VOLUME 12 ISSUE 05

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

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VOLUME 12 - NO. 05

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LIFE IN PRISON FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING

P

By Todeline Defralien

ersons who engage in human trafficking and exploiting foreign workers can now face between ten years in jail to life imprisonment.

These tough sentences are some of the provisions contained in the Trafficking in Persons Prevention Bill which was recently debated in the House of Assembly.

Minister of Immigration and Labour Hon. Donhue Gardiner said although bars and restaurants in the Turks and Caicos Islands are not being specifically targeted, they will feel the full weight of the law if they are in violation of the new Bill.

Gardiner said, “This is a very important bit of legislation and it really sets the TCI I think on a proper footing as far as trafficking persons are concerned.

We’re not, contrary to what people have said in the public.. we’re not interested necessarily in going after bars where people work but know that if persons are trafficked and they end up at those bars, then those bars will not be out of the reach of the enforcement officers.”

The minister said there has been no ban on bar owners being able to apply for work permits for persons from the Dominican Republic or Haiti or any other country.

He said the new Bill is a very important bit of legislation that if we as a country are to move into the arena with other civilized countries it is something that ought to be done.

He added: “Not necessarily because we are a country that is ripe with human trafficking but because we live in a world where anything is possible and most things can happen.”

He noted that the bill seeks to make provisions for the prevention and the suppression of trafficking in persons and

First annual Color Run raised over $2,000

The first annual color run event took place last week Sunday January 31st , the event raised over $2,000 after expenses.

The purpose of this event was to raise money to support the Provo hockey league which is one of the most expensive sports on the island. Organizers of the event said that the event was an overwhelming success and they look forward to making it even bigger and better with a few surprises next year. in particular to create the offence of trafficking in persons, assist victims of trafficking, to facilitate the investigation of cases of trafficking in persons and as well as to provide for the effective punishment of individuals and entities involved in trafficking in persons.

Gardiner noted that the new law covers the abuse of persons who are vulnerable, including persons having entered the country illegally or without proper documentation, the person being pregnant, the person being mentally

incapacitated or disabled or if the person is a minor.

He added: “Mr. Speaker a child is intended to mean a person who has not obtained the age of 18 years. Coercion includes threats of serious harm to or physical restraint against the person amongst some other things including the abuse or threatened abuse of the legal process.”

He added: “There are a few others that may come out but there’s just one more in particular that I should

wish to draw particular reference to and that there is practices similar to slavery, servitude, sexually explicit conduct, and slavery. Speaker sexual exploitation which means compelling the participation of the person in prostitution, the production of child pornography or other pornographic material or any other sexual activity as a result of being subjected to threats, coercion, abduction as a result of the effects of narcotic drugs, forced abuse of minority or fraud.”

No Zika virus cases in TCI

Possible moratorium on security companies

Commissioner defends police transfers from Grand Turk - Page 6

Premier Ewing in no hurry to call elections

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

1800 Civil servants in TCI

At the end of December 2015 the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Service had a total of 1,809 employees; this included 1,520 Established Staff and 289 Waged/Ancillary Staff, according to a Government press statement from Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams.

The Ministry of Education continued as TCIG’s largest employment sector accounting for 23% or 424 employees within the Civil Service, while the Police accounted for 15% of the Civil Service or 276 employees.

During the past three years TCIG has recorded numerous successes in terms of its Recruitment and Promotion Programs and is happy to boast that at the end of 2015 Belongers accounted for 128 out of 152 or 85% of all filled managerial

roles in the mainstream Civil Service which excludes Statutory Bodies and Good Governance Institutions which are governed by separate ordinances and employment policies.

Commenting on these stats, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams said: “I am most pleased with the work that we have been able to carry out over the past few years in attracting and retaining persons in the TCI Civil Service. When I took up this post three years ago the employment and other statistics were quite different and I am happy to have been a part of a shift in this dynamic.

2015 recorded a number of successes for the civil service and there was a record number of applications for roles across Government, helping to attract key talent to the civil service.

We credit this success to several key positions within government. factors:

4.

A significant number

1.

The launch of the of in house and other training and new Recruitment and Communication capacity building programs that has Strategy in 2015 which created a more helped persons within government structured process for recruitment to upgrade themselves and their and saw batches of new and vacant skills to more senior positions across posts being advertised every 3 weeks government creating a greater sense of expectancy.

“We intend to continue to drive

2.

The launch of TCIG positive change in the Civil Service, Vacancies webpage which allowed not only in making it an Employer of persons 24 hour easy access to Choice, but also in creating greater employment opportunities within efficiency in the services that we offer government. to the public which will involve the

3.

The implementation launching of a new vision for the Civil of the Pay and Grading Review which Service for 2016 and for future years established a new compensation to come, centered around service structure in government in line delivery. Congratulations to our with levels of skill and roles and entire management team! We look responsibility and has resulted in a forward to continued successes as we renewed interest from persons in the strive towards ‘Excellence in Public public and private sector to apply for Service’,” the Deputy Governor adde.

Three armed robberies in Providenciales

Investigators of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands (RTCIPF) are investigating one attempted robbery and two separate reports of armed robbery that occurred in different areas of Blue Hills.

According to police spokesman Kevin Clarke, at about 4:50 pm (Tuesday 2nd February 2016), a 74-year-old male and his wife were bird watching in the

Wheeland area when they were with his wife had just arrived home confronted by a tall and dark slim in the area of Snake Hill when built male with a mask over his they were approached by three (3) face pointing a gun at them who masked men described to be 5’10”, demanded cash and a wedding ring. dark complexion and slim built; who The 74-year- old man managed to pointed a gun and knives at them escape and reported the incident to and got away with a lady’s handbag. the police. Police searched the area And lastly on the same but the masked men was not located. night at 10:48 p.m, a 20 year old

Also, at 9:51pm on the male and his sister were walking same date, a 36-year-old male along home in the vicinity of the Clement

Howell High School when they were also approached by three (3) masked men described to be 5’10”, dark complexion, slim built and at the time wearing black hoodie and short pants pointed a gun at them and demanded cash. The suspects got away with two (2) cellular phones.

Police searched the areas for the suspects, but none was found.

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

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FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

No Zika virus cases in TCI

There are no cases of Zika virus in the Turks and Caicos Islands to date, according to the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services.

However, the ministry said that due to the prevalence in the Turks and Caicos Islands of the Aedes aegypti mosquito which can transmit Dengue, Chickungunya and Zika viruses as well as this country’s close proximity and regular flights to countries with confirmed cases of Zika like Haiti and Puerto Rico, the Ministry has taken the following measures: •Intensified surveillance activities •Implemented enhanced vector control measures; e.g., increased fogging •Increased public education about the risks associated with Zika virus, including workshops for targeted groups; and •Encouraged residents and visitors to take every precaution against mosquito bites, particularly pregnant women.

of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is liberally aggressive during the day and also responsible for •When weather permits, wear long-sleeved the transmission of Dengue and Chikungunya. shirts and long pants

The most common symptoms of Zika virus •Use air conditioning or window/door screens infection are mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis to (also known as pink eye), muscle or joint pain, and keep mosquitoes outside general malaise. The illness is usually mild with •If you are not able to protect yourself from symptoms lasting for several days to a week. There mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep is no specific treatment or vaccine for Zika. under a mosquito net

Although symptoms of Zika are generally •Help reduce the number of mosquitoes inside mild, there have been reports of congenital, and outside your home by: neurological and autoimmune complications. For •Check around buildings for anything that reasons that are not fully understood, a relationship could has been established between pregnant women hold water, inspect your home and yard weekly infected with Zika and cases of the birth defect •Turn containers over or cover them microcephaly, which causes abnormally small •Get rid of or cover old tires heads and underdeveloped brains. There has also •Properly dispose of all garbage/refuse been some evidence of vertical transmission of the •Cover boats, children’s pools, water drums and Zika virus from mother to child. rain barrels etc.

Some countries with Zika have reported •Clean rain gutters and make sure they are an increase in Gullian-Barré syndrome (an flowing properly autoimmune disease where the immune system •Check screens for holes

The Ministry further advises that attacks the nerves), and other neurological and •Empty standing water from containers such protecting yourself from mosquito bites will autoimmune syndromes. Zika virus can cause as flower pots or buckets help you to stay safe from contracting Dengue, other neurological syndromes including meningitis, Chikungunya and Zika and if travel is essential meningoencephalitis and myelitis, although such The Zika virus has been reported in 20 to areas experiencing these diseases, especially for syndromes have not been reported in the Region of countries and territories in Latin America and the pregnant women, remember to exercise extreme the Americas thus far.

Caribbean from February 2014 – 26th January 2016. caution to avoid mosquito bites.

These countries include;Brazil, Barbados, Bolivia, The Ministry will continue to closely monitor the TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM Columbia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, situation with its regional partners and provide MOSQUITO BITES Guatemala, Guadalupe, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, updates to the general public Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto

Zika virus infection is caused by the bite •Apply insect repellents on exposed skin Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname and Venezuela.

Classes to resume at HJ Robinson high school on Monday

Minister of Education Youth Sports & Culture Hon. Akierra Missick & other Government officials visits HJ Robinson High School site

Classes will resume at the H. J. Robinson High School in Grand Turk on Monday, February 8th, while investigations continue into the cause of the fire that damaged a section of the school.

A Government press release said that on Wednesday February 3rd, the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, Hon. Akierra Missick was able to officially conduct a walkthrough of the H J Robinson School Administrative Building which was destroyed by fire

on Friday, January 29th.

“Based on the visit and the advice of the experts it was deemed necessary to begin school on Monday 8th February. It is expected that before then, Public Works Department (PWD) will construct a permanent barrier to corner off the affected building and ensure the health and safety of the students and staff who occupy the campus,” the release said.

“Steps to ensure the speedy rebuilding of the block have already begun. PWD has already marshalled

its resources to ensure a structural report is received by the end of the week and have engaged the services of the required persons for a design and costing for tendering once funds are fully available.”

The police are continuing investigations into the cause of the fire and have officers on hand collecting and securing the necessary evidence.

This was the first opportunity the Minister and her team had, for a firsthand view of the fire which destroyed the top floor of the new

Administrative Building.

This building housed several class rooms, principal and vice principal offices and library. Also destroyed in the fire were years of school records and much of the newly acquired equipment and office supplies including, white boards, chairs and desks and computers.

The Minister, Permanent Secretary Cherylann Jones and Deputy Secretary Russell Cox , representatives from The Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning Public Works Department (PWD) Mark McAulay and Norman Watts and principal of the High School, Mr. Reinwald Lewis, were given the all clear to visit the site.

According to the press statement, after viewing the burnt building, the Minister and her team were visibly shaken. The Minister noted: “It is indeed quite sad to be at this site and to see this destruction.

My heart goes out to the staff and students who must witness this destruction to their dear school. It took some time to construct the building and fully furnish it and now to see all the labor and effort up in smoke, is disheartening.’

The Minister noted that Government will commit all the necessary resources to ensure that re building is started as soon as possible.

She thanked the principal, staff and students, Public Works Department, police, fire department, Disaster Management and the community of Grand Turk in particular for their support during this very unfortunate time.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

Top cop defends police transfers from Grand Turk

which has recently been reduced from a previous deployment of 46. This, Smith said, is a significant number of officers in relation to the size of the resident community.

“Decisions about the numbers and use of officers are always contentious,” Smith said. “These decisions are only taken following extensive internal consultation and careful consideration by the Force Executive Team. Our aim is always to ensure that we make the best use of resources and target our efforts to maximum effect. From time to time, this can create a perception of ‘winners’ and losers’ in the eyes of the public and a belief that they are, or are about to suffer a diminished service.”

In relation to Grand Turk, Smith said the police force considered a number of significant factors that influenced the decision making; namely that it is the nation’s capital Commissioner of Police, James Smith and seat of Government; it receives

Commissioner of Police a large influx of visitors when cruise James Smith is strongly defending ships dock; citizens deserve an effective his decision to transfer a number of police presence commensurate with police officers from Grand Turk to crime patterns and social conditions Providenciales. and that police numbers must reflect

In a press statement, Smith the volume of calls for assistance noted that following the recent fire at received.

Helena Jones Robinson High School The Commissioner stated (HJRHS) on Grand Turk, there has that police numbers alone are not the been rumor and speculation about solution to many of the issues facing the cause of that fire, some acts of us in the Turks and Caicos Islands. vandalism and a perceived link to the “Partnership working and a deployment of Police Officers in the shared understanding of the challenges nation’s capital. and potential solutions is fundamental

Presently, there are 38 police to making the country safe. Improving officers deployed in Grand Turk, the skills of officers and ensuring that

they have the tools to carry out their duty is equally important. The officer in charge of the Division is confident that he has the resources required to do the job and whilst we will not reveal actual numbers on patrol at any given time, reports by some media that two officers are on night duty are wide of the mark. Our response time to calls for assistance is very good and reported crime in Grand Turk continues to diminish year on year. Every reported crime is thoroughly investigated and when appropriate specialist officers are called to assist uniform colleagues,” Smith added.

The Commissioner said that enquiries into HJRHS are continuing and police are following positive leads and the investigation is progressing.

He urged anyone with information that may assist us to make contact with any police officer.

A few weeks ago, Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Robinson said the PDM was made aware of the transfer of 8 Officers from the Island of Grand Turk and she wrote to the Commissioner of Police who stated that the decision was made after careful consideration and that Grand Turk would be assured of the same level of service.

She said the PDM has again written to the Commissioner of Police and have said that we believe this decision to be a bad one and one that will result in a lower level of confidence in the Police due to their inability to respond and deter crime together with possible increase deviant behaviour”.

Opposition Leader, Hon. Sharlene Robinson

The Opposition Leader added: “We further believe that this will also affect the Police morale as Officers will know their limitations, together with their being overworked and having less down time for themselves and families.

We are calling on the Commissioner of Police to reverse his decision to lower the numbers in Grand Turk. While we appreciate the need for Police presence in Providenciales, we still see this move as one that will cause a breakdown in policing efforts in Grand Turk and a reduction in the level of service the community requires and deserves.”

Statement from January 28th Cabinet meeting

His Excellency the Governor, carry out emergency repairs at the Peter Beckingham, chaired the 3rd Ianthe Pratt Primary School in meeting of the Cabinet on Thursday, Providenciales; 28 January 2016, at the Hon. N J S Francis Building on Grand Turk.

• Agreed in principle, subject to finalising funding arrangements, to All Ministers werepresent. split the Department of Environment At this meeting Cabinet: and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) into a dedicated Department of Environment • Noted the recommendations of and Coastal Resources and a separate the Procurement Board to award Maritime Department to strengthen contracts in line with the Public capacity and improve the Maritime Procurement Ordinance 2012 as Department’s management of TCI’s follows - TR15/59 Road Development maritime obligations and risks; (Glass Shack Road) Construction; TR15/64 IT equipment and network • Received an information paper on installation for Invest Turks and progress to formalise a Friendship Caicos, Providenciales; Agreement between the TCI Government and the Government of • Approved the appointments to Canada and noted engagement with the Board of Governors of the TCI the Commonwealth Parliamentary Community College of Ms Sonia Association (CPA) of Canada Williams (Member) and Ms Rachael including a visit by a parliamentary Harvey (Secretary); delegation of the CPA of Canada to TCI in February 2016 to meet the • Agreed to allocate $50,000 from TCI CPA to further discussions on contingency funds to the Ministry parliamentary engagement; of Infrastructure and Housing to

• Agreed a draft paper for wider consultation to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) for TCI to create a mechanism for setting aside a proportion of future budgetary surpluses to improve fiscal resilience, assist in financing large infrastructure developments and to ensure the future prosperity of TCI; • Approved the terms and conditions of the Policy Based Loan (PBL) Agreement for $5 million from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and authorised the Hon. Minister of Finance to proceed to execute the Agreement with the CDB; • Approved the Terms of Reference to establish a Project Implementation Framework to improve standards of project management and delivery which is a condition of the disbursement of the Policy Based Loan of the Caribbean Development Bank; • Noted the financial performance of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in the 3rd Quarter

Financial Report covering the period October-December 2015 and approved publication of the report as required

by Section 46 of the Public Finance Management Ordinance 2012; • Approved a reduction in the value of the performance bond for the maintenance dredging licence for the Thompson Cove entrance channel in accordance with the schedule developed by DEMA to reflect the relative low risk and volumes of the dredging project; • Discussed and approved the financial year 2016/17 budget estimates, subject to some amendments, and agreed these to be progressed through the prescribed process for laying these before the House of Assembly in accordance with the Public Financial Management Ordinance.

Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.

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LOCAL NEWS

Judge dismisses Michael Misick’s application for a mistrial

Mike Misick

by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

The High Court judge presiding over the corruption cases in the Turks and Caicos Islands has dismissed an application for a mistrial that was made on behalf of the country’s former premier, Michael Misick.

Mr. Justice Paul Harrison, a former President of the Jamaica Court of Appeal, said in the Providenciales Supreme Court on Tuesday, February 2nd, that he agreed with British prosecutor Andrew Mitchell, QC, that the mistrial application filed by Misick’s Barbadian lawyer, Ralph Thorne, QC, was “novel, and I dare say, unprecedented.”

Thorne and Malcolm Bishop, a QC from Wales, who is representing Chal Misick, the brother of the former premier, had filed for a mistrial on the grounds that a recent press release issued by Sandals and Beaches hotels chains, has the potential of influencing witnesses in the case and would therefore deny their clients the right to a fair trial.

However, some of the other defence lawyers, including Jamaican Queen’s Counsel Earl Witter, the lawyer for former deputy premier Floyd Hall, did not side with the application brought on behalf of the Misick brothers. Instead, Witter filed a separate written motion asking for a contempt of court order to be made against the author of the press release from Sandals Resorts International/ Beaches Resorts.

Mr. Justice Harrison ultimately denied all of the motions which the defence lawyers brought.

“As the trier of fact in this case, I am obliged, and have a duty, to disabuse my mind from anything said or published outside of the ambit of court proceedings,” Judge Harrison told a hushed courtroom. “I am also compelled not to take into consideration anything said outside the evidence in this case.”

Judge Harrison said he was not aware of any case where media publicity has been “held to attract the treatment of the court in respect of the witnesses” as Thorne advanced. The judge added that Thorne did not direct the court to “any authority or thinking in that regard”.

The trial, which officially started on January 18th, 2016, is being

Mr Justice Paul Harrison

Andrew Mitchell QC

Ralph Thorne QC

tried by Mr. Judge Harrison alone, following the suspension of automatic right to trial by jury in the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2010.

Mr. Justice Harrison stressed that he has a “qualified duty to ensure that the defendants receive a fair trial”, in accordance with Section 6 of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.

He noted that adverse publicity by the media or otherwise has always been viewed as likely to deny defendants the right to a fair trial because of its possible influence of the jury. However, he said, there are well established methods and mechanisms in jury cases to avoid prejudices, deal with errant witnesses or the possibility of an unfair trial, including changing venues, warnings to jury and postponing trial dates.

“There’s also a punishment for perjury because of proven lies under oath, and also where witnesses have been found to give conflicting evidence the judge usually directs the jury to consider whether it is on a major issue and if so, whether there is an explanation for the variation or if there is an explanation, it is such that the jury should not accept it,” the judge said.

Judge Harrison said he had alerted Thorne that he (Harrison) had not heard or read the press release or seen the local newspapers and forewarned the defence attorney that revealing the contents of the release may have raised the very problem he was complained about, but yet he proceeded undeterred.

The mistrial application stemmed from a widely publicised press release issued on behalf of Butch Stewart, the owner and chairman of Sandals and Beaches hotel chains over the weekend. The press statement made specific reference to Mitchell’s opening statement in which he suggested that a US$1.6million payment from Sandals Resorts International to the former premier was an alleged act of bribery.

Stewart said in the press release that the US$1.6million payment first came to light in the course of investigation by the US Department of Justice.

This, he added, triggered a series of internal investigations by Sandals to determine the source of the payment and the responsible parties.

“The results of the investigation and the forensic audit revealed that some US$1.6million had been paid to Prestigious Properties Limited, a real estate company in which Michael Misick, Phillip Misick and Washington Misick (current Turks and Caicos Islands Minister of Finance) were the shareholders, and Chalmers Misick & Co., a firm of lawyers in the TCI. All those payments were made

without the knowledge or consent of the principals of Sandals,” Stewart added.

The Sandals press release said the unauthorized payments were made by a senior executive of Sandals and culminated in the hotel chain having to pay US$12million to settle with the Helen Garlick-led Special Investigations and Prosecutions Team (SIPT) to avoid criminal prosecution.

RESORT MANAGER Providenciales resort seeks experienced Manager to oversee all operations as well as planned expansion.

The ideal candidate will have: * Minimum of 5 years hotel or resort experience at a senior level * Relevant academic qualification * Proven strong leadership and peoplemanagement skills * Proactive approach to management * Excellent understanding of resort accounting * Personal transportation Forward resume and covering letter to resort@faym.com prior to February 12, 2016

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

Possible moratorium on security companies

There could be a moratorium on new security companies in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This was one of the matters raised when the National Security Council met on Monday, 1 February 1st, 2016.

The number of security companies here has increased rapidly in recent years and companies have been complaining about price-cutting by their competitors.

At the National Security Council meeting, Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing raised his recent meeting with the National Security Services Association, and the Council agreed that it would be helpful for Cabinet to review a paper on the security industry in TCI, and the possibility of introducing a moratorium on new

companies.

The newlyformed NSC comprises the Governor, His Excellency Peter Beckingham; the Premier; Minister of Border Control and Labour, Hon. Donhue Gardiner; Police Commissioner, James Smith; Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Anya Williams and Attorney General, Hon. Rhondalee Brathwaite.

The Commissioner gave the Council an update on recent developments.

Although the figures were not finalised he was optimistic that serious crime would have shown a decrease over the Christmas period compared to last year. He reported on a concentration of police in certain tourist areas, which was well received by visitors and the public.

The Council

discussed the recent fire in Grand Turk at the High School, and some subsequent attacks on public vehicles.

The Commissioner reported that, while it was too early to apportion responsibility for the fire, he judged that it was most unlikely that it was in any way related to a small reduction in police numbers in Grand Turk.

The Commissioner noted that there remained 38 police officers in Grand Turk. Compared to similar size populations in the UK the number remained high. It was important that recent, unrelated incidents should not be viewed as part of a wider pattern.

The Commissioner alerted the Council to the arrival of an investigative group of senior police, who would be in TCI for twelve weeks to review a number of murder cases. This had been

OPERATORS & STEVEDORES JOB PURPOSE: •Transports material and equipment to/from vessels and job sites.

