FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
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VOLUME 12 - NO. 07
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LAWYERS CLASH OVER CROSS-EXAMINATION IN CORRUPTION CASE ANNUAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AT ABUNDANT LIFE MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
O
fficers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP), Customs, Border Control, Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority, Road Safety, Ports Authority, Labour Department, Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources were all gathered on Sunday 14th February, 2016 in unity with members of the public for the Annual Law Enforcement Church Service, held at the Abundant Life Ministry on Providenciales The service was well attended by all officers of the various departments as well as other government officials, including Premier Rufus Ewing and his wife, Leader of the Opposition Mrs Sharlene Cartwright, Deputy Speaker of the House Mrs Josephine Connolly and Human Rights Commissioner Mrs Doreen Quelch Stubbs. led by Ralph Thorne, QC, the lawyer for Misick, sparred with prosecutor Andrew Mitchell, QC, over the merits of he judge presiding over the high- whether all of the 385 witnesses should profile corruption case against be available for cross-examination by former Premier Michael Misick lawyers for the accused. and others, has indicated that the After hearing arguments and important witnesses in the trial can be reviewing written submissions from cross-examined by defence lawyers. both sides, Judge Harrison dismissed Mr. Justice Paul Harrison an application by Thorne that written made the ruling on Thursday, statements or facts should not be February 18th, after defence lawyers, admitted into evidence unless counsel by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
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Police investigating shooting death – Page 8 High seas causing erosion in Grand Turk – Page 11
for the defence is given the right to cross examine the person responsible for providing those statements. The judge said that the right under Section 6 of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution “to examine the witnesses called by the prosecution before the court” is not an absolute right. He stated: “That right has been affected by several statutory changes such as proof of public documents and
facts that may not be proven under sections of the evidence ordinance.” The judge added: “In my view, looking at the common law, clearly there is an old common law rule that at a criminal trial the evidence against an accused should be given by witnesses who attend court and give evidence on oath and who can be cross-examined by or on behalf of the accused. Continued on Page 2
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LOCAL NEWS
LAWYERS CLASH OVER CROSS-EXAMINATION IN CORRUPTION CASE Continued from Page 1
This is part of a principle of the best evidence rule and the requirement that the defendant has a right to face his accusers. However, in more modern times this rule has been modified by various statutory provisions. This reinforces the view that the right is not absolute.” Mr. Justice Harrison, a former President of the Jamaica Court of Appeal, noted in his ruling that although Thorne acknowledge that section 6 subsection 1 of the evidence special provisions ordinance “provides for the admissibility into evidence of a written statement of a person” to the same extent as oral evidence by that person, he (Thorne) went on to argue that this particular provision is bolstered by the constitution which guarantees the defendant, at section 6 subsection 2, the right examine witnesses called by the prosecution. “That is erroneous,” the judge said. “While section 6 (1) of the ordinance permits statements to the exclusion of witnesses, section 6 (2) e of the constitution is concerned with the right to cross examine witnesses and this may not be read into the unambiguous words of the evidence ordinance. I’m yet unaware of any principle of statutory interpretation whereby a statute may be regarded as bolstered y another statute or by a provision of a constitution as an aid to the construction of such statute.” The judge stressed that the opportunity to call and crossexamine persons making the written statements is governed by the discretion of the court in the interest if justice and fairness. Meantime, in his argument, Thorne, QC, said he was seeking the right to examine the persons responsible for giving the evidence which is being admitted, under the authority of section 6 of the Evidence Special Provisions Act.
He said that this section gives the opportunity to all sides, the prosecution and the defence to call witnesses, adding that the court on its own motion may require a witness to be present for the purpose of examination. “It is clear that it is not a mandatory requirement, but we contend that where the defence wishes to exercise the fundamental right to examine a witness, that is a right that he must enjoy,” Thorne said, adding that section 6 concerns itself more with the issue of admissibility of evidence rather than the issue of the right to cross-examine.
part of that collective accuser must be available to the defendant to be cross examined.” Thorne said that if the prosecution is saying that there is nothing useful that the defendant may ask the witness, the inference is that there is nothing useful that the witness has had to say in the first place. Judge Harrison said, however, that Thorne’s reasoning “does not follow”. Thorne continued: “We take the prosecution very seriously. This matter is an extremely serious matter and I want to assure this court that we consider that every witness for Thorne quoted from the evidence the prosecution is here with a serious ordinance which stated: “The party by endeavour and we take the witnesses whom, or on whose behalf a copy of the seriously and we take the prosecution statement was served, may call the seriously and every witness has person to give evidence. The court may, something of relevance to assist of its own motion, or on the application this court in its final dispensation. I of a party to the proceedings, require don’t consider that any witness is that person to attend before the court unimportant. It is only this court, and give evidence.” that has the power to determine the The Barbadian lawyer added: latitude of cross examination but it is “The pervasive principle of natural beyond the power of the prosecution to justice that has application to all predict it. Every witness named and tribunals and which involves the right potential is a witness that we will ask to be heard, is that a man has a right certain relevant questions.” to know who s his accuser, and that Every single witness must he should also have a right to examine subject himself to cross examination, that person and this was clearly Thorne said. acknowledged in the law.” Meantime, prosecutor Andrew He added: “When the Mitchell QC said that 1700 witness prosecution is calling a witness, it is statements have been served and it’s doing so for some useful purpose. And impossible to call all of them. the prosecution’s purpose is to give evidence against the defendant in a “In the exercise of this important manner that advances the case against judicial management tool the court is the defendant. So there’s always a also reminded that of 1,775 witness sense in which all witnesses for the statements 1,358 are from police prosecution constitute themselves as officers, in the main, producing the collective accuser of the defendant. documents or supporting the And if the principle of natural justice is continuity of the documents (without to have any meaning it demands and speaking to the content of them) and imposes on the tribunal an obligation of remaining statements many are to ensure that all witnesses that are from officials who cannot speak to the
content and are merely the custodian of the material upon which the case relies, such as official documents and bank statements,” he said. “We don’t seek to deny the right to call witnesses. A blanket application that every single witness must be called is not reasonable,” Mitchell said. “We don’t seek to deny the defendant the right to cross examine witnesses. The right to cross examine which he says is in section 6 of the constitution is absolute, is not absolute, and is subject to certain statutory exceptions. Mitchell added: “If the defence wish to cross examine, for instance, a bank officer who has produced bank documents and has no knowledge of the contents, such a request would have to be justified to the court. If the defence wished to cross examine the officer who picked the documents up from the bank or the officer who then exhibited them and proves continuity, the defence would have to justify this in the interests of justice. The Crown has previously submitted (see skeleton argument 28th August 2015) that the effect of s.6 of that Ordinance is that, unless notice has been given to the Crown, witnesses served on the defence are prima facie admissible in evidence. The Crown has recognised that this provision should not be used to permit the Crown to rely on any witness whose evidence is of a contentious nature. However, any witness whose statement provides for formal, incontrovertible evidence, such as mere production of documents, or the collection or collation of those documents, should not have to be called to give evidence unless the Court is satisfied that it is in the interests of justice for that witness to be called.”
JESSE ALEXANDER EWING SEEKS 1 LABOURER Salary $6.25 per hour Contact 341-6315 Andrew Mitchell, QC
Mr. Justice Paul Harrison
Ralph Thorne, QC
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PDM leader responds to crime and recent murder We will never get use to what is appearing common place in these Islands and we are calling on the people of this country to respond likewise. The senseless killing of another young man is a cause for grave concern. We cannot and must not accept this as a part of development nor dismiss what has been happening for whatever personal reasons. It is past time that we take a serious zero tolerance approach to this type crime where persons seem to resolve conflicts in the worse possible way and crime generally. We offer our sincerest condolences to the family of the 24 yr old Brachard Walkin who was found shot dead. This is another life that has been cut short by a ruthless individual or individuals. It is our hope that this does not join the growing list of unsolved cases and again appeal to the people of this country to speak out and if you know anything, we are kindly asking that you please contact the authorities or use Crimes Stoppers tip hotline at 18008477. We will never soften our stance when we call for more aggressive action on the part of the Police, the community and the Cabinet in the fight against crime. We believe that this country is too small for what is happening and too small to accept this type of climate where conflicts are seemingly being resolved by murder and violence. We note with serious concern the video recording of violent fights between school children and decry
the actions of standers by, those videotaping and then of course the recourse to use violence as a resolution to conflict. There appears to be a growing desensitization to the state of violence in this country and that is a dangerous place to be. We remain equally concerned about the random acts of vandalism especially on the Island of Grand Turk where windows and doors to homes, a government vehicle and private vehicles are being busted and broken into with blocks and rocks and where businesses and homes are being burglarized on an apparent more frequent basis. The other Islands are not exempt from robberies and burglaries as well with even the Island of North Caicos seeing an increase in robberies (8) in the month of December 2015, up from 1 in December 2014. We do celebrate the official report of a lower crime rate and recognize that the statistics reveal an all around decrease, but victims of crime and those who fear becoming victims of crime are not comforted by these numbers. The recently released crime statistics that were presented to the House of Assembly in response to a question that I posed shows a decrease in crime over the past three years. While we remain a low crime jurisdiction and are certainly towers above many other countries, we must still determine that 3227 crimes are not acceptable. According to the statistics released, crime is down from 3247 in
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
2014 and 3337 in 2013. The statistics also shows that crime in down in the more populous islands that of Grand Turk and Providenciales in the month of December. However, we are cognizant of the fact that persons are not feeling as safe as they use to feel in their own homes and this can lead to other unwanted situations/responses. We use this medium to remind our people to do their part in securing their homes and businesses. However, more must be done as we seek to wage a war against crime. We must address unemployment, idleness, gang activity, poor conflict resolution tactics and any other factor that is leading to the commission of crimes. We must also remind the people of this country of our responsibility to report crimes and to also help in the preservation of peace and the capture of culprits. We must also seek to rehabilitate those incarcerated and then to truly allow them to successfully reenter society. We must also encourage the Police to understand and appreciate the value of people as partners in crime fighting and to see the wisdom in strengthening community policing. We are on record having called for Neighbourhood Watch Groups and for stronger community policing which can only help to build the people/police relations which is still eroding. We renew these calls and assure the people of this country that the PDM will support any and spare no resources
Hon. Sharlene Robinson - Opposition Leader that are needed to address the fight against crime. We note the release of information by the Government following the question posed by myself on the intention to recruit more officers. The Government has now finally committed to fund the recruit of 20 additional officers and we trust that this will take place as soon as possible after these funds are available. We had hoped to support a supplementary as we deemed this to be important but we stand ready to assist where we can and lead when we must. End
BUTTERFIELD GOLD GROUP OF COMPANIES POSITIONS AVAILABLE Three (3) Mixer Driver/ Operator
The applicant must have clean drivers Licence and Police Record with have at ten years experience with 10 wheeler trucks and mixer trucks. Must have knowledge on how to trouble shoot minor engine problems and effect preventive maintenance at all times.
