JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
Website: www.suntci.com
VOLUME 11 - NO. 28
Email: sun@suntci.com
Tel: (649) 339-5879
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WESTERN UNION CLOSED IN TCI SNAKE HILL CAR CRASH
A male driver and his female passenger barely escaped with their lives after the black SUV in which they were traveling plunged about 15 feet from the roadway in the sub-Blue Hills community of Snake Hill, Providenciales on Monday, July 20, 2015. The driver, who many on the scene referred to as ‘Le-Jean’, said the vehicle got out of control. It is not clear as to how he lost control. The Fire Department, which was summoned to the scene, had to extricate both of them from the vehicle by removing the windshield. The female passenger was rushed to hospital in an ambulance, while the driver, who was seen sitting on a rock and claimed to be fine, later asked members a police team to take him to the hospital, after he began to feel some pains. In photo, police offers are seen taking details from the vehicle.
W
estern Union has closed its operations in the Turks and Caicos Islands after being here for the past 21 years. The popular money transfer operator also closed its operations in The Bahamas and the Cayman Islands. The company in the TCI has been operating, via its representative, Money Centre by Fidelity, Ltd. (formerly Fidelity Broking Company Limited). Jeffrey Webb, the former FIFA and CONCACAF official now facing corruption charges in the United
States, worked as Western Union’s local agent in the Cayman Islands. Fidelity Group CEO, Anwer Sunderji, who also chairs the board, said, “We had already made a decision to exit Turks and Caicos Islands in 2014 and the wider relationship was just a matter of time.” Western Union once operated four outlets in Providenciales, but over the years that number dwindled to one branch in the Butterfield Square, Downtown, which has been dormant for many weeks. Just last month, Western Union’s Irish
division was slapped with a $1.75 million fine after regulators found a number of holes in its anti-money laundering policies. The Central Bank imposed the penalty because, among other things, the company came up short in keeping customer records, training retail agents and identifying suspicious activity. The Central Bank found it didn’t have procedures in place to make sure they properly checked ID and held onto copies of documents. It also didn’t have any IT system that monitored potentially suspicious
transactions worth less than $500, instead relaying on staff in Denver to do the work. That meant it could be easy for money to be laundered or sent to terrorist groups in multiple, small transfers. In recent times, commercial banks in the Turks and Caicos Islands have been nervous and cautious about dealing with money transfer operators. In fact, the situation was so serious that the Financial Services Commission (FSC) was contemplating seeking a judicial review into why at least two commercial banks in the Turks and
Delroy Williams criticises PNP Government Page 5
Full List of Scholarship winners - Page 18
Premier says TCI lost sense of community - Page 5
Cynclair Musgrove appointed DC for North Caicos -Page 11
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Continued from Page 1
WESTERN UNION CLOSED IN TCI
Caicos Islands were denying money transfer companies the right to open accounts with them. Kevin Higgins, Director for the FSC told The SUN that money transfer companies have been complaining that the banks either have closed existing accounts or have been deny new applications. While the banks claim that the money transfer companies are high risk operations, Higgins believe their refusal to grant accounts to remittance companies goes deeper than face value. “A lot of the businesses that traditionally went through the banks when people want to send money home have moved to the money transfer people, like Western Union and C.A.M, because you get same day credit when you send it and it’s cheaper. So about
$70 million a year is now going through the money transfer businesses. “The banks, I think, want to get that business back, so they are giving the money transfer companies a lot of pressure, saying that they are high risk and so therefore, they don’t to operate in the culture of these kinds of businesses. So it is becoming more of a difficulty for the money transfer businesses to do business because obviously they receive cash and they need to deposit that cash in a commercial bank. This has been going on for some time,” Higgins said. He said that remittance companies began complaining last year after banks started closing their accounts. “I think C.A.M made the first complaint last year and then
MoneyGram made the second complaint, and now Western Union. It is not just one firm; it is across the board that these firms were having problems with the commercial banks. Yes, we understand the high risk, but our position is, we licensed the banks and we licensed the money transfer companies. We enforce the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance on all of our licensees, so we are unable to understand why one licensee of ours that meets the same standard of another licensee of ours, would say they don’t want to do business with one of our licensee, licensed by the same entity, maintain the same standard etc,” Higgins said. He added: “So we need to get this clarified. We understand that the banks can do business with whomever they deem appropriate, but when
you put a whole class of business out of business or when you refuse to do business with a whole class of business, that appears to be discrimination, and secondly these are licensees of ours, so we are responsible for them. The issue is coming to a head now and we need to get it clarified.” Higgins said that the FSC is not ruling out bringing the matter to court for a resolution. “As always in business, and these kinds of matters, eventually will no doubt get to the court, because ultimately the court determines the law and rules on these things. We are trying to talk to the banks, we have discussions going back and forth, saying that if you have a specific problem with one of them, tell us what it is and we can look at it,” he said.
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JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Premier Ewing says TCI has lost its sense of community
By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor The Turks and Caicos Islands has lost its sense of community, which is the main cause for the upsurge in violence in the community, according to Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing. The Premier, who was speaking at the Manpower Community Meeting at the Gustarvus Lightbourne recently, said that antisocial behaviors now being experienced is a result of lack of concern for one another. “Turks and Caicos, and growing up in Providenciales, I can certainly say it has changed. Some people may say it changed gradually, but also changed drastically over the past several years or from the beginning of my life to where I am now. The reason I said that is because, growing up back then everyone was family, even if they were not biological family. “Whether that person was from Five Cays or the Bight and you
live in Blue Hills, they made sure that they treat you as family, looked after your wellbeing and looked out for you, because, they cared about you and your family. But we are now involved in a very diverse community, where persons are less connected and where persons don’t care for each other anymore,” he said. The premier added: “Persons don’t show that love anymore, they don’t concern anymore. As far as they are concerned, what happened to you is none of their business. It is only part of their business when they want to gossip about it, but in terms of being generally concerned and caring, its none of their business. “So I can certainly say that Turks and Caicos is beginning to experience the impact of that lack of concern, beginning to experience the impact, a lack of individual and collective responsibility for our actions.” Premier Ewing said that the bad social behaviors now being experienced
in the Turks and Caicos are factors that contribute to the social decay of the communities, noting that some, instead of seeking to devise ways to address the issue, opt to cast blame. “We all have this natural tendency to cast blame on others and cast their responsibilities on others for the deviant social behaviors of those in our society, and cast blame on others for social decay without first looking at ourselves as to the role we play and where we fit in the problem, where we fit in being the solution to the problem,” Premier Ewing said. He further noted that if the Turks and Caicos Islands was to successfully tackle the ills of the community, everyone must first have to acknowledge that a problem exist, that that they are part of the problem and recognize that they are an important part of the solution. He said that the most common target for blame is the political directorate. He said also that while
Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing government has a role to play in shaping society, until individuals recognize that they, too, have a role to play, the problem will not go away. He said that it is unfortunate that when persons hear about the word ‘leadership’, they only think of political leadership, but said it is more than that.
Hon. Delroy Williams criticises PNP Government for lack of action
By Delroy Williams
As the Representative for the Tenth (10th) Electoral District of Providenciales, Wheeland/North West Central and West Caicos, and the Shadow Minister of Government Support Services in the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), I wish to extend my best wishes always to the people of The Turks & Caicos Islands, in particular, the people of the constituency I represent. In doing so, I wish to express our continuing effort to provide a better standard of service to you the people who have chosen me to represent you. Recently, I have received a number of complaints, verbally, by telephone and by social media in relationship to a fast growing problem when driving into Blue Hills and returning out of Blue Hills, whether it is by Millennium Highway or Bay Road turn, which connects you to the main road to downtown or Leeward Highway. The buildup of heavy traffic or the traffic congestion starts all the way from the Maranatha High School, to the turn off Millennium Highway off the end of the East Bay Road turn to Millennium has now become a hazard up to the downtown roundabout. The time has come for an access road to be put in to avoid the heavy back-up of traffic during the morning, mid-day and
Delroy Williams evening hours. I also wish to bring to the attention of the government the poor lighting conditions that exist in the Blue Hills Constituency. There is an urgent need for these infrastructure to be given immediate attention. The situation as it relates to the road is also a detriment to the health of the people as the backup of traffic is very much a hazard to an emergencies during the early morning hours, whether it is by a Police chase or Ambulance service. This problem begins to grow from as early as 7:30a.m. I also wish to call on all other
residents who have experienced this frustrating dilemma, to petition the government to give this immediate attention. It is a safety measure to protect yourself, your children, and your families and friends, in avoiding drastic accidents as a result of negligence on the part of those who do not exert due care and attention when driving. I am making a clarion and urgent call on the Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, as Leader of Government, especially his Minister of Government Support Services to show more concern for the lack of attention given to the
state of the motorists driving into and out of Blue Hills, the emergency and health risks to users of the road and that immediate steps ought to be given to correct the situation. The standard of service given to the people in this particular area is far below acceptable. Given the scale of deterioration in this regard, the Government of The Turks Caicos Islands needs to recognize that a secure and environmentally responsible sector is fundamental for the people of The Turks & Caicos Islands, and the future growth of our local communities, that the negligence of basic infrastructure poses a threat and is also a hindrance to economic growth. It is incumbent upon me at this time to issue this release in regards to the deterioration and negligence in administering and managing the affairs of our people. This is to be treated as an appeal to the Government to be more vigilant in their concerns for the people. I once again appeal to all of you, it is not an option; it is necessary and highly mandatory to help reduce the impact of a disaster. Let us not be caught with negligence. To the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands, I pledge to continue to work on your behalf and to always be your voice, your catalyst for a better and brighter Turks & Caicos Islands.
JetBlue offers $99 one-way fare on new Fort Lauderdale-Turks & Caicos route Travelers can now purchase tickets on JetBlue Airways’ new route between Fort Lauderdale and Providenciales that’s scheduled to launch Nov. 19, the carrier announced. Providenciales is one of the northwest Caicos Islands, which is part of the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory.
JetBlue is offering a $99 one-way introductory fare for its new daily nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Providenciales International Airport, for purchase before midnight Tuesday. The one-way fare, inclusive of government taxes and fees, is valid for travel between Nov. 19 and
Feb. 9, however some blackout dates apply, JetBlue said. JetBlue recently announced plans for its Fort Lauderdale-to-Providenciales route as well as new service between Fort Lauderdale and Charleston International Airport, which is also set to begin Nov. 19
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TCI’s young black men becoming extinct
Young black men, by their very actions, are making themselves extinct, this according to Minister for Education, Youth Sports and Library Services Hon. Akierra Missick. Minister Missick, who was speaking at the Manpower Community Meeting at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre in Providenciales recently, said that she was baffled as to the reason young black men of the Turks and Caicos Islands are trying to make themselves extinct. “I believe that there has to be a shift in our young black men. They are making themselves extinct in the Turks and Caicos Islands. They are destroying themselves. But how do we enter this dialogue with them? Who can take it forward?” the minister queried, saying that some of those young men have been drafted into progressive programmes, but after a while dropped out. “This would be the fifth event that I have been to this year, for trying to save our young black men. I was actually brought to tears in parliament once when we came up with the programme through the
waste away. “We did a series of workshops around the country and we wrote to positive role models in the Turks and Caicos Islands to be a part of it, and the response was: ‘I am too busy’. A few weeks ago, we went to the Soroptimist march, again, where were the adults? Are we as leaders, as politicians, the wrong messengers to get the community out?” She asked again. Missick said that she was disappointed in the paltry turnout from members of the public at the Manpower event, which she said was critical to our youth being saved from violent ends. Akierra Missick “I really, really, really expected Youth Department because it was on this courtyard to fill and bursting to the heels of Kenley’s (Walters)funeral. capacity because this is a young black I have been to funerals before but I man that is doing something to help was moved, I think, the most on seeing us to stop having to go these funerals, such a promising life just snuffed out,” to stop having to mourn the loss of a she said. generation, to save a generation. The minister said that she “What can we do as leaders to does not understand the reason behind make a fundamental shift, and I am those who should play the positions desperate for answers and solutions of role models are shying away from because I am just tired of having to that endeavour while the lives of the mourn these young men, and I can’t country’s young black men continue to be part of a generation that we are
continuing to lose. Their place in society is so prevalent,” she said. Minister Missick added: “I am the sister of two young black men, and I have two nephews, and I just think, what’s the future for Charlie and DJ in the Turks and Caicos, and how can I help, as their aunt, as a resident, as a citizen of this country, to provide a valid future for them. So that is why I am here, not as a politician but as a citizen of the Turks and Caicos Islands.” Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, who was in attendance, recommended that the school, church and home resume the role they played back in the day. He said that home should resume its molding as it did back then; teachers should care more about their students even after 3p.m.; the church should embark on resuming outreach programmes in the community. The Manpower weekend event was held on Friday July 10, 2015, with a community meeting at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre, and again on Saturday, July 11, with a prayer vigil and walkathon. The purpose of the event, according to its organizer, is to rescue especially, this generation.
FSC facilitates comprehensive and practical seminar on Trust Administration The Financial Services Commission (FSC), in partnership with the Bahamas Institute of Financial Services, is holding a three day seminar on Trust Administration on August 10th-12th, 2015 at the Regent Palms in Providenciales. The three day seminar is in alignment with the continuous commitment of the FSC to provide assistance and promote capacity building for the Financial Services Industry. It will provide participants with practical insight and analysis of trust concepts and offer a number of case studies involving simple and complex issues in the administration of trusts.
The various sessions are specifically designed to assist trust practitioners and financial services professionals in developing in-depth knowledge and understanding of trust law and administration for the Turks and Caicos and trusts generally. Participants will have a chance to hear presentations from Hon. L Ryan Pinder, Member of Parliament, Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Head of Wealth Management, Chief Legal Officer, Deltec Bank and Trust Limited and Mrs. Christine Archer, Regulatory Compliance Manager, Scotiabank (Bahamas) Limited. Mr Pinder is also the former Minister of Financial Services in Prime Minister
Christie’s Cabinet. Day one will provide an overview of existing types of trusts as well as the specific structures supporting them. Day two will address financial planning and legal structures for trusts and participants will move into discussing and analyzing case studies. The final day sessions will start with a case study before delving into the principles of Trust Accounting and discuss regulation for Trust Companies. For further information on the seminar, please contact Ms Tianna Williams at the Financial Services Commission on: twilliams@tcifsc.tc
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Duties, Experience and Skill set required •Five (5) years experience in industrial refrigeration for commercial cold storage as well as commercial air conditioning systems. Must hold technical certificates for both. •Ability to supervise and coordinate several maintenance technicians while completing numerous simultaneous jobs
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Job Title: Location:
Marketing Communication Executive Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
KEY OBJECTIVES: •To execute the campaigns necessary to maintain the company’s image in marketing communications, including but not limited to advertising, collateral development and internet marketing. Also, to coordinate the communications with key external stakeholders such as advertising & production agencies and other internal customers. DUTIES: 1.Social Media Management- Develop Social Media plans to increase fans and followers and engagement, build social media calendar, post, advertising and promotions across Social Media Platforms Prepare creative briefs, and liaise with advertising agencies, production houses and producers to execute campaigns deliverables. 2.Coordinate internal stake holders’ communication needs, messaging and timelines. 3.Draft messages and manage the approval process between internal stakeholders. 4.Coordinate activities of graphic artiste by assigning tasks and timelines. 5.Maintenance of marketing content on websites. 6.Administrative support which involves quotation requests and contract filing. 7.Coordinate photo shoots and TV production ensuring proper representation of the brand. 8.Ensure that Brand guidelines are followed and full 360 plans are done for promotions assigned. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: •First degree in Marketing or a related field •Two or three years marketing experience PROFILE: The ideal candidate must have: •Excellent writing and communication skills •Creativity and willingness to work on own initiative •Ability to work under pressure with strong attention to detail •Excelllent command of Word, PowerPoint and Excel •Proficiency in graphic design •Copywriting skills •Average understanding of artwork production with the ability to modify layered files •Video production (Conceptualization, pre-production, direction) •Average to advanced skills in the production/distribution of multimedia via: o Final Cut Studio o Adobe After Effects o DVD authoring programs SALARY: Based on Qualifications and Experience Interested applicants should forward their Resume and Cover letter to hrtci@digicelgroup.com on or before July 30th. 2015.
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 7
LOCAL NEWS
Police say beware of strangers on Facebook offering employment
The Financial Crime Unit (FCU) is advising the public to beware of strangers contacting them on Facebook offering them employment opportunities. In a press release, the FCU said: “These individuals will add you as a friend on Facebook and starts a friendly conversation with you. Thus far, we have seen where persons are offered to conduct surveys on behalf of these strangers, mainly to provide feedback on money transfer services operating here in the Turks
and Caicos Islands. Once you accept their proposal and employment opportunity, the fraudster would request your personal information and also your bank account details in order for them to transfer money to your account. The money that is transferred to you, is for you to conduct your survey.” The FCU added: “Once the money is transferred to your account you will be given information and instruction to transfer the money to a third party. You will also be
asked to provide feedback on the services of that money transfer agency as part of your survey. The fraudster will instruct you to deduct your commission from the monies transferred to your account. The monies that are transferred to your account are stolen funds and on most occasions are stolen from another customer of that same banking institution.” Persons are asked not to follow any links emailed to them asking them to update their banking
information. These emails appeared to be coming from your bank, however they are been sent by hackers who are phishing for information. “Once you follow the link provided and update your information the hackers will have your banking information and will transfer monies from your account,” the FCU warned. If you are a victim or know anyone who have been affected please contact the Financial Crime Unit on 1-649-941-4450
Premier Rufus Ewing and Minister of Border Control attend meeting in Bermuda The Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Dr. The Hon. Rufus W. Ewing along with his Minister of Border Control and Employment, Hon. Ricardo Gardiner left Wednesday to join other leaders of the Overseas Territories at the Pre-Joint Ministerial Council Meeting being held in Bermuda. The meeting of OT Leaders this week precedes the Joint Ministerial Conference that is slated for November 2015 as a planning session to have candid discussions on those matters of priority affecting the Overseas Territories for inclusion on the Agenda of the JMC. Premier Ewing, in a correspondence to the UK Minister of the Overseas Territories, Mr. Duddridge, made known his Government’s areas of priority as being financial and economic sustainability,
Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing social development and border control and security. The Premier informed Minister Duddridge of his keen intention to meet with him for further discussion on this and other matters including the UK’s response to the country’s request for a Constitutional Review which remains outstanding,
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Minister of Labour, Immigration and Border Control, Hon. Donhue Gardiner. and matters of diplomatic protocol and reciprocal courtesies at border check points for local and visiting diplomats. Among the other OT Leaders expected to be in attendance at the two-day meeting in Bermuda are Dr. The Hon. Orlando Smith, Premier of the British Virgin Islands and The Hon. Alden
McLaughlin, Premier of the Cayman Islands. During the two-day meeting, the Territories Leaders are also expected to make a unified statement on their approach to Beneficial Ownership, which will be forwarded to the United Kingdom thereafter.
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Page 8
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Government awards 105 Education Scholarships
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services has awarded 105 persons with educational scholarships, under the 2015 Scholarship Awards Program which is a government initiative aimed at the development needs of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This year the Education Advisory Committee received and considered, one hundred and fifty nine (159) applications for studies at Local, International and Regional Universities at the Tertiary Level in the priority areas of Health, Education, Science, Engineering, Liberal Arts and Skills Development. “This year, my Government continued its thrust toward the development and upgrade of teachers and senior leaders within schools, $200,000 was earmarked for this purpose and 28 teachers were awarded scholarships to upgrade to
the Bachelor’s level, at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC), Online and within the Region” said Hon. Akierra Missick, Deputy Premier and Minister of Education. “The Ministry, Government & I would like to congratulate all the recipients and encourage them to continue working hard in order to take full advantage of the opportunity afforded to them.” The
following is a breakdown of the
awards;
The awardees will commence tertiary level studies during the September – December terms at Universities in the United Kingdom (UK), Caribbean and TCICC. A number of grants were awarded to persons to complete studies that have already been started in the U.S. and Canada in priority areas only. Studies available for completion in the Turks and Caicos Islands, University of the West Indies or UK which offer the benefit of home fees (or reduced fees) awards were highly recommended. The Education Advisory Committee will meet again in August to consider applications for local scholarship awards, for the TCICC (Associate level) or A-Level institutions. Award letters can be picked up at the Ministry of Education, Grand Turk or the Department of Education, Providenciales.
Police seize more than 90 Cannabis Plants in Blue Hills Police have seized 90 cannabis plants weighing 8 pounds with an estimated potential street value of $36,320 following a search in Blue Hills. At approximately 4pm on Thursday 16 July 2015, officers attached to multiple units conducted a systematic search of a bushy area near Maranatha High School in Blue Hills.
Marijuana plants
During the search of that bushy area, police discovered 90 plant pots each containing a Cannabis plant with an average height of three feet. The plants were seized from the location for destruction. No one was found in that location during the police operation and inquiries into the matter are continuing.
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.
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that DRAGUTIN VUCKOVIC, as Chargee of the properties described below, will cause same to be offered for sale by public auction pursuant to Sections 72 and 75 of the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The sale will take place at the offices of Saunders & Co., 2nd Floor, Town Centre Mall, 23 Parade Avenue, Providenciales at the hour of 10:00 a.m. on the 17th day of August, 2015. THE PROPERTIES Title Number 60713/354/K98
Section Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill
Island Providenciales
This Parcel is a condominium unit located in the Commercial Building at La Vista Azul in Turtle Cove known as Unit 18 and is approximately 1,148 square feet. The unit may be used as office or retail premises. The Parcel is registered in the name of Scoot Central Ltd. The Parcel is currently vacant. Title Number 60713/354/K99
Section Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill
Island Providenciales
This Parcel is a condominium unit located in the Commercial Building at La Vista Azul in Turtle Cove known as Unit 19 and is approximately 1,008 square feet. The unit may be used as office or retail premises. The Parcel is registered in the name of Scoot Central Ltd. The Parcel is currently rented pursuant to a written lease at $1,400.00 per month for a term expiring on November 30, 2016. The lease permits early termination on no less than two months’ notice by either party. Sales are subject to a reserve bid. Where a bidder is successful, the closing will be thirty (30) days following the date of the auction or earlier, at the option of the successful bidder. A successful bidder will have until 4:00 p.m. on the day following the auction to deliver a deposit in the form of a bank draft drawn on a Turks and Caicos Islands Bank in the amount of ten per cent (10%) of the bid price payable to Saunders & Co., failing which the bid shall be deemed to have been unsuccessful. Properties are sold “as is”. For more information or to view the properties, contact Laurence C. Caroe by telephone at 941-4500 or by e-mail to lc@saunders.tc.