•Off load and Back load container ships.

•Must be able to operate Top Pick, Reach Stacker, Excavator, Front End Loader & Forklift.

•Must be able to work unsupervised.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: •Knowledge of various truck types and their use of maintenance.

•Ability to operate jockey truck, flatbed truck and pick up truck.

•Ability to use hand tools and basic grounds keeping tools and equipment.

•Knowledge of standard crane signal and safety procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: •Must have a high school diploma or GED •Must have at least 5 years experience.

•Must summit a clean police record.

•Must summit a valid driving license.

•Must summit a clean drug medical.

•Must be willing to work extended hours, night/day, weekend and public holidays.

•Must be willing to cooperate and work as a joint team with other staff members.

PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS: Sitting, standing, walking, driving, climbing/ladders, squatting/kneeling, reaching, grasping, pushing/pulling, twisting/bending, lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs multiple times per shift, fingering, talking, hearing, and seeing.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Spends most time outdoors, frequent exposure to extreme hot or cold temperature for one hour plus. Possible exposure to distraction/uncomfortable noise levels and vibration of body or extremities. Risk of bodily injury from mechanical parts, electricity, etc. Possible exposure to fumes, odors, etc. that may effect respiration and skin.

Please apply before February 10th, 2016 to: Crystal Greene Human Resources Manager P.O. Box 427 Ports Administration Building South Dock, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

funded by the Government.

The Council reviewed the numbers of illegal migrants arriving in TCI, and noted that the total number of arrivals had been more limited in recent months, and were also considerably fewer in individual vessels. The British Ambassador to the Dominican Republic was arranging for calls by the Governor and Minister of Border Control on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Santo Domingo to discuss illegal fishing and maritime issues.

The Council agreed that the National Security Council Advisory Group should meet in March, when the Commissioner would present a summary of the Police Force’s new Strategic Threat and Risk Assessment.

Turks and Caicos Sun 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 Office Manager: Dominique Rigby Graphic designer Information Technology and Production Manager: Kelano Howell Todeline Defralien 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.

SENIOR ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY A Senior Associate Attorney is required for a firm based in Providenciales. Applicants must have at least 7 years post qualification experience. Duties include assisting and developing criminal and common law department, undertaking a variety of work including all aspect of criminal defence work, employment, wills and probate, family matters such as adoption, child/spousal maintenance, divorce, and human rights work.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Application must be submitted no later than 5th February 2016 to: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Services Limited Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-941-4777 Email oa@fcorporatemsl.com

Required a qualified

CHEF

•Must be a culinary graduate •With at least 15 years of culinary experience •12 years experience working under master chef •Must be able to cook Italian, French, American, Asian and Caribbean cuisine •Must be willing to live in North Caicos •Must be willing to work long hours and weekends •Required to have own transportation Interested Applicants please apply with full CV to Saunders & Co Fax: 649-941-4533 or info@saunders.tc Salary commensurate with experience.

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

American Airlines says too early to tell Zika’s impact on travel

American Airlines’ president said it is too early to tell if the rapidly spreading Zika virus will impact travel, but so far the airline has seen no material change to flight bookings.

American Airlines Group Inc, the world’s largest airline, and other U.S. carriers are facing mounting concern about the mosquito-borne virus as investors mull a slump in demand to the Caribbean and other tourist hotspots.

“Zika is not airborne, so there is not a danger of it being transmitted between passengers,” American’s President Scott Kirby said on a call with investors. “As a result, you wouldn’t expect it to have as big an impact as something like SARS.”

Zika, linked to birth defects in thousands of babies in Brazil, could nonetheless become a challenge for American. Kirby said flight sales to Brazil on the airline, which has the widest Latin American network among U.S. peers, had fallen to about 2.0 percent of its revenue from 6.1 percent in roughly the past two years.

While airlines have yet to report a bookings drop because of Zika, a warning from the World Health Organization that four million people in the Americas could get the virus has exacerbated jitters for the travel industry, hurt by outbreaks of SARS and Ebola in years past.

“People incrementally are starting to pay a little more attention to Zika than they were before,” said Sterne Agee CRT analyst Adam Hackel. “(They) freak out when it comes to airlines.”

American is offering pregnant customers, who appear most vulnerable to the virus, and

their companions refunds for tickets to Zika-impacted regions. United, Delta (DAL.N) and JetBlue have also announced refunds. All three of the USA’s biggest airlines are allowing some customers to cancel or postpone their trips if they’re ticketed to fly to areas affected by Zika. The move by the carriers this week comes amid rising concerns about the mosquitoborne virus.

United and Delta will allow customers concerned about the Zika virus to cancel or postpone their trips if they’re ticketed to fly to affected areas. American Airlines also said it would allow pregnant women to do the same if they have a note from their doctor.

Other U.S. airlines are also making moves. JetBlue, which has a big presence in the Caribbean and Latin America, said it also would have fees for fliers concerned about Zika.

Southwest doesn’t have a Zika-specific policy, noting its customers can always change their itineraries without a fee.

It is the lone big U.s. carrier that does not charge change fees.

United’s policy includes travel to all areas mentioned in a Centers for Disease Control alert. So far, American’s covers flights to four destinations in Central America.

“We are offering customers who are traveling to the affected regions the opportunity to rebook at a later date or receive a full refund,” United spokesman Charles Hobart said in a statement to Today in the Sky on Tuesday.

United is basing its exception policy off the guidelines issued by the CDC. Hobart says customers ticketed to regions listed by the CDC

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should contact the carrier if they have concerns.

“For travelers who feel they’re at risk, we’ll provide them with options,” Hobart added in a follow-up call on Wednesday.

Delta announced a similar policy on Wednesday afternoon, though it said customers must request refunds or make changes by Feb. 29 to avoid fees.

American posted its policy on its website Thursday afternoon, saying pregnant women and their traveling companions will be able to request a refund if they’re flying to a region where Zika is present. “To qualify, you must provide a doctor’s note confirming your pregnancy and stating your inability to travel due to Zika virus,” American’s policy reads.

At JetBlue, spokesman Doug McGraw said in Thursday statement to Today in the Sky that “customers planning to travel should review the CDC alert, which recommends enhanced precautions rather than avoiding non-essential travel entirely.

We will accommodate customers with concerns of traveling to Zika-impacted areas with a refund or rebooking.”

In a statement, Southwest said it would “continue to follow the established CDC guidelines for air carriers on matters such as the Zika Virus. As always, Southwest Customers can change their travel itineraries without a change fee, and if traveling on refundable fares, they can cancel their reservation at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of their flight.”

Rising concerns about Zika

The Zika virus has been in the news since the Centers for Disease

Control (CDC) issued a travel warning alert earlier this month warning about the risk of traveling to countries in the Americas affected by the virus. Zika has been linked to an epidemic of birth defects in Brazil and is thought to be spreading to other regions of North and South America.

The CDC’s warning focused mostly on pregnant women or those seeking to become pregnant.

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued its own alert on Monday, saying it expects the Zika to eventually spread to the United States and most of the Americas.

Currently, the CDC’s advisories mention the following countries and territories in the Americas: Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Paraguay, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname and Venezuela.

American, Delta and United are the three large U.S. carriers with a significant international presence.

Each flies to numerous destinations in Central and South America.

Outside the United States, the the largest carrier in Latin America also announced that it will waive fees or offer fees to pregnant women seeking to travel to nations affected

by Zika, The Associated Press reports.

LATAM, which includes both LAN and TAM airlines, says its policy will cover travel to Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, French Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Suriname and Venezuela.

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1/19/16 10:16 AM

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

Premier Hon.Dr.Rufus Ewing

By Todeline Defralien

Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing says he is in no rush to call general elections.

In recent months there has

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 11

Premier Ewing in no hurry to call elections

been speculation that Premier Ewing, the leader of the ruling Progressive National Party (PNP), may call a snap election with the hopes of catching the opposition People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) and the recentlyformed Progressive Democratic Alliance (PDA) off-guard.

However, during a press conference at his Providenciales office on Friday January 29th, the Premier told reporters that he has up until February 2017 to call elections.

Elections in the Turks and Caicos Islands are due every four years and the last one was in November 2012.

When pressed by reporters on the election issue, Premier Ewing said, “Wait a minute. That is not certainty. I just raised an eyebrow because election

can be held as late as February 19th, 2017, so by saying that elections will be held this year is pre-empting what my decision will be, when no one knows. I am saying that it can be held as late as February 2017. It will be foolhardy for someone to propose a date and not (be) ready.”

Twice recently, the Premier has gone on the record to say there may be no elections this year. He also made this statement last week in the House of Assembly following a presentation by Hon. Sharlene CartwrightRobinson, opposition leader where she spoke about the PDM’s candidate selection process.

When asked about the PNP’s candidate selection, the Premier said, “Our candidate process in terms of finding candidate is ongoing.

Candidates have been writing in to the party expressing their desire to run. Our selection process is different from that of the PDM. We run a true selection process, like we run primaries. You have to, first of all, be elected by the constituency and elected members of the party that are in the constituency or the registered members of the party.”

He added: “We don’t handpick anyone. The people pick them, because we know if the people in the constituency vote for them, then they’re the ones to stand the best chance of winning that particular seat, so we don’t do it like the PMD does.”

The ruling PNP has a razorthin majority in Parliament, with eight seats, while the PDM has seven seats.

Police Investigate incident at South Dock Detention Centre

Investigators of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have arrested a 46-year-old male of Freeport Grand Bahama in relation to

an incident that occurred at the South Dock Detention Centre on Saturday 30th January 2017. Police spokesman Kevin Clarke said: "Due to the

sensitivity of the matter and the confidentiality of persons involved, the police at the moment will not release any further information."

However, The SUN was reliably informed that a Jamaican woman who was at the centre claimed that she was sexually assaulted.

suppliers Ability to communicate technical issues to non-technical internal customers and executives, and translate their needs into appropriate applications Ability to assess technology alternatives and identify and implement applicable solutions Ability to develop, track and adhere to budgets Seven Stars Resort is currently seeking highly qualified candidates to fill the positions outlined below. The ideal candidate must possess the relevant professional qualifications and experience in a luxury resort environment, as well as a professional, outgoing and friendly demeanor with a strong command of the English Language (oral and written). Salary is based on education, experience and qualifications.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Seven Stars is currently seeking a highly qualified, hands-on, Manager of Information Technology for the Resort. The ideal candidate will play a lead role in the development, delivery and implementation of key business applications. This individual will have a keen understanding of hospitality technology and will be responsible for identifying solutions for the resort’s current and future business needs.

Minimum Requirements  Strong understanding of technology architecture, IT business models, systems development and life cycles with an ability to set the direction of the Resorts IT function Degree in Information Technology, Engineering or other technical field AND 10 years’ leadership experience working with IT and telephony applications within the hospitality industry. Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, deadlinedriven environment Working knowledge of Visual One, Micros and/or Opera Fidelio Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, Outlook) Critical thinker with complex problem-solving abilities Strong leadership skills with the ability to “see the big picture,” evaluate technologies and identify business solutions strategies Ability to develop and manage strong working relationships at all levels of the organization, as well as with external vendors and

SECURITY OFFICER The areas of responsibility for this position include the protection and safety of property assets, employees, guests, accident and fire prevention and response. The ideal candidate must exemplify excellent customer service and create a positive atmosphere for guests and employees and be available to work a rotating and flexible schedule. In this role, you will require the following: Requirements: •Ex-Military with Officer Rank experience •Able to work flexible hours holidays and weekends.

•Highly trained in security procedures •First Aid training is preferable •Ability to communicate effectively In addition, we are also currently recruiting for the following: •Food & Beverage Director •Room Attendant •Senior Sous Chef •Housekeeping attendant •Security Officer •Spa Therapist •Maintenance Team Leader •Accountant •Duty Manager Interested candidates should apply via e-mail to Seven Stars at hr@ sevenstarsgracebay.com for consideration. Application deadline: February 19, 2016.

ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING ABOVE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED.

Page 12

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

Dr. Wencesclass Lembert replaces Haitian Consul Karlo Pellissier

By Todeline Defralien

A new Consul General has been appointed to the Haitian Consulate in Turks and Caicos Islands.

Dr. Wencesclass Lembert has replaced Mr. Karlo Pelissier who is being transferred to The Bahamas as of next week.

The 47-year-old Dr. Lembert, is a former Senator in Haiti for five years and he also worked in the Minister of Foreign Affairs, where he was responsible for the diplomatic section.

Dr. Lembert said his priority is to building stronger and deeper relations between the government of Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, while at the same time helping Haitians living here and advising them so they could be better integrated in Turks and Caicos Society.

“There is a difference between an Embassy and a Consulate,” he told The SUN in an exclusive interview at the Haitian Consulate. “The Embassy mostly deals with the political section and the Consulate is the administration.

This is why the Consulate is supposed to know how many Haitians are living in this country, how they are living, what are they doing, what conditions they are living in and what is their status here. We also have illegal refugees and these people are trying to get a better life and there are people that have political problems in Haiti.

There are people who come to this

Former Haitian Consular Karlo Pelissier and new consular of the Haitian Consulate in TCI Dr. Wencesclass Lembert country only for economical reasons, (but) they also have people who are in the country for political reasons.”

He explained that as far or the economic refugees are concerned, when such persons come to a country they are supposed to be treated humanly and legally until they are repatriated.

“Even though Haitians that come here may have economic problems, if they find a job and they work and sometimes they have their family in Haiti who helps them to survive here until they could be legal in the country and this person in the future is the one who is going to be responsible to pay back everything that they have and

they will help these people,” he added.

He continued: “The person that left Haiti for political reasons this person also has his family that is taking care of him so that he can have a better life and realizing that this person gets legal in that country somehow is going to have to pay these people back whatever because these people risk everything that they have.

Most of the people here left Haiti because of economic reasons but there are some people in the TCI who left Haiti because of political reasons and if they are here for political reasons they can go and apply for political asylum.”

He added: “A lot of people are

using these people taking money from them and make them pay and believe that because here is such a beautiful place they make them believe they are going to have jobs. A lot of the people who come here is like an investment.

They pay for the boat and they pay these people because they think that they are going to get jobs.”

Lembert said he plans to hire a TCI lawyer to make sure that when these people have problems they can help and are not exploited.

He noted that there are some people who pay between US$3000 and US$5000 U.S dollars to come to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

CABLE & WIRELESS TCI LTD.

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1) 2) 3) 4)

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Due to the imposition of this Tax, C&W TCI Ltd (LIME) is required by law to collect a twelve percent (12%) Tax on each of these services.

C&W TCI Ltd (LIME) remains committed to serving, building and connecting our communities by providing customers with best-in-class telecommunication services.

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 13

LOCAL NEWS

Western Union officially resumes operations in TCI

GraceKennedy has announced that effective Thursday February 4th, GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS) will be expanding operations into the Turks and Caicos Islands through GraceKennedy Money Services Turks & Caicos Limited (“GKMS Turks & Caicos”).

GKMS is a member of the GraceKennedy Group and authorized agent of Western Union.

According to GraceKennedy Group CEO, Don Wehby, “As we mark our 25th year of representing Western Union in the region, we are pleased to offer Western Union services in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

This expansion is aligned with GraceKennedy’s strategic vision of

becoming a Global Consumer Group delivering long term consumer and shareholder value, through brand building and innovative solutions in food and financial services, provided by highly skilled and motivated people. With two and a half decades of expertise in the money services industry, we look forward to meeting the needs of customers in the Turks & Caicos Islands.”

Mr Wehby is also Chairman of GraceKennedy Money Services Caribbean, SRL.

According to Michelle Allen, Chief Executive Officer of GKMS, “We are excited to offer customers in the Turks and Caicos Islands Western Union services. We are committed to

providing our customers throughout the region with reliable, convenient and innovative money transfer solutions.”

She continued, “We will also continue our investment in robust compliance systems, which are critical to our business, allowing us to protect our customers while meeting all regulatory requirements.”

GKMS Turks & Caicos will initially have one operating location, ‘Your Choice TCI’, located at Payless Warehouse Limited, 7 Hospital Road in Providenciales. The company plans to add more locations over time. ‘Your Choice TCI‘ will open Mondays to Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

With this new market,

GraceKennedy through GKMS, now serves as Western Union’s agent in eleven countries across the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, the British Virgin Islands and the most recent addition, the Cayman Islands in November 2015.

Over the past 25 years, GraceKennedy Money Services has delivered a wide range of Western Union products and services aimed at enhancing customer convenience and experience. These include the ability to receive and send international and domestic money transfer services for a loyal customer base.

Alexandria Missick appointed Director of Legal Services at Fortis TCI

Alexandria Missick has been appointed Director of Legal Services within the Executive Services Division at Fortis TCI, effective on Monday, January 11, 2016.

In her new role as Director of Legal Services at FortisTCI, Miss Missick will be responsible for the effective and efficient management of the legal function, provision of legal advisory services, providing support to the Board of Directors, ensuring effective management of all legal and contractual risks and overseeing the work of outside legal counsels.

FortisTCI President and CEO, Eddinton Powell said, “This

appointment is consistent with the maturity of the organization and with our policy of identifying and recruiting high quality local talent at every level within the Company. We have complex local and international stakeholders and reporting obligations, including capital markets. This is a key position, and with Alexandria’s educational background and professional experience, we are confident that she will serve the Company well. We are pleased to welcome her to the FortisTCI team.”

Missick is the current President of the Compliance

11.Direct the development and delivery of training for managers and supervisors on human resources legal and procedural requirements.

12.Monitor developments in areas of responsibility.

JOB DESCRIPTION HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Reporting Officer: Director of Ports Supervises: N/A

Association of the Turks & Caicos Islands and is the former Secretary of the Banker’s Association of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Missick obtained her Bachelors of Law with Honors from the Nottingham Trent University in Nottingham, United Kingdom.

She obtained her Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from The College of Law, London.

Miss Missick’s previous professional experience includes serving with Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. as Manager of Compliance & Legal Services and Manager of Human Resources.

Alexandria Missick

Salary Grade: 5 Date of Appointment:

GENERAL PURPOSE: Under policy direction, plans, organizes, directs and implements comprehensive Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos Islands human resources management programmes, including recruitment, selection, employment, classification, compensation, employee relations, labour relations, equal opportunity management, performance appraisals, benefits and other services; provides expert professional assistance and guidance to management on human resource and employee relations matters; and performs related duties as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 1.Lead, plan, organize, control, integrate and evaluate the work of the department; with subordinate managers and staff, develop, integrate, imple¬m¬ent and monitor work programs, policies and processes to achieve Ports Authority mission, strategic and business plans, goals and performance measures.

2.Participate in the development of the strategic plan and key strategic initiatives.

3.Provide leadership and work with managers to develop and retain highly competent, service-oriented staff through selection, compensation, training and day-to-day management practices.

4.Plan, organize, direct and evaluate the performance of assigned managers and staff.

5.Participate in the development and implementation of strategic and business plans, goals and objectives; lead and direct department staff in the development and application of new processes and technologies to achieve higher efficiency, productivity and customer service in department work processes.

6.Develop, implement and administer comprehensive human resources management programmes, policies, guidelines and procedures across all departments, consistent with Turks and Caicos Islands labour requirement and sound professional principles and practices; confer with and coordinate the implementation of programmes, policies and practices with other departments.

7.Participate in negotiating and administering labour contracts until agreement is reached; advise the Board of Directors, department heads and other managers and supervisors on employee relations matters, including grievance and disciplinary procedures and actions.

8.Direct recruitment, testing and selection activities for classified and unclassified positions; direct the development and maintenance of comprehensive classification and compensation plans; approve completed classification and job evaluation studies; direct administration of performance appraisal practices and programmes; oversees administration of any scholarship programmes; direct the maintenance of a centralized personnel records.

9. Propose and direct administration of a broad programmes of health and welfare benefits.

10.Direct the investigation and resolution of complaints.

Knowledge of: 1.Theory, principles, practices and techniques of public personnel administration, including recruitment, testing, selection, equal employment opportunity, employee relations, classification and job analysis/job evaluation, compensation, benefits design and administration, employee and management development and performance planning and appraisal.

2.Principles and practices of strategic, long-term business planning, labour management relations, including negotiation and contract administration techniques.

3.Local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to assigned areas of responsibility.

4.Principles, methods and techniques of strategic and business planning, public administration, including budgeting, purchasing and maintenance of public records.

5. Research methods and analysis techniques.

6. Ports Authority functions and operations and associated human resource management issues.

7. Principles and practices of internal consulting.

8. Organization and functions of a public board.

9. Trends and best practices in human resource management.

10. Principles and practices of effective management and supervision.

11. General Staff Policies and Procedures and labour contract provisions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must possess a Master’s of Science degree in Human Resources Management, Psychology; and at least ten years of progressively responsible human resource management experience (at least seven of which were in a supervisory position) including labour management relations.

Experience in a public sector setting is preferred.

Application Procedure: Interested persons should submit a resume, along with their contact information, cover letter, two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer), copies of educational certificates, a current Police Certificate and a copy of the Passport photo page.

Applications should be addressed to: Director of Ports, Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands and may be delivered to the Turks and Caicos Islands Ports Authority, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands by the deadline date. Envelopes should have the subject “Human Resources Manager” clearly marked on the front.

Deadline: Monday, February 22nd 2016 We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only persons selected for an interview will be contacted.

Page 14

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

Ange’s Restaurant and club addresses loud music complaints

the police whenever they come to the establishment as a result of neighbours complaining.

She added: “This business has been here for over nine years. It didn’t just open, and from the beginning they always give us problems because of the same thing, but the business was here before them. That doesn’t mean that we exaggerate it because I know and I understand and I turn the music down and make sure it’s not too loud. The restaurant use to be on the highway and we moved here and this (complaint about the noise) has been happening from the time we opened. Every time they call the police the police they say that the neighbors say that the music is too loud, then we shut it down because we understand that they have a church over there and things but they have to understand too.

Everybody has to eat,” York stated.

Ange’s Restaurant

Over the years, the restaurant

Owners of Ange & A Bar & to turn on my air condition, and this and bar has been extremely popular Take-Out Restaurant in The Bight, month I don’t even know how I am among a large cross-section of the say that they are trying their best to going to pay my bill, because before, society. When asked if they have deal with complaints about loud music I only used the fan and I didn’t have prostitutes at This Bar/Disco and Adolia York from residents in the area. to turn on the air condition like that. I Restaurant she answered: “We don’t keep calling police. They say because

In an interview with The SUN, only use to turn the ac on if I get a Dj have no prostitutes. We have bartender this is residential, but we had the Adolia York, said she is aware of the and so on. But not every night I have and because it’s a restaurant we have license from before they came here. A complaints but she noted that she has to turn it on and I keep my windows waitresses.” couple nights ago, I was already closed been closing the doors and lowering closed and I don’t play it (the music) She claims that there are and gone home and I heard a lot of the music to address the problem. loud.” nearby establishments that also play noise by (another place) and they don’t

“The police came and tell me Ange & A Bar & Take-Out loud music, but she is not aware that send police there. It is wide opened. about how they (neighbours) always Restaurant is owned by her sister-in- the neighbours complain to the police It’s not closed-up like here.” call about the noise but most of the law, Angela Stubbs and it opens until for them.

where I tell you I can close my time I close my door and the windows 2 a.m.