One (1) Heavy Equipment Mechanic/Mechanic Knowledge of CAT and Cummings Engines as well as John Deer Equipment would be an asset. Will be requiring setting up and implementing a maintenance schedule. Proof of certification required, and a minimum of ten years work experience The employee is responsible for the repair and maintenance of all Company equipment/ machinery, and to ensure minimum downtime of same through proper coordination of the preventative maintenance program. -Must have least 10 years experience -Must have the ability to lift and move up to 100lbs -Must have vision abilities; close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. -The applicant must have knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable to the trade. -Must have the ability to communicate effectively
One (1) Pump Operator
Must have Ten years experience in operating concrete pump Knowledge of the function of motors and ability to affect minor repairs to same Heavy equipment license and clean police record. Basic Knowledge of concrete Ability to relate to customers and coworkers
One (1) Concrete Batch Plant Technician Concrete Technician
Applicant will be responsible for proper proportioning, timely dispatch and quality control of concrete production, in addition to ensuring the proper coordination of the preventative maintenance program in order to reduce downtime. Must have the ability to lift and move up to 100lbs Applicant must have knowledge of aggregates and deleterious materials. Applicant must be able to have vision abilities – close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Applicant must have knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable to the trade. Ability to communicate effectively Application forms available from Butterfield Gold Human Resource Department. Only applicants selected for interview will be notified. Submit applications to by February 19 2016 to: Butterfield Gold Ltd., Human Resource Department Town Center Mall Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211
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FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos crowned world's best beach with Lanikai Beach in Kailua, Oahu, ranking highest in second place. Spain and Greece top the bill in Europe On the Old Continent, Spain and Greece are each home to six of Europe's top beaches, with Playa de Ses Illetes on the Balearic Island of Formentera in first place, and Elafonissi Beach on Crete coming TOP 10 TRAVELERS’ CHOICE BEACHES IN THE WORLD
Grace Bay beach wins #1 in the World again With its clear blue waters and vast white sands, Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos Islands scored the most positive reviews and ratings from travelers on TripAdvisor, topping the site's Traveler's Choice Awards for beaches. The Atlantic Ocean — more precisely, the Caribbean — is the place to be for travellers looking for crystal clear waters and breathtakingly beautiful beaches, according to the latest rundown of the world's best beaches from reviews website TripAdvisor. Grace Bay on the Turks and Caicos island of Providenciales bagged first place in the global ranking, with
Playa Paraiso in Cayo Largo, Cuba, in third place. Other Caribbean beaches in the top ten include Cayo de Agua (fifth) in the Los Roques National Park, Venezuela; Flamenco Beach (sixth) in Culebra, Puerto Rico; and West Bay Beach (ninth) in the Bay islands, Honduras. Still in the Atlantic, second place in the global top 10 went to Brazilian beach Baia do Sancho, on Fernando do Noronha. Florida dominated the top 10 beaches in the US with no less than six entries, including Clearwater Beach in the number one spot. Hawaii also bagged three of the US top ten,
1. Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos 2. Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil 3. Plage Paraiso, Cayo Largo, Cuba 4. Anse Lazio, Praslin Island, Seychelles 5. Cayo de Agua, Los Roques
second. Portugal is a serious contender too, thanks to four beaches in its Algarve region. The highest-ranking Portuguese beach is Praia da Marinha in third place. Cyprus bagged ninth place with Fig Tree Bay in Protaras, and Turkey's Iztuzu Beach on the Aegean Coast came eighth. National Park, Venezuela 6. Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico 7. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain 8. Ngapali Beach, Ngapali, Myanmar 9. West Bay Beach, Bay Islands, Honduras 10.Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Philippines
5.Experience in lead generation and supporting customer service. 6.Experience in the writing, designing and production of marketing materials. 7.Experience in using website management and other communication channels
INVEST TURKS AND CAICOS a beacon for investment
JOB TITLE: VICE PRESIDENT - SME Job Summary: The Vice President-SME (VP-SME) will be responsible for leading efforts to implement the TCI Government’s Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ordinance and encourage all other aspects of domestic investment. The incumbent will be responsible for facilitating applications by domestic investors for duty concessions and cash grants as outlined under the MSME Ordinance and for providing funds to clients of the Center for Entrepreneurial Development who have been approved for technical assistance. The incumbent will be responsible for reviewing project proposals, following up with investors to ensure that there is a complete package of materials, arranging for materials to be distributed to the Development Advisory Group for their input, providing feedback to their investor clients on issues, supporting the SVP in negotiating with Government and clients on investment incentives. The ISE-SME will be required to prepare Cabinet submissions with respect to specific projects under their care and to provide advice and support to Ministers related to those projects. As well, the ISE-SME will need to develop and implement guidelines for the provision of cash grants for domestic investors who have applied for grants and to provide contribution (grant) agreements to clients of the CED who are approved for technical assistance.
Education and qualifications: Post graduate degree in a relevant discipline such as Business Management, Marketing, or Economics.
Experience and Knowledge:
1.At least three years’ experience in a management role in a business or economic development organization. 2.Extensive research and analysis experience involving industry or economic development issues 3.Experience in destination and/or investment marketing. 4.Strong background in sales and business development and the ability to proactively seek out and call on senior executives of commercial organizations and advise them on their business operations
Skills:
1.Creativity. 2.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 3.Use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook 4.Experience making presentations to large and small groups 5.Motivated self-starter with ability to work independently. 6.Ability to effectively manage time.
Personal Qualities: 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.
Other Requirements: 1.Fluent English 2.Willingness and ability to travel by air and sea.
Salary and Allowances: Negotiable in the range of $65,000 to $71,000 based on qualifications and experience.
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 Vice President - SME job description please send an email to investturksandcaicos@gmail.com.
All applications must be received by 12 noon on Monday, February 22, 2016 and should be emailed to investturksandcaicos@gmail.com. Only persons considered for an interview will be contacted.
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Beach park for kiteboarding and windsurfing planned for Long Bay Beach Cabinet has advised His Excellency the Governor Peter Beckingham to approve the advertisement of an application for the grant of a 25 year lease over Crown Land for the establishment of a beach park facility to support kiteboarding and windsurfing activity on Long Bay Beach. This will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Crown Land Ordinance 2012. Cabinet also advised the Governor to approve an application for the grant of a nonexclusive licence over the beach access located between Parcels 61112/49 and 61112/6 and 9 to undertake the beautification of the beach access and the installation of rubbish bins, CCTV security cameras and picnic structures; and the designation of Crown Land Parcel 61112/282 as reserved for TCIG use in Long Bay. This was one of the decisions emerging from the 6th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday, 17 February 2016, at the Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales. At this meeting Cabinet: •Noted the recommendations of the Procurement Board to award contracts in line with the Public Procurement Ordinance 2012 as follows – TR15/10 Construction of a building to house a new salt-water reverse osmosis plant on Salt Cay; TR15/19 Quantitative risk assessment of the petroleum sector; TR15/21 Consultancy for computer programming services for the TCIG business reform strategy; TR15/57 Construction of a mental
health facility on Grand Turk; TR15/60 Replacement vehicles for the TCIG; TR15/63 Furniture for Invest Turks and Caicos on Providenciales; •Advised His Excellency the Governor that the Antarctic Regulations 2016 be made to bring into effect the UK Antarctic Act 1994 which was extended to the Overseas Territories by the Antarctic Act 1994 (Overseas Territories) Order 1995 to regulate and govern activity in the Antarctic; •Approved the renewal of the lease agreement for the Education Department at the Butterfield Square office complex on Providenciales; •Approved the renewal of the lease agreement for the Environmental Health Department at the Butterfield Square office complex on Providenciales; •Approved the renewal of the lease agreement for the ground floor of the Wilma Development Ltd Building on Grand Turk to accommodate the Offices of the Revenue Control Unit, the Budget Department and the Exchange of Information Unit; •Approved the renewal of the lease agreement for the Crown Lands and Survey Department at the Butterfield Square office complex on Providenciales; •Approved the renewal of the lease agreement for the Elections Office at the Butterfield Square office complex on Providenciales; •Approved the renewal of the lease agreement for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication at the Franklyn
Missick Building on Grand Turk; •Approved the renewal of the lease agreement for the Department of Agriculture at the Butterfield Square office complex on Providenciales; •Approved the renewal of the lease agreement for the Office of the Human Resource Directorate at the Franklyn Missick Buildings on Grand Turk; •Approved the renewal of the lease agreement for the Office of the Public Service Commission at the Franklyn Missick Buildings on Grand Turk; •Approved the renewal of the lease agreement for the Department of Social Development and Gender Affairs at the Clarabelle Garland’s office complex on Grand Turk; •Agreed to instruct the Estates Department to undertake a review of space/rental values for Government properties as part of the Government’s estate strategy; •Approved the appointments of Mr Mark Fulford (Chairman), Mrs Edna Sterling (Deputy Chair and Employers’ Representative) and Mr Jamal Joseph Ewing (Employees’ Representative) as members of the National Health Insurance Board for a period of 2 years with effect from 17 February 2016; •Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve: Regulations to increase the allowable height of buildings on specific coastal areas of Providenciales only with effect from Friday, 26 February 2016 – being the tourism related development zone at Grace Bay, the Bight and Turtle Cove starting from Emerald Point to the
Turtle Cove, bounded by the parcel 60901/28 on Far East and the parcel 60713/250 on the West and the coastal parcels which are located at the north coastal area of North West Point specifically parcels (60101/6, 7, 8, 17, 33, 38, 39 and 60000/75, 77, 79 and 60000/138 to 155 and 60000/617 and 60006/618); Regulations to provide for other changes including that in the specified areas – 1. The allowable maximum height of a building is twelve (12) floors up to a maximum of 150ft for apartments, condominiums and hotels provided that no habitable floors are allowed above 135ft; 2. In order to qualify for the construction of twelve floors, the entire acreage of the plot must not be less than five acres; 3. If the five acre requirement cannot be met then the building cannot exceed seven floors or 90ft in height; 4. The setback for a building exceeding seven floors must be a maximum of 200ft measured from the vegetation line. •Noted the initial report from the structural engineers, CSE Ltd, on the HJ Robinson High School Administration Block, and agreed that US$50,000 be drawn from the Contingency Fund to commence the clean-up and demolition works needed at the site to prepare for the final structural review for the rebuilding of the block.