Job Title: Location:
Service Technican Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
PURPOSE OF JOB: •Responsible for installation of Television cable and internet services to subscribers’ homes and businesses while ensuring that technical quality and safety standards are satisfactorily met. •Reconnects/disconnects existing cable services. Perform tests, troubleshoot and repair STBs/Converter boxes and cable modems at customer premises DUTIES: 1.Installation of new cable TV and internet services in accordance to work order instructions and installation specifications 2.Reconnect / Disconnect existing cable services 3.Installation of upgrades to existing cable services 4.Install new customer drop cables, install convertor box in customer’s homes. Demonstrate and explain the convertor operation to customers 5.Install splitter and cable modem in customer homes and businesses 6.Troubleshooting, diagnosing, repairing and replacing equipment as needed 7.Answer any and all questions about installation and give instructions if necessary 8.It is mandatory to install filters, isolators, weather boots and tap terminators within the installation and to record all required information (i.e. Tap level, modem level, STB and modem information) 9.Submit work order paperwork in a timely and completed manner on a daily basis to dispatch 10.Ensure that technical quality and safety standards are adhered to at all times 11.Inform management of customer concerns as well as service and or operational problems to improve the quality of future services 12.Stock company vehicle with necessary tools, supplies and equipment and maintain all company assets in accordance with DIGICEL Code of Conduct and Ethics QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE •At least three CXC or GCE subjects one of which must be English. •Valid Drivers’ license and must be able to operate a motor vehicle and use standard tools CONDITIONS: •Ability to work within confined spaces, such as crawl spaces, manholes etc, while performing duties of this job. •The employee is frequently required to stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crawl or crouch. •Must be capable of carrying heavy equipment and is required to climb poles using ladders up to 32ft •Must frequently lift and or move up to 70 pounds and have the ability to pull equivalent of up to 150 pounds of force PROFILE: The ideal candidate must have: •Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with various levels of management, staff and customers •Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills maintaining a professional and positive manner. •A high level of confidentiality and work with highly sensitive data and information •Ability to work unsupervised and handle multiple priority assignments simultaneously •Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills •Ability to work with cross-functional teams •Ability to meet deadlines while paying attention to detail •High degree of initiative and creativity
SALARY: Based on Qualifications and Experience Interested applicants should forward their Resume and Cover letter to hrtci@ digicelgroup.com on or before July 30th. 2015.
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
LOCAL NEWS
EXPERIENCE RELIABLE & FASTER SPEEDS
Our $8 million network rebuild is finally complete, allowing us to provide you with a more consistent and reliable service plus the fastest broadband speeds in TCI - now up to 50Mbps.
Experience Extraordinary
DIGICELPLAYTCI.COM
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Environmental Department warns Dockyard residents of prosecution The Environmental Health Department has warned the citizens of sun-Blue Hills community of Dock Yard that they could face prosecution if found to violate the Environmental Health Department code. The warning came in wake of a massive cleanup of the community, spearheaded by the TCI Haitian Foundation and supported by the Environmental Health Department, on Saturday, July 18, 2015. Kenrick Neely, Director for the Environmental Health Department said that while a great deal of education is needed to inform some of the citizens of the dangers of allowing their community to decline into a state of shabbiness. “We have spoken to a number of residents during the course of the day, from the Department standpoint and letting them know that they will prosecuted if they have any clean issues. “We are getting persons to understand that this is their community; this is not a (situation) where you have persons having to come in and clean it. It is your community, your responsibility. If you see people littering you have to stop them or report them, and try to keep your environment clean,’ Neely said. While The SUN was in the
Members of the TCI Haitian Foundation take time for a photo op during their cleanup of the Dockyard community community late Saturday morning, would conduct a final inspection after more than six truck loads of garbage which it would enforce its antilitter law were removed from the community, in the community. and according to Neely, approximately “After this, after 20 more truckloads would be needed Environmental Health comes up here for a satisfactory cleanup. and do an inspection, persons with “From the information that unsanitary premises, those persons I am gathering from the equipment would be taken to court by our officers. operators, they still have about 20 We have been working in the area for or so to go. So this may not be a one- the past few months. This is something time thing, but it is something that that was needed,” Neely said. the community is committed to. So, `He noted, too, that a all in all, it is a great effort by the sustainable garbage storing and TCI Haitian Organisation. For the collection programme needs to be Environment Health Department, this implemented in the community, and is not the first clean up we have done the Environmental Department would in Dock Yard. One of our staff members, do what it can to ensure that such two to three years ago, organized a programme is installed. similar clean-up in this area,” he said. “When we work in a community He said the environmental we don’t want to leave that community health department, after the cleanup, until we put in a programme in place
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE COURSE OFFERING FOR ACADEMIC YEAR COMMENCINGSEPTEMBER 2015
for that particular community. So, with the help of the TCI Haitian Organisation and this community, the Department is putting in programmes to address these types of issues,” he said, adding that sponsorship from the wider community is needed to maintain such programmes. “Education is the key to these persons, and we have a lot of pastors who are committed to preaching the word at their church when they have their services, and also the Haitian radio stations as well. We would also like to have more media houses to come on board because it is expensive to educate the nation. But if you have sponsors come on board and assist with education campaigns, to put on TV, to put on radio, to keep out there in the media, persons would understand they would need to make the change that they need to make. “Communities would come together and be their brother’s keepers. They would keep the place clean and continue to keep it clean and we would have a healthier Turks and Caicos Islands,” he said. Neely also thanked the One Bahamas Association, which was responsible for a cleanup in the Blue Hills/Millennium Highway area of Providenciales also on Saturday.
These are two year programmes and consist of two semesters per year for the majority of programmes. Some programmes are for five semesters with compulsory sucker courses during the first year. Additionally, students may access summer courses from May to early July.
TUITION FEES ARE AS FOLLOWS A.Short Courses •Two-year Associate Degree Courses requiring the use of laboratory facilities $400 per course Business Studies (Both Campuses) Courses which do not require the use of laboratory facilities $300 per course Primary Teacher Education (Both Campuses) Secondary Education (Math/Science, Math/Computers, Math/Business, Computer/Business) B.One Semester courses Building /Design and Technology (Both Campuses) CXC upgrade $150:00 per course Computer Studies (Grand Turk Campus) Computer modules $250:00 per course Hospitality Studies (Provo Campus) Associate Degree/GCE “A” level $360:00 per course General studies with concentration on Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Sociology, Economics, Information Technology, Law and Government and Politics (Grand Turk Campus) C.Full programmes (Two Semesters) Sept – December; Jan- May; Summer May – July Public Sector Management (Grand Turk Campus) Student category Courses Annual fee Semester Fees Environmental Science (Grand Turk Campus) TCI Nationals Certificate $1,000 $500 Paralegal Studies (Grand Turk Campus) Assoc. Degree $2,000 $1,000 Social Work (Both Campuses) B.A. /B.Sc. /B. Ed. $4,000 $2,000 Marine Biology (Grand Turk) A’ Levels: Math, Chemistry, Biology and Physics (Grand Turk Campus) Resident Non- Certificate $1,500 $750 •One-year Certificate In Nationals Assoc. Degree $2,500 $1,250 Business Studies (Both Campuses) B.A. /B.Sc. /B. Ed. $5,000 $2,500 School Administration (Both Campuses) •In Collaboration with the University of the West Indies, School of Continuing Studies Overseas students Certificate $3,000 $1,500 Two-Year Certificate in Assoc. Degree $5,000 $2,500 Human Resource Management (Both Campuses) B.A. /B.Sc. /B. Ed. $8,000 $4,000 School Administration (Both Campuses) •Two-/four year Bachelor Degree D.OTHER PROGRAMMES Bachelors Degree in Education (Both Campuses) UWI Advanced Certificates $2,000 $1,000 Bachelor Degree in Business Studies (Both Campuses) OTHER FEES Bachelors Degree in Hospitality Studies (Provo Campus) Application Fees $25:00 Late application $50:00 •Short Technical/Vocational programmes/Courses for skill development Registration Fees $25:00 AutoCAD Late registration $50:00 Introduction to Building Services Transcripts $30:00 for the initial transcript and 50% discount for others when applying for multiple Accounting Information Systems transcripts. Customer Service Computer fee $40:00 (ALL STUDENTS PAY THIS ANNUAL FEE) Mixology International cuisine NB:ALL FEES ARE PAYABLE AT TIME OF REGISTRATION. Introduction to estimation and Costing Transportation Fee $50:00 per month Workplace Writing Skills Conversational and interpersonal skills $50:00 Students may also access one semester courses of their choice from any Associate Degree programme and Graduation Fee (prospective graduates ONLY) obtain credit. Students applying through the Mature Students Entry Policy, should be twenty one (21) years of age or older Applicants for the Associate Degree must satisfy the following minimum requirements – Four GCE or CXC subjects including English A and Mathematics at the General Proficiency Level with Grades I, II, and III or with at least four (4) years of experience on the job and have a sound educational background. GCE Grades A, B or C. Students without CXC/GCE Mathematics must complete the College Foundation Math (MTH 110 and MTH 1120 and pass the CXC Math and English, prior to graduation. For certificate For the Bachelors Degree, the minimum of an Associate Degree from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community programmes, the minimum of three GCE or CXC subjects one which must be English at General proficiency College or another recognised institution. Deadline for applications into these programmes is April of each year, or unless otherwise informed. Applications received after this date would be deemed as LATE. level I, II, or III or GCE Grades A, B or C. Applications should be fully completed before being submitted to the Registrar, TCI Community College, P. O. Box 236, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands or to the TCI Community College, Providenciales Campus PROGRAMMES AND FEE STRUCTURE for the attention of the Registrar. An application fee of $25:00 should accompany the application. Late COST OF PROGRAMMES/COURSES OFFERED BY THE TURKS AND CAICOS application fee is $50:00 ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE SEPTEMBER 2015 A.SHORT COURSES These are fifteen days courses at two hours per day. (2 credits) Credits earned could be transferred into the College programmes Students may audit the courses and not participate in the examination process. Students should indicate at the commencement of the course whether or not they intend to audit the course. No credit will be given for the courses audited. B.ONE SEMESTER COURSES These courses run from September to December; January to May. They may also be taken over the Summer Semester (May – July). C.FULL TIME PROGRAMMES
ALL NEW COURSE OFFERINGS ARE CONDITIONED ON STUDENT ENROLLMENT AND DEMAND!!! For further information, please contact: Telephone (649) 946-1163 – Grand Turk Campus Fax: (649)946-1161 -- Grand Turk Campus Email: registrat@tciconc-edu.com Or Telephone (649) 941-3210 Providenciales Campus Fax: (649) 941-8380 Providenciales Campus Email cicc@tcucinc-edu.com
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Cynclair Musgrove appointed new North Caicos District Commissioner
Cynclair Musgrove A new District Commissioner (DC) has been appointed for the island of North Caicos by the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Government, it was announced on Thursday, 23 July 2015. Cynclair Musgrove will take up her new role in leading the effective delivery of Government services on North Caicos on Tuesday, 4 August
2015. She will join a team of DCs with responsibility for islands across the TCI archipelago, including South Caicos, Salt Cay and Middle Caicos. The recruitment process for the latter two islands continues. “Cynclair has a tremendous track record of community involvement and action on her home island of North Caicos,” said Deputy Governor Anya Williams, head of the TCI civil service. “A former teacher, she has worked closely with schools events such as career days, talent shows and hosting the National Spelling Bee. Cynclair has also supported civic organisations and community groups, including hosting and producing island festivals, pageants and other cultural
Officers of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) have arrested and charged a number of persons for various offences: 1). 52-year-old Thorbon Prospere of North Back Salina Grand Turk was arrested and charged for Burglary. This charge stems from a report that was made on Friday 17th July 2015. He remains in Police Custody. 2). 35-year-old Chandra Hamilton and 31year old Kinardo Penn of South Back Salina was arrested and charged for Possession of Controlled Drugs namely Cannabis. The charge is in connection to a search warrant that was executed at the home of both persons where officers found suspected
affairs such as the national AIDS debate and Miss TCI pageant.” The duties of a DC, all of whom report to the Director of the Premier’s Office, include:
1.Overseeing the various Government Departments on each island, including the ‘One Stop Shops’, working as an ex-officio member of their local District Board to receive ideas and suggestions, and help to resolve matters of local importance 2.Performing duties as the local Justice of the Peace 3.Coordinating each islands’ Disaster Management Programme, including
hurricane preparedness and response, as well as tsunamis, earthquakes and other emergencies
4.Managing the maintenance and minor repairs programme for government buildings and properties as identified in collaboration with the District Board 5.Working closely with the Police to ensure that effective protection is afforded against lawlessness and disorder 6.Analyzing labour and immigration trends on their island, and collaborating with the appropriate Ministries and Departments to find solutions to any issues identified.
Police crime report
Cannabis in his possession. Cannabis. Both persons were later bailed for their appearance at the Grand Turk Magistrate’s Court. * Police are investigating the circumstances 3). 41-year-old Rashawn Astwood of Over surrounding a single car crash on South Dock Road. Back Grand Turk was arrested and charged for Shortly after midnight on Saturday 18 July Possession of Controlled Drugs namely Cannabis. 2015, emergency services were called to South Dock The charges were laid on the accused after officers Road, following reports of a single car crash. executed a Search Warrant at his home and found Initial investigations suggest a Dodge 54.0grams (Street value of $540) of suspected Durango, being driven by a man believed to be aged Cannabis. in his 20s, left the roadway in the vicinity of Bar 4). 21-year-old William Richard Penn Jr of the Walkin’s gas station and crashed into a power pole. The driver and only occupant of the car Bight Providenciales was arrested and charged for Possession of Controlled Drugs namely Cannabis. sustained minor injuries following the crash. He was The charged was laid after officers found conveyed to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where he 27.0grams (Street value of $270) of suspected was treated for his injuries and later released.
PREMIERE GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION LIMITED. Is inviting suitable applications for the following position: CASHIER
We are seeking to employ a Cashier KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Tasks •Answer customers’ questions, and provide information on procedures or policies. •Bag, box, wrap, or gift-wrap merchandise •Compute and record totals of transactions. •Count money in cash drawers at the beginning of shifts to ensure that amounts are correct and that there is adequate change. •Establish or identify prices of goods, services or admission, and tabulate bills using calculators, cash registers, or optical price scanners. •Greet customers entering establishments. •Issue receipts, refunds, credits, or change due to customers. •Maintain clean and orderly checkout areas. •Monitor checkout stations to ensure that they have adequate cash available and that they are staffed appropriately. •Offer customers carry-out service at the completion of transactions. •Process merchandise returns and exchanges. •Receive payment by cash, check, credit cards, vouchers, or automatic debits. •Request information or assistance using paging systems. •Resolve customer complaints. •Sort, count, and wrap currency and coins. •Weigh items sold by weight in order to determine prices. •Calculate total payments received during a time period, and reconcile this with total sales. •Compile and maintain non-monetary reports and records. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate will possess the following: • 2-3 years of customer service experience • Attention to detail in your job responsibilities • Team spirited and able to get along with peers. • Great communication skills.
Salary for this position will be commensurate with qualifications
and/or experience.
Please submit Applications to: info@premiereja.com Submission should be no later than August 1st, 2015
Chukka Caribbean Adventures (TCI) Ltd., a leading Nature Adventure tour company with affiliated facilities in Jamaica and Belize invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the following position: The successful applicants must: RESCUE DIVERS/LIFE GUARDS ➢Have a minimum 5 years relevant experience and holder of a valid PADI advanced Open Water Diver’s Certificate. ➢Hold a valid TCI Driver’s Licence with a minimum 5 years driving experience. ➢Be at least 21 years old. ➢Have a valid passport. ➢Be willing to travel and if necessary undergo a period of internship in tour delivery and safety standards at one of the Company’s affiliated facilities outside of the TCI. ➢Be well-spoken with English as primary language, excellent communication and interpersonal/customer services skills. ➢Possess relevant PADI Rescue Diver Skills and be trained in CPR and First Aid delivery. ➢Clean criminal record. ➢Proven and unblemished track record of employment. ➢Positive and disciplined attitude toward work in a customer service oriented business. ➢Trustworthy and reliable disposition. ➢Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and public holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business. Suitable candidates that do not meet the above requirements may, at the sole discretion of the Company’s management team, be eligible for consideration in circumstances where they demonstrate a clear willingness to embrace the Company’s in-house training initiatives and established standard operating policies and procedures. Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders. Written applications only and accompanying CVs/Resumes must be addressed to the Resident Manager at the following address: CHUKKA CARIBBEAN ADVENTURES (TCI) LTD. C/o EPIC Corporate & Consultancy Services Ltd. Cee’s Plaza, Suite No. 1 Church Folly P.O Box 86 Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Islands Phone: 649-332-1339 Fax: 649-946-1570 Email: gtadminmgr@chukka.com
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JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Digicel Play promises top-quality upgrades
Digicel CEO Erik Staaf Cable and internet provider Digicel Play, on Wednesday (July 22, 2015) unveiled its $8 million super highway network, promising customers improved overhaul, while apologizing for the sloppy service that its clients have been receiving for the past few months. Digicel’s Chief Executive Officer Erik Staaf, during the launch, which took the form of a luncheon, said that the company has spent $8 million so far, ripping out a great portion of the old network, replacing it with spanking new equipment, aimed at delivering first class customer experience. Staaf explained that about Digicel Play has installed approximately 30 kilometers or about 18.6 miles of fibre optic cable across Providenciales, which he said is equivalent to the length of that island. He said that Digicel Play technicians found that some of the WIV cables were damaged through deterioration and accidents and needed replacing. He said also that Digicel Play was forced to replace 11 kilometers of coax cable, adding also that new lasers aimed at boosting TV contents have been installed, on top of updating 559 poles to boost service into homes and businesses. He said that since taking over WIV, Digicel has tripled the international internet bandwidth to
its customers to make sure that there is no more buffering and congestion. “We have built the key components, and in the coming weeks you are going to see a lot more about the packages that we are offering,” Staaf said. He said that within the next three to six months, Digicel Play plans to upgrade the current packages. “From the communication point-of-view, all you will be seeing in the press and the radio is really us trying to reinforce this message to give you a more reliable network. From a broadband point-of-view it is for customers to experience a reliable and faster speeds that we are putting in, and from a TV point-of-view to experience reliable and sharper picture quality. That’s what we want to stand for, reliability,” Staaf reiterated. He said that Digicel Play is committed also to delivering the best experience to business and domestic customers that will far outweigh the service of its competitors. “Our overall strategy has two key components – number one, we are trying to be the home of your internet. We are doing that by delivering LTE super fast mobile internet, 20 times the competition, and today we are relaunching our Play home broadband network. He said the re-launch means
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 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 2.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 31st day of July 2015. A reserved price will be fixed on all parcels and a deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.
that Digicel play would now be the destination fastest mobile and home internet. “The second part of the component to be your home of entertainment; this is where people in the TCI come to, to get the richest and most reliable TV experience. Last but not least, component is ultimately to deliver the best in class customer experience. We are on that journey, now seven, eight months into it and we are making steps in the right direction. We are not there yet, but it is a continual thing; it is about making continuing improvement. That is a very, very important journey for Digicel, and for myself and my team,” he said. He added: “Since we acquired WIV, we have been working hard to improve it. We went from analogue to digital for consumer customers. We introduced new package for TV – Bronze, Silver Gold, so that you could select what package according what you want to spend. We put new service in – high definition TVs – Sportsmax, HBO and Max. There has been a lot of things that have been changed and improved.” He said though that the service is far from what he would desire, but the company is assiduously working to improve it in the shortest possible time. “It’s not been what ultimately we want to deliver to our consumer and business customers. So, as a CEO and the heart of Digicel, it is a big sorry for ourselves. I am going to be open and
honest about that we have delivered those services. We have not delivered the stellar service you have come to know from Digicel, Staaf said, quickly pointing out that customers have been contacted and regrets expressed. “About a week ago, we contacted all our customers basically to say sorry and to thank them. And as a result of that, we are upgrading all our broadband customers for the duration of the contract to these new speed packages that I am announcing. “It is not three months; it is not six months, is it so long as you stay with us. But doing that, we really want to reward our customers for their loyalty. If you are a TV customer, we want to give you Fox Premium Movies for three months, as well. I am acutely aware how painful it is for a lot of you, and when you start fixing a network like this, it actually often become more painful as we put in new stuff and cutting over. “So that’s why probably some of you have seen the last month being as worst as ever. But that’s being as a result of trying to cut over and introducing a lot of new equipment,” he said. Staaf said that most of the problems customers are now experience do not originate from Digicel Play’s end, but could have a lot to do with the customer’s internal wiring, and to that end, they should notify the company so it can address the issues.
HOUSE KEEPER An experienced House Keeper is required for an establishment based in Providenciales. Applicant must be friendly, honest and hardworking. Remuneration based on experience. All applications must be submitted to: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Services Limited 007 Emily House, 1105 Leeward Highway, Providenciales Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-333-7777
Community Christian Academy Accepting applications for Grade 3 Teacher
Requirements •Must be a born again believer •Must have at least 5 years teaching experience with a Certificate or higher in Teacher Education from a recognized Educational Institution. •Familiarization with Abeka teaching program would be an asset. •Familiarization with Primary Education within the Caribbean. Grade K3 Teacher Requirements •Must be a born again believer •Must have at least 2 years teaching experience with a Certificate or higher in Teacher Education or Early Childhood from a recognized Educational Institution. •Familiarization with Abeka teaching program would be an asset. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Suitable applicants may forward resumes addressed to:
The School Board Community Fellowship Centre Leeward Highway, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: 649-941-3484 Fax: 649-941-3482 Email: comassem@tciway.tc
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Digicel Play Completes US$8 Million Network Rebuild
Erik, Staaf informs the media of Digicel Play’s $8M network rebuild
As part of its evolution into a total communications and entertainment provider, Digicel Play today announced the completion of its network rebuild at a press conference held at Blue Haven’s Fire and Ice Restaurant. Following several months of work and an US$8 million investment, Digicel Play’s network rebuild includes the installation of over 30 km of fibre optic cable, 11 km of coaxial cable and the doubling of its international bandwidth capacity – all of which will deliver an unbeatable, superfast broadband experience to homes and businesses across TCI, even during peak times. On the TV side, the substantial investment and
Digicel team stops for a quick photo
CEO, Erik Staaf and Hon. Akierra Missick
upgrade means a muchimproved user experience with a sharper, more consistent and reliable picture quality, a world class, easy-to-use electronic TV guide and a whole host of top new channels. In the coming weeks, customers can also look forward to the introduction of new, best value TV and broadband bundles that come packed with extra features and are set to enhance the overall home entertainment experience. As a thank you to customers for their patience during the network overhaul period, Digicel Play is giving all broadband customers a free upgrade to their existing internet package and all TV customers, Fox Premium Movies
free for three months. Digicel Play CEO, Erik Staaf said, “We are committed to delivering the very best broadband and TV experience to our customers across Turks and Caicos. With that in mind, we have invested over US$8 million in the complete overhaul of our Digicel Play network. He continued; “Today, we are confident that the customer experience on our newly rebuilt network is the best and most reliable in the TCI – making Digicel the home of the fastest internet and best TV service. I want to say a massive thank you to our loyal customers for their patience during this process – we hope they’ll agree it’s been worth the wait.”
CEO, Erik Staaf demonstrates new and improved broadband speeds
Digicel CEO, Erik staaf and Hon. George Lightbourne
Specially invited guest from TCI Telecommunications Commission and Premier’s Office
Digicel Play technicians conduct speed test
Digicel Play demonstrates its reliable and Sharper TV and it’s reliable and faster broadband speeds
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
NO ESPERE A QUE UNA TRAGEDIA El robo de energía es un crimen peligroso que puede tener consecuencias mortales si no se denuncian.
Cables expuestos, cables sin garantía, y metros roscados pueden electrocutar fatalmente a alguien que entran en contacto con ellos.
Miralo Reportalo
Hacer una llamada anónima hoy al:
941-2524
www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 | P.O. Box 132 1030 Leeward HWY, Providenciales, TCI
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
PA TAN GRO MALÈ RIVE Vòl kouran se yon krim danjere ki kapab gen konsekans ki ka touye moun si–w kite-l pase san ou pa rapòte-l.