She explained: “We pay license windows and close my door and tell the so the noise don’t go out, and I have

York said she cooperates with like everybody. I don’t know why they Dj to turn it (the music) down.”

PRESIDENTIAL SECURITY The Premier Security Company is seeking SECURITY/LOSS PREVENTION MANAGER - Minimum of 7 years police/military experience equivalent 3 years in Supervisory of Managerial position.

- Security professional with a proven management experience within the security industry, armed services or the public sector.

- Must possess strong management and leadership skills together with excellent influencing, negotiating, communication and engagement skills - Salary is negotiable and based on experience

SECURITY OFFICER -Minimum of 2 years police experience or 3-4 years security officer experience -Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills (English) -Must have basis personal safety and other security course training -Required to follow instruction and write comprehensive reports -Must be an excellent team player -Salary starts at $7.00/hr

ADMIN ASSISTANT/JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT -Minimum of 5 years experience in related field -Must have be knowledgeable in accounting programs e.g QuickBooks -Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills (English) -Must have valid TCI drivers license -Must be an excellent team player -Salary starts at $1300/month

Interested applicants should emailed their a cover letter and resume toEmail: jennings@presidential.tc

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 15

LOCAL NEWS

Government didn’t request private funding for HJ Robinson High School repairs

Minister of Education, Hon. Akierra Missick says Government did not request private sector to assist with rebuilding the HJ Robinson High School block that was damaged by fire last wee.

“All schools in the TCI receive donations of cash and kind and TCIG schools are no different, but there’s no request for the private sector to assist with rebuilding the HJ Admin Block directly by TCIG. The Government is committed to budgeting and commencing this project this year. For the avoidance of doubt all funds raised for HJ Robinson Admin Block would not go towards the rebuilding costs of the HJ Robinson Admin Block,” Missick said.

The minister made the comments after it was brought to the attention of the Ministry of Education, that several fundraising accounts were established in response to the fire that occurred at the HJ Robinson Administration Block on January 29th 2016.

After the fire, Digicel sent out an email saying: “The Digicel Team, which has several H.J. Robinson alumnus, has mobilized to offer its assistance to the H.J. Robinson High School. We have organized a charity/ donation mobile campaign in order to help H.J. Robinson financially, where individuals may text “Help” to a special short code “5151” and thereby donate $1 to a special fund set aside for H.J. Robinson.”

Missick said; “We are grateful that the communities across the Turks & Caicos Islands would like to raise funds for HJ Robinson High School. The Turks and Caicos Islands Government will rebuild the Admin Block once a thorough assessment is conducted on whether the building can be repaired or need to be rebuilt.”

“I was made aware yesterday that a Telecommunication company in the Islands would set up a special text fundraiser for HJ Robinson High School. This ‘Help’ Text fundraiser was initiated by the telecommunication company and not on the request of TCIG. The ‘Help’ Text Fundraiser and any other fundraisers are privately organized and not endorsed by TCIG.”

“As I explained to the Telecommunication company’s executives, TCIG will rebuild and although we are grateful for the intentions towards helping the HJ Robinson Community that those efforts should be communicated to the Ministry as to avoid duplication of various fundraising efforts.”

The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Services urged that any fundraisers organized for HJ Robinson Admin Block Fire, be communicated to the Ministry of Education so the a ministry is aware of what is taking place; but that private sector organizers of fundraisers please contact the HJ Robinson PTA for guidance on needs they may have as an organization.

Several vehicles deliberately damaged on Grand Turk

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands (RTCIPF) are requesting residents on Grand Turk to be alert in observing and reporting suspicious behavior during the evening and night time hours.

During the past two months, a number of separate incidents of vehicles being damaged have been reported to the Grand Turk Police Station.

Damage to the vehicles has consisted of windshields and windows being smashed with cement blocks or other hard objects by perpetrators.

The vandals have on occasion stole items from the vehicles but in these recent cases have only damaged the cars and are committing these incidents during the late nights and early mornings when owners

are asleep. A few Government vehicle windshields have also been destroyed by the same method.

Offenders are warned of the serious nature of their behavior, anyone who are doing this as part of a misguided idea of fun, then please remember not only that but the inconvenience and annoyance they are causing to victims.

Police ask that residents

be alert to suspicious activity and don’t hesitate to call 911 to report it, this includes description and clothing of strangers or known persons walking or loitering about their property. Record descriptions of suspicious people and vehicle(s), obtain license plate numbers when possible and park their vehicles in well-lit areas at their residence and do not to leave anything of value in them.

Page 16

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

Providenciales International airport introduces Kids Play Area Providenciales International Airport has added a splash of color to the Upper Departure Lounge with the introduction of a soft play kids area.

The Turks & Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has teamed up with Kalokids to bring an “Ocean Life” themed play area to the International Departure Lounge.

This play area is perfect for parents to allow their children to run around and play whilst they are

awaiting their flight.

The modular soft seating play pieces can be grouped in a number of ways.

The ergonomic design is ideal for kids six years and under. Young travelers can enjoy a number of marine animals such as turtles, fish, seahorse, octopus and even starfish seating characters, all of which inhabit the waters around the Turks & Caicos Islands.

The lightweight seating can be easily moved from one area to the next for kids’

convenience and comfort. area, it is a great additional

Numerous themes to the airport to keep my and play ideas were energetic kids busy while I considered before choosing catch up on my reading,” said this particular design. a New York bound Passenger.

Ocean Life soft play was The Airports Authority seeks chosen because it is visually to add value to the traveling attractive, rugged enough public and find ways to meet for daily use and is made the needs of today’s travelers. of a PVC material that can “We will continue to push the be easily disinfected when envelope and try to exceed cleaned. the expectations of our The play material also meets passengers by offering more international flammability than we have been able to do and safety standards ideal in the past. We look forward for mass use. to adding to this play area

“I love this new play and to the terminal as a

whole for the benefit of all who pass through our doors,” said the Terminal and Marketing Manager, Lavern Reynolds.

The second floor of the Departure Lounge was introduced approximately a year ago as a part of the Terminal Expansion project. At the time the Airports Authority sought extra accommodation to make travel through Providenciales International Airport more comfortable for its passengers.

PLS Kids Play Area

Career Opportunities:

Grace Bay Club is looking for candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner. They love to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization. Their management style is one that balances a commitment to people and their development with business/financial accountability and delivers an exceptional guest experience.

Assistant Restaurant Manager Job Overview: The Assistant Restaurant Manager is someone who is passionate about food and customer service. They are a problem solver with strong work ethic and leadership skills. The Assistant Restaurant Manager understands that customer satisfaction always takes priority but efficient restaurant operations make it possible. They are an experienced leader with a goal to move up in the management field. Shifts varies. Full time. Weekend and holiday work may be required.

Responsibilities

•Identify and delegate responsibilities to shift leaders and staff to ensure objectives are met and excellent service is consistently achieved •Effectively manage the restaurant in the absence of the Restaurant Manager •Manage operations with passion, integrity, and knowledge while promoting the culture and values of Grace Bay Club •Implement new company policies and procedures by developing plans and instructing staff •Consistently review operations and staff to identify any problems, concerns, and opportunities for improvement •Provide coaching and feedback to managers and staff and assess performance on and ongoing basis •Create a positive guest experience by delivering a high level of service and ensuring all staff engage guests to understand their needs and exceed expectations •Manage the restaurant to meet or exceed standards in food quality, safety, and cleanliness •Train and coach staff on guest services principles and practices •Follow the Grace Bay Club policies and procedures, including those for cash handing and safety/security •Monitor and maintain the Micros POS System •Assist in conducting staff and daily pre-shift meetings •Assist in any areas of the restaurant when staffing constraints require •Identify employee weaknesses and retrain as necessary

Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Restaurant Supervisor Job Overview: To supervise and run operations of Grill Rouge Restaurant. To take all orders from guests, have substantial F&B knowledge in order to upsell and describe menu items, manage staff in conjunction with F&B manager, handle complaints and be person responsible in absence of senior managers.

Responsibilities:

•To prepare the weekly schedule, ensuring adequate staffing of the restaurant at all times •To supervise and assist the restaurant staff on a daily basis •To assist with processing the daily cash sheets in conjunction with other supervisors and managers •To take food and wine orders from all guests.

•To have excellent understanding and product knowledge of what is being served on the menu for any service •Conduct daily briefs prior to each and every service and liaise with Chef to be aware of any special dishes.

Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Domestic Worker/Housekeeper Job Requirements: •Ensure the cleanliness of all hotel areas •Assist in all Housekeeping responsibilities, cleaning of all guest rooms, stocking amenities and linens •physical stamina and mobility including ability to reach, kneel and bend •ability to lift, push and pull required load (usually about 30lbs) •Ensure inventory is used properly and in supply at all times •Possess knowledge of proper cleaning supplies and chemical handling Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than February 19th, 2016 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1030 Email: sheba.wilson@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

‘The Color Run’ event raised over $2,000 to support Provo hockey league

By Todeline Defralien

The first ever ‘Color Run’ which was held for a great cause took to the streets last week Sunday January 31st, 2016. The Color Run is a four-kilometer, un-timed race in which participants, or “Color Runners” are sprayed from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer.

The event was well attended and all proceeds will go to support the Provo Hockey League to bring affordable inline hockey to the boys and girls of TCI. The fun continued after Color Runners completed the race with an unforgettable Color Countdown where food, games and music was followed at Meridian Field.

Mary Scholar organizer of the event told The SUN, “The

event was an overwhelming success and we look forward to making it even bigger and better with a few surprises it is the only event we have done this year. Youth inline hockey is one of the most expensive sports on the island, we have court rental, air conditioning and high equipment costs. We have various types of fundraisers every year. This year we were looking for an event that would have a more rounded appeal, to our youth players, parents, families and anyone looking for a fun and exciting afternoon. The Color Run concept was ideal for all.”

She added: “The event raised over $2,000 after expenses. We have many individuals contributing in a variety of roles; they have a passion for youth

sports in TCI and allow the spotlight to be on our wonderful and enthusiastic kids. Corporate sponsorship, registration fees and an annual fundraiser help make the sport affordable for all and allow us to sponsors kids interested in playing hockey and who otherwise would not have had an opportunity.

Scholar said that they will like to make this event an annual one.

The Color Run was founded in March 2011 as an event to promote healthiness and happiness by bringing the community together to participate in the “Happiest 5k on the Planet”. We are the original paint race and have created a completely new genre of running events that continues to grow exponentially.

Now the single largest event

series in the world, The Color Run has exploded since our debut event. We have more than tripled our growth, hosting more than 300 events in 50+ countries in 2014.

In 2014, The Color Run debuts their first ever U.S. night run in Philadelphia, also in 2014, The Color Run launched its massively successful Kaleidoscope Tour which visited over 150 cities in the U.S. and Canada. In 2015, Color Runners around the world experienced the Shine Tour which introduced a whole new element of sparkly race attractions and inspired runners to stand out from the crowd. In 2016, The Color Run Tropicolor World Tour is bringing an island-style 5k vacation to your city.

TCI National Primary Schools Spelling Bee 2016

The General Public is informed that the 2016 TCI National Primary Schools Spelling Bee which will be held on 18th and 19th February 2016. This year’s platinum sponsors are Michael and Nancy Goldberg.

The 2016 Spelling Bee Participants: Adelaide Oemler Primary Alpha Academy B.E.S.T Institute

The Preliminary will commence at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, 18th February Eliza Simmons Primary 2016 at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex and the Final will take place on Enid Capron Primary Friday, 19th February 2016 at Beaches, Turks and Caicos commencing at 9:30 a.m.

Holy Family Academy The Final will be aired live on Radio Turks and Caicos.

Ianthe Pratt Primary

International School of the TCI

Iris Stubbs Primary The prizes for the event include:

MIILS Institute Grand Prize: Apple MacBook Laptop and a printer

Ona Glinton Primary Runner Up Prize: Apple iPad Mini

Oseta Jolly Primary Top 8 of final 10: Asus Memo Tablet

Providence International Academy Champion Coach: Apple iPad Mini

Provo Christian School Remaining Participants: $50 gift certificates

Richmond Hill Preparatory Complimentary Trophies for everyone

Shining Stars Preparatory

Davar Lewis Kamryn Woolery Brentez Williams Alex Gordon Nethlie DeJean DeChelle Williams Chimbuchi Orumba Jayda O’Neil Gabriel Clunis Kaidan Bobb Favor Mubenwafer Arquino St. Paul Shandia Gardiner Shantavia Clarke Aliyah Forbes Jabriel Williams

Everyone is invited to tune to Radio Turks & Caicos on 19th February 2016 for live coverage of one of the most exciting events for this term.

INVEST TURKS & CAICOS VACANCY Job Title: Legal/Compliance Officer

Salary: Negotiable depending on qualifications and experience within a range of $73,400-$81,600.

Job Summary:

The Legal Compliance Officer is a key member of the Management team and responsible for providing sound technical support and legal advice to the CEO and other members of the team in order to maximize the effectiveness of the Agency’s ability to attract qualified investors to the Islands.

The Legal/Compliance Officer will provide legal advice at the Agency with respect to all aspects of investing in the country and take an active role in negotiating agreements with investors. The Legal/Compliance Officer will be a key leader in identifying and providing advice on ways for Government to revise laws, regulations and procedures to improve the business environment for both investors and Government. The Legal/Compliance Officer will provide legal advice on other legal matters that may arise in the organization.

Education and qualifications: A law degree from a recognized university and a member of the bar in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Experience and Knowledge: 1.A minimum of three years commercial law experience, with knowledge of TCI laws dealing with investment projects.

2.Experience dealing with domestic and foreign investors in the commercial law environment.

3.Strong background in using various types of office related software and preparation of presentations and reports.

General Information for All Applicants In evaluating the education and experience of applicants, the evaluation committee will consider an equivalent combination of education and experience.

This is a management position, reporting to the CEO and candidates for all the positions will need the following skills: •Strong track record of competency in current and previous employment.

•Excellent Leadership Qualities •Strong Writing and presentational skills.

•Excellent Communication and interpersonal skills.

•Excellent skills in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook •Ability to work in a team environment and manage time effectively •Commercial awareness.

•Creativity.

•Ability to maintain confidentiality All applicants will be assessed for the following personal qualities in addition to education, skills and experience.

1.Open and engaging demeanor.

2.Able to generate and share ideas.

3.Hands-on approach.

4.Willing to take personal responsibility 5.Able to win trust and personal credibility 6.Persistence and personal resilience.

7.Willingness to personally deliver quality to business clients.

8.Willingness to understand different cultures, lifestyles and associated points of view.

9.Willingness to understand the values associated with small communities.

Application Procedure Interested persons should submit a resume, along with their contact information, cover letter, two letters of reference (one from a former employer), copies of educational certificates, a Police Certificate and a copy of the Passport photo page. To obtain a copy of the legal officer job description please send an email to investturksandcaicos@gmail.com. Alternatively persons can get the job description from the TCI Government website at www.gov. tc/government-vacancies

All applications must be received by 12 noon on Monday, February 1, 2016and should be emailed to investturksandcaicos@gmail.com. Only persons considered for an interview will be contacted.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Seven Stars Resort is currently seeking highly qualified candidates to fill the positions outlined below. The ideal candidate must possess the relevant professional qualifications and experience in a luxury resort environment, as well as a professional, outgoing and friendly demeanor with a strong command of the English Language (oral and written). Salary is based on education, experience and qualifications.

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF Every memorable dining experience at Seven Stars Resort begins behind the scenes with our Culinary team’s commitment to safe, efficient operations and exceptional cuisine. As Executive Sous Chef, your expertise in recipe development elevates our menus while your leadership inspires and fosters our Culinary talent. This positons reports to the Executive Chef. Responsibilities and essential job functions includes, but are not limited to the following: •Consistently offer professional, friendly and proactive guest service while supporting fellow Colleagues •Manage all Kitchens in the absence of the Executive Chef •Create all food menus with the guidance of the Executive Chef •Meet with Storekeepers to ensure quality & par levels are maintained •Conduct daily shift briefings with all Sous Chefs •Ensure all kitchen Colleagues are aware of standards and expectations •Liaise daily with Outlet Managers and Sous Chefs to keep open lines of communication regarding guest feedback •Balance operational, administrative and Colleague needs •Ensure proper staffing and scheduling in accordance to productivity guidelines •Follow kitchen policies, procedures and service standards •Follow all safety and sanitation policies when handling food and beverage •Good command of English (both written and spoken); second language is an asset •Other duties as assigned Qualifications: •Fine dining experience in the culinary field required.

•High school diploma; 4 years’ experience in the culinary, food and beverage, or related professional area OR •2-year degree from an accredited university in Culinary Arts, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or related major; 3 years’ experience in the culinary, food and beverage, or related professional area.

•Computer literate in Microsoft Window applications required •Strong interpersonal and problem solving abilities •Highly responsible & reliable •Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced environment •Ability to work cohesively as part of a team •Ability to focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times Desirable: •2 years’ experience in a similar position within a 5 star resort or fine dining restaurant environment •Caribbean experience essential

RETAIL CLERK This position is a people oriented position. If you have an upbeat, outgoing personality with a great smile, you are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate must have a demonstrated interest in customer service, must be fluent in English and available to work a rotating and flexible schedule. In this role, you will: •Welcome customers with a smile and warm greeting •Assist customers with purchasing requested merchandise and answer any queries •Assist customers with clothing selections, make product recommendations, and seek ways to upsell •Calculate total price including any applicable discounts; accept cash and/or credit card payment; make change where applicable •Wrap or bag customer merchandise as appropriate •Ensure shelves, counters, racks, etc., are appropriately stocked with merchandise and properly displayed and priced •Set up displays and/or arrange merchandise to promote sales •Keep accurate record of sales and ensure store is kept clean and orderly •Balance and record bank at the end of each shift or as required •Regularly review service to customers and identify ways to improve •Maintain at all times a professional, courteous manner with customers and coworkers •Communicate effectively in English, second language is an asset •Accurately perform basic mathematical calculations •Perform other duties as assigned by the Retail Store Manager/Supervisor or any other authorized individual Requirements: • Any combination of education and retail sales experience that would

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

provide the required knowledge, skill and ability to perform this job successfully.

•Friendly demeanor with excellent interpersonal and communication skills •Ability to work in a busy environment with minimal supervision •Strong math aptitude with the ability to handle cash and credit card transactions •Ability to speak, read and write fluently in the English language; second language desired but not required •Ability to work flexible schedule which may include early mornings, late evenings, weekends and holidays.

•A clean police record and professional references is required

GUEST SERVICE AGENT At Seven Stars Resort, the Guest Service Agent sets the tone for the guest experience. In addition to checking in guests, our GSA’s establish a welcoming environment and reflect the true sense of service that is expected at our resort. Individuals in this position are responsible for: •Welcoming our guests in a professional and friendly manner •Engaging our guests and ensuring they begin their stay with an outstanding experience •Responding to guests requests, queries and needs in a timely fashion •Thanking our customers for staying with us and being available to assist with their every need •Maintaining a pleasant demeanor and a warm smile and showing a sense of appreciation •Confirming guest arrival details, assigning guest suites, providing tours of the property, and ensuring guest requests are fulfilled •Following up on guest requests and following through on service delivery •Staying knowledgeable of resort rooms, products and services, food and beverage and local attractions, activities and information •Performing at a high standard and contributing to team success.

Requirements: Previous front desk experience in a fast-paced five star resort environment.

Candidates must possess outstanding customer service and interpersonal communication skills, excellent grooming, and customer complaint resolution skills. Excellent follow through and the ability to accurately record information is essential. A keen eye for detail and a strong working knowledge of Visual One is essential.

This is a people oriented position and interested candidates must have a demonstrated interest in customer service. If you have an upbeat, outgoing personality with a great smile, you are encouraged to apply. All candidates must be fluent in English and available to work a rotating and flexible schedule. A clean police record and professional references is required.

RESERVATIONS AGENT: At Seven Stars Resort, the Reservations Agent is one of the first individuals with whom our guests and prospective guests interact. If you have a friendly demeanor and a smile in your voice, you already possess two of the most important qualities needed for this position. We are seeking quality candidates who have a passion for hospitality, enjoy phone sales and possess excellent communication, organization and computer skills. This position requires the incumbent to: •Take telephone reservations and accurately inputting reservations into the resort’s central reservations system •Be knowledgeable of resort products, packages, products and promotions, and all room categories •Be able to answer inquiries related to room rates, locations and layout; food and beverage outlets; property offerings, services and amenities; rates and fees •Upsell rooms and services as appropriate •Communicate with guests, travel agents, wholesalers, airlines, etc., via e-mail, telephone, fax •Handle cancellations and/or modifications to reservations •Prepare reservation confirmation and cancellation letters •Track room facilities and availability •Keep up to date knowledge of phone/reservations system •Handle guests’ special requests in a professional manner •Complete projects by assigned deadlines •Complete documents as directed and to specifications •Interact with sales, marketing and events managers on bookings as necessary •Perform other duties as assigned by manager, supervisor or any other authorized individual Requirements: •Combination of education and reservations and/or customer service experience

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

that would provide the required knowledge, skill and ability to perform this job successfully •Excellent verbal communication skills with exceptional telephone etiquette •Strong writing skills with ability to independently develop responses to guest inquiries •Prior reservations or sales experience desired •Must be fluent in reading, writing and speaking the English language •Strong computer skills and basic math computation is essential •Ability to interact with diverse personalities with a convincing nature is essential •Ability to work with limited supervision is necessary

CONCIERGE MANAGER

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•Have a reputation for high standards of personalised service & delivery beyond expectation •Have a proven track record of success for delivering the highest standards of accuracy, service & results •Detailed knowledge of Forbes 5 Star Standards and worked with them.

•Must be able to develop effective links with partnership organizations.

•Must be able to demonstrate passion for the industry and excellence in guest service •Must be proficient in English.

•Outstanding professional communication and personal presentation.

•Must be able to show previous delivery and execution of business based projects.

