdegree murder on Thursday, in a 12-count indictment that stiffened prior charges after the officer’s death. Demetrius Blackwell, 35, was arrested hours after he allegedly shot New York Police Department officer Brian Moore, 25, in the head after Moore attempted to question him in a middle-class section of the borough of Queens on May 2. Moore died on May 4. Blackwell was also charged with the attempted murder of Moore’s partner, Erik Jansen. Those charges are in addition to earlier charges of aggravated assault on a police officer, first-degree assault and weapons possession. The aggravated murder charge carries a maximum possible sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. “The defendant’s alleged
conduct, and his total disregard of the law and authority, clearly demonstrate that he is a serious threat to society,” said Queens County District Attorney Richard Brown. Blackwell will be arraigned in state Supreme Court later on Thursday, Brown said. Moore’s death came at a time of fraught relations between police and minority communities across the United States. Police killings of unarmed black men in New York, Missouri, South Carolina and elsewhere have provoked months of largely peaceful protests punctuated with bouts of arson and looting. A gunman who in December shot and killed two uniformed New York police officers as they sat in their patrol car in Brooklyn left postings on social media suggesting his attack was an act of revenge for police killings of black men.Blackwell is black, and Moore was white.
Suspect Demetrius Blackwell walks into court for his arraignment in Queens County Criminal Court in New York Moore’s shooting did not appear to be politically motivated and his funeral last month featured none of the ire seen at ceremonies for the officers killed in Brooklyn, where thousands of New York Police
EU lawmakers slam Russia
The European Parliament passed a resolution on Thursday calling on EU governments to maintain sanctions on Russia over its action in Ukraine, the second such critical vote in the EU legislature in as many days. Though the votes, on resolutions proposed by individual lawmakers, are not binding, they underline anger at Moscow among the European mainstream but also division in the West, with far-right and far-left groups opposing both motions. “The European Parliament ... calls on EU member states to remain firm and united in their commitment to the agreed sanctions against Russia,” the eight-page text read. Russia’s diplomatic
mission to the EU declined comment. Highlighting concerns for security in the Black Sea region raised by a Romanian member, it called for relations with Moscow to be “cooperative rather than confrontational in the long run” but said trust could not be restored until Russia reversed last year’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula and fulfilled this year’s Minsk peace accords concerning eastern Ukraine. EU leaders are expected to renew trade and personal sanctions linked to the conflict by the end of this month. The motion was carried by 356 votes to 183, with far-left legislators joining right-wing Eurosceptics including the UK Independence Party and France’s National Front in opposition.
Department officers in uniform turned their backs on Mayor Bill de Blasio, whom police union officials had accused of not adequately supporting officers.
Copy of new Fifty Shades of Grey novel stolen ahead of release
A similar divide was apparent in a vote on Wednesday when a resolution proposed by a Lithuanian member was passed. It read: “Russia, because of its actions in Crimea and in eastern Ukraine, can no longer be treated as ... a strategic partner.” Calling for the EU to tackle Russian propaganda aimed at the West, that motion also took a dig at Russian bank loans to Marine Le Pen’s National Front and other alleged or confirmed support from Moscow for nationalists elsewhere in Europe. James Carver of UKIP spoke against the motion, saying Russia shared blame with the EU for new insecurity in Europe and criticizing Brussels for engaging in “EU neo-imperialism” at the expense of a diplomatic approach to engaging with Moscow.
A finished copy of a new “Fifty Shades” book told from protagonist Christian Grey’s perspective has been stolen ahead of the novel’s release next week, its UK publisher confirmed Thursday. Author E.L James announced plans on June 1 to publish the book, “Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian.” The scheduled release date -- June 18 -coincides with the protagonist’s birthday, as devoted fans of the “Fifty Shades” novels may know. The theft may prompt fears that extracts or details of the book will be leaked ahead of that date. A statement from the book’s UK publisher, Penguin Random House UK, said: “ ‘Grey’ will be published on June 18th -- Christian Grey’s birthday -- as planned. “We can confirm that the Kent police are investigating the theft of a finished copy of E.L. James’s new book ‘Grey.’ We will not be issuing any further statement.” A spokeswoman for the Kent police, in southeastern England, said officers “are making inquiries after receiving a report that a book had been stolen on June 8.” The novel is due to be published in the United States by Vintage Books, part of Random House. James said in a statement posted on her site last week that she had written the book after receiving requests from “thousands of readers” for Christian’s point of view.
Germanwings Could Face Involuntary Homicide Charges in Alps Crash
In this Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009 photo, Andreas Lubitz competes at the Airportrun in Hamburg, northern Germany.
The criminal investigation into the Germanwings plane crash has concluded that the copilot was the one responsible for purposefully flying the plane into the French Alps and now prosecutors may file involuntary homicide charges against the airline due to negligence, investigators announced today. Because the investigation concluded that co-pilot Andreas Lubitz was solely responsible for the March crash, and they are unable to charge him posthumously, authorities are now examining the airline’s
potential liability. Marseille prosecutor Brice Robin noted that European regulations mandate that the individual is the only one who can request health records being handed over to his employer, which could have prevented the airline from knowing about his medical conditions. “French law doesn’t allow the prosecutor to prosecute the co-pilot for voluntary homicide because he is dead -- even though authorities have determined that he voluntarily and possibly with premeditation crashed the plane killing all
aboard,” Robin said in French. past five years, including Not only did Lubitz seven doctors during the have issues with depression month before the March 24 but he also feared he was crash alone, Robin said. going blind and would lose his Several of the doctors “found that he was very down, job, Robin said. Lubitz’s medical very unsure of himself ... and records were a major part of he gave them the impression the case and Robin said that that he was psychologically it was clear that he had been unstable,” according to Robin. The crux of the rest trying to conceal his illness. “I believe deep down of the investigation will focus he knew that if his employers on how medical secrecy laws knew about his eyesight loss ... prevented the company from then he would lose his license knowing Lubitz’s interactions and since [flying] was his main with doctors in a way that, in objective in life, the idea was this case, turned fatal. Lubitz unbearable to him,” Robin said and all 149 others on board the Dusseldorf-bound plane were at a news conference today. Lubitz saw 41 doctors in the killed in the crash.