23 Parade Avenue, Town Center Mall, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
Paradise Smiles is looking to fill the following positions:
DENTAL HYGIENIST Job Duties: •Checking gums and teeth for oral abnormalities •Taking and developing dental x-rays •Educating patients on oral hygiene •Developing care plans for maintaining good dental hygiene •Smoothing and polishing metal restorations •Fluoride administration and sealant applications •Administering local anesthetic •Removing stains and plaque •Preparing and maintaining dental instruments, supplies and equipment.
Dental Technician Job Duties: • Read prescriptions or specifications, and examine
models and impressions, in order to determine the design of dental products to be constructed. •Fabricate, alter, and repair dental devices such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, and appliances for straightening teeth. •Melt metals or mix plaster, porcelain, or acrylic pastes; and pour materials into molds or over frameworks in order to form dental prostheses or apparatus. •Load newly constructed teeth into porcelain furnaces in order to bake the porcelain onto the metal framework. •Prepare wax bite-blocks and impression trays for use. •Mold wax over denture set-ups in order to form the full contours of artificial gums. •Rebuild or replace linings, wire sections, and missing teeth in order to repair dentures. •Shape and solder wire and metal frames or bands for dental products, using soldering irons and hand tools. •Train and supervise other dental laboratory bench workers. Pay will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Please submit applications to email: paradise.smiles12@gmail.com
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FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
Police investigating shooting death
Officers of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 24 year old Brachard Antonio Walkin of Five Cays, Providenciales. At approximately 9:50 am on Tuesday 16th February 2016 Police Officers and medical unit were call on Walter Cox Drive, Kew Town after the deceased was discovered in a vacant area with what appear to be a gunshot wound to the head. Several police officers, including Commissioner James Smith, were at the scene and the body was taken to the morgue after 1 p.m. The body was later removed from the scene; a post-mortem examination will be done to determine the exact cause of death. The police are treating this as a murder and inquiries are continuing. Brachard Walkin was last seen in the vicinity of Morris Plaza driving a White Crown Vic car registration number 26113. Police are also appealing to anyone who was with Mr. Walkin anytime between last night and this morning to call Crime Stoppers on 1-8008477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.tc, Chalk Sound Police Station 941-8067 or National Crime and Intelligence Bureau
Brachard Antonio Walkin
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
Police investigate the crime scene in Kew town (NCIB) via email ncib@tcipolice.tc . In may 2015, Walkin was one of the three men accused of attempted gun murder at the Jamrock Night Club on Airport, on February 24, 2014 that walked free from the Supreme Court in Providenciales on Wednesday, May 20, after a six member mixed jury found them not guilty. Chabo Capron, Obenson Williams and Brachard Walkin all looked relieved after the jury foreman announced each one as being acquitted. Chabo Capron was charged
with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of wounding with intent, while Walkin and Williams were each charged with one count of attempted murder and one count of wounding with intent. The complainants in the matter were Clayton Morris and Everson Capron. The count was told that Chabo Capron chased and shot Everson Capron, attacking Morris also. The court also heard evidence that Walkin shot Morris, while Williams held Morris for the men to shoot him.
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.
ABRAHAM & GALLIS GRAND TURK LTD. and its affiliated chain of signature
brand stores trading as Ron Jon Surf Shop, Pirana Joe, Del Sol, Silver Sun and Splash Down, at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, South Beach Grand Turk, is accepting applications along with CVs/Resumes from interested and suitably qualified persons for the following positions:
SALES SUPERVISORS and SALES CLERKS Requirements:
•A sound educational background •A minimum of five years (Supervisors) and two years (Sales Clerks) general merchandising experience in a highly trusted or related field of employment or business •Proven and unblemished track record of employment •Positive and disciplined attitude and aptitude toward work in a customer service oriented business •Excellent communication, inter-personal and customer service skills •Trustworthy and reliable disposition •Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and public holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business. •Clean criminal record •All candidates must be proficient in the English written and spoken word. Command of a second language will be a definite asset
Requirements:
STOREKEEPER/LABOURER
•Handyman to assist with cleaning and maintenance •Ability to give general assistance to Sales Clerks on receiving and storage of merchandise •Proven and unblemished track record of employment •Positive and disciplined attitude and aptitude toward work in a customer service oriented business •Excellent communication, inter-personal and customer service skills •Trustworthy and reliable disposition •Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and public holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business. •Clean criminal record •All candidates must be proficient in the English written and spoken word. Command of a second language will be a definite asset
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the post of Executive Assistant / Personal Assistant to work out of the Head Office in Providenciales. Duties & Responsibilities: The successful applicant will be required to Chief Executive Officer and Executive Team: •In the preparation of appropriate , timely and accurate Reports on a monthly basis or when requested; •Keep filing update •In preparation of the annual publications •Schedule and arrange all meetings •Managing the reports •Other office Administrations duties as outlined by CEO •To assist with Board of Directors duties •Arrangement of Executive staff travel and conferences
assist the
Minimum qualification and experience required •Diploma in Office Administration or equivalent qualification, plus five year qualification experience in an office Administration position. Skills and qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates with skills in the following areas; •5 years or more experience in office administration •5 years or more experience in internal and external department management •A working knowledge of TCIG processes /Administration •A working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite Salary Commensurate with qualifications in the range of $36,000 - $42,000
Suitable candidates that do not meet the above requirements may, at the sole discretion of the Company’s management team, be eligible for consideration in circumstances where they demonstrate a clear willingness to embrace the Company’s in-house training initiatives and established standard operating policies and procedures. Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Detailed Job Descriptions are available from the Main Office of the TCIAA at Providenciales International Airport via email from johntsmith@tciairports.com
Written applications only and accompanying CVs/Resumes must be addressed to the Regional Manager at the following address:
Interested persons must submit their Applications before 4th March 2016 to:
Via mail or delivery: Abraham & Gallis Grand Turk Ltd. Ron Jon Surf Shop Grand Turk Cruise Center Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Is. Via
email to:
pedro@loscincosoles.com
per annum
John T. Smith, Chief Executive Officer Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority Providenciales International Airport Turks and Caicos Islands Email: johntsmith@tciairports.com
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 9
Page 10
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
Turks and Caicos Islands and DR hold high level talks The Governor, Peter Beckingham, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Border Control and Labour, Mrs Clara Gardiner, held talks on 12 February in Santo Domingo with the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic, His Excellency Andres Navarro, two Vice Ministers, the Head of the Navy and a team of officials. The DR expressed a wish to open a full time Consulate in The Turks and Caicos Islands. The Governor agreed to discuss this request with the Premier and Minister of Border Control and notify the Foreign Minister as soon as possible. The Foreign Minister and Governor noted the increasing number of arrests of Dominican fishermen operating illegally within TCI Waters. They agreed that it was important to prevent this activity, and that it would be helpful for officials from both sides to open a dialogue, including about the possibility of co-operation between DR’s navy and TCI’s police force. The Foreign Minister and Governor noted the likelihood of illegal human trafficking between the two countries, and agreed they should increase efforts to prevent this; Both sides noted that there were prospects for more trade and investment between the two countries, including possibly in construction materials and processing, as well as direct investment in the tourism sector, and the services sector. They noted the value of the increased airlift
by InterCaribbean Airlines between time for such a high level exchange. TCI and the DR. I am delighted that the Foreign The Foreign Minister Minister intends to visit the Turks expressed his wish to visit TCI, and Caicos Islands to see for himself possibly with a small business the successes I described. The increase delegation. The Governor welcomed in illegal fishing is clearly a matter this. The DR said that it continued of concern for the DR as well as TCI, to seek a consensus among relevant and the instigation of talks about the bodies about maritime demarcation subject should set us on a path to trying issues, and TCI recorded its and the to reduce the number of incidents. “It UK Government’s hope that this could is also excellent news for Turks and be resolved. Caicos, and its 4,000 registered DR Commenting on the talks citizens, that DR is looking to open the Governor said: “This was a meaty a Consulate in Providenciales. This and productive exchange, the first for could greatly help relations between many years. I am grateful to the DR our two countries.” Foreign Minister, Andres Navarro, for The Governor said that given giving so much of his and his team’s the small size of TCI compared
JOB OPPORTUNITY SENIOR SOLICITOR
A senior solicitor is required for a busy firm based in Providenciales. The successful candidate will be a qualified solicitor with at least ten years (minimum) post qualified experience primarily in litigation disciplines— commercial, corporate, construction, contentious probate, negligence, property, partnership and shareholder disputes and related matters. In addition, the successful candidate must have experience drafting and advising on commercial contracts. Excellent communication skills and ability to manage files and work independently is essential, together with requisite experience in preparation of cases to instruct counsel and direct client relationships. Experience in mediation /A.D.R will be a considerable advantage. Please send applications in writing with full CV to the Managing Partner, Miller Simons O’Sullivan, P. O. Box 260, Regent House West, Regent Village, Providenciales or email to mslaw@tciway.tc. Deadline for applications is 4 March 2016.