Fil kouran ki ekspoze, kab elektrik ki pa gen sekirite ni garanti, ak eksplwatè kap (djonpe) kole fil kouran deyè transmetè ka touye ak kouran nenpòt moun ki ta va touche fil ak kab elektrik sa yo
Wè li Rapòte li
Fè yon apèl san ou pa bay non ou jodi menm nan nimewo sa:
941-2524
www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 | P.O. Box 132 1030 Van HWY, Providenciales, TCI
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LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
Addiction
“ON MY MIND” By Damian Wilson
I believe in God. I know that seems like a weird way to start a conversation that’s what I believe this column is but I’m going somewhere with this, so follow me for a moment. As Christian, I know the Bible warns us about the spiritually toxic nature of many things. One of those toxic things we should avoid is over indulgence; gluttony, greed (money), pride, etc. All things that come from an over indulgent nature - too much food, the love of money, too much faith in one’s self. Ever since I was a child, I have always wondered what the big deal is with being over indulgent in one area of life. So what if I eat too much, or love money too much, or believe that I am God’s gift to the world? Those things aren’t so bad. Right? You still following me? Well now that I’m older I realize what’s wrong with being overly indulgent. It leads to addiction or habit rather. My pastor at university once said to me: “Damian, habit is stronger than any truth”. And this, my fellow countrymen, is why it is toxic. We may know that we need to change a particular bad behaviour but may never do so out of habit.
The addiction to being a certain way over powers any truth about how destructive the behaviour is. You may ask: “So, what does this have to do with us as a country?” Well, I have spent most of my life living in the TCI and the one thing I have noticed is that the key problems of forty years ago are still very much the problems of the present day. While we’ve put up more buildings, put more money in people’s pockets, and educated more people, it seems that the core social structure remains unchanged, and may in fact be worse. Through it all, as a nation, we seem to have become addicted to electing politicians who sell us champagne wishes and caviar dreams that turn out to be nothing more than soda pop promises and tuna fish plans for the voters; and then we complain about it but do it all over again. The question is: Why? Why are we so overly indulgent in repeating a mistake and then complaining about it? The answer: Habit!
It is stronger than any truth that voting for our party’s candidate will get us nowhere. My suggestion: Let’s stop the belly aching and complaining, and let’s start thinking seriously about our present and our future. We can’t change yesterday but we can make a difference today and shape tomorrow. Let’s start demanding more from our leaders. Let’s start holding them and ourselves to account. Success for the party faithful alone is not satisfactory. Success must be the option for all Turks & Caicos Islanders, no matter their political affiliations. Let’s stop complaining about problems we allow as voters, and let’s start being honest with ourselves. It’s time we, the people, start taking sensible positive action. Change our habit, change our country! END Profile 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.
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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60 students attend Cadet Corps camp By Zahrya Musgrove Students from a number of High Schools across the Turks and Caicos graduated from a two-week training camp hosted by the Turks and Caicos Island Cadet Corps. The graduation exercise was held on the grounds of the British West Indies Collegiate on Saturday, July 16th 2015. According to Nixon Dickenson approximately 60 students, with an
even number of males and females, from a number of various islands took part in the camp. The two-week camp taught the children basic drills and how to use firearms. He said that the lessons taught at the camp were at a higher level than the previous years because they added the teaching of firearms to the course. “Being enrolled in this camp taught the children how to exercise
leadership skills, it built their character and gave them a sense of discipline. It also gave the children a chance to see if being a cadet or a police officer was a possible career choice for them in the near future,” Dickenson said. Minister for Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services Hon. Akierra Missick, who was in attendance, encouraged the cadets to be good stewards and show an example for other young people. She
also promised them that their cadet uniforms will be ready in time for the official opening of theNational Youth Parliament in September. Tunnisia Forbes was adjudged the most outstanding cadet. Commissioner of Police James Smith, who was also in attendance, addressed the cadets. The current members of the Turks and Caicos Island Cadet Corps have been in training for the last ten months.
Litter in the Turks and Caicos
By Zahrya Musgrove
Everyone does it, throw litter on the street or in the bush and think that one piece of garbage will not matter. Well, now I am going to tell you it does matter, one piece of garbage contributes to the quickly growing pile of litter here in the Turks and Caicos. Litter is a serious problem that is often ignored, but this problem is one of the most pressing matters concerning us today. Our country’s main industry is tourism. We rely on tourists to come here and invest their
money to give us a paycheck at the end of the month. Nevertheless, how do we expect them to visit a place where garbage floods the streets, garbage on the beach and even more on the street? How can we care for our tourists when we cannot care for our own environment? Litter affects our health, it attracts mosquitos and it is a breeding ground for bacteria and harmful diseases. Once the mosquitos pick up these diseases they will infect food and surfaces; then diseases such as malaria, dengue and yellow
fever will be spreading because of individuals who around the Turks and Caicos. did not care enough about This garbage the environment, threw problem does not only garbage on the street and hurt our tourism industry ruined their lives. We all have a choice or health but it hurts our marine life. The litter that in this matter. One piece is thrown on the street blows of garbage does make a around and ends up in the difference. Our motto is water, where it eventually ‘Beautiful by nature, clean by hurts our marine life. The choice’. The right choice to more harm done to our make, is to be clean, not just environment will have a for you but for others to. massive impact on our ecosystem. * Zahrya Musgrove is This would cause a student of the British West crater in our fishing industry. Indies Collegiate. She is Most of our local businesses the daughter of Angela and would feel the blow. A lot of Trevor Musgrove. Zahrya Musgrove people would be out of jobs
Londolozi Ltd is inviting suitable applications for the following position: ALEXANDRA RESORT IS INVITING SUITABLE APPLICATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITION:
Food
and
Beverage Director
Reporting to the Corporate Chef, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: ➢Consistently offer professional, friendly and engaging service. ➢Lead and manage the day to day operations of the Food & Beverage Division ensuring all service standards are followed. ➢Drive innovative promotions, menus and concepts; creating a destination of choice for both Hotel and external guests. ➢Lead and support all Food & Beverage departments in the achievement of their financial and operational targets. ➢Prepare annual budgets and administer in a fiscally responsible manner. ➢Implement effective control of food, beverage, labor and operating expenses throughout the F&B division. ➢Assist in the preparation of the annual strategic plan and achieve the goals and targets therein. ➢Ensure the implementation of standards in guest service and constantly seek out ways to improve product and service as well as increase volumes and profits. ➢Follow department policies, procedures and service standards. ➢Follow all safety policies
Requirements: ➢Minimum of 5 years of previous Food and Beverage international experience in a senior leadership role ➢University/College degree ➢Computer literate in Microsoft Window applications required ➢Strong interpersonal and problem solving abilities ➢Highly responsible & reliable with the ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced environment ➢Ability to work cohesively as part of a team ➢Ability to focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience.
EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: •Candidate must demonstrate a proven track record of successfully leading/managing in an upscale Food & Beverage environment; with strong culinary experience and training. •Responsible for the execution of all company policies and procedures, ensuring that all services provided achieve the established standards within the agreed budgetary controls. •Advise the Executive Chef on all matters relating to the kitchen area and ensure a high standard of cleanliness and hygienic practice throughout the kitchen. •To assist the Executive Chef in budgeting i.e food cost/payroll/etc. •Ensure guest satisfaction with the smooth and effective running of the day-to-day operation. •Assist in training and development of Culinary staff members. •To maintain control of the standards for purchasing and receiving items. •To test and evaluate products for quality, paying particular attention to yield/holding qualities/ market price/wastage usage of leftovers. •Constantly inspect all food service sections during service time to ensure that the correct standards are maintained. •Responsible for control of equipment and scheduling maintenance. REQUIREMENTS: •Minimum of 7 years of previous Food and Beverage international experience in a senior leadership role. •University/College degree •Computer literate in Microsoft Window applications required •Strong interpersonal and problem solving abilities •Developed proficiency with forecasting, cost controls and scheduling through related experience. •Dynamic, enthusiastic, creative leader who thrives under pressure and is able to perform multiple functions and troubleshoot when need. •Highly responsible & reliable with the ability to work well under pressure in 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 •The ability to stand and/or walk for a long periods of time, lift up to 40lbs and push/pull up to 50 lbs. •Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays.
Sommelier RESPONSIBILITIES •Responsible for the recommendation and sales of wine and other beverages to guests. •Wine sales off premises. Offering and promote the digestive trolley. •Maintain and update wine and all other beverage lists. Ensure wines of critical age get sold. •Establish Sommelier recommendation. Check pricing is up to date •Work with the head chef on menu and ingredients which are wine friendly. •Carry out monthly stock control, Inventory. Update continuously all stock forms. •Perform normal service duties as assigned. REQUIREMENTS •Must possess a minimum of 5 years 4 star background in same or similar position. •Certification or diploma from a formal Food & beverage institution is required •Must be a highly organized individual. •Must be computer literate and have excellent, clear communication skills written and oral. •Must be able to work along with the Restaurant Manager of the company.
Please Submit Applications to:
Salary for these positions will commensurate with qualifications and experience.
hr@alexandraresort.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department. Submissions to be no later than August 7th 2015 Belongers need only apply.
Please Submit Applications to: hr@beachhousetci.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department. Submissions to be no later than August 7th, 2015 Belongers need only apply.
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JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services is pleased to publish the complete list of recipients of the 2015 Scholarship and Grant awards to complete tertiary level studies. The Scholarship Advisory Committee met during the period of June and early July to review all applications received on or before the
application deadline of 30th April, 2015. The following awardees were successful based on the identified priority areas, grade point averages and other policy related criteria. In total, the board considered one hundred and fifty nine (159) applications for further study, regionally and internationally. The Education Advisory Committee will
TURKS AND CAICOS TOURIST BOARD QUALITY ASSURANCE/STATISTICAL OFFICER
An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board in the post of Quality Assurance/ Statistical Officer. The successful candidate will establish, monitor and evaluate the quality standards of the destination’s tourism product and services, including TCI accommodations, to achieve a world-class, sustainable tourism destination status. This role will assist in the development and implementation of product development plans for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The incumbent will also gather and analyze statistical data to inform the marketing and other program initiatives of the Board and to provide general data regarding the performance of TCI Tourism. This vacancy exists in the Providenciales office. Reporting to the Senior Product Development Executive, the successful candidate’s key result areas are: •Quality Assurance •Product Development •Statistics ESSENTIAL DUTIES Quality Assurance •Plan and coordinate the inspections of all aspects of the tourism product (including accommodations and recreational sites) in conjunction with technical and professional support from the Fire Department, Environmental Health Department and Labour Department. •Research and seek to introduce new tourism/hospitality standards that are relevant to TCI tourism products and services. •Develop and maintain a system to receive and handle complaints with respect to product or service quality. •Evaluate the training initiatives of the Tourist Board. •Organize on an as needed basis the, independent star rating for TCI hotels. Product Development •Work with TCIG to evaluate, enhance, and maintain the existing tourism products. •Assist in the development of the annual product development plan for the destination based on market research and general knowledge of the destination. •Manage weekly Fish Fry event and liaise with the relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with regulations and established TCI brand standard. Statistics •Assist with maintaining, updating and upgrading the Board of Tourism’s computerized statistical database, working in collaboration with the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics. •Prepare, analyze, and present statistical reports related to the tourism performance of the destination. •Source tourism statistical data that would be of interest to the destination. Prepare market research budget for surveys and statistical analysis. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE •A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. •Five (5) years working experience in the hospitality sector, preferably operating in a similar capacity •Training in or a working knowledge of data analysis, sampling theory, statistical inference etc. •Excellent oral, written, communication and presentation skills. •Leadership and Team work Skills. SALARY: Salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience. For consideration please submit the following documents to chairman@turksandcaicostourism. com or submit to The Chairman, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Front Street, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. •Cover Letter •Current Resume •Two (2) reference letters •Current Police Record •Resident Status Only persons shortlisted for an interview will be contacted in this regard. APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 31st 2015
meet again in August to consider other applications for local scholarship awards, for the Turks & Caicos Islands Community College (Associate level) or A-Level institutions. Award letters can be picked up at the Ministry of Education in Grand Turk or the Department of Education in Providenciales during normal working hours, 8am – 4:30pm.
TURKS AND CAICOS TOURIST BOARD VISITOR RECEPTIONIST An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board in the post of Visitor Receptionist. The successful candidate will provide exceptional customer service and accurate tourism information to guests arriving via GTCC. The incumbent in this position will respond to communication requests as well as visitor complaints. This position is based in Grand Turk. The successful candidate’s key result areas are: •Visitor Reception •Information Resource Development •Customer relations ESSENTIAL DUTIES Visitor Reception •Manage the Tourist Board’s cruise center booth at the Grand Turk Cruise Center and greet visitors arriving via GTCC. •Provide accurate tourism information on accommodations, tourist sites, culture, activities, dining, transportation and other relevant information. •Distribute TCI tourism information including brochures, magazines, CD’s etc. •Maintain favorable working relationships with tourism partners, including cruise ship personnel, immigration and customs officers, taxi drivers and car rental agents. •Assist as needed in completing all functions necessary to ensure positive guest reception at the Cruise Center. Information Resource Development •Regularly research tourism information to ensure information provided is accurate, timely and up to date. •Maintain a high level of awareness of TCI tourism products, programs, activities and events. •Monitor information queries and complaints about the TCI tourism product/services and respond promptly; report such complaints to superior or relevant authorities as appropriate. Customer Relations •Assist in resolving poor customer service situations and reports incidents to superior with a view toward minimizing repeat incidents. •Recommend ways to enhance the customer experience at the cruise terminal. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE •High School graduate, two years of relevant experience, and thorough knowledge of the Turks and Caicos Islands tourism product. Tertiary education a plus. •Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills •Exhibits initiative, responsibility, flexibility and leadership •Excellent social and interpersonal skills •Problem-solving skills •Good health and high energy level SALARY: Salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience. For consideration please submit the following documents to chairman@turksandcaicostourism. com or submit to The Chairman, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Front Street, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands: •Cover Letter •Current Resume •Two (2) reference letters •Current Police Record •Resident Status Only persons shortlisted for an interview will be contacted in this regard.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 31st 2015
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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Three senior civil servants promoted
Tiffany Thomas-Brown As a part of its 2015/2016 recruitment drive, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government is pleased to congratulate the following civil servants on their new senior promotions within Government. Mr. Amin McCartney has been promoted from the post of Head of Secretariat within the Ministry of Home Affairs to Deputy Secretary within the Ministry of
Simone Been Tourism, Environment and Culture. Amin has been a civil servant for 15 years and has a background in statistics, having attained certification in Social and Economic Statistics and Demography as well as a Bachelors in Finance. Mrs. Althea MalcolmBeen has been promoted from the post of Senior Press and Protocol Officer within the Office of the Premier to the
Amin McCartney post of Director within that degree in Social Work from office. Althea joined the civil Wilberforce University and a service in August 2013 after Masters degree in Social Work having spent sixteen years from Florida International with Lime Turks and Caicos University and has been a where she held the post of member of the civil service Vice President of Retail Sales since 1999, where she joined and Services. as a Clerical Officer-Welfare Mrs. Tiffany Thomas- Assistant. Brown has been promoted “ P r o f o u n d from Deputy Director to the congratulations is extended role of Director in the Social to these three individuals on Development Department. their new senior promotions, Tiffany holds a Bachelors having gone through a
rigorous testing and interview exercise they have emerged as the top candidates from a wide field of applicants and are most worthy of these new appointments” said Hon. Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service. “I extend best wishes to them and look forward to positive results from their various portfolios.”
and experience in teaching at Tertiary level may be considered. Salary is in the scale Level 1 US$31,968.85 - $39,102.30 per annum Level 11 US$40,210 - $43,488.40 per annum
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Entry point will depend on qualifications and experience. In the case of staff recruited from overseas, appointment is on contractual terms for an initial period of two years. A gratuity is payable at the end of the satisfactory contractual service at the rate of 10% of salary drawn during the period of service. A housing allowance is payable at existing rates.
The College is also seeking Part-time, qualified Lecturers at the Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced Grand Turk Campus in the area of: persons for the follow full-time and part-time lecturing positions Auto Mechanics at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College for the Applications with copies of qualifications (including official Academic Year, commencing 1st September 2015: transcripts), two character references, a police record and a recent testimonial from current place of employment should •Education (Primary/Early Childhood) be sent to the PRESIDENT, TCI COMMUNITY COLLEGE, P. •Hospitality and Tourism Studies O. BOX 236, LIGHTHOUSE ROAD, GRAND TURK, TURKS •Business Studies AND CAICOS ISLANDS to reach not later than 3rd August •Social & Behavioral Sciences 2015. Where possible, applicants should e-mail or fax their •Mathematics & Physics applications. •Public Relations/Marketing Officer •I T Manager Lecturers are required to teach across different academic levels from the G.C.E. Advanced Level, Caribbean Advanced Proficiency and up to the Associate and Bachelor Degree levels. Multi-disciplinary candidates are particularly encouraged to apply for these positions. Minimum qualifications for the teaching positions are a Master’s degree from an accredited and recognised institution, plus a Teaching Certificate/Diploma or postgraduate Diploma and no less than three years post qualification teaching experience. A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of a second class honors or other postgraduate qualifications, teaching certificate/Diploma
EMAIL: tcicomc@tciway.tc FAX: 649-946-1661 TEL: 649-946-1163
***All lecturing positions are conditioned on student enrollment and demand.
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JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
CHESHIRE HALL MEDICAL CENTRE AND COCKBURN TOWN MEDICAL CENTRE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS - BWI Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital is currently seeking applications for the positions listed below. All positions require a minimum 5 years experience and training from recognize institution. Remuneration packages will be based on qualification and experience. Submit resume and references to: Recruitment@ interhealthcanada.tc . Application Deadline: Friday 7th August 2015 •ED Nurse •Finance Assistant •Orthopedic •Anaesthetist •IT Engineer •ED Nurse Supervisor •Obstetrician/Gynecologist Position: Inventory Clerk (Partime) Location: Cockburn Town Medical Centre, Grand Turk To work with the Purchasing Manager in improving purchasing/Inventory of consumables and equipment for the hospital. Creating purchase orders, booking stock onto site, communicating with suppliers, checking inventory levels for reordering, delivering items around the hospital 1.Maintain system of ordering materials, supplies and equipment. 2.Responsible for maintaining the appropiate inventory levels of various departments. 3.Responsible for the distribution of supplies to various departments 4.Communicate with the department representatives for supplies requirements confirm of order quantity, pricing and availabiltiy. 5.Check all devilieres/packages and distribution appropriately 6.Ensure accuracy of all orders 7.Generating purchase requisitions for the departments under office purview 8.Organise storage and catalogue supplies/equipment in accordance with department and hospital policies. 9.Assist with invoice problem resolution 10.Order follow up ( telephone/email communication). Requirements. High School Diploma and/or further education, exposure to inventory and purchasing practises. Remuneration packages will be based on qualification and experience. Position: Chief of clinical Services Location: Cheshire Hall Medical Center Job Summary: The Director of Nursing reports directly to the Chief Executive and is responsible for carrying out all the statutory responsibilities of a Public /Private enterprise, adding value to, and promoting, the continued growth and success of the Hospital. Duties s:As the professional head of nursing and midwifery, advise the SMT on the implementation and ongoing development of nursing and midwifery strategies in line with the Hospital’s vision for national priorities. Provide professional leadership and strategic direction to nurses and midwives across the Hospital; In conjunction with the Human Resources, lead on nursing and midwifery education and training issues for the Trust, developing links with local colleges and educational establishments; Work with others to ensure that nurses, midwives and other clinical staff are working in line with the Hospital’s vision and strategy, ensuring consistency where necessary and encouraging innovation and partnership working. Provide strategic guidance and regular input on the implementation of strategies. Promote the development and application of research and audit in nursing and midwifery practice. Working with primary care and other health and social care colleagues to develop patient care pathways which improve patients’ access to health services Provide leadership and vision for the development and advancement of nursing and midwifery across the Hospital. Direct and maintain professional nursing standards, ensuring that statutory responsibilities are met, and high quality patient services are delivered. Lead of workforce planning for nursing and midwifery staff and establish clear leadership and succession planning. Respond appropriately and in a timely fashion to all external regulatory bodies and agencies, as well as to internal audits. Requirements and Experience •At least five years of proven success in an executive or senior management position in a for-profit healthcare system. Holder of an appropriate clinical qualification and professional registration in country of origin. A Bachelors degree in management, Post graduate degree or diplomas in a relevant discipline. Salary base on experience.
The Blue Haven Resort is looking to fill the following line positions: ROOM ATTENDANTS To ensure the cleanliness and orderliness of the assigned guestroom, work areas and equipment. Must be able to push and pull carts weighing up to 150lbs and be able to climb flights of stairs several times daily. HOUSEMEN To assist in maintaining the buildings of the resort. Must be able to lift 50lbs, bend, stand for long periods of time and must be able to push and pull carts weighing up to 250lbs. Be able to lift 50lbs., bend and stand for long periods of time. Must be able to speak English and understand instructions. Must be in excellent health. MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN •Performs work in the mechanic’s skill area such as fabrication, assembly, welding, burning, cutting, layout and pipe lifting. •Cleans and inspects and maintains the different systems on the property and hotel rooms •Diagnoses and remedies all troubles to a particular system. •Works on secondary voltage equipment. •Performs work in other trades as a second man in times the primary man is not around •Direct helpers as required. •Uses all required tools, measuring and testing equipment. •Works from complex wiring diagrams, code books and similar documents. •Cleans debris from work area, parts and equipment. •Works independently and with minimum guidance. •Has knowledge of basic carpentry. •Has knowledge of air conditioning system repairs and maintenance. •Uses involved math to perform load and circuit calculations. •Operates facility equipment to check work as required. Salary for these positions will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Belongers need only apply. Please Submit Applications to: hr@bluehaventci.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department. Submissions to be no later than August 7th, 2015 Belongers need only apply.