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Officer caught on video in Texas pool party incident resigns
MCKINNEY, Texas — A white police officer recorded on video pushing a black girl to the ground at a North Texas pool party resigned from the police force Tuesday. Officer David Eric Casebolt’s actions were “indefensible,” McKinney Police Chief Greg Conley said at a press conference after the officer submitted his resignation. But Casebolt was not pressured to quit the force, Conley said. A teenager at the party posted a video online showing the officer pushing a bikini-clad girl to the ground and brandishing his gun to other black teens when
officers responded last Friday to calls about the pool party at a community-owned McKinney swimming pool. The 41-year-old former Texas state trooper and 10-year veteran of the McKinney force was put on administrative leave after the incident. His lawyer, Jane Bishkin of Dallas, confirmed Tuesday he had quit the force. Conley said a review of the video showed that “our policies, our training and our practices do not support his actions.” Twelve officers responded to the report of fights and a disturbance at the pool party at the Craig Ranch North Community
Pool in an affluent area of western McKinney. “Eleven of them performed according to their training,” Conley said. Casebolt did not, he said. “He came into the call out of control and the video showed he was out of control during the incident,” Conley said. Casebolt’s actions are under investigation and no decision has been made whether charges will be filed against him, Conley said. Charges of interfering with an officer and evading arrest against the only man arrested during Friday’s incident have been dropped, Conley said. Everyone else detained was released. Bishkin declined to say where Casebolt is now and said the officer had received death threats. The attorney said she would release more information at a news conference Wednesday. The incident prompted criticism of the affluent suburb of McKinney north of Dallas, which is among the nation’s fastest growing cities, has highly regarded public schools and was ranked by one publication as America’s best place to live. People who demonstrated this week at a McKinney school compared the city to Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri, where use of force by police triggered widespread
also has been the target of a protests and violence. The resignation is lawsuit accusing it of racial a step in the right direction, segregation in public housing. said Dominique Alexander, A lawsuit in 2008 accused the president of the Dallas area- McKinney Housing Authority restricting federally Next Generation Action of Network and organizer of the subsidized public housing for low-income families to older demonstrations. “We still need a neighborhoods east of U.S. serious investigation into 75. The lawsuit said that in the charges that need to the Dallas area, 85 percent be brought against him in of those receiving so-called this matter,” Alexander said, “Section 8” housing vouchers adding that Casebolt should are African Americans. The lawsuit was be drug tested. The NAACP is asking settled in 2012 with a consent the U.S. Department of Justice decree, which is an agreement to review the procedures of to take specific actions without the McKinney police force, admitting guilt. A message left with stopping short of asking for a formal investigation. A review the housing authority seeking of department policies is comment wasn’t returned needed to ensure officers are Tuesday. responding appropriately to calls involving minorities, the local NAACP chapter said. Casebolt had been accused of excessive force in a 2007 arrest as part of a federal lawsuit that named him along with other officers. The officers arrested Albert Brown Jr., who authorities said was found with crack cocaine during a traffic stop. Brown, who is black, accused the officers of forcibly searching him after pulling down his pants and slamming his head against a car hood. A defense attorney denied Brown’s accusations. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2009. The city of McKinney Officer Eric Casebolt
Obama poised to send more troops to train Iraqis
The training effort would carry “a particular emphasis on the Sunnis,” the official added. Until now, Baghdad has overseen the training of Sunni tribal fighters, who are likely to be key to victory in Ramadi and the surrounding Anbar province. Now, the Obama administration is looking at American troops directly training those Sunni volunteers. Weapons deliveries, however, would continue to Iraqi Shiite fighter from the Popular Mobilisation units keeps watch behind a wall in Baiji, flow through the Iraqi central north of Tikrit, as allied Iraqi forces fight against the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group to try government. to retake the strategic town, on June 9, 2015 Iraq’s Sunni Muslim Washington - President Barack into doubt Obama’s strategy of community has yet to join the Obama appears poised to approve depending on US airpower and fight against the self-proclaimed the deployment of hundreds more Iraqi ground forces to win the war. Islamic State in large numbers. US training personnel to Iraq, in a But in response, the Among Sunnis there is bid to reverse gains by the Islamic Pentagon has drawn up plans lingering distrust of the Shiite-led State group. to augment an existing mission government in Baghdad, which IS Officials said Obama rather than forge a new approach. fighters have sought to exploit. is considering authorizing an “We’ve determined it is better to - No talk of spotters increase of under 500 troops to train more Iraqi security forces,” Within the administration, boost the capacity of the Iraqi Pentagon spokesman Colonel there was said to have been no army and Sunni tribal fighters. Steven Warren said. serious talk of sending forward “We are considering a “Because the forces we’ve air controllers to the front with range of options to accelerate the trained are performing better Iraqi or Kurdish forces, or of training and equipping of Iraqi than expected, we feel it’s in dramatically expanding the security forces,” National Security everyone’s interest to train more.” American military presence. Council spokesman Alistair The current US mission Republican lawmakers Baskey told AFP. comprises roughly 3,000 advisers have blasted Obama over his “Those options include and trainers. approach to the conflict, with sending additional trainers to A larger deployment could some hawks demanding a more Iraq.” mean increasing the number aggressive stance that would Recent Islamic State of training sites from the four include spotters on the ground to victories in Ramadi in Iraq and currently being used, one official direct bombing raids and a largerSyria’s Palmyra have thrown said. scale air war.
Bomb scare in White House briefing room
WASHINGTON — Secret Service agents interrupted a live, televised White House press briefing Tuesday to evacuate journalists after a bomb threat was called in to police. No bomb was found, the Secret Service said. President Barack Obama was in the Oval Office and remained there during the evacuation, which only affected the James S. Brady Briefing Room. White House press secretary Josh Earnest, who was briefing reporters at the time of the evacuation, said later that first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia were in the White House residence and were not evacuated. The incident came after a bomb threat related to the White House briefing room was phoned in to local Washington police, the Secret Service said. Roughly 20 minutes later, uniformed Secret Service officers on the scene said an all-clear had been issued, and journalists were later allowed back into the White House, where the daily press briefing resumed. Evacuations at the White House are rare, but not unprecedented. Last year, journalists and officials were temporarily evacuated after a fencejumper made it inside the White House. Yet Tuesday’s incident was made more dramatic by the fact that it took place on camera during a live press briefing - the first such instance since the White House started allowing live television coverage of full press briefings in the 1990s. Secret Service spokesman Brian Leary said the decision to evacuate only the briefing room, while allowing White House officials to remain in other parts of the building, was “due to the specific nature of the threat,” although he did not elaborate. He said the Secret Service commander on the scene decided to evacuate the briefing room “out of an abundance of caution.”
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Escaped prisoners driver went to hospital instead, source says
Investigators think a woman who worked with Richard Matt and David Sweat at the Clinton Correctional Facility planned to pick the convicted killers up after they escaped but changed her mind at the last minute, a source familiar with the investigation tells CNN. Joyce Mitchell went to a hospital this weekend because of panic attacks, the source said. Mitchell is one of several prison employees who has been questioned in the case. She has given a statement and is being “somewhat cooperative,” a source said. She has not been charged. Her cell phone was used to call several people connected to Matt, another source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN. It’s unclear who made the calls or when the calls were made. Authorities are trying to determine whether Mitchell was aware her phone was being used. Her son, Tobey Mitchell, has come to her defense. He told NBC that she wouldn’t “risk her life or other people’s lives to help these guys escape.” He said his mother was in a hospital with severe chest pains about the time of the escape.
