NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
Website: www.suntci.com
VOLUME 11 - NO. 44
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PAY INC R E A S E S F O R AL L M P s
A
by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
ll Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Turks and Caicos Islands, plus the Speaker, are about to receive significant increases in salaries and allowances. Investigations by The SUN revealed that the increases could take effect early next year, subject to approval by the MPs themselves in the House of Assembly. When contacted, Eugene Otuonye, QC, Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands Integrity Commission, confirmed the SUN’s information, and said: “The Commission is currently reviewing it (the report on Remuneration and Allowances of the Speaker and other Members of the House of Assembly, after 3 years of its practical outworking. The Commission has always considered this Remuneration Report as a living document which will be subject to review or revision from time to time.” The SUN understands from impeccable sources, that many of the MPs had expressed concerns that their allowances and salaries were too low and were not commensurate with their responsibilities. In its first report, The Integrity Commission which sets the salaries and allowances of MPs and the Speaker, stated that he office of Premier is arguably the most important in the Islands and that it is therefore vital that this office be remunerated by taking into account the vast responsibilities associated with this office while, at the same time, paying due regard to the levels of remuneration of other persons in the public service and the ability of the country to pay reasonable remuneration. Accordingly, the Commission recommended that the basic annual salary of the Premier should be $140 000. Thereafter, the Commission has
JetBlue starts service between Provo and Ft. Lauderdale
A sleek JetBlue plane was given a water cannon salute when its inaugural flight from Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands touched down at 12:50 p.m. on Thursday, November 19th. Several tourism and airport officials were on hand but there was no one present from Government as Cabinet ministers were in the House of Assembly in Grand Turk. Winston Wright General Manager of JetBlue in the Turks and Caicos said, “JetBlue is both honored and humbled
applied a 10% differential between the salaries of the Premier, Deputy Premier and Ministers. The salary of the Deputy Premier is fixed at $126 000 and those of Ministers should be pegged at $113 400. Other Members of the House should be paid $70 000 per annum. The Commission noted that the primary role of the Speaker is to preside over debates in the House of Assembly and that the Speaker must ensure that the Rules of the House are followed and must be fair and impartial to all parliamentarians in the execution of his role. It noted that the office of Speaker is clearly one of tremendous responsibility, sensitivity and importance and that the previous salary of the Speaker ($48 000) was altogether too low. The Commission recommended that the Speaker’s salary
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be increased to $75 000 and the Deputy Speaker be paid $72 000. It was also stated that the role and function of the Leader of the Opposition in a democratic society are of the greatest importance. Such a person is recognised by the Constitution and is expected to be the leading voice in the House of Assembly and the society at large holding the Government of the day accountable for its stewardship. The Commission said the salary of the Leader of the Opposition should be equated with that of the Speaker as is the case in Barbados. Thus, the Commission recommends that a salary of $75 000 per annum be assigned to the office of Leader of the Opposition. All MPs get a $1200 per month constituency allowance, plus a $100 telephone allowance. The Commission said
that fixing remuneration for parliamentarians cannot be done in a vacuum. “The fundamental and overriding question to be asked is: What price are the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) prepared to pay for good governance? The Constitution itself is predicated upon the need to implement best practices and notions of good governance in the Islands. Good governance includes the maintenance of law and order, and acknowledgment of the importance of honesty, fairness and transparency in public affairs and the creation of an environment in which citizens are afforded an opportunity to maximize their potential. Obviously, also inherent in the notion of good governance is the absence of corrupt practices,” the Commission added. Continued on Page 2
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
PAY INCREASES FOR ALL MPs
Continued from page - 1 It was noted that Members persons not only of good character of the House of Assembly are law and standing but should be makers, but Ministers, especially, persons in whom the people are perform critical roles as policy and satisfied of their credentials for decision-makers. representation and leadership. “It follows that the Competent political leadership is representatives of the people in crucial for good governance and the the House of Assembly should be country must be prepared to pay
the people’s representatives decent remuneration for decent work. At the same time, remuneration must never be the motivation for public service. On the other hand, virtues such as a sense of duty and public purpose and a desire to contribute to the growth
and development of one’s country ought to be the motivating factors. But public service also entails some personal sacrifice and members of the House of Assembly cannot expect to earn salaries comparable to the highest paid executives in the private sector,” the report added.
Patrick Riel, wife pleaded guilty
Patrick Riel, former head of the Emergency Management Services (EMS) and his wife Jacqueline Brassard pleaded guilty to breaches of the Immigration Ordinance when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner in the Providenciales Magistrate’s Court 1 on Monday, November 16. Riel and Brassard had pleaded not guilty during their first appearance last week Monday (November 9, 2016) before Magistrate Jolyan Hatmin in the Magistrate Court 2. As a result of the plea change, Chief Magistrate Warner fined Riel $1,000 or three months in jail and fined Brassard $500 or one month in jail. The fines are essence a matter of court cost than penalty for the crimes committed. He did not make any recommendation for deportation. The two were scheduled to depart Turks and Caicos on Wednesday, November 18. The case was called up early Monday, which saw prosecutor Leonard Franklyn leading the matter, but was postponed to the afternoon session. By then, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) John Masters, took over proceedings as the lead prosecutor. The DPP told the court that none of the convicts had a criminal history, and to that end, recommended a lenient sentence. Queens’ Counsel Attorney, Conrad Griffith, who took over the lead defense role from David Cadman, told the court that a plethora of good recommendations from persons
Patrick Riel and Wife exits the court house of varying backgrounds of society proved that Riel, especially, has been an upstanding citizen in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He described as oversight on the part of Riel and Brassard, to have their allotted time in the TCI run out, further noting that they had booked their ticket to depart for their homeland, Canada. Griffith told the court in the morning session that Brassard needed to return to Canada to be with the father of her oldest child, who was terminally ill and remained critical in hospital. He said that Riel, who worked for the EMS between 2010 and 2013, had applied for a business license to set-up a medical emergency business in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but would not rival any other such operations, since it would be the first of its kind here. An immigration source said after the case that the outcome was akin to Riel and Brassard being
charge, but I was not prepared to do that because it protects the integrity and the employment of these islands,” he said. Masters warned that his office is planning to come down heavy of future offenders, going after their monies as well as those of their facilitators under the Proceeds of Crimes Act. “I can indicate, if it is any use, that those who are inclined to think that it is not a major offense and those who facilitate these types of offenses in the future, they are likely to seeing the consequences of the Proceeds of Crimes Act. So if any profits made from people overstaying will be the target of our office in the future. acquitted. The source said the case “We are working very closely was a straightforward matter, which with the Immigration Department any prosecutor could have handled to make sure that these types of and therefore, should not have prosecutions are pursued to its attracted the DPP’s intervention. end. And I think the people on this The source points to hypocrisy occasion, regardless of having senior in the matter, elucidating to a female counsel, would have realized that we Filipino national who was in court on all take this offense very seriously,” similar charge, but Masters passed he said. on that case to Franklyn. Referring back to the Riel Masters told the news media and Brassard outcome, Masters at the end of the proceedings that he added: “It is at the lighter end of the was approached by the defense to take penalty, which is not surprising. We over the matter. He said he believes have no control of that from the DPP. that outcome was just, asserting that Sentencing is a matter for the court, overstaying in the TCI is a serious and quite properly so. In this case, it crime. He said that the defense had is basically the lowest penalty they asked him to abandon the charges could get without having conviction against the two, but his office refused recorded, which is not. to budge. “But they are compelled to “This is a typical case that we see quite pay $1,000 in the case of Mr. Riel commonly in these islands, where and $500 in the case of Ms Brassard people overstaying. There seems to be in the form of court cost. It is a fair a belief that it is not a major offense, reflection of the gravity of the offense. when in fact it is a major offense. I And I think it would a deterrent for was approached to see whether I them and for others in the future.” could consider discontinuing the
NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Chief Justice knocks down Government's 12-storey plan
by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
The Turks and Caicos Islands' Government's plan to increase the building height in the Turks and Caicos Islands from seven storeys to 12, has been demolished by the High Court. In a judgment handed down last week, Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale stated: "The allocation of areas, or zones, for a particular type of development - in this case, 12 storey tourism-related coastal developments - is precisely the sort of development which the Director of Planning has the power to propose under s 32 of the Ordinance, but before his proposal can be approved by Cabinet, it seems to me that a draft development plan showing what areas are to be zoned for these high- rise developments must be prepared and all persons affected or likely to be affected by the proposals must be informed and be given the opportunity to make representations before the Plan is submitted to the Governor for his approval." She added: "A decision by Cabinet to alter the density in any given area by approving building heights of 12 storeys, absent the preparation of a draft development plan reporting on the existing conditions of the area and giving reasons for the proposed change in density for that area as required by s 32 of the Ordinance - and absent consultation in accordance with s 34 is, in my judgment, ultra vires." The Chief Justice's ruling was a resounding victory for The Venetian and The Tuscany, two upscale properties that sued the Governor, the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning and the Director of Planning, on grounds that the decision to change planning policy in the Islands by increasing the allowable height of apartments, condominiums and hotel buildings from the current maximum of seven floors (a maximum of 90 ft.) to a maximum of twelve floors (a maximum of 150 ft.) by means of that Notice of Amendment to the Turks and Caicos Islands Development Manual was unlawful as it was not subject to any or any proper public consultation in breach of general public law principles. 1.The judgment stated: " There is no question that His Excellency has power to make Regulations under the Ordinance. That section, which
Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale I reproduce below, empowers the Governor make regulations for a number of matters: “67. (1) The Governor may make regulations as to the following matters–– (a) as to new buildings–– (i) the preparation and foundations of the site; (ii) the method of construction, structural strength and stability; (iii) the materials, including materials of short life and their preservation from decay and infestation; (iv) the space about buildings; (v) the insulation, lighting and ventilation of rooms; (vi) the dimensions of rooms and spaces; (vii) planning standards; … The Chief Justice added: "One notes that no express power is given to the Governor to make regulations affecting building heights. Ms. Motheba Linton (the attorney for the Crown", however, seeks to persuade me that the power to change building heights is be found in his power to set planning standards for developments. I cannot, with respect, accept that proposition for the reasons I set out below and my conclusion that building heights cannot be changed by amendments to the Development Manual is not affected by Counsel’s submission that the last change in building heights on Providenciales was brought about by the same means." She continued: "The planning standards for developments to which s 67 (1) (vii) refers are set out in the
She stated: "The evidence the Crown wished to adduce was evidence of consultations carried out by the government and the Report generated by the Planning Department after the second consultation exercise which concluded that the increase in building heights was recognised as necessary for TCI’s sustainable development. Ms. Linton contends that the fact that the same conclusion was reached after the second consultation was evidence the Court should consider as it renders this application redundant: no matter the consultation, the result will be the same and that the Court should grant leave. The principle is that extensions of time should be granted only in circumstances which are wholly exceptional and for the most compelling reasons." "In my judgment the Crown’s application failed to meet the threshold for the reason that firstly, the application was incomplete in that the Report of the Planning Department was not disclosed. Secondly, public Conrad Griffiths, QC consultation must be bona fide in that Development Manual prepared by it should be undertaken at a stage when the Planning Department. It is plain there is scope to influence the outcome from a reading of the Manual that it and not after a decision has been controls the way buildings are erected reached. Thirdly, The Government’s and building operations are conducted. decision to have a second consultation It does not determine building heights: was tacit acceptance, in my view, that it simply sets the planning standards the first consultation was inadequate for buildings of various heights. So as alleged by the Applicants. Even if for example, at cl 3.5.2 (b) (iii) it sets could not be so construed, the decision out the required setbacks based on to embark upon another round of building heights and in cl 3.5.3 it sets consultations ex post facto was not a out the maximum height at which good reason for failing to file evidence habitable floors shall be constructed setting out the matters that went before in buildings of various heights or the the decision was made and disclosing number of acres required to qualify any reports commissioned by TCIG or for the construction of buildings of otherwise bearing on the issue before certain heights. The scheme of the law the Court. Finally, Ms. Linton, in the when considered alongside the matters course of her submissions, stated that set out in the Development Manual the Crown’s primary position was that makes it that the Manual does not the Governor was acting in exercise of operate to change building heights or his power to make regulations and was permit any development which is not therefore under no duty to consult. If part of the comprehensive policy for that is indeed the view of the Crown, land use established by the Minister then waiting for the results of a in accordance with a development second round of consultation before plan. It merely ensures that certain filing evidence was as unnecessary standards are complied with by as embarking on a second round of persons engaged in the construction consultation. Any evidence relating to of approved developments. I therefore such consultation must be irrelevant hold that the amendment to building and, therefore, inadmissible. No good heights by way of a Notice amending reason for the delay having been the Development Manual was ultra advanced, I refused the application." vires the Governor’s powers to make The Tuscany and The Venetian regulations under the Ordinance." were represented by Conrad Griffiths, Madame Justice Ramsay-Hale QC and David Cadman. Chief Justice also ruled that there was no or no Margaret Ramsay-Hale proper consultation by the Government.
12-storey ruling not a surprise to the PDM
The Opposition People's decisions that affect the people." proper development plan that would when seeking to attract investment, Democratic Movement (PDM) said "In this particular case the PNP involve proper consultation with our adding that this Government has it is no surprised that Chief Justice Government has had 3 years to get people. We want to ensure that we are failed to do both and "their games are Margaret Ramsay-Hale ruled development off the ground that developing this country in the best running out". against Government's decision to had already invested in the country. interest of us all. But, as usual the The press release added: increase building heights from seven Their lack of a sense of urgency to get PNP has sought to play politics with "We will continue to call on the to 12 storeys. construction projects restarted and everything, including development, Government when it fails to follow In a press release, the PDM new development off the ground is and is seemingly trying to have procedure prescribed under laws said: "We are not surprised that shameful and displays a total lack of projects started in an election year and policies and certainly when it Judge has told the PNP to follow the being in touch with the real suffering so as to have the maximum impact seeks to bypass its constitutional law, talk to the people and do things that the construction industry has on the wallets of hard working Turks responsibility to provide meaningful right. The recent judgment handed been going through for the last 7 and Caicos Islanders in the run up and accessible consultations. There down by Chief Justice Ramsay-Hale years." to the general elections. The delay is no short cut in doing things right was not a surprise to our Party. For The statement added: to investment is now causing more because always in the end everyone three long years we have warned the "The PDM wants to see a return difficulty for the developers and turns out losing. Again in this case, Government about their haphazard to beneficial development for our workers who would benefit from another decision of this government approach to legislation, policy and the people. We want to see sustainable these projects." is costing the public’s purse. We say necessary public consultations that development that conforms to the The PDM said Governments shame on this PNP Administration." is required by various government wishes of our country through a must move with certainty and resolve
NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Hallmark customers can top-up at IGA stores
By Todeline Defralien
Hallmark credit card company is making it easier and more affordable for customers to top up their credit cards Hallmark’s office manager Delroy Williams said the company recently signed an agreement with IGA which will allow credit card holders to go to any three of the IGA locations (Smart, Grace Way supermarket and Grace Way Gourmet) to put money on their cards. Williams said the funds will be applied to the card holder’s accounts instantly. Prior to this agreement with IGA which opens from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, Hallmark card holders were restricted to limited hours within which to load their cards at the company’s Courtyard Plaza office on the Leeward Highway in Providenciales. Williams told The SUN that Hallmark has also reduced its fees. “We have now lowered some of our fees as in pinning the cards which is now five dollars, to replace your card if it is lost or damaged is now ten dollars. Once you apply and everything is successful you can get the card within 48 hours. The individual card is $100, for the companion card it’s $150. Williams said the companion card will be very convenient for residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands who need to send money
overseas. He added: “The way that the companion card works is that a person can apply for a card and get a companion card for their spouse, for example, and that card will be printed in their spouse’s name. The person who is applying will also have a card which is the primary card and the companion card. So, for example, I will pay all the fees for the companion card and the companion card can have their card internationally and use it wherever they are located. It will be a separate card number and it is available for use anywhere in the world.” Williams said that Hallmark, which was recently bought from Brian and Denise Trowbridge by American multi-millionaire Craig Potts, has been experiencing a significant increase in business over the past few months. “We also did the bumper sticker promotion where we advertised that customers can put on their Hallmark bumper stickers and they can have a chance to win $500 dollars. We also lowered our rates, where you Delroy Williams Hallmarks office manager can open up a card for as low as $100 dollars so that also increased our card be coming on stream soon. With that turn over,” he added being outlined that will be a more The office manager revealed convenient route for customers in the that Hallmark is looking to expand its Caribbean Islands who send money to services throughout the Caribbean. their family members. They can also “We are working with NCS get a companion card for themselves or (MoneyGram) to network with them their spouses or children, so that will where customers can also make be very beneficial,” he added. payments at that location. That will Hallmark has also changed
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Page 6
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Grand Turk Development Enterprise bringing new manufacturing opportunities to Grand Turk Paul Day of Grand Turk Development Enterprise (GTDE) has announced that he has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Howard D. Nash of Creative Investment Holdings Ltd. to assist him in completing a Technology Transfer of a number of propriety Canadian Manufacturing Technologies to Grand Turk. While many opportunities are being discussed for TCI two of the most prominent are: A new manufacturing facility to produce stay-in-place concrete wall forming systems that promote easy construction in all types of climates. The factory on Grand Turk will produce and manufacture from raw materials, a complete range of Extruded Polymer Forms to enable the construction of a full range of structures, from low-income homes, houses, villas, apartments, resorts, schools, shopping malls, and warehouses. Nuform Building Technologies Inc. (NUFORM®), the company who will do the technology transfer, is a leading provider of ceiling and wall systems in North America and around the world. With installations in over 60 different countries Nuform’s cutting-edge building systems – CONFORM®, RELINE® and RENU® have revolutionized the construction industry offering smart alternatives to traditional building materials which can be cost and labor intensive. NUFORM® weather-resistant building systems are impervious to heat or cold and can be designed to withstand hurricanes and earthquakes. The rigid polymer forms easily slide together; creating durable pre-finished walls that can be constructed quickly saving you time and money. The panels are erected and poured with concrete leaving a finished wall that requires no additional painting, stucco or additional cladding. Mr. Day said, “Grand Turk Development Enterprise is committed to conserving natural resources and reducing the environmental impact of buildings. Our products will be designed to be environment-friendly and energy-efficient, thereby providing a significant boost to business efforts at minimizing their carbon footprint. In fact, just using the environmentfriendly CONFORM® pre-finished wall system can contribute towards a possible 15 LEED points spearheading
companies certification process.” Mr. Nash said, “The products are for both the Turks & Caicos Islands and for export to other parts of the Caribbean and South America. Nuform Buildings Technologies propriety technology makes its structures rapid to erect, are stronger and economical than conventional concrete block systems and are hurricane, termite and earthquake resistant. We are already receiving interest, and orders from the region but have to forward enquiries on to the Canadian factory for now.” Mr. Day added, “We also have an offer to become the main distributor for the Caribbean of a special Thermal Stucco system to increase the already substantial insulated properties of these structures and to give them a truly Caribbean look. This project alone will create twenty-four new full time jobs.” The second transfer of technology will establish Turks & Caicos Granite & Marble, a standalone factory that will manufacture a beautiful, elegant and practical line of resin cast Marble, Onyx and Granite construction and renovation products. Mr. Day commented, “We will be producing a custom line of vanity tops, kitchen island countertops, tables, desks, flooring, bath & shower surrounds and wall coverings. This manufacturing system also produces specialty molded seamless easy clean hygienic, sanitary ware, for various medical applications, meeting the hygienic needs for hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. The manufacturing system also develops custom office furnishings, specialty decorative giftware items, souvenirs, and business premiums and is expected to create sixteen new full time jobs.” He added, “Many islanders these days care about making ecofriendly choices and when it comes to countertops, engineered stone is one of the most environmentally sensitive choices you can make. Also, this type of surface offers a host of other benefits too. It is beautiful, hygienic, extremely durable, heat & stain resistant and available in a wider range of colors than natural stone. Its nonporous surface resists scratches and cracks and unlike natural stone, it does not require annual sealing.” Mr. Day and Mr. Nash comment that they are happy to be entering into this agreement today to
Howard Nash & Paul Day bring new technologies to Turks and Caicos and to create new high-value employment for residents of Grand Turk. Mr. Day continued: “In addition to the technologies being transferred from Canada there will be other factories located in the proposed Development Zone. This development will be located near South Dock, Grand Turk, TCI and include but not limited to; A General Fabrication, Welding and Engineering Company that will facilitate fabrication of steel buildings, frames, braces, gates, fencing and security grills to complement the Nuform and other buildings. It will also perform ship, container and marine repairs and equipment maintenance. Grand Turk Plastic Recycling and Injection Moulding will consist of a small recycling plant to collect plastic containers, aluminium beverage containers, steel cans, cardboard, glass bottles and glass containers and debris from consumers on Grand Turk and from Cruise Ships calling at Grand Turk Cruise Centre. The plastic waste will be converted into a powder or pellet form and used in an Injection Moulding Process for a raw material to create plastic deck, beach furniture, water tanks, containers, bins, buckets, etc. for sale locally and for regional export. A Marine Insurance Office. A Grand Turk Lloyds sub-Office. Grand Turk Shipping will arranging the shipment of Imports and Exports from Enterprise Zone Businesses, custom clearance, ships agency, etc. Mr. Day asserts that all, or the majority of the required funding is in place for this project, Mr. Nash has already done the most of the
legwork associated with the Transfer of Technology and all that is needed now is the TCI Government’s approval and we will be able to create at least 72 new manufacturing, management and administration jobs, along with many new business opportunities for residents of Turks & Caicos. The other companies’ mention above will add another 20 to 25 jobs for Grand Turk. Paul Day a resident of Grand Turk since 1993 started his various Engineering careers in the UK, then joined the Royal Navy as a Nuclear Submariner before joining the British Merchant Navy as a Navigation Officer. After retiring from military service he owned an Engineering Company involved in ship repair, marine salvage, design and build and operated turn key food processing companies in the UK, USA, Martinique, Belize, Guyana, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Indonesia and the Turks & Caicos Islands. Mr. Day was the largest private sector employer on Grand Turk and the largest importer and exporter in the TCI for nearly two decades. Besides operating Columbus Foods Ltd (Rice Mill) and Sugar Millers (TCI) Ltd Mr. Day operated a shipping hub at South Dock, Grand Turk, connecting South America, the Caribbean, the USA and Europe during the same period. Mr. Nash is the Caribbean and surrounding area Agent for Nuform Building Technologies, past Chair of the NL branch of the Canadian Manufacturing Association, and former Board member of the National organization representing over ten thousand (10,000) Canadian Manufacturing Companies. His background give him access to key industry players in every Province of Canada and he is working with Mr. Day of the Grand Turk Development Enterprise to bring new and innovative industry opportunities to Grand Turk.
TCI is full member of Group of International Finance Centre Supervisors The TCI Financial Services Commission announced today that the Turks and Caicos Islands have been accepted as a full member of the Group of International Finance Centre Supervisors (GIFCS), a body which seeks to promote the adoption of international regulatory standards in the banking, fiduciary and AML/CFT arena. The announcement came following the recent plenary meeting of GIFCS held in Macau China where the Group’s members voted unanimously for the TCI to become a full member with immediate effect. At this meeting, held on 4-6th November, Mr Marlon Joseph, Head of the Commission’s Bank and Trust Department, was invited to present a formal application for membership on behalf of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The application process included a rigorous review of the Commission’s recent progress based
on the number of experienced regulatory staff, the implementation of International standard off site and on site supervision, implementation of updated sectorial guidelines. A similar review had previously taken place during the IMF’s recent FSAP mission. The ensuing FSAP excellent report was also discussed as part of the presentation. Upon his return Mr Joseph said: “This acceptance is a considerable accomplishment for the Turks and Caicos. The mounting demand for tighter surveillance of offshore centres certainly highlights the need for the FSC to continue to strive to attain global international standards in regulation and supervision. The Commission is pleased that its work has resulted in a successful outcome for the jurisdiction. ” FSC Managing director, Mr Kevin Higgins, commented on the latest achievement for the TCI and
said: ‘We fully appreciate the role and responsibility that come with this new accolade from our international counterparts. In the last few years, the TCI has made a great leap forward in improving its regulatory and supervisory infrastructure. This acceptance as a full member of the GIFCS is predominantly due to the FSC continuous work towards consolidating the position of the TCI as a jurisdiction of substance and sound repute amidst perpetual and stringent changes in international regulations and standards.” 1. The next meeting of the GIFCS will be held in London during the Spring of 2016. The GIFCS, in its previous form as the OGBS, was established in 1980. Today its present membership accounts for a market share of nearly 10% of global international banking assets. 2.