LEAD BELLMAN

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Concierge Manager with a strong hotel operations background, as well as previous luxury resort and hotel At Seven Stars Resort, our Bellman is one of the first team members to impact experience. The ideal candidate for this role must have the ability to work flexible the guest experience. If you have leadership skills, an outgoing personality and schedule which may include early mornings, late evenings, weekends and holidays. have a passion for serving guests, you are encouraged to apply for this opening.

A clean police record and professional references is required. Responsibilities and The ideal candidate will be a team player with a positive demeanor. You must be a diligent worker with a proactive attitude, In addition to greeting guests essential job functions includes, but are not limited to the following: upon arrival, you will oversee the Bellman operations in providing a welcoming environment and reflecting the true sense of service that is expected at Seven •Oversee the Concierge operations Stars Resort. Individuals in this position are responsible for: •Maximize the guest experience and try to exceed their expectations •Make certain to keep a proper team work environment at all times and •Prior leadership role in a 5 Star luxury environment identify training needs.

•Welcoming guests in a professional and friendly manner •Ensure all arrival and departure guests are attended and handled as per the •Engaging guests and ensuring they begin their stay with an outstanding hotel standards and procedures ensuring a distinctive service through high experience quality of service skills.

•Collecting guests’ luggage and delivering to their suites •Thanking customers for staying with us and being available to assist with Main Responsibilities: their every need •Maintaining a pleasant demeanor and a warm smile and showing a sense •To ensure appropriate standard level for the smooth run of the Concierge of appreciation operations and to prepare requisitions accordingly.

•Assisting guests with securing taxis and responding to requests for •Ensure a proper coverage and supervision of the Concierge at all times. information, directions, etc.

•To be most of the time in the guest area to have a contact with the guest and •Following through on guest requests and service delivery to socialize, playing a Public Relations role.

•Staying knowledgeable of resort rooms, products and services, food and •Ensure all the guests receive a warm welcome and enjoy their stay being beverage and local area information offered the finest personal service.

•Performing at a high standard and contributing to team success •To act as a representative of management when dealing with guest concerns or if a member of the Concierge team is facing difficulties that she/he cannot Requirements: solve on her/his own.

•To manage guest concerns in a professional manner, by owning it, resolving it Previous bellman, front desk, or guest service experience in a fast-paced five to the guest satisfaction and recording it. star resort environment. Candidates must possess exceptional leadership, •To develop ambassador motivation and performance through action plans. customer service and interpersonal communication skills, excellent grooming, •Manage the whole Concierge with confidence and humility and customer complaint resolution skills. The ability to anticipate guest needs and take action is essential.

Experience and Skills: •5 years’ experience in hospitality, preferably in a luxury environment •Knowledge in Visual One •Strong oral and written communication skills •Leadership and strong team management skills •Ability to communicate at all levels •Ability to train and develop team members •Impeccable follow-through; and “Can Do” attitude and mindset. Highly organized with the ability to prioritize in a rapidly changing environment •Ability to work effectively in a team environment and take initiative •Computer skills (e.g. word processing and spreadsheet)

TRAINING CONSULTANT This position will be responsible for the training needs of the hotel to achieve the hotel’s goals, and ensures standards and procedures are constantly applied.

The ideal candidate for this role will need to have at least 10 + years’ experience in facilitating & delivering training programs to entry level, supervisory & management level positions. Must have prior experience working with European 5 Star Hotels, efficient, enjoys leading and developing associates, and has a positive demeanor and excellent communication skills.

Essential Functions: •Develop an effective annual Training Plan which meets the needs of associates and assists the hotel in achieving its goals and objectives.

•Liaise with Department Heads regarding specific training requirements within their Departments and regarding attendance at planned training courses and develop training actions as required.

•Publish an annual and quarterly calendar of training courses and ensure maximum attendance through clear communication to and liaison with Department Heads on a regular basis.

•Develop, source and conduct training courses scheduled in the training calendar.

•With support of HR, structure and monitor the Hotel’s annual training expenses / actions in line with changing hotel requirements.

Requirement: •Must be able to design, develop and facilitate workshops and programmes with experience in open learning & development workshops.

•Currently training in European 5 Star Hotels and be able to make them available for Seven Stars Resort staff •Monitor the effectiveness of pre and post course briefings to ensure maximum benefit from training courses and identify future training needs.

•International Senior Manager with over 10 years of Hospitality & Tourism experience •Have a strong team of international consultants with diversified experience across all Tourism Industries

This is a people oriented position and interested candidates must have demonstrated interest in hospitality. All candidates must be fluent in English (second language desired) and available to work a rotating/flexible schedule which may include early mornings, late evenings, weekends and holidays. A clean police record and professional references is required.

SPA NAIL TECHNICIAN This position is responsible for the comfort of guests while performing nail treatments according to the standards and procedures of The Spa at Seven Stars. Using the highest quality products, you will be performing Luxury Manicures and Pedicures. Responsibilities and essential job functions includes, but are not limited to the following: •Acquire proper technical procedures for the position as specified by the Spa. •Conducts nail related services and consultations •Ability to verbally communicate effectively with guests and co-workers in a friendly and professional manner.

•Adaptability to varying schedule changes and flexibility with schedules.

•Perform manicures and pedicures according to The Spa procedures and standards.

•Comply with station set-up and sanitation procedures, inventory, and linen dispensation guidelines, and safety measures.

•Ability to handle guests in difficult situations and under pressure •Perform reasonable tasks as assigned by supervisor or manager.

•Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirement: •Minimum of 3 years prior experience required •Excellent customer service skills •Team player with a flexible schedule In addition, we are also currently recruiting for the following: •Food Runners •Bartender Interested candidates should apply via e-mail to Seven Stars at hr@ sevenstarsgracebay.com for consideration. Application deadline: February 12, 2016.

ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING ABOVE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED.

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FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

Haitians are exploited in the TCI, says top official

By Todeline Defralien

Haiti’s outgoing Consul General in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Karlo Pellissier said that Haitians here are being exploited by locals and also by some of their own.

In an exclusive interview with The SUN, he said: “There are many Haitians that are illegal and the way that the system is, it gives a lot of people opportunity to exploit these people. Many of these people, people make them believe that they can find a better job here and sometimes even when they come here they think that, because when they show them the big hotels, these big places, bars and restaurants they make them believe jobs are valuable.”

In the meantime Pelissier added: “The way that the system is I understand is to protect the people in the country at the same time it Outgoing Haitian Consul General Karlo Pelissier gives people opportunity to exploit these people because many Haitian He explained that although come here (to the Consulate) all the employers are supposed to pay for time they tell me about problems the work permit, a lot of the time it that they have. Normally if somebody is the Haitian employee that gives works for somebody, three months the employer the money to pay for the before the work permit expired the work permit. person should renew the work permit “Sometime also it is the for the, but sometimes they take the employer when they don’t renew the paper from these people and then paper that got to the immigration they tell them they will send them to and get these people deported and immigration and then when the time sometime it is Haitians in the TCI comes sometime they never get the that do that to these people,” Pellisier paper (work permit).” added.

Turks & Caicos Islands National Insurance Board TENDER NOTICE The Turks & Caicos Islands National Insurance Board invites open tenders for: External Audit 2016 Tender Reference No.: TRN1-16 Further information and tender documents are available upon request in electronic format only from the National Insurance Office in Grand Turk & Providenciales, via telephone at (649) 946-1048/9 or via e-mail at rhesacartwright@tcinib.tc.

Tenders are to be submitted in a sealed envelope by 12:00 Noon on Friday, March 4, 2016 to:

The Chairman National Insurance Board Tender Board Grand Turk or Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

Further information is available on the NIB website at www.tcinib.tc.

Or contact: MISS RHESA CARTWRIGHT, DEPUTY DIRECTOR CORPORATE SERVICES NATIONAL INSURANCE BOARD HILLY A EWING BUILDING PROVIDENCIALES TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS Email: rhesacartwright@tcinib.tc Tel: (649) 941-5806/5906

The Consul General revealed that the Memorandum of Understanding between Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands has not yet been signed. He indicated that even if it is signed, the harsh reality is that Haitians will still come by boat illegally, although this is not a good thing.

“They are trying to see how they can have a better life because the thing is that the situation of the boat people is not something easy to solve

because no matter what, this thing exists almost everywhere in the world, but we try our best to see if we could reduce that. This is the reason why I say that this government and every consulate they open a commercial selection, they want us to go out to meet the Haitians and the foreigner and to show them if they can go and invest money in Haiti to see how they could create jobs in Haiti for these people, to see how we could reduce the flow of Haitian that are coming to this country,” he said, adding that he couldn’t estimate the number of Haitians that came here since he was in his post, but he said he told a lot of them that if they have any problem to call him or come and talk to him and they call him many times to tell him that they do have problems and sometime the people at the immigration office helps him at times.

When asked if there has been in increase in application for Haitian passports here in the TCI he said, “I can say that it went down when I came here three years ago we were doing a lot of passports because many Haitians that were living here were sending their passports to be done in Haiti but as for now I think we use to did more passports in the first year than now because when you do a passport its valid five years so the very first year everybody came to do passports but I think this thing will go back again in five years.”

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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PRESENTS: The

th

Annual FortisTCI

In collaboration with the Department of Education Wednesday, March 2nd — Thursday, March 3rd, 2016 Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex Downtown, Providenciales

2015’s Winners: Champions for Christ International School of Excellence www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 | P.O. Box 132 1030 Leeward HWY, Providenciales, TCI

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

I Can’t Wait !!

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

Highlights of The Color Run 2016 The first ever ‘Color Run’ which was held for a great cause took the streets last week Sunday January 31st, 2016. The Color Run is a fourkilometer, un-timed race in which participants, or “Color Runners” are sprayed from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer.

The event was well attended and all proceeds will go to support the Provo Hockey League to bring affordable inline hockey to the boys and girls of TCI. The fun continued after Color Runners completed the race with an unforgettable Color Countdown where food, games and music was followed at Meridian Field.

The event raised over $2,000 after expenses, organizers said the event was an overwhelming success and they look forward to making it even bigger and better with a few surprises and also they will like to make this event an annual one. These are photo highlights of the event.

Photos By: Digital Handprint and Jon Nixon

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

When Couples’ Sleep Patterns Diverge

by Bruce Feiler

I learned about my friends’ sleep problems by accident. We were having a cookout with three families not long ago, and the children were off playing by themselves. The couples sat down for an adult conversation that might otherwise have turned to Hollywood, parenting or Donald Trump, when suddenly one of the women announced she had a confession: She never got to see her husband.

She said she collapsed into bed soon after the children went to sleep, then woke up wired at 4:30 a.m., anxious about work deadlines. He came home late from his job, played with the children for a time, then went to bed after 11 p.m.

Instead of finding this situation unusual, every other person at the table had a similar story. One spouse liked to meditate in the morning, another liked to binge-watch television at night; one liked reading when the house quieted down after midnight, another liked making coffee before the house got chaotic at dawn.

One thing they all had in common is that they had radically incompatible sleep schedules with their spouses. Another is that they weren’t sure whether this was good or bad for their relationship.

In recent years, a consensus has emerged that sleep is a critical health issue, but researchers have largely focused on individual behavior.

One area that has lagged behind is what researchers calls dyadic sleep, or sleep concordance. Sixty percent of people sleep with another person.

When one person has sleep issues, both can suffer.

Certain sleep disorders, like snoring, have been shown to reduce the quality of relationships, largely because the person hearing the snoring experiences disrupted sleep. Women living with snorers, for instance, are three times as likely to report sleep problems themselves. Insomnia has also been linked to lower relationship satisfaction.

Research into couples’ sleeping patterns reveals a curious dynamic. When objective measures like brain waves or eye movements are examined, people are found to generally sleep better when they sleep by themselves than when they sleep with a bed partner.

Yet when they’re asked about sleeping alone, people say they are less satisfied.

A chief impediment to sleeping together is different preferences for what time to go to bed. As early as the 1970s, researchers began looking at the distinction between morning people and night people, often referred to as “larks” or “owls.”

Invented in 1976, the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire became a popular selfassessment that uses 19 questions to help determine what time of day a person’s alertness peaks.

More recent research has shown the variance is largely determined by genetics, with some input from age and gender.

Till Roenneberg, a professor of chronobiology at Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich, studies the biological roots of sleep. He told me that each person has a sleep chronotype, an internal timing profile that is specific to that individual and can vary up to 12 hours with others.

When I asked how many different chronotypes there are, he likened them to foot size and fingerprints, meaning there is an infinite number because everyone is unique.

Instead of dividing ourselves into owls and larks, he stressed, we should be speaking of an owl-lark spectrum.

Mr. Roenneberg says the best way to determine your chronotype is to identify your preferred midpoint of sleep. To do that, calculate your average sleep duration, divide the number in two, then add the outcome to your average bedtime on free days.

If you go to bed at 11 and wake up at 6, for example, add three and a half hours to 11. Your midsleep is at 2:30. His research shows that 60 percent of the population has a

midsleep from 3:30 to 5 a.m. Women tend to have earlier midpoints than men, he noted, a difference of up to two hours.

Problems arise, Mr. Roenneberg said, when there’s a disconnect between our preferred sleep times and what our personal or work lives demand of us. Mr. Roenneberg calls this “social jet lag,” which he defines as the difference between your midsleep on free days and on work days.

Over 40 percent of his research subjects have social jet lag of two hours or more. In relationships, this gap can be especially pernicious, he said, as sleep schedules become a convenient scapegoat for problems that have nothing to do with sleep.

The good news is that we can adjust our internal clocks. Researchers have found that camping resets our natural sleep time to be more in line with nature. But for most of us, who work indoors under artificial light all day and stare at screens all evening, trying to adjust for the sake of our bed mates is likely to fail, Mr. Roenneberg said.

“It will be very hard to demand of your partner to override their internal clocks in order to spend more time together,” he said. “It’s possible, but not very beneficial, I think. If you don’t sleep during your own internal timing window, you will not be as socially capable or as effective at work, and you will have somebody to blame for it, and that is your spouse.”

Also, having different sleep schedules can benefit relationships, he said. Those with babies can time-shift caring for the children, and others can schedule time to themselves.

“Especially in marriages that have gone on for a long time, I hear complaints about not being able to meet with the girlfriends enough or go drinking with the guys,” he said. “If both parties accept their differences, the late type can go out with the boys at night, and the early type can meet her girlfriends in the morning.”

What other solutions are there for couples with chronically

different schedules? Heather Gunn is a psychologist and couples sleep researcher at the University of Pittsburgh who also advises patients in a sleep clinic.

She said that the most important thing she’s learned is that couples do not need to sleep at the same time in order to have a healthy relationship.

“There’s even some evidence that well-adjusted couples who have mismatched sleep schedules are actually much better at problem solving,” she said.

She advises couples who sleep at different times to make sure they find other times to connect, whether it’s the morning, the half-hour before the first partner goes to sleep, or even the weekend. And if one partner insists the other change?

“As a psychologist, I would ask why is it important that you go to bed at the same time?” she said. “My hunch is that the person feels a need for more closeness or security. We don’t innately need to go to bed at the same time; the desire usually comes from someplace else.”

Given that these problems appear to be widespread, I couldn’t help wondering whether we could try to prevent them before we end up in long-term relationships with someone on the opposite end of the owl-lark scale.

Mr. Roenneberg even told me that in the future we would be able to identify our chronotype with a simple prick of blood. Perhaps we should include this information in our dating profiles?

“Absolutely not,” he said.

“First of all, we don’t want to breed toward early types and late types, and that’s exactly what we would be doing.

“Second,” he continued, “what we need from the start is to increase our awareness of differences and tolerate them. Once we do that, we’ll realize that different sleep schedules are not marriage straining, they’re actually marriage preserving.”

Many depressed teens don’t get needed treatment Many teens diagnosed with depression don’t immediately receive needed follow-up care even when therapy is recommended or medication is prescribed, a U.S. study suggests.

Three months after diagnosis, more than one third of the roughly 4,600 adolescents with depression in the study didn’t receive any treatment at all, and more than two thirds didn’t get a follow-up symptom evaluation with a specialist.

Less than half of the teens put on antidepressants received any follow-up care during those first three months, the study also found.

“If things don’t get better through appropriate treatment and supports, things get worse,” said lead study author Briannon O’Connor, who completed

the research at New York University.

“Untreated, adolescents are likely to develop worsening symptoms of both depression and other mental health problems, have increasing difficulties in school performance, withdraw from family and friends, and continue to have difficulties into adulthood,” O’Connor, who now works with Coordinated Care Services Inc of Rochester, New York, said by email.

Major depression is a chronic, disabling condition that affects more than one in 10 teens, with as many as one in four adolescents experiencing at least mild symptoms, O’Connor and colleagues report in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.

Generally, they do better the sooner depression is caught and treated.

To see how often depressed teens do get timely treatment, researchers reviewed electronic medical records from three large healthcare systems and analyzed how many services patients received in the first three months after the initial diagnosis.

On average, the teens were around 16 years old and most were girls.

Among about 1,000 youth diagnosed with major depression, 79 percent started treatment within that three-month window, the study found.

But overall, 36 percent received no treatment, 68 percent lacked any follow-up assessment and 19 percent failed to receive any follow-up care during that time.

One limitation of the study is that the analysis of electronic medical records

may not have captured follow-up care by phone or treatment that teens received outside of the health system where they were initially diagnosed, the authors note. There was also substantial variation in follow-up care rates in the different health systems in the study.

It’s possible that a “watch-and wait” approach might be appropriate for some teens with fewer or milder symptoms, noted Dr. Megan Moreno, a specialist in adolescent medicine at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Research Institute who wasn’t involved in the study. Some youth might also benefit from therapy without added medication, she said.

“For teens with more serious symptoms, the gold standard treatment is

to start both therapy and anti-depressant medication right away,” Moreno said by email. “Ongoing monitoring of symptoms is critical to determine whether escalation or reduction in treatment is needed.”

While it can be challenging for parents to distinguish depression from the periodic mood swings that are a hallmark of the teenage years, certain behaviors can signal that it’s time to seek help, Moreno added.

“In general, teens do go through times of moodiness and may have episodes in which they withdraw from parents,” Moreno said. “However, teens who withdraw from their entire social scene, including parents, peers, and school may have something more serious going on and may benefit from screening.”

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS ENTERTAINMENT

"Same Old Love"

By Selena Gomez

Take away your things and go You can't take back what you said, I know I've heard it all before, at least a million times I'm not one to forget, you know

You can't believe, still can't believe it You left in peace, left me in pieces Too hard to breathe, I'm on my knees Right now, 'ow

I don't believe, I don't believe it You left in peace, left me in pieces Too hard to breathe, I'm on my knees Right now, 'ow

I'm so sick of that same old love, that shit, it tears me up I’m so sick of that same old love, my body's had enough Oh, (that same old love) [2x] I’m so sick of that same old love, feels like I've blown apart I’m so sick of that same old love, the kind that breaks your heart Oh, (that same old love) [2x]

I'm so sick of that same old love, that shit, it tears me up I’m so sick of that same old love, my body's had enough Oh, (that same old love) [2x] I’m so sick of that same old love, feels like I've blown apart I’m so sick of that same old love, the kind that breaks your heart Oh, (that same old love) [2x] I'm not spending any time, wasting tonight on you I know, I've heard it all So don't you try and change your mind Cause I won't be changing too, you know

I'm so sick of that, so sick of that love [4x] I'm so sick of that same old love, that shit, it tears me up I’m so sick of that same old love, my body's had enough Oh, (that same old love) [2x] I’m so sick of that same old love, feels like I've blown apart I’m so sick of that same old love, the kind that breaks your heart Oh, (that same old love) [2x]

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FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

HEALTHY

LIFESTYLE Zika worries Olympic committee, Brazil sees dip in travel

The Rio 2016 organizing committee is worried about the rapid spread of the Zika virus in Brazil, but said on Tuesday it has not seen evidence of people canceling travel to the Olympics in August.

"Tickets have not been returned nor trips canceled," Rio 2016's communications director, Mario Andrada, told reporters.

The Brazilian government, however, is recommending that pregnant women stay away because the mosquito-borne virus has been linked to birth defects in thousands of newborns in Brazil, which could lead to fewer visitors for the Games in Rio de Janeiro.

President Dilma Rousseff's top aide said the Zika outbreak that has rapidly spread through the Americas is expected to cause a dip in tourism to countries where the virus is present.

"The risk is serious for pregnant women. For them (travel) is evidently not recommended," Rousseff's chief of staff, Jaques Wagner, told reporters on Monday. He said the risk to other visitors, especially athletes, is zero.

The World Health Organization on Monday declared the Zika virus an international health emergency that

could infect as many as 4 million people in the Americas.

The virus has raised questions worldwide about whether pregnant women should avoid infected countries.

Expectant mothers in the early months of gestation are most at risk of infection with Zika, which is thought to slow the growth of the brain of the fetus at a crucial stage of development.

WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said on Monday that delaying travel was something pregnant women "can consider" but added that if they needed to travel, they should take protective measures by covering up and using mosquito repellent.

Brazil has reported some 3,700 suspected cases of babies born with abnormally small heads, a neurological A municipal worker sprays insecticide at Sambodrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, condition called microcephaly. fever, according to the World Health

Dr. Anthony Costello, WHO travel guidelines issued by the WHO, Organization. It was identified in director for maternal, child and which has not recommended any humans in 1952. Outbreaks of the adolescent health, told reporters restriction on travel to Brazil, Andrada disease have been discovered in Africa, in Geneva on Tuesday that women said. The committee believes colder Asia, the Americas and the Pacific. should "make sure you are taking and drier weather in August in Rio will Since it appeared in Brazil in every precaution to prevent pregnancy reduce cases of Zika.

May, Zika has spread to 24 countries if you're not planning it and you are The virus was first identified and territories in the Americas. Top traveling to the ... Olympics." in 1947 in rhesus monkeys in Uganda U.S. airlines are promising refunds for The Rio 2016 committee will follow while scientists were studying yellow tickets to the region.

Want more sex? Try using contraception, researchers say

If you're looking to boost your sex life, birth control may be the answer, health experts say.

A study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health showed that couples who use contraception have as much as three times more sex than couples who do not.

"Contraception is a tool that can separate sex from pregnancy.

That can transform the role of sex in a relationship from just procreation to also enjoyment," said Suzanne Bell, an author of the findings released at a three-day family planning conference in Bali that ended on Thursday.

The researchers examined

national health surveys in 47 lowto middle-income countries, with data on 210,000 women - all of them in relationships and in need of contraception.

The women were asked if they had had sex in the last month and were currently using a family planning method.

About 90 percent of women who used contraception said they had had sex over the last month, compared with 72 percent not using contraception.