Authorities search farms, fields for signs of New York escaped killers
fields, from what I understand. So this two Dannemora residents about two men, whom they now believe to be behavior ... was suspicious.” Given the meticulous detail the escaped killers, walking through involved in the escape, there were their backyard shortly after midnight concerns fugitives Richard Matt and Friday. “I go look at him (and) I say, David Sweat put a similar level of planning into their getaway, including ‘What the hell are you doing in my yard? Get the hell out of here,’ “ one transportation. But a law enforcement source of the residents told ABC’s “Good close to the investigation doesn’t think Morning America” of that encounter. The two men complied, one that’s what happened, saying a witness and other indicators suggest the men apologizing that he’d been on the Possible sighting have been on foot since springing wrong street. It wasn’t until the next themselves from Clinton Correctional day that the resident, who asked not Authorities scoured farms and Facility in Dannemora, about 40 miles to be named, and his female friend fields around an upstate New York north of the search site in the southern realized who the trespassers probably were. town Tuesday, looking for the pair who part of Willsboro. They are killers whom Local, state and federal escaped from a prison days earlier, a authorities set up a search perimeter authorities fear could do so again to local official said. The search was prompted by there. As of 2 p.m., Gillilland wasn’t evade capture. Elizabeth Ahern, who lives someone who spotted two “suspicious aware that any clothes, vehicles or men” walking down a road in Willsboro other evidence had been found, but it in Plattsburgh, about five miles from in the middle of a “driving rainstorm” was still relatively early in the process. the prison and 25 miles south of the The stormy overnight spotting Canadian border, isn’t taking any overnight “in an area that’s all ... large farms and fields and wooded lots,” in Willsboro, a town of 2,000 people on chances. The North Country, she Town Supervisor Shaun Gillilland said. Lake Champlain, is one of the first big says, is a place where people usually As the citizen’s car approached them, potential breakthroughs since prison don’t bother securing their doors and they took off. guards found Matt and Sweat’s beds have weapons to hunt, not to guard themselves against criminals. “They were walking down the empty at 5:30 a.m. Saturday. “It’s a scary situation,” Ahern Until then, the closest might road, not dressed for the elements,” told CNN’s “New Day.” “We are now have been an account from Gillilland said. “They ran into the
closing our doors and locking them, and making sure we have knives and guns ready to go, just in case.” Finding the two fugitives is job No. 1 for authorities. Job No. 2 is figuring out how they got out -- and who, if anyone, helped them become the first inmates to escape Clinton Correctional in its 170-year history. Matthew Horace, a law enforcement veteran who spent years with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said: “They had to have help. ... I wouldn’t be surprised if, when this all pans out, there’s more than one, two, three or five people that helped them on the inside.” Matt and Sweat cut through a cell wall that included steel a quarterinch thick, maneuvered across a catwalk, shimmied down six stories to a tunnel of pipes, followed that tunnel, broke through a double-brick wall, cut into a 24-inch steam pipe, shimmied their way through the steam pipe, cut another hole so they could get out of the pipe and finally surfaced through a manhole. If other people are proved to have played a role in Matt and Sweat’s escape or their life on the lam, they’ll pay a price. An accomplice could be convicted of a misdemeanor for helping introduce nondangerous contraband into a prison. Or they could get up to seven years in jail for the class D felony of “hindering prosecution” by providing “criminal assistance” to someone sentenced to 20 years to life for a violent crime. Matt and Sweat are convicted killers whose behavior is prison appears to have been good. Matt was convicted on three counts of murder, three counts of kidnapping and two counts of robbery after he kidnapped a man and beat him to death in December 1997, state police said. He was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
Leaked documents show US widened Internet spying Documents leaked by Edward Snowden show that the U.S. government has widened the National Security Agency’s warrantless surveillance of Americans’ international Internet traffic in the hunt for hackers, the New York Times reported on Thursday. The classified documents came from Snowden, the former NSA contractor who lives as a fugitive in
Russia, and were shared with the Times and the investigative journalism non-profit ProPublica, the newspaper reported. In mid-2012, Justice Department lawyers wrote two secret memos allowing the NSA to begin hunting on Internet cables, without a warrant and inside the United States, for data linked to computer intrusions originating abroad, the Times reported, citing the
documents. It said the data included traffic that flows to suspicious Internet addresses or contains malware. The disclosure of the documents come as U.S. financial institutions, businesses and government agencies are increasingly being targeted in cyberattacks, the Times noted. The Times reported that the Justice Department permitted the NSA to monitor only addresses
and “cybersignatures,” patterns tied to computer intrusions, that it could link to foreign governments. But the documents showed that the spy agency sought to target hackers even when it could not establish links to foreign countries. During a briefing, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said he was “not in a position to talk in a lot of detail about any sort
of covert government come as no surprise that programs that may or the U.S. government may not exist.” But he gathers intelligence said President Barack on foreign powers that Obama’s administration attempt to penetrate will remain vigilant U.S. networks and steal about an “ever-evolving” the private information cyber-threat that is of U.S. citizens and increasing in frequency, companies.” scale, sophistication and Hale also was severity. quoted as saying that overseas Brian Hale, “targeting spokesman for the individuals engaging in Office of the Director of hostile cyberactivities National Intelligence, on behalf of a foreign was quoted by the Times power is a lawful foreign as saying, “It should intelligence purpose.”
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Amtrak engineer didn’t use cellphone before crash
WASHINGTON — The engineer driving an Amtrak train wasn’t using his cellphone just before the train derailed in Philadelphia last month, safety investigators said Wednesday, deepening the mystery of what caused the accident that killed eight and injured about 200. In an updated report, the National Transportation Safety Board said its analysis of phone records “does not indicate that any calls, texts or data usage occurred during the time the engineer was operating the train.” The agency also said the engineer, Brandon Bostian, didn’t access the train’s WiFi system while he was operating the locomotive. Investigators have said previously that the train accelerated to 106 miles per hour in the last minute before entering a curve where the speed limit is 50 mph. In the last few seconds the brakes were applied with maximum force, but the train was still traveling at over 100 mph when it left the tracks. Bostian suffered a head injury in the May 12 crash, and his attorney has said the engineer doesn’t remember anything after the train pulled out of Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station, the last stop before the derailment. Bostian provided investigators with his passcode to the phone, allowing them access to the data without having to go through the phone manufacturers, the NTSB said. Engineers aren’t allowed to use phones while operating trains or preparing them for movement, but determining whether Bostian was using the phone was a complicated
Emergency personnel work at the scene of a deadly train derailment, Wednesday, May 13, 2015, in Philadelphia. The Amtrak train, headed to New York City, derailed and crashed in Philadelphia, killing at least six people and injuring dozens of others. process. To determine whether the phone was in “airplane mode” or was powered off, investigators in NTSB’s laboratory have been examining the phone’s operating system, which contains more than 400,000 files of metadata. Investigators are obtaining a phone identical to the engineer’s phone and will be running additional tests to validate the data. The phone was used to make calls and send text messages the day of the accident, but inconsistencies in phone records presented difficulties, NTSB Chairman Chris Hart told Congress last week. The voice and text messages were recorded in different time zones and may not have been calibrated to the exact time as other equipment on the train, such as a camera focused on the tracks and a
recorder that registers how fast the train was moving and actions by the engineer, he said. Accident investigators have said previously that they have not found any mechanical problems with the train. The track had been inspected not long before the crash. On Tuesday, the House passed a transportation spending bill that includes $9 million for Amtrak to install inward-facing cameras in locomotive cabs. Five years ago, the NTSB recommended the Federal Railroad Administration require railroads install the cameras so that investigators have a video and sound recording of what was going inside the cab in the event of an accidents. However, regulators didn’t convene an industry-labor advisory
committee to work on possible regulations until last year. The committee has been unable to reach a consensus, and the railroad administration has said it will pursue regulations without the committee’s endorsement. However, it could be years before regulations are proposed and then made final. Rather than waiting for regulations, Amtrak will install the cameras on trains in the Northeast Corridor on its own, the railroad’s president and CEO, Joseph Boardman, said recently. The NTSB recommendation on cameras was made as the board wrapped up an investigation into the Sept. 12, 2008 head-on collision between a Metrolink commuter train and a Union Pacific freight train in Chatsworth, California. The Metrolink train ran through a red signal. Twenty-five people were killed and scores injured. The NTSB faulted the Metrolink train’s engineer for the collision, deducing that he was distracted by text messages he was sending while on duty. Later Wednesday, NTSB officials are expected to testify before the Senate commerce committee about train safety. One focus of the hearing is positive train control, a technology that can prevent trains from derailing because of excessive speed. Congress mandated in 2008 that Amtrak, commuter railroads and freight railroads install positive train control by the end of this year. Amtrak still has to do extensive testing of the system but will meet the deadline, officials have said.
Bill Clinton defends family foundation DENVER — Former President Bill Clinton forcefully defended the integrity of his charitable foundation on Wednesday, arguing that attacks on the institution reflect partisan politics as his wife runs for the Democratic presidential nomination. In an interview with Bloomberg TV at the Clinton Global Initiative’s annual Denver meeting, Clinton acknowledged that some donations may seem questionable when viewed through a political lens. But he said they were accepted with the best intentions. “Has anyone proved we’ve done anything objectionable with this money?” he asked. “No.” The charity was set up after Clinton’s presidency more than a decade ago, and he said no one was thinking that Hillary Rodham Clinton would run for
president someday or that “everything we Haiti,” Clinton said. did would be treated with the presumption He added that the foundation has a of wrongdoing.” “strict” non-corruption policy and noted The initiative has been criticized that several Republicans, such as former as allowing foreign countries and President George W. Bush and Mitt businesses to curry favor with the Clinton Romney, have spoken at its gatherings. The former president said he family during Hillary Clinton’s tenure as secretary of state. would stop giving paid speeches should Clinton cited a $500,000 donation his wife win next year’s presidential from the government of Algeria in 2010 election. Both Clintons have come under that violated an Obama administration criticism for pulling in millions of dollars ban on the foundation taking contributions in speaking fees since they left the White from foreign states. The donation came House. Clinton said it will be his wife’s two days after the Haiti earthquake that killed more than 230,000 people. Clinton call whether he stays at the foundation, said the injured were being anesthetized if she wins the presidency, or whether he in the streets with vodka because hospitals does something else. “She will have to decide what is were destroyed — and he was accepting my highest and best use, including being help from anyone. “There are very few countries in around to buck her up in the morning,” he Former US President Bill Clinton the world I would not accept for help to said.