The Turks and Caicos now
join Antigua and Barbuda; Aruba; the Bahamas; Barbados; Bermuda; The British Virgin Islands; The Cayman Islands; Cook islands; Curacao and Sint Maarten; Gibraltar; Guernsey; Isle of Man; jersey; Labuan; Macao China; Mauritius; Panama; Samoa and Vanuatu as a recognized and respected International Financial Center. 3.The Group’s purposes are to: •Contribute to global financial stability through the support and adoption of international regulatory standards and the promotion of best practice where appropriate •Apply its collective expertise to participate in change and effectively influence debate and consultation on evolving regulatory standards •Provide mutual support to each other and a forum for promoting common interests.
NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
American billionaire buys Cable & Wireless
John Malone’s Liberty Global Plc agreed to buy Cable & Wireless Communications Plc in a cash-andstock transaction valued at $5.3 billion, extending the U.S. billionaire’s European cable empire deeper into Latin America and the Caribbean. Cable & Wireless shareholders will receive a 3 pence-a-share one-time dividend at the deal’s completion. The transaction values Cable & Wireless at 78.04 pence per share. The stock rose 6.6 percent to 78.60 pence at 8:13 a.m. in London. The purchase gives Malone a critical mass in Latin America, where he created a tracking stock in July called LiLAC for Liberty Global’s assets in Chile and Puerto Rico. Malone, who spent more than $50 billion the past decade amassing cable companies across Europe, looks to do the same in parts of Latin America, and may even spin off that unit in the future, people familiar with the matter said last month, when the companies announced they were in talks. The acquisition is a “watershed moment” for LiLAC, as it “will add significant scale and management depth to our fast-growing operations in Latin America and the Caribbean,” Liberty Global Chief Executive Officer Mike Fries said in the statement. The combined business will serve 10 million video, data, voice and mobile subscribers, he said. Cable & Wireless received more than half of its $1.75 billion in revenue last year from Panama and the Caribbean. Malone became a shareholder last year when Cable & Wireless bought his cable-TV and Internet provider Columbus International Inc. As part of that deal, Malone and the two co-founders of Columbus were given a 36 percent stake of the combined company. In a statement, Cable & Wireless called Liberty Global an “outstanding custodian of our business” and said the enlarged company will expand consumer and business-tobusiness services even faster. As part of the deal, Liberty Global will take on Cable & Wireless’s net debt, which was $2.7 billion as of Sept. 30. The deal represents a multiple of 10.7 times Cable & Wireless’s adjusted annual earnings before interest, depreciation, taxes and amortization, after taking into
consideration cost synergies. Liberty’s businesses are attributed to two tracking stock groups: Liberty Global Group, which comprises the company’s European operations; and the LiLAC Group, which comprises Latin American and Caribbean operations. The acquisition of Cable & Wireless was why Liberty created the LiLAC tracking stock, said Neil Campling, an analyst with Aviate Global in London. “We have seen Malone build out infrastructure first in Europe to create a distribution platform and now he’s adding content deals. He has both in the U.S. already,” Campling said. “He is repeating the tried-and-trusted approach in Latin America -- build out the distribution platform and then use the economic leverage of the same to drive financial leverage of content negotiations.” Malone’s growing presence in Latin America also dims the hopes for a revival of talks to combine or swap assets in Europe with Vodafone Group Plc. The two sides in September ended their own negotiations. While Malone has said Vodafone’s assets in Europe would be attractive, he said the two companies had different corporate cultures that would make a combination difficult. Malone, 74, has taken on mountains of debt in recent years to expand European operations as a plunge in interest rates allowed Liberty Global to borrow cheaply. Analysts predict he will turn his focus to content assets in Europe, such as U.K. television broadcaster and producer ITV Plc, in which Liberty Global owns 9.9 percent. Liberty Global, which has been seeking growth from broadband subscriptions as streaming and on-demand TV services edge out traditional TV viewing, has also invested in TV-show production and mobile-phone services as new sources of revenue in Europe. The Board of Cable & Wireless Communications said in a press release that having been approached directly by Liberty Global, they concluded that it is in the long-term best interests of the company, its shareholders, employees and customers, alike, to sell the business for an overall price of approximately $8.2 billion.
Sandals CEO Adam Stewart wins another top award Sandals Resorts International’s comes fresh on the heels of being named Chief Executive Officer continued his the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism award-winning year after being named Association’s Hotelier of the Year for 2015 Caribbean Personality of the Year at the last month as well as the Jamaica Hotel International Caribbean World Travel & and Tourism Association’s Hotelier of the Living Awards. Year for 2014/2015 earlier in the year. In its 21st year, the International After almost a decade of Caribbean World Travel & Living Awards Stewart’s stewardship, Sandals continues have become the Oscars of the Caribbean, to follow a trajectory of exhilarating recognising excellence in Travel, Tourism growth that has been marked with new and Real Estate throughout the region resorts, new islands as well as industry and is voted for by the magazine and its changing innovation and development. readers with special awards given by the Stewart’s leadership has transformed magazine at its discretion. Previous years’ the all-inclusive concept to Luxury guests of honour include HRH Princess Included® resorts that offer guests levels Katarina, of exclusivity never seen before. Aside Sir Trevor McDonald OBE and from Stewart’s personal triumphs, it Hollywood film producer Michael Winner. caps an extraordinary month that saw “Being recognised by such an the company being named the World’s illustrious title such as Caribbean World Leading Luxury All-Inclusive brand at and its readers is a tremendous honour the World Travel Awards last month. The for my team and I. At Sandals, we work company collected 17 awards in addition hard to be the best, to be different and for to receiving the notable recognition of people outside of our company to not just Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand for the notice it but commend it is both deeply 22nd consecutive year. humbling and satisfying. We will we The company has exciting use this award, and others like it, as our plans afoot with 10 breath-taking new inspiration to continue to set the bar for developments in the pipeline including hospitality in the Caribbean and beyond.” new resorts and the entry into new For Stewart, this latest accolade territories in the Caribbean.
“By joining forces at this time, we combine our high growth assets in Latin America and the Caribbean, with the scale and complementary skills of a truly world class global player, materially improving our ability to offer leading products and services to customers in the region we serve. And by adding their strength and 1.5 million customers in Puerto Rico and Chile, backed by our strengths in adjoining markets and in leading submarine and terrestrial fibre networks, together we expect to grow our Consumer and B2B offers even faster,” the press release from Cable and Wireless said.. Sir Richard Lapthorne, Chairman of CWC, commented: “While we remain confident that CWC’s unique and highly attractive business has a substantial long-term growth opportunity ahead of it, we believe the Recommended Offer represents an attractive premium for shareholders and secures earlier delivery of our long-term value potential, hence the Board’s recommendation today. Taken alongside the irrevocable commitments made by John Risley, John Malone and Brendan Paddick, this offer will deliver a price per share of 87 pence to CWC’s free float investors and a 50% takeover premium to the undisturbed price on 21 October 2015.” Phil Bentley, Chief Executive of CWC, said: “Since we launched our new strategy two years ago, CWC has transformed itself into a leading regional quad play operator. The
American cable tycoon John Malone, the new owner of Cable & Wireless disposal of Monaco, the creation of our regional hub in Miami and the recent acquisition of Columbus accelerated our competitive positioning whilst at the same time generating significant value for shareholders and enhanced service levels for our customers. “Liberty Global offers scale and world class capabilities and will be an outstanding custodian of our business, both for our people and our customers. The years ahead should bring new opportunities for further success, faster growth and enhanced customer benefits, built on the strong foundation we have created. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the employees of CWC for their hard work to position our company for success, culminating in the substantial shareholder value creation.”
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
InterCaribbean Airlines spreading its wings to Cuba
flights coming from Madrid and Paris, so with that we also hope we can open InterCaribbean Airways is now the door to a new set of arrivals coming spreading its wings to Cuba, according to out of both Madrid and Paris, giving the Trevor N. Sadler CEO for InterCaribbean Spanish, the French and other connection Airways. options coming into the Turks and Caicos At an exclusive interview on Islands; again for those folks coming in, Saturday November 14th, 2015, The spend some time in Cuba come on over, airline’s CEO, Trevor Sadler told The come and see another set of islands right SUN, “What we’re looking to do is next door.” expand the footprint of connection Sadler stated that because they opportunities in the Caribbean. We have have such a good set of connections in long recognized that Cuba is really the the Western Caribbean, they were able to Trevor N. Sadler CEO for InterCaribbean Airways next opportunity that we need to enter develop a new market of travels into the getting permission from Haiti and from that marketplace and certainly with the region. the Dominican Republic to connect the continued relaxation of the US rules with “You can get on an InterCaribbean two international airports and then from respect to travel to Cuba, the need for Airways flight and you can be here in Santo Domingo to Antigua. Yes it is going additional points on entry into Cuba are Providenciales for two days, whatever to be a bit of a journey for someone coming going to continue to grow.” you choose and you can get on a non-stop from Provo but it’s still about 50% quicker He added: “If you were to take flight to the island next door in an hour or than the alternatives in order to arrive at a look rather quickly at the map, when an hour and a half later, you are already that market,” the airline executive added it comes to eastern Cuba, Providenciales in your next island you don’t have to fly Sadler said the airfares to Cuba are is by default geographically the closest to Miami, or Panama or Bogota. ou don’t affordable and have received positive point to Cuba from a service point of view. have to give up the whole day of your response so far. He also expects that We are, as an arrival airport, very well vacation just because you could swim residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands served by the arrivals of inter-Caribbean maybe quicker. What we have going on will capitalize on the attractions and national flights coming out of North with connectivity is working very well for services that are available in Cuba. America, Canada and whereby providing travelers particularly out of Europe who “Cuba has got a whole lot to offer. a convenient opportunity for folks who are much more inclined to take the multi- We certainly expect to see a degree of come and visit Providenciales for their island vacations,” he added. medical tourism going out, and we believe vacation, to also take a site trip to Cuba as InterCaribbean will be offering that even in the case on island the NHIP part of their time off. There are a variety of flights to Havana from January 2016, to look towards medical services in Cuba. authorized travel opportunities and with Sadler said. One person here actually shared with me a fairly strong network now of connections “Cuba has given us all the a very interesting success story and the within the Western Caribbean, we have permissions we need for both cities economics behind it, which was really the opportunity for folks in Jamaica, in and we’re just waiting on the formal quite interesting. A gentlemen was sent Haiti, in the Dominican Republic, and document to be handed over to us, so off. They couldn’t do anything for him also in Puerto Rico, to be able to also come Havana will be the second city we launch here, so he was sent off and The Bahamas from out of those cities and funnel their this winter into Cuba. We do launch couldn’t do anything, Jamaica couldn’t travel possibilities into initially Santiago services into Antigua and into Tortola, seem to deal with anything, he ended up which is less than a 40 minute flight from the British Virgin Islands. The flight that in Cuba. I think it was an orthopedic knee here.” will go out to Antigua for someone leaving issue. The man could of hardly walk. He Sadler said that interCaribbean Providenciales is going to be a little bit came in a wheelchair and the following Airways going to Cuba will open up of a ride to go there because the airplane day he walked out of the hospital in Cuba several other opportunities for Turks and is going to leave Provo, over to Port-au after one day in surgery with a grand bill Caicos Islans tourism. Prince and it’s going from Port-au Prince of US$145 dollars. So when it comes to He added: “Santiago is in fact to Santo Domingo which is a new city pair affordability at every level it’s there,” he served by Cubana, with international we’re going to introduce this winter. We’re ended. By Todeline Defralien
Applications are invited from suitably qualified Candidates for the following positions:
Director of Finance:
Duties of this position include: Manage, evaluate and monitor the activities related to the collection and use of resources. Evaluation of loan products, administration mutual funds and investment trusts. Manage efficient cash, in order to effectively fulfill the goals, plans, goals and objectives of the institution.
Administrative Assistant:
Duties of this position include: Assist in the administration of the office including implementation of financial and accounting responsibilities of the property, internal controls, financial analysis, cash management, balance sheet reconciliation
Suite#5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 339-5879 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 Todeline Defralien Reporter Brandy Laporte Reporter
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.
Job Title: Senior Account Manager - Turks & Caicos Islands
DESARROLLOS HOTELCO JWM Ltd. Desarrollo Hotelco, is a leader in building luxury hotels , is seeking an experienced and proven leader.
Turks and Caicos Sun
.KEY
RESPONSIBILITIES
Contributes to meeting team sales plan, and related activities through effective assessment of customer financial needs, providing product solutions •Maintains and grows the customer portfolio by identifying and promoting personal banking solutions for customer needs with a continuous focus and relationship building •Develops and maintains relationships with service partners to optimize business opportunities and referrals. Qualifications/Experience AICB/ABIFS Diploma or Associates Degree in Banking or any related field
•3 or more years banking experience •Previous experience in portfolio and liability administration would be an asset Critical Skills
Requirements include: at least 5 years relevant experience, a clean police record and driver’s license with a successful drug screen; at least a high school diploma; possess a good employment track record with demonstrated.
Salary: commensurate with experience. Applications comprising a letter, resume, references, Police record etc. should be sent no later than Friday, November 20th, 2015 to: The Manager DESARROLLOS HOTELCO JWM Ltd. C/o P.O.Box 127, Richmond House Leeward Highway, Providenciales Tel: (649) 946-4734 0r Fax (649) 946-4732 Email: marsha@misickstanbrook.tc rstipa@hotelcointernational.com
Negotiating/Selling Skills •Leadership & Coaching •Relationship building •Impact & Influence •Ability to manage multiple priorities •Demonstrated written and verbal communications skills •Proficiency in Microsoft Office A competitive compensation package (base salary & bonus) will be commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications. Interested persons should apply by October 15, 2015 and follow the steps below: •Go to jobs.rbc.com •Type Turks in the search by location box •Then select Search Jobs •Select the role you wish to apply for
NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
‘Keep our islands clean’ competition launched
(The Bight) winning and she is going to work extra hard to ensure that it does. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Hon. Stubbs added, “Tourism should be Porsha Stubbs-Smith, said that in the central thought of every resident of keeping with the theme ‘Tourism is the Turks and Caicos Islands. We are a Key it starts with me’ her ministry will beautiful by nature country. We are the be launching a “keep our islands clean” number one destination country. We contest this month, where communities have the best spas in the world. There are going to be able to compete. are no other beaches in the world that Speaking at the recent launch rank with the ones in the Turks and of tourism month at the Tourist Board, Caicos islands, especially the ones the minister said there will be a Mudjin Harbour of Middle Caicos and myriad of activities highlighting the Grace Bay Beach of Providenciales. country’s tourism product, with several We are grateful for the opportunity to initiatives that will engage the general highlight some of these events which public. would include the discussion of the The communities will be environmental impact of the increased competing in categories including the tourism numbers, the sustainability cleanest community, best kept yard and longevity of our product offering and cleanest island. the heightened awareness of our “I think the most important culture and heritage and how we move prize for all of us in the Turks and Caicos forward in this industry within the Islands would be the bragging rights of Turks and Caicos Islands.” having the cleanest community,” she Karen Whitt, general manager said. “Tourism defines our country; it of the Regent, said the Turks and is our life, blood, income, our way of life Caicos Islands have been promoted here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.” under the banner ‘Beautiful by Nature’ The minister said she for a really long time, and recognizing looks forward to the communities this, TCHTA started an initiative participating in this event during called TCI Shines. national tourism month and that she is Whitt said this is an islandalso looking forward to her community wide campaign that is produced twice By Brandy Laporte
INTERCARIBBEAN AIRWAYS IS SEEKING: TWO SECURITY GUARD: Must have 5 years experience Must be able to speak at least two languages Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons entering the premises. Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft ,presence of authorized persons, or unusual occurrences. Salary commence with experience. Belongers only needs to apply. Contact HR@intercaribbean.com Tel:946-4181
Blee Halligan Architects TCI Ltd.
Junior Architect/Draftsman – FULL TIME
1.Bachelors Degree In Architecture and Interior Design 2.Must have 2-4 years experience in architectural design. 3.Design qualification must cover: •Structural Detailing •MEP Detailing •Landscape Detailing •Furniture Design & Detailing
Must have advanced expertise in the following design software: •Auto-cad •Vector Works •Adobe Photoshop •Adobe Illustrator & Design •Adobe InDesign •Google Sketch-up •SU Podium •V-Ray •Competent in Microsoft and OS Software All above-mentioned skills are relevant in the use of photo realistic visualization of Infrastructure design. Must be able to work independently and in team environments under pressure of continuous deadlines. Must be able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing Salary commensurate with experience. Resumes to be submitted to: Management, Blee Halligan Architects, 3rd Floor, Raleigh House, Graceway Plaza, Providenciales. (946-4300)
Karen Whitt a year, once on Earth Day in April and then at the end of the year. She said they have done cleanup campaigns in Providenciales and Grand Turk and extended them to the other islands to join in this initiative. Whitt said that she hopes that through some of the other competitions that the tourist board and the Ministry of tourism are doing with the islands that everyone will accept the fact that “this is everybody’s business and responsibility to keep our islands beautiful by nature”. This year the campaign will take place on Saturday December 5th, starting at the Children’s Bight Park, close to the Gansevoort Hotel from 6 a.m.
Porsha Stubbs Smith Director of Environmental Health, Kenrick Neely, said that his department has been speaking to persons and letting them know that in order to have a clean community its starts with everyone, and it is not just a government initiative. Neely added that persons need to come out, support the cleanup campaign and play their part in ensuring that there community and there yards are properly cleaned. “Once we have that we will see a decrease in the mosquitoes, dengue fever, chikungunya as well as other vector born diseases and other communicable diseases in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” he added.
Labourer/Senior Hatchery Trade Wind Industries Limited, owners & operators of the Caicos Conch Farm in Leeward seeks to employ a Labourer/Senior Conch Hatchery with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the domestic cultivation of Caribbean queen conch and a familiarity with warm water fin fish. This is a 57 hour per week labor position that involves the maintenance and upkeep of conch and fish currently growing at the Caicos Conch Farm. Daily job activities include cleaning and waste removal from conch ponds / cleaning and waste removal from fish tanks / the sorting, counting, relocating and harvesting of conch and fish /general maintenance of the facility including (but not limited to) trash removal, site maintenance, repairs etc. Other related and necessary duties may be as assigned. Salary: $8.00 per hour. Send resume to: Saunders & Co, Town Centre Building, Providenciales, Attention: Caicos Conch Farm.
FLIGHT SUPPORT LTD: TWO LABOURERS Should be able to work shifts, physically capable to do hard manual labour and lift heavy equipment. Salary commensurate with experience. Belongers need only apply. Interested person should apply to HR@ intercaribbean.com via fax to HR Department 649-946-4040 No phone calls please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interview
NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Government writes off $12million in telecom taxes The Turks and Caicos Islands Government, after a hearty debate in the House of Assembly on Friday November 13th, passed a motion in the House of Assembly for the write-off of $12 million dollars in penalties for late payment of telecommunications taxes that was inadvertently overlooked for some four years. According to a Government press release: “This was, as a measure of good gesture, to the longest standing corporate citizen of these islands, LIME, and to avert any possibilities of increased rates and or downsizing that might have occurred as a result of Government enforcing such penalties on the company.” The press release said that in 2014, the Revenue Department, in conducting an audit on the telecommunications company, Hon. Washington Misick discovered that for the period June to some $13 million dollars for the 2010 to May 2014, LIME had not levied period that it remained owing to taxes on its clients for a wide range of Government, June 2010 to October taxable services which amounted to 2015. In October of this year LIME some $3.5 million dollars in back taxes and following a change in law in 2011 paid the unlevied taxes of $3.5 million penalties on those taxes accrued in an dollars on behalf of its customers but sought relief from the Government on overarching way, thereby amounting the penalties, payment of which,
Premier, Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing according to the company, would have a negative impact on its customers and ultimately its operations in the country. The Government following negotiations with LIME, agreed to a payment in the amount of $1 million dollars on the penalties and collected the full $3.5 million dollars in back
taxes which LIME has agreed not to charge to its customers. In putting forth the motion in the House of Assembly, the Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade, Hon. Washington Misick argued that Governments must be prepared to make tough decisions for the preservation of corporate partners and the business community and for the protection of jobs and citizens who could otherwise be negatively impacted in such situations. The Premier, Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, following the passage of the motion noted, “While LIME had not paid the Government on taxable services for the period mentioned, we do recognize that they themselves had not charged those taxes and we are appreciative of the gesture that they have shown the public by paying the taxes on behalf of their customers. As a Government, we cannot turn a deaf ear to the plight of companies especially to the detriment of our country and our people. Therefore, we were prepared to extend the gesture in kind in order to save the jobs of our people and to protect the customers from increased rates and to extend the existence of one of the most historic icons of our business community.”
PDM comments on Government's recent tax write-off
no land line services. The Former GM in his understandable The additional question as to support of the Government’s action whether the tax in relation to LIME sought to chide the Opposition for not The PDM rejects the petty was an existing tax which saw a seeking other avenues to obtain this politics of this PNP Government variation or a new tax left unaddressed information other than relying on the when it stated during and after the was also left unanswered and an Minister’s to take his parliamentary last week’s meeting of the House of answer will also have allowed the responsibility seriously. This Assembly that it was providing relief to Opposition to understand how was it conversation however revealed that LIME and its staff and that the PDM that LIME, its Auditors and TCIG all the explanation offered by the Minister was not supporting the write off and missed the requirement to pay this tax. in the House of Assembly was not was doing so unjustly. At the outset, This should be concerning but more correct and was in fact different from the PDM maintains that it had a right importantly should have been made that offered by the Former GM. This on behalf of the people of these Islands clearer in the interest of transparency. alone demonstrates why information to ask for more information that it can While the Minister refused to in these type exercises is crucial. make a more informed decision. provide information and to answer our The PDM received a questions, he has left LIME at risk of The PDM will never oppose Government Motion with a narrative undue criticism. Our people crave more anything good for our people or outlining a history but not complete information from this Government businesses. We have petitioned this in all the relevant information so that and this is the reason why a Freedom Government over and over in the members of Parliament could make an of Information Motion was brought to past 3 yrs on behalf of people calling informed decision. The PDM therefore combat these seem situations. for relief and mercy. The PDM is on sighted the procedure as we know it to record as supporting actions that be with regards to write offs and again Since the passage of this Motion, which brought relief to individuals and which was not followed. was initially not supported by the businesses in the tough economic The PDM in addition asked Hon John Phillips as well for lack of climate that was further worsened for supporting documentation information, Former General Manager under this Government’s heartless specifically to whose Audit (mentioned of LIME, CPA Drexwell Seymour and tax regime and it must never be said only as “audit” in the narrative) the holder of the Office during the relevant that the PDM wants to bring undue Government was relying on, the tax period has also responded and we hardship on businesses or persons. that this related to on behalf of LIME take this opportunity to address our We supported the Amnesty giving to and the tax that it related to on behalf position and the statements made by NHIP customers and will support this of Island Com. The Minister of Finance the Former GM of LIME. Government providing concessions to offered that the tax in respect of LIME A conversation between the our people who have been denied and was based on land lines and has yet Leader of the Opposition and the relief to small struggling businesses to answer what the amount of $80,000 Former GM did take place after the who have asked and been denied. write off in respect of Island Com was Debate and this conversation was For the record LIME has in respect of considering that it offered raised on his weekly show yesterday. paid the $3.5 million tax and the By the People’s Democratic Movement
Government has agreed to receive $1 million of the approximate $13 million owed in penalties for the non payment of the tax over 5 yrs since 2010. The Minister has stated that LIME did not collect the taxes from the public and that it was not aware of the need to. Tactics employed were low grade as Ministers advanced the argument that LIME will have to lay off staff from its already skeletal staff, the legal ability to go to the public and charge the people retroactively for a tax that was never charged and also that the PDM does not care about its people or business. We dismiss all of this and stand simply on the premise that this Government has a habit of taking short cuts, not following the laws/procedure, not being transparent in their dealings and seeking to make the right for more information on behalf of the people of this country for more information more political. Its failure to do things properly has caused LIME to be flung into I am certain an unwanted spotlight and has certainly given the people of this country more reason not to trust them to do the right thing. We will be doing our people a disservice if we were ever to go into Parliament and not provide the important oversight role but also if we were to vote blindly on matters without the benefit of all the relevant information.