WILLIAMS DRAFTING
to DR these talks represent a real breakthrough in our relationship, adding that he was grateful to the support of the British Ambassador in facilitating them, and he is confident TCI can build on them for our long term benefit. The Governor also met the new UK (non-resident) Ambassador to Haiti, Mrs Sharon Campbell, in Santo Domingo. They agreed that, in view of the current political uncertainties, they would postpone pressing the Haitian Government for agreement to an MOU, but would return to this once Presidential elections had been completed.
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FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 11
LOCAL NEWS
High seas causing erosion in Grand Turk Recent high swells and wave action in Grand Turk have resulted in a severe erosion along the coast, causing concern among several beach-front property owners. The Department of Environment & Maritime Affairs (DEMA) is working with property owners and, in some circumstances, have granted permission for emergency work to be carried out within the National Park, to protect
houses where necessary. “The primary problem is erosion of the beach in the National Park which, so far, has been impacting roads, dealt with promptly by Public Works, and private properties,” said Katharine Hart, Environmental Officer for DEMA. Throughout this period, some property owners have been permitted to use heavy machinery on the beach
to carry out this work. All work is being monitored and regulated by DEMA, and the Department is aiming to deal with these important issues with minimum impact to the National Park. Should you have any questions or concerns pertaining either to the erosion, or to the presence of the heavy machinery, please contact DEMA in Grand Turk, at 338-3171 or email environment@gov.tc Erosion in Grand Turk
Erosion eats away at the shoreline
DIRECTOR, ENERGY PRODUCTION & PROJECT MANAGEMENT Description To provide a high quality of management expertise in the areas of plant operations, diesel mechanical maintenance and upkeep, fuel supply and operations, and electrical maintenance. To understand the corporate vision and successfully gain support for and implementation of that vision. Main Duties To provide strategic and managerial leadership to the Company’s Generating Plants under the General Direction of the Vice President Energy Production & Project Management. The duties include but are not restricted to the following: Responsible to see that the generation of electricity is performed in a safe efficient and effective manner on a day to day basis. Responsible for the timely development and implementation of effective maintenance and reporting programs at the generating plants. Responsible for the day to day coordination of fuel deliveries to the plant to ensure that there is adequate fuel supply at all times. Responsible for the preparation and control of annual budgets as they pertain to the day to day operation of the plant. Responsible to see that the Generation Plant is prepared to deal with hurricane season and to develop and implement a plan for recovery of the plant after a hurricane. Responsible to see that two way communications are maintained with plant employees through regular minuted meetings. Be familiar with all Company policies and procedures (including those established by past practice) relating to the position and to observe and enforce compliance with these policies and procedures. Responsible to see that statistical records required by the company are kept as well as develop and maintain reports that will keep senior
management updated with activities at the plant. Responsible for the development of electrical maintenance procedures that maximize efficiency and reduce cost. Responsible for planning and scheduling of electrical maintenance. Responsible for ensuring that the Company’s health, safety, and environmental standards are maintained as they relate to generation production, substation and electrical maintenance, and fuel and lube handling. Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time. Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s Degree in (Electrical or Mechanical) Engineering – Power option (4 year program), or an accredited equivalent. A Master’s Degree would be considered an asset. This position requires 10-15 years’ experience with diesel generation. At least 5 years senior management experience is required. Proficiency in written and spoken English is a requirement. The ability to write comprehensive reports as well as the ability to make verbal presentations in English is essential. Computer literacy is required (familiarity with Excel, Word) Compensation Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is March 1, 2016 to: Dr. Kellie-Ann Evans-Hall Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or khall@fortistci.com
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
Atmosphere of fear and victimisation intensifies in DPP’s office by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
The office of the Director of Director of Public Prosecutions, which is headed by Australian, John Masters, continues to be hamstrung by declining morale and a tense climate of fear and victimisation. As Masters’ investigation continues into who leaked information to The SUN and Members of Parliament about his spending habits and hiring practices, the office has recently been rocked by his latest attempt to transfer a Prosecutor, Oreika Selver, to the Immigration Department. In a February 15th email to Assistant Director of Immigration, Peter Parker, Mr. Masters said he “was wondering whether you (Parker) would be interested in me assigning a prosecutor to your department and house them in your office with a view to assisting your officers with proper preparation for prosecutions and being available to give you immediate advice. This prosecutor would still have the full resources of the ODPP to assist. The initial appointment would be for six months and we could consider it further afterwards.” Parker responded by saying: “Dear Mr. Masters. By way of this E-mail I am copying the Director of
Immigration on this E-mail. However this may be a good initiative. The approval will have to come from the Director (Larry Mills). Mills responded to Masters, saying: “ Mr. Masters, I thank you for the consideration that you have offered, to house a Prosecutor in the Immigration Department Providenciales that will seek to assist my Immigration Officers with their legal cases. It is indeed most welcoming, and I hope that the assign person can also grant guidance to the Department’s cases in Grand Turk as well. Again thank you, and we look forward to having your recommendation of a Prosecutor placed within the Immigratio0n Department as soon as possible. On February 17th, Masters wrote back to Mills saying: “ Dear Director, Thank you for your quick response. I was aiming for a start as early as Monday 29thFebruary 2016. Would you be in a position to accommodate this? We will need to have a room or at least a desk for the prosecutor. I intend to provide a prosecutor Miss Oreika Selver and as far as case load she will essentially be under your direction. Of course, as a prosecutor she will be under the oversight of probably the Deputy Director or myself.” The email went as high
up the Government hierarchy as Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams and was also copied to Permanent Secretary Mrs. Clara Gardiner. However, on February 18th, Mills apparently backed off from the offer made my Masters, citing serious concerns. The Immigration Director wrote: Dear Mr. Masters, Further to your offer extended to our Office on Monday, and my response yesterday afternoon I have discussed this matter with the Deputy Permanent Secretary in our Ministry who has recommended that I should discuss this with the Permanent Secretary prior to any secondment taking place. Additionally I have one or two serious concerns on the secondment based on information that I have received from inquires that I have made, and from the email chain you have copied me into from yourselves and the Permanent Secretary that there are serious concerns regarding legal counsel to the immigration Department . I shall await further instructions from my Permanent Secretary Mrs. Clara Gardiner.” Masters then appears to have a change of heart after his offer was not being accepted. He responded, Dear Mr Mills, I look forward to your email. If
it is a counsel issue feel free to contact me. I see it as a great opportunity for a prosecutor as well as your office and am willing to discuss all options regarding which prosecutor to send over. Immigration Law is an internationally highly regarded specialist area of law and there is no shortage of prosecutors who would jump at such an opportunity: I anticipate that my office is no exception. It is important that this progresses because I am sure we need this to forge a strong prosecutorial relationship. The assistance need not be permanent but just to get things going. Clem in particular is highly motivated to progress the confiscation angles regarding Immigration Offences: especially those relating to illegal employment. He was even speaking about undertaking further post graduate study in the area. I will not send anyone over who does not want to be there, it will serve no useful purpose. Again, it is an offer of assistance. If it is not wanted, I can live with it.” The SUN has been reliably informed that many staff in the DPP’s office have been experiencing great difficulty working with Masters because of, among other things, his unorthodox management style.