Carnival Cruise Line to ban carry-on bottled beverages Carnival Cruise Line is implementing a ban on most bottled beverages in an effort to keep passengers from smuggling alcohol disguised as bottled water aboard ships. Starting July 9, the cruise line announced that passengers will no longer be permitted to bring bottled beverages onboard at embarkation, reports USA Today. The new rule permits a single bottle of wine or champagne per passenger. Unopened beverages packed
in cans or cartons including water, Carnival will also be restricting soda, or juice will be permitted but the size of coolers that can be carried passengers are limited to a 12-pack in on board to 12 in by 12 in by 12 in or carry-on luggage. less. Passengers will not longer have “We sincerely apologize for any the ability to tag beverages as checked disappointment these changes may luggage during embarkation. Carnival says that the new cause,” in a letter signed by Arlene Marichal, senior director, solutions and policy is an effort to combat passengers special services that will be distributed from bringing “unauthorized alcohol” to cruise passengers. “However, we aboard cruises. Some recent episodes firmly believe this will result in a safer “bad behavior” have been traced back environment while also improving the to illicit alcohol and the inspection of embarkation process and the overall a rising number of bottles was slowing guest experience.” down the boarding process.
To help offset the cost for passengers, the cruise line announced it has lowered the price of bottled water—if purchased in advance of the itinerary. A $4.99 12-pack of 500 mL bottles will cost $2.99 if purchased in advance. Cruise Critic notes this is not the first time the cruise line has tried to ban passengers from carrying on their own liquids. In 2007, they banned all non-alcoholic drinks being brought on board but backtracked a few months later.
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World Bank sees slower global growth The World Bank on Wednesday cut its global growth outlook for this year and urged countries to “fasten their seat belts” as they adjust to lower commodity prices and a looming rise in U.S. interest rates. Kaushik Basu, the World Bank’s chief economist, said the Federal Reserve should hold off on a rate hike until next year to avoid worsening exchange rate volatility and crimping global growth. In its twice-yearly Global Economic Prospects report, the global development lender predicted the world economy would expand 2.8 percent this year, below its 3 percent prediction in January. It said low commodity prices, especially the roughly 40 percent drop in oil prices since last year, had hurt commodity exporters more than anticipated. The World Bank also warned countries to
prepare for higher U.S. interest rates, which would raise borrowing costs for developing economies. “We at the World Bank have just switched on the seat belt sign,” Basu said in a press conference in Washington. “We are advising nations, especially emerging economies, to fasten their seat belts.” Basu said lower commodities prices eventually should help global growth, and the World Bank kept its global growth forecasts unchanged for next year and 2017. It also predicted that India would be the fastestgrowing major economy for the first time this year, growing at a rate of 7.5 percent, up from the previous forecast of 6.4 percent. But the World Bank cut its 2015 growth forecast for developing countries to 4.4 percent, from 4.8 percent in January, pointing to the drag of expected recessions in Brazil
and Russia. It also lowered the growth outlook for the United States to 2.7 percent this year, from 3.2 percent in January, and to 2.8 percent next year, from a previous forecast of 3 percent. The U.S. economy slumped at the beginning of 2015 due in large part to bad winter weather, a strong dollar, port disruptions and deep energy sector spending cuts. “If I were advising the U.S. Fed, I would recommend that (higher rates) happen next year instead of late this year,” due to the mixed economic picture, Basu said, adding that it was his own view rather than that of the World Bank as a whole. “My own concern is that a relatively early move (in U.S. rates) could cause an exchange rate movement, strengthening of the dollar, which will not be good for the U.S. economy” and have negative repercussions for other countries, he said.
HSBC to shed 50,000 jobs HSBC pledged a new era of higher dividends, laying out plans to slash nearly one in five jobs and shrink its investment bank by a third to combat sluggish growth across its sprawling empire. Chief Executive Stuart Gulliver has made it his mission to boost profits since taking the helm of Europe’s largest bank by assets in 2011 but his efforts have so far been foiled by high compliance costs, fines and low interest rates. In the bank’s second big overhaul since the financial crisis, it will speed up a cull of unprofitable units and countries by cutting almost 50,000 jobs - half of them from selling businesses in Brazil and Turkey. The bank also planned to increase its business in Asia, particularly in China. HSBC will cut its assets by a quarter, or $290 billion on a risk adjusted basis (RWA), by 2017, and slice $140 billion from its investment bank, which will subsequently make up less than a third of HSBC’s balance sheet from 40 percent now. Gulliver also pledged higher payouts for investors. “I believe that we are in the foothills of another prolonged period of dividend growth for the firm,” he said. The bank’s dividend had grown for 17 years from 1991 to 2008. But investors were cautious about how HSBC would translate job cuts into meaningful savings given the higher cost
Nike settles with designers it accused of stealing secrets
Nike Inc has settled a lawsuit against three former shoe designers it had accused of stealing its commercial secrets and taking them to German rival Adidas AG with plans to open a footwear design studio in Brooklyn. The designers’ attorney, Matt Levin, said in a statement Tuesday that the case had been resolved through a confidential settlement. Both Nike and Adidas declined to comment, but a clerk with the state court in Oregon, where the lawsuit was filed, said both sides agreed to dismiss the matter on June 4. Nike, the world’s largest sportswear maker, sued Denis Dekovic, Marc Dolce and Mark Miner last December for at least $10 million in damages, alleging that the trio started consulting for Adidas while still working at Nike, violating their noncompete agreements. Before leaving Nike, the complaint alleged, the designers copied sensitive documents, including drawings for an unreleased shoe made for one of Nike’s sponsored athletes, and tried to cover their tracks by erasing emails and text messages from their work-issued cellphones and laptops. Nike’s complaint said the trio brought Adidas information about Nike’s plans for its running, sportswear and soccer lines and pitched Adidas on a design studio that was a knockoff of its own design lab. Last September, Adidas announced it would open an urban footwear design studio in Brooklyn, to be staffed by Dekovic, Dolce and Miner. Nike also claimed that Adidas knew of the non-compete agreements and promised to pay for any legal fallout. In a countersuit filed in May, the designers had claimed that Nike invaded their privacy and broke federal law in accessing their personal electronic communications. They said Nike’s corporate culture was “stifling their creativity” and that their idea for a design studio did not rely on Nike’s confidential information.
Apple Music will sound worse
An HSBC bank in Turkey of doing business in a tougher post-crisis business environment marked by new rules on risk and compliance. “Slaughtering the staff is not necessarily the solution unless management makes the bank considerably less complex,” said James Antos, analyst at Mizuho Securities Asia. HSBC shares closed down 0.94 percent, pressured also by disappointment after the bank cut its target for return on equity to greater than 10 percent by 2017, down from a previous target of 12-15 percent by 2016. European rivals including Barclays, RBS, UBS and Deutsche Bank have axed thousands of jobs, but many are facing fresh calls for more radical cuts in investment banking given tough operating conditions. Some investors and analysts reckon HSBC should consider breaking up, on the grounds that extra compliance and regulatory costs outweigh the benefits of scale.
But Gulliver defended the bank’s global footprint and universal strategy. “The answer isn’t the network should be broken up, the issue is there are four or five countries that are a major problem,” Gulliver told investors and analysts during a five-hour presentation. He cited Brazil, Turkey, Mexico, the United States and Britain as countries where weak performance or high conduct costs and fines had destroyed value. He estimated the bank achieved $34 billion of revenue benefits from its size and diversity, including $22 billion of client revenue stemming from its international network. Jobs will be cut by introducing more automation and consolidating IT and back office operations, and the bank said it would close 12 percent of branches in its seven biggest markets. It has 5,800 branches globally.