Prison officer drugs trial postponed to next February
The drug possession trial for prison officer Dave Gray has been pushed back to next February after the court found that there has been some level of impropriety within the jury selected to hear the matter. The SUN understands that one of the jury members had been convicted and imprisoned for undisclosed offense, which would have automatically disqualified him. The infraction was not mentioned during
the jury selection but later uncovered. To that end, presiding judge Robert Shuster decided to reschedule the trial. Prison Officer Gray, who is represented by Attorney-at-law Ashwood Forbes, was arrested and charged earlier this year after marijuana was found in his possession upon escorting prisoners from Providenciales to Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk. The court was told that a
search was initiated on Gray by prison authority, separate from the regular searches, after he had returned with prisoners, when vegetable matters which later turned out to be marijuana was found in a cellular phone box he was carrying. It is said that Gray was unaware from whom he collected the package and who he was supposed to deliver it to. He was charged with possession of marijuana with intent
to supply, possession of marijuana within the prison and introduction of drugs in the prison. Gray maintained his innocence that he was not aware what was in the package. The case started on Monday, November 9, and concluded the same day after the jury impropriety was discovered. Karlo Mason of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODDP) is prosecuting the case.
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NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Foreign police officers coming to solve TCI crime
become available to them from that review.” A team of seven foreign police “The individuals I am looking officers will soon be coming to the to bring here and I haven’t really Turks and Caicos Islands to investigate completed their contract yet but they unsolved murders and serious crimes will be highly experienced detectives and also train local police officers. who are credited to the top level in a This was revealed by UK-wide modern investigation scheme. Commissioner of Police James So they are very experienced and Smith when he appeared before the providing that we can get the budget Appropriations Committee in the through in time and get the contract House of Assembly in Grand Turk, on commitment out and get them to commit November 17, 2015. because as you would understand, Smith said, “The major part until this money is appropriated I can’t of the budget around $330,000 is for commit it. So I am hoping that I can the deployment in country of a fairly get this in place for the first week in small team of seven officers who will January or the second week in January reinvestigate and review the murders and get people on island and working in the country this year. This intension flat out for 12 weeks and I’m hopeful of that is to look to see that the CID it makes a big difference. At the very officers who have carried out the least it will give us confidence in what’s investigations to date have covered being done. At best of identifying new every aspect that they might have done, leads and it wil also up scaled already that all the foreensic opportunities existing team. I think it is important to have been looked at and developed and say that training alone is not enough to to identify any new leads that might be a detective and sometimes you need By Todeline Defralien
to work alongside seasoned individuals who’ve been there seen it and put it into action and that will also be a major outcome of this expenditure,” Smith said. He added: “You understand of course I’ve haven’t been able to do anything with this except the embryonic stage until money is made available I can’t commit the resources until I have the funds but seemly bid I Commissioner of Police James Smith will be looking for that team to mentor difficult to say out and check and it the detectives that are here already to doesn’t connect to anything else. This up skill them so they are better able to machine will give us the ability to do deal with future serious crimes, so place a suspect’s fingers directly onto that is the major part of that.” a scanner, itt will be uploaded onto The Commissioner also the system will upload all our existing announced that the police will be records and will go to check when we introducing new finger printing find a thump print or a finger print at technology called Live Scan and a a scene of a crime to fit somebody that modern system smart water to help is already known to us in fast time. So identify and retrieve stolen property. that’s a major change to our ability to He said: “Live Scan is a detect offenders. We are also looking automated finger print taking machine. to spend $31,000 on a product called We currently use ink, but it is very “Smart Water to retrieve property unreliable, it gets smudged, it’s which is stolen.
A Leading duty free jeweler is currently seeking a Regional Manager to oversee the store in Grand Turk Key responsibilities:
•direct the retail operations of the store including the store’s day-to-day activities and overall strategic development; •develop and administer annual budgets; •manage and control expenditures and financial records; •oversee gemological and sales training programs; •provide advice and assistance to the company’s Directors in planning, implementation, evaluation and modification of the existing systems and procedures.
Requirements:
•Must have at least 10 years of managerial experience with a high-end jewelry/watch retailer •Knowledge of diamonds and precious stones valuation (4Cs). Qualified candidates should email info@misickstanbrook.tc; Tel: 946-4732 or fax: 946-4732. Applications must be submitted no later than Friday November 20, 2015.
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Agriculture Department threatens roaming goats’ owners with prosecution The Department of Agriculture is warning farm animal owners to secure their creatures or face prosecution. A news release issued by that department underscored the dangers it believes the roaming animals can cause or already causing to property and life, especially as it relates to the motor vehicle-travelling public. The Agriculture warns that by allow animals to roam in such a manner, contravenes the Control of Animals Ordinance. “There is a growing concern of goats and other farm animals straying, causing damage to people’s properties and endangering the driving public. This is an offense under the Control of Animals Ordinance. We are imploring all
owners of roaming farm animals to encourages such production. It said remove them from the public spaces however that it must be done in a and thoroughfares and to properly conscientious way. secure them on their property,” the “We recognized that goats Agriculture Department said in the and other farm animals are food release. animals and one of the department’s It said that if the animal thrust is to encourage livestock owners fail to comply with the production but this must be done law, they could face jail time, fined in a responsible way that does not and their animals confiscated and injure public safety,” the Agriculture disposed of. The Agriculture did not Department further disclosed. go into details as to how the animals The Agriculture would be disposed of. Department said that it is willing “Failure to comply could result in to offer technical support to those serious actions being taken against animal owners. you and your animals disposed of; “Talk to us so that we may offer you could be fined or imprisoned technical support in how to properly for such breaches,” the department raise and husband your animals. said, while acknowledging the For further information, call 946consideration that farm animals 5801,” the Department urges. are raised for food, which it In the meantime the
Agriculture Department has once again teamed up with Animal Welfare Committee and Pets Without Vets to stage a free spay and neuter clinic on Providenciales. The clinic which was scheduled to run from November 16 to 20, at Atlantic Stones System in South Dock, is part of the department’s ongoing effort to lessen the overpopulation of animals in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In the meantime, the Department and the Animal Welfare Committee are strongly urging residents to make use of this opportunity to partner with us as we aim to reduce the number of stray dogs in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
䘀伀刀 䄀䰀䰀 夀伀唀刀 䄀䐀嘀䔀刀吀䤀匀䤀一䜀 一䔀䔀䐀匀 䌀伀一吀䄀䌀吀 ⠀㘀㐀㤀⤀ⴀ㌀㌀㤀ⴀ㔀㠀㜀㤀 漀爀 䔀䴀䄀䤀䰀㨀 猀甀渀䀀猀甀渀琀挀椀⸀挀漀洀 䄀昀昀漀爀搀愀戀氀攀 刀愀琀攀猀 簀 䠀椀最栀 瘀漀氀甀洀攀 琀爀愀昀昀椀挀 簀 刀攀氀椀愀戀氀攀
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UTILITIES AND THE NEW EMERGING BUSINESS MODEL:
T
Energy for Good™
By Eddinton Powell, FortisTCI President and CEO hank you for the privilege and opportunity to address this conference.
I am reminded of former US Senator, and presidential candidate, Bob Dole’s advice for giving speeches. He called them the “the 3B’s”: Be on time, be brief, and be seated. I will endeavor to follow Bob Dole’s advice. And since this is, at heart, a regulatory conference, let me make the point right from the outset that for regulated, large, capitalintensive infrastructure businesses, like electrical utilities, having the right regulatory framework, in which to operate, is absolutely essential, not only for the success of the particular utility but the entire country. Indeed, the right framework can lead, should lead, to what is in my mind the first principle: the availability of reliable electricity. Conversely, the wrong regulatory framework leads to an economy crippled by rolling blackouts and outages. In that vein, we are proud of that fact that we provide our customers with a service level equal to 99.97% Average System Availability Index (or ASAI), the same level of reliability that is found in the United States, for example. The availability of affordable electricity is a competitive advantage for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and next to our exceptionally beautiful beaches, our location to major tourist markets in North America, and our beautiful people, the availability of electricity is a key consideration in what draws investors to our shores.
Electricity networks are incredibly complex systems, and not only are they highly capital intensive, in which huge investments are recovered over long periods of time, but they require highly skilled workers to operate. FortisTCI operates four separate stand-alone power plants and distribution systems in the country. Our service territory covers the entire Turks and Caicos archipelago of Islands. Our growing customer base consists of approximately 14,000 customers. The Turks and Caicos Islands is a high-end tourist
destination and as such requires a first-class electric utility. Moreover, we are required by regulation, and principle to provide the same level of service to the inhabitants and visitors on Salt Cay, which is by far the smallest of our operations, as we do for our customers on Providenciales. For all its critics, our current regulatory framework in the Turks and Caicos Islands has worked well. It has resulted not only in a very reliable system, on par with countries in the advanced world, but additionally, it has supported economic development and prosperity in the Turks and Caicos Islands (to the extent that the TCI is highly attractive to migrant labour from surrounding countries). It has created, and continues to create a base of skilled, knowledge-based, technical and business career professionals. Dr. Jonathan Lesser, in his 2014 report entitled, “The Role of Electricity in the Turks and Caicos Economy”, said that “In 2012, for example, the Hotels and Restaurants sector contributed over US$262 million, over onethird of the country’s US$729 million gross domestic product (GDP). Electricity meanwhile provided just over $33 million of the country’s GDP”. Bear in mind that that $33 Million is the contribution by a single company, FortisTCI. Dr. Lesser’s Report continues: “…Using the Hawaii and Puerto Rico models, we estimate that each job in the electric industry supports 1.8 additional jobs in the TCI economy. This is known as the multiplier effect. (The employment multiplier is the total of the direct jobs in the industry plus the jobs supported in the remainder of the economy.) Thus, FortisTCI supports almost 500 full-time jobs throughout the TCI economy. What’s more, although the electric industry is not the largest economic sector, the estimated employment multiplier for the industry is far larger than those of the other large contributing sectors to the TCI economy…” Finally, in his Executive Summary to the Report, Jonathan Lesser says, “But the true economic impact of TCI’s electric industry to the economy extends far beyond the additional jobs the industry creates indirectly.
Without electricity, the contribution of TCI’s tourism industry to the country’s economy would be impossible, as would most of TCI’s other major industries, such as financial services, commercial business services, and wholesale and retail trade. Quite simply, electricity is the mortar that binds together the TCI economy, and the importance of ensuring that TCI businesses and individuals can all access safe, reliable, and affordable electricity supplies is sure to increase.” End of quotation. As Governments, Policy Makers, and regulators, I urge you to be Principle-Based driven and not Destination-Based driven. By that I mean, be careful not to get swept-up in every new trend. In his book entitled “Is Reality Optional – And Other Essays”, the noted economist and commentator, Thomas Sowell said that “Much of the social history of the Western world, over the past three decades, has been a history of replacing what worked with what sounds good”.
Indeed, we now exist in a world that I call Steve Job’ism. And what I mean is that every announcement of a new gadget or idea must be accompanied by fanfare. We saw it recently with Elon Musk’s announcement of Tesla’s new Power Wall - battery storage for homes. The jury is still out on that one. Smart utilities don’t need fanfare to recognize that the electricity industry is at a crossroad. Moreover, there are few industries that are being disrupted as quickly as the electricity industry. Indeed, there is a new emerging business model that will place the customers right in the center of the electricity business, perhaps for the very first time. Smart and enlightened utilities understand that the internet of things, distributed generation, smart metering, and demand-side technologies will make the customer a powerful factor in the new equation. We also know that we have to work hard to keep our customers, and we can only accomplish that by adding value. While we do not know exactly how the industry will change in small isolated, Island
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LOCAL NEWS systems like ours, what is beyond doubt is that electricity business model in the future will look different than it does today. Customer will have more choices for energy supply, they will have more control over their consumption through the internet of things, they will become producers of energy as well as consumers of energy – hence the new buzz word ‘Prosumers’, they will become more engaged and less passive and demand far more consultation and participation. Natural Gas will play a greater role, even for small islands in the Caribbean. In the Turks and Caicos Islands, there are real possibilities for fuel diversifications in the future including LNG and CNG.
regulatory changes in the Turks and Caicos. It was this Company in 2012 that took the “bull by the horn,” and at significant expense to this Company, proposed regulatory changes that would have taken the existing framework to what the World Bank calls a Level Two Regulatory Framework. We remain ready and willing to engage in good faith, sensible, mutually beneficial regulatory reforms that will enhance regulatory certainty and independence, improve regulatory oversight, improve public transparency, modernize aspects of the Electricity Ordinance, improve customer participation, and enable grid-connected renewable energy.
Grid-connected renewable energy systems will become more ubiquitous - at the customers’ homes, through micro-grids, and utility-scale systems. Some of the latter will be utilityowned, some will be owned by Independent Power Producers (IPP’s). Clearly, this suggests an increasingly complex network that will require advanced distribution management systems and advanced demand management and response capabilities.
Also, we continue to believe that a gradual approach is the best approach, in line with the Country’s capacity to fund and operate a more robust regulatory regime. Indeed, a framework in line with the World Bank’s Level Two regulatory definition.
Utilities will become more Information and IT driven by using smart meters, by implementing mobile field-based technology, and by deploying fully integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms.
Between 2007 and 2015 we invested over 235 million dollars in the electrical infrastructure throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current plans call for approximately another 130 million dollars investments over the next five years to meet expected growth in electricity demand and to maintain existing assets.
Now, all of these changes, especially on the demand management side, will not affect all electricity customers all at once in the Turks and Caicos Islands; and electricity consumers will access these technologies differently, depending, for example on income levels, disposition to technology, and what Island they are on. Bearing in mind, for example, that electricity consumers in the Turks and Caicos Islands – like everywhere else- run the entire income spectrum, from the very wealthy, to a middle class, to a low income demographic. All of these income groups will interface with and uptake these technologies differently. What is absolutely essential, is that the regulatory framework does not pick winners and losers, or shift costs from high-income customers to lower income customers. In addition, there will be a shift in how the transportation sector interfaces with the electricity grid. Based on the breakdown of the country’s GDP, transportation accounts for approximately 50% - 60% of hydrocarbon imports. However, the advent of Electric Vehicles (so-called EV’s) will profoundly change this. The grid will increasingly serve the transportation sector. This alone will require significant investment, both in terms of standalone Photovoltaic (PV) charging stations, or to enable grid-connected charging platforms. Smart utilities embrace the new emerging business paradigm. Certainly, FortisTCI embraces this new paradigm. However, I am not sure that all stakeholders understand the enormity, the complexity, and speed of these changes. I have already made the point that the electricity regulatory framework in the TCI has enabled one of the best electricity systems in the Caribbean. Notwithstanding, FortisTCI has been at the forefront in advocating for targeted, gradual, and mutually beneficial
However, like any good, customer-focused, world-class utility, we have not sat our laurels waiting for regulatory reforms to happen.
interest, and should not reduce the safety and reliability of the electricity system. It is imperative that the utility Company is allowed to recover its legacy investments, cover its costs, and make a return commensurate with risk, and that all users of the grid do so on strict cost-to-use basis. Far too often we see in other jurisdictions that it’s the utility’s more valuable and high revenue consumers who are looking for ways to “cherry-pick” the system, because they can afford to install expensive renewable energy systems, leaving the customers that can least afford it to subsidize their standby use of the grid. Smart utilities recognize that it’s no longer business as usual. As I said, new imperatives for utility leadership include getting on the customer’s side of the meter, providing services beyond just electricity; understanding and engaging customers in ways utilities have not done before. FortisTCI is ready for the new emerging business model. We remain steadfastly committed to our Vision Statement of “Leading Today, Investing In Tomorrow.” Indeed, we argue that if we stay focused on what is best for all electricity customers, there is less risk that we will fall for replacing what works with what just sounds good. Again, thank you very much for allowing me to speak to you.
In addition, we have deepened our ties with our customers and engaged with our communities in new and profound ways. For example, just since January of 2014, we have held 46 stakeholder engagements right across the service territory; and have accommodated 16 school tours of our facilities. It is not surprising that every year, in independently conducted customer surveys, we score above 80% in customer satisfaction. Simply put, our customers trust us. We recognize that we must focus like a laser on the customers’ value proposition, and add value where it makes sense. Indeed, we must go beyond the meter. To that end, we launched our energy audit program earlier this year. I am pleased to report that the uptake of the program by our customers has been phenomenal. We are working assiduously to streamline our very convoluted supply chain, and to enhance competition, accountability and transparency in our fuel supply operations. Any savings realized from these initiatives will be passed on one hundred percent to our customers. Like all investor-owned utilities, we invest and operate our business, based on our License, the Law, and the Regulatory Framework in place at the time. That is the Regulatory Compact. We strongly believe that regulatory changes and development must be collaborative, prospective, and mutually beneficially to all stakeholders. Likewise, in a disruptive environment - like the one we are experiencing, and that will only intensify - we believe that regulatory changes should enable the orderly introduction of new technologies, and new energy sources, but that these should not increase downstream costs to customers, or subsidize special
Mr. Eddinton Powell
FortisTCI President & CEO Turks & Caicos Islands
Organization of Caribbean Utilities Regulators 13TH OOCUR Annual Conference October 28 – 30, 2015
Speech delivered at the Organization of Caribbean Utilities Regulators 13th Annual Conference October 28 - 30, 2015.
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We hire smiles!!! Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond All-inclusive property in the Caribbean is inviting applications from Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions. We hire the personality and train the individual. Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends. The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that applicants will be contacted for an interview via Text Message. The Public Relations Department requires:
Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa has administrative/ clerical positions in the following departments:
•Media Specialist Requirements include but are not limited to: o University Degree (BA/BS: Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising or equivalent preferred) o Must be able to produce clear, concise and effective Press Releases o Must have strong creative thinking process for story generation and strong copyrighting skills and creative story writing. o Must have strong drive to promote and maintain Sandals Foundation outreach projects—Education, Community & Environments o Basic design skills in relevant software o Understanding of Public Relations and the Principles of Marketing (advertising, sales promotion etc.)
•Human Resources •Food and Beverage •Kitchen •Cost Control •Environmental Health and Safety •Housekeeping Requirements include but are not limited to: o Associates Degree of higher o Proficient in Excel and Word o Experience with report generation and meeting deadlines o Experience in at least one of the following areas: o Payroll o Inventory o Inspections and audits o Confidential o Time management skills
The rate for the positions listed above is $7.00 to $13.00 an hour. The Watersports Department requires:
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $12.00 an hour.
•Watersports Manager •Dive Shop Manager •Assistant Dive Shop Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience managing Beach, Pool, and Waterpark operations (Watersports Mgr.) o Experience managing a Dive shop operation o Ability to up and cross sell o PADI certification to dive o PADI certification to teach instructors o First Aid Certification
Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa requires individuals with clean valid driver’s licenses in the following departments: •Housekeeping •Front Office •Entertainment Requirements include but are not limited to: o Customer Service skills o Experience with keeping to schedules o Proactive with intuitive o Physically Fit
The salary for the positions listed above ranges from $28,000.00 to $45,000.00 per annum
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $7.00 an hour.
The Project Department requires:
The Rooms Division Department requires:
•Construction Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Monitor the various constructor projects on property o Manage and monitor outside crew working on site o Ensure the correct materials are delivered and are being used in the project o Computer literate o Experience with report generation o Physically fit
•Receptionist/ Front Office Agent •Concierge Agent Requirements include but are not limited to: o Background in customer service o Ability to go above and beyond for guest •Bellman •Junior Concierge (previous titled Minibar Stocker/Attendant) Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically Fit o Outgoing and friendly attitude o Clean driver’s license
The rate for the position listed above is $8.00 to $15.00 an hour. The Dining Room and Bar Departments requires:
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 an hour.
•Server (Waiter/Waitress) Requirements include but are not limited to: o One year’s experience in a restaurant with seating for over 100 persons an asset. o No allergies to any foods o Physically fit •Beach and Pool Server •Bar Porter •Bartender Requirements include but are not limited to: o Excellent customer service skills o Knowledge of wines mixing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
The Housekeeping Department requires: •Linen Room Attendant •Room Attendants/ Domestic Worker •Housemen •Public Area Attendants/ Cleaner Requirements include but are not limited to: o One year’s experience in a hotel environment an asset. o Physically fit The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 an hour.
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 an hour. Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or placed in the secure drop box at the service gate or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn
The Labour Commissioner Labour Department Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
and
The Human Resources Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186 Lower Bight Road
and should reach not later than December 4th 2015
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LOCAL NEWS
‘Music is Life’ Foundation fund-raising beach party a huge success
By Todeline Defralien
Over the weekend the newly formed ‘Music is Life’ foundation staged its first fund-raising event, which was an all-day beach party called Sand Jam 2015. The event took place at the Flamingo Café in Grace Bay, on Saturday November 14th, 2015, with a massive crowd of locals and tourists supporting this cause. Headlining the event was Roots Rock Reggae Star “Might Mystic”. The day also featured performances by many local performers such as V6 Band, Keno & Kaz, Elroy & Daz, Albernika Williams and the Clement Howell & Long Bay Hills School Choirs. The ‘Music is Life’ is a programme founded to provide youths more opportunity to explore and develop their musical talent. The goal of the foundation is to provide opportunities through funding and exposure to those who so deserve it with their first beneficiary will be Clement Howell. Co- founder of the ‘Music is Life’ foundation Ms. Karen Whitt told The SUN that the event exceeded their expectations.