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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Kenley’s killers boasting on social media
Kenley Walters’ killers have been using social media to taunt his family as they seek closure and jeer the police in their failed bid to apprehend them, this according to Kenley’s older brother Kenrick Walters. Kenley Walters was knifed to death on the morning of December 27, 2014, while attending a party at Club 2005 in Providenciales. The club was packed with patrons when he was killed but none of the attendees are apparently willing to give the police any leads as to identities of the murderers. The older Walters, who was speaking at the Manpower Community Meeting on July 10, 2015, held at the Edward Gartland Youth Center in Providenciales, said that he recently obtained a social media posting where the killers made postings akin to jeering the family and the police. He said that the killers boasted about killing Kenley Walters, they also dismissed the police in a derogatory fashion. Walters read the posting, which is part read like this: “…Good thing I kill your ass(referring
Anguilla revenue administrators understudy TCI’s revenue operations
to Kenley Walters), so you don’t live to see 2015. Hello Blood City.” “This is an example of what the perpetrators continue to post on social media. That is why we can’t get closure, because these folks are taunting the family, they are taunting the friends, they are taunting the community. “We can never have closure with this kind of thing going on. There are other examples of things that are posted on social media by folks that are laughing at the police, laughing at the community. That’s our country now. This is the country we are living in. Where is the outrage? Kenrick Walters said. He said that each day that Kenley Walters’ killers walk free was another of injustice to the family. “It is a serious injustice when families have to endure every single day, knowing that their loved ones were senselessly killed. It is an injustice when families having to face the fact that who are living among us, know what is happening; they know who are committing these crimes but
are not saying anything. “I don’t know how people like that live with themselves. I know some of them are scared, and that’s legitimate and I respect them completely, but there are some that just don’t care. What kind of society are we living in today? It is an injustice that these murderers are allowed to walk among us, having any kind of accountability. “It is injustice when the police are undertrained and under resourced, when they don’t enjoy the trust of the young people, when they can’t depend on the cooperation of the citizens. It is an injustice,” he said. Walters revealed that some of these young people that are involved in crimes and violence have no hope. “I talk to a lot of these kids every day, and they live their lives according to how they see their future. The young persons who dream about being a doctor, a lawyer or an engineer, or a mechanic or a pilot, or an artist or a performer, is not standing on the street corner every night selling drugs; that person is not going around the
The Turks & Caicos Islands Government (TCIG), Revenue and Customs Departments was identified by the Anguillan Government earlier this year to host their Comptroller of Revenue, Mr. Perin Bradley and Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Travis Carty to understudy the operations in the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI). The two-week
Kenrick Walters community committing random acts of violence and trying to prove that he is the baddest (sic) member of the gang. “That person is in school, that person has a job, that person is surrounding himself with people he can learn from, he can grow with, that can help him develop himself and accomplish his dreams. I speak to a lot of young men around here and a lot of them don’t dream that big. They don’t see themselves beyond their current circumstances,” Walters said. Walters also bemoaned the poor turnout of persons to the Manpower community meeting, saying that such apathy was main cause of society’s ills.
understudy took place 8th – 19th June 2015 and allowed both visitors to witness the day to day operations assisted by Chawa Williams, Collector of Customs and Cynthia Castillo, Commissioner of Revenues. Both Officers commended the Departments’ management and staff on the rewarding professional experience. All parties committed to continue
to assist each other with the view to further strengthen their respective administrations. Both Heads of TCIG’s Revenue and Customs Departments were elated that TCI was identified as models to conduct this understudy and that the recent revamp and successes of the Departments have earned recognition within the region.
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JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Don’t wait for a tragedy Power theft is a dangerous crime that can have deadly consequences if left unreported.
Exposed wires, unsecured cables, and tapped meters can fatally electrocute anyone they come into contact with.
SEE IT REPORT IT
Make an anonymous call today 941-2524 www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 | P.O. Box 132 1030 Leeward HWY, Providenciales, TCI
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JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
Massive Dockyard Clean-up
On Saturday, July 18, 2015, the TCI Haitian Foundation, the Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross, supported by the Environmental Health Department undertook a massive clean-up exercise in the Dockyard community in Providenciales. The waste removed including a great of derelict vehicles and old appliances, including refrigerators. The SUN, Donald Metellus (fourth from left) and The TCI Haitian Foundation take time fo which covered the clean-up, has provided a pictorial of the event.
A Dockyard resident pushes wheelbarrow full of garbage along the community to the pick-up point A crane packs derelict vehicles on a flatbed truck for removal to the dump
Two female residents of the Dockyard community carry their waste to the garbage compactor
Donald Metellus of the TCI Haitian Foundation and a member of the Turks and some of the items delivered by the Red Cross for cleaning the Dock Yard comm
Working residences and outside groups gather bags of garbage at a section of the community for pick-up
The Haitian TCI Foundation members, along with the Red Cross take time for a
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
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or a photo op
Members from the community load wastes in the garbage compactor truck
Community members carry their garbage in a wheelbarrow and on top of their heads to dispose of them
Members of the TCI Haitian Foundation cleans a section of the Dockyard community
Residents carry an old sofa towards a garbage compactor
A volunteers load the garbage compactor truck with rubbished deposited at a section of the community
d Caicos Islands Red Cross, displays the munity and its environs
a photo
A female Red Cross volunteer assist another volunteer in cleaning garbage from a section of the Dockyard community
A volunteer carries a wooden pallet towards the garbage pick-up site
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JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Cadet Corps Summer Camp Graduation exercise On Saturday, July 18, 2015, close to 50 high schools students across the country graduated from the Turks and Caicos Islands Cadet Corps Two-week Summer Camp. The event took place on the grounds of the British West
Indies Collegiate, and was attended by Minister for Education, Youth, Sport and Library Service Hon. Akierra Missick, Commissioner of Police James Smith and Human Rights Commissioner Doreen Quelch-Stubbs.
Nimrol Beckles, Captain in the Turks and Caicos Islands Cadet Corps, delivers his address Cadet Corp officers lower the Turks and Caicos Islands National Flag to signal the end of the service
Graduates of the Cadet Summer Camp stand at ease under the watchful eyes of an officer
Lieutenant Colonel Ennis Grant brings greetings
Some family members and close friends of the cadets cheer them on
From left – Commissioner of Police James Smith; Assistant Commissioner of Police Wayne Jones; Cadet Corps graduates on parade Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Service Hon. Akierra Missick; the minister’s mother and Human Rights Commissioner Doreen Quelch-Stubbs; and Jay Stubbs, Quelch-Stubbs’ husband
Nickson Dickinson, Acting Sergeant and Adult Instructor at the Cadet Corps chaired the Bensly Pierre was voted most Disciplined Cadet, he marches up to accept his prize programme Cadet Corps graduate doing the march past
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
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Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Service Hon. Akierra Missick and Commissioner of Police James Smith watch as two Cadet Corps officers fold the National Flag
Cadet Corps officers on parade
Raheam Basden was voted Most Improved Cadet. He accepts his prize Human Rights Commissioner presents the most Disciplined Cadet from Human Rights Commissioner Doreen Quelch-Stubbs prize to Bensly Pierre
Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Service Hon. Akierra Missick displays a plaque that she is about to present to one of the Cadet graduates
Lea-Biema Dorestin accepts his plaque from Commissioner Tunnisia Forbes accepts her award for being the most Outstanding of Police James Smith, for achieving the best military subjects Cadet during the Annual Cadet Corps’ Annual Summer Camp during the summer camp
Cadet taking their oath
Cadets taking the oath
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
LOCAL NEWS
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
Blue Hills jetty repairs completed
By Todeline Defralien
Residents of Blue Hills in Providenciales are beaming with pride now that the jetty there has been renovated. The renovations cost about $97,000 and there are plans to create a park around the facility, according to Hon.Goldray Ewing Elected member for Blue Hills. “The jetty in Blue Hills resembles a landmark,” Ewing said. “It is a place where the residents normally gather in the afternoons and on holidays with their families to enjoy the beach and we use the jetty for a number of different reasons. As a little boy I grew up around the jetty. When I was little, I learn to swim and dive, and it is a lot of fun for the kids and even my kids now prefer to use the jetty rather than the Kids Park in The Bight because they can come to the jetty and jump off into the water. It is all about having fun and making sure that you have a place where you
can have recreational activities with the kids and with their families.” He added: “It’s a landmark for Blue Hills and we are happy to see that it has been replaced and nicely done. I am very proud and the contractor did a very beautiful job on it. By having this replaced, which took quite a bit of money to do, we can now actually work from this and use this as a springboard actually to cleaning up and to beautify this community so that people will enjoy their ride to Blue Hills.” Mr. Ewing added “We will be having about 20ft of lawn...and having miniature palm trees that do not grow too tall planted in the lawn so the residents and everyone else that come to Blue hills will have a nice green, clean lawn to look at and Goldray Ewing the beauty of a clean Blue Hills will welcome you. Next year we should have a maintenance budget for all national parks.
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
LOCAL NEWS
Page 29
LOOKING FOR TWO FEMALE SPA THERAPIST
CAICOS OIL LTD. SOUTH DOCK ROAD, PROVIDENCIALES TEL: (649) 941-7872 / 941-7873 FAX: (649) 941-7874 POSITION:
LABOURER Cleaning and maintaining of yard and help with the loading and offloading of fuel tankers. Assist with warehouse duties. Must be willing to work weekends, and some holidays.
WAGES/SALARY: 8.50 per hour. Interested persons should submit their resume along with a cover letter to the following: The Manager Mr. McAllister Hanchell Caicos Oil Ltd., P.O. Box 653, South Dock Road, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands or email at mhanchell.caicosoil@gmail.com cc: smillscaicosoil@gmail.com and jwilliamscaicosoil@gmail.com The deadline for receipt of all applications is July 31st, 2015
HAB MANAGEMENT LTD HAB Management Limited is seeking suitably qualified individuals to fill the following opening. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.
PUBLIC AREA SUPERVISOR Job Summary
Responsible for the daily cleaning of the hotel property and its public areas as well as other designated areas to ensure that they are cleaned and maintained according to hotel standards.
Requirements
•Should have five years or more experience in the housekeeping department of a hotel. •Must have knowledge of proper cleaning techniques, requirements and familiar with all equipments that are associated with the housekeeping department. •Must be able to prioritize workload and perform job functions with attention to detail. •Work with minimal supervision. •Should be able to work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team. •Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and Visual One. •Should have great oral and written communication skills.
The salary for this position is $19,000.00 per annum and is commensurate with experience. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by August 7, 2015 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.
AMANYARA
PROVIDENCIALES TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS SOMMELIER
Certified wine Sommelier with extensive knowledge of wines, beverage & bar, profound education of Old and New World wines. Able to pair wine with our degustation menus also explain characteristics of the wines. Knowledgeable to conduct wine workshops; to build entire wine list in line with our beverage purchasing as per budget, costing, pricing, promotion and marketing. Be in charge of all bins on wine list (ordering, receiving, storage to serving). Must be able maintain and ensure Aman service standards is render. Must be also to conduct wine training for entire F & B team in restaurant & bar, as well to maintain wine programs. Flexible & able to work required hours, team player, social, young, dedicated and passionate F&B professional (W/M). Professional appearance a must and able to communicate with our high end clientele, and willing to go the extra mile daily. Experience in similar position required, additional European Language besides English is an advantage Reports directly to F&B Manager.
WAIT STAFF/ BARTENDER
Minimum 2 year’s previous food and beverage service experience in a luxury/ 5 star resorts. Excellent verbal communication skills, immaculate presentation and friendly, professional demeanor. Micros skills advantageous, be a team player and able to work under pressure. Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays and evenings.
VILLA COOKS
Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Chef de Partie, Demi Chef, Commis Chef and Pastry Chef in a luxury resort, cruise ship, private estate or 5-star restaurant. Possess a good knowledge of Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. Extended working hours required when villa is occupied.
- A positive attitude with good communication and customer care skills ,must be fluent in English speaking , reading and writing . Minimum 3 years experience in Resorts or Ayurvedic spa . Knowledgable and experience in performing Ayurvedic treatments such as Abhyanga (two hands and four hands) , shirodhara,Herbal poultice massage,Lepa , Bolus bag massage,udwarthanam, Indian head massage, katibasti, yoga etc. Ayurvedic beauty treatments such as eyebrow threading and Ayurvedic facials is a must . Additional Knowledge and experience in Swedish , Deep tissue ,Aroma Therapy , Reflexology ,Hot stone , La stone and Thai yoga massage is a must . Manicure ,Pedicure and waxing is a plus . Salary to commensurate with experience. Please send your CV to: drsabariuma@gmail.com
TURKS & CAICOS WATER COMPANY LTD. LABOURER Applicants must be physically capable of hard manual labour outside on a daily basis. Previous experience is necessary. Candidates must be drug free, have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and clean criminal record. Position requires the successful applicant to be willing to work weekends and holidays when needed. Must be able to speak, read and write in English and understand verbal and written instructions. Wages: $7.00 per hour Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by August 7, 2015 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview. skills. Friendly outgoing professional demeanor and immaculate presentation have proven experience in training housekeeping staff and a hands-on leadership approach.
BEACH ATTENDANT/TENNIS KNOCKER & GYM ATTENDANT
Experience in one or more of the following areas: Sailing (hobby boats), club-level tennis playing ability, operation of gym equipment and personal training. Must be a good swimmer and able to teach snorkeling; Well presented with good communication skills and friendly yet professional demeanor. Recent CPR, First Aid or Life Saving Skills.
POOL TECHNICIAN
Certified in maintenance of swimming Pools and maintaining of Pool Water Chemistry in a resort for at least Five Years. Be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
SPA THERAPIST/ SUPERVISOR
Minimum 3 years previous experience with working in a spa, preferably in a 5-star resort, providing massage and beauty treatments as well as manicures and pedicures. Must be physically fit and in good health. Immaculate presentation and fluency in English is also required.
MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN/ SUPERVISOR
Minimum 3 years supervisory experience, preferably within a luxury resort environment. Previous experience in electrical engineering with maintenance of air-conditioning units, kitchen/laundry equipment, and desalinization plant, sewer treatment plant and diesel gen-sets required, also Laundry Steam Boilers and Steam Systems. Must have good communication skills and be a team player. Valid driver’s license and computer skills required
RECEIVING CLERK
LABOURER
Individual must be a high school graduate with computer skills, Physical ability to move large, bulky and/or heavy boxes. The ability to receive items with original invoice only; prepare daily receiving reports that must be sent to the Cost Controller, also perform tasks that may require prolonged standing, sitting, and other activities necessary to perform job duties. Must have some experience.
VILLA F&B SUPERVISOR
We are seeking a Beautician with cosmetology background of 2-3 years’ experience in high end beauty salon or within resort’s /hotel‘s spa. Must have skills in Hair, Nails, Waxing; Facial and make-up are a bonus.
Must be reliable, strong, able to help clean ponds and swimming pools, hardworking and willing to work under the sun all day. Should be able to speak reasonable English. Previous experience beneficial. Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar position in a 5-star resort. Must be immaculately presented, fluent in English and possess a friendly, outgoing and professional demeanor. Computer skills and knowledge of Micros POS system required. Good knowledge of wines beneficial. Proven training abilities and a hands-on leadership approach required. Must be a team player and good communicator with the ability to work under pressure.
VILLA HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR
Minimum 3 years’ experience as Senior Supervisor in the Housekeeping Department of a luxury resort. Must have good organizational and communication skills and detail orientated. Solid experience in managing and controlling inventories good computer
BEAUTICIAN
All positions require a flexible schedule (which may include holidays, weekends and evenings) and extended hours on occasion. Salaries based on experience and qualifications. **These positions will be available for the upcoming season which starts in November.
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FROM THE HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. E-mail amanyarahr@amanresorts.com
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FUN & & GAMES GAMES FUN LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
JOSEPH A. SKIPPINGS 1 LABOURER NEEDED APPLICANT MUST BE:
•honest •reliable hard working •fluent in English and French
CONTACT: (649)- 242-9087
NEEDLES & PINS UPHOLSTERY SERVICES
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JERK JUICE BAR & GRILL
REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING: EXPERIENCED UPHOLSTERERS (2) MACHINE MECHANIC (1) TAILORS (2) DOMESTIC (1)
Please apply with resume via Email: needlesandpins@express.tc
1 BARTENDER Must be able to create menus Must be a drink specialize Salary $7.00 per hour 6 days per week Contact 431-0221
is seeking an ELECTRONIC / AUDIO VISUAL TECHNICIAN please.
1 HORSEMAN, 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE DEALING WITH HORSES, MINIMUM WAGE, EMAIL: PASTORB@TCIWAY.TC
info@islandarrangements.com
ON BEHALF OF CLIENTS:
SPARKLE CLEANING SERVICES
Dorn Fulford is seeking - A Labourer Salary $6.00 per hour
Four (10) Cleaners/Car washers Duties: Washing and detailing automobiles Wages: On a commission basis Qualification: Honest, hardworking, highly motivated, Friendly, must be able to work under minimum supervision and flexible hours, Ability to safely operate motor vehicle. Experience is essential. Closing date for application is 28th, July 2015 Sparkle Cleaning Services Suite 5, Southside Plaza, Five Cays Road, Providenciales Tel: (649)241-0237 Email: carwashguy@hotmail.com
Rigby Builders Construction is seekingA Mason Salary $8.00 per hour Marie Joseph Is seeking - 1 Hairstylist Salary $6.50 per hour along with commission Contact 364-8422
WHATTA BURGA
SEEKS 1 Baker Salary $6.25 per hour Contact 243-5151
WANTED
1 DOMESTIC WORKER
SALARY $6.25 PER HOUR MON – SAT
Interested persons should have at least five years experience Must be able to work flexible hours if required. Must be hard working and reliable. Salary to be discussed. Interested persons should contact 946-8108 or email :
Looking for a Gardner 5 days per hour Salary $6.25 per hour Contact 432-2390
DOMESTIC WORKER 5 DAYS A WEEK WITH MINIMUM WAGE FOR RACHEL HANDFIELD, TELEPHONE NUMBER 243-4189.
NEEDED
ISLAND ARRANGEMENTS
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Needed Urgently:
CONTACT N.H CEFERINA COOPER AT 347-7299 BI LINGUAL HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED A hardworking individual is needed to work six days a week and required to live on property Must be fluent in English and Spanish. Must like animals and be able to feed, groom and walk 2 large dogs. Must have dog obedience qualification and the knowledge and skill to handle large dogs Must be fit and able If you fit the above qualifications please send Salary $6.50 per hour Contact 245-0063 Belongers only need apply
DOMESTIC WORKER
5 DAYS A WEEK WITH MINIMUM WAGE FOR RACHEL HANDFIELD, TELEPHONE NUMBER 243-4189.
SPARKLE CLEANING SERVICES
Needed Urgently:
Four (10) Cleaners/Car washers Duties: Washing and detailing automobiles Wages: On a commission basis Qualification: Honest, hardworking, highly motivated, Friendly, must be able to work under minimum supervision and flexible hours, Ability to safely operate motor vehicle. Experience is essential. Closing date for application is 28th, July 2015 Sparkle Cleaning Services Suite 5, Southside Plaza, Five Cays Road, Providenciales Tel: (649)241-0237 Email: carwashguy@hotmail.com
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FUN & & GAMES GAMES LOCAL NEWS FUN
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
CARIBBEAN WORLD
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 33
CARIBBEAN NEWS
NEWS NEWS
Bahamas judge will not recognize Baha Mar US bankruptcy
Bahamar A Bahamian judge on Wednesday denied Baha Mar Ltd.’s request for recognition of its U.S. bankruptcy filing at the urging of the island nation’s government and the developer’s Chinese creditors. The ruling means that the company’s assets in the Bahamas, including the $3.5 billion stalled resort, won’t receive full protection in the Bahamas of the U.S. bankruptcy code, which blocks creditors from taking legal actions against the company. However, with the U.S. bankruptcy case pending, creditors with U.S. operations would still have to answer to that court over actions taken abroad. A motion to dismiss the U.S. case will be heard on Aug. 3. Recognition of the U.S. proceeding would have also allowed current owner Sarkis
Izmirlian to retain control of the reorganization efforts and allowed the resort access to $80 million in fresh capital provided by Mr. Izmirlian. In a statement Wednesday, Baha Mar said it was disappointed in the decision and the way the Bahamian government responded to its U.S. bankruptcy filing. “We do not believe today’s ruling, for which the Government strenuously argued, assures the necessary protection of the assets of Baha Mar, and we do not believe that it is best for the over 2,500 current employees of Baha Mar,” the company said. It added that it is continuing to try to reach a consensual resolution with stakeholders. The Bahamas government said Wednesday it supports stakeholder efforts to reach a
Bermuda Government signs multi-million dollar loan agreement
deal, but added it will proceed with its request for a provisional liquidator to be appointed on July 31 if no agreement is reached. The government had opposed Baha Mar’s U.S. bankruptcy filing and sought to keep the case in the island nation. It has filed an insolvency proceeding against the developer, requesting the courts to put in place a liquidator that would form a reorganization plan. “Our objectives continue to be the prompt completion and successful opening of the Baha Mar project. We are confident today’s decision will encourage all parties to focus on these goals,” the government said. Baha Mar Ltd., based in the Bahamas, filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. on June 29, claiming $2.7 billion in debt, including $2.4 billion owed to state-owned Export-Import Bank of China, and saying that construction delays caused it to miss an April opening deadline. The resort is of great importance to the Bahamas. It is expected eventually to employ 1.5% of the island nation’s population and represent 12% of gross domestic product, according to lawyers for the project. It is thought to be 97% completed, with all structures finished, but requires inspections and other final tasks to be completed before opening to the public. The project is estimated to have 2,200 rooms in four hotels, which include the Hyatt, Rosewood and SLS Lux brands.
The Bermuda government says it has signed a US$200 million loan with Butterfield Bank as part of a debt financing strategy. The national debt now stands at US$2.185 billion. Finance Minister Bob Richards, who made the announcement in the House of Assembly on Friday, warned six months ago that it would be necessary for government to borrow US$125 million to see it through the 2015-16 fiscal year. The loan agreement with Butterfield Bank is in effect an overdraft facility for government to use when necessary, with an interest rate of 4.75 per cent to be paid on any monies drawn down. Richards said funds would only be drawn if necessary and that when the facility is fully drawn Bermuda’s gross debt will stand at $2.385 billion. The national debt stood at $1.4 billion when the One Bermuda Alliance (ONA) defeated the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) in the 2012 general election. Richards said there were a number of reasons behind the decision to make the two-year loan facility deal. One reason was to access an interest rate lower than the 5.1 per cent average that government is paying on its other borrowings. Richards pointed out that there were lower costs associated with the arrangement compared with other forms of borrowings, such as public bonds where fees can typically range from US$500,000 to two million US dollars. In 2013, government raised US$750 million through overseas US dollar bond issues, and a further $50 million with a Bermuda dollar bond issue. That money was needed to see it through multiple years of projected budget deficits. Richards said other reasons for deciding to have a loan facility with the bank included the minimal reporting and minimal documentation requirements which will result in lower legal fees. There is also the market certainty, he added. It is not the first time Butterfield Bank has extended a US$200 million loan facility to government. A similar deal was struck by the previous PLP administration in 2011 as part of its debt financing strategy.
Cayman Islands lawmakers to review Builders Law
A law requiring builders and tradespeople to be licensed will go to the Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly next month. According to the Caymanian Compass newspaper, the proposed Builders Law aims to introduce a new regulatory regime that construction industry leaders say will help improve standards and protect Caymanian jobs. The bill, which will be debated at the next session of the assembly commencing Aug. 12, is an update of the law passed in 2007 but never brought into force. A list of amendments to the
2007 law were published in government’s official gazette on Monday. Heber Arch, president of the Cayman Contractors Association, said the industry was 100 percent in support of the legislation. “The main purpose of the law is to ensure that anyone doing construction work is properly qualified for the job they are being paid to do,” he said. Mr. Arch said the law would help protect consumers from unskilled or unqualified contractors and would ensure contractors have the relevant liability insurance. He said most
businesses operating in Cayman would have no problem meeting the requirements of the planned law. The bill and accompanying regulations create different categories of registration, from general contractors to sub trades such as plumbers, roofers and masons, with a sliding scale of requirements and fees. At the top end, general contractors – businesses qualified to engage in construction, and civil contractors – businesses that build roads, docks, bridges and utilities infrastructure, must meet the strictest
criteria for experience and qualifications. Smaller or less experienced businesses can apply for a separate category of “building contractor” for construction of commercial, industrial or residential buildings less than 25,000 square feet or three stories. A fourth category of “residential contractor” is for businesses that construct or renovate buildings comprising four homes or less. The proposed law seeks to establish a Builder’s Board which will be responsible for maintaining a register of business entities and qualified individuals in the construction field.