Apple Music will be streaming its tracks at a lower quality than its competition, but those smaller files will save you on your data plan. Apple said its tracks will stream at 256 kilobits per second. That’s a bitrate similar to music files available on iTunes, but the Apple Music files are 20% smaller than competing streaming music services, including main rival Spotify. Spotify’s audio files come in three sizes: 96 kbps, 160kbps and 320 kbps. Files with the highest quality are only available to paid subscribers. Apple Music doesn’t have a free version like Spotify does -- all of its customers will have to pay $9.99 a month. Jay Z’s Tidal offers its top range subscribers “lossless” music, streaming files as big as 1,411 kbps. The music mogul has been actively promoting Tidal’s $19.99-a-month “HiFi” music since acquiring the company early this year. Music files with smaller bitrates, however, require less bandwidth to stream. Rhapsody, which offers three different types of audio quality files in its archives, tells its users that quality on 64 kbps files is equivalent to a 128 kbps MP3 yet only requiring half the bandwidth. That lets you save on your data plan, especially if you’re listening to streaming music while traveling and without a Wi-Fi connection. Besides eating up your data, higher quality music files require larger storage memory on your devices when downloaded for offline play. High quality audio is crucial to DJs and people who plays music at a high volume. But if you are just playing music on your iPhone on the way to work, you’re not going to notice a huge difference.
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Facebook earns 51 percent of ad revenue overseas
Overseas markets bring be about $1.7 billion for international in more advertising revenue than markets. International advertising the United States for Facebook Inc, revenue rose 36 percent from a year amounting to 51 percent of global ad earlier, Facebook said. While Europe is growing sales in the first quarter, with growth in Asia the fastest in the world at 57 slower than the United States, the percent, company executives told Asia Pacific region is ahead and a focus for Facebook. Reuters. By comparison, Google said While Facebook has reported regional growth in percentage terms, that 57 percent of its revenue was this is the first time it has detailed ad from international markets in the first sales outside the United States and quarter, although it did not break out Canada as a percent of worldwide sales. ad revenue specifically. Like the advertisers it courts, the Mobile advertising represents world’s largest social media platform more than 70 percent of Facebook’s total looks at international markets for ad revenue, and mobile is particularly strong and attractive to advertisers in growth. “The next 1 billion consumers emerging markets, Everson said. Facebook is benefiting from are going to come from these countries,” said Carolyn Everson, vice president, exporters in China trying to reach global marketing solutions at Facebook. people outside its country and from Total advertising revenue for the an influx of venture capital funding quarter increased 46 percent to $3.3 into India, giving start-ups funds for billion, the vast majority of Facebook’s advertising. $3.5 billion in quarterly revenue. Fifty- Chinese businesses are getting more one percent of total ad revenue would sophisticated about promoting
Want to type faster? Meet a buzzy new keyboard
BeeRaider keyboard When Ray McEnaney types, letters they needed. Having the he’s confident it’s the most efficient alpha characters — the keys used way possible. But it’s not typing most often — grouped together really school that’s given him this feeling. helped memory retention as well. It’s his keyboard. Frustrated with But Kristy Snyder, a the limitations of the traditional cognition and cognitive neuroscience QWERTY layout, McEnaney spent researcher at Vanderbilt University the last decade designing a new one. isn’t sure that keyboard layout can Considering that the universal key affect typing speeds. She’s been arrangement was designed in the experimenting with typists’ memories typewriter age — patented in 1878 — of their keyboard, and she found an alternative seems due. This one’s that most can only identify half the inspired by a bee. keys they use daily. “We think that McEnaney wasn’t satisfied it’s an implicit knowledge of where with other typing options people the fingers go; the motor system turn to — the most prominent being learns where the keys are, and that’s Dvorak, which aims to minimize how how you learn to type,” she says. far the fingers travel and reduce She found that using Dvorak and fatigue. He thought the learning QWERTY layouts were unconnected curve was too great: Users need to retention, “suggesting that typists to seriously commit to becoming know little about key locations on the proficient. That’s how we get to keyboard, whether they are exposed the BeeRaider, his oddly shaped to the keyboard for two hours or 12 keyboard that resembles a bee in years,” she says. flight, with two “wings” of keys This makes the likelihood arranged on either side of a radial of the BeeRaider taking off more center. It’s a buzzy concept: The plausible; if people have no intrinsic layout is larger, with the keys you recollection of keys, they should be need most at the center (which gives open to a new way of working. “Using you less fatigue, McEnaney says). a new system could be better than Keys that he considers “more useless” QWERTY,” Snyder says, but having — including Q, K and X — are placed to change key mapping could be farther away. difficult. He promises that anyone can If you’re up for the challenge, become a capable BeeRaider typist the BeeRaider is available for in 20 minutes. The secret? The key preorders at $112.49, and you can position and the related mnemonic choose between the optimized layout learning tools, through which you or the radial QWERTY design. Mobile practice typing phrases like “I hate users can try BeeRaider’s Android waste excess” and “Just before dawn app ($1.92), though it’s somewhat starts.” It’s a little weird to type in tricky to use on small screens. All such a fashion, but I was surprised at in the name of being able to tap out how natural it felt after five minutes, “The quick brown fox jumps over the my fingers somehow finding the lazy dog” at superspeeds
A 3D plastic representation of the Facebook logo their brands, said Dan Neary, vice president of Facebook’s Asia Pacific region. “Increasingly manufactures are becoming savvy marketers in their own right,” he said. While Facebook has offices in Hong Kong, Everson said there is “no news to share” on further expansion in China. In India, e-commerce startups are exploding and many are using Facebook’s advertising platform to reach new consumers, Neary said. The company has also initiated specific methods tailored to
the country including optimizing video and pictures for slower connections in India, where an ad product called “missed call” also helps customers avoid phone call charges. Many people in India dial a friend and hang up to send a signal without incurring charges. Facebook incorporated this system into its ads. A person can place a “missed call” by clicking on a mobile ad from Facebook and receive a return call with information, for example the score of a cricket game, sponsored by a brand. Facebook also plans to capitalize on the visual images, specifically photography and videos, that are being embraced by younger audiences across the world. Instagram, the popular photo app, announced on June 2 it is opening up its platform to all types of businesses, not just handselected brands and will begin rolling out more specific targeting capability globally this year.
Oil prices continue to decline
A woman pumps gas at a station Oil prices continued to decline on Thursday due to a stronger dollar and a gloomy economic forecast by the World Bank, while a bullish International Energy Agency (IEA) report on global demand failed to dispel concerns over a supply glut. In its twice-yearly Global Economic Prospects report, the World Bank predicted that the global economy would expand by 2.8 percent this year, below its 3 percent outlook in January, with India recording the strongest growth among major economies for the first time, ahead of a slowing China. Meanwhile the IEA, which coordinates energy policy for industrial nations, raised its projection for global oil demand growth in 2015 by 280,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd, bringing demand this year to almost 94 million bpd. The agency said that unexpectedly strong global oil demand growth had been supporting oil prices and raised its estimate for world demand for crude from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) this year. Brent crude oil for July LCOc1 shed 72 cents, to trade at $64.98 a barrel by 9.40 a.m. EDT. U.S. crude CLc1 was down 75 cents at
$60.68 a barrel. Carsten Fritsch, senior oil analyst at Commerzbank, said the IEA report was not strong enough to ignite a rally on oil markets because OPEC continues to pump about 1 million bpd above its target. Michael Hewson, chief markets analyst at CMC Markets, said a stronger U.S. dollar and persistent oversupply of crude had pushed prices down. The U.S. dollar .DXY rose by 0.74 percent against a basket of currencies, recovering after it dropped to a three-week low. A stronger greenback makes dollar-priced commodities more expensive for buyers using other currencies and tends to weigh on oil prices. Oil prices had drawn support on Wednesday from big falls in U.S. stocks as the market has gradually tightened after many months of heavy oversupply. However the rally on the data was short-lived. “The market continues to be oversupplied relative to demand. The fact that oil prices were unable to rally significantly on that number suggests we are in a broad range. The bottom of the range for Brent is about $60 a barrel and the top of the range is about $67-$68 a barrel,” Hewson said.