“It was an amazing turn out, and everything just fell into place beautifully,” she said. “The weather cooperated. It was a gorgeous day. I think that the community responded in such a favorable way. Everyone really seemed like they were having a good time. We had persons there for the whole afternoon, well into the evening, and from what we can tell, the feedback had just been phenomenal. The people had a great time. There were no negative incidents. It was without any sort of negativity, and I think the sponsors were very happy.” Whitt added: “The performances were outrageous. Honestly, from early in the day we kicked off with Prime Dj’s and of course they’re always ahead of the party at every event. They really turned up the crowd, but I think all of the local performers they had a lot of fun for sure. The setting was really nice, wholesome setting on Grace Bay beach, I’m not sure if there’s an event like this has ever been done before in Grace Bay beach. It seemed like everybody was in such good spirits and really on top of their game. I just take my hats off to all the local performers because they really got up there and had a good time. They were so engaged
with the crowed everybody was really She said it was joyful and heartfelt, in a fantastic mood and there were adding that they were so passionate lots of sunshine, smiles, laughter and about what they were doing that it people just really having a nice time gave her great pleasure to have been and enjoying such a nice setting.” involved with the event, especially She continued: “The Mighty knowing that it will be benefiting Mystic band did a great performance, those kids. and I think that they are fast becoming a favorite among many of the locals. They really did a lot, not only during the show but they came and extended themselves in a very big way to Providenciales. They spent time on Friday (November 13th) with the high school kids at Clement Howell, then they did a small teaser at Fish Fry. They came in here and made their way around and they also did a VIP performance on Friday night at Royal West Indies. You could never want a better group to work with in terms of just extending themselves into the community and they really assisted us with promotion and the outreach and so forth.” Whitt said that one of the highlights for her on Saturday, without question, was the performance of the Clement Howell High School choir. She said that those kids can sing extremely well and there is so much talent within that group and Co- founder of the ‘Music is Life’ Foundation Ms. they were singing from their hearts Karen Whitt
AMBERGRIS CAY FACILITIES LTD POSITION AVAILABLE
Ambergris Cay Facilities Ltd is seeking a suitable applicant to fill an available post on Ambergris Cay ON A MONTH TO MONTH BASIS. The available post is for a HOUSEKEEPER
WATERLOO HOTEL MANAGEMENT LIMITED
Job Summary:
Alexandra Resort, Blue Haven Resort & Marina and the Beach House
•Assisting the Housekeeping Team with daily housekeeping duties. •Cleaning of guest’s homes, staff dormitories, offices. •Ensuring that the housekeeping area is kept in a tidy manner at all times. •Clean and maintain all housekeeping equipment as required. •The Employee will operate in the safest possible manner at all times. •Requirements - Applicants must be and or have: •At least ten (10) years of experience in Housekeeping •A high school diploma or equivalent •Attentive to details and self-motivated •Able to understand and speak English fluently •Able to work with little or no supervision •Physically fit, dependable and hard working •In possession of clean police record and valid TCI Driver’s License •Able to understand and follow policies and procedures of the department •Required to work and live on Ambergris Cay with rotated weekends off. Salary Scale: $8.00 per hour paid fortnightly. Closing Date for Applications is Friday December 11, 2015 Applications must be addressed to:
Ambergris Cay Services Ltd. Unit 51, Salt Mills Plaza, Grace Bay Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands E-mail: burkley.malcolm@ambergristci.com Tel: (649)-941-3777 Fax: (649)-941-3778
We are seeking to employ, suitably qualified and experienced hospitality professionals in the positions listed below. Our ideal candidate should have an outstanding command of the English language, written and oral, strong communication and excellent customer service skills. Salary for these positions will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Engineering & Grounds •Chief Engineer •Landscaping/Grounds Manager •Maintenance Manager •Electricians •Maintenance/Room Technicians •Carpenter Helper Food and Beverage •Restaurant Maintenance Technician •Executive Sous Chefs •Asst. Restaurant Manager •Restaurant Supervisors •Sous Chefs •Head Chefs •Raw Bar Cooks •Line Cooks •Bartenders •Hostess •Servers •Pool and Beach Servers •Food Runners •Stewards (Overnight)
Accounting/Administration •Hospitality Financial Controllers •Hospitality Accountants •Human Resources Assistant •Storeroom Associate •Cost Control Clerks •Purchasing Personnel Guest Services •Senior Guest Services Agents •Airport Greeter •Receptionist Spa •Spa Director/Manager •Spa Therapists Loss Prevention •Loss Prevention Manager •Loss Prevention Supervisors •Senior Loss Prevention Officers Rooms Division •Rooms Supervisors •Room Attendants •Housemen •Public Area Attendants
Interested persons may contact our HR department Mon. – Fri. from 9am-3pm via telephone number 946-5807 or you may submit your resume with qualifications and experience to: cgibbons@wihl.com
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LOCAL NEWS
Maranatha holds annual merit awards ceremony
Maranatha Academy's 14th Annual Merit Awards Ceremony was held on Thursday, October 15, 2015. Our guest speaker was TeAndra Thomas, Past Student,and First Female Mechanical Engineer in the Turks and Caicos Islands, employed to FORTIS, TCI. Students were awarded with medals and cash prizes for outstanding performance. The
top ten achievers (in no particular order) were: Gabriel Clayton, Renard Brown, Patrice Talaro, Shantay Smith, Zaria Ingham, Aisha Waziri, Micah Dean, Kristina Toomer, William Elliott Jr, and Ketani Marajah. Various companies were also acknowledged and awarded for their contribution towards the development of the school.
East Bay Resort
A construction Site in South Caicos requires the following: An Electrician Requirement: Applicants must have at least three (3) years of experience in the area and must be prepared to live in South Caicos. Salary $900.00 weekly depending on experience. Interested applicants should send CV and Cover Letter to: The Project Manager Fax: 946-3611 ADVERTISEMENT FOR AIRPORT REPRESENTATIVE Flight support Limited is seeking a candidate to fill the position as An Airport Representative. The successful candidate must have the following qualities, knowledge and experience: 5 years or more experience of working in the airline industry with current and specific knowledge of ground handling services. Ability to work on weekend and holidays Excellent command of the English both written and verbal. Experience in working with ground handling services of customer services and ramp operations Ability to supervise and schedule team members to provide efficient services Ability and working knowledge of providing strategic planning for operational and aviation maintenance methods. Excellent knowledge of human behavior and performance, ability to supervise and motivate team to work to achieve organization’s goals. Ability to work independently and with others to solve problems Detailed orientated Can establish good working relationships with internal and external customers.
HEAD OF CIVIL LITIGATION An experienced Civil Litigator is required for a firm based in Providenciales The successful candidate must have at least 15 years experience and must demonstrate experience and knowledge of having dealt independently with all matters relating to civil practice, litigation and employment law dispute resolution. Must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written and be capable of production of documents and forms as required. Must have vehicle and driving license. The applicant must be able to work overtime when required. References will be required. Remuneration based on experience. Applications must be submitted no later than Friday November 20 2015 to Employment Department F Corporate & Management Services Limited Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-941-4777
TRADE WIND INDUSTRIES LTD. JOB OPPORTUNITY
Labourer The Caicos Conch Farm in Leeward seeks to employ one Labourer with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the domestic cultivation of Caribbean queen conch and a familiarity with warm water fin fish. This is a 57 hour per week labor position that involves the maintenance and upkeep of conch and fish currently growing at the Caicos Conch Farm. Daily job activities include cleaning and waste removal from conch ponds / cleaning and waste removal from fish tanks / the sorting, counting, relocating and harvesting of conch and fish / repairs and maintenance to off-shore conch pens. 50% of this job is spent in sea water and applicants need to be expert swimmers and skilled at working underwater with a snorkel. Other duties include general maintenance of the facility including (but not limited to) trash removal, site maintenance and repairs etc.
Compensation Commensurate at $8.00 per hour.
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LOCAL NEWS
National Heritage Celebrations: A Cultural Jubilee in North Caicos By Marguerite Anderson National Heritage Month celebrations continued this past weekend with its two-day festivities held at Horse Stable Beach Complex in North Caicos on Saturday October 24th and on Sunday October 25th. The theme, “Living our Culture- Securing our Heritage” was mirrored in the entertainment, the cuisine, the craftwork, the music and other aspects of the weekend’s festivities. District Commissioner for North Caicos, Ms. Cynclair Musgrove spearheaded what has been labeled as the best Heritage celebrations ever. Caribbean Cruisin ferry service, in addition to other privately own boats docked at Sandy Point and at Horse Stable Beach respectively, on Saturday morning with countless visitors who came from the various islands to join in on the celebrations. Premier, the Honorable Dr. Rufus Ewing and Minister Porsha StubbsSmith were among those who came to witness North Caicos’ display of culture at its best. The visitors docked at 10am in Sandy Point and were greeted by cultural character, Smyles, the Turks Head Cactus along with the cheerful smiles of Liesha Smith and North Caicos’ District Commissioner, Cynclair Musgrove, both of whom were dressed in national costume. Singer/ Songwriter, Lovey Forbes complemented the welcoming party with live island music as guided bus tours awaited to take the guests on an entertaining, educational tour to
historic sites such as Cottage Pond, Wades Green Plantation and finally to Flamingo Pond. The tour ended with a visit to the Farmers Market where there was a rich display of the produce grown on North Caicos- the garden island of TCI. This was just the topping as what followed next was an explosive Festival of Arts at the Horse Stable Beach Complex where students from the various schools in North Caicos celebrated the richness of TCI’s culture through drama, folk song, folk dance and folk lore. Representing were the three government schools on North Caicos: the Charles Hubert James Primary, Adelaide Oemler Primary and Raymond Gardiner High. Students from various schools and aspiring writer Pat Williams performed poetry that depicted the passion and life-style of North Caicos people. The Performing Arts Club of the Raymond Gardiner High School presented a skit which contrasted the past and the present, taking the audience on a nostalgic journey into the life of the typical child who had to rise early each morning to mill the corn, gather wood/coal, tote water, and carry out other customary duties before going to school. This scenario was juxtaposed with a modern day student whose only task before going to school was to check in on social media, decide what she was having for breakfast and decide what her plans would be for the day. There was maypole dancing done by students of Adelaide Oemler Primary and lively
folk dance by both primary schools. The jubilee heightened with the Corn Shock Rushers giving their usual riveting, pulsating Junkanoo parade. Patrons also had the opportunity to drop in on the various stalls with a variety of displays such as jewelry, paintings, food, island spices, medicinal plants, and souvenirs all produced right on the island of North Caicos by locals. North Caicos native and painter, Israel Forbes was among those who showcased their work at the cultural stalls. Forbes spoke of his passion for painting and how he got started in the nineties when he did more wide-scale paintings. Many of his canvasses capture images of the flamingo and other native creatures. His art depicts sceneries of the unspoilt “Beautiful by Nature”, Turks & Caicos Islands. Smyles (better known to patrons as the Turks Head Cactus) is another native of the island, who showcased his work at Saturday’s cultural event held at the Horse Stable Beach Complex. His works of art and craft are intricately woven or sculpted from natural and organic products of the Turks & Caicos Islands. In an interview with Smyles, he voiced that he would love to inspire and to inculcate in students a passion for the rich resources at their fingertips so that they, in turn, will do something for themselves, as young aspiring entrepreneurs. GOSPEL CONCERT & AWARDS CEREMONY The Heritage festivities culminated in a grand gospel concert on Sunday
October 25th. At this event, ten natives of North Caicos were given special recognition for their contribution to the community. Among these honorees was pilot, the late Donnie Gardiner who was awarded posthumously. Other honorees were Lewellyn Handfield, Courtney Missick, Curalena Phillips, Yvette Handfield, Albert Higgs, Mac Campbell, Clifford Gardiner, Ms. Perline Handfield and Jamaican born, Ms. Rhoda Jones who has become a much loved figure in the community. The concert featured the Gospel Pioneers, the longest running gospel group in the Turks & Caicos. There were also musical selections from Pastor Courtney Missick, from students of the Raymond Gardiner High School’s Performing Arts Club and also from the Music Department. The show opened with a song from a group of talented boys from the Charles Hubert James Primary School. Their thrilling vocal rendition set the stage for an evening of amazing entertainment from students and adults in the community. Worship, being so largely engrained in the culture of Turks & Caicos, took wings when The Gospel Pioneers had patrons on their feet, dancing to the line-up of songs performed on Sunday night. Ms. Cynclair Musgrove must be commended for a job well-done. The festival was without a doubt a cultural explosion and those who missed it are still left with regret after being regaled with a colorful account of the two-day festivities.
Chanting Our Culture By Lea-Beima Dorestein
Did you hear that! Those hollowed-cylinder drums beating? That ‘gritty-gritty’ rake scraping? While we, soaked with sweat, ‘mash’ that roach As the climax of the fete we approach? We twirl and gyrate In that rainbow-colored garment of ours Bringing forth our islands, While we dance and ‘carry on bad’ For hours and hours
From junkanoos to Maskanoos To Conch Fest and Crab Fest But when the body cry out ‘’enough!’’ And the back pain gets too rough, It needs to be loved and caressed That’s when we stroll on our prizewinning, Beaches and sand Indulging the beauty of the Island Heather, While we gaze in awe At the Brown Pelican Woven Baskets And straw hats are we;
While we sing ‘’I love North Caicos This Island is for me!’’ We live to tell of the Arawaks and Amerindians While we embrace the Dominicans, Jamaicans and Haitians. Turks and Caicos is securing its heritage, We are living our culture. Keeping clean and tidy by choice, For God made us beautiful by Nature.
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3 rd
Annual Sister Sister friendship, beauty & love dinner S ister Sister Organisation held its 3rd annual friendship dinner on Friday, November 13th, 2015 at the Grace Bay Club in Providenciales. The sold-out event which was a resounding success with over 150 ladies attended the event, and also saw attendance by males, was hosted by Lillian Boyce (Founder/ Executive Director) of Sister Sister TCI. This year the event was hosted under the Theme “A Night of Queens”, with special guest speaker Mrs. Sabrina Elizabeth Green. Opening remarks were made by Lillian Boyce (Founder & Executive Director of Sister Sister), opening prayer by Minister Karen Bernade, performances by Robyn Hinds and Edwardson Jean, and a poem by Holly Missick. Greetings were done by Her Excellency Deputy Governor. Hon. Anya Williams, PS of finance Athenee Harvey, Cynclair Musgrove and Deputy Speaker Hon. Josephine Connolly. The
passing of the baton for Little Sister, the youth arm of Sister Sister, was given to Olincia Missick. Proceeds from the event will be going to PACE (Poverty Alleviation Citizen Empowerment) for children Christmas gifts. Lillian Boyce Founder & Executive Director said, “We promote and encourage friendship because we know how important it is for women, yet difficult to maintain so it is important to celebrate and highlight it every possible time we can. I want to thank all of the sisters for their enthusiasm and it was exciting once again to see so many of you. To everybody who came to support as we close out our year, I want to say season’s greetings to all and best wishes to a successful new year.” Many of those who attended the function felt so fulfilled that they went on Facebook and other social media to share their compliments. These photographs capture the event.
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NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
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Christmas Trees Arrive Nov. 28!
3
1
8 FULL DAYS!
lb
79
lb
Hams
3 lb
79
4
10 lb pkg
2/
9 oz pkg,
Yoplait Go-Gurt
18 oz pkg
12 oz pkg
Pockets
Assorted
00 Hot
9 meat department
Shoppers Value Ice Cream
Assorted Varieties
128 oz pail,
frozen department
3/
6
4/
7 2/
5 2/ 7
La Yogurt
Sunny D
6/
Assorted Varieties
6 oz ctn,
6
64 oz btl
99 2/
IGA Cheese Singles
IGA Gallon Milk
Yellow Corn
Celery
30 ct
Chicken Leg Quarters
Bar S Chicken Franks
Russet Potatoes
4 lb bag
4/
Yellow Onions
3 lb bag
Sweet Potatoes
Brussel Sprouts
1 lb bag
Cello Carrots
2 lb bag
lb
5 2/ 6 20 1 3/ 5 4/
7 2/
00
12
Ripe Pineapples
(Satsumas)
Tangerines
5 lb bag
8 FULL DAYS!
2 2/ 4
2
00
6
2/
8 2/
7
2/
Ocean Spray Cranberries
12 oz pkg
Florida Oranges
4 lb pkg
Gala Apples
3 lb bag
produce department
11 5 prices effective friday, november 20 thru friday, november 27, 2015
59 Spiral
lb
19
2
Frozen Turkeys
All Sizes!
AT
Wrapped Slices
12 oz pkg,Individually
7
2/
IGA Spread
45 oz ctn
Assorted
7
2/
Hill Medium Eggs
18 ct ctn
dairy department
Only the Finest Quality Produce, Deli and Meat will do!
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Picnic Hams
Butterball Turkey
20-22 lb avg
WE HAVE A FULL SELECTION OF TURKEYS AND HAMS!
SERVICE, VARIETY AND TRUST
Thank you
OPEN 7 AM TO 10 PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK
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LOCAL NEWS
7
2/
Suavitel
All Varieties
50 oz btl,
Top Job Bleach
00
Brawny or Awesome! Paper Towels
Quilted Northern Tissue or Scott Extra Soft Tissue
00
8 roll
10
2/
Nestlé Water
28 pk, .5 ltr btls
Libby’s Vegetables
12 roll
Fabuloso All Purpose Cleaner
56 oz
6
2/
5
3/
8 10 10
2/
4
2/
Libby’s Corned Beef
12 oz can
Distinction UHT Milk
32 oz
3 99 21
Vo5 Shampoo & Conditioner
12.5 oz btl
Suave Shampoo & Conditioner
12 oz btl
Crest Toothpaste
6.4 oz, 4 Different Flavors
Arrid Solid Deodorant
2.6 oz
3 2/
4 2/
6 2/
2/
5
7 2/
Equaline Mouth Rinse
42 oz btl, All Flavors
8 FULL DAYS!
(12 bottles)
on all 750 ml Wines
ount
%
PLACE YOUR ORDERS EARLY!
99
79
10-12 lb avg with 2 lbs Stuffing, 2 lbs Broccoli and 1 Dozen Dinner Rolls
29 2 9
89999
lb
99 9 9
4
Turkey Dinner
Chocolate Cake
Quarter Sheet
White or Butter Rolls
dozen
2 0 Case Disc
9
2/
5
4/
Pumpkin or Apple Pies
8 Inch, 22 oz
prices effective friday, november 20 thru friday, november 27, 2015
Palmolive Dish Detergent
25 oz btl
10
2/
Xtra Liquid Detergent
128 oz
4
2/
5
5/
15 oz can, Corn, Cut Green Beans or Peas
5 Whole Baked Turkeys
10-12 lb avg
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
PRICES GOOD WHILE QUANTITIES LAST. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES.
00
3
Hawaiian Red Punch
128 oz btl
2/
5
Old Orchard Juice
64 oz btl, Apple Cranberry, Apple Raspberry, Apple Kiwi, Apple Cherry, Ruby Red
75 oz btl
4
2/
Mueller’s Ready Cut Macaroni
16 oz pkg
Distinction Evaporated Milk
410 gram
4 2/
Jack Frost Sugar
Robin Hood Flour
2/
4 lb bag
2 lb bag
hbc department
IGA Cranberry Sauce
10
2/
9
2/
Wesson Vegetable or Canola Oil
48 oz btl
deli/bakeryy dep department partment
14 oz can, Jellied & Sliced
Kellogg’s Cereal
Frosted Flakes
Froot Loops, Apple Jacks,
00
10
21.5 oz box Corn Pops,
Riceland Rice
20 lb pkg
grocery department
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Highlights of the First Annual Sand Jam 2015 T
he first Annual Sand by Roots Rock Reggae Jam 2015 all day Star ‘Mighty Mystic’, also beach-party was a huge featuring performances success. Held at Rickie’s by local performers such Flamingo Café last week as V6 Band, Keno & Kaz, Saturday November 14th, Elroy & Daz, Albernika 2015, this event gained Williams and the Clement a massive turnout with Howell & Long Bay Hills a mixture of locals and School Choirs. tourist supporting this Organizers of the event said great cause. that the event exceeded The most anticipated their expectations. The beach party of the year following are photo saw performance highlights of the event.
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HEALTHY
LIFESTYLE
Many children with cancer McDonald's operator sued after were born at risk: U.S. study diners exposed to hepatitis A
Gene sequencing of more than 1,000 children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer found that as many as 8.5 percent were born with genes that increase their risk of developing cancer, U.S. researchers said on Wednesday. Of the children with cancer risk genes, only 40 percent came from families with a known history of cancer, suggesting that family history was not a strong predictor of childhood cancers, the researchers reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. "This paper marks an important turning point in our understanding of pediatric cancer risk and will likely change how patients are evaluated,” Dr. James Downing of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, who worked on the study, said in a statement. Downing and colleagues said the findings make the case for comprehensive
genetic sequencing of pediatric cancer patients, looking at both healthy tissue and tumor tissue. Such data could be used to manage a child's care, and also to counsel other family members, including siblings, who may be at risk. In an editorial published in the same journal, Dr. John Maris of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia said the study "provides firm ground on which to reconsider how to approach the pediatric patient with cancer." In the study, researchers sequenced both tumor and normal tissues from 1,120 children with cancer and found that 8.5 percent had cancer risk genes within their normal tissue that increased their risk of developing cancer. By comparison, only about 1 percent of individuals in the general population carried those mutations. "Insurance companies often initially refuse to pay for this kind of
genetic testing. However, this paper shows the importance of genetic testing in childhood cancer," said Dr. Jaime Vengoechea, a geneticist at Emory University who was not involved with the research. Richard Wilson of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, who contributed to the study, said experts have long suspected that many childhood cancers could be traced to a genetic predisposition, and now the findings confirm it. "Our results explain why children, who have not lived long enough to accumulate a critical number of cancer-causing mutations, can still develop cancer,” he said. Dr. David Bailey, chief executive officer of Nemours Children’s Health System, who was not involved with the study, called it "a seminal paper that raises the awareness of folks outside the oncology world about the need for testing.”
A customer sued the operator of a McDonald's restaurant in Waterloo, New York, on Wednesday after diners were exposed to food and drinks prepared by a worker with hepatitis A, the virus that causes contagious liver infections. The lawsuit was filed in New York state court in Seneca County against Jascor Inc. It seeks class-action status for potentially affected customers, who plaintiffs said could number more than 1,000. Representatives from Jascor could not immediately be reached for comment. Most McDonald's restaurants are operated by franchisees rather than McDonald's Corp. The Seneca County Health Department on Nov. 13 confirmed a
case of hepatitis A in a food service worker at the Waterloo McDonald's. Public health officials said diners had a low risk of contracting the illness, but urged those who had consumed food and/or drinks from the restaurant on Nov. 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8 to consider treatments if they were not previously vaccinated against hepatitis A. Christopher Welch, the plaintiff in the lawsuit, purchased and consumed products from the restaurant on at least one day when the infected worker was on duty, according to the lawsuit. A food worker with hepatitis A can contaminate food, drinks, utensils and dishes by failing to wash his or her hands after going to the bathroom
The sign for McDonald's in Times Square
Moderate coffee drinking may be tied to lower risk of death People who drink coffee daily, even up of coffee reduces the risk of diabetes to four cups per day, are less likely to and cardiovascular disease,” Hu told die from heart disease, neurological Reuters Health by phone. disease, type 2 diabetes or suicide than “People who are already drinking it others, according to a new study. should continue to enjoy it, but for Researchers did not test how upping people who don’t drink it or don’t like coffee consumption would change it, there’s no particular reason to start health outlooks, so they cannot conclude for the sole reason of health,” he said. that coffee “causes” a decreased risk of Hu and his coauthors studied the death. Rather, they looked at death association of coffee intake – caffeinated, trends in groups with varying amounts decaffeinated, or both - and risk of of coffee consumption. death based on self-reported coffee “The main takeaway is that regular habits of more than 160,000 women in consumption of coffee can be the Nurses’ Health Study and Nurses’ incorporated into a healthy diet,” said Health Study 2 and 40,000 men in the senior author Dr. Frank Hu of the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Harvard School of Public Health in Every four years, participants in these Boston. studies filled out questionnaires on “There is no evidence of harm of lifestyle factors, including how often regular consumption in terms of they usually consumed caffeinated chronic disease risk or mortality, and or decaffeinated coffee, ranging from consistent evidence that consumption never to six or more times per day.