Businesses will be required to prove they have the necessary number of qualified individuals on staff to qualify in the category for which they are applying to be registered. Individual contractors and tradesmen will be required to demonstrate they have necessary qualifications before they can be licensed. Premier Alden McLaughlin previously said the law would help provide reassurance to consumers. “Once the law is passed,” he said, “it will guarantee that plumbers are plumbers, electricians are electricians; carpenters are carpenters.”
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
CARIBBEAN NEWS
Barbados hit by five earthquakes in one day
A map of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean showing earthquake activity Five earthquakes ranging from as low as 3.4 magnitude to 6.4 magnitude were felt across Barbados on Wednesday July 16th, but there were no reports of damage. And, while residents were urged to expect possible aftershocks, they were assured that there was no threat of a tsunami. The assurance came from Acting Director of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Kerry Hinds, during an emergency press conference at its
Warrens, St. Michael office today following the series of earthquakes. Ms. Hinds outlined that official reports from the Seismic Research Centre in Trinidad indicated that there were four earthquakes recorded. The first of these, she said, was recorded at 7:02 a.m. measuring 5.7 magnitude; the second at 11:16 a.m. at a 6.4 magnitude; the third at 11:29 a.m. at 4.1 magnitude; and the fouth at 11:36 a.m. measuring 5.3 magnitude. A fifth earthquake was later recorded at 12:36 p.m. registering at a
3.4 magnitude. The Acting Director said that the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre indicated that there was no tsunami threat to the island based on information received on the earthquakes. However, she cautioned that there was still a possibility of aftershocks later today and in the coming days, and advised residents to be prepared for such an occurrence. “It is important that you listen to the media and heed any information that may come to you. I would encourage you to please protect yourselves,” she urged, adding that earthquakes occurred at any time and without warning. Noting that today’s activity was unusual though the island was in a seismically active region, Ms. Hinds said that the DEM issued information about what to do during and after an earthquake. She used the opportunity to remind persons that during the shaking they should remain indoors. “Please do not run out of the building
while there is shaking. Once the shaking has subsided, you can proceed outside, [but] do not use any elevators. [You should also] assemble in an open area away from any power lines or buildings to reduce the possibility of being hurt by any debris falling,” Ms. Hinds explained. She warned that running during an earthquake could result in people falling and causing injury to themselves. The Acting Director advised management of buildings to ensure that proper damage assessments were carried out by an engineer or property manager, before staff returned inside the building. Meanwhile, Ms. Hinds stressed that Barbados needed to improve its preparedness and readiness for varying hazards, rather than the traditional hurricane hazard. She pointed out that the DEM advocated comprehensive disaster management recognising Barbados was susceptible to several natural and man-made hazards.
Caribbean governments urged to impose measures to curb alcohol consumption WASHINGTON – They said alcohol led to Two United Nations health approximately one death every 100 organisations are calling on seconds, on average, in the Americas Caribbean governments to in 2012 and that it contributed to implement measures that would more than 300,000 deaths in the curb the consumption of alcohol region, with more than 80,000 of after a new study found that alcohol those involving deaths that would consumption in the Americas is not have occurred had alcohol not higher on average than the rest of been consumed. the world. “Alcohol use contributes “There are many actions to more than 200 diseases and that governments can take injuries, including cancers, HIV/ to control access to alcohol, AIDS, and various mental disorders. including government monopolies, Alcohol was the cause for more limiting hours and days of sale, than 274,000,000 years of healthy and enforcement of minimum life lost in the Americas in 2012. purchasing ages,” the Pan American About 5.7 per cent of the region’s Health Organization and the World population reported suffering from Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) an alcohol use disorder, although say after releasing the findings of a the number is likely higher.” Regional Status Report on Alcohol The two UN organizations and Health in the Americas. also noted that the report noted that “Limiting availability, alcohol is the leading risk factor for restricting marketing, and death and disability among people increasing prices through aged 15–49 in the Americas and taxation are three of the “Best worldwide. Buys” recommended by the WHO “This is the age range to reduce the burden of non- in which people are typically at communicable diseases through their most productive. A 2006 U.S. cost-effective interventions. study estimated that the harmful “These policies, along with use of alcohol cost that country measures to counter drinking and approximately US$224 billion (an driving, are part of WHO’s Global average of $750 per person), 72 per Strategy to Reduce the Harmful cent of which was attributed to lost Use of Alcohol. A number of other workplace productivity. effective actions also exist, and “Other substantial costs countries should prioritize as many to society exist, including when of these interventions as possible,” drinking leads to arrest, property the two UN agencies said. damage, job loss, or health service They said that rates of visits.” heavy episodic drinking (HED) They warn that as have risen in the past five years, countries in the Americas, including from 4.6 to 13 per cent among those in the Caribbean, develop women and 17.9 to 29.4 per cent economically,” we can expect to see among men. an increase in alcohol consumption
and related harms in the absence of effective policies to prevent them. “Evidence also suggests that the socioeconomically disadvantaged often experience more harm from the same levels of consumption than their wealthier counterparts, possibly due to the lack of access to health care resources or greater social exclusion.” The UN agencies note that in most countries of the Americas, alcohol is produced and sold by private entities, and governments may or may not regulate and monitor these activities in the interest of public health. They said alcohol marketing restrictions are likely to have a large impact on women, who are less prone to have started drinking than are men, and an even greater effect on youth, who are more susceptible to advertising. “Total bans are the most effective type of marketing regulation and are relatively inexpensive to enforce,” PAHO/ WHO said, adding that reducing the affordability of alcohol has an effect on all aspects of drinking, including prevalence of drinking, frequency, and intensity of consumption, as well as on many of the consequences of excessive drinking. “Alcohol taxes are an efficient way to raise government revenue. They require relatively little additional enforcement mechanisms and the revenues can be used to provide health and social services, further improving equity at the population level.”
Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, Ronald Jackson, echoed similar sentiments. He said today’s earthquakes underscored the importance of building a national first responder capacity to manage seismic events in the island. “We have to recognise that the earthquake threat is ever present. We have been heeding the warning from the Seismic Research Centre from as far back as February 2014 when a number of events … really underscored the importance that we have to move at pace. It is now a situation of urgency that we address the capacity of our first responders given the catastrophic nature that seismic events can leave us with,” he stated. Mr. Jackson noted that today’s earthquakes were felt in other parts of the region including Guyana, Martinique and Guadeloupe, but there were no reports of damage.
Caribbean tourism conference to focus on growth BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – A theme has been announced for the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)’s State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Curaçao from 21-23 October. This year’s theme, Caribbean Tourism: Growth Through Innovation, reflects the need for Caribbean tourism to continuously introduce new ideas, methods and products in order to remain competitive, said the CTO secretary general, Hugh Riley. “The tourism industry is such an incredibly globally competitive business that we need to constantly be looking for ways to innovate, to do things differently,” Mr. Riley said, adding that the theme encapsulates the thinking the Caribbean should adopt in order to find a better business model. The secretary general said current trends that drive tourism, including mobile and social media, will be featured at the conference, which is being organization in collaboration with Curacao’s Ministry of Economic Development and the Curaçao Tourist Board. “We are searching for creativity and innovativeness inside the Caribbean and outside the Caribbean; so we are looking for the best practices, the best ideas, from anywhere in the world which we can learn from, so we can capture those and adapt them to our own needs. Anyone who comes to this conference can expect to hear the best ideas and leave with something that will help to grow their business,” he assured. The State of the Industry Conference will be preceded by CTO business meetings, including meetings of the board of directors and the Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism.
JULY 24TH, 2015 – JULY 31ST, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
Former Trinidad coup leader detained in death of former prominent attorney
Yasin Abu Bakr
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Yasin Abu Bakr, the leader of the Jamaat Al Mulimeen group that staged an unsuccessful coup in 1990, has been detained in connection with the murder of prominent attorney Dana Seetahal, according to media reports here on Monday. The reports said that Bakr, 73, had been taken from his home on Monday morning, by police as they continue their probe into the assassination of Seeathal on May 4, last year. One radio station reported that
St Vincent Prime Minister writes strongly letter to Barbados PM
Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart
Bakr had questioned the police who staged the pre-dawn raid on his home in search of guns and ammunition and was told that his detention is in relation to the murder of the former president of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago. Seeathal was killed as she drove to her apartment in the capital. Two vehicles are reported to have pulled alongside her causing her to come to a stop and the occupants fired several bullets at her, hitting her in the head and chest. The police
have so far issued no statement regarding the arrest of Bakr, who in 1990 led more than 100 men in an attack on the Trinidad and Tobago parliament in a bd to unseat the then ANR Robinson administration. Bakr also refused to appear before a Commission of Inquiry that probed the circumstances surrounding the failed coup. In February this year, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) distanced itself from media reports that at least six people would
have been charged in connection with her murder. In a statement, the TTPS said that the reports in the media ‘are inconsistent with the progress of the investigation thus far and manifest obvious distortions with material facts of the case”. The TTPS said it “considers it extremely irresponsible the naming of any officer/individual from any agency or organisation who may or may not be assisting with the investigation”.
New Guyana oil find could be worth US$40billion
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves
Prime Minister Ralph Noting that he is also the Gonsalves has written to his person in the Eastern Caribbean Barbadian counterpart Prime Currency Union (ECCU) with Minister Freundel Stuart, over what responsibility for BAICO and he says has emerged as a “Barbados- Colonial Life Insurance Company only” plan for policyholders of (CLICO), Gonsalves also said he has the collapsed British-American to defend the interest of policyholders Insurance Company Limited in the ECCU. (BAICO). “I explained in it the whole “The judicial manager in story. I am not going to release this Barbados put forward a plan and I letter yet. I am waiting to hear all don’t like the plan,” Gonsalves told the various objections to what was reporters, adding that he did not emerging as a Barbados-first plan “mince words” in his five-page letter to what is a Barbados-only plan,” he of June 25. said, adding that Minister of Finance Gonsalves did not release the in Bridgetown, Christopher Sinckler, letter to the media but read sections, has said this is not the case. which, he said, would give insights. “Well, he can have a view, “We are aware that in its and I can have a view and we have December 2014 report, the judicial to sort out where the interest of manager of CLICO international everybody resides.” Life insurance Company (CLICO) He quoted the letter, saying, recommended to the Supreme Court “As a minimum, an independent of Barbados that there be a liquidation assessment of the proposal is of the company. We are aware, too, critical. This should, among other that in the week of June 15th, 2015, matters, examine the risks and costs there were two meetings in respect of the proposal to policyholders in to the above-mentioned matter in an the Currency Union. Appropriate effort to avoid liquidation and arrive government arrangements, at a consent order and another on transparency and collaboration must Wednesday the 24th of June 2015. All be established with compensation as concerned appreciate that liquidation necessary so that the interest of the is a last resort. Currency Union policyholders are “However, we wish to place properly considered in real-time and on record the vigorous objection of before key event occur that may be the Eastern Caribbean Currency irreparable.” Union to the proposed Barbados-first “The reason why I say that plan which is now emerging as a they are saying some things which Barbados-only plan,” Gonsalves said. we could get down the road. I want it Gonsalves, who is also in real time…” Gonsalves said. Minister of Finance, told reporters He told reporters that the that he has to defend the interest letter also says “there should be of the people of St. Vincent and the interdependent assessment provided Grenadines and the policyholders of as to the division and management of CLICO. CLICO’s assets”.
A map of Guyana which is located in South America GEORGETOWN, Guyana — had encountered oil at its Liza-1 well in With Exxon Mobil still tight-lipped the Stabroek Block, about 120 miles off on the value of its oil and natural gas of the coast of Guyana. discovery off the coast of Guyana, a Guyana has traditionally Minister of Government there has fared poorly on human development revealed that the find could be worth and corruption indicators, ranking up to US$40 billion – twelve times the 121st globally in the 2014 UN Human value of Guyana’s entire economy. Development Index, and 124th globally Guyana’s Minister of in perceived corruption, but the initial Governance, Raphael Trotman, Exxon discovery came in the lead up to revealed Monday in an interview that a historic change of government in May. Exxon’s Liza-1 well may potentially hold At that time, the now newly-elected in excess of 700 million barrels of oil, President, David Granger, welcomed and that pumping of crude there could the discovery, and insisted that the begin within five years. The revelation resources which came from it would was the first official estimate of Liza-1’s go towards the full development of all market value since Exxon went public Guyanese. with news of its “significant” discovery “We will have a lawful, off the Guyanese coast in May. responsible Government… transparent, Liza-1 is just the first well in good agreements, and we’ll ensure the 6.6 million acre Stabroek Block, and that any revenue coming from that Exxon is still exploring other resource petroleum will be used for the public potential within the area. good. We will ensure that the people of Quoted in Bloomberg Business, Guyana will be the beneficiaries of any Trotman said “a find out this magnitude profits coming from [this]”, Granger for a country like [Guyana], which said in May in a comment to the sits on the lower end of the scale of Guyana Times. countries in this hemisphere, could be Exxon’s discovery comes transformational.” amid intensified aggression from Guyana, located along the neighbouring Venezuela, which has for northern coast of South America, is not centuries laid claim to the Esequibo an oil producer of any significance. But region that encompasses the Stabroek that could change if the large reserves Block. Venezuelan President Nicolas of oil and gas located offshore are Maduro has accused Exxon of waging successfully produced. a destabalisation campaign against his ExxonMobil drilled one well country, and fiercely opposes Guyana’s that is causing quite a stir. In May grant of an exploration contract to 2015, the company announced that it Exxon for the disputed territory.
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NEWS
Donald Trump Businessman Donald Trump surged into the lead for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, with almost twice the support of his closest rival, just as he ignited a new controversy after making disparaging remarks about Sen. John McCain’s Vietnam War service, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. Support for Trump fell sharply on the one night that voters were surveyed following those comments. Telephone interviewing for the poll began Thursday, and most calls were completed before the news about the remarks was widely reported. Although the sample size for the final day was small, the decline was statistically significant. Still, it is difficult to predict what could happen
Donald Trump surges to big lead in GOP presidential race
conservative.” The next seven, ranging in support from 8 percent to 3 percent, are: former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.), retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, Sen. Rand Paul (Ky.), Sen. Ted Cruz (Tex.), former Texas governor Rick Perry and New to Trump’s support in the Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. The rankings are coming days and weeks as the more important than early controversy plays out. Even with the drop in national surveys in previous support on the final night of the campaigns because only the survey, Trump was the favorite top 10 candidates, based on of 24 percent of registered an average of the most recent Republicans and Republican- national polls, will qualify for leaning independents. That the first Republican debates. is the highest percentage The first debate will be held and biggest lead recorded by Aug. 6 in Cleveland. Fox News any GOP candidate this year Channel is the sponsor of that in Post-ABC News polls and event and established the marks a sixfold increase in his rules for eligibility. The bottom six support since late May, shortly before he formally joined the candidates in the Post-ABC News survey are Ohio Gov. race. Wisconsin Gov. Scott John Kasich, who plans to his candidacy Walker, who announced his announce Louisiana Gov. candidacy a week ago, is in Tuesday, second place, at 13 percent, Bobby Jindal, former New followed by former Florida York governor George Pataki, governor Jeb Bush, at 12 former senator Rick Santorum percent. Walker’s support is (Pa.), businesswoman Carly strongest among those who Fiorina and Sen. Lindsey O. describe themselves as “very Graham (S.C.). Their support
Hilton closes longtime hotel casino in Puerto Rico SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — One of Puerto Rico’s biggest and best known casinos closed Wednesday after 40 years of operation in another blow to the U.S. territory’s struggling economy. The Condado Plaza Hilton laid off 144 workers from the seaside casino located in the popular tourist district of Condado, managing director Raul Bustamente told The Associated Press. He said the closure follows a 40 percent drop in the use of slot machines over the past decade. The former 24-hour casino, which opened in 1975, will likely be turned into a ballroom, he said in a phone interview. “We now want to focus on areas where we’ve had good business: rooms and banquets,” Bustamante said. Puerto Rico’s Hotel & Tourism Association said it is the seventh casino to close in the past five years on the island of 3.5 million people, which is entering its ninth year of recession and is struggling with a 12.6 percent unemployment rate. Gambling taxes represent the majority of revenue for Puerto Rico’s Tourism Company, which is responsible for promoting the island. A portion of that revenue also goes to the University of Puerto Rico, the island’s largest public university. “This is a significant impact,” tourism association President Miguel Vega said in a statement. Jason Rivera, president of a local gastronomy union, rejected the newest round of layoffs and said workers were unfairly paying for an economic crisis caused by the government.
ranges from 2 percent to less candidates are former senator Jim Webb (Va.), at 5 percent, than 1 percent. The Republican race former Maryland governor remains highly fluid and Martin O’Malley, at 2 percent, continues to change with and former Rhode Island each survey. Four months governor Lincoln D. Chafee, at ago, Bush was at 21 percent, 1 percent. When Vice President and that support has dropped significantly. Others who Biden is included as a choice, have faced erosion include Clinton is at 63 percent, Cruz, who was at 12 percent Sanders at 14 percent and shortly after he announced his Biden is at 12 percent. Biden candidacy this spring and is at is not a declared candidate but 4 percent now. Paul was at 11 has not said definitively that percent two months ago and is he will not run. Clinton, who has at 6 percent in the new survey. Christie also has dropped highlighted the possibility steadily, from 14 percent in of becoming the first female president in U.S. history, is January to 3 percent. In the contest for far more popular among the Democratic nomination, Democratic women than men, former secretary of state by almost 20 points. About 9 in Hillary Rodham Clinton 10 of her supporters say they maintains a wide lead, with are enthusiastic about her 68 percent of registered candidacy. Part of Clinton’s Democrats and Democratic- leaning independents saying strength is that she is ideologically they would vote for her today considered in a caucus or primary. Sen. acceptable to a broad swath of Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who is the Democratic Party. Nearly drawing big and enthusiastic 7 in 10 say she is “about right” crowds in many states, is in ideologically. Only 40 percent second, at 16 percent. Support say the same about Sanders, for Sanders has grown with in part because nearly as each Post-ABC News poll this many say they don’t know enough about him to have an year. Trailing the top two opinion.
Kerry mounts furious defense of Iran nuclear deal WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry mounted a furious counterattack against critics of the Iran nuclear deal on Thursday, telling skeptical lawmakers that rejection of the accord would give Tehran “a great big green light” to swiftly accelerate its atomic program. Testifying before Congress for the first time since Iran and world powers reached the deal last week, Kerry fought back against accusations by a senior Republican that America’s top diplomat was “fleeced” by Iranian negotiators in the final round of the Vienna talks. He insisted that those who oppose the deal, which curbs Iran’s nuclear program in return for sanctions relief, are pushing an unrealistic alternative that he dismissed as a “sort of unicorn arrangement involving Iran’s complete capitulation.” “The fact is that Iran now has extensive experience with nuclear fuel cycle technology,” Kerry told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “We can’t bomb that knowledge away. Nor can we sanction that knowledge away.” Kerry said that if
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry Congress turns thumbs down on the deal, “the result will be the United States of America walking away from every one of the restrictions we have achieved.” “We will have squandered the best chance we have to solve this problem through peaceful means,” he said as Congress began a 60-day review of the deal to decide whether to support or reject it.
Opening the hearing, the committee’s Republican chairman, Bob Corker, offered scathing criticism of Kerry for the terms he secured in negotiating the deal. “Not unlike a hotel guest that leaves only with a hotel bathrobe on his back, I believe that you’ve been fleeced,” he said. Corker chided Kerry and other administration officials for their line of argument that the only alternative to the Iran deal would be more war in the Middle East, saying that the real alternative would be a better deal. U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, the top Democrat on the committee, said he has not yet decided how he would vote but said he felt U.S. negotiators had made significant progress. “Our negotiators got an awful lot, particularly on the nuclear front,” Cardin said. Under a bill President Barack Obama signed into law in May, Congress has until Sept. 17 to approve or reject the agreement. +Republicans control majorities in both houses of Congress. Many have come out strongly against the pact, which they say will empower Iran and threaten U.S. ally Israel.
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Kenya deploys 25% of its police force to Obama visit
Obama and his security detail PRESIDENTIAL tours the US military base in Djibouti, into Kenya for the visit, Kenya are always expensive, but flew over Nairobi alongside Airports Authority officials told especially so when the country a White Hawk chopper with The Standard newspaper, as being visited is, like Kenya, the presidential insignia, causing snapped photos of the vehicles scene of regular terrorist attacks. much excitement on social media. arriving on cargo planes were US and Kenyan officials Other military shared on social media. are fixated on making sure Al- helicopters have been flown in Qaeda’s Somali-led affiliate, the reportedly from a US Special Fight against terror al-Shabaab, cannot violently Forces facility at Kenya’s coastal disrupt the US presidential visit Manda Bay base, which serves Obama’s three-nation this week. as a launchpad for raids on al- tour of Africa in 2013 was “The American Shabaab in Somalia. estimated to have cost between president is a high value Kenya is also playing $60-100 million. target so an attack, or even an its A planning memo leaked part. Nairobi’s police attempt, would raise the profile commander Benson Kibue said to the Washington Post revealed of al-Shabaab,” warned Richard on Wednesday that 10,000 police that security measures for the Tutah, a Nairobi-based security officers—roughly one quarter of visit to Senegal, South Africa and terrorism expert. the entire national force—would and Tanzania included a navy Mitigating that is an be deployed to the capital. aircraft carrier moored offshore, overwhelming security presence Kibue also said that a fighter jets providing 24-hour in the capital. “The level of series of main roads would be air cover, more than a dozen security is suffocating,” said closed on Friday and Saturday, armoured limousines flown in Abdullahi Halakhe, a regional in a move that will paralyse the and sheets of bulletproof glass security analyst. imported to protect the hotels traffic-clogged city. President Barack The Kenya Civil where he stayed. Obama is due to address an Aviation Authority announced Bill Clinton’s 1998 sixinternational business summit that national airspace will be nation Africa tour cost $42.8 in Nairobi, an event the US closed for 50-minutes on arrival million—not including Secret embassy itself warned could be and 40-minutes on departure, Service expenses which were “a target for terrorists”. unwittingly publicising the exact classified—according to the The closely-held details dates and timings of Obama’s US Government Accountability of the security arrangements travel. However, the White Office. Three-quarters of those for the three-day visit are a House has downplayed the source of endless fascination significance of the “leak”, with costs were incurred by the and speculation in the Kenyan National Security House Adviser Department of Defence which media. Susan Rice saying it would “in flew 98 airlift missions taking “US President Obama’s no way affect our approach and equipment to Africa for the tour. No US president has Security Gadgets Arrive,” read plans”. the headline in The Star, a “Often times a lot of ever visited Kenya which, along tabloid with a talent for Kenyan this information is not entirely with its neighbour Ethiopia— security scoops. accurate,” she said. “In no way is also due a presidential visit on this tour—is a crucial ally “A US military cargo it disturbing our plans.” plane… will ferry in a whole Kenya and Islamic in fighting Islamic extremism range of secure advanced extremism have been entwined emanating from Somalia. The Shebab has proved communications equipment, since 1998 when Al-Qaeda some of it to be used by President bombed the US embassy in itself adept at launching low-tech assaults on soft targets such as Obama himself when he lands,” Nairobi. the paper breathlessly reported. While in capital, Obama Nairobi’s Westgate mall in 2013, Hundreds of American is expected to travel in his Garissa’s university in April and security personnel have arrived bespoke, bomb-proof limousine, small towns on Kenya’s coast, but it has failed to emulate the in Kenya in recent weeks. nicknamed “The Beast”. Kenyan media reports that The $1.5 million car is terrorist spectacle of 1998. Obama is expected three hotels—the Sankara, a moving fortress with eight- Villa Rosa Kempinski and inch thick steel plates, five- to visit the Nairobi bomb site Intercontinental—have been inch thick bulletproof glass, during the Kenya leg of his trip. In a televised address on scouted by the Secret Service. Kevlar-reinforced tyres, and a “The Beast” presidential blood bank in the Wednesday, ahead of Obama’s visit, Kenya’s President Uhuru This week the boot. distinctive Osprey tilt-rotor The Beast is one of Kenyatta acknowledged the aircrafts, usually stationed at as many as 60 vehicles flown threat posed by terrorists.