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Gun maker Colt heads toward bankruptcy showdown Famed U.S. gun maker Colt appears to be headed into a bankruptcy duel in the coming week if its private equity backers and bondholders cannot overcome widely differing views on the best way to heal the company’s financial wounds. Sales of Colt’s modern sports rifles and handguns fell 30 percent last year and the company’s cash had dwindled to $11.1 million by May 22, according to regulatory filings. Colt Defense, whose M1911 was the primary sidearm for the U.S. military for most of last century, missed a $10.9 million payment last month to
holders of $250 million in its senior bonds. Usually a company in such a dire position would be forced to surrender ownership to creditors, which are often hedge funds that scooped up the company’s bonds as a takeover strategy. But with Colt forecasting sales growth of 24 percent in 2015 and 2016, the company’s private equity owners, Sciens Management, intend to retain ownership, even if bondholders get stuck with big losses. The West Hartford, Connecticut-based company has proposed issuing $450
of new securities for every $1,000 of outstanding bonds a 55 percent discount. Colt has said that as of June 1, it has the consent of just 5.9 percent of bondholders, represented by the law firm Brown Rudnick. Without near unanimous bondholder consent by Saturday, Colt could opt for bankruptcy, according to regulatory filings. “Their message to creditors is to take the 45 cents or get flushed,” said Leonard Klingbaum, a partner with Willkie Farr & Gallagher, who is advising lenders in the talks. If bondholders reject the debt-
A teenager takes aim with a gun made by Colt at an exhibit booth during the National Rifle Association’s annual meeting in Houston cutting plan, Colt has said in regulatory filings it will sell its assets in bankruptcy, with the possibility that no bid will be enough to cover the company’s $105 million in secured debt, leaving nothing for bondholders. Kevin Starke, an analyst with CRT Capital in Stamford, Connecticut, said a sale might be best for the stumbling company and its bondholders.
He drew a comparison to Hostess Brands, the maker of Twinkies, which like Colt suffered poor labor relations and was liquidated during its 2012 bankruptcy. Two years later, the snack company was booming after new owners took over. “Sometimes the best way out is to sort of scrap the whole thing and start again,” Starke said.
Assuring your carryon bag fits in overhead bin
Thomas Windmuller, a vice president of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), holds a carry-on bag which conforms to a new minimum size announced by the group in an effort to get world airlines to sign on to the standard, at the group’s annual meeting in Miami.
Air travelers are all size is slightly smaller than too familiar with carry-on bag many current standards. At anxiety: the feeling sparked 21.5 inches (55 cm) by 13.5 by last-minute and sometimes inches (35 cm) by 7.5 inches seemingly arbitrary decisions (20 cm), including wheels, that a piece of luggage is too that is slightly smaller than large to fit in the overhead bin. the 22 inches by 14 inches by On Monday, the world’s 9 inches that United Airlines, aviation trade organization, American Airlines and Delta which also focuses on weighty Air Lines currently allow. issues such as flight safety IATA worked with and airline profitability, plane makers Boeing and announced an “optimal size” Airbus to find a size guaranteed standard and an effort to get to fit in bins of planes with 120 world airlines to sign on to the seats or more, at least a 737 move. or A319. Travelers on smaller The goal is to give regional aircraft still take the airlines and passengers risk of bags being barred from assurance that compliant boarding. bags can board the plane, no IATA said it is questions asked. talking with major luggage “It’ll reduce fights brands, including Tumi and between gate agents and Samsonite, on making bags at passengers,” Thomas the new size, which it expects Windmuller, a vice president will be available this year. of the International Air Manufacturer Crown Transport Association (IATA), Luggage of China has already said at the group’s annual produced sample suitcases, meeting in Miami. which IATA handed out at its However, the new three-day event.
The new bags carry an IATA “Cabin OK” tag to tell gate agents and flight crews that the luggage is compliant. Each tag also has a unique tracking number that will allow owners to locate a lost bag via a website, okoban.com. So far, IATA said airlines interested in signing on to the standard include Brazil’s Azul, Germany’s Lufthansa Emirates airline [EMIRA.UL], Avianca AVT_p. CN, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Eastern China Southern and Caribbean Airlines. IATA expects others to join in coming months, around the same time bags become available in stores. “I haven’t come across an airline yet that said this is a terrible idea,” said Windmuller. The program is voluntary, and airlines can refuse bags if they suddenly change a flight to a smaller aircraft.
Sony’s latest high-end superzoom shoots in 4K The new Sony Cybershot shot at that speed. The “speed” theme RX10 II has huge boots to fill, as the original RX10 superzoom is continues with other aspects of one of the best cameras we’ve ever the camera, as well. The new seen. To up the ante, Sony has “stacked” 1.0 type piled on a lot of new features, with sensor has a built the splashiest being 4k video. Like in DRAM chip, the flagship A7R II and compact allowing five faster RX100 IV, the RX10 II now captures times 3,840 x 2,160 video by reading out readout than the the entire 1-inch, 20.2-megapixel previous model. sensor. It then oversamples at 4K or That gives it a 1080p to maximize sharpness and crazy maximum minimize moire and anti-aliasing. 1 / 3 2 , 0 0 0 To top it off, you can shoot in nearly second shutter, full HD at a stellar 240fps, or up to combined with a 1,000fps at an effective resolution 14fps continuous of 800 x 270. Sony points out that shooting speed. it would take about 80 seconds to Sony says the new tech also play back just 2 seconds of video eliminates a lot of rolling shutter
on fast moving subjects. Speaking of which, the RX10 II is equipped with a new XGA
OLED electronic viewfinder (“TruFinder,” in Sony’s nomenclature)
and an updated contrast detection autofocus system that can lock on in 0.09 seconds. The new model keeps the same Zeiss 24-200mm (35mm equivalent) constant F/2.8 zoom lens, which is a good thing, because it’s superb. The body is nearly identical to the original with a decidedly DSLR look instead of the classic body of other mirrorless and fixed-lens models. If the RX10 II sounds like it’s up your alley, brace yourself, though. It arrives in July at a gasp-worthy $1,300, the same price as the original RX10 at launch. Still, Sony has updated it with a lot of really nice features, and for now, no other superzoom can touch it.