Many women do not use or stop using contraception such as the pill or intrauterine devices (IUD) because they suffer side effects. Bell

suggested offering women a wider choice of contraceptives to address this problem.

"Contraception is not one size fits all. Needs change over time, and we need to take life preferences and stages into consideration," Bell said.

A related study showed that family planning and smaller family size leads to longer life expectancy for children.

The study across 35 developing countries showed that in families that have four or fewer children, their life expectancy is three years longer than that of children in families with five or more offspring.

This is because smaller

families have fewer children competing for limited resources. "Mothers are able to take care of the children more, they are less prone to diseases and malnutrition.

They can go to school and finish their education and so on," said Saifuddin Ahmed, a professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and author of the study.

"We have for a long time looked at family planning from the point of view of controlling population growth. We should also look at it from qualitative individual benefits that can extend throughout the course of your entire life."

California-based Medical Marijuana eyes Mexico as next big market Medical Marijuana Inc, a pioneer in the industrial hemp business, is betting on Mexico as its next big market as the country opens up to the import of some cannabis-derived products for medical use.

The California-based company manufactures a hemp oil which can, under permits granted this week, be imported to Mexico for the first time to treat specific medical cases. It already supplies a similar product to Brazil.

Stuart Titus, Medical Marijuana's chief executive, said Mexico represented a "$1 billion to $2 billion opportunity" in terms of cumulative revenue over the next 10 years.

Many companies in the legal cannabis business are considering a bet on Mexico after a Supreme Court decision in November opened the door for the eventual legalization of recreational marijuana.

Just days after this decision, a ruling party senator proposed a bill to

allow the import of medical marijuana products to help the roughly 5,000 patients without access to such drugs.

This bill could be approved by May. Medical Marijuana, a company controlled by private equity firm General Hemp LLC, will be able to import its Real Scientific Hemp Oil, or RSHO-X, before then.

On Monday, Mexico's health ministry and Cofepris, the health regulator, authorized imports of the product for the specific use of two patients, in both cases young, female epilepsy sufferers.

The permits are the first to be granted by the government bodies, although a judge last year sanctioned the import of a similar product for a third girl, said Andres Aguinaco, a lawyer representing the two girls named in Monday's announcement.

Imports are restricted to products free of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the ingredient in marijuana that gets you 'high'. RSHO-X contains

A Cannabis plant is pictured at the ''Weed the People'' event as enthusiasts gather to celebrate the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana in Portland, Oregon cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive to follow.With a population of component of the plant.

120 million people, Mexico could

In Brazil, Medical Marijuana's eventually provide a sizeable market hemp oil is also imported on a case-by- for marijuana investors. case basis for the treatment of chronic By way of comparison, the U.S. pain and the symptoms of epilepsy and legal pot market was worth some $3.5 Parkinson's disease. billion in 2015, according to marijuana

"We do expect Mexico to be investment and research firm ArcView similar to Brazil, in that it will require Group. A federal U.S. legalization a doctor's prescription," said Titus, of marijuana would create a market adding that he expected more permits worth $36.8 billion, it said.

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

$1.7 million approved by cabinet to purchase Cabana Village for Grand Turk

Smith added: “I am so proud as a Minister to be purchasing this

$1.7 million was approved by Cabana Village because more than two Cabinet for the purchase of a Cabana thirdss of our visitors come through Village for the nation’s capital Grand the island of Grand Turk on our cruise Turk, said Minister for Tourism Hon. ships. We had over 900,000 in the Porsha Stubbs-Smith. year 2014 and about seven (hundred

She said the Cabana village thousand) when we last checked but will be for our vendors, catering we don’t have our final numbers as yet. primarily to tourists that come from So I’m very pleased as the Minister to the cruise indus. have a facility where we can have our

“So if somebody wants to say vendors whether there be local crafts or that we’re not doing it in the island of local cuisine where persons can come Grand Turk, our nation’s capital that is and hang out from the cruise shisp and incorrect.” the minister said at a press begin to experience Turks and Caicos conference held at the Premiers office on the island of Grand Turk.” in Providenciales on Friday January The Minister said Cabinet 29th, 2016. approved the split for the maritime

By Todeline Defralien

area and this will help us to improve our ship registry in Turks and Caicos.

“It will also allow ours to expand in the areas of yachting and cargo shipping industry. This is a vital area for us and splitting environment from maritime will also increase our awareness in the industry and how it works and it will allow us to be one of the major players within that field within the region,” she added. “We will not renege on our responsibility to protect our shores and protect our banks. So this year in our budget we have increased our budget in the capital portion to include two new vessels for our law enforcement area in the department of environment,” she added.

Porsha Stubbs-Smith Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture

“So we will be doing that and we are purchasing two patrol vessals and all you are going to see this year from the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Culture and Heritage are better things as we work together as a people,” Smith ended.

Government bringing this economy back to life, says Premier

Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing said that this government and bring this economy back to life in terms of the good physical performance of the government and the country.

This statement was made by the Premier last week Friday 29th at press conference at the Premier’s office in Providenciales.

He said, “I think anyone and everyone in this country should be proud that we are as a government and as a country are able to again bring this economy back to life

in terms of the good physical performance of the government and the country and to put us on a foot whereby we could be in a position to pay back our loan almost in full because come February 2nd there is hardly any need to have borrowed any additional $25 to 28 million, because we probably could of paid it from the surplus that we would accumulate by the end of this fiscal year.”

He added: “But nonetheless we would be able to pay off our full bond of our $170 million in February

OASIS DIVERS is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates for the following positions. The successful applicants must: PLAY PAL -Have a proven and unblemished track record of employment in the entertainment industry -Good interaction with clientele of all ages -Have a valid passport -Have at least 3 years’ experience in the hospitality industry.

-Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business PLUMBER -Have a proven and unblemished track record of employment -Have a valid passport -Have at least 5 years’ experience and appropriate training in the field -Positive and disciplined attitude toward work -Trustworthy and reliable disposition -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business CHEF -Have a proven and unblemished track record of employment in the and experience in a high-pressure and quick-paced kitchen -Have a valid passport -At least 5 years’ experience in managing more than 1 kitchen operation -Positive and disciplined attitude toward work -Trustworthy and reliable disposition -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business TOUR GUIDES -Hold a valid TCI Driver’s Licence with a minimum 5 years driving experience.

-Be at least 25 years old.

-Have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in the operation of a tourist passenger vehicle.

Other prior experience in the tourist service industry would be an asset.

-Possess an excellent driving record. A defensive driving certificate would be an asset.

-Have a valid passport.

-Be proficient in spoken and written English as primary language. Additional language proficiency will be an asset.

-Be trained in CPR and First Aid delivery.

-Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and public holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business.

-Clean criminal record.

Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders Written applications only and accompanying CVs/resumes must be addressed to the Manager at the following address: Cee’s Plaza, Suite No. 1 Church Folly PO Box 86 Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Islands

OASIS DIVING, LTD. c/o EPIC Corporate & Consultancy Services Ltd. Phone: 649-946-1128 Fax: 649-946-1128 Email: oasisdiv@tciway.tc

22nd. We signed off a loan with the RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) of $28 million that helped to refinanced that bond and what that means for us is that most of the fiscal policies in the financial management framework that came as a condition of that load guarantee would be lifted. Some of them should be lifted and we are currently in discussions and in negotiations with the UK government as to what extent most of them will be lifted.”

The Premier said they know that certain things such as how

they budget and how they process budgets, how the UK reviews their budget will be things that will be under less scrutiny as long as they meet the fiscal target and economic targets and don’t got over them.

“We’re here to work with them (UK) for that and the best interest of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands and that’s what we will continue to do whether or not that brings friction to the relationship or whether or not that creates a better relationship then its left to be seen,” Ewing said.

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FUN & GAMES

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

FUN & GAMES

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

All you advertising needs contact TCISUN at 339-5879 Or email – sun@suntci.com

INTER ISLAND BUILDERS Looking for a diesel/Gas Mechanic To repair and service company vehicles Salary based on experience Contact 244-2212

Cairsea Services Limited Require one (1) Laborer Salary: $6.25 per hour Must be reliable, hardworking & honest Hours: 8-5 and some weekends & holidays Apply in person

Aj’s Auto Parts & JERK JUICE Accessories BAR & GRILL Is seeking for a suitable office manager to run the business on a daily basis Monday to Saturday.

Applicant must possess the necessary skills in the auto motive industry with at least 3-4 years experience in computer literate.

Applicant must be able to use QuickBooks, Excel and Microsoft word and handle stock taking and inventories work require lifting heavy boxes.

All inquires resume should be sent to: ajsautoparts@express.tc

All you advertising needs contact TCISUN at 339-5879 Or email – sun@suntci.com

1 Kitchen Helper 1 Waitress Must be able to create menus Must be a drink specialize Salary $7.00 per hour 6 days per week Contact 431-0221

Potwasher Needed Busy Provo restaurant requires a potwasher. Must be willing to work weekends & public holidays.

PAVILION Is looking for the following staff Waitresses Bartenders Beach Attendants Bookkeeper Belongers need only apply All applicants must submit via email to arlene39jennings@ gmail.com Chris.joy@ paviliontci.com

WANTED SCUBA INSTRUCTOR!!!

Job includes washing pots & dinnerware as well as general cleaning duties.

Pay is $6.25 per hour.

Please send applications to: PO Box 782, Providenciales or email to magnoliaprovo@live.com Belongers only need apply

Must be fit and healthy love diving, fishes and crazy signs!!

Any interested parties please contact: jobs.turkoise@seafaridiving.com

FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

CARIBBEAN WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

NEWS NEWS

Demonstrators in Haiti hit streets over political crisis

Port-au-Prince - Hundreds of Haitians took to the streets Tuesday to protest against a potential transitional government, with President Michel Martelly due to leave office but not yet replaced.

Martelly’s term ends Sunday.

And with no successor in place, Haiti is in constitutional crisis again after the January 24 presidential vote runoff was canceled over security concerns.

His favored candidate, littleknown Jovenel Moise, won October’s first round with about a third of the vote and remains the favorite.

But opposition flag-bearer Jude Celestin was close behind and refused to campaign ahead of the second vote, alleging the government was working against him.

The failure to carry out a runoff has fueled fears that Martelly will try to stay on, or that a transitional authority will be imposed.

“The opposition has no clue.

They don’t even exist for me. I don’t want a transition with them. I want an election,” said Moise supporter Cheney Robeus.

“The legislature is going to extend the president’s term, what else can they do? He can’t just leave, and then we have a void. We could have elections within three months.”

In the first round of presidential voting on October 25, Moise officially won 32.76 percent of the vote, to 25.29 percent for Celestin, who denounced those results as a “ridiculous farce.”

Protesters march during a demonstration rallying for the resignation of President Michel Martelly in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Thirty years after the end of the Duvalier dictatorship, Haiti -the poorest country in the Americas -- is still struggling to organize uncontested elections and overcome the apathy of a disaffected populace.

Meantime, a poll released Wednesday by an independent research group says most Haitians would vote if they had confidence that elections were fair and suggests there was even weaker turnout in last year’s balloting than officially reported.

The Brazil-based Igarape Institute, which has conducted social science polling in Haiti for over a decade, said teams of “universityeducated Haitians” conducted a survey about electoral issues with 1,766 randomly sampled adults across the country Jan. 17-22. It had

a margin of error of three percentage points.

The poll was done shortly before Jan. 24 presidential and legislative runoff elections were postponed indefinitely 48 hours before their start amid violent protests and suspicions of “massive fraud” in October’s first round in favor of the outgoing president’s chosen successor.

The researchers said responses show that while there is deep voter disenchantment in Haiti some three-quarters of respondents would vote if they were convinced the process was fair.

Report co-author Athena Kolbe, an assistant professor of social work at the State University of New York in Brockport, suggests this indicates Haitians haven’t lost faith in democracy.

“Democracy needs to be done right. It can’t be controlled and manipulated by either external influences or powerful elites within Haiti. Democracy will work in Haiti but it needs to be one vote for one person,” she said.

Haitians who stayed away from the polls this electoral cycle have ticked off numerous grievances to The Associated Press: A lack of inspiring candidates; exasperation with broken promises and political infighting; suspicions that electoral officials will falsify results.

According to Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council, roughly 26 percent of Haiti’s 5.8 million registered voters turned out for the Oct. 25 elections. But only 285 respondents, or 19.5 percent of voters, indicated to Igarape pollsters that they participated.

Haitian observer groups suspect most of the votes on Oct. 25 were cast by “mandataires,” political party representatives told to be at polling stations.

An observer mission from the Organization of American States noted some “irregularities” after that vote but concluded that preliminary results appeared to be in line with what they saw on election day.

Official results said ruling party candidate Jovenel Moise got some 33 percent of the vote, putting him in a runoff with second-place finisher Jude Celestin. Celestin, the opposition candidate, said there was “massive fraud.”

Ritz-Carlton in Cayman Islands named region’s best

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, has been named the Caribbean’s top hotel by the U.S. News & World Report.

The luxury hotel on Seven Mile Beach was ranked No. 1, ahead of the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios and the Dorado Beach, another Ritz-Carlton resort, in Puerto Rico.

The rankings are based on reputation among professional travel experts, guest reviews and hotel

class ratings, according to the organization’s website.

“We are extremely honored to receive such an elite and distinct award,” said Marc Langevin, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. He said the hotel is more than just a luxury destination on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches and prides itself on the level of service offered.

“Our ladies and gentlemen are committed

to providing service excellence to our guests, and this is the primary reason the resort continues to be recognized for its accomplishments.”

The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. News & World Report specializes in consumer advice, rankings and analysis.

The organization ranked more than 2,500 hotels across the USA, Caribbean, Mexico and Canada – with the top 10

percent among the luxury segment analyzed and selected as winners.

It has published a list of 287 hotels designated as the best in the Caribbean according to its ranking system, with Cayman’s Ritz-Carlton at the top.

Last year the same organization, designated Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach as the The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has been named the world’s top beach travel No. 1 hotel in the Caribbean by U.S. News & World Report destination.

British national gets 67 years in jail for murdering wife in Grenada

A British national has been sentence to 67 years in jail after he was found guilty of killing his wife and burying her in a shallow grave more than ten miles away from the scene of the crime.

Robert Clack was charged with non-capital murder in June 2014 but his sentence will start from the day of the judgement. He will be eligible release in 2083.

His attorney Anselm Clouden said the sentence was very harsh.

“This sentence is usually high in terms of years,” he told the reporters after the Judge Paula Gilford read out her judgement on Monday.

Admitting that the concealment of the body was in bad taste, Clouden said that the State’s

main witness should have been charged because she assisted in concealing the body.

“She was the one who was more aggressive,” he said.

In June 2014, the body of Nixiann Downes-Clack was discovered in a shallow grave in Mt Moritz after she was reported as missing by her mother who was expecting her to visit the family.

An autopsy later revealed that she died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head and asphyxiation by strangulation.

Clouden told the media that the center of the altercation which resulted in her death was the fact the Clack had a mistress who was sleeping in the matrimonial bed.

“He had two women leaving in the same house,” said Clouden.

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FEBRUARY 6TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 13TH, 2016

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Barbados not under criminal attack -AG

Barbados Attorney General, Adriel Brathwaite, has sought to allay fears that the island is experiencing an upsurge in criminal activity insisting that crime has not “really” risen here.

Speaking at the launch of the Citizen Security Facilities Project on Friday, Brathwaite acknowledged that “last year was not a good year for crime in Barbados”.

He said an examination of the newspapers, social media as well as the mainstream media seemed to suggest that the island was “under attack by the criminal elements”.

But he said while there was a seven per cent increase in reported

crime last year compared with 2014 figures, the fact was 2014 was a “special year.

“In 2014, there was actually a decline of 14 per cent in crime on 2013 figures. But if you look at the statistics over the last couple of years, last year reported crime was below the average over the last six or seven years.”

Brathwaite said that the Freundel Stuart government accepted that the level of gun violence was a cause for concern, and that there was a higher number of murders last year than over the previous five years.

“We accept that if citizens do not feel secure in their homes, then

as a society we have serious issues.

However, if we examine the statistics, it was never as bad as certain elements would have you believe.”

However the Attorney General said that Barbados and the region faced constant threats from elements such as organised crime; trafficking of illegal drugs and guns; gangs; cyber security; financial crimes; human trafficking and smuggling, and natural disasters.

“Given the threats with which we are faced, money would have to be diverted from our traditional areas of health and education to fight crime and security in this country.

Jamaica elections on February 25

A section of the large crowd that attended the PNP rally in Jamaica last Sunday

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller on Sunday named February 25 as the date for general elections in Jamaica.

Addressing a mass meeting of supporters of the governing People’s National Party (PNP), on Sunday SimpsonMiller said Nomination Day will be on Tuesday, February 9 and Parliament will be dissolved on Friday, February 5.

Simpson Miller will face a challenge from the main opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), led by former Prime Minister Andrew Holness

To loud cheers from thousands of supporters clad in orange, the colour of the 78 year old party – Simpson Miller said she would be answering the long awaited call – that of announcing the date for a general election

“Tonight, I will put some people out of their misery. Tonight I will answer your call. The time has come to sound the trumpet….I want to speak with you who are in Half Way Tree in your thousands of thousands.

“They have been calling for elections for a long time, they will get a whipping at the polls.”

During the mass rally, held in Half Way Tree, the capital of the parish of St. Andrew, Simpson Miller listed the achievements of her administration.

“We have made great strikes, we are building a foundation for first world economic growth. A Jamaica of safety, security, progress and development for all.”

“Later this year, new manufacturing activities will create thousands of jobs. The PNP government is assisting micro, small and medium sized

businesses. Comrades, Jamaica is now ranked as the best place in the Caribbean to do business….

This is as a result of laws put in place to encourage business…”

“As we go for growth and economic stability we are ensuring that the social needs of our people are met. We have invested millions of dollars to protect vulnerable families.”

Concerning education she said her administration has invested millions of dollars in education “thousands of new classroom spaces have been built throughout the country. We are stepping up the progress…..”

In the area of housing she said thousands of houses have been built

We have stepped up the progress in providing thousands of titles to people. We have provided work, income and vital community infrastructure .

In agriculture she said sugar workers have been provided with houses free of cost .

The reform of the marijuana (ganja) laws means that the future of our people, particularly out young men will not be blighted for possession of a ganja spliff”

She said despite challnges the party has made progress in health – “life saving equipment has been installed, there are more ambulances, free medication.

On the issue of the Zika virus said the confirmation is not a cause for alarm “ But it must give us greater urgency to deal with the situation. I am calling on everyone to get involved, to limit its impact on the people. We must continue to clean up our surroundings …we are spending millions of dollars to deal with the

Zika virus threat”

In a speech punctuated with the traditional party songs as well as popular tunes Simpson Miller also addressed those who have criticsed her leadership style.

“It is not my stlye to be talking, talking , talking, my style is to be working, working working” .

The party president also called for peace during the campaign period. “We must respect each other – when there is respect, there will be less domestic violence and lewd behaviour, when there is respect our children will not be raped, abused and murdered. I want everyone to listen carefully to me – I don’t want to hear of any disrespect or violence in this election campaign.

I am committed to a peaceful campaign….the PNP is committed to a peaceful campaign. We are one Jamaica and even if you are provoked, walk away peacefully…. during and after the election , we must continue as one Jamaica.”

She told the crowd that progress will continue with the People’s National Party “I am confident that the people of Jamaica will choose to stay with the People’s National Party, Jamacia’s best choice. They will reaffirm the mandate to step up the progress.”

“If it is a mountain we have climbed it …. If it is a river we have crossed it …. Now that we are calling it, we will win it!” she told supporters.

In the last general election, the ruling People’s National Party won 42 of the 63 seats with the remaining going to the main opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

“The reality that we face in this country today is that Barbados will never be the Barbados of 1975, of 1985, 1995 or 2005 ever again.

This is a reality that we are faced with – internal and external threats unprecedented in our history. Given what is happening regionally and globally, we cannot assume that it will not happen in Barbados.

“Our economy is too fragile for us to take any chances. As a country, rather than discuss cutbacks in terms of crime and security, we have to allocate more resources to crime and security in this country,” he said.

Air traffic controllers seeking legal advice on IDT ruling

The Jamaica Air Traffic Controllers Association (JATCA) says it is seeking legal advice following the ruling by the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) that resulted in its members returning to work last weekend.

Air traffic controllers had been refusing to carry out certain duties due to what they claim is malfunctioning equipment at the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority.

But the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) order was given on Friday, following a meeting with representatives of JATCA.

In a statement Monday the JATCA said it adhered to the IDT order because of the legal implications of doing otherwise.

“Out of deference to the authority of the IDT and given the legal implications of defying the Order, air traffic controllers have been forced to resume the provision of air traffic service using faulty equipment, thereby continuing to expose the travelling public to increased risks of unsafe situations. The JATCA intends to explore its legal options regarding this matter.”

The JATCA said further “our members are fully aware that there is a planned modernization programme to be undertaken at the JCAA with the procurement of new air navigations equipment, and we enthusiastically support any process which promises to enhance the development of our industry”.

But it noted that “this planned modernization process however, due to its complexity, will not provide air traffic controllers with new equipment with which to conduct their jobs for at least another 2 – 3 years.

“This means our members will be forced to continue to attempt to ensure public safety using the existing equipment in its current state, fraught with malfunctions and continued degradation.”

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The Bahamas signs agreement for US$200 million project

The Bahamas has signed an agreement for a US$200 million development of an eco-friendly, high-end luxury resort on neighbouring islands, Children’s Bay Cay and Williams Cay.

“The resort will add to the economic and social development of the Exumas and will certainly be another bright spot in The Bahamas archipelago of Islands,” said Prime Minister Perry Christie, adding “among its benefits is the high-end branding affiliated with a prominent European family; and diversification of the tourism industry in the form of a five-star experience for high net worth individuals”.

Christie, who signed a Heads of Agreement with CB Commander Limited and

CH Amiral Limited, said that the owner of the project, Dona Bertarelli, is member of a prominent Swiss family.

He told the ceremony that Children’s Bay Cay will be developed into an exclusive five-star ultraluxurious resort and golf club and will feature a boutique 50-pavilion room hotel; five over-the-water pavilions; five estate homes; a club house comprising a restaurant boutique library, screening room, bar and lounges among other facilities.

“As a further demonstration of the Developer’s respect for the environment, a nature park is planned for the uninhabited Windsock Cay, which lies about ¼ of a mile off Children’s Bay Cay,” he

added.

He said Williams Cay will be a private section of the resort and will contain an ecological oriented 18-hole golf course.