Financial Times to be sold for $1.3 billion
LONDON — Pearson PLC, the owner of the Financial Times, said Thursday it has agreed to sell FT Group to Nikkei Inc. for 844 million pounds ($1.3 billion), payable in cash. John Fallon, chief executive of Pearson, said the company has been a proud proprietor of the Financial Times for nearly 60 years, but it
is time for the business daily to change hands. “We’ve reached an inflection point in media, driven by the explosive growth of mobile and social. In this new environment, the best way to ensure the FT’s journalistic and commercial success is for it to be part of a global, digital news company,” he said in a statement.
Grievances persist despite start of new era in US Cuba ties WASHINGTON end its 53-year embargo, (AP) — The Cuban return the U.S. naval national flag fluttered base at Guantanamo in the Washington sun Bay, stop efforts to Monday as the U.S. change or reform Cuba’s and Cuba formally communist government ended more than a half- and pay compensation century of estrangement, for damage done to the formally re-establishing island and its people over relations severed at the the past five decades. height of the Cold War. “I emphasized But the symbolism of that the total lifting of an embassy ceremony the blockade, the return could not conceal deep, of illegally occupied lingering conflicts territory of Guantanamo between the nations. as well as full respect In the sweltering for Cuban sovereignty July heat and humidity of and compensation to our America’s capital, Cuban people for human and Foreign Minister Bruno economic damages are Rodriguez presided crucial to be able to move over the flag-raising toward the normalization ceremony just hours of relations,” Rodriguez after an agreement to said as Kerry stood restore diplomatic ties beside him. broken in 1961 took On a more effect at the stroke of conciliatory note, midnight. He later met Rodriguez thanked with Secretary of State President Barack Obama John Kerry, becoming for his conclusion that the first Cuban foreign U.S. policy toward Cuba minister to set foot in the was faulty, his steps to State Department since ease sanctions thus far 1958. and his calls for Congress K e r r y to repeal the embargo. announced that he would R o d r i g u e z make a reciprocal visit to noted that there are differences” Cuba to dedicate the U.S. “profound Embassy in Havana on between the U.S. and governments Aug. 14. He spoke of a Cuban need to move beyond the but stressed that “we enmity that was spawned strongly believe that we as President John F. can both cooperate and Kennedy grappled with coexist in a civilized way Fidel Castro’s revolution based on due respect for and Soviet expansionism these differences.” Kerry, speaking and that hardened in Spanish, over the 54 years that briefly said America wants followed. Despite pledges of to work with Cuba to conditions goodwill and mutual improve respect, ghosts of past there. But he also animosity hung over the acknowledged persistent differences over human events. At the reopening rights, democracy and of the Cuban embassy reparations and flatly and again at a joint news rejected the suggestion conference with Kerry, that Guantanamo would Rodriguez repeated be returned to Cuba demands for the U.S. to anytime soon.
The Cuban flag is raised over their new embassy in Washington, Monday, July 20, 2015. Cuba’s blue, red and white-starred flag was hoisted Monday at the country’s embassy in Washington in a symbolic move signaling the start of a new post-Cold War era in U.S.-Cuba relations.
Nikkei Inc. is the largest independent business media group in Asia, with flagship newspaper Nikkei as its core. Pearson, which considers educational products and services its core business, acquired the salmon-colored Financial Times in 1957. The FT Group includes the Financial Times, FT.com, a 50 percent stake in The Economist
Group, and a joint venture with Vedomosti, a Russian business newspaper. The deal with Nikkei does not include FT Group’s London headquarters or Pearson’s stake in The Economist, Pearson said. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close before the end of the year.
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UK’s Labour Party is heading for oblivion, report warns
A report into why Labour lost its own voters in the last election has revealed that it may never regain them. New research has given further insight into why Labour lost its previous voters between the 2010 and 2015 elections. The report, “Listening to Labour’s Lost Voters”, was written by campaign specialists and long term Labour members, Alan Barnard and John Braggins. “As well as failing to win Tory voters in sufficient numbers, Labour also failed to win Labour voters in sufficient numbers,” it said. Labour’s leadership, the economy, and immigration were the biggest reasons why Labour supporters voted for other parties in the recent elections. “On Labour’s current trajectory, more of the same will ultimately lead to oblivion,” the report stated. The party needs to “completely overhaul itself,” it said. The findings are based on 10 discussion groups with former Labour supporters which took place between May and June. The focus groups were made up of men and women, aged between 30 and 65 and in some form of employment. They were previously regular Labour voters who voted for the party in 2010. All of the participants voted in 2015 but only two voted for Labour, and with serious reservations. Most of the people questioned voted Conservative in the last election. A few voted for UKIP because they “couldn’t bring themselves to vote Tory given their and their families’ Labourvoting history,” the report said. “My Dad would be rolling in his grave if he knew I voted Tory”, was a common sentiment from those questioned. One voter said: “We’re in
Ed Milliband different places now. My parents used to vote Labour, but we’ve changed and Labour needs to change to join us.” The groups were based in five of Labour’s target seat areas from the last election, Halesowen and Rowley Regis, Croydon Central, Southampton Itchen, Watford, and Pudsey, all of which are Conservative. Meantime, having only just scraped over the 30 percent barrier in Britain’s May general election, the Labour Party’s electoral prospects now look worse than ever, a study of previously loyal Labour voters quoted in the Observer newspaper suggests. According to the results of a focus group survey in five key constituencies by Alan Barnard and John Braggins of BBM
Campaigns, Labour’s reputation for economic incompetence is now so deeply embedded that previously natural Labour voters may never come back to them. The report, Listening to Labour’s Lost Voters, said: “These voters are a hair’s breadth from becoming Conservatives... Labour is now at risk of becoming irrelevant even to voters who have been lifelong supporters... As things stand many of these voters are for the Tories to lose at the next election.” According to the Observer: “Analysis of the election result has shown that, although Labour gained support as people deserted the Lib Dems, it also lost a large number to other parties. Of all those who voted, 6% were people who had voted Labour in 2010 but who chose other parties. Of these, a third (2%) went straight to the Tories.” The report suggested that Conservative attacks on Labour leader Ed Miliband had hit home: “These voters didn’t see Ed Miliband as a prime minister. In fact, many people in the groups laughed at the prospect of him being leader of the UK.” “Suffice to say that the brand of Labour has been damaged massively by these voters’ inability to perceive him as a capable and competent prime minister. Their image of Labour as a political party with a leader that was open to derision clouded all their thinking about a renewed Labour party and what Labour needs from its next leader. “These voters really struggled to imagine a Labour party with a strong, confident leader in the future.” The five constituencies surveyed were: Halesowen and Rowley Regis, Croydon Central, Southampton Itchen, Watford and Pudsey.
US jobless claims lowest since 1973
The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits last week dropped to its lowest level in more than 41-1/2 years, suggesting the labor market maintained a sturdy pace of job growth in July. Other data on Thursday also offered an upbeat assessment of the economy. A gauge of future economic activity increased solidly in June and another measure suggested growth picked up slightly last month. The bullish jobs picture, together with a firming housing market brings the Federal Reserve a step closer to hike interest rates this year. “This should reassure policymakers that their objective of maximum employment is coming closer into view,” said John Ryding, chief economist at RDQ Economics in New York.Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell 26,000 to a seasonally adjusted 255,000 for the week ended July 18, the lowest level since November 1973, the Labor Department said. However, last week’s drop likely exaggerates the strength of the labor market as claims are volatile during summer when automakers usually shut assembly plants for annual retooling. Some firms keep production lines running, which can throw off a model the government uses to smooth the data for seasonal variations. A Labor Department analyst, however, said there were no special factors influencing the data. Still, the decline unwound the increase in claims in June. The dollar was trading weaker against a basket of currencies and prices for U.S. Treasuries fell marginally. Technology shares on Wall Street rebounded from the prior sessions’ losses, while the rest of the market was little changed after weak earnings from Caterpillar (CAT.N), the world’s largest construction and mining equipment maker, and diversified technology firm 3M (MMM.N). Fed officials meet next week, but they are not expected to tighten monetary policy before September. The Fed has kept its short-term lending rate near zero since December 2008. FIRMING TREND The four-week moving average of claims, considered a better measure of labor market trends as it irons out week-to-week volatility, fell 4,000 to 278,500 last week. “We believe that retooling shutdowns were likely much smaller in 2015 than in previous years due to lower auto inventories and very strong vehicle sales,” said Cheng Chen, an economist at TD Securities in New York.
Pope Francis approval ratings slump sharply in U.S Growing conservative disaffection with Pope Francis appears to be taking a toll on his once Teflon-grade popularity in the U.S., with a new Gallup poll showing the pontiff ’s favorability rating among all Americans dropping from a 76% peak early last year to 59%. Among conservatives, the drop-off has been especially sharp: Just 45% view Francis favorably today, as opposed to 72% a year ago. “This decline may be attributable to the pope’s denouncing of ‘the idolatry of money’ and attributing climate change partially to human activity, along with his passionate focus on income inequality — all issues that are at odds with many conservatives’ beliefs,” Gallup analyst Art Swift wrote Wednesday, when the survey was published. But liberal fervor for the Argentine pope, who was
elected to great acclaim in had in the first months after March 2013, has also cooled, his election. dropping an average of 14 The fall-off appears points. to be relatively recent: A Pew Some observers have Research Center survey from predicted that many who February showed Francis’ embraced the pope’s candor approval rating among all and his views on a range of Americans at 70%, and at a social justice issues would remarkable 90% among all temper their ardor as they Catholics. realized he would not change That number had church teachings on hot- been steadily increasing, button issues such as abortion among Republicans and or contraception or gay conservatives, as well, despite marriage. their concerns that Francis Another major factor was not stressing issues such is that the number of those as abortion while highlighting who expressed “no opinion” social justice themes. about the pope or said they But the Gallup poll, don’t know enough about which has a margin of error him rose from 16% to 25%. of plus or minus 4 percentage That may be linked to fewer points for results based on the magazine cover stories on the total sample, was conducted pope, or more critical stories. earlier this month in the The poll comes just middle of Francis’ visit to three as American Catholics are countries in Latin America set to welcome the pope this during which he delivered September for his first visit to some of his most powerful the U.S. It essentially returns remarks on economic justice Francis to approval levels he and environmental protection.
Pope Francis That prompted Western journalists on the papal plane, with a view to Francis’ upcoming U.S. visit, to ask whether he needs to say more about “the middle class,
that is, the working people, the people who pay taxes, normal people.” Francis responded by saying that he needed to address that aspect of his message and would read his critics ahead of the Sept. 2227 U.S. trip. Stephen Schneck, head of the Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies at Catholic University of America in Washington, blamed pundits on the right and left, like Rush Limbaugh and Rachel Maddow, for “politicizing” the pope’s teachings. “He’s not a conservative or progressive, not a Democrat or Republican. So stop trying to clobber him with those yardsticks,” Schneck wrote in an email. “How many times do our pundits need to be told that he’s carrying the same message as John Paul II and Benedict XVI?”
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Sandra Bland Was Threatened With Taser, Police Video Shows
A photograph of Ms. Bland that was released after her arrest. HEMPSTEAD, Tex. — A dashboard camera video taken by law enforcement officers and released Tuesday showed in excruciating detail how a routine traffic stop led to a shouting match and struggle between a state trooper and a woman, three days before she was found hanging in her jail cell. State legislators who saw the video of the arrest of the woman, Sandra Bland, just before it was publicly released sharply condemned the officer’s behavior, which the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Steven McCraw, said was a violation of department arrest procedures. State Senator Royce West, Democrat of Dallas, said Ms. Bland, 28, should never have been taken into custody. State Representative Helen Giddings, Democrat of Dallas, said, “This young woman should be alive today.” Ms. Bland, an AfricanAmerican from the Chicago area who had come to Texas for a job at her alma mater, Prairie View A&M University, was arrested after she was
stopped July 10 for failure to signal a lane change. The video showed the officer pulling Ms. Bland over and their encounter escalating into a physical altercation in which he threatened her with a stun gun. “I will light you up,” the trooper said, pointing the stun gun at her. The video also confirmed an account from the family’s lawyer that the confrontation between Ms. Bland and the trooper, Brian T. Encinia, escalated after she refused his order to put out a cigarette, Mr. West said. Neither the stun gun nor the confrontation over the cigarette was mentioned in Trooper Encinia’s incident report, which was also made public on Tuesday. The video showed Trooper Encinia standing outside the driver’s door and explaining to Ms. Bland that she was being written up for failing to signal a lane change. “You seem very irritated,” he said. “I am, I really am,” she said. She said she had pulled over to get out of his way and
was now getting stopped and leg and suffered small cuts on said had conducted the written up because of it. my right hand.” post-mortem investigation “You mind putting The affidavit was because of inadequate medical out your cigarette?” he asked released by the Waller County facilities in rural Waller testily. district attorney’s office, and County — ruled the death a “I’m in my own car. the Department of Public suicide resulting from selfI don’t have to put out my Safety released the dashboard inflicted asphyxiation, but cigarette,” she said. camera’s video of the arrest. the Waller County district When he ordered her Ms. Bland’s death attorney, Elton Mathis, told out of the car, she refused. has been ruled a suicide, but reporters on Monday that he “I’m going to yank you her supporters have disputed was pursuing the case “like a out,” Trooper Encinia shouted. the findings as calls grow murder investigation.” Before long, Ms. Bland for a Justice Department “There are too many questions was outside the car shouting investigation. that need to be resolved,” Mr. insults and obscenities, According to the Mathis said. The case will most and the trooper had her in Waller County sheriff ’s office, likely be referred to a Waller handcuffs. Ms. Bland appeared in good County grand jury scheduled In part of the health when she was booked to be convened in August. Ms. encounter that occurred out and placed in Cell 95 in a Bland’s family has called for of the camera’s view, a scuffle housing area for women in the an independent autopsy. could be heard, and Ms. Bland one-story jail. A jailer making Investigations are underway indicated that she was on the rounds found her hanging in by the F.B.I. and the Texas ground. “You just slammed her 15-by-20-foot cell shortly Rangers, an investigative unit me, knocked my head into the after 9 a.m. on July 13. in the Department of Public ground,” she said. Waller County officials said Safety. Representative Sheila Addressing Trooper Ms. Bland had been found in Jackson Lee, Democrat of Encinia with an expletive, she a “semi-standing position,” Texas, and others have also said, “I got epilepsy.” hanged with a plastic trash- called on Attorney General Trooper Encinia responded, can liner affixed to a U-shaped Loretta E. Lynch to order a “Good.” metal hook. Jail officials and Justice Department inquiry. In the affidavit, emergency medical personnel A growing cadre of Ms. Bland’s Trooper Encinia described placed her on the floor and supporters, including friends Ms. Bland as “combative unsuccessfully administered and family, have said they find and uncooperative” and said cardiopulmonary resuscitation it inconceivable that she could she had begun swinging at before she was pronounced have been contemplating him with her elbows after dead at 9:16 a.m. taking her life after things she was removed from the The liner had been seemed to be going her way. car, handcuffed and forcibly taken from the trash container But Ms. Bland had posted a subdued, according to his in her cell, said Brian Cantrell, video to her Facebook page arrest report. a criminal investigator for in March saying she was “Bland was placed in the sheriff ’s office. The Texas experiencing “a little bit of handcuffs for officer safety,” Commission on Jail Standards depression as well as PTSD,” Trooper Encinia said in the has since ordered trash-can or post-traumatic stress arrest affidavit. “Bland began liners removed from the jail, disorder. Family members swinging her elbows at me and Officer Cantrell said. have said they had no reason then kicked my right leg in the The Harris County medical to believe she was seriously shin. I had a pain in my right examiner — who officials troubled.
US lawmakers seek to change Cuba travel, shipping rules Republican and Democratic senators were to introduce amendments to a Senate bill on Thursday that would end some major U.S. restrictions on travel and trade with Cuba, according to documents seen by Reuters. The measures being put forward at the Senate Appropriations Committee, if approved, would be the first legislation to make it through any congressional committee to facilitate President Barack Obama’s push to normalize relations with Cuba. Republican Senator Jerry Moran was to introduce an amendment to the Senate Financial Services appropriations bill to end the prohibition on most U.S. citizens’ travel to the Communist-ruled island.
Republican Senator John Boozman was preparing to offer an amendment to change current law prohibiting Americans from providing credit for the sale of U.S. agricultural commodities. His measure would allow private financing, so sales of agricultural commodities by U.S. exporters do not have to be paid in cash. Senator Jon Tester, a Democrat, was due to offer an amendment eliminating a law barring any ship that has docked in Cuba from loading or unloading any freight in the United States for 180 days. The amendments all have bipartisan support and backers say they are expected to pass in
committee. By introducing the measures as amendments to the larger appropriations bill, the proposers intend to make them more difficult to block. If they are adopted by the committee, the full Senate would have to reject the entire financial services bill to stop them. To become law, a version of the bill with the amendments also would have to pass the House of Representatives, which would be more likely if it draws strong support in the Senate. Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced on Dec. 17 that they had agreed to move toward normal relations between the former Cold War foes for the first time in half a century.
As part of the push, Cuba opened its embassy in Washington on Monday as the countries restored diplomatic relations. But the broader, half-centuryold U.S. trade embargo remains in place and only Congress can lift it something majority Republicans are unlikely to do. Despite that, lawmakers, including many from states with significant agriculture or shipping business like Moran’s Kansas, Boozman’s Arkansas and Tester’s Montana, have pushed to ease the restrictions. But such moves have run into stiff opposition from high-profile Cuban-American lawmakers backed by the Republican leaders of the Senate and House.
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Cheating website hacked, exposing millions worldwide
Herbalife files petition to seek user information from Twitter Herbalife Ltd filed a petition seeking information from micro-blogging company Twitter Inc to identify an anonymous user who posted defamatory tweets against the weight-loss and nutritional products maker. The petition for “discovery before suit” seeks to identify the person against whom a lawsuit can be filed. Herbalife said it wants Twitter to provide information such as IP addresses and account details of the user who vilified the company and its management as “thieves, pill pushing frauds and bullies”. “The twitter feed of @AfueraHerbaLIES contains not only defamatory, disparaging, and deceptive posts about Herbalife and its products, but also contains numerous insulting and offensive statements about Herbalife’s management team, its members, and even federal regulators,” the company said in the petition filed on Monday in Illinois. Herbalife said the user’s tweets, accusing it of selling toxic and unregulated products, prejudice the company in its trade and are materially harmful to its reputation. The company wants the court to order Twitter to preserve all information relating to the matter and also allow Herbalife to serve discovery upon Twitter, including document production requests. Twitter’s privacy policy requires a court order before the company releases information about its users. “This is pretty straightforward. We are not going to sit back and let someone make false and defamatory statements about our company,” said Alan Hoffman, a representative for Herbalife. Reuters could not immediately reach Twitter for comment outside regular U.S. business hours. Billionaire investor William Ackman has long accused Herbalife of being a fraud, claiming the company runs a pyramid scheme in which participants earn more money by recruiting others to sell the company’s products than they do by selling the product. Herbalife has denied those allegations.
Hackers have stolen and leaked personal information from online cheating site Ashley Madison, an international dating site with the tagline: “Life is short. Have an affair.” The site, which encourages married users to cheat on their spouses and advertises 37 million members, had its data hacked by a group calling itself the Impact Team. At least two other dating sites, Cougar Life and Established The Ashley Madison website Men, also owned by the same parent group, Avid Life Media, to leave the site. Although users vandalism, with Avid Life Media have had their data compromised. have the option of permanently being only the latest among many The Impact Team claims hiding their profile free of charge, companies to have been attacked, to have complete access to the the company’s advertisements despite investing in the latest company’s database, including claim that the full delete service is privacy and security technologies. not only user records for every the only way to completely remove “At this time, we have been able single member, but also the their information from the servers. to secure our sites, and close the financial records of ALM and But the hackers say that that unauthorised access points. We other proprietary information. For claim is “a complete lie”. are working with law enforcement now, the group has released just “Users almost always pay agencies, which are investigating 40MB of data, including credit with credit card; their purchase this criminal act. Any and all card details and several ALM details are not removed as parties responsible for this act documents. promised, and include real name of cyber–terrorism will be held According to the and address, which is of course the responsible.” information security journalist most important information the Ashley Madison, along with a Brian Krebs, who broke the users want removed,” they allege. number of other dating sites, had news, ALM has confirmed that ALM believes it has already been criticised for the the hacked material is genuine, identified the perpetrator of the lack of care taken over customer and the company is working to hack, which it says was likely an information at least once before. In remove from the net the material inside job. “We’re on the doorstep 2012, the online rights campaign that has already been posted. But of [confirming] who we believe group EFF examined eight the initial leak is just a taster, is the culprit, and unfortunately popular dating sites, and found according to the Impact Team, that may have triggered this that just one, Zoosk, carried out which accompanied the data with mass publication,” the company’s simple security precautions such a manifesto threatening release chief executive, Noel Biderman, as enabling encrypted connections of further information if Ashley told Krebs. “I’ve got their profile by default. In the EFF’s study, Madison and Established Men are right in front of me, all their work however, Ashley Madison was not permanently closed. credentials. It was definitely explicitly praised for deleting data “Avid Life Media has a person here that was not an after users closed their account. been instructed to take Ashley employee but certainly had ALM later said it had used Madison and Established Men touched our technical services.” the Digital Millennium Copyright offline permanently in all forms, The data dump seems to Act (DCMA) to demand the or we will release all customer back-up that theory to a certain removal of online posts about the records, including profiles with extent, specifically apologising to incident “as well as all personally all the customers’ secret sexual the company’s director of security. identifiable information about our fantasies and matching credit “You did everything you could, but users published online.” card transactions, real names nothing you could have done could Posts on Twitter which and addresses, and employee have stopped this,” the manifesto had apparently earlier linked to documents and emails. The other reads. pages containing hacked material websites may stay online,” the In a statement, ALM said: were now bringing up “page not group’s statement reads. “We apologise for this unprovoked found” results, the Guardian The hackers’ main point and criminal intrusion into our found. of contention is with the fact that customers’ information. The ALM also said it is now Ashley Madison charges users a current business world has proven offering its full-delete option free fee of £15 to carry out a “full delete” to be one in which no company’s to any customer to help them A Herbalife logo is shown on a poster at a clinic in the Mission District in San Francisco, California of their information if they decide online assets are safe from cyberprotect their privacy.