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Coach Simmons hopeful Windies can rebound if they get runs
of the differences in the last game -- in for mention as his 6-80 in the first Australia didn’t drop a catch and we innings restricted Australia, and dropped a couple of catches at crucial Simmons is optimistic that the form of times, so those are the two things that the leg-spinner will continue through we need to make sure we improve on,” the series. “I think he (Bishoo) has been he explained. With the Sabina Park surface bowling better and better as we go containing plenty of grass ahead of along; from the season he had 60-odd the game, the former West Indies wickets, so he has been bowling well,” pacer, who took over the helm earlier Simmons said. And with the West Indies this year, was reluctant to give his Windies trio falling under heavy scrutiny following thoughts. “I will wait till the day before the heavy defeat, some planning to Following a dismal nine- match. So it’s how you take it [and] I wicket defeat to Australia in the first think the morale in the team has been the game and then I can judge what attend the match may not be so inclined, Test, West Indies Coach Phil Simmons great and the guys are looking forward the wicket is going to be like, because but Simmons urged fans to support they would do more work on it between the team through its rebuilding phase. said the team has moved on and is to the next Test match. “It’s still the West Indies team “It is still an open series, it’s today (yesterday) and tomorrow hoping to make amends in the two- a two match series... it is not over yet (today). So tomorrow when we finish that is playing and it’s a young team match series. The West Indies displayed and we are looking to draw the game practice, I can see what it is like and that is trying to get forward in Test their usual lacklustre batting in order to draw the series,” he told then I can decide what we can get from cricket. We keep looking at things and performance in the first Test at reporters at the team’s first training this and what combination we have to saying that we don’t want to come because we lost the last match, but play,” he said. Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica last session at Sabina Park. Simmons went on to applaud how many people came when we won However, Simmons quickly week. The Denesh Ramdin-led squad got bundled over for 148 and 216 in pointed out that for the team to win, the ability of young wicketkeeper/ the Test match before that? So you either innings, which left Australia to the batting and fielding performances batsman Shane Dorwich, who on debut have to come out and support your contributed 70 in the second innings team members,” he noted. ease to victory inside three days. will have to improve immensely. SQUAD: Denesh Ramdin But Simmons declared that “We just need to bat properly while partnering Marlon Samuels in a (Captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine the Caribbean side, which arrived in in the first innings; I think the first 144 fourth-wicket stand. Kraigg Brathwaite, “He (Dorwich) has taken it Blackwood, Jamaica on Monday, will be looking to innings sets up everything [and] if level the series when the second Test we bat properly and we get to 350- very well; I think he has showed his Darren Bravo, Rajendra Chandrika, 400 runs in the first innings, we have ability in both innings and I hope that Shane Dowrich (wkt), Shannon gets under way at Sabina Park. `“Defeat is a defeat; we beat seen that our bowlers can put people he can go further than he went in the Gabriel, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Veerasammy Permaul, Kemar Roach, England in three days too and they under pressure. But we need to take last innings,” he noted. Devendra Bishoo also came Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor. went back and they won the next Test all our catches. I think that was one
Trinidad says Jack Warner is no flight risk
Port of Spain - Ex-FIFA vice president that Mr. Warner makes himself available when Jack Warner has slim chances of fleeing his native the time comes.” Warner, a politically powerful lawmaker Trinidad and Tobago, where he is fighting the US bid to extradite him on corruption charges, the and millionaire, has to present himself to police twice a week under his bail terms. country’s attorney general said Wednesday. Warner, who was arrested after the “Any person with the level of resources United States indicted him and 13 other football that Mr. Warner has would be considered a flight officials and marketing executives in a sweeping risk, and that is why the arrest took place and his corruption investigation, is currently free on passport was surrendered,” said Nicholas, who said his office had been cooperating with the US $40,000 bail pending extradition hearings. Trinidadian Attorney General Garvin investigation for two years. He said the extradition case against Nicholas said the country had taken measures to prevent him from fleeing, tightening the net Warner, who denies the charges against him, already around him since the United States had could take years. Warner, 72, is accused of taking a Interpol put Warner on its most wanted list and $10-million bribe to help South Africa win the issue an international red alert. “We certainly made it a lot more difficult contest to host the 2010 World Cup, among other for him to escape or to leave the country, and with charges. Since his indictment he has waged a the Americans taking the further step of issuing the red warrant it means that every country is mass media campaign in Trinidad and Tobago to now alerted should he attempt to enter another proclaim his innocence. After Warner threatened to unleash an country,” Nicholas told journalists. “Together with the American authorities “avalanche” of dirty secrets about world football I think we have done all that we can to ensure governing body FIFA, British comedian John
Ex-FIFA vice president Jack Warner Oliver took to the Trinidadian airwaves Tuesday to encourage him to do just that. “I am begging you, release everything, because, why the hell not? It’s not like you are not already potentially in a lot of trouble,” Oliver said in a paid five-minute spot on TV6, one of the same outlets Warner has used to stage his defense. He urged him to follow the example of Chuck Blazer, the US football executive who was also indicted in the sting and agreed to cooperate with investigators.
Brazil legend Zico wants FIFA presidency BRAZIL legend Zico intends United States and Swiss authorities. world, Zico has little experience in to stand for the presidency of FIFA Speaking at a crowded press football administration at any senior after admitting the corruption crisis conference at a football skills centre level. in the sport’s governing body has he runs in Rio de Janerio, Zico said: Blatter has said he would saddened him. The 52-year-old, whose “It’s sad for our sport to see what is step down once a successor is chosen full name is Arthur Antunes Coimbra, happening in football today – the – likely to be in December. said it was his “duty” to stand. corruption … and the hard work of U.S. officials have indicted Current president Sepp many other good people wasted – and I 14 FIFA officials and associates on Blatter announced he would stand see it as my duty to use my experience bribery and racketeering charges, down just four days after being re- and knowledge to try and stand for with seven of those arrested just two elected last month. the presidency.” days before FIFA members re-elected It came after twin corruption Although he has played and Blatter. Swiss prosecutors are also probes into FIFA were launched by managed in countries around the
investigating how FIFA awarded the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively. Zico is regarded one of the greatest players in Brazil’s history and appeared at three World Cup finals with the national side, in 1978, 1982 and 1986. Domestically he won 12 titles with Flamengo before embarking on a coaching career that included spells with Japan, CSKA Moscow in Russia and Turkish side Fenerbahce.
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Family angry as Bladerunner Pistorius to be released from prison
South Africa’s Oscar Pistorius poses with a national flag after winning gold in the men’s 400m - T44 final during the athletics competition at the London 2012 Paralympic Games Johannesburg Oscar dismay at the announcement. “Incarceration of 10 months Pistorius, the South African amputee sprinter who shot dead his girlfriend, for taking a life is simply not enough,” is set to be freed on parole in August Reeva’s parents June and Barry after serving just 10 months in jail, Steenkamp said in a statement officials said Monday, sparking anger released online. “We fear that this will not send from her family. Pistorius, who became a global out the proper message and serve as hero after competing in both the the deterrent it should.” The statement added that the Paralympics and Olympics, claimed he mistook Reeva Steenkamp for an family had “forgiven” Pistorius and did intruder when he fired four shots “not seek to avenge” the death of their through a locked bathroom door on daughter, 29, a successful model and television presenter. Valentine’s Day in 2013. The 28-year-old athlete was Zach Modise, commissioner of the found guilty last year of culpable correctional services, told AFP that homicide -- a charge equivalent to Pistorius would likely be kept under manslaughter -- and sentenced to five house arrest with one hour of free time each day before the restrictions were years in prison. “The Correctional Supervision gradually eased. and Parole Board... approved the - Oscar’s dark side placement of Oscar Pistorius under Born without fibulas -- calf correctional supervision with effect bones -- Pistorius had his legs from 21 August,” a government amputated below the knee at 11 months of age and was fitted with statement said. But Steenkamp’s family voiced prosthetics which allowed him to play
sports. He took numerous sprinting titles in the Paralympics, and made history in 2012 when he became the first double-amputee to compete at both the Olympics and the Paralympics. But the shooting abruptly shattered his heroic image and ended his sparkling career as sponsors dumped him and he was forced to sell his homes due to mounting legal bills. The case also exposed his darker side as volatile man with a penchant for guns, beautiful women and fast cars. Weeks before he shot Steenkamp, he discharged a gun by accident at a Johannesburg restaurant. In the dock, he sobbed, shook and vomited in the dock as details of his lover’s death were examined in excruciating detail as the world followed every twist and turn of the trial. State prosecutors are appealing against his conviction for culpable homicide, saying he should have been found guilty of murder. On Monday, the appeal hearing was set for November -- three months after Pistorius is due to be freed on
Tiger Woods no longer he world’s highest-paid golfer
This is the first time since Tiger Woods became a professional -- signing his outrageous contract -- in 1996 that he has not been out of front in the golfing compensation charts. Never mind the tag of best golfer in the world, Tiger Woods cannot even claim to be the highest-paid golfer in the world at the moment. His long-time nemesis, Phil Mickelson, has replaced him at the head of the income charts. Forbes has Woods down in ninth place on their latest list of top-earning athletes at US$50.6-million, having put him No. 1 as recently as two years ago with US$80.4-million. This is the first time since Woods became a professional — signing his outrageous contract — in 1996 that he has not been out of front in the golfing compensation charts. Mickelson cracked the top 10 in some style, “beating” Woods by $200,000, thanks to amassing $2.8-million on the course in 2014 compared to Woods’s paltry $0.6-million. Rory McIlroy, the world No. 1, is the only other golfer in the top 100, in 12th on $48.3-million. With just seven days to go until the U.S. Open begins in Chambers Bay in Washington State in the north west of the country, Woods continues to dominate the discussion after the 14-time major-winner shot the highest round of
his 19-year career — 85 — and the highest fourround total — 302 — at last week’s Memorial at Muirfield Village. Meanwhile, Mickelson is undertaking his usual preparations for a major by playing at the St Jude Classic in Memphis. The 44-yearold will be aiming to go one better at Chambers Bay than his remarkable six U.S. Open runnerup finishes and so become the sixth player in history to complete the career grand slam. He can quiz his playing partners in the first two rounds in Memphis about what it takes to win the tournament after the organizers mischievously paired him with Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell (the 2010 champion) and the South African Retief Goosen (who won in 2001 and ’04). Padraig Harington is also in the field and needs to win if he is to qualify for Chambers Bay. At the Westchester Country Club in New York State, Charley Hull plays in her third American major as a pro at KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. The Englishwoman, 19, finished 11th on the LPGA Tour event in Canada last week and spots plenty of positives at the Harrison layout. “It reminds me a bit of my home course, Woburn, in that it’s tree-lined,” Hull said. “The greens over here in the U.S. are fantastic and I’m really looking forward to this. I played well last week and after I changed my swing over the winter it’s coming together.” As ever, the competition is strong in the event formally known as the LPGA Championship but repackaged this year following a collaboration between the LPGA and PGA. After her heroics in Europe’s winning Solheim Cup team, Hull remains a big name and now that she has indicated her desire to commit primarily in the US she has been rewarded with a marquee draw. Hull is playing with Morgan Pressel, the youngest-ever major winner, as well as Michelle Wie.