“The Cay will have 15-20 villas; the over-thewater pavilions; a welcome center; a villa owner club house; nature trails; biking and jogging trails; and seaplane and helipad facilities,” he added.

“A bridge will link Children’s Bay Cay and Williams Cay.” Prime Minister Christie said that the architecture will take into consideration the topography and the natural environment, as well as a pavilion-style resort which will be easier to blend into the natural environment of The Bahamas.

“Most of the natural landscaping will remain intact and unspoiled. As with all project developments, the findings of environmental impact assessment study and the accompanying management plan will be strictly adhered to and closely monitored through joint efforts of the developer and government.”

He said the direct impact of the development will result in a significant increase in business activities for Bahamians in several areas including small aircraft services, boat and ferry services, food, beverage, hardware, material suppliers, fuel suppliers, security services, brokerage and freight and logistics.

Prime Minister

Christies said that employment prospects for the residents of the Exumas will be increased significantly as the project intends to employ 350 – 400 Bahamians for construction works over a five-year period.

“The projection of the number of employees required for resort management and operations within the first two years is 223 persons, and within three years to eight years there will be 312 persons employed.

“The Developer in collaboration with the National Training Academy and BTVI will set up a training programme for prospective employees, to train them to provide highest international standards of service,” he added.

St. Kitts Prime Minister issues passionate call to end upsurge in crime

Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris has issued a passionate call for the end what he calls the senseless killings taking place in the country.

Harris, who is also National Security Minister, made the plea in the wake of the recent fatal shooting two young men from his constituency and the upsurge in gun violence that has resulted in at least two other deaths this month.

“We must bring a message of rebuilding, of renewal from our own households—so we have illegal weapons, we have to ensure that we call in the police to make sure that that situation is cleaned up,” Harris said to a group of constituents on Saturday, adding that (if) we have

which is more law-abiding.” innocent lives are being lost that

He said the Government is way and as people come into the prepared to provide special support communities to take revenge, it to those who are involved in drugs is quite probable that an innocent and guns and who are determined to person’s life would be lost, so all of make a turnaround so that they can us can do something, can share some become more law-abiding citizens. information, can insist among our

He urged the community to family members and friends by giving share information about what they them strong warning,” the Prime know of criminal activities to the Minister said while admonishing relevant and confidential authorities. those involved in gangs to withdraw

“The police are charged from them. with protecting us and we have “It is destroying families, it is Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris to ensure that we cooperate with destroying communities. Eventually, persons who we know are involved them…we can also find a friend, a if we don’t curb it, it will destroy our in drugs—wherever there are drugs, pastor, parliamentary representative, country and so we have to nip it in guns are not far behind—we have somebody who we could tell,” he said. the bud,” he said, while encouraging to ensure that we encourage these “We have to begin to get our young persons to be exposed to a life people to give up that life for one communities cleaned up because of prayer and godliness.

Lab-bred endangered Caribbean coral species reproduce in the wild

Coral Reefs

Researchers have for the first time successfully raised laboratory bred colonies of a threatened Caribbean coral species to sexual maturity.

The researchers of SECORE International – a leading conservation organization for the protection and restoration of coral reefs, the University of Amsterdam and the Carmabi Marine Research Station located here, disclosed the findings in the latest issue of the scientific journal Bulletin of Marine Science.

“In 2011, offspring of the critically endangered elkhorn coral

created vast forests in shallow reef waters that protect shores from incoming storms and provide a critical habitat for a myriad of other reef organisms, including ecologically and economically important fish species.

An estimated 80 per cent of all Caribbean corals have disappeared over the last four decades and repopulating degraded reefs has since become a management priority throughout the Caribbean region.

The elkhorn coral was one of the species whose decline was so severe that it was one of the first coral species to be listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species (Acropora palmata) were reared from act in 2006, and as critically gametes collected in the field and endangered under the IUCN Red List were out planted to a reef one year of Threatened species in 2008. later”, explains Valérie Chamberland, Consequently, measures to coral reef ecologist working for aid Caribbean reef recovery often SECORE and Carmabi. focus on the elkhorn coral given

“In four years, these its major decline and its ecological branching corals have grown to a importance. size of a soccer ball and reproduced, Since 2010, SECORE, simultaneously with their natural Carmabi, and partners from population, in September 2015. This aquariums around the world started event marks the first ever successful a project aimed at developing rearing of a threatened Caribbean techniques to rear larger numbers of coral species to its reproductive age.” elkhorn coral offspring so they could

Due to its large size and eventually be out planted to degraded branching shape, elkhorn corals reefs throughout the Caribbean.

Elkhorn corals reproduce only once or twice a year, generally a few days after the full moon in August. “We just learned that elkhorn corals can reach sexual maturity in only 4 years. This is exciting news, as we now know that offspring raised in the laboratory and out planted to a reef can contribute to the natural pool of gametes during the annual massspawning of elkhorn corals within 4 years”, says Chamberland.

By using a restoration method based on sexual rather than asexual (or clonal) reproduction, the SECORE method also promotes the formation of new genotypes that could potentially cope better with the conditions on modern reefs than their already struggling parents.

These sexually-bred corals therefore not only aid in the recovery of dwindling elkhorn coral populations by increasing the number of colonies, but also by increasing the genetic diversity of this critically endangered species, thus giving evolution the opportunity to play its part.

“We don’t get around to protect coral reefs and to apply additional management tools to reduce overfishing, pollution and other threats to coral reefs”, underlines researcher Dirk Petersen.

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NEWS

David Cameron calls for billions more in international aid for Syrian refugees

The international community must raise billions of dollars more than last year to alleviate the unacceptable plight of Syrian refugees, David Cameron has warned prior to a London donor conference designed to address the consequences of the fiveyear Syrian civil war.

At a conference attended by 70 world leaders, including the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, the US secretary of state, John Kerry, and the Iranian foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, Cameron will on Thursday promise to double UK aid to Syria through to 2020.

“Sufficient funding to guarantee the basics of life that these refugees need must be the bare minimum expected of us,” he writes in the Guardian, calling for “a new approach to humanitarian aid in the region”. Organisers want the aid to be diverted from food handouts towards work and education opportunities for Syrians in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan.

In a stark illustration of the intractability of the conflict, the United Nations special envoy to Syria on Wednesday put peace talks in Geneva on pause until later this month, saying he would not “talk for the sake of talking”.

“I have concluded frankly that after the first week of preparatory

pledging conference, the first to be held at head of state level, will raise billions more at the start of this year than the $4.5bn (£3.1bn) raised in the whole of last year.

Mediator Staffan de Mistura says he will not ‘talk for the sake of talking’, citing opposition anger at Syrian government and Russian airstrikes Read more

Despite his bold declaration, negotiations were said to be continuing down to the wire on Wednesday night to reach $7bn. Even that would leave David Cameron the UN short of the $9bn it deems talks there is more work to be done, necessary this year to improve not only by us but by the stakeholders,” schooling, access to work and help said Staffan de Mistura after the third Syrians survive. day of talks. “I have indicated from the The UN only received half of first day that I won’t talk for the sake the funds it sought for Syria last year, of talking.”

Cameron points out, and the Foreign

Opposition forces fear the Office minister Tobias Ellwood said Assad regime, supported by Moscow’s unless funding was increased “another bombing campaign, is gaining more 1 million people will turn their back on strategic ground. Syrian state Syria”. television and Lebanon’s Hezbollah Cameron, criticised by former TV reported on Wednesday that the Labour foreign secretary David Syrian army and allied militiamen had Miliband on Wednesday for not taking broken a long rebel siege of two Shia more Syrian refugees in the UK, has villages in northern Aleppo province – been working the phones, including a breakthrough which, if true, would with the US president, Barack Obama, mark a major victory for government to extract bigger donations and prevent forces. a repetition of the UN shortfall that

In the face of the ongoing led to cuts in food aid last year, and turmoil, Cameron predicts that the was a factor in the huge increase in

migration to Europe.

The prime minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, who is also co-chairing the conference said it was in Europe’s self interest to do more to help Syrians. “If we don’t invest more in the neighbourhood and neighbouring countries will have an even bigger problem than we have today,” she said on Thursday.

She also urged rich Gulf countries to do more to help. “I hope they all contribute much better than they did last year,” Solberg said.

“Kuwait has done a great job. They are the country that has given the most money per capita. But we need more countries in the region to dig in.”

Justine Greening, the international development secretary, also urged other countries to step up their response. “It’s not just about what the UK can do, we want to also play a role in getting the rest of the international community to really take responsibility and work to help countries like Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, who are so generous in hosting these refugees.”

Britain, already the secondlargest bilateral donor in Syria behind the US, announced it would double its own funding to Syria to £2.3bn up to 2020. The announcement means the UK government’s 2015’s pledge of £255m is doubled to £510m for 2016.

Apple owes $626 million in damages after losing huge patent case

A jury has ordered Apple to pay $626 million in damages after finding that iMessage, FaceTime and other Apple software infringed on another company’s patents.

In a case that has been bouncing around the court system since 2012, VirnetX accused Apple of violating four of its patents, which mostly involve methods for real-time communications over the

Internet.

VirnetX has been labeled a “patent troll” because it is a patent holding company and sells just a single product. It has just 14 employees and rents office space for $5,000 a month. The company makes money by licensing patents to other firms -- and by suing businesses that it believes has infringed on its intellectual property.

VirnetX owns about

80 patents, including the four that were the basis of the Apple suit. VirnetX had previously purchased them from a company called Science Applications International Corporation.

In 2012, a jury had found Apple guilty of violating the same patents, and ordered the company to pay VirnetX $368 million.

Apple appealed and won on a technicality after VirnetX failed to prove that

consumers were buying iPads and other gadgets because of the software that violated VirnetX’s patents.

The appeals court vacated the damages, and sent the case back down to the East Texas District Court for a retrial.

But Apple didn’t exactly get what it had hoped for. The new jury found Wednesday that Apple owed even more to VirnetX because it “willfully” violated

Hackers attack 20 million accounts on Alibaba’s Taobao shopping site

Hackers in China attempted to access over 20 million active accounts on Alibaba Group Holding Ltd’s Taobao e-commerce website using Alibaba’s own cloud computing service, according to a state media report posted on the Internet regulator’s website.

Analysts said the report from The Paper led to the price of Alibaba’s U.S.-listed shares falling as much as 3.7 percent in late Wednesday trade.

An Alibaba spokesman on Thursday said the company detected the attack in “the first instance”, reminded users to change passwords, and worked closely with the police investigation.

Chinese companies

are grappling a sharp rise in the number of cyber attacks, and cyber security experts say firms have a long way to go before defenses catch up to U.S. counterparts.

In the latest case, hackers obtained a database of 99 million usernames and passwords from a number of websites, according to a separate report on a website managed by the Ministry of Public Security.

The hackers then used Alibaba’s cloud computing platform to input the details into Taobao. Of the 99 million usernames, they found 20.59 million were also being used for Taobao accounts, the ministry website said.

The hackers started inputting the details into Taobao in mid-October and were discovered in November, at which time Alibaba immediately reported the case to police, the ministry website said. The hackers have since been caught, it said.

Alibaba’s systems discovered and blocked the vast majority of log-in attempts, according to the ministry website.

The hackers used compromised accounts to fake orders on Taobao, a practice known as “brushing” in China and used to raise sellers’ rankings, the newspaper said.

The hackers also sold accounts to be used for fraud, it said.

the company’s patents.

Apple has since revised its iMessage, FaceTime and VPN software so that it avoids anything covered by VirnetX’s patents.

VirnetX has had mixed success in its past patent cases. It settled out of court with Microsoft for $200 million in 2010 and filed another lawsuit against the company in 2015. But it lost a patent case it brought against Cisco last year.

Murder rate dips, but Venezuela still global hotspot

Venezuela’s murder rate fell last year to 58 per 100,000 inhabitants, the government said on Tuesday, but the violence-racked nation remains one of the world’s most dangerous.

“This indicator is extremely worrying because it confirms we have a grave problem of violent crime,” the state’s chief prosecutor Luisa Ortega told parliament, giving the figure.

Though that figure was an improvement on the official murder rate of 62 per 100,000 in 2014, violent crime remains an all-pervasive worry for Venezuela’s 29 million people, especially in poor slums run by gangs and rife with guns.

Numerous state security plans and disarmament drives in recent years have failed to curb violence in Venezuela where easy access to arms, police participation in crime, and high levels of impunity have allowed delinquency to flourish.

Only Honduras has a worse murder rate than Venezuela, according to the United Nations.

Local rights groups say Venezuela’s murder rate is higher than the official statistics, with one monitoring organization putting it at 90 per 100,000 people in 2015.

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New US intelligence report says Islamic State weaker Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell salutes the audience as he takes the stage at the Washington Ideas Forum in Washington

Colin Powell got classified info on personal email accounts

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell and aides to his successor Condoleezza Rice both received classified emails on personal email accounts, the top Democrat on a congressional oversight panel said on Thursday.

In a revelation following months of controversy over the emails of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton while she was secretary of state, Representative Elijah Cummings said the disclosures about Powell’s and Rice’s aides’ emails were made by the State Department’s Inspector General.

That office is reviewing the email practices of five previous secretaries of state, said Cummings, who is the ranking Democrat on the House of Representatives Oversight Committee.

In a statement, Powell said the emails in question were not judged to contain confidential information at the time they were sent to him.

A representative for Rice said the emails sent to her aide did not contain intelligence information.

Powell and Rice held Washington’s top diplomatic post during the administration of Republican President George W. Bush.

Clinton held the post under President Barack Obama before she launched a bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Throughout her campaign, Clinton has struggled to put behind her questions about her use of a personal email server to conduct government business while serving as secretary

from 2009 to early 2013.

Cummings said that State Department Inspector General Steve Linick on Wednesday told the department’s chief management officer, Patrick Kennedy, about the alleged email practices of Powell and Rice’s staffers.

In a memo, Cummings said, Linick reported the State Department determined last month that 12 emails he reviewed contained classified information. Two went to the personal email account of Powell; 10 to personal accounts used by Rice’s staff.

Cummings said that none of the information in the emails was marked as classified at the time they were sent. He said the inspector general raised concerns that more classified information may also be sitting unnoticed in other unclassified State Department archives dating to the Powell and Rice eras.

Powell said both messages to him, which originated with American ambassadors, were not classified.

“The Ambassadors did not believe the contents were Confidential at the time and they were sent as unclassified. That is a fact,” he said in the statement.

On Rice’s behalf, Georgia Godfrey, her chief of staff at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, said the former secretary of state “did not use email as secretary nor have a personal email account. My understanding is that the report is in reference to emails sent to her assistant reporting diplomatic conversations and they contained no intelligence information.”

Obama to seek new tax on oil in budget proposal

President Obama walks past a pumpjack on his way to deliver remarks on energy independence in New Mexico, March 2012.

U.S. President Barack Obama controlled Congress. will launch a long-shot bid next week In the last year of his to impose a $10-a-barrel tax on crude presidency, Obama has said the oil that would fund the overhaul of country must stop subsidizing the the nation’s aging transportation “dirty” fossil fuels of the past and focus infrastructure, the White House said on clean, renewable fuels that do not on Thursday. exacerbate climate change.

The proposed fee, which would “By placing a fee on oil, the President’s be paid by oil companies and phased in plan creates a clear incentive for over five years, was quickly met with private sector innovation to reduce our scorn by lawmakers in the Republican- reliance on oil and at the same time

A member loyal to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) waves an ISIL flag in Raqqa

Islamic State has as many as 25,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq, down from a previous estimate of up to 31,000, according to a U.S. intelligence report revealed by the White House on Thursday.

U.S. officials cited factors such as battlefield casualties and desertions to explain the roughly 20 percent decrease in fighters, and said the report showed a U.S.-led campaign to crush Islamic State was making progress.

The new intelligence estimate “means they continue to be a substantial threat, but the potential numbers have declined,” said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.

“ISIS has sustained significant casualties,” Earnst said.

Ground fighting efforts by coalition partners of the United States are having an effect in the conflict against Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, he said.

U.S.-backed Iraqi security forces and tribal militias and moderate opposition groups in Syria have contributed. So too has a U.S.-led air campaign that has launched more than 10,000 strikes against the Islamist extremists, Earnest said.

Finally, international efforts are beginning to stem the flow of foreigners seeking to join the movement.

“ISIL is having more difficulty than they’ve had before in replenishing

their ranks, and we have long been aware of the need of the international community to cooperate to stop the flow of foreign fighters to the region,” said Earnest.

The new intelligence report of 19,000-25,000 Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria compares to 2014 estimates of 20,000-31,000 fighters.

“The decrease reflects the combined effects of battlefield deaths, desertions, internal disciplinary actions, recruiting shortfalls, and difficulties that foreign fighters face traveling to Syria,” said Emily Horne, a spokeswoman for the National Security Council.

Some North African jihadists who might otherwise have traveled to Syria to join Islamic State may instead have heeded calls by the movement’s leadership to head to Libya, where the Islamists are fighting to expand their grip on territory on the Mediterranean coast.

The intelligence report did not account for the Islamic State’s affiliates in South Asia, other parts of the Middle East and North Africa, where its Libyan branch is expanding.

There appear to be conflicting U.S. estimates of the strength of the movement’s Libyan affiliate. Defense officials put the number at some 3,000, while other U.S. officials put it at 5,0006,000.

invests in clean energy technologies on Twitter whether the proposal was that will power our future,” the “Obama’s worst idea yet?”

White House said in a statement.

The $10 tax would come at a

Set to be officially announced time of tumbling oil prices. in Obama’s fiscal 2017 budget plan Oil prices fell last month to on Tuesday, the fee would provide below $30 a barrel, the lowest level nearly $20 billion a year to help since 2003, as demand fails to keep expand transit systems across the pace with a glut of new supply and country and more than $2 billion the world’s biggest oil producers a year to support the research and resist cutting production. development of self-driving vehicles “At a time when oil and other low-carbon technologies. companies are going through the

Republican lawmakers, who largest financial crisis in over 25 have repeatedly clashed with the years, it makes little sense to raise Obama administration over energy costs on the industry,” Neal Kirby, policy, panned the proposal on social a spokesman for the Independent media. House of Representatives Petroleum Association of America, Majority Whip Steve Scalise asked said in a statement.

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WORLD NEWS

Trump: ‘Tinge’ of sadness over losing Iowa

Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump makes a face at his caucus night rally in Des Moines, Iowa February 1, 2016.

Donald Trump, the New York businessman seeking the Republican U.S. presidential nomination, said on Tuesday he felt “a tinge” of disappointment after losing to Texas Senator Ted Cruz in the Iowa caucuses.

Cruz bested Trump with 28 percent of caucusgoers’ pledges on Monday compared to Trump’s 24

percent. Florida Senator Marco Rubio came in a close third with 23 percent.

Asked by a reporter if he felt at all bad about the result, Trump said, “There’s a tinge...I probably had a tinge because a poll came out that said I was five points ahead.”

In the weeks before the Iowa caucuses, Trump held leads in almost every

statewide and national poll say he beat Rubio by getting though his dominance in Iowa support from almost 3,000 wobbled after Cruz won a Iowans - “That’s a lot of people” key endorsement from a local - and that he had gotten a evangelical Christian leader. larger percentage of support

Trump also said there than any other Republican was a chance his decision candidate in history “except to skip a Fox News debate for that one number,” he among Republican candidates added, referring to Cruz’s win. on Thursday might have hurt He also said he had him in the caucuses. not tried very hard to win Iowa.

Asked before a rally “I didn’t devote tremendous in Milford, New Hampshire on time to it,” he said. “I didn’t Tuesday evening if he planned expect to do so well.” to change his campaign Trump fielded strategy, Trump told a news question after question from conference he felt confident reporters about why he in his methods, but he was thought he lost and whether adding more town hall-style it made him anxious about events. primary elections in other

But any humility was states ahead of the Nov. 8 fleeting as Trump went on to presidential election.

U.S. says open to patrols with Philippines in waters disputed with China

An aerial view shows the Pagasa (Hope) Island, part of the disputed Spratly group of islands, in the South China Sea located off the coast of western Philippines July 20, 2011.

The United States is open to the possibility of joint naval patrols with the Philippines in the South China Sea, a U.S. diplomat said on Wednesday, stressing it would continue to exercise “freedom of navigation” in the disputed waters.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of world trade is shipped every year. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims.

A U.S. Navy destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of an island claimed by China in the South China Sea on Saturday to counter efforts to limit freedom of navigation, the Pentagon said, prompting an angry reaction from Beijing.

Manila has asked the U.S. to patrol the area together after China began test flights from Fiery Cross Reef, one of three artificial islands where Beijing has built airfields.

“We do discuss that principle (joint patrols) with the Philippines and so I am not discarding that possibility,”

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg told reporters.

“But we are not going to make announcements about that beforehand because it is our view that we have every right under international law to exercise freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and we will continue to do so.”

The Philippine has challenged Beijing before the arbitration court in The Hague, a case Beijing has not recognized.

Foreign and defense ministers from the United States and the Philippines met in Washington last month for the second time in more than three years to discuss trade and security, focusing on the South China Sea.

The United States has no South China Sea claim and says it takes no sides, though it has been highly critical of China’s assertiveness.

It carried out a navy patrol near areas claimed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines in October.

When he took the stage before more than a thousand people, Trump’s swagger had returned. He criticized the media for focusing more on Rubio’s thirdplace showing than his second, calling journalists “miserable people” and encouraging the crowd to boo them.

Fans interviewed before the rally said Trump’s loss did not bother them.

“I think he’s done pretty well from the start,” said Eli Johnson, 33, from nearby Brookline, New Hampshire. “He did pretty well considering Cruz was praying with everyone at every rally (in Iowa) and they’re a really religious state.”

Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White dead at 74

Maurice White, the founder and leader of the legendary R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire, has died.

He was 74.

White died at home in Los Angeles on Wednesday, his brother, group bassist Verdine White, told the Associated Press.

In 2000, just before EW&F was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, White disclosed to Rolling Stone that he had Parkinson’s disease. He was then 58 and had been diagnosed with the degenerative neurological disease eight years before but opted to keep it secret.

White announced in 1995 that he would no longer tour or perform with the group, leading to speculation about his health. But he remained active as a producer and songwriter.

“I just got tired of not talking about it,” White told Rolling Stone. “I had pretty much disappeared from the scene; a lot of people had not seen me in a long time, and they started

wondering what was happening.”

A former session drummer who studied at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, White founded Earth, Wind & Fire in the late 1960s, taking the name from his astrological chart, which had no water signs.

Known for his inventive style, White guided the group’s blend of jazz, R&B, funk, soul, pop and even African sounds.