The researchers had data on the participants from the mid-1980’s or early 1990’s through 2012. During that time, 19,524 women and 12,432 men died. Those who reported drinking one to five cups of any type of coffee per day were less likely to have died during followup than those who did not drink coffee, the authors reported in Circulation. Death from heart disease, neurological disease and suicide was less common among moderate coffee drinkers than among others, but there was no relationship with deaths from cancer, the researchers found. “The benefit in terms of mortality is very small,” and leveled out at four to five cups per day, Hu said. For diabetes and cardiovascular disease, caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee seem to have similar effects, so
the benefits may be due to compounds in the coffee other than caffeine, he said. “Coffee of course is a complex beverage, it’s really difficult or impossible to pinpoint the ingredients that are responsible,” Hu said. But for neurodegenerative disease, depression and suicide, most likely the benefits are due to caffeine, he said. “For people who drink a lot of soda or sugary beverages, coffee would be a good alternative,” he said. “I don’t think we have data to recommend one type of coffee against other options,” or to recommend an exact amount of coffee, given that taste is very individualized and some people are more sensitive to caffeine, he said. Regular drinkers should still be aware of the amount of sugar and calories added to their drinks, he said.
Videogame maker says study shows its game helps manage ADHD symptoms
Children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) show signs of improvement after playing a videogame for 30 minutes a day rather than taking a pill, the U.S. company developing the treatment said on Wednesday. Diagnoses for ADHD have risen in recent decades, and some 9.5 percent of children aged 3-17 in the United States had the condition in 2012, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Children in the pilot study 80 aged between eight and 12, half of which had ADHD - showed improved working memory and levels of attention, and some parent ratings of symptoms also rose, according to the results presented at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry's 62nd annual meeting. The company, Akili Interactive Labs, said it would now "move full steam ahead" into a full randomized trial, that if successful would support
a filing with U.S. regulator, the FDA. Labs, said the videogame might also be Medicating the condition is used in conjuction with medication. big business, with Shire - a leading Called Project EVO, the game maker of ADHD drugs, including is designed to improve a child's ability Vyvanse - saying there were 63 million to process "cognitive interference" prescriptions for the condition in the or multiple streams of information United States last year, with just - potentially helping problem solving under half for children. ability, working memory and attention, Shire is an investor in Akili Martucci said. Interactive Labs, which was founded In the game, the player has to by start-up investor PureTech Health. steer a character down a river while Eddie Martucci, co-founder making decisions about objects that and chief executive of Akili Interactive appear on screen.
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NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
DPP, Police heading for a showdown The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are heading on a collision course after the ODDP said it might refuse to prosecute cases not in accordance with its established standards. The ODPP, which is headed by John Masters, said that while that office does not have a monopoly on prosecuting alleged offenders, it is the primary agency responsible for carrying out that role. As a result of the decision taken by the ODPP, investigators will now have to dot all there I’s and cross all their T’s if they intend to see justice done on behalf of victims of crime. But some are already detesting what they described as the autocratic way in which Masters was going about implanting the measures. “I don’t think that the highhandedness with which the DPP is handling the matter can be beneficial to any one of the parties. It is bound to breed resentment and cause friction between that office and certain sections of the police department,” said a source, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the matter. Efforts to reach Deputy Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams did not materialize before press time. “Whilst acknowledging that the ODPP cannot interfere with the discretion to charge, there is the real risk that if charging advice has not been requested or charges are not laid in accordance with that advice, that the ODPP will either refuse to assume carriage of the prosecution or once apprised will discontinue a case. The ODPP will rarely allow a case to proceed which does not at the time of the charge, based on the evidence, have a reasonable prospect of conviction,” a statement from the ODPP said. The decision taken, according to the ODPP, is in line with its newly established set of investigations and prosecution protocols, which dictates that investigators consult that office before slapping accused with certain charges. “This protocol is designed to ensure that when the ODPP is to have carriage of a prosecution that the file is ready to advance. It aims to identify those cases worthy of prosecution and ensure that they progress through the courts most efficiently. Prosecution
Director of Public Prosecution, John Masters starts from the stage of the first report which is usually undertaken by police or another investigative body such as the Environmental Authority,” the ODPP statement further said. The ODPP said also that the thrust of the protocol is to have charges agreed by both the investigative and prosecuting authority, adding that bringing an offender to justice requires the cooperation of the investigating body and the ODPP. It said that precharge advice protocol is designed to reflect the mutual respect and recognition of the importance of each step of bringing an offender to justice. “Ideally it is the aim of this protocol on first appearance, wherever possible, to have a full electronic brief, akin to a sufficiency hearing brief, served on the defendant. This should result in early guilty pleas and only advance those worthy to trial. The ODPP is asserting that officers should not charge suspects with certain crime without first seeking what it deems pre-charge advice. “The basic rule is that police should not be charging suspects with indictable offences/ offences which involve domestic violence, without the approval of a prosecutor from the ODPP,” the statement further noted. “The Officer in the Case (OIC) must collate all evidence and when satisfied that there is sufficient
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evidence, to mount a prosecutor, fill in the Request for Charging Advice Form (CP-01) and include the charges recommended. The OIC must also provide a summary of the case as part of the file. The OIC will then refer the CP-01 and the electronic file to the designated gatekeeper. “The Gatekeeper (GK) will consider the file and recommendations and do one of the following - refer the matter back to the OIC (supervisor, central point of contact, case files unit) to complete any work that the GK suggests; or endorse comments and recommendations onto CP-01. “Where the matter is referred back to the OIC, (supervisor, central point of contact, case files unit) upon completion of the additional tasks, confirm in writing what work has been undertaken or why it could not or should not be done and resubmit to the GK. The GK will then follow paragraph 3.1. “Upon endorsing comments and recommendations onto CP-01, the CP-01 together with the electronic file will be forwarded to the case file manager (CFM) of the ODPP,” the statement said. A heading that the ODPP referred to as ‘Disagreements’, applies when a prosecutor decides there is insufficient evidence to charge a suspect with an offence or, in a case referred because the police believe the ‘threshold test’ should be applied where the prosecutor decides that a remand in custody is not appropriate. “If the OIC, after considering the written advice, disagrees with that decision then s/he can refer the issue to the GK. If the GK also believes, after reading the written advice, that the decision is wrong he may ‘Appeal’ against the decision and the advice file will be reviewed personally by the Director of Public Prosecutions or (in his absence) a member of the Senior Management Team,” the statement further noted. The ODDP said that in the case of a pretrial when a suspect is in custody, the OIC, through supervisor, who should be the point of contact for the case files unit, will contact the principal public Prosecutor or PPP, who will identify an available prosecutor, to provide the charging advice. “The OIC (through supervisor, point of contact, case files unit) will then submit the file electronically to the CFM (case file manager) who will
forward it immediately to the allocated prosecutor by placing it into the AP (assigned prosecutor) subfolder. “The AP will contact the OIC by telephone and provide charging advice in accordance with this protocol using the ‘threshold test’ where appropriate. The oral advice provided will be confirmed by written advice as soon as practicable thereafter on the appropriate form (CP-02),” the ODPP further asserted. The ODPP added: “Where a defendant is charged in accordance with the pre charge advice received from a prosecutor, the police will submit the prosecution file electronically with the contents and in the order stipulated in the pre charge advice. “The PPP should formally assign a case to the prosecutor that provided the pre-charge advice for the purpose of management of the prosecution case. This prosecutor will conduct any trial that occurs at the Supreme Court. “Before the first hearing in the Magistrates Court the person allocated to conduct the Court at which the first hearing will occur (if different) will review the file and ensure that the charges have been laid in accordance with the advice and that the documents specified to be included in the file have been supplied and in order to conduct the first hearing.” The ODDP said that summaryonly cases and cases charged before the pre-charge protocol took effect will already be charged by the police. “Before the first hearing in the Magistrates Court, the prosecutor assigned to conduct that court will review each file and complete a file review (CP-03), which will be placed on the correspondence tag on the file. Where the prosecutor does not consider that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and this cannot be rectified by the provision of further evidence, the prosecutor will send an email to the OIC explaining their view and reasons and indicating that they propose to discontinue the case. If no response is received before the first hearing the prosecutor will discuss the issue with the OIC at court at the first hearing. Wherever practicable, before decision is made to discontinue the case, the Prosecutor should meet with the victim(s) to notify them of their intentions.”
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LOCAL NEWS
Bermuda, Grenada to copy TCI postal system
The governments of Bermuda and Grenada have asked the Turks and Caicos Islands to lead their postal services upgrading exercises, according to Ian Astwood, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication. Astwood, who brought greetings on behalf of Her Excellency Deputy Governor Anya Williams and Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication Hon. George Lightbourne, made the revelation while addressing the commissioning for 450 post office boxes in the Grace Bay area of Providenciales on Thursday, November 19. He said the requests came after the Turks and Caicos Islands was seen as the first, and in some cases, the only country in the region to have the most advance postal service. These firsts include courier and post office box installation. “I was told recently that Bermuda has now taken up that particular aspect as part of their postal service, that they would like to offer, and they have reached out to little Turks and Caicos for assistance in putting together a proposal. “Apart from Bermuda, Grenada has also reached out to little Turks and Caicos for their project proposal, to see how they can pattern their courier services, because it (Turks
and Caicos) is a frontrunner in the postal industry. And Turks and Caicos has been the first one to pioneer that avenue of revenue and partnership in terms of postal services,” Astwood said. Astwood described the commissioning of the boxes in Grace Bay as a special step forward for the country’s postal services. He commended GarlandJames for what he described as the vision to see the project through to the end. He also commended Slattery for accommodating the space for the boxes. “Regarding the size of the team of the postal service here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Mrs. James and her team have always been a frontrunner in terms of postal services within the region. We have been the first one within the region to put in place the courier services that we have here. “I would like to say it speaks volume on your vision as post mistress, with certainly the support of your staff, the government and the community at large,” Astwood said. He said that it is the thrust of the government to bring postal to the doorstep of the public, beginning with the business community. “We have slated other crucial locations throughout Providenciales, to have more boxes placed, and I am pushing hard to get our postal vans, for the post office for, this financial
Elizabeth James(right), Post Master General, cuts the ribbon to commission the newly-installed post boxes. Sharing in the occasion are Paul Slattery (left), Development Manager at HAB and PS in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transport and Communication Ian Astwood. year,” he said. The installation of the boxes has eliminated the hassle for individuals and businesses in the Grace Bay, of having to journey downtown Providenciales to collect and post mails. The boxes are located at the Regent Village parking lot, and were unveiled by Garland-James, Astwood, Slattery, Development at HAB, which manages the location. Bill Clare, Master of Ceremonies commended the move to install the boxes in business district.
“In recent times, we have seen the business community moving from downtown area to the Grace Bay area. The Ministry, in its wisdom, has therefore, seen it fitting to follow this trend to make it more convenient for business to able to access their mail with this new postal box service. It is hoped that business firms and individuals will take full advantage of this service. Others other spoke at the event were Slattery and banker Anton Faessler.
Shernelle Capron promotion to Manager of Financial Services at Fortis TCI Shernelle Capron, a Grand Turk native and former FortisTCI (the Company) accounting apprentice, has recently been appointed Manager of Financial Services. This promotion is the latest by the Company and became effective on November 1, 2015. CFO and Vice President of Finance and Human Resources Ruth Forbes said, “Shernelle’s promotion comes as no surprise to her colleagues or the Company. We will continue to support and encourage her growth and development and anticipate great achievements in her new role as Manager. On behalf of the entire FortisTCI family, I extend compliments to her on this milestone.” Shernelle joined FortisTCI on August 2, 2011, under the Company’s Accounting Apprentice Program, which gives individuals the opportunity to obtain professional certification in the accounting discipline while gaining valuable hands-on experience.
From the onset, Shernelle exhibited strong work ethic, dedication and drive. Through her contribution, she quickly became a valuable member of the Financial Services team. Shernelle, who worked her way through the ranks, most recently carried the title of Supervisor of Financial Services. In her new role as Manager of Financial Services, she will be accountable for company-wide accounting and financial reporting functions, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, General Ledger, Inventory and Cash Management. Shernelle, who is quite the family oriented lady, credits her husband, Brook, with providing constant support and encouragement while she worked to achieve these personal and professional goals. Shernelle holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Finance and Accounting and was awarded her Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) certification in 2014.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
WATERLOO HOTEL MANAGEMENT LIMITED Alexandra Resort, Blue Haven Resort & Marina and the Beach House We are looking to employ hospitality professionals in the following positions: GROUNDS MANAGER Responsibilities •Overseeing the daily functions of all Grounds and Pool & Beach staff to ensure that all required maintenance and up-keep of property is carried out; •Ensure that guests needs are met in a high quality and efficient manner; •Accountability for all Grounds/Pool & Beach inventories i.e. equipment and supplies inventories; •Be responsible for hiring and training of Grounds/Pool & Beach staff; •Promoting an atmosphere of teamwork and professionalism within the department; •Planning, scheduling, assignment and supervision of all landscaping, seeding, weeding, cultivating and general care of grounds. •Co-ordination of the planting, of flowers, transplanting, pruning, of trees and shrubbery. •Coordination of activities with other trade areas and outside contractors. Requirements; •Three or more years experience in same or similar position. •Experience in dry areas, sandy, high calcium and high phosphate soil. •Management experience with a hands on approach and •Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, landscaping or a related field. •Equivalent combination of education, training and experience, in Landscaping Trade. •An excellent command of the English language Sous Chef Reporting to the Executive Sous Chef, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: •Assists in conducting periodic food inventories. •Assists the Executive Chef with departmental human resource functions. •Initiates and oversees ordering of food and kitchen supplies. •Supervises and coordinates the production of food according to menu specifications. •Assists the Chefs and Cooks in preparation of specific cuisine. •Inspects quality of food products used to prepare cuisine. Informs Executive Chef when quality is not acceptable. •Ensures all cuisine served to guests follow establish guidelines for quantity, quality, appearance, and palatability. •Checks physical cleanliness of operations. Ensures all staff practice “clean as you go” techniques. •Ensures that staff is following all safe serve and health inspection standards. •Maintains proper working order of all equipment. Inspects ovens, burners, water faucets, and refrigerators. Reports deficiencies to Engineering Department. Requirements: •Graduate culinary art or Culinary degree strongly preferred •6-10 years previous experience as a cook •Full knowledge of ordering work schedule. Physical Aspects: (include but are not limited to): •Constant standing and walking throughout shift •Lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. •Pushing, pulling, lifting
PMS
DEAMARDO CLARE
For all your advertising needs Contact (649)-339-5879 or email: sun@suntci.com
LJ LAKAY DRIVING SCHOOL
SEEKS Block Layer/Mason Salary $10.00 per hour Contact 33-8034
Line Cooks Reporting to the Executive Sous Chef, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: •Must be knowledgeable of food preparation and presentation methods, •Ability to understand sanitary food handling techniques •Knowledgeable of the safe operation of kitchen equipment •Ability to increase staff awareness of proper personal and food hygiene policies and procedures as well as the safe operation of all kitchen equipment •Direct hands on preparation Requirements: •Must possess a 3-4 star background •Minimum of 5 years’ experience in same or similar position •Diploma from a formal culinary institution is required •Knowledgeable in health and sanitation standards •Basic First Aid •Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays.
We are also looking for experienced Hospitality personnel to fill the following positions within our Hospitality Group: Guest Services Agents, Airport Greeter, Servers, Bartenders, Pool & Beach Servers, Runners
Salaries for these positions will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Interested persons may contact our HR department Mon. – Fri. from 9am-3pm via telephonenumber 946-5807 or you may submit your resume with qualifications and experience to:cgibbons@wihl.com Deadline for submission is November 27th 2015
COCO PALM BAR
Angela Duncomb
1 Labourer Contact #. 333-0388 6 days a week Salary- negotiable
Chef De Partie Reporting to the Head Sous Chef, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: •Working with the Head Chef and the kitchen team to maintain high standards in the quality of food both as to its preparation and its presentation •Working in all areas of the kitchen depending on the daily needs of Head Chef. •To observe all Company Food Hygiene and Health and Safety policy •To assist the Head Chef, to check the completeness of all food and kitchen equipment sent to each function •To assist the Head Chef to check the completeness of all suppliers’ deliveries and the correctness of their invoices •To set out, maintain and monitor high standards of cooking and presentation •To be aware of current food trends with regard to presentation and style and help with new menu ideas and menu design •Ensuring that all completed food is correctly wrapped, labeled and put in outfridge for each event •To ensure that all completed jobs are fully checked off before it leaves the unit •Ensuring the venue kitchen is left spotlessly clean and tidy and that all equipment and un-used food is packed ready for transportation •Ensuring kitchen is left clean and tidy at all times
1 Driving Teacher Salary $8.50 per hour Must have at least three years experience Contact 245-8326
SEEKS 1 Barmaid Salary $300 per week Mon-Sat Contact 432-8509 or 242-8509
M&L AMAZING WORLD
SEEKS 1 CASHIER To work 6 days per week Salary $6.50 per hour Contact 242-0521
CARETAKER
A Caretaker is required for a family in Providenciales. Salary commensurate with experience. Applications must be submitted no later than November 27, 2015 to: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Services Limited Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-333-7777
WANTED 1 LABOURER
In North Caicos To work 6 days per week Salary $6.50 per hour Contact 231-0005
(TCI) Ltd
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
An exciting opportunity exists for a financial controller for one of our clients. Candidate must be a professional accountant. Salary is commensurate with relevant experience. Please email resume to dseymour@hlbtci.com by November 30th 2015.
For all your advertising needs Contact (649)-339-5879 or email: sun@suntci.com
NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
CARIBBEAN WORLD
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
NEWS NEWS
Things are good with Baha Mar, says Perry Christie
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said “things are good” with Baha Mar as he revealed that representatives from a leading resort in this hemisphere arrived in the country yesterday to put their interests forward to the Export Import Bank of China regarding the unopened mega resort. Mr Christie said he and EXIM Bank officials have been in continued talks over the $3.5bn hotel with pointed discussions on finding employment for the more than 2,000 workers who were made redundant last month. The nation’s leader further said he has put forward a proposition of his preparedness to work with the bank in finding the workers’ employment on the basis that stakeholders would reimburse the government of the Bahamas. Mr Christie expressed his optimism of how the impasse will ultimately unfold during yesterday’s opening ceremony of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants’ (BICA) Week at the Melià hotel. “Ray (Raymond) Winder was named with his colleagues out of Beijing receiver manager and (Edmond) Rahming provisional liquidator,” Mr Christie said. “I was happy and gratified that even though we didn’t want it to happen that way to see that there are Bahamians in the forefront of what is taking place in this group of hotels here. “Last night (Sunday) I had an hour conference discussion with the president of the Export Import Bank of
(announce). “I can say that the bank needs to finance this interim stage and they have given me the assurance that in the shortest possible time from now they will provide that interim funding. So things are good so to speak.” Mr Christie said. Last week The Tribune reported that a deal was being discussed for the stalled Cable Beach resort between Island Capital Group LLC, a private real estate merchant bank led by Andrew Farkas and partnered by hotel magnate Sol Kerzner, the China Export-Import Bank and China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd. Baha Mar Casino & Hotel Last Friday, Mr Christie said China about the need to accelerate the the response from the international he was “impressed” with the names of decision making on finishing over here. community on the availability of Baha the many investors who are in talks There is a compelling urgency for me Mar. with the Export Import Bank of China to have a conference this morning with “I leave you with a great degree over the resort. the construction company to speak to of optimism because some of the world’s Baha Mar filed for Chapter them about the difficulties the two leading resort entities have expressed 11 bankruptcy protection in a US are trying to work out, but to let them continuing interest. One of the leaders Bankruptcy Court for 15 of its know that we want all the Bahamian in the Western Hemisphere arrives in companies on June 29. contractors to be paid hopefully dollar the Bahamas today (Monday) to speak However, in September, a US judge for dollar. We want them to resume with representatives of the bank all threw out the Chapter 11 cases for construction in the shortest possible with a view to putting their interest Baha Mar’s Bahamian companies. time. on the table of being able to manage or On September 4, Edmund “I gave them a proposition purchase interest out here. So we are Rahming of KRyS Global, Mark of my preparedness to work with optimistic.” Nicholas Cropper and Alastair them in finding employment for the “One thing that I can say is Beveridge of AlixPartners Services UK 2,000 people who were laid off on the that when one is looking for confidence were appointed as joint provisional basis that they would reimburse the and whether it exists in the Bahamas, liquidators and given the task of government of the Bahamas.” the response to the possible availability overseeing the company. In October, Mr Christie went on to of these premises have demonstrated they received approval from the insist that if questions linger of the to me that the world is interested Supreme Court to make 2,020 Baha confidence that investors see in the and they are coming to the Bahamas. Mar employees redundant due to the Bahamas, critics need only look at Over the next week or two they will resort’s insolvency.
Barbados could end AIDS as a public threat by 2030
Nephews of Venezuela’s first lady arrested on drug trafficking charges PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti– Two nephews of Venezuela’s first lady are scheduled to appear in a US court on Thursday, following their arrest here on Tuesday shortly after arriving from Venezuela on a private plane. Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas and Efrain Antonio Campo Flores are accused of conspiring to smuggle cocaine into the United States. U.S. agents arrested the men late Tuesday, when they reportedly contacted an undercover American agent about selling 800 kilograms of cocaine through Honduras. While both men have diplomatic passports, neither has diplomatic immunity. Campo Flores, 29, told the US agents that he is the stepson of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, , having been raised by his aunt, Cilia Flores, who is Maduro’s wife. A U.S. document said the other man identified himself as a nephew of Flores.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores So far Venezuela has not commented on the reported arrests which follow on from an airspace violation row on Sunday in which Venezuela’s Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino said a US plane had wrongfully entered the country’s airspace. The men were arrested as prosecutors in the United States continue to pursue several investigations into alleged drug tracking and money laundering activities of Venezuela’s military, police force and government officials. Caracas has constantly denied allegations that it is involved in drug trafficking, saying that the allegations are efforts to destabilize the government.
Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibe says Barbados is on track to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. During a recent visit, Sidibe congratulated the National AIDS response on its progress, noting that based on the data, the island could be among the first to “break the backbone of the epidemic”. Barbados’ Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Steven Blackett, who also met with Sidibe, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to Fast-Tracking the HIV response. He noted that in the new phase of the AIDS effort,Barbados is addressing the social determinants which support transmission including inter-generational poverty and transactional sex.
Sidibé assured officials that UNAIDS is advocating for increased focus on investments in fragile communities in order to ensure that middle income countries are not left behind. “We need to band together to demonstrate that the concept of low and high income countries is obsolete. How do we finance vulnerabilities? We need to focus on more fragile communities, not fragile countries.” The UNAIDS Executive Director also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to facilitate collaboration on the UNAIDS FastTrack initiative, validation for the Elimination of Mother to Child HIV Transmission, strategic information and legal and policy development throughout the region.
3
1
8 FULL DAYS!
lb
79
lb
Hams
3 lb
79
lb
10 lb pkg
2/
9 oz pkg,
9
12 oz pkg
Pockets
Assorted varieties
00 Hot
meat department
Shoppers Value Ice Cream
Assorted Varieties
128 oz pail,
frozen department
3/
6
4/
7 2/
5
La Yogurt
Sunny D
6/
Assorted Varieties
6 oz ctn,
6
2/
Essential Everyday Cheese Singles
Individually Wrapped Slices
12 oz pkg,
7
2/
Yellow Corn
Celery
30 ct
Chicken Leg Quarters
Bar S Chicken Franks
Russet Potatoes
4 lb bag
4/
Yellow Onions
3 lb bag
Sweet Potatoes
Brussel Sprouts
1 lb bag
Cello Carrots
2 lb bag
lb
5 2/ 6 20 1 3/ 5 4/
7 2/
00
12 Ripe Pineapples
(Satsumas)
Tangerines
5 lb bag
8 FULL DAYS!
2 2/ 4
2
00
6
2/
8 2/
7
2/
Ocean Spray Cranberries
12 oz pkg
Florida Oranges
4 lb pkg
Gala Apples
3 lb bag
produce department
11 5 prices effective friday, november 20 thru friday, november 27, 2015
59 Spiral
2 19
45 oz ctn
Essential Everyday Spread
64 oz btl
499
Essential Everyday Gallon Milk
Assorted
2/
7
Hill Medium Eggs
18 ct ctn
dairy department
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Picnic Hams
Butterball Turkey
20-22 lb avg
WE HAVE A FULL SELECTION OF TURKEYS AND HAMS!