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FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 13
LOCAL NEWS
Turks and Caicos Islands Featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 is shining a major spotlight on the “Beautiful by Nature”, Turks and Caicos Islands.The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board today announced that the destination, apart from the cover models, is featured in this year’s highly anticipated Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 scheduled to hit newsstands, the web, and mobile platforms today. The destination was selected by the SI Swimsuit editors to host this famous shoot. While the Turks and Caicos Islands have served as a backdrop to national and international films and photo shoots, this marks the destination’s first appearance in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Shot by renowned photographer, James Macari, this year’s shoot reunites swimsuits with the beach. The gorgeous turquoise waters and sugary white sandy beaches of Providenciales and Middle Caicos, complimented the stunning beauty of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models Hailey Clauson, Ashley Graham, Lily Aldridge, Hannah Ferguson, Emily DiDonato and Barbara Palvin. Surrounded by miles of coral reef and superb beaches, Providenciales is TripAdvisor’s latest pick for “World’s Top Island” and its Grace Bay Beach has been ranked “Best Beach” by Conde Nast magazine, TripAdvisor, and the World Travel Awards for several years running. This is where most of the water sport activities take place from diving to deep sea fishing and everything in between. “Provo” offers all modern conveniences, including luxurious hotels, villas and condos, numerous restaurants, spas and shopping facilities, and a championship caliber golf course. Although Provo is the most developed of the islands, it is still a destination for those who want to escape their busy schedules and relax. The largest of the islands, Middle Caicos is 48 square miles of natural beauty with a population of 275.Rich in eco-tourism, the island offers small but comfortable accommodations reflective of the true essence of the Caribbean. The coastline around the island of Middle Caicos is more dramatic than that of the islands in the
archipelago; especially on the north shore, where there are extensive cave networks, coves, and limestone cliffs with long sandy beaches.The south is dominated by swampland and tidal flats which almost covers half the island. At Mudjin Harbour in Middle Caicos – considered by many to be the finest landscape in the archipelago, a half-moon lagoon in the ocean and a picturesque beach juts out from the land to link up with an offshore cay, presenting one of the most dramatic sceneries perfect for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 shoot. The iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit franchise reaches more than 70 million US adults annually and spans more than 20 product extensions along with a vibrant experiential marketing business. Since debuting in 1964 Swimsuit has become a pop-culture phenomenon and a revered launching pad for successful careers in TV, fashion, business and film including those of Kathy Ireland, Cheryl Tiegs, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Kate Upton, and Chrissy Teigen. “The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board is beyond thrilled that Sports Illustrated Swimsuit chose to feature the world’s best beach destination in this year’s swimsuit issue. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is known for choosing the most beautiful locations in the world to feature some of the most beautiful women in the world, a fitting merger. We look forward to welcoming Sports Illustrated Swimsuit readers from around the globe to experience our warm hospitality, superb offerings, and our breathtaking scenery in the near future,” said Director of Tourism, Ralph L. Higgs. Consisting of 40 unique islands and cays, the Turks and Caicos Islands are home to the best beaches in the world, legendary diving, snorkeling and fishing. Our islands beckon you to an undiscovered Caribbean. On land or below the water, you’ll relax in the inimitable serenity, hospitality and beauty of our islands. Just a short flight from the east coast of the U.S. our islands are a tropical classic, a throwback in time where relaxation is unavoidable and rejuvenation ensured.
HAB MANAGEMENT LTD CLEANER Responsibilities: The successful applicant will be responsible for the general cleaning of communal areas, sweeping and mopping of floors, cleaning of windows and removal of trash. The applicant will also be responsible for any other duties assigned in regards to general cleaning. Requirements: The successful applicant must be able to work with little to no supervision, capable of performing manual labour outside on a daily basis, should be physically fit, hard working and reliable. Wages: $6.50 per hour Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by March 7, 2016 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.
2016 sports illustrated model
2016 sports illustrated model
PROVO GOLF CLUB
Provo Golf Club is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the following opening. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.
GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES •Plan and schedule maintenance processes and procedures. •Instruct, train and direct staff in golf course maintenance. •Oversees fertilizer, chemical and pesticide applications. •Run irrigation systems, including daily setup and maintenance. •Proven organizational skills to maintain accurate records of all processes. •Responsible for the safe operation, storage and effective use of all equipment. •Responsible for the proper use, storage and preservation of all associated materials, supplies and assigned equipment. REQUIREMENTS •Must have a Bachelor’s degree or Associate degree in Agronomy or Horticulture plus a minimum of six years experience on a golf course with three years experience as an Assistant Golf Superintendent. •Must have at least a Class C Membership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). •Must have advance knowledge of agronomy and turf grass management practices. •Require extensive knowledge of golf course maintenance. •Requires knowledge of landscape construction and materials. •Ability to analyze data and prepare reports. •Strong computer skills using Microsoft Word and Excel •Must have a thorough understanding of the game of golf. The remuneration for this position is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by March 7, 2016 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephoned to schedule an interview.
Page 14
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
Senior Officers of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force along with Bishop Coleta Williams, Lady Williams, Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson and Deputy leader of the House of assembly Hon. Josephine Connolly posses for a photo opt.
James Smith - Commissioner of Police
Drum Major of the Royal Turks & Caicos Police Band Sergent Vernon Williams
Randy Ellis - Police Detective and Abundant Life Ministry praise team Leader
Quincy Carter royal turks and caicos police force bass drummer
Royal Turks & Caicos Police band Snare drummer Croy Forbes
This drummer keeps the officers in line with the beat of his drum Commissioner James Smith Seated with other members of the Police Force
Members of Immigration Department participated in the march
Members of Customs Department also participated in the march
A Section of the crowd
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 15
LOCAL NEWS
ANNUAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AT ABUNDANT LIFE MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing
Oppisition leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson
Deputy Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams
Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon. Josephine Connolly
O
fficers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP), Customs, Border Control, Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority, Road Safety, Ports Authority, Labour Department, Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources were all gathered on Sunday 14th February, 2016 in unity with members of the public for the Annual Law Enforcement Church Service, held at the Abundant Life Ministry on Providenciales The service was well attended by all officers of the various departments as well as other government officials, including Premier Rufus Ewing and his wife, Leader of the Opposition Mrs Sharlene Cartwright, Deputy Speaker of the House Mrs Josephine Connolly and Human Rights Commissioner Mrs Doreen Quelch Stubbs.
Superintendent Kendall Grant
Officer Huntley Forbes gave the vote of thanks
A Section of the church congregation
Members of the Turks & Caicos Airports Authority
(L-R) Police commissioner James Smith, Bishop C. Alexander Williams III, Elect Lady Chiquita Williams and ASP Mary Durham along with Abundant life Ministry Church Members.
(L-R) Jermaine Rowley, Commissioner James Smith and Inspector Alvirto Smith
Members of the Royal Turks & Caicos Police Force march proudly to the Abundant Life Ministry Church
Page 16
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
Building A Nation
By Reynaldo Forbes
Gazing out at the miles of aqua-blue water around us can give us a false feeling that we are a number of individuals on a group of isolated islands, disconnected from the rest of the world. While that may have been somewhat true in the past, today we are active members in the global economy. Understanding economic cycles; where we fit in on a personal, community and global level can help us prosper. While each of us wants to live an abundant life, we also need to be aware of our ability to sustain our success. I constantly hear commentators talk about the lack of growth in the Turks and Caicos Islands economy since the 2008 "great recession", as if this is something new. This shows a lack of understanding of what our real challenges are and the structural issues. I am amazed at how persons speak in a vacuum, as if the only thing needed to achieve growth is to apply the International Monetary Fund pressure, stabilize interest and exchange rates, and eliminate poverty. These are all outcomes and it is the lack of our inability to focus on the real structural problems that keep us chasing our tails, and ending up going around in circles. Of all economic commentators out there, there are a few that I think really understands the issues we face with cultural and social linkages with economic development in Turks and Caicos. So if the economy is to grow it is necessary that we understand the fundamental environmental and cultural concerns that must be addressed. Interest rates, exchange rates, and inflation levels are only just symptoms of the outcome, and are not a panacea to our solutions. The economic template I outline below will give you a clear understanding on how the system works in a nutshell. Though the economy might seem complex, it is actually made up of a few simple parts and a lot of simple transactions that are repeated over and over again a zillion times. These transactions are above all else driven by human nature, and they create three forces that drive the economy. • Productivity growth • The short term debt cycle • The long term debt cycle We’ll look at these three forces and how laying them on top of each other creates a good template for tracking economic movements and figuring out what’s happening now. PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH Increase income allows increased borrowing, which allows increased spending. One person’s spending is another person’s income; this leads to more increased borrowing and the cycle continues. This pattern leads to economic growth and is why we have cycles. In a transaction, you have to give something in order to get something and how much you get depends on how much you produce
Reynaldo Forbes over time we learned and that accumulated knowledge raises are living standards we call this productivity growth those who were invented and hard-working raise their productivity and their living standards faster than those who are complacent and lazy, but that isn’t necessarily true over the short run. Productivity matters most in the long run, but credit matters most in the short run. This is because productivity growth doesn’t fluctuate much, so it’s not a big driver of economic swings. Debt is; because it allows us to consume more than we produce when we acquire it and it forces us to consume less than we produce when we pay it back. Debt swings occur in two big cycles. One takes about 5 to 8 years and the other about 75 to 100 years. While most people feel the swings, they typically don’t see them as cycles because they see them too up close day by day, week by week. We are going to look at the three big forces and how they interact to make up our experiences. As mentioned, let’s for a second imagine an economy without credit. In this economy, the only way you can increase your spending is to increase your income, which requires you to be more productive and do more work. Increased productivity is the only way for growth. Since your spending is another person’s income, the economy grows every time you or anyone else is more productive. If we follow the transaction and play this out, we will see a progression. But because we borrow, we have cycles. This isn’t due to any laws or regulation, it due to human nature and the way that credit works. Think of borrowing as simply a way of pulling spending forward. In order to buy something, you can’t afford, you need to spend more than you make. To do this, you essentially
need to borrow from your future self. In doing so you create a time in the future that you need to spend less than you make in order to pay it back. It very quickly resembles a cycle. Basically, anytime you borrow you create a cycle. This is as true for an individual as it is for the economy. This is why understanding credit is so important because it sets into motion a predictable series of events that will happen in the future. This makes credit different from money. Money is what we settle transaction with. The reality is that most of what people call money is actually credit. The total amount of credit in the United States is about $50 trillion and the total amount of money is only about $3 trillion. Please don’t get me wrong, credit isn’t necessarily something bad that just causes cycles. It’s bad when it finances overconsumption that can’t be paid back. However, it's good when it efficiently allocates resources and produces income so you can pay back the debt. SHORT-TERM DEBT CYCLE As economic activity increases, we see an expansion the first phase of the short term debt cycle. Spending continues to increase and prices start to rise. This happens because the increase in spending is fueled by credit. When the amount of spending and incomes grow faster than the production of goods: prices rise. When prices rise, we call this inflation. The Banks don’t want too much inflation because it causes problems. Seeing prices rise, it raises interest rates. With higher interest rates, fewer people can afford to borrow money. And the cost of existing debts rises. Because people borrow less and have higher debt repayments, they have less money left over to spend, so spending slows incomes drop and so on and so forth. When people spend less, prices go down. We call this deflation.