The group went on to sell more than 90 million albums worldwide, displaying a flashy and eclectic musical style that incorporated his influences from growing up in Memphis, Tenn., and working at the influential Chicago music labels Chess and Okeh.

The band’s many hits included September, Shining Star, a cover of the Beatles’ Got to Get You into My Life and Boogie Wonderland.

Earth, Wind & Fire won six Grammys and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

As his brother Verdine (right) applauds, Maurice White speaks during the induction of Earth, Wind & Fire into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

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WORLD NEWS

Cosby seeks to block sex assault prosecution in Pennsylvania

Comedian Bill Cosby sought to derail Pennsylvania prosecutors’ effort to make him stand trial on sexual assault charges, contending that a deal reached over a decade ago gave him immunity from prosecution.

An entertainer who built a career on family-friendly comedy, Cosby now faces accusations from more than 50 women that he sexually assaulted them, often after plying them with drugs and alcohol, in a series of attacks dating to the 1960s.

Prosecutors late last year charged Cosby, 78, with sexually assaulting Andrea Constand, a former basketball coach at his alma mater Temple University, just days before the statue of limitations to bring charges ran out.

Constand’s allegations are the only ones to have resulted in criminal charges against Cosby, although he also faces a series of civil lawsuits related to alleged rapes.

Cosby has long denied wrongdoing, and his lawyers have asked the judge to dismiss the Constand case.

Former Montgomery County District Attorney Bruce Castor testified on Tuesday that he decided in 2005 not to bring charges over the Constand allegations.

A 2005 press release in which Castor said Cosby would never be prosecuted was read out in court,

sue?’”

Castor said his decision not to prosecute Cosby prevented the entertainer from invoking his constitutional right against selfincrimination when he gave a deposition for a civil suit against Constand.

A judge last year unsealed that testimony, in which Cosby acknowledged giving what he described as Benadryl to Constand in 2004 but portrayed the encounter as consensual.

Constand, now 44, said Cosby plied her with drugs and alcohol before sexually assaulting her.

A California judge on Tuesday ordered Cosby to give a new deposition in a separate civil lawsuit brought by Actor and comedian Bill Cosby (C) arrives for a preliminary hearing on sexual assault charges at the a woman who accused him of sexually Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pennsylvania February 2, 2016. assaulting her at the Playboy Mansion with defense attorneys contending to Ms. Constand was the best I would in 1974, when she was 15 years old. it represented a non-prosecution be able to set the stage for because Dressed in a dark brown suit, agreement. No other written record of a prosecution was not viable and walking with a cane and flanked by that agreement has been presented by never would be,” Castor said during attorneys and what appeared to be either side. a hearing in a suburban Philadelphia a security guard, Cosby sat stonily

Castor, called to testify at a court. “I was hopeful that I had made during Tuesday’s proceeding and did pretrial hearing by Cosby’s lawyers, Ms. Constand a millionaire.” not speak. said he feared Constand’s credibility as The fact that the victim of Attorney Gloria Allred, who a witness could have been undermined a crime was also pursuing a civil represents 29 of the women who because she waited a year to file her lawsuit would not normally influence have accused Cosby of sexual assault, criminal complaint against Cosby and the outcome of a criminal trial, said criticized his lawyers for trying to have hired a lawyer to explore a civil lawsuit. Cornell Law School professor Kevin charges dismissed before trial.

He said that he believed Constand’s Clermont.

“I thought Mr. Cosby wanted allegations but had worried that a jury “This is a very minor concern,” his day in court and now he’s wanting would not.

Clermont said. “You could just as easily to avoid his day in court,” Allred said

“Making Mr. Cosby pay money ask, ‘Is it true that someday you may on Tuesday.

Two Virginia Tech students charged in death of 13-year-old girl

David Eisenhauer, 18, a freshman from Columbia, Maryland, and member of the university’s crosscounty team.

But police in Blacksburg, about 40 miles (64 km) west of Roanoke, Virginia, said investigators had determined the two teens became acquainted before her disappearance.

Eisenhauer took advantage of that relationship to abduct and kill Lovell, they said in a statement.

Police have not said how Lovell died.

Natalie Marie Keepers is pictured in this

Eisenhauer was arrested undated handout booking photo provided at his campus residence on by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Saturday, first charged with in Virginia, January 31, 2016. abduction and then accused of

Two Virginia Tech murder after Lovell’s remains engineering students were in were discovered near a highway custody on Sunday, one charged in Surry County, North Carolina. with abducting and killing a A star Maryland high 13-year-old girl and the other school athlete before coming to accused of helping to dispose of Virginia Tech, Eisenhauer was the teenager’s body, police said. named the Howard County Times/ The arrests came on Saturday Columbia Flier Indoor Track after police, following a four-day Athlete of the year, according to a search, found the remains of 2015 profile in the Baltimore Sun. Nicole Lovell in North Carolina, Natalie Marie Keepers, about 90 miles (145 km) south 19, a sophomore at Virginia Tech of Blacksburg, Virginia, where from Laurel, Maryland, was her home and the university are arrested on Sunday and charged located. with improper disposal of a dead

Lovell had been missing body and accessory after the fact from her family’s home since in the commission of a felony.

Wednesday. A family member told “I’m so in shock I know the Roanoke Times it appeared nothing more to say,” the victim’s she had climbed out of a first-floor father, David Lovell, said on window.

Facebook. “I’m broken!”

It was not immediately Family members had clear how she crossed paths with pleaded for Nicole Lovell’s return,

David Eisenhauer is pictured in this undated handout booking photo provided by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, January 31, 2016. saying she was without the prescription medicine she needed daily after undergoing a liver transplant.

Authorities said they were working to piece together the events leading to Lovell’s death.

A Virginia Tech spokeswoman would not comment on the enrollment status of Eisenhauer and Keepers, but the university said in a statement it had the authority to suspend students immediately on an interim basis in the case of a felony arrest.

Hundreds of students in the university’s Corps of Cadets, along with students and researchers using drones, assisted in the search for Lovell, the school said.

U.S. exonerations hit record high as more troubled cases probed

Criminal exonerations hit a record high in 2015 due largely to district attorneys in places such as Houston, Dallas and Brooklyn, New York, setting up units to review cases where the legal system may have acted unjustly, a report released on Wednesday found.

There were 149 known exonerations in 2015, where the exonerated defendants served on average more than 14 years in prison, said the report from the National Registry of Exonerations.

That topped the previous recorded high of 139 in 2014.

The issue has gained attention because of the hit Netflix documentary series “Making a Murderer,” which suggests authorities planted evidence against two Wisconsin men convicted of murder, an allegation rejected by local law enforcement.

“There is a coming to terms that this is a regular problem, not just something that happens once in a while and unpredictably,” said Samuel Gross, a law professor at the University of Michigan and editor of the registry.

“But progress so far is a drop in the bucket.”

Among those exonerated, 58 had been convicted of homicide, including five people who had been sentenced to death, it said. About threequarters of the homicide exonerations included official misconduct, it said.

Another large group involved drug possession. Many times people held in custody falsely confessed to a crime to avoid a trial where they faced much longer sentences, the report said.

Texas was the top state for exonerations, propelled by conviction integrity units set up in its most populous counties. The state known for its tough approach on crime has also been a national leader in prosecutorial reform.

“For the integrity of the system, it is the right thing to do,” said Inger Chandler, head of the Harris County District Attorney’s Conviction Review Section, where there were 42 exonerations in 2015.

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WORLD NEWS

Why the Zika virus is causing alarm in the Americas

Global health officials say the Zika virus, linked to severe birth defects in thousands of babies in Brazil, is spreading rapidly in the Americas and could infect 3 million to 4 million people. The race is on to develop a Zika vaccine.

Here are some questions and answers about the virus and the current outbreak.

HOW DO PEOPLE BECOME INFECTED?

The virus is transmitted to people through the bite of infected female Aedes mosquitoes, the same type of mosquito that spreads dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said Aedes mosquitoes are found in all countries in the Americas except Canada and continental Chile, and the virus will likely reach all countries and territories of the region where Aedes mosquitoes are found.

HOW DO YOU TREAT ZIKA INFECTION?

patients with pre-existing medical conditions.

The virus has been linked to microcephaly, a condition in newborns marked by abnormally small heads and brains that have not developed properly. It also has been associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the nervous system. Scientists are studying whether there is a causal link between Zika and these two disorders.

HOW IS ZIKA RELATED TO MICROCEPHALY?

Health officials have yet to establish a direct causal relationship between Zika virus infection and birth defects, but it is strongly suspected.

One case of possible person- Brazil has reported 3,700 cases of to-person sexual transmission has suspected microcephaly that may be been described but the PAHO said linked to Zika. It is unclear whether more evidence is needed to confirm in pregnant women the virus crosses whether sexual contact is a means of the placenta and causes microcephaly.

Zika transmission.

Research in Brazil indicates the The PAHO also said Zika can be greatest microcephaly risk appears transmitted through blood, but to be associated with infection during this is an infrequent transmission the first trimester of pregnancy. mechanism. There is no evidence the virus can be transmitted to babies WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF through breast milk.

ZIKA INFECTION? CAN ZIKA BE TRANSMITTED THROUGH SEXUAL CONTACT?

There is no treatment or WHAT OTHER COMPLICATIONS vaccine available for Zika infection. ARE ASSOCIATED WITH ZIKA? Companies and scientists are racing to develop a safe and effective vaccine The WHO says because no for Zika, but one is not expected to be big Zika outbreaks were recorded ready for months or years. before 2007, little is known about complications caused by infection.

HOW DANGEROUS IS IT? During an outbreak of Zika from 20132014 in French Polynesia, national

The PAHO said there is no health authorities reported an unusual evidence that Zika can cause death increase in Guillain-Barre syndrome. but some cases have been reported Health authorities in Brazil have also with more serious complications in reported an increase in Guillain-Barre

Georgia executes oldest death row inmate for 1979 murder

A 72-year-old man convicted of murdering a convenience store manager in a 1979 robbery in Atlanta’s suburbs was executed in Georgia early on Wednesday, corrections officials said.

Brandon Astor Jones, the oldest inmate on the state’s death row, died by lethal injection at 12:46 a.m. at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson.

He accepted a final prayer and recorded a final statement, the Georgia Department of Corrections said in a statement.

Jones’ death was delayed nearly six hours following a flurry of appeals by his attorneys. The U.S. Supreme Court late on Tuesday denied Jones’ request for a stay of execution.

His execution was the fifth this year in the United States, and the first of two scheduled this month in Georgia, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, which monitors capital punishment nationwide. Texas, Alabama and Florida executed inmates last month, the center said.

The Georgia Supreme Court and the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles rejected his petition to commute his sentence to life without parole.

Jones was the second man executed in the shooting death of Roger Tackett, 35, inside a convenience

syndrome.

Long-term health consequences of Zika infection remain unclear. Other uncertainties surround the incubation period of the virus and how Zika interacts with other viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes such as dengue.

Georgia’s oldest death row inmate, 72-yearold Brandon Astor Jones, is shown in this undated handout photo provided by the Georgia Department of Corrections in Jackson, Georgia, February 1, 2016. store in June 1979, according to court testimony.

Jones was arrested in the store, along with co-defendant Van Roosevelt Solomon, by a police officer who heard four gunshots, according to a Georgia Supreme Court case synopsis.

Jones later told another officer, “There is a man in the back - hurt bad,” court records said. Police found a badly wounded Tackett in a locked storeroom.

Solomon, also convicted of murder, was executed in 1985. Jones had spent decades appealing against his death sentence.

Efforts to control the spread of the virus focus on eliminating mosquito breeding sites and taking precautions against mosquito bites such as using insect repellent and mosquito nets. U.S. health officials have advised pregnant women to avoid travel to Latin American and Caribbean countries where they may be exposed to Zika.

HOW WIDESPREAD IS THE OUTBREAK IN THE AMERICAS?

The World Health Organization said Zika cases have been reported in 23 countries and territories in the Americas in the current outbreak. Brazil has been the nation most affected. Other nations and territories include Barbados, Bolivia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname, Venezuela and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to the PAHO.

People who get Zika virus WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE disease typically have a mild fever, ZIKA VIRUS? skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain and fatigue that can last The Zika virus is found in for two to seven days. But as many tropical locales with large mosquito as 80 percent of people infected never populations. Outbreaks of Zika virus develop symptoms. The symptoms disease have been recorded in Africa, are similar to those of dengue or the Americas, Southern Asia and chikungunya, which are transmitted Western Pacific. The virus was first by the same type of mosquito. identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys and was first identified HOW CAN ZIKA BE CONTAINED? in people in 1952 in Uganda and Tanzania, according to the WHO.

Obama proposes $1.1 billion to expand treatment for growing heroin problem

U.S. President Barack Obama will push for $1.1 billion in new funding to expand treatment for the fast-growing number of people addicted to heroin and prescription pain killers, the White House said on Tuesday.

Racing to address an epidemic that has become an issue in the 2016 presidential election campaign, Obama will ask the U.S. Congress for a huge increase in funding, most of which would be used to help hardhit states and rural areas expand treatment.

In 2014, a record number of Americans died from drug overdoses, with the highest rates seen in West Virginia, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Kentucky and Ohio.

“My home state of West Virginia has felt the cost more than almost any other, and personally, I know the families who have suffered deeply from loss and are continuing

to struggle,” Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell told reporters on a conference call.

There are 2.2 million Americans who need treatment for opioid abuse, but only about 1 million people are receiving help, Burwell said.

She said she has heard from many worried members of Congress looking for ways to stem drug overdoses in their districts and states, and expects to see bipartisan support for the funding proposal, which will be part of Obama’s budget request for fiscal 2017.

The funding, spread over two years, would quadruple the current HHS budget of $127 million allocated to the problem this year - which is up from only $34 million in fiscal 2015.

Obama will release the final budget request of his presidency on Tuesday.

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BUSINESS &

TECHNOLOGY

Time Wasted on Facebook Could Be Costing Us Trillions in Lost Productivity

Twelve years ago (February 4th, 2004), Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook with a simple dream: to have everyone spending as much time as possible clicking around on his website. Today, the social network site’s users are closing in on $3.5 trillion in squandered productivity.

The company has about 1.6 billion monthly active users, more than the population of any single country on earth. And those users are valuable — Facebook makes an average of $3.73 in revenue per user worldwide (and much more for Americans), according to quarterly results reported last week. By market cap, each of those users is worth more than $200 in valuation.

Facebook’s users spend an aggregate of 10.5 billion minutes per day on the platform (excluding mobile), according to the company’s 2012 IPO filings.

And engagement — based on the number of monthly users who visit the site daily — is even higher today.

Assuming that users spend about the same amount of time today, that means people all over the world have spent a collective 55 million years on Facebook since the beginning of 2009.

Twenty minutes a day is a lot of time — well more than a year over the course of the average life span. If users spent just that

Facebook Logo time working for minimum wage instead of liking and poking each other, each would pull in about $880 a year. That’s almost $900 billion in aggregate hypothetical labor last year.

Facebook hit 100 million users at the end of 2008, and according to the calculations above, the social network has occupied enough time to inhibit more than $3 trillion in hypothetical labor since then. (Back-of-theenvelope calculations suggest that companies lose billions every year from employees spending time on Facebook during work hours.)

For its part, Facebook is celebrating its own birthday as “Friends Day” to “reflect on the importance of connecting,” according to a press release.

To be fair, most users would probably be doing something else equally unproductive if they weren’t on Facebook, but the math shows how much all that engagement is potentially worth.

If every user replaced their 20 minutes of Facebook time with minimum-wage work, they could collectively buy Zuckerberg’s

entire company two times every year. Since 2009, their collective earnings would be greater than the gross domestic product of the United Kingdom.

That may seem like a silly way to think about a social media company, but consider that advertisers are paying for exposure during all those wasted hours. That means the more time you spend perusing friends’ wedding pictures, the more the company as a whole is worth.

And that valuation isn’t anything to sneeze at. Facebook’s market capitalization is currently 12 percent of the total valuation of the nearly 300 publicly traded companies in the technology services sector in the United States, U.S., according to FactSet data.

In the Internet services subsector, the company is worth more than every company but Alphabet, and the two companies make up a stunning 72 percent of that entire subsector (which includes 93 other companies like Yahoo, LinkedIn and Twitter).

And of course, Zuckerberg himself surpassed Amazon founder Jeff Bezos as the fourth-richest person in the world this week.

So what’s the best gift you can get Zuckerberg on his company’s birthday? Just open up your browser or phone to Facebook, and don’t forget to give him your 20 minutes.

Video game featuring LeBron James, Kobe Bryant tattoos sparks lawsuit

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc has been hit with a copyright infringement lawsuit over its depiction of tattoos belonging to National Basketball Association stars LeBron James and Kobe Bryant in a popular video game.

In a complaint filed on Monday in Manhattan federal court, Solid Oak Sketches LLC said Take-Two should pay damages for incorporating eight tattoo designs, which the plaintiff had licensed from various artists, into its NBA 2K16 game.

While “the issue of tattoo copyrightability has yet to be decided upon in court due to numerous settlements,” the tattoo artists’ works are the kind of “pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works” that deserve legal protection, Solid Oak said.

Among the works in question are the words “Hold My Own” on James’ left bicep, a crown with butterflies on Bryant’s right bicep, and tattoos on the bodies of NBA players Eric Bledsoe, DeAndre Jordan and Kenyon Martin, according to court papers.

Take-Two has said it sold more than 4 million copies of NBA 2K16 in the first week after its release last Sept. 29.

A spokesman, Alan Lewis, said the New York-based company does not comment on legal matters.

The lawsuit seeks a halt to any infringements, plus damages as high as $150,000 per infringement.

It follows what Solid Oak said was an unsuccessful effort to negotiate a licensing arrangement with Take-Two.

In a July 28 letter filed with the court, lawyers for the tattoo artists had offered TakeTwo a perpetual license for the eight tattoos in question, in exchange for a $1.14 million fee.

Darren Heitner, a lawyer for Solid Oak, declined to elaborate on the complaint.

The case is Solid Oak Sketches LLC v.

Visual Concepts LLC et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 16-00724.

Yahoo to look at strategic alternatives, cut jobs

Yahoo Inc said on Tuesday it would consider “strategic alternatives” for its core Internet business and cut about 15 percent of its workforce, even as it continues with its plan to revamp the business and spin it off.

The announcement is the strongest sign yet that the board and Chief Executive Marissa Mayer may be willing to sell the struggling Internet business - essentially websites, email and online search - under growing pressure from impatient shareholders.

In an interview with Reuters, Mayer said the company will entertain offers as they come but its first priority is the turnaround plan.

If it receives an offer this year, it was unlikely that the transaction would be completed before the 9 to 12-month timeline projected for the spin-off, she said.

“We would obviously engage but I think the one thing we’re trying to do is set our shareholders’ expectations in terms of complexity,” Mayer said.

The planned restructuring announced on Tuesday includes the closure of offices in five locations, a paring down of its products, shifting more resources to mobile search, and the sale of some non-strategic assets such as real estate and patents.

of excessive spending, saying a report of a $7 million bill for Yahoo’s holiday party was exaggerated by a factor of three.

Yahoo’s adjusted quarterly revenue tumbled 15 percent to $1 billion after deducting fees paid to partner websites, as it struggles to keep its share of online search and display advertising.

Mayer proposed in December that Yahoo spin off its main business after it abandoned efforts to sell its Alibaba stake.

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer delivers her keynote address at the annual Consumer Electronics Show

In the interview on Tuesday, (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada Mayer said the company intends to Investors were not it has been unable to keep up with group its stake in Yahoo Japan with immediately impressed, sending Yahoo Alphabet Inc’s Google and Facebook the main business, but would be open shares down 1.2 percent after hours. Inc in the battle for online advertisers. to splitting it off depending on market They have now fallen 36 percent over In the rejig of its business, it feedback. the past 12 months. will focus on three main consumer The company reported a loss of $4.43

“We believe the strategic plan platforms, Search, Mail and Tumblr, billion, or $4.70 per share, in the does not fully address the core issues and four “digital content strongholds” quarter, due to a large write-down to which have destroyed shareholder in the form of News, Sports, Finance account for the lower value of some value - poor capital allocation, bad and Lifestyle. units. That compared with net income strategic partnerships, out of control The changes are designed of $166.3 million, or 17 cents per share, spending and a bloated workforce,” to increase mobile, video, native and a year earlier. said New York-based SpringOwl Asset social advertising revenue 8 percent to Among the write-downs, the company Management, a shareholder which has $1.8 billion and cut operating costs by took an impairment charge of $230 called for changes at the company. $400 million this year. It is also aiming million for Tumblr, the social blogging

The web pioneer’s revenue to generate $1 billion to $3 billion in site for which it paid $1.1 billion in peaked in 2008 and while it still runs asset sales.

2013. some of the world’s most-read websites, Mayer dismissed accusations

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WORLD NEWS BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

Google expands self-driving car testing to Washington State

summer.

Google said in a statement that one reason for the new site in the northwest United States is to gain experience in “different driving environments, traffic patterns, and road conditions.”

Kirkland has significant seasonal rain that allows for wet weather testing, along with hills that will allow testing of sensors at different angles and elevations.

Google began a few weeks ago driving a single Lexus RX450h SUV around a few square miles in North Kirkland to create a detailed map of the streets.

The company says its selfdriving software has already been tested in over 1.4 million miles of autonomous driving.

A Google self-driving car is seen inside a lobby at the Google headquarters in Mountain View,

Washington Governor Jay California.

Inslee praised the testing. “We’re

Alphabet Inc said Wednesday The company’s Google unit looking forward to seeing the cars its self-driving car project will expand has conducted autonomous vehicle on the road and understanding more testing to Kirkland, Washington later testing for six years in Mountain View, about how self-driving cars might this month, the third city where it is California, where it is based, and it someday improve safety and provide testing autonomous vehicles. expanded testing to Austin, Texas last traffic relief,” he said in the Google

statement.

Last month, the U.S. Transportation Department said it may waive some vehicle safety rules to allow more driverless cars to operate on U.S. roads as part of a broader effort to speed up development of selfdriving vehicles.

Major automakers, and technology companies led by Google, are racing to develop and sell vehicles that can drive themselves, but they have complained that safety rules are impeding testing and ultimate deployment of such vehicles.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration told automakers it is willing to exempt up to 2,500 vehicles industry-wide from some auto safety standards for up to two years in a move that could allow Google to get its self-driving cars on U.S. roads.

Safety regulators will write guidelines for self-driving cars within six months, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said last month.

Alphabet passes Apple to become most valuable traded U.S. company

An eagle is seen gliding straight toward a drone before clutching it and dragging it to the ground in Rotterdam, Netherlands January 29, 2016, in this handout photo released by the Netherlands police to Reuters on February 1, 2016.