parole. “A specific date has not been set yet, but we can confirm that the appeal will happen in November this year,” a Supreme Court official, who declined to be named, told AFP. State prosecutors were granted permission to appeal against the verdict, arguing that Judge Thokozile Masipa misinterpreted the law when she ruled Pistorius did not intentionally kill Steenkamp. The state argued he deliberately killed the 29-year-old law graduate and reality television star after an argument. Pistorius’s legal team unsuccessfully tried to halt the appeal, saying the conviction was based on facts presented during the trial and therefore could not be challenged. If an appeals court finds him guilty of murder, the athlete -- known as the “Blade Runner” for his prosthetic legs he wears on the track -- could face at least 15 years in jail. Due to his physical disability, Pistorius has been held in the hospital ward of a Pretoria prison, shielding him from the often brutal overcrowded cells that are known for gang violence.
European Parliament calls for Sepp Blatter to step down immediately The European Parliament has called for Sepp Blatter to step down as FIFA President with immediate effect. Members of Parliament overwhelmingly voted for the resolution during a plenary session in Strasbourg, France. The resolution is not legally binding, but it is yet more political pressure on the Swiss to go. Blatter, 79, tendered his resignation on June 2 despite winning a historic fifth term to work at the helm of world football’s governing body but it will not take effect until December at the earliest. In the text, approved by the European Parliament, legislators welcomed Blatter’s resignation that came just four days after he was re-elected as head of FIFA. But it expressed serious concern “that the credibility of FIFA, as world football’s governing body, and the urgent reforms required, cannot begin in earnest until a new leadership is appointed”. Since that may not happen for another nine months under FIFA rules, the draft “therefore calls on FIFA to select, in a transparent and inclusive way, an appropriate interim
leader to replace Joseph Blatter forthwith,” it added. Football’s governing body was plunged into a crisis at the end of May when 14 current or former FIFA officials and sports marketing executives were charged in Zurich, Switzerland, as part of a US investigation into alleged corruption. The fall-out led to Blatter’s resignation, but his replacement will not be known until the end of the year at the earliest, leaving the organisation in limbo in the meantime. His 17-year reign could come to an end with a proposed emergency meeting at FIFA headquarters in Zurich being pencilled in for December 16. Sports Minister Tracey Crouch echoed the European Union’s call and she told Sky Sports News HQ: “Myself, the Secretary Of State and even the Prime Minister have said we think he should have gone straightaway. “Certainly I’ll be discussing this issue when I meet with my EU counterparts at a forthcoming meeting in Luxembourg. So I think it’s quite right that the EU Parliament has come out and said the same thing.”
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Local football referee to officiate in Women’s World Cup Tuesday in Canada
Gianni Ascani(with ball) Along with other officials in Texas The Turks and Caicos Islands continues to fly the high flag in World Football, with a member of the country’s football association’s referee pool slated to officiate in high-profile FIFA Women’s World Cup Football competition currently taking place in Canada. Gianni Ascani, a referee with the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association is elated to have been given the opportunity to be the man in the middle when the host country’s
team goes up against Dominca on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at 7:30p.m., in Toronto. In an interview with The SUN on Thursday, June 11, Ascani said he was very honoured to be called upon to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands at the highest officiating level in world football. “I was happy to have been nominated for that game as the referee, and I am so proud to represent the Turks and Caicos and the TCIFA.
DEMA GIVES STUDENTS SWIMMING LESSONS The Department of Environment and MaritimeAffairs (DEMA), together with the Turks & CaicosSwimming Federation and local Shark Conservationist, Tina Randall, will be celebrating World Oceans Day with students from the Providenciales Youth Centre. World Oceans’ Day LEARN TO SWIM, will be held on 8 June 2015, at the Lower Bight Park from 4pm to 6pm, for registered students only.
This year students have been afforded the opportunity to learn basic swimming skills to ensure that they can enjoy swimming in both the pool and the sea. Amy Avenant, DEMA’s Environment Outreach Coordinator stated; “This initiative hopes to grow and encourage more and more of TCI’s youth to get into the water, and appreciate our resources, the coral, that lies beneath! We hope this will lead to an
interest and concern for this fragile ecosystem and an understanding as to why it is important to conserve and protect our most important natural and economic resource. “If you, your school or organisation would like more information on how you can learn to swim, or why the ocean is in need of serious conservation, we can be contacted at 3384176 or environment@ gov.tc.”
I will be in the middle. The two assistants will be from Trinidad and Tobago and the fourth official will be from Antigua and Barbuda,” Ascani explain. Ascani said that the Women’s World Cup assignment is his biggest assignment yet. His second biggest was refereeing the finals of the under 17 competition of the Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup tournament in Dallas, Texas, USA in March. The annual tournament
attracts club teams from all over the United States, South America, Central America, Africa and Europe. The Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup is the oldest international youth football tournament in the United States, and one of the largest and most highly competitive youth football tournaments in the world. This tournament compromises of seven age groups ranging from under-13 to under-19.
Stallions Takes it Home 3 Years Straight!! The Mighty GT Stallions defeated the Police Badgers in the Providenciales Amateur Basketball Association playoffs at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sport Centre on Saturday May 29th. The Badgers played ecstatically but were subdued by the reigning champions the Stallions 88 to 78. The Stallions were crowned champions for the third year giving there all and performing to the fullest giving all they had to offer. Tamaurri Lightbourne led his team to victory in the final game with 27 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block and 3 steals. Saundro Germaine also won his team 22points and 7 rebounds. Keno Williams scored 11 points; Enrico Smith scored 13 points, 6 rebounds and 1 steal. Levensky Missic k added 11 points and Marcus Lightbourne added 10 points, 1 rebound and 2 steals. The team captain Tamaurri Lightbourne became the MVP (most
Valuable Player) after leading his team to victory and scoring 132 point, 66 rebounds, 29 assists and 17 steals throughout the playoffs and finals. He was followed by young player Enrico Smith also received credit for earning his team 93 points, 28 rebounds, 10 assists and 12 steals throughout the playoffs. The players will receive their awards during the first PABA award banquet which will be held on the 13th of June at the Tropicana auditorium. Sydwell Glasgow informed that the aim of the PABA is the make sure that everyone enjoys themselves and this includes the players, the coaches and the fans. Glasgow adds, “I must take my hat off to all the teams, as you know the level of play really increased this year and I must say there can only be one champion so congratulations to John Williams and the Stallions.”
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Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks and Caicos Islands | Tel:649 946 8542 | Fax: 649 941 3281