Economic activity decreases and we have a recession. If the recession becomes too severe and inflation is no longer a problem, the Banks will lower interest rates to cause everything to pick up again. With low interest rates, debt repayments are reduced and borrowing and spending pick up and we see another expansion. In the short term debt cycle, spending is constrained only by the willingness of lenders and borrowers to provide and receive credit. When credit is easily available, there’s an economic expansion. When credit isn’t easily available, there’s a recession. And not that this cycle is controlled by the banks. Long-Term Debt Cycles The short term debt cycle typically lasts 5-8 years and happens over and over again for decades. But notice that the bottom and top of each cycle finish with more growth that the previous cycle and with more debt. Why? Because people push it, they have an inclination to borrow and spend more instead of paying back debt. It's human nature. Because if this, over a long period of time, debts rise faster than incomes creating the long term debt cycles. Despite people becoming more indebted, lenders even more freely extend credit. Why? Because everybody thinks things are going great! People are just focusing on what’s happening lately. And what’s has been happening lately? Incomes have been rising! Assets value are going up! The stock market roars! It’s a boom! It pays to buy goods, services, and financial assets with borrowed money! But how long will this last? As long as incomes continue to rise, the debt burden stays manageable. At the same time asset values soar, and the cycle reverses itself. This is the long term debt peak. Debt burden will simple become too big and the economy will begin to deleverage. For the United States, Europe, Turks and Caicos and much more of the rest of the world this happen in 2008. It happened for the same reason in Japan in 1989 and in the y States back in 1929. Prosperity starts with each individual. Applying our talents, buildingour knowledge base and being productive members in our community helps build capital and not just financial capital. Capital can also mean good will and respect. This capital can then be leveraged for ones needs: a loan for a car, getting a job, people helping you in your time of need. When we take this to a community level, we may want toconsider what we borrow from our nature assets that TCI is so well known for. Do we build multistory hotels which may harm our natural environment and make us just like most other Caribbean islands or do we get more creative? Do we come up with unique, eco-friendly, sustainable programs that will draw visitors year round, not just during the winter months? Applying the economic principles may very well help us prosper individually and as a community.
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
SPECIFICALLY, THE WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES ARE: The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) will be hosting an Exercise Design Training Workshop from Monday 22nd February – Friday 26th February 2016, at the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies Office, Customs Complex 1316 Providenciales, beginning at 8:30am to 5:00pm daily. The main goal of the Exercise Design Training Workshop
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DDME holding exercise design training workshop
is to introduce participants to a standardized approach to Exercise Planning, conducting and evaluating of the various types of simulation exercises and drills.
Dr. Virginia Clerveaux, Director of DDME
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
•To enhance the capacity of Participants to function in the roles of Simulators, Controllers and Evaluators •To strengthen the capacity of participants to conduct Briefings and De-Briefing before, during and after an exercise •To improve the ability of Participants to develop, conduct and evaluate simulation exercises This Exercise Design Training Workshop is another activity used by CDEMA to provide its eighteen (18) Participating States with a
standardized approach to achieving national objectives.
and provide operational response support in times of disaster. Therefore, participants attending this training According to Dr. Virginia will be Operational level personnel Clerveaux, Director of DDME, “This and Heads of Department from the training is timely given the recent following agencies; TCIAA, RTCIPF, passage of the Disaster Bill 2015, DDME, TSART, Fire and Rescue, which requires the regular testing Ministry of Health and District of plans, procedures and protocols. Commissioners, who are involved in Additionally, this training will provide the planning, execution and evaluation key stakeholders with the requisite of simulation exercises designed to test skills and knowledge to undertake the operational effectiveness of the various types of exercises to ensure Turks and Caicos Islands Emergency that the various plans in-house are Management Plans and Procedures. current and applicable to the local At the end of this training, the context.” Turks and Caicos Islands will have a CDEMA has embarked on team of exercise planners who will be a “Standardization” approach in all able to effectively develop, execute and its training, planning and operations evaluate exercises to test the various which serves to maximize the regions’ disaster plans and procedures in the small resources and enhance the Turks and Caicos Islands. Regional Response Mechanism. The facilitator for this This would allow technical training will be General Earl Arthurs personnel from different Caribbean (Caribbean Disaster Management States to be deployed across the region Specialist).
UWI Representatives Make Official Visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands
Manager for the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus British Overseas Territories (BOT) Sites, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks will be making her first official visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands during the week of 15-19 February 2016. Dr. Fleming-Banks, who has responsibility for the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as the other BOTs, will be accompanied by a team from two of the University’s residential campuses,
St. Augustine (Trinidad) and Cave Hill (Barbados). Student Recruitment Officer from the UWI St. Augustine, Mr. Nigel Bradshaw, Deputy Dean from the Faculty of Law, Alicia Elias-Roberts and Lecturer Farid Youssef from the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the UWI St. Augustine Campus, along with the UWI Cave Hill’s Head of Recruitment and Marketing, Ms. Janet Caroo, will be joining Dr. Fleming-Banks on a
Career Opportunities:
Grace Bay Resorts 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
Fine Dining Restaurant Manager Requirements:
•Certification in Food & Beverage Management •A minimum of 4 years experience operating a luxury a la carte restaurant •Experience in quality and efficiency initiatives •Must be able to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization. •Responsible for ordering and receiving food and beverage shipments. •Maintain food and equipment inventories, and keep inventory records. •Responsible for hiring and training restaurant staff •Evaluate employees and conduct shift line ups and restaurant cost controls •Micros Administrative Knowledge Required. •Certified Departmental Trainer •Extensive knowledge of wines from around the world (Sommelier educational training would be an added advantage) •Expertise in fine wines and knowledge of Wine Spectator’s Award Process. •Ability to conduct Wine Training / tasting and pairing with food. Qualified Belongers need only apply. Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
Director of Sales / Reservations Requirements:
•A Degree in Hotel Administration or equivalent work experience •Previous experience in Reservations Department •Previous experience in Sales and Yield Management •To efficiently manage the Reservations Department with minimal costs and maximum profitability through proficient management of staff, internal controls, administration of company policies & excellent guest service. •At least 5 years of direct related experience as a Director of Sales and or Reservations for a 5 star luxury property •Conduct department meetings as required and attends staff hotel meetings. •Communicates with all hotel departments and staff to ensure the efficient operation of Sales and Reservations Department. •Energetic, positive visionary leader, dedicated to motivating and developing team members. Qualified Belongers need only apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
Also accepting applications for: •Cook •Housekeeper •Public Area Attendant •Bartenders •Assistant Restaurant Manager Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than February 26, 2016 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1030 Email: sheba.wilson@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies
combined recruitment promotion/drive. While in the TCI, the UWI delegation will be meeting with the Honourable Premier and the Honourable Minister of Education, the Permanent Secretaries Board and other Government Officials. Meetings are planned with the President, Staff and Students of the TCI Community College, the Staff and Students of the various Public and Private Schools, as well as representatives from the
Chamber of Commerce, Interhealth Canada, the is TCI , the Open Campus TCI students among others. The visit, which is being coordinated by the TCI Ministry of Education, is particularly significant, as it represents the first opportunity for the UWI to showcase its programmes to prospective students and involved stakeholders in the TCI since the TCI became a full contributing territory of the UWI.
VACANT POSITION Temporary Position: Contract Administrator Location: Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales TCI Job Summary: Takes responsibility for the management of twin spv structured contract established as a Public Private Partnership under a Project Agreement between InterHealth Canada and the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands for the full service operation of the TCI Hospital comprising facilities on each of Grand Turk and Providenciales.
Additional Responsibilities are but limited to: 1.Accountable/Reports separately to the CEO of the clinical operating company and the General Manager of the infrastructure company but is responsible to the Boards of both SPV’s. 2.Directly interfaces with the TCIG’s appointed Contract Performance Manager(s) on all aspects of the management of the Project Agreement. 3.Monitors and ensures ongoing compliance of all aspects of the Project Agreement and its full complement of operating schedules, with particular emphasis on the following: a.Performance monitoring of all clinical and hard and soft FM services; ensuring that all relevant departments produce timely key performance indicator reports as required by the Project Agreement and collating the required compliance reports. b.Monitoring all potential changes to the Project Agreement affecting either or both the SPV’s and ensuring that the Change Procedure is fully and properly complied with by both the spv’s and the TCIG. c.Monitoring the preparation, delivery and internal approval of all Life cycle proposals d.Permanently monitoring timely compliance of both SPV’s with all their general obligations under the Project Agreement.
REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCES: •Minimum 10 years post graduation experience in a Contract Administration role or similar. •Senior level experience in health care management of an accredited hospital •Demonstrable experience of working with clinical teams to design and develop business cases for new funding •Project management experience of mobilising large scale service changes, ideally within a healthcare environment •Previous experience working with P3 projects and change order process in contracts, preferably in a public-private partnership environment coupled with proven experience in the development and negotiation of cost related changes •Experience of Public Private Partnership contracting with specific experience under UK law. JOB DESCRIPTION PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. SALARY RANGE: based upon experience. Submit resumes and references to: Recruitment@interhealthcanada.tc Deadline for applications: 4TH March 2016
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FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
CED Continues To Make An Impact
In an effort to accomplish its mandate of empowering micro, small and medium businesses to grow and succeed, the Centre for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) reports on progress over the last month. Since the opening of the CED in January 2016, 46 persons from across the country received Business Advisory assistance, 27 businesses were visited by CED officials, 3 persons received business plan assistance, 2 received market research assistance,
Business owners attending training on Provo
Business owner on South Caicos
while one received assistance in accessing capital. Over the period February 1 – 8, 45 small business owners were trained in Tips for Business Success. Participation by island in the training were: 14 on Providenciales, 20 on Grand Turk and 11 on South Caicos. A total of 133 client contacts were made to date. Businesses assisted represented a number of industries including fishermen, farmers, tourism services providers, retailers, food
handlers, contractors, mechanics, taxi drivers and service providers. One CED client remarked that “the CED has opened my eyes to the reasons by business is struggling and giving me advice on what to do”. Another training participant remarked “I wished all businesses owners would make time to attend such empowering sessions”. Business Advisor in the CED, Mrs Sophia Thomas remarked that “the Board of Directors are encouraged by the enthusiastic response from MSMEs around the country. We are committed
to working with entrepreneurs to help them achieve their goals, and at the same time grow our communities and indeed our economy. We encourage everyone small business out there the take advantage of the services the CED offers.” The CED is a partnership between the Government, the Chamber of Commerce and the Bankers Association. The office is located at the Chamber of Commerce, Grace Way House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales
Meeting with North and Middle Caicos District Commissioners
Craft vender on North Caicos
South Caicos fisherman
Business owner on Grand Turk
The Shore Club is now accepting applications/résumé for the following position. Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply:
Corporate Operations Facilitator Primary Responsibilities/Requirements:
•Minimum of 15 years operational management experience in luxury resort setting •Must have previous managerial experience directly in hotel preopening •Prepare Critical path to opening •Must have a history of delivering high end projects such as 5 Star Hotels/ Resorts and Residential/ Commercial developments •Must have previous experience working with leading developers and must pay exceptional attention to detail. Must be able to make sure all works are completed to the highest level and manage any discrepancies. Must have leadership qualities to ensure the job is completed to the client’s high standards •Designs and executes decorations for variety of hotel functions and events. Previous work experience in managing upholstery workshops •Keep documentation on all vendors and supplies •Assist in the selection and purchasing of supplies •Coordinate and follow up on all the orders assigned •Keep documentation of all fabrics, paint colors, equipment and supplies, etc. •Conduct room punch list to ensure that all the finishes are flawless and to high standards •Assist designers and cabinet makers •Set up inventory and maintenance codes into inventory and maintenance software •Organize and set up back of the house spaces •Set up Standard Operational Procedures for various departments •Ensure that all furniture and equipment and supplies are inventoried and cataloged and placed in proper location •Conducts Room Punch inspections to ensure that all the finishes are flawless and to the highest standards; communicates deficiencies to Construction Supervisor •Strong understanding of overall hotel business •Any other tasks that may be assigned, associated with the preopening
Applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as be willing to work holidays and weekends. Turks & Caicos Islands citizens only need to apply to the Assistant Human Resources Manager, Sheena Smith at The Shore Club on Long Bay, Providenciales or e-mail: careers@ theshoreclubtc.com. Deadline is February 26th, 2016.
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION SALES
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FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas) Ltd as Chargee pursuant to the Registered Land Ordinance hereby gives Notice that it will cause to be sold by Public Auction the following scheduled properties outside the offices of Miller Simons O’Sullivan, Regent House West, Regent Village, Grace Bay, Providenciales at 10:00 a.m. on 24 February 2016. 1.Title No. 60603/62 Norway & Five Cays, Providenciales Registered Proprietor: Philip Nathaniel Handfield The property is a 3 acre parcel and comprises a two-storey commercial/residential building containing eight units. The ground floor contains four units, three of which are office space and the fourth currently being occupied by a restaurant. At the back of the building is a two-bedroom apartment unit with one bathroom and an open kitchen/living/dining area. The property is located on South Dock Road. 2.Title No. 60603/63 Norway & Five Cays, Providenciales Registered Proprietor: Philip Nathaniel Handfield The property is a 2 acre parcel and comprises generally vacant land. The majority of the property is currently used for storage of construction equipment. The property is located on South Dock Road. 3.Title No. 60804/157/K31 The Bight & Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales Registered Proprietor: Blue Water Production Ltd. Comprising a one bedroom condominium end unit on the fourth floor of The Alexandra Resort located in Grace Bay. The unit has a floor area of 1,054 square feet including the balcony. The condominium also contains an entrance area, bathroom, powder room, living/dining room and kitchen. The unit has its own parking space and also benefits from the resort facilities including the swimming pool, restaurant, sun deck, tennis courts and a small gym. 4.Title No. 10104/44, North East Suburbs, Grand Turk Registered Proprietor: Glennevans Clifton Clarke and Dorothy Clarenda Clarke Comprising 0.30 acre parcel containing a five-bedroom dwelling house with two bathrooms, open kitchen/living/dining area, enclosed rear patio and external laundry/storage room. The property is located on Lighthouse Road in The Ridge residential subdivision. 5.Title No. 10304/33 and 131, Central, Grand Turk Registered Proprietor: Dots Enterprises Company Limited The property is a combined parcel size of 0.22 acre. The property contains a two-storey commercial building with a single storey extension. 6.Title No. 60716/55 Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales Registered Proprietor: Mamanita Holdings Ltd. This property is a 0.53 acre parcel located off the westbound carriageway of Leeward Highway in the Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill area. The parcel consists of a single storey commercial building, which holds a bar, restaurant, kitchen, bar and night club. There is also an incomplete unit to the west of the building. 7.Title No. 60715/210, Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales Registered Proprietor: Lincoln Hudson Ferreira Comprising a 0.54 acre canal-front parcel of bare land containing dense indigenous bush and mature trees. 8.Title No. 60602/396 Norway & Five Cays Registered Proprietor: Kimiko Le-Var Kamal Talbot and Calvina Latanya Talbot The property is a 0.40 acre parcel and comprises a restaurant structure, a two-bedroom and one-bathroom house and also an apartment building with five one-bedroom units and a retail space currently occupied by a store. The property is located in Kew Town, on the corner of Birdberry Close and Houseman close. 9.Title No. 50500/194 Whitby, North Caicos Registered Proprietor: John William Gray The property is a 0.60 acre parcel containing a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house with a kitchen, dining/living area and storage room. The property also contains a structure complete to beam level including columns, external blockwork walls, partial floor slab and cistern. Any and all potential bidders will be required to produce one (1) valid form of identification to Miller Simons O’Sullivan on the day of the Auction. Draft Terms and Conditions of Sale and the draft Agreements for Sale are available upon demand prior to the Auction. Any and all Successful bidders will be required to pay a ten (10%) per cent deposit upon a successful bid before close of business on the day of the Auction. Any and all successful bidders will also have to pay Auction legal fees in the sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars (US$750.00).
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VICE PRESIDENT ENERGY PRODUCTION & PROJECT MANAGEMENT Description
Responsible for the efficient installation, operation, and maintenance of the production assets, electrical auxiliary equipment, management of FortisTCI’s civil capital projects, fuel procurement and supplies, management of general insurance programs and , and for providing engineering services in support of the Company’s production activities. As a member of the executive team, to understand the corporate vision, successfully gain support for and implement that visaion. Main Duties Responsible for the generation of a safe, constant and sufficient supply of electricity Responsible for strategic planning and installation of production facilities and infrastructure Responsible for the timely implementation of new works and modifications to existing production systems to optimize the production plant, improve plant efficiency and reliability. Responsible for the development and implementation of effective production and electrical maintenance programs and practices to maximize efficiency and reliability. Responsible for provision of engineering services, engineering feasibility studies, and construction support services for the Company. Responsible for preparation and control of annual division budgets. Responsible for generation, and civil works that meet best practice of safety, environmental, quality, budgetary control and reporting
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
standards. Responsible for planning and upgrading electrical control systems at the plant. Responsible with high voltage command and coordination control as required. Responsible for the Corporate Liability, Property and Machinery Breakdown Insurance programmes Any other duties that may be assigned by the President and CEO. Minimum Requirements A Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering. Hold an MBA degree 15 years post-graduation experience in senior management positions with an electric utility. At least 10 years in a senior leadership position. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Excellent team player with proven team building skills. Ability to deliver to strict deadlines. Self-motivated, solution oriented and positive in outlook Compensation Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is March 1, 2016 to: Dr. Kellie-Ann Evans-Hall Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or khall@fortistci.com
9. Propose and direct administration of a broad programmes of health and welfare benefits. 10.Direct the investigation and resolution of complaints. 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
Salary Grade: $63,000 per annum 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.
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.