Senator urges probe of Apple’s music streaming practices A U.S. senator wants two federal agencies to investigate whether Apple Inc is breaking antitrust law in how it treats music services that compete with the streaming service it launched in June. Democratic Senator Al Franken in a letter on Wednesday said that he was concerned that some Apple practices could limit choices and raise prices for consumers. The letter was sent to Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Federal Trade Commission
Chairwoman Edith Ramirez. The FTC is already looking into complaints about Apple’s rules governing app developers but has not opened a formal investigation. The FTC confirmed receipt of the letter but declined to comment. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The complaints focus on the fact that Apple plays two roles in music streaming. First, it provides the App Store platform for competing streaming services including
Jango, Spotify, Rhapsody and others, while taking a 30 percent cut of all in-app purchases for digital goods. Secondly, it has its own streaming service. Franken, who is from Minnesota, noted a complaint often made by streaming companies: that they are barred from putting in their app advertisement that customers can pay less if they download the app from a website instead of the Apple platform. They are also barred from advertising discounts.
“These types of the nonprofit Consumer restrictions seem to offer Watchdog accused Apple of no competitive benefit and pressing the three big music may actually undermine labels to give Apple exclusive the competitive process, to rights to artists in an effort to the detriment of consumers, eradicate free ad-supported who may end up paying music services. substantially more than the “The FTC and Justice current market price point,” Department can ensure that Apple does not dominate Franken wrote in his letter. In the past, Apple has declined the market and eliminate to comment to Reuters and the free music sector by other news organizations prohibiting it from entering on the issue and did not into agreements with clauses immediately respond to that will give it market requests on Wednesday. dominance,” the group said in In a separate letter their letter. also sent on Wednesday,
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Apple gives weak forecast as shares fall
Apple Inc shares slumped nearly 7 percent in after-hours trading as its fourth-quarter revenue forecast fell short of estimates and it missed some targets for iPhone sales. The shares dropped to $121 after the company released its results on Tuesday, from $130.75 at the close. The forecast overshadowed Apple’s strong sales in China, which more than doubled to $13.23 billion from a year earlier. Apple Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri said in an interview the results in China were “spectacular” during the quarter and noted plans to open 40 stores there over the next
and the Chinese market’s growing 12 months. Without disclosing specific importance to the company. figures, Maestri said sales of the “Where are you going to Apple Watch beat the company’s find growth in the world?” he said. expectations. He noted that in the “You’ve done an amazing job sucking nine weeks since its launch in late all the smartphone profits into your April, the device has sold better than balance sheet, but smartphone sales either iPhones or iPads over a similar are slowing. What’s going to happen period after their launch. when the industry matures, just like Apple said on Tuesday it PCs did?” sold 47.5 million iPhones in the third The company forecast quarter, up 35 percent from a year revenue of $49 billion to $51 billion, ago. But some analysts had expected missing analysts’ average estimate of around 49 million. $51.13 billion according to Thomson Colin Gillis, an analyst Reuters I/B/E/S. for BGC Partners, said the results The company’s iPhone 6 and highlighted the vulnerability of 6 Plus, which shattered iPhone sales Apple’s dependence on the iPhone records when they were launched,
Facebook must hand over New York usersinfo to prosecutors A 3D plastic representation of the Facebook logo is seen in this illustration in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Facebook Inc cannot challenge search warrants New York prosecutors used to get information from its site on hundreds of users suspected of Social Security fraud, a state appeals court said on Tuesday, in a decision likely making it harder for New Yorkers to keep their digital lives private. The warrants, which applied to 381 users’ photos, private messages and other account information, could only be challenged by individual defendants after prosecutors gathered evidence, the Manhattan-based court unanimously ruled. Facebook was backed in the case by a group of large Internet companies including Google Inc and Microsoft Corp, which argued the case could set a troubling precedent giving prosecutors access to all kinds of digital information. Internet companies are pushing back broadly against U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies’ demands for customer data, in the wake of revelations by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden of wide-ranging online surveillance. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office served the warrants on Facebook in 2013, seeking information on dozens of people later indicted for
Social Security fraud, including police officers and firefighters who allegedly feigned illness in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The world’s biggest online social network turned the records over to prosecutors last year after a state judge threw out its claim that the warrants violated users’ Fourth Amendment rights, but it also went ahead with an appeal. The court on Tuesday said the only way to challenge warrants was for defendants in criminal cases to move to suppress the evidence they produced. A Facebook spokesman said the company disagreed with the decision and was considering an appeal. A spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office said prosecutors had secured nearly $25 million from people who were targets in the probe. “In many cases, evidence on their Facebook accounts directly contradicted the lies the defendants told to the Social Security Administration,” she said. Prosecutors said Facebook pages showed public employees who claimed to be disabled riding jet skis, playing golf and participating in martial arts events. Mariko Hirose, a lawyer with the New York Civil Liberties Union, which also submitted a brief in support of Facebook, said the court “side-stepped” an important question by ruling on Facebook’s right to challenge the warrants and not on their legality.
Microsoft’s hardware strategy under scrutiny after record loss Sales of Microsoft Corp’s Surface tablets and Xbox gaming consoles are soaring. But they contribute less than a 10th of the company’s revenue and, analysts say, they’re probably barely profitable - if they are profitable at all. So are the businesses worth it? Not unless they start to generate significant profits soon, some analysts say. “Unless Microsoft can get to hardware break-even within two years or demonstrate sufficient offsetting value elsewhere in the portfolio, we
think the company should exit the hardware business,” RBC Capital Markets analysts said in a client note. Exiting hardware could add up to $4 per share to Microsoft’s market value, they said. Microsoft, which is shuttering its Nokia phone business, said on Tuesday it would pump the ensuing savings into its fast-growing cloud business, Windows 10 and its hardware division, which includes tablets, Xbox and smartphones. Analysts agree that investing
are already 10 months old. Apple had a troubled day, with its App Store, Apple Music, iTunes Store and some other services suffering disruption for more than three hours before results were released. The company said net income rose to $10.68 billion, or $1.85 per share, from $7.75 billion, or $1.28 per share, a year earlier. Analysts had expected earnings of $1.81 per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Revenue rose 32.5 percent to $49.61 billion from a year earlier, beating Wall Street’s expectations of $49.43 billion.
Home Depot to buy Interline Brands for $1.63 billion
A Home Depot store is seen in Los Angeles, California Home Depot Inc said it agreed to buy home repair and maintenance products seller Interline Brands Inc [ISHLDI.UL] for about $1.63 billion in cash to expand its Pro division, which caters to professional contractors and builders. Home Depot’s shares were marginally up at $114.27 in premarket trading on Wednesday. Interline offers facilities maintenance as well as repair services and products to home and commercial customers through brands such as SupplyWorks, HardwareExpress and Barnett. Interline is owned by Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, P2 Capital Partners LLC and management. Home Depot’s Pro customers are mostly professional remodelers, contractors and repairmen looking for
services such as delivery, expanded credit and bulk pricing. The Pro portfolio of brands include DeWalt and Makita. Home Depot said Bill Lennie, president of its Canada operations, will oversee the integration and then lead the Pro, MRO and installation services business in a newly created role. Lennie will also continue to head the Canadian operations until his successor is appointed, the company said. Home Depot said it expects the deal to add to its earnings in the current financial year. The deal is expected to close in the quarter ending Nov. 1. Home Depot’s financial adviser is Bank of America Merrill Lynch, while Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP gave legal advice.
in cloud and Windows 10 makes Microsoft doesn’t break out strategic sense, but some say the operating margins for its hardware rationale behind pouring more money business, but Jefferies & Co analyst into hardware is less clear. John DiFucci told Reuters he believed “Hardware remains a more the Xbox business was at best commoditized piece across tech,” said break-even and that Surface was FBR Capital Markets analyst Daniel unprofitable on an operating basis. Ives, who thinks all of Microsoft’s “We believe redeploying funds into resources should be going into ... hardware is a mistake given that software. business’s lack of margin and strategic “Hardware is not what got Microsoft importance to Microsoft,” he said. here - software did.” Including the impact of a Microsoft’s shares fell as strong dollar, revenue from Microsoft’s much as 4 percent on Wednesday, a computing and gaming hardware day after the company reported a business rose 44 percent in the fourth record quarterly loss due to the $7.5 quarter ended June 30 - half the billion writedown of its Nokia phone increase achieved in the company’s business. cloud business. Even so, Chief Executive Still, Bernstein analyst Satya Nadella said he remained Mark Moerdler said he didn’t expect committed to making phones to Microsoft to drop either Surface or attract Windows users. Xbox.
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Greece reopens banks, starts repaying some debts
Greece reopened its banks and ordered billions of euros owed to international creditors to be repaid on Monday in the first signs of a return to normal after last week’s deal to agree a tough new package of bailout reforms. Customers queued up as bank branches opened for the first time in three weeks on Monday after they were closed to save the system from collapsing under a flood of withdrawals. Increases in value added tax agreed under the bailout terms also took effect, with VAT on processed food and public transport jumping to 23 percent from 13 percent. The stock market remained closed until further notice. The bank closures were the most visible sign of the crisis that took Greece to the brink of leaving the euro earlier this month, potentially undermining the foundations of the single European currency. Their reopening followed
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ reluctant acceptance of a tough package of bailout demands from European partners, but a revolt in the ruling Syriza party now threatens the stability of his government and officials say new elections may be held as early as September or October. “It is positive that the banks are open, though the effect is psychological for people more than anything else,” said 65-year-old pensioner Nikos Koulopoulos. “Because to be honest nothing much changes given the capital controls are still in place,” he said. Limits on withdrawals will remain, however -- at 420 euros ($455)per week instead of 60 euros per day previously -- and payments and wire transfers abroad will still not be possible, a situation German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Sunday was “not a normal life” and
warranted swift negotiations on a new •› IMF says Greece repaid arrears bailout, expected to be worth up to 86 worth two billion euros “I don’t expect major problems, billion euros. “Capital controls and our network and the network of our restrictions on withdrawals will competitors are ready to serve our remain in place but we are entering clients,” said a senior official at Piraeus a new stage which we all hope will be Bank, one of the big four lenders. one of normality,” said Louka Katseli, “There might be lines because many people will want to withdraw money head of the Greek bank association. Greeks will be able to deposit from their deposit boxes,” the official cheques but not cash, pay bills as well said. Athens initiated payment 4.2 as have access to safety deposit boxes and withdraw money without an ATM billion euros in principal and interest to the European Central Bank due on card. Bankers said there may be Monday after European authorities minor disruptions after the extended agreed last week to provide emergency interruption to services but said they funding assistance, It is also paid 2.05 billion euros expected services to resume largely as to the International Monetary Fund in normal. arrears since June 30, when Greece became the first advanced economy to RELATED COVERAGE default on a loan to the IMF, along with •› Greece repays about 4.2 billion 500 million euros owed to the Bank of Greece. euros to ECB
FedEx orders 50 Boeing freighters in deal worth $9.97 billion FedEx Corp, the world’s largest cargo firm, has signed a deal to buy 50 additional Boeing Co 767-300 freighters in the biggest order ever for the plane, allowing the aircraft maker to extend its production line well into the next decade. The deal, announced in a statement by the U.S. cargo operator, includes options for another 50 767Fs and is worth $9.97 billion at list prices. Customers typically receive an undisclosed discount off the list prices.
FedEx said the aircraft will be delivered by Boeing for its FedEx Express arm over the fiscal years 2018-2023. The latest deal brings FedEx’s firm orders for 767Fs to 106 and extends the company’s drive to modernize its fleet. “Acquiring additional 767F aircraft...will enable us to reduce structural costs, improve our fuel efficiency and enhance the reliability of our global network,” David J. Bronczek, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Express, said in the statement.
The air cargo business has remained soft compared to the general aviation business since the 2008 global financial crisis. Weak demand, overcapacity and competition from the belly space of passenger planes has driven down yields and reduced the need for dedicated freighters. Boeing, however, has forecast that global air freight traffic will still grow at an annual rate of 4.7 percent, doubling cargo traffic over the next 20 years. FedEx had a fleet
of 641 freighter aircraft as of May 31, according to data on its website. In addition to the 767F orders, it has also committed to 18 Boeing 777 freighters. On Tuesday, Boeing said that Taiwan’s EVA Air had finalised an order for five 777 freighters worth $1.5 billion. “We appreciate the confidence that FedEx has shown in the 767,” a Boeing spokesman said in a statement. The 767Fs will replace a number of older
freighters, including Boeing MD10s and MD11s as well as Airbus Group A300-600s and A310s, which FedEx plans to retire in the coming years. While the passenger version of the 767 is being replaced by next-generation Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft, the freighter version remains in demand among cargo firms. The 767 is also the platform for the U.S. Air Force’s air-to-air refueling tanker, with the service planning to spend $52 billion to develop and buy 179 aircraft
BlackBerry to buy messaging alerts firm
BlackBerry Ltd said on Wednesday it is buying privately-held AtHoc, a provider of secure, networked crisis communications, as it moves to broaden its software offering and generate revenue from its BBM messaging service. San Mateo, California-based AtHoc’s services are used by a number of top clients including the U.S. Department of Defense, Homeland Security and a host of blue-chip companies, to provide software that seamlessly allows them to reach staff via their smartphones, or via digital displays, radios, and even sirens, in times of crisis. Its services help Blackberry Logo organizations and people share information during interview. The deal is the latest in a string of acquisitions business continuity and rescue efforts. The terms of the transaction, which is made by the smartphone pioneer, as it pivots to focus more on software and turn around its faded fortunes. expected to close by November, were not disclosed. “AtHoc is an alerts system, but it also Earlier this year, Chen said he saw a part of the needs richer content and that can be provided by company’s targeted software revenue growth in BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), which offers not just the current fiscal year coming from acquisitions of text, but voice, picture and video sharing, so we can companies that will allow it to sell more value-added provide a much richer experience to their clients,” services. said BlackBerry Chief Executive John Chen in an In April, Waterloo, Ontario-based BlackBerry
US lawmakers look to protect ‘dot-gov’ domain after hack
Republican and Democratic U.S. senators introduced legislation on Wednesday to give the Department of Homeland Security more authority to protect government Internet addresses, hoping to prevent more cyber attacks like recent massive breaches at the government’s hiring office. Katherine Archuleta, the chief of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), resigned earlier this month after the computer hacks, possibly linked to China, put the personal data of some 22 million Americans at risk. The
announced plans to acquire privately-held software maker WatchDox, which secures files. Its services are used by some of the world’s top federal agencies, private equity firms, and a slew of Hollywood studios. This followed last year’s buyout of Secusmart, a German firm that specializes in voice and data encryption and British tech start-up Movirtu, whose software allows users to have two phone numbers on the same device with a single SIM card. “AtHoc, with its messaging alerts, is the next piece in the puzzle,” said Chen, noting that the firm has some large marquee clients that compliment BlackBerry’s own customer base. The acquisitions made so far have helped BlackBerry ramp up its portfolio of services that cater to the needs of its core base of clients, such as corporations and government agencies. “Becoming part of BlackBerry will give us the ability to scale more quickly to expand our global reach and introduce new applications for the AtHoc platform,” said AtHoc CEO Guy Miasnik in a statement.
attacks prompted calls in Congress for huge improvements in monitoring and protection of government systems. “This cyber attack points to a broader problem,” said Republican Senator Susan Collins, one of the bill’s lead sponsors. Among other things, the legislation would give the DHS the authority to monitor all federal agencies in the “dot-gov” Internet domain, and operate defensive countermeasures. Currently, each agency monitors its own networks and then requests help from the
DHS if it feels it needs it. The measure also would direct the DHS to conduct risk assessments of any network within the government domain. Sponsors of the bill include Collins and fellow Republican Senators Dan Coats and Kelly Ayotte, as well as Democratic Senators Mark Warner, Barbara Mikulski and Claire McCaskill. Warner said the intention was for the DHS to protect “dot-gov” web addresses the way the National Security Agency protects “dot-mil” military addresses.
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SPORTS
Jeffrey Webb pleads not guilty in corruption case
Jeffrey Webb, a former FIFA official who was the first figure to be extradited to the United States in the sweeping corruption scandal that has enveloped the global soccer organization, pleaded not guilty Saturday at an arraignment in United States District Court in Brooklyn to charges that he had solicited bribes to parcel out lucrative soccer media and marketing deals. By entering that plea, Mr. Webb indicated that he would not yet cooperate with the authorities in their case against 14 soccer officials and sports marketing and media executives who were arrested in one of the biggest international sports corruption inquiries. Mr. Webb bowed his head and clasped his hands as he entered his plea during the hourlong hearing. With his wife, Kendra Gamble-Webb, and her parents and grandmother in the court, Mr. Webb and his lawyer, Edward O’Callaghan, agreed to a complicated deal that would allow the once-powerful soccer official to be released on $10 million bail, covered by a bond package that included 10 real estate properties owned by him, his wife and other relatives; three cars; and expensive watches and jewelry.
As part of the conditions of his release, Mr. Webb will remain under house arrest with electronic monitoring and supervision from F.B.I.-approved guards and must stay in a residence within 20 miles of the courthouse in Brooklyn. Mr. Webb may not associate with anyone on a confidential list of accused co-conspirators, or other international soccer officials, among others. He and his wife also must surrender their passports. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 17. Mr. Webb, 50, was extradited from Switzerland, where he and a host of other FIFA officials were arrested in a surprise early-morning raid as they gathered in May for their annual meeting at the Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich. Swiss officers, using room numbers they had obtained from the front desk, took the officials into custody on May 26. Mr. Webb, a native of the Cayman Islands, was the president of Concacaf, the regional confederation that covers Central and North America and the Caribbean. He was also a vice president of FIFA. Although he was regarded as a reformer within FIFA, the indictment said that he had sought bribes in exchange for
assigning television deals for popular and profitable soccer games. In one instance, $500,000 was said to have gone toward building a swimming pool at Mr. Webb’s house in Loganville, Ga. The F.B.I. investigation unveiled widespread corruption going back two decades Jeff Webb in the way FIFA officials handled bids for World Cup marketing and broadcast deals. The 14 people were indicted on charges that included racketeering, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Besides senior soccer officials, those ensnared included sports marketing executives who prosecutors alleged handed over more than $150 million in bribes and kickbacks to secure media deals for soccer tournaments around the world. FIFA is a multibillion-dollar organization that has long been dogged by allegations of bribery and corruption, but senior law enforcement officials familiar with the case said that even they were astounded by the reach and longevity of the web of illegal payments. One law enforcement official described
the corruption as “institutionalized” and said, “It touched nearly every part of what FIFA did.” vThe investigation focused largely on Concacaf, one of six regional confederations that together make up FIFA. Concacaf, which stands for Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football, includes both major countries like the United States and Mexico and smaller ones like Barbados and Montserrat. The indictment charges that bribes and kickbacks were commonplace in doling out media and marketing rights for such international events as World Cup qualifiers in the Concacaf region; the Gold Cup; the Concacaf Champions League; the Copa América; and the Copa Libertadores.
Usain Bolt sacrificed chicken nuggets to prolong career
Jamaican track star Usain Bolt has admitted to sacrificing fast food in a bid to extend his stellar sprinting career. In an interview with the IAAF Inside Athletics programme released on Tuesday, Bolt said curbing off-track activities as the years rolled by had been easy compared to having to watch his diet. “I’ve cut back on a lot of things,” said the 28-year-old six-time Olympic gold medallist who had a growing reputation in his younger years for liking the nightlife and, famously, eating chicken nuggets. “When I really realised I was getting older was last season when I got injured. “Trying to get back was much harder than the years when I was younger. Now it takes time for me to get going and I need a lot more races. “I’ve noticed that I have to be very careful and I just have to be aware of everything around me and make sure I’m on point. “I’ve started eating healthy. That’s the hardest thing for me right now is the sacrifices, eating vegetables all the time.
WICB drops disciplinary charge against Gayle
Usain Bolt is on disciplined to prepare for the Rio Olympics 2016. “Everything else is easy to treble gold haul. “I want the best for myself,” give up, but eating healthy is really hard!” said Bolt, who has also won eight Bolt, who has been struggling world gold medals. “That’s the way I with a pelvic injury but is slated to look at it to try not to feel pressure. compete at the Diamond League meet “I focus on what’s necessary in London on Friday, made no mention and what I want out of it and work in the programme about next month’s towards that.” Training under coach Glen world championships in Beijing. But he did talk about what Mills’ watchful eye alongside co-stars will be his third Olympic Games, in like fellow sprinter Yohan Blake was Rio de Janeiro in 2016, insisting he nothing but helpful, Bolt acknowledged. felt no pressure from the weight of “It definitely really helps to compete expectation of a public who have seen and train with these guys every day. him win an unprecedented doubleYou know you have to step up your
The WICB has decided to discontinue pursuing a disciplinary charge against Chris Gayle over comments he made in January about West Indies’ selection policy. On January 12, Gayle slammed the Clive Lloyd-led selection panel for dropping the pair of Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard from West Indies’ World Cup squad, calling the move “ridiculous”.
level,” he said, adding that Mills had sometimes to step in and split up the group if it became too competitive. “You learn not to compete too hard in training. But we’re men, so we compete.” Bolt, however, was quick to put an end to any talk of him potentially stepping up to the 400m, insisting the one-lap race was too draining, but hinted he might have a shot at making the 4x400m relay team for the 2017 worlds in London. “It’s definitely the pain,” he said of his reason not to step up. “I don’t want to do that! I told the coach we’re not going to do it. He also expressed that maybe I should try, but I’ve already talked him down — it’s not going to happen. “I think I’ll go through my career with my 100 and 200 metres. “I’ve said to a few of the 4x400m guys that in 2017 I’ll just do the 100m and then try the 4x400m. “I’ll train myself, probably run a few (less races) in 2017 and then see if I’ll be ready. It would be nice to run a 4x400m at a championships.”
Gayle’s outburst subsequently WICB’s disciplinary committee earned him a Rule 9 charge of ruled that since Gayle had the WICB’s Code of Conduct, been reprimanded outside the which states that “players and required time frame, it would team officials shall not make drop the charge. public or media comment which A WICB media release is detrimental to the interests confirmed that the board had “accepted the intimation of of the game”. However, the code also the Disciplinary Committee states that such a charge must that the charge should be be laid against an offender discontinued” and said Gayle within 10 days of the alleged had been accordingly notified commission of the offence. The about the same.