Whole Turkeys
All Sizes! Frozen
u o y k n a h T
SHOP SMART, SAVE MORE!
OPEN 7 AM TO 10 PM, M, 7 DAYS A WEEK
Christmas Trees Arrive Nov. 28!
Only the Finest Quality Produce, Deli and Meat will do!
Page 34 NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
2/
7
Palmolive Dish Detergent
25 oz btl
2/
4
Cranberry Sauce
Jellied & Sliced
14 oz can,
10
2/
2/
10
Xtra Liquid Detergent
75 oz btl
2/
4
Mueller’s Ready Cut Macaroni
16 oz pkg
5
5/ Distinction UHT Milk
4
2/
4
Top Job Bleach
128 oz
00
Hellman’s Mayonnaise
30 oz jar
5
3/ Libby’s Corned Beef
12 oz can
2/
10
Fabulouso All Purpose Cleaner
56 oz
2/
8
Suavitel
All Varieties
50 oz btl,
6 2/
12 roll
Vo5 Shampoo & Conditioner
12.5 oz btl
Suave Shampoo & Conditioner
12 oz btl
Crest Toothpaste
6.4 oz, 4 Different Flavors
Arrid Solid Deodorant
2.6 oz
3 2/
4 2/
6 2/
2/
5
7 2/ Equaline Mouth Rinse
42 oz btl, All Flavors
8 FULL DAYS!
10
00
Bounty Mega Roll Paper Towels
or 6 roll
8 roll
Brawny Paper Towels
00
10
s)
(12 bottle
Quilted Northern Tissue or Scott Extra Soft Tissue
prices effective friday, november 20 thru friday, november 27, 2015
Distinction Evaporated Milk
32 oz
9
2/
unt
on all 750 ml W ines
% 2 0 Case Disco
WAS $20.99
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
PRICES GOOD WHILE QUANTITIES LAST. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES.
Kellogg’s Cereal
Frosted Flakes
410 gram
3 Nestlé Water
28 pk, .5 ltr btls
5
18
99
All Burnett’s Vodka
750 ml btl
hbc department
Froot Loops, Apple Jacks,
5 00
Hawaiian Red Punch
128 oz btl
5 4/
Libby’s Vegetables
Cut Green Beans or Peas
15 oz can, Corn,
liquor department
21.5 oz box Corn Pops,
2/
9
Essential Everyday Apple Juice
Wesson Vegetable or Canola Oil
2/
64 oz btl
4 2/
Jack Frost Sugar
Robin Hood Flour
2/
4 lb bag
2 lb bag
48 oz btl
00
10
Riceland Rice
20 lb pkg
grocery department
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NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
CARIBBEAN NEWS
Jamaica PM awaiting divine intervention to call election
DESPITE members of the private sector, civil society and the parliamentary Opposition calling for the naming of the election date, prime minister and People’s National Party (PNP) President Portia Simpson Miller told thousands of supporters on Sunday night that the date for the 17th General Election will not be announced without divine intervention. “The journey might be long and I’m not telling you that the campaign will not be long. And I hear everybody guessing whether I’m going to call election or not. You will be appropriately informed when my master touches me and say, ‘my daughter go [now]’,” Simpson Miller told Comrades who converged for a mass rally in Independence City, Portmore, St Catherine. The prime minister, whose prerogative it is to call an election, said the announcement will come at the right time. “And as I go around, I will feel the pulse and then at the right time I will give you the sounding of the trumpet. Oh my Comrades, see the signal waving in the sky reinforcement…victory, victory, victory is nigh,” the party leader said to jubilant Comrades who she urged to “get ready”. It has been widely speculated that the reason for Simpson Miller’s hesitancy to send Jamaicans to the polls is because of the findings of an internal poll
Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller which show the governing party trailing the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). The PNP’s Deputy General Secretary Paul Burke has, however, rubbished the assertion. He described it as “political speculation” and said “the party is ready, we are moving forward, the momentum continues”. Burke added: “We have a target of where we want to be and we are heading there, we are moving towards that target.” In September, Director of Elections Orrette Fisher told the Jamaica Observer that a move by Parliament to implement a fixed election date would be welcomed by the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ). Also, last month co-chair of the Economic Programme
Oversight Committee (EPOC) Richard Byles insisted that if the Government has any intention to call a general election, then it should do so and take the country out of its current state of limbo. “If it is coming, then it should just happen and be done with. The last thing Jamaica needs at this point is a stop-and-start process, first yes, and then no, prolonging the period of political uncertainty,” he said then. Public speculation about whether the ruling party will call the elections this year has intensified; however, a general election is due between December 29, 2016 (the day of the previous election in 2011) and April 16, 2017 (within three months of the date of the first sitting of the new Parliament on 17 January 2012).
Trinidad and Tobago government introduces whistle blower legislation
The Trinidad and Tobago government has tabled whistle blower legislation designed to tackle corruption by introducing fines and jail-time for persons who seek to hinder others from coming forward to report criminal activities. Attorney General Faris Al Rawi told Parliament Friday that the new legislation, which has been referred to a Parliament committee for detailed study, is also intended to improve the detection and conviction rates in Trinidad and Tobago. “Far too often this nation is riddled with very public allegation resembling certainty of crime, corruption, murder and mayhem. Everyone suspects who is guilty but no one steps forward to testify to guilt bearing evidence. “The reason is clear. The fear of victimization and reprisal for honest exposure is not only perceived but real. Witness protection is a mere platitude in reality. Corruption occurs blatantly in public institutions and state enterprises and yet no trace can be testified to by a single living soul,’ Al Rawi told legislators. He said the Keith Rowley government is introducing as a matter of a priority, Whistleblower Protection Legislation, to allow exposure of corrupt activities through
the Integrity Commission, review and improve the Public Procurement Act, in order to remove loopholes, limitations and weakness that currently exist in the legislation. In addition, he said it would also enact and implement appropriate Campaign Finance Legislation, drawing on the experience of models successfully in use in developed countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States. Al Rawi said the government would also support an “efficient and legitimate Criminal Justice System towards crime prevention, law enforcement and the protection of all human rights” as well as the appointment of a Commissioner of Police, address Prison legislation and Penal Reform. He said the introduction of the Whisleblower Protection Bill 2015 “represents the making of legislation which will protect those who may know, those who may have seen, those who may have heard and of course those who may be too afraid to disclose information of scandalous and deliberate acts of corruption and criminality all too often hidden behind closed doors within the public and private arenas. “We firmly believe that corruption is a transgression, a crime which has been not just swept under
the preverbal rug but has been almost inherent within our society.” The Attorney General said that under the last administration,” it was somewhat accepted as a blind eye was always turned on flagrant mishaps, misstatements, missteps and mistakes. “We however remain committed to the fabric of our country’s conciseness and know that in order to truly enjoy the roses we must cut the thorns. This country can no longer suffer the likes of Lifesport, Prisongate, Emailgate, Wastewater Treatment Plant Scandal, New Flying Squadgate, Firetruckgate and so many more,” he said. He said the proposed legislation comes at a time when the new government believes “that there are many decent and God fearing people who are willing to testify as to crime and criminality within the public and private sectors provided that they are clothed with adequate protection. “Madam Speaker the Government has scrutinized several models of legislation from jurisdictions including the United Kingdom, Canada, the USA, Malta, Jamaica and Malaysia,” Al Rawi said, adding that the new legislation is a hybrid of the Malaysian, Jamaican and Maltese models.
Many in Haiti suspect fraud in recent election, poll finds
National police officers remove a rock used as a street barricade by demonstrators, after a protest against the results of Oct. 25 elections, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015. The demonstrators are claiming fraud in the recent first round of elections. The demonstrators are organized by three political parties who have joined to demand the cancellation of the Oct. 25 presidential election, or removal of ruling party candidate Jovenel Moise who is set to face Jude Celestin in a Dec. 27 presidential runoff election. A poll by an independent research group has found deep public suspicion of the first round of the presidential election in Haiti, a finding that is likely to fuel calls by opposition parties for a recount of the disputed results. Teams of researchers with the Brazilbased Igarape Institute conducted exit polls on the day of the Oct. 25 election and followed up with the same voters again after preliminary results were announced on Nov. 5. They found that public confidence in the process had plummeted between the two dates, according to an analysis they planned to release Thursday. In the election exit poll, 82 percent of voters agreed with the statement “As far as I can see, this election is fair, there is no fraud.” But in the follow up, the conclusion was almost the opposite with nearly 90 percent saying they disagreed with the statement. The poll also came up with a curious result when voters were asked who they voted for among the 54 names on the ballot. Just over 6 percent said they voted for government-backed candidate Jovenel Moise, placing him fourth. But preliminary results announced Nov. 5 said he came in first with nearly 33 percent of the vote, putting him in a runoff with second-place finisher Jude Celestin. It is not unusual for exit polls to vary from actual vote counts and this study does not prove the preliminary results announced by the Provisional Electoral Council are inaccurate, said Robert Muggah, research director of the institute. But he believes it does suggest a need for further scrutiny. “At a minimum, it raises some questions about people’s perceptions about the credibility of the results,” Muggah said in a phone interview from Rio de Janeiro. The electoral council has not released final results and has so far rejected calls by opposition leaders for a recount. The runoff is scheduled for Dec. 27. It is expected to feature Moise, a businessman who has never held political office and was picked as a successor by President Michel Martelly, against Celestin, a former head of the state-owned construction company who was defeated in the disputed presidential election in 2010. Opposition supporters have staged repeated protests over the results since Nov. 5 as they demand a recount. Several thousand marched in the capital Wednesday until they were dispersed by police firing tear gas and rubber bullets. Martelly’s party has denied opposition accusations that it manipulated the voting or the ballot count and has dismissed calls for a recount. An observer mission from the Organization of American States noted some “irregularities,” but concluded that the preliminary results appeared to be in line with what they saw on election day. The Igarape exit poll found about 4 percent of voters witnessed what they considered fraud, which included officials improperly turning away voters, people voting multiple times or casting ballots as a proxy for other voters. Incidents of fraud were witnessed by research team members at 12 polling stations. The U.S., Canadian and Haitian researchers interviewed 1,991 people at 135 polling stations. The survey had a margin of error of 2.29 percentage points.
NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
Cuba blames US for instigating surge of migrants from island
Cuban migrants take part in a protest blocking the Pan-American Highway, demanding access to Nicaragua, in Peñas Blancas, Costa Rica, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015. More than 1,000 Cuban migrants heading north to the United States tried to cross the border from Costa Rica into Nicaragua, causing tensions to soar between the neighbors as security forces sought to turn them back. Nicaragua’s government responded furiously on Sunday with a statement saying that Costa Rica “had deliberately and irresponsibly thrown, and continues to throw” the Cuban migrants into its territory, violating its national sovereignty. Cuban officials blamed the letter and spirit of the migration the United States late Tuesday for accords,” the statement read. instigating a surge in the number of The statement marked Cuba’s Cuban migrants attempting to reach first official response to the swell the U.S. through Central America of migrants fleeing the island since amid ongoing efforts to normalize Presidents Barack Obama and Raul relations between the former Cold War Castro announced plans to restore foes. diplomatic ties nearly one year ago. In a statement aired on The situation intensified the government’s nightly broadcast, Sunday when Nicaraguan troops Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Relations forcefully pushed Cuban migrants said U.S. policy allowing nearly all trying to cross the border en route to the Cuban migrants who reach U.S. soil United States back into neighboring to stay contradicts ongoing efforts to Costa Rica. renew relations between the countries. Costa Rican Foreign Minister “This policy encourages illegal Manuel Gonzalez said in a radio emigration from Cuba to the United interview Tuesday that there are States and constitutes a violation of nearly 2,000 people currently at the
5 Dominican judges accused of releasing prisoners for bribes
Five judges in the Dominican Republic have been suspended amid accusations that they released violent criminals from prison in exchange for bribes. General Prosecutor Francisco Dominguez says the government took action against the judges after a yearlong preliminary investigation. Three of the judges have been suspended without pay. Dominguez said the judges are accused of working with lawyers, ex-judges and others to release criminals including those facing murder and drug trafficking charges. Authorities are now reviewing those cases. The judges rejected the accusations in an interview with a local radio station and said a political campaign was mounted against them. The order to suspend the judges was issued Monday.
Man burnt alive by mob in Haiti HAITI- A man suspected of having criminal connections was burnt alive early Thursday by a mob of men who were protesting against an upsurge in crime. According to eyewitness reports, a group of men who took to the streets , stopped the unidentified man and asked if he knew anyone in the area. The protestors reportedly placed tyres on the man, doused him with gasoline and set him on fire. The charred corpse had a red handkerchief around the ankle, which is said to be a sign of association with wrongdoers – said an eyewitness. The incident followed a series of home invasions here in recent weeks in which the victims were sexually assaulted.
border being blocked by Nicaraguan soldiers from entering the country. He proposed the creation of a “humanitarian corridor” for Cubans transiting Central America. “We have to do something with them, give them a solution,” Gonzalez said. “They want to continue. Even though a government sends the army after a peaceful migrant population, they are going to find a way to go.” More than 45,000 Cubans arrived at U.S. checkpoints along the border between Texas and Mexico in the fiscal year that ended in September. Many migrants from the island fear that the reestablishment of diplomatic ties between Washington and Havana may bring an end to the “wet-foot, dry foot” policy permitting most Cuban migrants to stay. Those who flee Cuba on raft and are caught by the U.S. Coast Guard at sea are usually returned. U.S. officials have stated they do not have any intention of changing current immigration policy toward Cuba. The U.S. and Cuba have held regular meetings on migration accords since the 1990s. Cuban officials have repeatedly asked that Washington rescind the “wet-foot, dry foot” policy, saying it encourages Cubans to attempt perilous trips that have claimed an untold number of lives. Dagoberto Fernandez, a Cuban mechanic traveling with his pregnant wife, said they began their journey from Ecuador and had no problems until now.
“Everyone that we have encountered since leaving Ecuador is behaving well. The problem began upon arriving at the border with Nicaragua,” Fernandez said. “We don’t want to stay. We don’t want problems,” he said. “We’re a group of human beings trying to achieve their dream: arrive in the United States.” Costa Rica announced Friday that it was issuing special seven-day transit visas for Cuban migrants. The proposed humanitarian corridor would seek to protect their rights as they travel north through Central America. Ecuador does not require Cubans to obtain visas, so many begin their journey there. Immigration authorities in Costa Rica say another group of 1,500 Cubans who crossed into the country Saturday from Panama are making their way north. About 300 Cubans are expected to arrive at Costa Rica’s southern border each day. Before Cuban officials released their statement, a group of about a dozen young adults gathered on a busy Havana intersection to demand the government address the situation early Tuesday evening. “Many people don’t have any idea what is going on,” said Taylor Torres, 30, a blogger who said he found out about the swell of Cubans pushed away from the Nicaraguan border only after reading a story on the Internet, which many Cubans do not have access to.
UN calls for greater action to turn tide of diabetes in the Caribbean
UN Secretary General Ban Ki- Moon says the people of the Caribbean must take steps towards a healthy lifestyle while governments create conditions to stem the global epidemic of diabetes. In his message to mark World Diabetes Day on Saturday, the Secretary General reiterated the warning from the World Health Organization (WHO) , that diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death by 2030. “Let us all step up to limit the impact of diabetes,” said Ban . The UN said close to 350 million people in the world have diabetes, a chronic disease that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or when it cannot effectively use the insulin it does produce to help the body metabolize the sugar that is formed from the food we eat. “There is much all of us can do to minimize our risk of getting the disease and, even if we do get it, to live long and healthy lives with it,” said the UN chief, suggesting, for example, that “anyone who can stand instead of sit, walks a little bit more each day and is generally more active should do so.” WHO marked World Diabetes Day 2015 by announcing that the organization’s annual World Health Day, which
recognizes its birthday on April 7, will focus on the issue of diabetes. “World Health Day will provide an important platform for promoting efforts to prevent diabetes and ensure optimal management of the condition for people living with one of the various forms of disease,” the health agency said. It said multiple actions can be taken to reduce the impact of diabetes, through adopting healthy lifestyles, such as partaking in physical activity and healthy diets, to government action on curbing the marketing of unhealthy foods and ensuring health systems provide the required services and care for people living with the disease. In his message, Ban said the world recently took a major step in adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and incorporating a target to reduce by one third the deaths attributed to non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, by 2030. “On World Diabetes Day, let us recognize the progress we have made, but let us also acknowledge that it is not yet enough,” he said. “Let us all step up to limit the impact of diabetes.” In 2012, diabetes was the direct cause of some 1.5 million deaths, with more than 80 percent of them occurring in lowand middle-income countries, the UN said.
WHO projects that diabetes will be the 7th leading cause of death by 2030. There are two main forms of the disease. People with type 1 diabetes typically make none of their own insulin and therefore require insulin injections for survival. People with type 2 diabetes, the form that comprises some 90 per cent of all cases, usually produce their own insulin, but not enough or they are unable to use it properly. People with type 2 diabetes are typically overweight and sedentary, WHO said. “But, properly treated, the impact of diabetes can be minimized.” On December 20, 2006, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution recognizing diabetes as a chronic, debilitating and costly disease associated with major complications that pose severe risks for families, countries and the entire world. The General Assembly also designated November 14 as a UN day to be observed every year beginning in 2007. Started by WHO and the International Diabetes Federation, the Day is celebrated on November 14 to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, was instrumental in the discovery of insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients.
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Mastermind of Paris attacks killed in raid
The suspected Islamic State mastermind of the Paris attacks was among those killed in a police raid north of the capital, France confirmed on Thursday, bringing an end to the hunt for Europe’s most wanted man. Authorities said they had identified the mangled corpse of Belgian national Abdelhamid Abaaoud from fingerprints in the aftermath of Wednesday’s raid and gunbattle in which at least two people died including a female suicide bomber. “The spider in the web is no longer a danger,” Belgian Justice Minister Koen Geens said, calling it a “breakthrough”. The body had been found riddled with holes amid the wreckage in the aftermath of Wednesday’s raid, Paris’s prosecutor said in a statement. The prosecutor later added that it was unclear whether Abaaoud had detonated a suicide belt. The Moroccan-born Belgian militant, 28, was accused of orchestrating last Friday’s coordinated bombings and shootings in the French capital, which killed 129 people. Seven assailants died in the attack and a suspected eighth is still on the run. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls broke the news of Abaaoud’s death to parliament on Thursday to applause from French lawmakers who were voting to extend a state of emergency for three months. “We know today ... that the mastermind of the attacks - or one of them, let’s remain cautious - was among those dead,” Valls told reporters. PROMINENT RECRUITER
Even before last week’s
attacks, Abaaoud was one of Islamic State’s highest-profile European recruits, prominently profiled in the group’s slick online English-language magazine Dabiq, where he boasted of crossing European borders to stage attacks. The group, which controls swathes of Iraq and Syria, has attracted thousands of young Europeans, and Abaaoud was seen as a leading figure in luring others to join, particularly from his home country Belgium. He claimed to have escaped a continent-wide manhunt after a police raid in Belgium in 2013 in which two other militants were killed. His own family has disowned him, accusing him of abducting his 13-year-old brother, who was later promoted on the Internet as Islamic State’s youngest foreign fighter in Syria. While quickly tracking him down will be seen as a major success for French authorities, his presence in Paris will focus more attention on the difficulty European security services have in monitoring the continent’s borders. Before the attacks, European governments thought Abaaoud was still in Syria. “This is a major failing,” said Roland Jaquard at the International Observatory for Terrorism. French officials have called for changes to the functioning of the EU’s Schengen border-free travel zone, which normally does not monitor the entry and exit of citizens of its 26 countries. Hundreds of thousands of people have reached Europe as Syrian refugees in recent months, including at least one person using a passport found at the scene of Friday’s attacks. Lawmakers in the French
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Drunk woman tried to open UK-to-Boston jet’s exit door Police say a drunken passenger who tried to open an exit door on a London-to-Boston flight is being charged with interfering with a flight crew. Massachusetts State Police say they don’t believe the woman’s misconduct had any link to terrorism. They identified her as 32-year-old Kamila Dolniak, a citizen of Poland. Police say Dolniak was restrained Tuesday on British Airways Flight 213. The flight landed about 1:30 p.m., a half-hour ahead of schedule at Boston’s Logan International Airport. A clerk set bail at $1,040 for Dolniak. She had not posted bail by Tuesday evening and, as a result, was being held overnight at the state police barracks at the airport. Dolniak is expected to be arraigned in a Boston courtroom Wednesday.
Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the Belgian jihadi suspected of masterminding deadly attacks in Paris was killed in a police raid on a suburban apartment building. National Assembly voted to extend the state of emergency for three months by 551 votes to six. The state of emergency allows police to search homes without a judicial warrant and impose house arrest on suspects, among other measures. “This is the fast response of a democracy faced with barbarism. This is the effective legal response in the face of an ideology of chaos,” Valls told parliament. Neighboring Belgium, stung by revelations that several of the attackers were based there, announced a 400 million euro ($430 million) security crackdown. Prime Minister Charles Michel announced plans for new laws to jail jihadis returning from Syria, shut unregistered mosques, expel hate preachers and ban anonymous purchases of mobile phone cards.
Drunk woman
Syrians held in Honduras traveled through several countries on forged passports Five Syrian men detained in Honduras carrying forged Greek passports traveled through multiple countries before they were stopped, officials said, raising questions about how they were able to move through border controls with such apparent ease. Honduran officials said on Thursday the five, including four students, do not belong to “any terrorist cell” and were fleeing war at home in a bid to reach the United States. The five traveled to Honduras via Turkey, Greece, Brazil, Argentina and Costa Rica, the officials said. “We got lucky on these guys. Think about the ones we didn’t’ catch,” said a U.S. government source familiar with their case. Their case has sparked alarm among some U.S. lawmakers following reports that at least one of the attackers involved in the suicide bombings and shootings in Paris last week may have slipped into Europe among migrants registered in Greece.
“This is a serious concern,” Republican Senator Ron Johnson, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, told a hearing. The five men, who are aged between 19 and 30, were part of a wider group of seven Syrian nationals who acquired forged passports in Brazil and then went by land to Argentina before heading north, the U.S. source said. The source also said there was no evidence to suggest the men were militants. Honduran officials have offered a slightly different account, saying the passports were stolen in Athens. Costa Rica detained an eighth Syrian, a woman, on Thursday, who had also been traveling on a Greek passport, officials said.
traveled tourist destination where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet, the U.S. source said. The three countries belong to the Mercosur customs bloc, where you can cross borders with simple identity documents rather than passports. The U.S. source said it appeared they spent most of their time in Brazil and then used a “human smuggling cell” to aid them on their trip north. He gave no details as to how they had traveled, whether by land or air. Another U.S. government source and local human rights officials in Honduras who had spoken to the men said Guatemala, not the United States, was their intended destination, although that seems an odd choice given so many Guatemalans are trying to leave their country to settle in the TRIPLE FRONTIER United States. Whatever their final The five Syrians detained in Honduras destination, it is unclear why the men took advantage of the porous Triple were forced to take such a circuitous Frontier near Iguazu Falls, a well- route that could have ultimately, in
one scenario, taken them through a lawless region of Mexico controlled by drug cartels. Five of the men were detained on Tuesday in the Honduran capital, Tegucigalpa, on arrival by air from Costa Rica, police said. They said passports had been doctored to replace the photographs with those of the Syrians. The Honduran immigration department named the five as: Majd Ghanout Kousa, Fady Freej Shehada, Mazen Mikhail, Lourans Samaan and William Ghanem. It said they were from two Syrian cities that have been racked by violence: Homs and Hasaka. One of the U.S. government sources said the five had arrived in Brazil from Turkey about a week ago. They then appear to have traveled from Brazil to Argentina and then on to Costa Rica, although it is not clear how they traveled there. A Honduran official said the five had spent several days in Costa Rica before flying into Honduras.