Dutch police train eagles to snatch enemy drones

Dutch police puzzling over how to remove drones that pose a public safety threat are testing a way to get the job done in one fell swoop with trained eagles.

“It’s a low-tech solution to a high-tech problem,” spokesman Dennis Janus of the country’s national police said.

The idea arose because amateur use of drones has boomed and police have begun to worry about unlicensed drones flying into offlimit spaces around airports or above public events such as politician’s appearances.

Possible solutions the Dutch police have studied include shooting nets at the offending drones, remotely hacking them to seize their controls or taking them out with birds of prey.

“People sometimes think it’s a hoax, but it’s proving very effective so far,” Janus said.

Showing off the technique in a video released by police, a fourpropeller drone hovers in the middle of a warehouse, colored lights flashing.

Released by her keeper, a white-tailed eagle glides straight toward the drone, clutches it easily in her talons - clack! - and drags it to the ground.

Sjoerd Hoogendoorn of “Guard from Above”, the company working with police to develop the concept, said the birds must be trained to recognize the drones as prey.

They are rewarded with a piece of meat after each successful foray.

Their scaly talons are strong and tough enough to seize most consumer-grade drones without injury from the blades, he said.

“These birds are used to meeting resistance from animals they hunt in the wild, and they don’t seem to have much trouble with the drones,” he said.

The potential impact on the animals’ welfare is subject of testing by an external scientific research institute.

“The real problem we have is that they destroy a lot of drones,” Hoogendoorn said. “It’s a major cost of testing.”

Another unknown is how the birds will fare in a crowd situation, he said.

A decision by police on whether to move ahead with using the eagles is expected by the end of the year.

Alphabet Inc surpassed Apple Inc as the most valuable company in the United States in after-hours trading on Monday, knocking the iPhone maker from the top spot that it has held for the better part of four years.

The change may signal the passing of the technology baton to Alphabet - formerly known as Google - from Apple, which surged past Microsoft Corp in market value in 2010. Microsoft in turn eclipsed International Business Machines Corp two decades ago.

It is not without piquancy for Apple and Alphabet, which worked hand-in-hand to develop mobile computing, but fell out bitterly after Google launched its own Android mobile operating system in 2008.

Google’s then-CEO Eric Schmidt left Apple’s board the following year.

The two companies’ operating systems and apps are in direct competition with each other and Apple is still in litigation with Samsung Electronics, the biggest Android smartphone maker.

Alphabet shares jumped 6 percent on Monday after reporting strong quarterly earnings after the bell, making its combined share classes worth $554 billion, compared with Apple, which had a value of about $534 billion. Apple shares dipped last week after reporting the slowest-ever increase in iPhone shipments and forecasting its first revenue drop in 13 years.

Alphabet will officially overtake Apple in market value if the two companies’ shares open around current levels on Tuesday.

The Internet powerhouse’s stock has surged in the last year, helped by increasing sales of advertising on mobile devices, while Apple has struggled due to signs of softening demand for its signature phone, especially in China, and the lack of another blockbuster product

in its pipeline.

“This makes Alphabet an even stronger bellwether for investors to watch,” Scott Fullman, chief strategist at Revere Securities Corp, after the earnings on Monday.

“The company has been tracking very well given the volatility in the market, dominated by falling energy prices and weakness from China.”

The latest spurt in Alphabet’s stock price growth started around July last year. Since then the company has restructured, forming a new holding company and splitting into two parts.

Google includes its search engine, YouTube and related parts of the company, while a unit called ‘Other Bets’ includes its ‘moonshots’ such as self-driving cars, and encompasses Google Capital, the secretive X research division and Nest, which offers smart-home accessories.

Investors have appreciated the company’s new discipline on costs, which started with the arrival of new Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat.

For a time it looked as if Apple would never relinquish the top spot in terms of market value. Bolstered by success of the iPhone, an enormous cash hoard, Apple took over the top U.S. spot in 2012 from Exxon Mobil, and at one point in early 2015 was worth more than $760 billion.

Alphabet shares are much more expensive, relatively speaking, than Apple’s, trading around 38 times earnings for the last 12 months, compared to about 11 times for Apple.

Alphabet pays no dividend, whereas Apple’s dividend currently yields about 2 percent of the stock’s value annually.

Alphabet’s move into the top spot makes it the 12th company to be recognized as the largest publicly traded U.S. name since 1928, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices.

Past No. 1 names include General Electric, General Motors and IBM.

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‘Grand Theft Auto’ maker Take-Two raises full-year forecast

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc reported better-than-expected quarterly revenue and raised its full-year forecast, buoyed by the enduring popularity of “Grand Theft Auto V” and the launch of its latest wrestling game.

Shares of the video game publisher, which also owns the “Battleborn” franchise, rose nearly 9 percent in extended trading on Wednesday.

The company posted third-quarter adjusted revenue of $486.8 million.

This was 49 percent lower than a year earlier - a quarter that included the re-release of “Grand Theft Auto V” for the latest gaming consoles, as well as the launch of “Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel” and “Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth.”

But it was significantly above the average analyst estimate of $452.8 million, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Grand Theft Auto, which allows players to cruise a make-believe gameworld based on real-life locations, is Take-Two’s most lucrative franchise.

The latest version, “Grand Theft Auto V”, was the fifth-highest-selling physical videogame in the United States last year, according to research firm NPD.

Take-Two’s sales were also boosted in the holiday quarter by the release of “WWE 2K16”, the latest game in the professional wrestling franchise.

The company also benefited from its high-margin digital business, which made up about 44 percent of its total adjusted sales for the third quarter versus 39 percent in the preceding three months.

“The wind is at our back because of the trend towards digital distribution,” TakeTwo Chief Executive Strauss Zelnick said in an interview.

In the current quarter, Take-Two is expected to benefit from the launch of “XCOM 2”, a tactical game that pits a military force against alien invaders, on Friday for PC, Mac and Linux users.

Toyota to buy out rest of Daihatsu for $3 billion amid push into compact cars

Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T), the world’s largest automaker, said it would buy out the rest of minivehicle unit Daihatsu Motor Co (7262.T) an all-stock deal worth about $3 billion and part of its strategy to strengthen its push into compact cars for emerging markets.

The companies intend to develop Daihatsu into a global brand as they focus on growing markets for compact cars, noting that entry-level car markets were expanding due to economic development and that vehicles were becoming smaller due to environmental and traffic concerns.

Acquiring full control of Daihatsu, of which Toyota currently owns 51.2 percent, will allow it to better leverage the lower-cost brand and enable Daihatsu to more easily adopt nextgeneration technologies developed by Toyota.

“We see this as the perfect opportunity to cement our relationship with Toyota, and, by doing so, to embark on a new period of growth, and to elevate the Daihatsu brand to a global standard,” Daihatsu said in a statement.

Toyota will acquire the remaining Daihatsu shares by swapping 0.26 of its own shares for each Daihatsu share. Daihatsu shares will be delisted after July 26.

Daihatsu specialises in 660 cc vehicles and produces models including the Mira and the Cast, while also supplying car bodies and engines to Toyota and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd (7270.T).

It competes fiercely with Suzuki Motor Corp (7269.T) in Japan, where both automakers each hold about 30 percent of the minivehicle market.

Amazon plans to open up to 400 bookstores, says mall operator Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) plans to open up to 400 physical bookstores, an executive of a major U.S. mall operator said on Tuesday.

Amazon dipped its toe into the waters of brick-andmortar stores with the opening of a bookstore in its home city of Seattle in November. An expansion of bookstores, which the company has not confirmed, would be a surprise reversal from the online retailer credited with driving physical booksellers out of business.

“You’ve got Amazon opening brick-and-mortar bookstores and their goal is to open, as I understand, 300 to 400 bookstores,” Sandeep Mathrani, chief executive of General Growth Properties Inc (GGP.N), said on Tuesday, responding to an analyst’s

question after it reported earnings.

On the call, Mathrani compared Amazon’s plans to similar moves by eyeware company Warby Parker or men’s clothing retailer Bonobos, both of which opened physical stores after finding success online.

An Amazon spokeswoman said the company does not comment on “rumors and speculation.”

Before branching out to offer everything from fresh groceries to original TV programming, Amazon got its start as a bookseller 20 years ago. It has since revolutionized the publishing industry by introducing its popular e-reader, the Kindle.

Amazon’s bookstore in Seattle carries books selected

based on customer ratings and popularity on Amazon.com.

The storefront also provides a space for visitors to test-drive Amazon’s Kindle, Fire TV and other devices.

Any move by Amazon to expand stores would further antagonize long-time rivals like Barnes & Noble Inc (BKS.N), the largest U.S. bookstore chain, which operated 640 bookstores across the United States as of January. Shares of Barnes & Noble fell more than 5 percent on Tuesday.

The Wall Street Journal first reported Mathrani’s comments on Tuesday.

Kevin Berry, vice president of investor relations at General Growth Properties, declined to comment beyond what was said during the conference call.

Boeing wins contract to build new Air Force One presidential jets

Boeing Co (BA.N) has won a contract to start preliminary work on a new fleet of Air Force One presidential aircraft based on its 747-8 jumbo jet, the Pentagon said on Friday.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing an initial contract worth $25.8 million to reduce risk and lower the cost of the program by looking at the tradeoffs between the requirements and design of the new plane, according to the Pentagon’s daily digest of arms deals.

Details about the total value of the new contract have not been released, but the Air Force has previously said that it had earmarked $1.65 billion for two replacement jets.

The Air Force first announced in January 2015 that Boeing’s 747-8 would be used to replace the two current Air Force planes used to transport the U.S. president. Air Force One is one of the most visible symbols of the United States.

The Air Force plans to modify the contract in coming years as the Air Force One program moves into the engineering and design phase, and later, into production.

The Air Force now operates two VC-25s, specially

U.S. Secret Service agents walk around Air Force One as it waits to take off to take U.S. President Barack Obama from Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to Ethiopia. configured Boeing 747-200Bs, which are nearing the end of their planned 30-year life.

In January, Air Force Secretary Deborah James said the Air Force One program would use proven technologies and commercially certified equipment to keep the program affordable.

The Air Force decision was widely expected since the only other suitable four-engine jet is the A380 built by Airbus (AIR. PA) in Toulouse, France.

The 747-8 is the only fourengine commercial jet Boeing makes, providing an extra margin

of flight safety over the more standard twin-engine planes.

Boeing last week said it would cut production of the 747-8 in half in September and take a $569 million charge in the fourth quarter as it faces dwindling sales.

The four-engine jet is now mostly a cargo workhorse, eclipsed by more fuel-efficient twin-engine jets for passengers.

The double-decker plane entered service in 1970, undergoing a major overhaul in 2012, with new engines and a longer fuselage.

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Usain Bolt: My coach said I could go to 2020 Olympics

Usain Bolt said his coach proposed that he could compete in a fifth Olympics at Tokyo 2020.

Bolt has said for years that Rio 2016 would be his final Olympics and that he might retire in 2016 or after the 2017 World Championships in London.

But he did not rule out Tokyo 2020 in a Jamaican TV interview that aired Sunday.

“We’ll see, because the coach say I can go on to even the next Olympics in 2020,” Bolt said, adding a chuckle and presumably meaning his longtime coach, Glen Mills. “I’m not going to say what I’m going to do, but my coach said I should stop talking about retirement. Let’s just go through those two years and see what happens.

“He said I could, if I wanted to

[go to 2020]. I do believe my coach.”

Bolt will turn 34 in August 2020 and be at a similar age to Olympic sprint champions Carl Lewis (35), Michael Johnson (33) and Donovan Bailey (32) at their final Games.

“The older you get, the harder training is going to get,” Bolt said. “So, 32, 33, 34, it’s going to be a lot of work.

If I feel I can do it, I will definitely try, but, for me, I want to retire on top of my game. I don’t want to continue when I know I’m not going to push myself hard enough.”

Bolt has long cited a conversation with Johnson, who retired near the top of his game after repeating as Olympic 400m champion at Sydney 2000.

“That’s one question I asked Michael Johnson, why did you retire

when you were dominating?” Bolt said.

“He said, ‘Listen, I’ve done everything in this sport. I was on top. Why should I continue?’ So you accomplish everything you want to accomplish. At some point, you just say, listen, let me leave the sport.”

Bolt is still hungry. He has stressed he aspires to break his 200m world record of 19.19 seconds.

He also mentioned Michael Jordan in the interview that aired Sunday.

“He left the sport when he was great [with the Chicago Bulls in 1998], and he came back [with the Washington Wizards in 2001],” said Bolt, who met Jordan at last year’s Super Bowl.

“Made a small mark off his career, but he’s still the great Michael Jordan. So I don’t want to push myself in that

The fastest man in history, Usain Bolt position, to continue in the sport while everybody is stepping up and I’m going backwards.”

Bolt recently sprained his left ankle in preparation for this season, according to L’Equipe.

Chanderpaul says he was forced to retire

Shivnarine Chanderpaul has insisted he has not retired from domestic cricket and intends to resume playing for Guyana within a couple of weeks.

In an episode that sheds light on the sometimes toxic relationship between the West Indies Cricket Board and Caribbean players, Chanderpaul has expressed resentment at being obliged to announce his international retirement in order to gain a No Objection Certificate to play in the Masters Champions League currently taking place in the UAE.

Chanderpaul, 41, has not played international cricket since May 2015 and was omitted from the list of contracted WICB players in December.

“I was given a No Objection Certificate

by WICB with a clause in it that I retire on the 23rd,” Chanderpaul told ESPNcricinfo. “If I didn’t announce my retirement they would have taken it back.

“I have spoken to Guyana already. I know the chairman wants me to go back and play.

“They have a game against Trinidad starting on February 12.

Then Barbados, then Windward

Shivnarine Chanderpaul is not ready to break links with Guyana Islands, Leeward Islands and Jamaica.

Those are games that I’ve talked to them already about going back to play.

I’ve not retired from first-class matches.

I’ve retired from international games.

“I wasn’t being picked to play for West Indies anymore and there was nothing else for me to do. So I decided

I would come out here to the UAE and play some cricket.”

While Chanderpaul earns a modest fee per match for representing Guyana, it is dwarfed by the rewards on offer - around $30,000 for just over two weeks involvement - with the MCL.

“I don’t have a contract with anybody. No local boards; no West Indies board. I’ve been playing for Guyana because the coach and chairman saw the value of having me around as a player. They pay me a match fee and I play and try and help the young fellas as much as I can.

“Anything is possible in life.

You can go into retirement; you can come out of retirement. It is my choice.

I’m definitely still hungry to play. It’s something I’ve done most of my life.

There is still passion and hunger to play.”

Criticising the “brute force and ignorance” of unspecified former players, Chanderpaul is currently enjoying the stress free - and lucrative - environment provided by the MCL.

Irritation lingers, however, at the manner in which his international ‘retirement’ was handled, with no

recognition given to his illustrious record for the West Indies or the fact that he is contracted neither to the board or Guyana.

“You can’t [chose the way you go]; not with those guys,” he said. “It’s the way we’re being treated. It’s still going on and it’s not changing. We’re being treated like that and worse sometimes. That’s how it goes.

“Some of the past players had better times in their career. They don’t want to change. They want to stay the same way; have the same attitude.

“But you can’t bring the same thing to the table every time because you’re not going to go anywhere. We’re not going forward. We’re just going down. They’re creating some problems.

“As much as you’re saying we have past players, they are the ones who are creating the problem because they have their ways - their old ways - and there’s brute force and ignorance and they’re still carrying it around and still expecting things to go the same way.

“You feel much better just coming out here to play [in the MCL]; without all the stress, without all the other stuff that’s going on.”

Narine’s new bowling action within ICC limits

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad Officials monitoring the remodelled action of West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine say he is now bowling within limits stipulated by ICC regulations.

Local match referee Michael Ragoonath and cricket administrator Jeffrey Guillen both said they saw nothing to be concerned about while watching Narine’s new action in local matches over the weekend.

Ragoonath, who was referee for two matches involving Narine, said he received no negative reports from any of the umpires who officiated.

“I stood as match referee for both games and the only way I can act is if a bowler is reported by the onfield umpires,” Ragoonath told the Guardian.

“Sunil played in both games and the umpires did not report anything to me. What I did was to video tape his bowling to have a look at it and when we sat down and viewed the footage, we found him to be well within the limits allowed for bending of the arm.”

Narine had not bowled competitively since being forced out of the Bangladesh Premier League last November and was reported

during West Indies’ series against Sri Lanka.

Subsequent tests showed that Narine’s action was exceeding the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under ICC regulations.

He has since undergone rehabilitation on his action and is scheduled to be tested at the Loughborough University in England next month.

“On the weekend, he looked good and is bowling quite well,” said manager of Queen’s Park Cricket Club, Guillen, after Narine captured two for 37 in a 10-over spell to help his club Queen’s Park beat Clarke

Road by 32 runs in the opening round of the 50-overs championship.

“The issue I think would not be passing the test, but getting ready for the World T20, which is major. We are confident that he would be ready, but at the moment his ambition is to get past the test, which he should take in about two or three weeks’ time.”

Narine has been included in a West Indies 15-man squad for the Twenty20 World Cup pending the outcome of the Loughborough test.

The West Indies start their campaign on March 16, when they face England in Mumbai.

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FIFA cuts off funding to scandalhit Americas confederations

FIFA has cut off funding to the corruption-hit confederations for soccer in the Americas, the global football body said on Monday, in a move which could cause future cash flow problems for the two organizations.

The two bodies, CONCACAF and CONMEBOL, have been at the center of a corruption scandal that has engulfed world soccer and seen 41 individuals and entities charged in the United States on a variety of graft-related offences.

“We can confirm that in light of current proceedings involving individuals related to CONMEBOL and CONCACAF, FIFA has put contributions towards these two Confederations on hold until further notice,” said a FIFA spokesperson.

“We are currently assessing further steps to be taken to increase the level of assurance which may again enable FIFA to release such funds in the future.”

A source close to CONCACAF said it had not received $10 million in payments from FIFA, including expected World Cup revenues and money from the global body’s Financial Assistance Programme.

The FIFA logo is seen outside the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland CONMEBOL is responsible for the sport in South America while CONCACAF covers North and Central America and the Caribbean.

In a statement, CONCACAF said it had fulfilled all FIFA requests for documents and information “regarding the new administrative, compliance, and procurement processes that have been implemented at the Confederation to ensure the issue is resolved in a timely manner”.

CONMEBOL was not immediately available for comment.

CONCACAF has seen

its last three presidents indicted by the Department of Justice with Trinidad and Tobago’s Jack Warner, Cayman Islander Jeffrey Webb and Honduran Alfred Hawit all facing charges.

CONMEBOL has had former president Nicolas Leoz and their most recent leader Jan Angel Napout, both of Paraguay, indicted along with several other leading officials.

The two organizations are due to hold a joint ‘Copa America’ tournament in the United States in June to celebrate CONMEBOL’s centenary.

Cost of Rio’s 2016 Olympics rises by almost $100 million

The price tag for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro has risen by 400 million reais ($99.3 million) since August mainly due to rising costs of supplying temporary power and seating at venues, the head of the group monitoring spending said on Friday.

The projected total cost for the games, including large infrastructure projects like an extended subway and reformed port area, now stands at 39.1 billion reais, about 1 percent

Coe denies knowledge of 2017 world championship ‘bribes’: IAAF

more than forecast some six months ago.

The higher budget, which comes as Brazil wrestles with its worst recession in decades and an inflation rate of about 11 percent, gives further ammunition to critics who argue the money could be better spent on Brazil’s stretched public services.

The spending on the Olympic stadiums stands in stark contrast to financial problems in Rio’s health system,

where hospitals have been forced to close units and turn away patients as money runs out.

Marcelo Pedroso, president of the Public Olympic Authority (APO), which is monitoring spending for Rio’s Summer Games, said the cost of supplying temporary power at venues alone accounted for an additional 290 million reais and will be paid for by the federal government.

The opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics is set for Aug. 5.

Sebastian Coe, IAAF’s President, checks time ahead of a news conference in Unterschleissheim near Munich, Germany

IAAF president Sebastian Coe has denied knowing of “bribes being offered or received” in the awarding of the 2017 world athletics championships, a spokesman for the crisis-hit governing body said on Thursday.

Earlier this month, UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner said he had been told by IAAF officials that representatives of the Qatar bid had been giving “brown envelopes” to members of the IAAF Council, which decided on the hosts.

Warner appeared before a British parliamentary committee on Tuesday but declined to identify who had told him about the alleged bribes, saying it would be inappropriate to do so before speaking to the IAAF’s ethics commission.

On Thursday, Britain’s Daily Mail reported that two witnesses linked to the London 2017 bid team had told the paper that ahead of the vote in Monaco in November 2011 they heard Coe warn UK Athletics officials of rumors of corruption by the Doha bid, which was immediately denied by an IAAF spokesman.

“Sebastian Coe had no actual knowledge of bribes being offered or received linked to the 2017 World Championship,” the spokesman told Reuters.

“As he and Ed Warner discussed on (BBC Radio’s) 5 Live Sportsweek there was rumor piled upon rumor in the days leading up to the bid as is often the case on these occasions,” the spokesman added.

The 2017 world championships were awarded to London, and Doha were handed the 2019 event.

Qatar has denied any wrongdoing in its bids for either championship and an IAAF spokesman confirmed on Tuesday that, at the request of the Qatari federation, Coe had referred the 2017 bidding process to the ethics commission, currently being rebranded as the ethics board.

Slumping Suns fire head coach Hornacek

Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek reacts to a play in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

The slumping Phoenix Suns have fired head coach Jeff Hornacek and named assistant Earl Watson as the interim coach, the National Basketball Association team said on Monday.

The Suns began the 2015-16 NBA season with hopes of making the playoffs for the first time since 2010 but have lost 19 of their past 21 games, a stretch that has seen the team without several key players.

“The Phoenix Suns have

relieved Jeff Hornacek of his duties as head coach following his two-plus seasons in the position,” the team said in a statement.

Under Hornacek, who had been in charge since May 2013, the Suns went 101-112, including a 14-35 mark this season that has them near the bottom of the league standings.

In Hornacek’s inaugural season in 2013-14 the Suns went 48-34, followed by a 39-43 record

last season.

Hornacek, 52, played six years in Phoenix during his career as a shooting guard.

Watson is also a former player who enjoyed a 13-year career in the NBA. The 36-yearold Watson retired in 2014 and is in his first season with the Suns coaching staff.

He will make his debut at the helm on Tuesday when Phoenix host the Toronto Raptors.

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