Chris Gayle had labelled the Clive Lloyd-led selection panel as “ridiculous” for dropping Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard from the World Cup squad
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Match Reports from U15 TCI select football team – Canada 2015 Game 1 vs. Bermuda team
Pendeino, Ydson, Simmons, Richardson, Orrin, Mordochee, Neri, Will, Javed, Jack, Mackenson, Cole Our first game was played at Guelph University on lovely artificial turf against hosts Bermuda XI. It’s not easy however to arrive late at night from overseas and play a match with a 10 am kick off. Shorn of two of their fluid striking triumvirate and robust and nonsense central defender, Junior Paul, Patrick Alouidore and Johnley Cola who could not travel, Coach Philip was left with the conundrum of how this young team would get their goals and also defend against them. Their usual attacking 4-33 formation had to be adjusted to accommodate for their loses as well as consider that the U15’s, whose age range is actually spread between twelve to fifteen year olds, would actually being playing an older and larger Bermuda team. A new 4-2-3-1 shape allowed the U15’s to remain and play in a similar and familiar system albeit with the added safety of an extra holding midfielder. In doing so the defense, marshaled by the calm and assured center back Orrin Campbell, partnered by the tough Eymer Richardson and flanked by Ydson Beloni and Dave Simmons, was afforded more protection by debutants Mordochee Inelus and Neri Williams as two big strong holding midfielders in front of them. It also meant that the powerful Mackenson Cadet, captain, could be somewhat freed from his traditional midfield defense duties and concentrate on his marauding and destructive runs up field and link up and combine with the very skillful left footed Cole Nickson, normally a midfielder, who was played up front as a lone striker and flanked by the excellent crosser Javed Shearer on the right and by the tricky Jack Small on the left. The early kickoff was felt from the start as the fresher and brighter Bermuda team pressed, passed and pushed TCI back into their own half. The boys however had other ideas and for the first 35 minutes manfully absorbed the pressure and in turn played some neat football when in possession coupled with some excellent and devastating counterattacking play. Captain Mackenson and vice captain Cole stepped up to their roles and the plate by leading from the front bringing intensity and directness that rubbed off on the more junior members of the team. In turn the TCI created wave after wave of attack with Javed providing an outlet and crosses on the right and Cole and Mackenson creating chance after chance in the middle and in the box. Shoots were flashed wide and over the crossbar. The calmness required to finish moves was perhaps lost to harried attempts to put
( Top left to right ) Head Coach Philip Shearer, Orrin Campbell, Neri Williams, Cole Nickson, Makenson Cadet (capt.), Pendieno Brooks, Mordochee Inelus, Jamie Gray, Richardson Eymer, Javed Shearer, Ydson Beloni, ( Bottom left to right ) AJ Alenus, Junior Paul, David Simmons, Patrick Alouidore, CJ Mills, Will Bayliss, Johnley Cola, Dave Simmons, Jefto Guicha the game to bed early. Unusual poor and wayward finishing was however punished just before half time with TCI confident and pressing forward suddenly finding themselves 1-0 down instead on two or three up. As the second half unfolded tiredness of the previous late arrival in Toronto began to take its toll. Cole found it harder and harder to exert his control over not only one tall, strong and pacey center back but also two while our midfield and defense began to lose their energy and shape. Jack Small, who had travelled over from London, was tired and struggling, was replaced by the small fleet footed David Simmons his brother Dave was replaced by Jefto at left back. The excellent and youngest member of the team, Will Bayles, came on for Mordochee in the holding role while Cole dropped back to stabilize midfield, pushing Neri up front. For a while the boys managed to re establish themselves but by midway through the second half they were becoming a fading force. Mistakes allowed Bermuda in for their second goal and minutes before the time whistle Bermuda scored their third. Throughout the game the boys worked hard to follow Coach Philip’s instructions. They continued to hassle, harry and where possible always looked for ways to pass their way out of trouble. They still created two or three chances but nothing like with the same intensity or as gilt edged as the first half. In the end Bermuda made their size, freshness and TCI’s profligate shooting count. Game 2 vs. Oakville Soccer Club The U15’s second game saw the boys travel across town to Oakville to play a team from the largest club in North America. With over 5000 registered youth players the chances of playing tough opposition was high. The game, the result and its intensity did not disappoint even if the subdued first half performance masked what was to become an epic second half. Two changes saw David Simmons start on the left in place of jack Small and Will Bayliss step in for Mackenson, who sat out due to a slight
groin strain. The boys continued in their new 4-2-3-1 formation with Cole spearheading the attack supported from deep by Javed and David out wide. Unlike the previous game, which was played on astro turf, this game was played on the heavier Canadian longer grass pitches. No doubt an unfamiliar long coach ride to play an “away” game also played its part in what was a slow and pedestrian start by the boys. Second to the ball, slow passing and a lack of intensity meant that the boys were hemmed into their own half by a very tactically adept and technically accomplished Oakville team. As the ball was moved from left to right no real chances were created as the U15’s striker Cole became increasingly isolated. Clearly a real threat when in possession, Cole never really received the needed support to make his pace and dribbling count. Too often Javed, David and Will were too slow to step up and Cole was reduced to long-range efforts. Meanwhile Oakville continued to exert pressure our defense with a host of rolling substitutions. Jack and CJ eventually came on for Javed and David in an effort to give Cole more support. Try as they might team TCI were unable to counter with any real cohesion and when in possession our midfield were wasteful. In the absence of Makenson, Neri was moved up front and Cole back to help exert some sort of midfield control while Jamie Gray came on for Will. A late tackle, however, on the left edge of our box resulted in a direct free kick. With a wall in place a superb left footed Oakville strike into the top right hand corner left Goalkeeper Pendieno Brooks clutching at thin air. 1-0 up, Oakville had their tails up. Impressively our boys rallied and saw first 40 minutes out to the half time whistle. Strong half time words from Coach Philip focused on the lack of focus, intensity and passing accuracy. AJ Alenus came on for Mordochee to join Jamie in the dual holding midfield role to add simplicity and early thinking to our passing. Jefto stepped in for Dave at left back while Makenson, eager to get involved, slotted into his attacking midfield role behind Cole in place of Neri.
Right from the restart TCI stepped up their game. Aggression, bite, crisp passing, intensity with a high press told almost immediately. Tackles were flying in with Richardson and Ydson leading from the back. Quick thinking measured passes from Jamie and AJ quickly help set our more familiar tempo. While CJ, Cole and Jack put the Oakville back four under intense pressure. Not five minutes later and Cole had stolen ahead of his marker just inside their own half. With still to be done, a deft touch and a wonderful turn of pace took him down left channel barreling towards the 18yard box. As the rest of the team joined to support, Cole had only one thing on his mind. Wrapping his magical left foot around the ball he unleashed an absolute scorcher into the roof of the net. His first real chance of the game was taken with aplomb, opening his account in his newfound role as a striker. Rather than consolidate that comeback TCI continued to press and harry Oakville naively leaving the back door open as our back four became too flat. A through ball saw Oakville’s striker turn our pressure on its head and tem minutes later TCI found themselves 2-1 down. Although now behind TCI’s dominance continued. Constant second ball pressure, superb defending and excellent ball possession meant their heads never went down. The diminutive but excellent CJ Mills smelt blood and pounced on a weak pass from the center back to their right back. Taking it off his toes he quickly teed up Cole who needed no second invitation to head for goal. With Oakville turned Cole sped past both center backs and with only the keeper to beat and slotted a wonderful slide rule finish on the bottom corner of the keepers near right and post. With the scores at 2-2 TCI had well and truly arrived to play in Canada. As Jack tired a re energized and excited Javed reentered the fold on the far right hand side. Together with Ydson they caused Oakville’s left all manner of problems, while CJ, Jefto and Cole played perhaps the best 1 touch football all week in a majestic combo, Makenson began to exert his
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TCI with Guelph academy authority. With 70 minutes on the clock a quick thrown from the right saw a run from Javed pull away the defense and Makenson needed no second invite. With Oakville defense at sixes and sevens he rifled in a shot to put TCI well and truly into the driving seat. 3-2! Game On! Oakville had other ideas and our comeback seemed to get the better of us. While we wrestled for our fourth they hustled for their equalizer. The game took its toll on our younger players. Will was reintroduced as Jamie began to fade, while Orrin faded the rapid Mordochee dropped into center back to replace him. By this time both teams were at each other’s throats. Another slick interchange on
the left freed Cole who sent a whipped and a deft cross from Oakville’s right cross over onto an on rushing Javed hand side dropped tantalizing into the at the far post. A superb headed effort 6-yard box. No name, no header, no would have made headlines had it gone clearance. As the ball bounced Oakville in. reacted first and ushered in their As TCI coaches and fans equalizer. 3-3. 89 minutes on the clock. screamed TCI lost their heads, “How long ref?” “90 seconds coach”. composure and shape for the first time With the ball in middle in a dizzying ten-minute spell. GK Pendieno needlessly rushed off his line and the whistle blown for the KO to clear a mess our defense was about Cole simply ran at the heart of the to sweep up and in doing so up ended Oakville defense. Seconds later he was steaming past their midfield towards their striker. Oakville’s striker lined a surprised defense. Before they know up their penalty and speared and what was going on he was already in wonderful shot into the bottom left the box on the left hand side. CJ and hand corner only to see Brooks dive Javed wide left and right in support and stretch to tip it round the post. His and a rampaging run from Makenson self-admonishment instantly replaced through the middle towards the back by ecstasy. No matter our defense had post. A perfect dribble, a perfect pass, at this point become headless chickens a perfect run, a great finish and an
insane winner less than 20 seconds after the whistle. As the ball rippled the net Macenson peeled away, joy unbridled. More drama was still at hand with perhaps 45 seconds left. At 4-3 down Oakville squeezed their way toward our box only to see a might Neri challenge arrive seconds too late for a final free kick. As Oakville lined up, TCI held their breath. As the ball flew over the bar and the final whistle went our boys went crazy. What a game. Hugs all round, high fives and generous applause and hand shakes from our hosts Oakville only added to the delirium. Men of the Match: Cole & Makenson Moment of the match: the winner and the save!
Team TCI at Niagara Falls
Big Thanks to Coaches and staff; Philip Shearer, Benneth Williams, Alvin Parker, Stuart Gray Big Thanks to sponsors: TCIFA, Big Blue Unlimited, Coco Bistro, Konk TCI and Blue, the surf shop.
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Charges for comedian who threw fake money at FIFA president
Simon Brodkin, the British comedian who made international headlines Monday by tossing fake money that cascaded down on outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter during a press conference in Zurich, will be charged with trespassing for the stunt, reported Sky Sports News on Tuesday. Brodkin, commonly known by the alias Lee Nelson, shouted out in front of Blatter -- whose administration has been plagued by allegations of corruption -- that the money was for the World Cup in “North Korea, 2026.” Brodkin, 38, was arrested and released after questioning. “He will be charged for trespassing because he wasn’t allowed to enter the building,” a police spokesman said, according to the BBC. It was still undetermined if there will be a trial, however. “If there will be a trial, it is still to be decided by the prosecutor. Trespassing in Switzerland is just prosecuted by request like other minor crimes,” the police spokesman said, according to the BBC. The incident provided
British comedian known as Lee Nelson (not pictured) threw banknotes at FIFA President Sepp Blatter as he arrived for a news conference after the Extraordinary FIFA Executive Committee Meeting at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, July 20, 2015. memorable images and sparked reactions online. Brodkin was dressed as a North Korean official as he took to the stage, according to Bleacher Report. He then said, “Sepp, this is for North Korea in 2026. Cheers, Sepp -- it’s all there,” according to the Telegraph. Blatter appeared to have
gestured for security, who would later take Brodkin away. Before he was taken away, however, the comedian threw a wad of bills in the air. This was not the first time Brodkin has found himself in hot water over stunts. In the past Brodkin has crashed the warm-ups of English soccer
Surfer fights off shark in South Africa
Australian surfer Mick Flanning is pursued by a shark, in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa, Sunday, July 19, 2015. JOHANNESBURG — A shark attacking a top surfer during a televised competition in South Africa captured the world’s attention but the incident is not highly unusual. South Africa has an average of six shark attacks including one death each year. The shark bumped three-time world champion Mick Fanning off his board Sunday as he waited his turn during the finals of the JBay Open world surfing competition and stirred the public’s worst fears about sharks. In the video of the event posted on the World Surf League website, Australian Fanning scans the water before a fin and what could be a tail appear and with a splash he disappears under the surface. He is next seen furiously trying to swim to safety before a rescuer pulls him out of the water. Fanning said at first he swam away but then decided to defend himself and turned to punch the shark in the back. “I saw it taking my board away and I just started cracking it,” he told a crowd that gathered around him once he was back on shore, referring to how he struck the shark. “I’m totally fine. I’ve got nothing wrong with me,” Fanning said in an interview. “There’s a small depression in my board and my leg wrap (was) bitten. I’m just totally tripping out. To walk away from that, I’m just so stoked.” South Africa has put in place a number of measures to increase safety against shark attacks, especially in KwaZulu Natal province, which borders Eastern Cape where the attack took place. Shark nets were first installed in 1952 along the beaches of KwaZulu Natal and the province has not seen a shark attack in 15 years, said Jeremy Cliff, head researcher at the KwaZulu Natal Sharks
Board. But along with sharks, other non-threatening animals are trapped in the nets, making them an environmental hazard. Nets, however, weaken the size of waves, making them unpopular with some surfers. The board is trying to develop an undersea cable that emits a low electronic frequency pulse to ward off sharks. On South Africa’s west coast, the scenic mountains rolling into the Atlantic Ocean provide a vantage point for shark spotters who survey the ocean from a height of about 300 feet and sound an alarm when they spot the sharp dorsal fin of a Great White. In the warmer Indian Ocean, it’s harder to spot species like the Zambezi shark, which prefers murkier, deeper waters. For most bathers visiting South Africa’s beaches, the risk is low, said Cliff. Cliff said of the surfing competition encounter. “It looked like an investigating incident rather than the shark wanting to eat the surfer.” For surfers who are in the water at dawn and dusk, shark attacks are an “occupational hazard” said Paul Botha, regional spokesman for the World Surf League. Describing his shark encounter, Fanning said: “I felt something grab, get stuck in my leg rope and instantly jump away. And it just kept coming at my board.” Fanning’s mother, Elizabeth Osborne, who watched the incident live on television in Australia, wept as she told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio the attack was “the worst thing I’ve ever seen happen to any of my family because it was just there in front of me.” “It was absolutely terrifying. I actually got up and walked across to the television because I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing and I thought we lost him,” she said in an ABC TV interview. The World Surf League cancelled the remainder of the event and Fanning will split the prize money with fellow Australian surfer Julian Wilson, who was also in the water when the attack happened. The two will share second place. “We are incredibly grateful that no one was seriously injured today,” the league said in a statement. “Mick’s composure and quick acting in the face of a terrifying situation was nothing short of heroic.”
team Manchester City, attempted to board the England national team plane and most recently interrupted Kanye West’s performance at Glastonbury’s music festival. The FIFA Executive Committee and Blatter held the conference Monday in Zurich to announce that they would hold a congress in February, during which a new FIFA president was expected to be elected. They also announced a series of reforms that would be submitted to the congress in February aimed at increasing accountability. The major changes come after several high-ranking FIFA officials were arrested in May by the U.S. Department of Justice in connection with corruption allegations. Swiss authorities also announced they were looking into potential corruption in the bidding process concerning the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Blatter was reelected as FIFA president in May, but he later announced he would step down on June 2.
Floyd Mayweather to fight Andre Berto
Floyd Mayweather might end his career with a fight against an underwhelming opponent. Floyd Mayweather will return to the ring on Sept.12 in Las Vegas to fight Andre Berto. The welterweight bout, which has been speculated about for weeks, has been made official, according to TMZ. The fight will be Mayweather’s 49th of his career, and it could end up being his last. The bout will mark an end to his six-fight deal with Showtime, and the undefeated boxer has stated multiple times that he intends to retire at the conclusion of his contract. There has been speculation that the fight will be televised on CBS, as opposed to pay-perview. It would arguably be the most prominent boxing event on network television in decades. Mayweather last fought on May 2, defeating Manny Pacquiao in a unanimous decision. The fight was the most profitable pay-per-view of all time, generating an estimated 4.4 million buys and earning Mayweather at least $220 million. The 38-year-old is currently the WBA, WBC, lineal, and The Ring title holder. He was stripped of his WBO welterweight belt. He is considered boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighter. Berto isn’t expected to give Mayweather much of a challenge. The 31-year-old has won his last two bouts, but he’s lost three of his last six fights.
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NBA players choose Tennis James Harden as MVP Rankings 2015
Stephen Curry was named the 2015 NBA MVP by the media, but the players had a different selection for the league’s best player last year. James Harden was given the honor, as voted on by his peers, at the first annual NBA Players Association “Players’ Awards.” The awards show was taped on Sunday in Las Vegas and aired on Tuesday night on BET. Harden won the award over Curry, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook, who were also nominated. The media gave Curry 75 more first-place votes than James Harden was named the NBA’s top performer for the 2014-2015 season by the Harden when they selected last players. season’s MVP, rewarding the Golden State Warriors guard for DeAndre Jordan won the award League awards. Our members leading his team to a league-best for “Best Defender.” want to recognize outstanding 67-15 record and averaging 23.8 Even though Curry and performance of their peers too. points and 7.7 assists per game. Harden both won MVP awards, Players have not voted on awards But the players were apparently James is still regarded as the best since 1980,” Roberts said in a more impressed with Harden, who basketball player in the world. statement. led the No.2 seed Houston Rockets His 25.3 points and 6.0 rebounds Before a foot injury ended to the Western Conference Finals, per game last season were his his season last year, Oklahoma where they lost to the Warriors in lowest totals since he was a rookie, City Thunder forward Kevin five games. though his 7.4 assists per game Durant made it clear players were Harden’s 27.4 points and were his best since he ended his better suited than the media to 5.7 rebounds per game topped first stint with the Cleveland decide who should win the league’s Curry’s totals last year, and he Cavaliers in 2010. James also shot top awards. barely trailed him by posting less than 50 percent from the field “Yeah, I think media and 7.0 assists per contest. Playing for the first time since 2009. guys get too much power to vote without an injured Dwight New Orleans Pelicans on stuff that, quite frankly, I don’t Howard for half the year, Harden power forward Anthony Davis think you really know a lot about shouldered much of the load for finished fifth in the voting for [or] as much as we know about it,” Houston. He became just the 11th 2015 NBA MVP, yet he didn’t win Durant said. player in NBA history to make at an award. The 22-year-old led “So, yeah, we play against least 700 free throws in a season, the league with a 30.89 PER last these guys every single night. We and he only need 18.1 field-goal season, earning himself a record- battle against these guys. We attempts per game to become the setting $145 million contract this know what they say on the court. league’s No.2 scorer. summer. We know how they handle their Curry did leave the NBA Players Association teammates. We know how they ceremony with two awards of his Executive Director Michele approach the game. And our vote own. He was named “Hardest to Roberts explained in April why should count. Our opinions should Guard” and “Clutch Performer” the players decided to introduce count. Like I said, I don’t think for the 2014-2015 season. James their own set of awards. you guys know as much as we do, was named “Player you secretly “Fans and coaches choose and I don’t see why you have more wished was on your team,” while the all-stars. Media votes on power than we do.”
The 2015 French Open got underway just two months ago, but the landscape of men’s tennis has seen a few significant changes since then. While most of the “Big Four” haven’t seen their spot atop the sport change, Rafael Nadal is no longer ranked among the world’s top players with just the U.S. Open left on the 2015 Grand Slam schedule. Heading into the second Grand Slam tournament of the year, Nadal was ranked seventh in the world. Because the “King of Clay” had been so dominant at the French Open, he was expected to make a deep run in the tournament and potentially improve his standing in the rankings. But Nadal was unable to outlast Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals, and a subsequent second-round loss at Wimbledon has him ranked No.10 in the world. Nadal’s loss at Wimbledon was surprising, but it wasn’t as shocking as it might have been a year ago. He was beaten in the first round of the AEGON Championships just prior to Wimbledon, and Nadal has failed to reach the quarterfinals in five tournaments this year. While Nadal has taken the biggest fall of any player in the top 10, Stan Wawrinka has made the biggest leap. Having failed to advance beyond the quarterfinals in six tournaments after the Australian Open, Wawrinka ranked ninth in the world in May. But after upsetting the world’s No.1 player at Roland Garros, Wawrinka is now a topfour player in the sport. Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray have held down the top three since April 6. Djokovic is the clear No.1, reaching the finals of each Grand Slam and only failing to win the French Open. His 13,845 points are more than 4,000 ahead of Federer in the rankings. There is more of a gap between the No.1 and No.2 players than there is between Federer and Kei Nishikori, who has been No.5 in the world since the start of the French Open. Federer hasn’t won a Grand Slam since Wimbledon 2012, but he’s won four tournaments in 2015, while losing to Djokovic in the finals on three separate occasions. It has been an impressive showing for the Swiss star, who turns 34 on Aug. 8. He continues to chase his 18th Grand Slam. Murray last won a Grand Slam at Wimbledon 2013, but advanced to the finals of the Australian Open and the semifinals of the French Open and Wimbledon this year.
Zach Johnson wins British Open
American Zach Johnson held off Marc Leishman and Louis Oosthuizen in a three-man playoff to decide the 144th British Open on Monday at St. Andrews in Scotland. The 39-year-old claimed the second major of his career and first since the 2007 Masters after starting the day amidst a seven-man tie for sixth, and forcing the playoff with a six-under final round complete with eight birdies. Taking on the first, second, 17th, and 18th in the four-hole aggregate playoff, Johnson nailed two straight birdies to start but misfired on his drive on No. 17 and wound up behind the massive bunker before the green. Johnson then overshot and landed in the rough behind the green, but nearly chipped in to save par before taking the bogey on a putt within two feet. Johnson nailed his approach on No. 18 by hitting just far enough onto the green to avoid the hill, and avoided a second playoff despite missing birdie on the final hole. Oosthuizen had the chance to tie twice, including on the final hole for second playoff. His first-putt on the No. 17 kissed the grass before the cup and rolled just left, missing a huge opportunity before the final hole. His approach on No. 18 landed
on the green, but rolled back down double-bogey in the final round for a a treacherous hill and Oosthuizen fourth-place tie. couldn’t recover despite coming inches Spieth’s partner for the day, away from a birdie on his next shot. Australia’s Jason Day, was also in Oosthuizen could have forced a second contention for the playoff until the playoff but misfired on his putt for final hole. And though he played errorbirdie on No. 18. free throughout the final round, Day Heading into No. 18, where couldn’t muster more than his two Johnson had shot 4-under throughout birdies on the fifth and sixth holes. the week, Leishman had struggled Leishman looked set to with a bogey on the first and third capture his first major title and avoid playoff holes and stood little chance. the playoff, but his short game failed Leishman finished in third after a sixhim on the back nine. Holding at under final round, and two-over in the 15-under on the final hole, Leishman playoff. set himself up for a birdie but his putt Once again showing the cut left and he managed to par. patience and maturity of a golfer twice Leishman’s bogey on the 16th, his age at The Old Course, 21-yearresulting from a missed straightold American Jordan Spieth hoped to on putt that tilted just left of the become the second player in history American Zach Johnson won the 144th British cup, opened up the top of the already to win the first three major titles in a Open after a three-man playoff Monday at St. crowded leaderboard and drew single year, a feat only accomplish by Andrew’s in Scotland. Johnson back into contention with his legend Ben Hogan in 1953. final round already on the books. But despite knocking down hole to put pressure on Johnson and Oosthuizen and Day began 24 birdies, by far the most in the Leishman. However, he’d bogey No. the last round as the leaders, but tournament, Spieth’s bogey on the par- 17 and his par on the final hole was Oosthuizen’s bogeys on the eight four No. 17 and his approach to the enough to get into the playoff. and 13th holes pulled him down the green on No. 18 rolling back, he just Spieth originally fell behind leaderboard. missed the playoff. by three strokes after a 4-putt double- Day opted to putt over several After starting the day tied for bogey on the eighth hole, but rallied bunkers on the 17th hole rather than fourth, Spieth moved up to third and with two consecutive birdies on the chip, and nestled his ball a few feet eventually tied for the lead with a next two holes. He finished three- away for his third birdie on the day to stellar 45-foot putt on the 16th under par with six birdies, a bogey and move force a four-way tie for first.
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