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WORLD NEWS
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (L) and U.S. President Barack Obama deliver remarks to reporters after their bilateral meeting alongside the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Manila, Philippines, November 19, 2015.
Canada PM meets Obama for first time, insists will withdraw jets New Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held his first formal meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday as the two men tried to repair relations that have become frayed over the last decade. “I’m confident that he’s going to be able to provide a great boost of energy and reform to the Canadian political landscape,” Obama told reporters after the two talked on the margins of an Asia-Pacific summit. In last month’s election, Trudeau’s Liberals defeated Stephen Harper, who had irritated the Obama administration by insisting it approve the Keystone XL pipeline that would have taken tar sands oil from Canada to U.S. refineries. Obama - whose ties with Harper were usually frosty - said he hoped Trudeau would be able to visit him in the White House early next year for more substantial talks. “It’s going to be a wonderful time of strengthening ties between our two countries,” said Trudeau, who is much closer politically to Obama than the right-of-centre Harper. The two leaders, who smiled and looked relaxed during their appearance, said they agreed on the need to do more to protect the environment and also on the importance of the U.S.-led campaign against Islamic State. Trudeau though vowed to stick to a
promise to withdraw six Canadian jets that have been attacking the militants in Iraq and Syria. Diplomats say the United States and Britain have expressed concern about the proposed withdrawal, saying it could undermine the coalition. Trudeau added he had reassured the president that Canada was committed to the U.S.led campaign against the militants. Canada, he says, could contribute more effectively by training Kurdish troops in northern Iraq. Neither man mentioned Harper, who during his nine years in power said as little as he could about the environment and pulled Canada out of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. This did little to endear him to Obama, who vetoed Keystone XL earlier this month, saying it would send the wrong signal at a time when the world needed to do more to combat greenhouse gas emissions. Trudeau said that over the last decade many people felt Canada had not being doing enough on the environmental front. “One of the first tasks that I have on energy and climate issues is to reassure Canadians and others that we are serious about meeting reduction targets (and) being positive actors on the world stage in the fight against climate change,” he said.
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British PM Cameron to get official plane it would cost around 10 million pounds ($15.3 million) to refit the plane, which will also be available for use by the Royal family. Details of the plan will come in a defense review on Monday. While the government is likely to face criticism for what may be seen as an extravagance at a time of widespread cuts, the spokeswoman said the dedicated British Prime Minister David Cameron boards an airplane as he departs for an overseas plane would save around 775,000 trip, at Heathrow Airport in London, in this file photograph dated November 8, 2010. pounds a year on ministerial travel British Prime Minister RAF fleet to transport senior compared to the existing system of David Cameron and his senior ministers and consequently regularly chartering flights. ministers are to get their own deliver savings for taxpayers,” a Previous plans for an airplane to use for official trips, government spokeswoman said, American-style ‘Air Force One’ the government said on Thursday. adding that an air-to-air refueling were dropped in 2008 by then The decision comes as airplane would be refitted. Prime Minister Gordon Brown, finance minister George Osborne “We have decided to who said they would be too costly. prepares to set out a fresh round of adapt one of our existing Voyager The long-haul private jet had spending cuts in a bid to eliminate aircraft so that, in addition to its been given the go-ahead by his the budget deficit. primary air tanking role, it can predecessor Tony Blair, leading it “We have been looking at transport ministers.” to be dubbed ‘Blair Force One’ by ways to make better use of the Local media reported the media.
Female suicide bomber in France one of many in history
The woman who blew herself up with an explosive vest in a suburban Paris apartment during a police operation Wednesday was far from the world’s first female suicide bomber. While most suicide bombers are men, Islamic militant groups have occasionally deployed women to carry out such attacks. Long before the rise of Islamic radicalism, women suicide bombers were used by leftist and separatist groups in the Arab world and beyond. Here’s a look at female suicide bombers over the years: During Israel’s 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon that ended in 2000, several women belonging to leftist groups blew themselves up targeting Israeli forces. Among those women was Sanaa Mheidly, 17, who blew up a car rigged with explosives in an Israeli convoy in 1985, killing and wounding more than a dozen Israeli soldiers. She became the most prominent and the first to carry out such an attack in the Arab world. In the Palestinian territories, about a dozen women have carried out suicide attacks against Israelis since 2002 — including 27-year-old paramedic Wafa Idris, who blew herself up in downtown Jerusalem on Jan. 27, 2002. It was unclear if she planned to commit suicide. An 81-yearold Israeli man also died in that attack, the first by a Palestinian woman. A decade ago, al-Qaida in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi sent four members of his group — which would later morph into the Islamic State — to carry out bombings in his home country of
Jordan. In that Nov, 9, 2005 assault, Sajida al-Rishawi and her newlywed husband, Ali alShamari, entered the ground-floor ballroom of Amman’s Radisson SAS hotel while hundreds of people were celebrating a wedding reception. Al-Shamari set off his explosive belt among crowd. AlRishawi fled. Al-Zarqawi later claimed responsibility for the attack and mentioned a woman being involved, leading Jordanian officials to arrest al-Rishawi. Several days later, she appeared on Jordanian state television, opening a body-length overcoat to reveal two crude explosive belts. Al-Risawhi was executed earlier this year after IS burnt to death Jordanian pilot 1st Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh, whose warplane was shot down over Syria in December. Kurdish women have carried out several suicide attacks in Turkey since the 1980s, as have female members of leftist groups in their campaign against the government. The most recent attack occurred on Jan. 6, when a Turkish leftist group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at an Istanbul police station that killed an officer and wounded another. Authorities said the female bomber in that attack entered the building in the tourist district of Sultanahmet and blew herself up. In a statement posted online, the leftist Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party-Front, or DHKP-C, said it carried out the attack. It called the bombing “an act of sacrifice.” Female suicide bombers from Chechnya and elsewhere in
This image made from television on Sunday Nov. 13, 2005 shows Iraqi Sajida Mubarek Atrous al-Rishawi opening her jacket and showing an explosive belt as she confesses on Jordanian state-run television to her failed bid to set off an explosives belt inside one of the three Amman hotels targeted by al-Qaida in Jordan. While most suicide bombers are men, Islamic militant groups have occasionally deployed women to carry out such attacks. Long before the rise of Islamic radicalism, women suicide bombers were used by leftist and separatist groups in the Arab and beyond. the North Caucasus were common enough that they became known as “black widows” in Russia. Many were the wives of or otherwise related to Islamic militants killed by government forces in their effort to suppress the separatist movement. Two of those female suicide bombers were to blame for the 2010 bombings of the Moscow metro, which killed some 40 people. In Nigeria, a string of suicide bombings blamed on the militant group Boko Haram increasingly have been carried out by women and girls, some who are elderly and others as young as 10. Unlike many of the bombers used by IS in its Iraq and Syria, however, there are concerns that the Nigerian bombers are being deployed against their will. A military bomb disposal expert has told The Associated Press that many of the explosives in those blasts are remotely detonated, suggesting that the insurgents are strapping explosives to females they hold captive and sending them to their deaths.
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WORLD NEWS
IS releases photo of bomb it says downed Russian jetliner
This undated image made available in the Islamic State’s English-language magazine Dabiq, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015, claims to show the bomb that was used to blow up a Metrojet passenger plane bound for St. Petersburg, Russia, that crashed in Hassana, north Sinai, Egypt, killing all 224 people on board. The Islamic State group to it. has released a photo of a bomb The Metrojet Airbus 321hidden in a soft drink can that it 200 crashed in the Sinai desert said had brought down a Russian shortly after taking off from the passenger jet over Egypt last Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh month, and it also announced it for St. Petersburg. All 224 people had killed hostages from Norway aboard, mostly Russian tourists, and China. were killed. Wednesday’s disclosure In the magazine, the of the new violence by the group said it “discovered a way militants came as Russian and to compromise the security at the French warplanes continued their Sharm el-Sheikh International stepped-up airstrikes against IS Airport,” without providing targets in Syria. The attacks on details. civilians in Paris and aboard the It said it initially planned Russian jetliner and the killings to bring down a plane from one of of hostages have galvanized the countries taking part in the international determination to U.S.-led coalition’s air campaign confront the extremists. China’s against IS militants in Syria and President Xi Jinping said on Iraq but changed the target to a Thursday that such groups are Russian jetliner after Moscow the “common enemy of mankind.” began its airstrikes in Syria in The photo of the can and September. other materials, which has not The extremists, who have been corroborated, was released a powerful affiliate in Egypt’s by the group’s English-language Sinai Peninsula, previously online magazine. It showed a can claimed to have downed the of Schweppes Gold, a soft drink jetliner but did not give out details sold in Egypt, and what appeared of how the attack was carried out. to be other bomb components next IS also released a photo
of what it said were passports belonging to dead passengers from the Metrojet flight. Russia’s FSB security service said Tuesday the Metrojet flight had crashed as a result of “a terrorist act” — a bomb containing the equivalent of 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of TNT that exploded aboard the jet, causing it to break apart in the air. Egyptian authorities have not said what caused the crash, saying an investigation is still underway. Bob Ayers, a former CIA officer and an international security analyst, said it would be “easy” to bring down a commercial airliner with a device hidden in a soda can. “To bring down an airplane, you don’t need to blow it apart, you just need enough to rupture the pressure hull of the aircraft, and the air pressure will do the work for you,” he said. A can with a device inside could “blow a really nice hole” in an airplane, he said. The IS magazine also announced the killing of hostages from Norway and China who had appeared in an earlier issue wearing yellow jumpsuits. It said they had been killed “after being abandoned by kafir (infidel) nations and organizations.” In the images, the men both appeared to have been shot to death. The online magazine is part of a media operation that has produced scores of graphic, professionally produced videos of military operations and the killing of captives in Iraq, Syria and countries like Libya and Afghanistan, where the IS group has local affiliates and supporters.
Bolivian president suggests minister of health is lesbian
La Paz - Bolivian President Evo Morales apologized to his health minister Tuesday after suggesting she was a lesbian for talking with another woman as he gave a speech. “I don’t want to think you’re a lesbian,” the president told Health Minister Ariana Campero on Monday, chiding her for not listening as he gave a speech at a ceremony to mark the handover of new ambulances to a rural region. Morales, who describes himself as a “feminist, but one who tells macho jokes,” came under fire from women’s and gay rights activists for the comment. “I wasn’t my intention to offend anyone,” he said in a statement. “Calling someone lesbian or gay is not an insult or offense. The government and I do not have anything against anyone’s sexual choices.” Morales, a leftist former union leader who is Bolivia’s first indigenous president, has faced accusations of sexism and homophobia in the past. In 2010, he came under fire for
telling an environmental summit that chickens injected with female hormones are bad because when men eat them “they experience deviances in being men.” And in 2012, women’s rights activists and opposition leaders criticized him for laughing along at a series of dirty verses sung during a carnival celebration. Campero, a doctor and the youngest minister in Morales’s cabinet at 29, is no stranger to sexist comments. “Get married, minister,” Vice President Alvaro Garcia told her recently at a public event, warning her against “showing your boyfriend ‘just how much you love him’” outside of matrimony, sating that could leave her a single parent. He later apologized, saying his wife had upbraided him for the comment. In March, a candidate for mayor in the city of Yacuiba, Carlos Bru, cracked a joke at a campaign rally suggesting she should move to the area as a livein maid, “with your boss on top.”
Bolivian President Evo Morales Ayma delivers a speech in Carapari, Tarija, Bolivia on November 17, 2015 Campero fired back on Twitter, “I am not going to be silenced. And I am not going to be submissive. This minister is against patriarchy. How unfortunate for the sexists in our ranks. The struggle continues.” Bru went on to lose the election. Bolivia has large numbers of women in politics thanks to a gender equality law, and six of the 21 current cabinet ministers are women. But the country also has the worst violence against women of any in Latin America, according to the Pan American Health Organization. There were 33,000 cases last year, according to official figures.
Obama says can close Guantanamo jail while keeping Americans safe U.S. President Barack Obama vowed on Thursday to press ahead with the release of his plan on how he hopes to close the Guantanamo military prison but said last week’s Paris attacks would stoke further congressional resistance to his efforts. Obama drew a link between a bid by Republicans to block the inflow of Syrian refugees to the United States, based on concerns they could ignite Paris-style violence in American cities, and their opposition to the closing of the Guantanamo detention center at the U.S. Navy base in Cuba. While attending an Asia-Pacific summit in Manila, he spoke amid fresh delays in his administration’s submission to Congress of a plan aimed at meeting his long-standing pledge to shut the internationally condemned prison for foreign terrorism suspects. “We can keep the American people safe while shutting down that operation,” Obama told reporters at a joint appearance before reporters with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Obama predicted that the prison’s population would be reduced to fewer than a hundred by early next year, an important symbolic milestone. The number has been whittled down to 107 prisoners, mostly through repatriations and transfers to third countries. The Pentagon had been expected to unveil Obama’s Guantanamo closure plan last week, before his departure for summits in Turkey and Southeast Asia, U.S. officials said. But that was held up without explanation, and Obama did not specify any new timeline. The killing of 129 people in gun and bomb attacks last week in Paris in attacks claimed by Islamic State appears to have complicated Obama’s Guantanamo strategy. Some of Obama’s Republican critics have called on him to drop the idea of closing Guantanamo, saying this is not the time to release more inmates overseas or bring them to U.S. prisons. Obama equated that with calls from Republicans who say that the U.S. acceptance of Syrian refugees should be restricted because militants might slip into the country and carry out attacks, an argument he has dismissed as politically motivated. He reiterated his view that Guantanamo has been “an enormous recruitment tool” for groups like Islamic State, which has seized swathes of Syria and Iraq. “We are going to go through meticulously, with Congress, what our options are and why we think this should be closed,” Obama said. “I guarantee you there will be strong resistance, because in the aftermath of Paris, I think that there is just a very strong tendency for us to get worked up around issues that don’t actually make us safer.” Republicans who control Congress have vowed to block Obama’s efforts to transfer any detainees to the United States from Guantanamo, which was opened by his predecessor, George W. Bush, after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The White House has not ruled out the possibility that Obama could use executive powers to shut the prison, but some lawmakers have vowed legal action if he takes that route.
In this photo reviewed by a U.S. Department of Defense official, a Guantanamo detainee holds onto a fence inside the Camp 6 high-security detention facility at Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base April 27, 2010.
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Colombia to legalize commercial sale of medical marijuana BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombia’s government plans to legalize the cultivation and sale of marijuana for medicinal and scientific purposes, officials said Thursday in a surprise shift by the longtime U.S. ally in the war on drugs. The change is coming in an executive decree that President Juan Manuel Santos will soon sign into law. It will regulate regulating everything from licensing for growers to the eventual export of products made from marijuana, Justice Minister Yesid Reyes said. With the new policy, Colombia joins countries from Mexico to Chile that have experimented with legalization or decriminalization as part of a wave of changing attitudes toward drug use and policies to combat it in Latin America. But unlike many of its neighbors, Colombia has long been identified with U.S.-backed policies to eradicate drug production and a sharp decline in levels of violence over the past 15 years is largely attributed to the no-tolerance policing. Sen. Juan Manuel Galan, who last year introduced legislation that tracks with the government’s decree, said that as many as 400,000
Colombians suffering from epilepsy and other ailments could benefit from the clearer regulatory framework to be provided by the decree. Colombians for two decades have been allowed to possess small quantities of any narcotic for personal use thanks to a series of Constitutional Court rulings guaranteeing the “free development of one’s personality.” But the congress and the executive branch have been loath to endorse such views, in part because of officials’ skittishness about showing any weakness in a country that is the biggest supplier of cocaine to the U.S. Indeed, conservative critics in Colombia and abroad see Santos’ drive to reform drug policy, including a decision earlier this year to end a two-decade-old campaign of spraying illegal coca crops with herbicides, as a sign that the government’s resolve is weakening. Reflecting those concerns, officials went to great lengths Thursday to explain that they are not looking to further liberalize recreational use of marijuana as was recently done in Uruguay, the region’s pioneer in drug policy reform. “Nobody is talking about
A youth smokes marijuana cigarettes using a papaya during a rally in support of legalizing marijuana in Medellin, Colombia. legalizing anything except for these “Our phones are ringing off two purposes,” Reyes said. the hook as we get ready for the next Colombia gained international chapter,” said a statement from John fame since the 1970s as a producer Campo, president of the parent of the of potent pot strains such as Santa U.S.-owned Sannabis company, which Marta Gold. Health Minister is developing cannabis-based oils, Alejandro Gaviria told Blu Radio that creams and other products on a selfhe envisions Colombia positioned as governed indigenous reservation in a major global player in the booming southern Colombia. market for marijuana products.
Putin vows to hunt down, punish those who bombed Russian jet
A somber President Vladimir Putin vowed to hunt down and punish those responsible for a bomb that brought down a Russian passenger jet last month, “wherever they are hiding.” Intensified Russian airstrikes Tuesday hit the Islamic State group’s stronghold in Syria that also is being pounded by the French military. Russia’s FSB security service confirmed for the first time that a homemade bomb caused the Oct. 31 crash of the Metrojet Airbus 321-200 in Egypt’s Sinai Desert and killed all 224 people aboard in what it called “a terrorist act.” The Islamic state had already claimed responsibility, saying it was punishing Moscow for its air campaign in Syria. With Russia striking IS targets in reprisal for the Metrojet downing, France hitting militants in response to the attacks on civilians in Paris last week and the ongoing U.S.led coalition bombings, the extremists were facing a stepped-up assault from at least three military powers. But the Kremlin said it was too soon to call it a de facto alliance. Putin heard the report on
the Metrojet bombing at a late-night meeting of his security advisers in the Kremlin that was shown on national television. He and his advisers stood for moment of silence for those who died on the plane, mostly Russian vacationers flying from the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh to St. Petersburg. An unusually subdued Putin called it “one of the bloodiest crimes,” and promised retribution for “the murder of our people in Sinai.” “We will not wipe away the tears from our souls and our hearts. This will stay with us forever,” he said. The FSB offered a $50 million reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible, and Putin said Russia would be relentless in its pursuit. “We’re going to look for them everywhere wherever they are hiding. We will find them in any place on Earth and punish them,” he said. FSB head Alexander Bortnikov said a bomb containing the equivalent of 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of TNT went off aboard the Airbus, causing it to break apart in the air, which explains
why the fuselage was scattered over such a large territory. I can certainly say that this was “a terrorist act,” Bortnikov said. He said tests showed the explosives had been produced outside of Russia, but gave no other details. Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail said his government was informed only on Tuesday of the results of the Russian investigation, and he shied away from endorsing its conclusion that a bomb was to blame. Speaking in Sharm el-Sheikh following a Cabinet meeting there, Ismail said Egypt would “bear in mind” the Russian conclusion. Aviation Minister Hossam Kamal, meanwhile, sought to cast doubt on the Russian declaration, saying the technical investigation into the crash by experts from Egypt, Russia, France and Ireland had not concluded. Egyptian authorities opened an investigation into a possible security breach or infiltration by militants of the Sharm el-Sheikh airport staff, security officials said. The investigation has focused on baggage handlers, their
security supervisors and also personnel involved in aircraft catering, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case. Egypt is concerned about the impact on its tourism industry. Sharm el-Sheikh was particularly popular with Russian tourists, who in 2014 accounted for nearly a third of the nearly 10 million visitors to Egypt. Russia has suspended all flights to Egypt. Russia also has banned Egypt’s national carrier from flying to Russia. Seeking to reassure travelers, Egyptian Interior Minister Magdy Abdel-Ghaffar said security measures at airports had been stepped up nationwide. Putin’s meeting at the Kremlin was held immediately upon his return from Monday’s summit with President Barack Obama and other world leaders in Turkey, where they vowed to work together to combat the Islamic State group following Friday’s attacks in Paris that killed 129 people. IS has claimed responsibility for those bombings and shootings.
Zimbabwe’s prisons grappling with a shortage of plates Zimbabwe’s prisons that have long coped with food shortages have a new problem: Not enough plates to serve the scarce food. Hard-core criminals such as murderers and rapists are worst hit, said Zimbabwe Prisons Service spokeswoman Elizabeth Banda. At some maximum security prisons, there is just one plate for up to 40 inmates, she said. “It is a desperate situation,” Banda told The Associated Press. She said the prison service was not able to buy new plates this year
because of lack of money. Zimbabwe’s prisons are woefully funded, with prisoners, former prisoners and even prison officials often complaining about food shortages. A riot broke out at the country’s largest maximum security prison, Chikurubi prison in Harare, in March over food shortages, in which prison officers shot dead five prisoners in the melee. A senior prison official Gilbert Marange later told members of a parliamentary committee in
June that prisoners had gone for three years without eating meat until the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority of Zimbabwe donated 250 kilograms (550 pounds) of meat. Prisons spokeswoman Banda said that even when food is available prison wardens still have problems because of the shortage of plates. “The crime trends in Zimbabwe are such that many people who are jailed are hardcore criminals. This has resulted
in overpopulation at maximum security prisons and it is taking a toll on our plates,” said Banda. Zimbabwe has about 19,000 prisoners although the prisons capacity is just 17,000, said Banda. Inmates lucky to have relatives and friends who bring food from outside the prison are being advised to keep the containers for future use during prison meal times, said Banda. “We are also counting on well-wishers to donate plates to the prisons,” she said.
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Facebook makes it easier to break up with your ex
You may decide to block your ex after finally deciding to break up, forward their emails to your spam folder, and avoid all the places where you could possibly run into them. But there is no way you can escape them on social media. Sure, you can block your former boyfriend or girlfriend on Facebook, but if you ever have a change Facebook Logo of heart, you’ll have to suffer from the isn’t official until it’s Facebook official. their ex option, that person’s posts embarrassment of sending them a new With that being said, most people who won’t pop up in your News Feed, and friend request. And do you really want are in a relationship probably reveal so their name will not be suggested when to throw salt in your wounds if they on the social media site. Now when a you write a new message or tag friends decline to accept it? user changes their relationship status in photos. That means you can feel free Now Facebook is making it back to single, they will automatically to tag away without being reminded easier for you to get through your see three new options to soften that that your ex wasn’t there to share this breakup by announcing on Thursday breakup blow. happy moment with you. that it is testing new tools that will The user can opt to see less The second option would be give users the option of hiding their of their ex’s name and profile photo to limit the photos, videos, or status exes. without having to unfriend or block updates that your former partner can We all know that a relationship them. If a user selects to “see less of” see. This basically is just updating
your privacy settings to hide posts from your ex. The final option allows users to edit who can see their past posts that include a former partner. You can also untag yourself from posts your ex previously tagged you in so you can forget you two even knew each other. “We’re starting to test these tools today in the U.S. on mobile, and we’ll make changes and roll them out further based on people’s feedback,” Facebook product manager Kelly Winters wrote in a blog post. “This work is part of our ongoing effort to develop resources for people who may be going through difficult moments in their lives,” “We hope these tools will help people end relationships on Facebook with greater ease, comfort and sense of control.”
United to let travelers use miles for in-flight Wi-Fi
TAG Heuer smartwatch
Tag Heuer, tech companies unveil $1,500 luxury smartwatch A leading Swiss watchmaker and two technology titans have combined forces to produce a computerized wristwatch billed as the “world’s smartest luxury watch.” Tag Heuer CEO JeanClaude Biver said his company has been building mechanical watches for 155 years but knew little about building an Internet-connected device that younger buyers would want. So it partnered with Intel and Google in what he calls the “marriage of Watch Valley and Silicon Valley.” Various manufacturers have made watches using Google’s Android Wear system but they typically look more like mini computers on the wrist rather than a traditional watch. Luxury comes with a price: Tag Heuer Connected starts selling in the U.S. on Monday for $1,500. By contrast, the cheapest Android Wear watch costs $129. Sales in Japan begin next week and in other countries in Europe and Asia by the end of November. Apple Watch has a luxury edition, with a case made of gold, for $10,000 to $17,000. The
regular Apple Watch starts at $349. The Tag Heuer Connected adopted the company’s Carrera Calibre mechanical design and uses premium materials, including titanium lugs and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal screen. Straps come in a choice of seven colors. Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said Tag Heuer showed his engineers the design elements desired and worked with Google to tweak the Android Wear software for it. “Our teams have brought what they are uniquely good at and have fused together something that is bigger than the sum of its parts,” said David Singleton, a vice president of engineering at Google. TAG Heuer Connected is equipped with directional wind and weather monitoring, RaceChrono Pro capability, and Google Fit, each designed at the synthesis of style and precision thanks to its innovative interactive counters. Bold, custom themes allow numerous display options and Android Wear connects you with thousands of apps that you can tailor to your taste.
United Airlines planes are seen on platform at the Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, July 8, 2015. United Airlines plans to let Power’s 2015 ranking. travelers redeem frequent-flier miles The team overseeing the for Wifi on flights, company officials sale of extra services such as Wi-Fi is said. now focused on improving travelers’ United, the second-largest U.S. experience more than maximizing airline by capacity, began testing a web revenue, United’s Vice President of portal on Thursday that lets customers ecommerce and Merchandising Scott use award miles to access the Internet Wilson said in an interview. on their laptops, tablets and smart “There is a bias towards phones, making it the first U.S. carrier promoting that type of thinking. It’s with the feature, a spokesman said. always existed, but maybe where it It hopes to roll out the portal was more balanced, it’s shifted a little to most U.S. domestic flights by early bit,” he said. 2016 and to finish installations on That doesn’t mean free Wi-Fi, international flights by mid-summer. however. Regional jets that United contracts for Wilson said there has to be some dollar its United Express brand will get the or mileage cost because web speeds portal later. could slow if each customer tried to The move reflects an ongoing access the Internet. For now, existing push in the airline industry to treat contracts prevent United from rolling frequent-flier miles like a currency. out the speediest satellite-based Wi-Fi Travelers already can redeem miles on on all flights. U.S. carriers for hotel rooms, theater Wilson said the miles needed tickets, goods such as cameras and for Wi-Fi would vary with supply and even identity theft monitoring. demand. This also marks United’s United’s partner Deutsche latest move to win over customers Lufthansa AG charges long-haul since Oscar Munoz took over as chief customers 3,500 miles or 9 Euros for executive of parent United Continental an hour of Internet access, according Holdings Inc in September. to its website. Munoz has solicited feedback Munoz, who is on leave until from travelers on how to improve the 2016 after a heart attack, has said airline, ranked the lowest in customer implementing the 2010 merger of satisfaction of the largest North united and Continental was “rocky for American carriers, according to J.D. customers and employees.”
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U.S. Consumers Favor Amazon for Online Holiday Shopping “The Big Kahuna that continues to grab market share is Amazon,” said Craig Johnson, head of retail consultancy Customer Growth Partners. “Both Wal-Mart and to some extent Target have simply not kept pace enough.” Johnson added that sluggish spending overall contributed to the weakerthan-expected online sales at Target and Wal-Mart, which also faced increased competition from other online retailers, such as Wayfair Inc. According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll, 8 percent of adults said they plan to shop only online this year, compared to 6 percent a year earlier. The proportion of respondents who said they would shop mostly online remained steady at 17 percent. All major retailers are investing in e-commerce. Target said it has kept up the pace of investment in initiatives needed to grow its online business. In March, the retailer said it will invest $1 billion in improving its online sales technology and supply chain. Wal-Mart is spending
about $1 billion a year to bolster its e-commerce infrastructure. In the third quarter, it opened its fifth fulfillment center dedicated to online sales - establishing a network from which it said it could deliver to customers across the United States in two days. For many shoppers, Amazon has become synonymous with online shopping. It gained tens of millions of members to its Prime service by offering access to movies, music and other services in addition to free shipping in return for an annual fee. Amazon can also focus on online sales because it does not have to worry about getting customers into physical stores, said Kerry Rice, an analyst at Needham & Co. “They drive you to that site in many, many ways,” Rice said of Amazon. “It’s not about driving foot traffic to retail stores.” The Reuters poll had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of plus or minus 1.9 percentage points.
JP Morgan Chase breach was among the biggest in recent years
Last year’s data breach at JPMorgan Chase affected more than 76 million households and seven million Amazon Logo small businesses. The bank A majority of U.S. this week showed that such said hackers may have consumers plan to go to efforts were falling short. stolen names, addresses, Amazon.com for most of their Target Corp said phone numbers and email online holiday shopping, on Wednesday its digital addresses, although according to a Reuters/Ipsos sales grew 20 percent in the no account numbers or poll, even after traditional latest quarter, missing its passwords were believed to retailers have collectively expectations for a 30 percent have been exposed. spent billions of dollars to try gain. The discount retailer That ranks among to capture Web demand. cited weakness in electronics the biggest in a wave of The survey of 3,426 demand. consumer data breaches adults conducted from A day earlier, Walthat has struck major November 12 to 18 found that Mart Stores Inc reported organizations in recent years. 51 percent plan to do most quarterly online sales growth Two men held in Israel and of their online shopping at of 10 percent, slower than one U.S. citizen believed to Amazon this holiday season, its target growth in the midbe living in Moscow have compared to 16 percent at to-high-teens this fiscal year. been charged in the case, Walmart, 3 percent at Target Wal-Mart pointed to sluggish according to an indictment and 2 percent at Macy’s. market conditions in China, unsealed Tuesday. A little more than Britain and Brazil, and said Here are some a quarter of respondents it fared better in the United other big recent breaches: said they would use another States. Software-maker Adobe retailer not listed in the poll. In contrast, Amazon. Systems suffered a breach in The poll underscored com Inc had posted a 28 2013 that reportedly involved the hurdles that traditional percent jump in North 150 million customer email retailers faced in expanding American sales in its quarterly addresses and encrypted online. Their own sales data report last month. passwords. Online retailer eBay had a 2014 breach involving an estimated 145 million customer names, addresses and encrypted passwords. Home Depot, the home improvement chain, suffered a 2014 breach that reportedly exposed about 56 Apple apologized on something?” one of the teens each other,” Scott said, “Just The teens believe they Thursday after a group of asks. kids being kids and certainly were targeted solely because million customer payment black teenagers was asked to “End of discussion,” being no different to quite a of the color of their skin, Scott card accounts, plus email addresses for 53 million leave one of its retail stores the staffer replies. “I need to few other kids at the time.” said. in Melbourne, where a staffer ask you to leave our store.” In a statement issued “I’m inclined to agree more customers. Retail chain had expressed concern they The six teens, who Thursday, Apple said: “We’ve there was an implicit kind Target had a breach in 2013 would shoplift. are 10th grade students at looked into the details of the of racist response that just that reportedly affected 40 The technology giant nearby Maribyrnong College situation and we apologize to generalized an expectation of million payment cards and faced accusations of racism in and are of African or Middle the customers involved.” how they would behave,” he phone numbers or addresses for another 70 million a backlash that began after Eastern descent, did nothing The Cupertino, said. one of the teens posted a video to prompt the ejection, said California-based company After hearing about customers. giant of Tuesday’s incident on his principal Nick Scott, who also said, “Inclusion and the incident, Scott contacted Insurance Facebook page, captioning it: spoke with the students about diversity are among Apple’s the store and asked if the Anthem reported a breach “Simply Racism.” the incident. core values. We believe teens could speak with the last year that included In the video, a staffer “What those boys in equality for everyone, manager to smooth things social security numbers, is heard telling the teens: were doing in that Apple store regardless of race, age, gender, over, and the store agreed. employment and income “These guys are just a bit was no different to what every gender identity, ethnicity, On Wednesday, the teens information for up to 80 worried about your presence in other kid does in that Apple religion or sexual orientation. met with the manager, who million people. Pictures our store. They’re just worried store, which is fawning over That applies throughout our apologized and reassured Sony Entertainment suffered you might steal something.” really cool devices, playing company, around the world them they were welcome in a hack last year in which “Why would we steal with them, taking photos of with no exceptions.” the store, Scott said. personal information for nearly 50,000 current and former employees, including salaries and social security numbers, was posted online.Earlier this year, the U.S. Office of Personnel European Union countries plan virtual currencies and transfers of gold, Management suffered a a crackdown on virtual currencies and precious metals, by pre-paid cards,” draft hack involving sensitive anonymous payments made online and conclusions of the meeting said. information including social via pre-paid cards in a bid to tackle Bitcoin is the most common security numbers and even terrorism financing after the Paris virtual currency and is used as a fingerprint records for over attacks, a draft document seen by vehicle for moving money around the 21 million current and Reuters said. world quickly and anonymously via the former federal workers. EU interior and justice ministers web without the need for third-party Also this year, will gather in Brussels on Friday for verification. hackers said they posted a crisis meeting called after the Paris Electronic anonymous payments account information for carnage of last weekend. can be made also with pre-paid debit millions of customers of They will urge the European cards purchased in stores as gift cards. the Ashley Madison service, Commission, the EU executive arm, to EU ministers also plan “to A Bitcoin (virtual currency) paper wallet with QR which promises opportunities propose measures to “strengthen controls curb more effectively the illicit trade in codes and coins are seen in an illustration picture for extramarital affairs. of non-banking payment methods such cultural goods,” the draft document said. taken at La Maison du Bitcoin in Paris July 11, 2014. as electronic/anonymous payments and
Apple apologizes after black teens ejected from store
EU clamps down on Bitcoin, Anonymous Payments to Curb Terrorism Funding
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food selection under the chef ’s supervision while respecting hygiene and safety procedures. Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Seven Stars Resort is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the position outlined below. Ideal candidates must possess at least 10 years’ experience as a Manager in a major retail clothing operation, a professional demeanor, and a strong command of the English Language (oral and written). Salary is based on experience and qualifications.
RETAIL & SPA MANAGER
This is a fantastic opportunity to join Seven Stars Resort in the role of Retail & Spa Manager. This position will be responsible for the Logo store, F&B retail sales and Spa Retail Boutique outlets along with the newly expanded Spa Operation. We are seeking an experienced person who understands retail as well as the hospitality and spa industry and has the drive to lead the team in taking the store to new heights and create a unique customer experience.
Skills required: •Must have at least 10 years’ managerial experience in a multi-channel retail store •Excellent customer service skills •Extensive apparel product knowledge •Extensive Merchandizing and Store Layout experience •F&B experience •Understanding and appreciation of Spa Operations •Understanding of retail margins and GP percentages •Highly organised and efficient •Self-motivated and hands-on reliable team player •Client and vendor relationships •Verbal Communication •Strategic Planning and Budgeting •Pricing and Tracking Budget Expenses •Staffing
Responsible for: •Management of the Logo, F&B and Spa Retail Outlets and Spa Operations •Ordering stock and liaising with suppliers •Presentation, merchandising and stock management •Growing Sales •Maintaining Gross Profit & Wage costs •Rostering, supervising and training of Spa and Retail staff
SUNFLOWERS PROPERTY MANAGER Providing efficient and accurate administrative and day to day operations of the property, including tenant relations, maintenance and repair, security, janitorial services, landscaping, etc. The Property Manager handles tenant complaints and service requests, and must be familiar with the terms of tenant leases.
Skills required: •Must have at least 10 years’ managerial/supervisory experience •Must have an accounting background and basic accounting qualification •Excellent customer service skills •Highly organised and efficient •Self-motivated and hands-on reliable team player
Responsible for: •Carrying out various property management tasks as directed by Director of Finance •Administer daily functioning of property •Inspect property daily to ensure compliance with established policies, safety measures and quality standards •Preparing units for lease and leasing same •Ensure that tenants comply to the terms and conditions of their lease •Ensure the timely collection of rent and utility costs •Prepare monthly accounting statements •Manages operations, payments for leasing and maintenance •Manage on site staff, security team and sub-contractors •Vector Control for site and apartment buildings •Document and report on all business transactions related to the property •Keep complete set of documents and leases relating to Sunflowers operations and tenants. BANQUET CHEF As Banquet Chef, you would be responsible for preparing, seasoning and cooking a variety of meats, vegetables, soups, breakfast’s dishes and other
•Degree from accredited culinary school. •Several years’ experience in the food industry and food production •Possess considerable knowledge in food preparation, presentation and portion control. •Ability to plan, organize and direct the activities of employees in the kitchen area. •Ability to develop an effective working relationship with fellow employees and supervisors. •Ability to read, write and communicate effectively with co-workers and customers in an English speaking environment. •Coordinate all food orders between stations and food servers. •Assist in directing and correcting the presentation and portioning of food for all banquet functions. •Adhere to policies and procedures regarding sanitation and sanitary food handling. •Maintains the work area, including all counter tops, utensils, equipment, and refrigeration in a clean and sanitary condition in accordance with company health and safety regulations. •Have thorough knowledge of menus and the preparation required, according to hotel standards. •Maintain cleanliness and organization of all storage areas •Prepare and display buffet food items according to the hotel standards. •Proficiency in the following cooking techniques: charbroiling, poaching, deep-frying, sauté, braising, roasting and par-cooking. •Recognize quality standards in fresh vegetables, fish, dairy, and meat products. •Knowledge of herbs and spices and proper use of each. •Prepare food for Banquets, as required, following specifications on Banquet Event Orders. •Preparation of specials will be under the direction of the Executive Chef. •Breakdown buffets and plated meals, storing food and equipment properly at the end of each meal period. •Work banquet food station as scheduled by the Executive Chef. •Know the location and operation of all fire extinguishing equipment. •Practice safe work habits at all times to avoid possible injury to self or other employees. •Be able to support any position in the Kitchen that is in need of help. •Must be able to work in hot kitchen, in fast paced environments and in demanding situations. •Must be willing to begin work some days in the early morning hours and other times remain at work late into the night depending on the size and time of a particular banquet. •Must be able to work weekends and holidays as these are common times for banquets. •Must be able to handle heavy lifting, long hours of standing and other taxing physical activities. •Makes sure adequate numbers of kitchen staff are scheduled to properly handle each banquet. •Meets with potential banquet clients to discuss menu options. •Must have the ability to multi-task while remaining focused on the goal. •Must have excellent verbal communication and leadership skills. •Be able to express creativity through food selections, preparation and presentation. •Must be detail oriented. •Must have the ability to remain calm in high stress situations. •Be able to solve problems quickly under pressure. •Must have adequate upper body strength for heavy lifting and strong back and leg muscles for hours of standing, bending and walking around. •Perform additional duties as the need arises In addition, we are also currently recruiting for the following: •Servers •Runners •Houseman •Room Attendant •Cook •Dining & Banqueting Coordinator •Security Guard •Director of Finance •Lead Server
Interested candidates should apply via e-mail to Seven Stars at hr@sevenstarsgracebay.com for consideration. Application deadline: November 27, 2015.
ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING ABOVE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED.
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Sports Commission acknowledges NGOs
The Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission last week thanked a number of individuals representing different non-governmental organizations with presentation of plaques. Judith Robinson, Acting Director of the Sports Commission told The SUN that the individuals and their organizations have been recognized for their TCI Basketball Federation The NGBs recognize by the TCIG Department of sports are: the TCI Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation; TCI Commonwealth
Games Association; TCI Cricket Federation; TCI Cycling Association; TCI Darts Association; TCI Football Association; TCI American Football Association; TCI Rugby Football Union; TCI Sailing Association; TCI Softball Federation; TCI Secondary School Sports Association; TCI Swim Federation; TCI Armature Athletics Association; TCI Tennis Federation; TCI Triathlon Association; TCI Boxing Federation and TCI Volleyball Federation. sterling contributions to sport in general. Judith said that the
individuals gave tirelessly over not only to their area of sport, but also to the Commission, and it was fitting that they be acknowledged for their selflessness. “This was NGBs and Department of Sports finial meeting for the year, where all NGOs are given their package of information to prepare them for the New Year. The presentation was to show appreciation of thanks to all NGBs for the good year they had contributed in the development of Sports. “This year we have seen
sports, yet again, take a raise in its development in the Turks & Caicos Islands. We have seen an increase from 16 to 18 NGBs, an increase in grassroots, youth and female programs, not only in Providenciales, but in all other sister islands. We are seeing the growth of sports and the department wanted to not only pay lip service but to show appreciation in a small tangible way,” Robinson said. The presentation was held at the Sports Commission’s Office located at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex in Providenciales.
Softball Federation President Godfrey Been (left) and Vice President Paula Virgil-Stubbs (centre) are presented with a plaque by Judith Robinson
Ben Stubenberg, President for Swim Federation, collects his award from Judith Robinson
TCAAA President Edith Skippings (left) and General Secretary Rosalie Ingham-Hall (centre) collects their award from Judith Robinson
Judith Robinson presents the award to Clavin Williams, President for Basketball Federation
Some of the organization committee members for 2015 TCI Sports Awards left to right: Kyle Knowles, Greturde Forbes, Edith Skippings, Paula Virgil-Stubbs, Judith Robinson, Kevin Bethel and in the Back Calvin Williams. Missing is Edith Cox and Mary Lightbourne
Football Association General Secretary, Candia Ewing (left) is presented with her award
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SPORTS
Roger Federer ends Djokovic’s winning streak at ATP Finals
LONDON — Even the best player in the world can have an off day, especially when he’s playing someone many believe is the best of all time. Roger Federer brought his top game to the O2 Arena on Tuesday, stopping Novak Djokovic’s ATP Finals winning streak at 15 by beating the top-seeded Serb 7-5, 6-2. “I wouldn’t have picked it maybe before the tournament, just because of his really good record on the indoors, the year he’s had,” said Federer, who lost to Djokovic in the Wimbledon and U.S. Open finals. “But then again, all day I felt good about my chances.” The win put Federer in the semifinals of the season-ending tournament for the 13th time in 14 appearances. Djokovic, who has already clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking, had not lost at the ATP Finals since 2011, winning the last three elite titles for the top eight players in the world. But Federer was strong
Roger Federer is regarded as the greatest tennis player of all time. Tuesday, as he usually is on an indoor later and won the final four games. hard court. “Yeah, you have those days as The six-time champion broke well, when you are not feeling your best, Djokovic in the final game of the first not even close to the best,” Djokovic set, and again early in the second. said. “Credit to Roger for mixing up Although Djokovic broke right back, the pace, giving me always a different Federer regained the lead a short time ball. He used the slice and spin very
wisely. He served very efficiently. “I made a lot of unforced errors. Just handed him the win.” On Sunday, Federer beat Tomas Berdych, giving him a 2-0 record this week. He will still play Kei Nishikori on Thursday in the final round-robin match. Djokovic beat Nishikori in his first match, and will face Berdych on Thursday for a spot in the semifinals. Djokovic has been the best player in tennis all year, winning three Grand Slam titles and losing the other in the final at the French Open. In beating Federer at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, he won his ninth and 10th major titles. He found it tough to get going against the 17-time Grand Slam champion on Tuesday, though. “These days happen. These kind of things happen,” Djokovic said. “I have to accept it and hopefully work on it tomorrow and get better next time.”
Helmet use could become compulsory
Moeen Ali ducked into a Wahab Riaz bouncer during the recent Pakistan series The ECB is considering in matches or in practice, including making helmet use compulsory for throw-downs - if batting against any batsmen and close fielders in county bowling from medium-pace or quicker, cricket before the start of next season. while close fielders and wicketkeepers ESPNcricinfo understands standing up to the stumps will also be that recent discussions are likely to required to wear helmets. result in a regulation that helmets A firm decision will be made in should be worn at all times - whether a meeting just before Christmas, with
the conclusion likely to be subsequently - the advent of T20 cricket has seen reflected in all recreational cricket the development of some outrageous under the auspices of the ECB. strokes, with slog-sweeps and scoop The ECB have insisted that strokes off seamers now common players under 18 wear helmets at all there is a hope that the move will times while batting and keeping up to act as a good example to recreational the stumps since 2000 but, following players who still, on occasions, might some high-profile incidents in the shun helmets in a misplaced act of professional game - most notably machismo or fail to keep up to date the death of Philip Hughes and the with the improvements in helmet enforced retirement of Mark Boucher design. - there has been renewed scrutiny on Whether there will be the issue of safety. attempts to impose compulsory New safety standards were helmets in at least the top echelons of introduced midway through 2014 recreational cricket remains a matter with helmets exposed to far more for debate. rigorous testing procedures. The ECB “We think that professional publishes a list of approved helmets players have a duty not only to protect on its website. themselves,” Angus Porter, the CEO of As well as protecting the PCA told ESPNcricinfo, “but also professional players from the to set an example for the recreational increased risks of the modern game game.”
US hits crossbar twice, ties Trinidad 0-0 in World Cup qualifier After two games on the long path to the 2018 World Cup, the United States has four points. The Americans and Coach Jurgen Klinsmann followed a miserable fourmonth stretch with a decent start in qualifying. Gyasi Zardes and Jermaine Jones hit the crossbar, and the U.S. was held to a 0-0 with Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday night in Port-ofSpain. “We’ve gone on the road and lost the first game, so this is a good point,” goalkeeper Tim Howard said. “It sets it up really nicely for March, for sure.” After the first two games of semifinals in the North and Central American and Caribbean region, the U.S. leads with four points and a
plus-five goal difference, followed by Trinidad (four points and plus one), Guatemala (three points) and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (none). Qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia breaks until late March, when the Americans play Guatemala away and home in a fiveday span. After the final matches next September, the top two teams advance to the six-national regional finals. “Our goal is to make a huge step then in March with six points,” Klinsmann said. Zardes’ open header off of Jozy Altidore’s cross hit the crossbar just 75 seconds into the second half. Jones’ 30-yard right-footed strike glanced off the top of the crossbar in the 78th minute.
“We got unlucky. We didn’t take our chances,” defender Geoff Cameron said. “We had two opportunities, two clear opportunities, two crossbars. We could have done better in the final third. That will come. But it’s still a great point on the road.” The U.S. returned to the site of the win that earned the Americans’ first World Cup berth in 40 years. The warm and humid night twas two days shy of the 26th anniversary of Paul Caligiuri’s famous goal. “In some of these smaller countries, these games are everything,” Howard said. “It makes for a tough environment.” Howard, who returned last month from a one-year sabbatical from the national team, took over as goalkeeper from Brad Guzan in what
has turned into a rotation. It was the 36-year-old’s first competitive game for the U.S. since making 15 saves in the 2-1 extra time defeat to Belgium in the round of 16 at last year’s tournament in Brazil. The only other change in the American lineup had Michael Orozco at right back, with DeAndre Yedlin pushing up to midfield and Zardes switching from midfield to forward in place of Bobby Wood. Zardes played his 19th game of 2015, matching Claudio Reyna (1994) for most appearances in a player’s debut year with the U.S. national team. Trinidad’s first shot came just 20 seconds in, but Joevin Jones’ effort was too high. Kenwyne Jones sent an open shot just wide in the 13th.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015
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