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 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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FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
WATERLOO HOTEL MANAGEMENT LTD Alexandra Resort, Blue Haven Resort & Marina and the Beach House We are seeking to employ, suitably qualified and experienced hospitality professionals in the positions listed below. Our ideal candidate should have an outstanding command of the English language, written and oral, strong communication and excellent customer service skills. Salary for these positions will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Operations/Accounting/IT •General Managers •Night Auditor •IT Operations Manager Engineering & Grounds •Chief Engineer •Maintenance Manager •Electricians •Maintenance/Room Technicians •Carpenter Helper Spa •Spa Therapists •Receptionist/Nail Technician
Food and Beverage •Catering Coordinator •Restaurant Maintenance Technician •Chef de Partie •Demi Chef •Line Cooks •Bartenders •Servers •Stewards Supervisor Loss Prevention •Loss Prevention Supervisors •Senior Loss Prevention Officers
Interested persons may contact our Corporate HR department Mon. – Fri. from 9am-3pm via telephone number 946-8054
or you may submit your resume with qualifications and experience to: cgibbons@wihl.com or kbeen@wihl.com
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Turks & Caicos National Museum
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History and Cultural Heritage Quiz Support our students during education week Date: Time:
Tuesday, March 1, 2016 1:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m.
Venue:
Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex, Downtown, Providenciales
Sponsored by:
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FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
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FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
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HEALTHY
LIFESTYLE
Doctors unsure if early childhood autism screening makes sense
There isn’t enough evidence yet to say for sure whether toddlers and preschoolers need screening for autism even when they don’t have symptoms of the developmental disorder, new U.S. guidelines conclude. Even though many pediatricians already do routine autism screenings of children between 18 and 30 months old, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a government-backed panel of independent physicians, concluded it’s impossible to know if this helps or hurts. “Our recommendation is not a recommendation against screening, but a call for more research,” said Dr. David Grossman, vice chair of the USPSTF. “So far, research has appropriately focused on treatments for children who have symptoms, especially those who are severely affected,” Grossman added by email. “More research on the impact of screening and treatment in very young children whose parents or doctor have not noticed symptoms is an important next step to helping all children.” Approximately one in 68 children in the U.S. have autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which can
affect behavior as well as social and communication skills. Early symptoms can vary, but may include repetitive behaviors like hand flapping or body rocking, extreme resistance to changes in routine, and sometimes aggression or self-injury. Behavioral, educational, speech and language therapy may help reduce the severity of autism symptoms in some children. While there’s little evidence screening or treatment harms children, follow-up tests and interventions may place unnecessary burden on some families in terms of costs and time, according to the USPSTF recommendations published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association. But the recommendations, which are often used by government and private insurance providers to make coverage decisions, could eliminate funding for pediatricians to screen toddlers and preschoolers, Dr. Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele of Columbia University argued in an editorial in JAMA Psychiatry. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening all children for autism at 18 and 24 months, he wrote. “This is what pediatricians are supposed
to be doing, and should continue to do,” he added by email. Screening kids even when parents and doctors don’t see symptoms may be of benefit to children who might otherwise fall through the cracks, Geraldine Dawson of Duke University argued in an editorial in JAMA Pediatrics. That’s because typical symptoms are much more likely to be noticed in white children than in black or Hispanic kids. “Universal autism screening helps reduce the disparities in access to services for children from different racial and economic backgrounds,” Dawson said by email. Symptoms in toddlers and preschoolers may be subtler, and harder to spot, than some of the hallmarks like repetitive behavior that occur more often in severe cases and with older kids, Dr. Michael Silverstein of Boston University said by email. For younger children, typical flags for autism may include a speech delay, a tendency to play differently from peers or fail to make eye contact when interacting with others, added Silverstein, author of another accompanying editorial in JAMA. “At this age, it is often difficult to tell the difference between ASD
and other behavioral disorders, and doing so tends to require pediatric subspecialist consultation,” Silverstein said. “It does get easier to diagnose ASD as children get older.” In other words, reserving screening for kids with easily detected symptoms might leave out a lot of children who might benefit from help. Therapy at this point varies, depending on how much emphasis parents and doctors place on goals such as improved communication or social skills, reduced repetitive behaviors and intellectual development, Dr. Craig Powell of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas wrote in an editorial in JAMA Neurology. Children are unlikely to get unnecessary treatment for autism as a result of screening, and it’s possible they might be diagnosed with another developmental disorder as part of this process that warrants close monitoring or intervention, Powell added by email. The “main danger” with the recommendations is they might be taken as advice not to screen children at all, Powell said. “This will lead to some children going undiagnosed who might have benefited from starting treatment sooner,” Powell concluded.
Eating lots of fish in pregnancy linked to obesity risk for kids Pregnant women who eat more than three servings of fish a week – that is, more than the maximum recommended by U.S. health regulators – may face an increased risk of having babies who grow rapidly and become obese in childhood, a research review suggests. Previous research has linked one pollutant in fish – mercury – to damage of the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes. Because of this, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency encourage pregnant women to limit consumption to no more than three servings a week. The current study points to another risk for pregnant women to consider – the potential for pollutants in fish to contribute to childhood obesity by interfering with hormone system development while babies are in the womb, researchers report in JAMA Pediatrics. Women shouldn’t avoid fish altogether, because it’s a rich source of important nutrients like protein, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids – but they shouldn’t overindulge, said lead study author Dr. Leda Chatzi of the University of Crete in Greece. “Our findings indicate that women should adhere to current fish consumption guidelines,” Chatzi said by email. “In general, women should eat a variety of types of fish each week and avoid consumption of large predatory
fish such as king mackerel, swordfish, shark and tilefish,” Chatzi added, identifying some varieties that may contain more pollutants. To assess the connection between maternal fish consumption and childhood obesity, Chatzi and colleagues analyzed data from 15 previously published studies that tracked more than 26,000 pregnant women and their children at two-year intervals until the kids reached age six. The combined study population included babies delivered from 1996 to 2011 in Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the U.S. state of Massachusetts. Fish intake varied by region. In Belgium, for example, only half of the pregnant women ate fish more often than once every two weeks. But in Spain, by contrast, half the women were eating fish more than four times a week. With moderate fish consumption – one to three times a week – researchers didn’t find any association with rapid infant growth or childhood obesity up to age six. But compared to women who rarely at fish while pregnant, women who ate fish more frequently during pregnancy had a 22 percent increased risk that children would experience unusually rapid growth from birth to age two, the study found. At the same time, women who consumed lots of fish had kids who were 14 percent more likely to be
A pile of fish collected from a net is seen during harvesting at one of Europe's biggest freshwater fishing firms in the Great Hungarian plain in Hortobagy, east from Budapest overweight or obese by age four and nutrition and 22 percent more likely to carry excess public health researcher at Harvard pounds by age six. University who wasn’t involved in the The effect of heavy fish consumption study. was more pronounced in girls than Mercury in fish isn’t linked boys. to obesity, even though it’s tied to Researchers calculated these other developmental problems, but risks based on estimated growth it’s possible pesticides or other trajectories across all of the studies. contaminants in fish might contribute One limitation of the analysis is that to weight gain in children, Oken said. it relied on women to report what they “It is also possible that eating more fish ate, and they might not have been in pregnancy is just a marker for eating accurate, the authors note. The study more, and we know that women who also can’t prove whether consuming gain more weight during pregnancy lots of fish during pregnancy actually also have children at higher risk for causes children to become obese, only being overweight,” Oken added. that there’s an association between But women who eat fish in these two things. moderation shouldn’t panic. The findings are also a “I don’t like to use the word bit counterintuitive because some `dangerous’ because that may well previous research suggests omega-3 scare women from eating fish, which fatty acids in fish can protect against are a good part of a healthy diet,” Oken obesity, noted Dr. Emily Oken, a said.
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NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE BOARD JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Medical Officer
ANNUAL SALARY:
Salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience
LOCATION:
Providenciales
REPORTS TO:
Chief Executive Officer
SUBORDINATES:
Provider Services Manager/ Patient Services Representatives/ Clinical Services Manager
EMPLOYEE #: SUMMARY / PURPOSE OF JOB: This is a managerial position, which has departmental wide responsibility for activities and direction of the Operation department and NHIP Emergency Overseas Treatment Programme; Providing technical leadership to the Insurance Operations team, the Medical Officer formulates polies and procedures to enhance the impact of the department; monitors patients overseas to assess their progress and report to the CEO; verify the eligibility of each claims, ensure staff is properly supervised and trained; and customer concerns addressed; as well as ensuring appropriate cost efficient health care services with best medical practices in place. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: Manages the medical aspects of the NHIP Emergency \ Overseas Treatment Programme; Manages all aspects of the Operations department inclusive of all staff assigned to the department; Manages and develop the Operation Department Budget with the view of ensuring that the Department expenditure remains within or below the Budgeted ranges; Developing policies, procedures, standards and controls or effective management of the Operations Department Collection of statistics form ICL (the hospitals) and the private providers as required by management and the actuary Liaise with the NIB to identify number of employment injury and occupational disease cases. Enforces cost-reduction strategies and recommends initiatives in the management of patient’s care; Prepare Quarterly performance reports and trend analysis Recommends and monitors systems and procedures to facilitate achieving of objectives within the area of responsibility; Verifies and signs-off on overseas provider claims in order to ensure veracity of claims as well as conducts value for money audit; Advise on the adjudication of claims by Beneficiaries in special circumstances, outside
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016 the scope of usual and customary benefits, including overseas claims To make recommendations to the Board on policy decisions such as but not limited to; reimbursement and to recommend accreditation standards in line with the Health Practitioners Board or other authorized Agency. Conducts a sample survey of health care providers and facilities to derive baseline data on the availability and quality of services as well as the capacity and readiness to meet the demands of the NHIB; Coordinates activities and provides advice to the NHIB team charged with the specification and costing of the service benefit package and in the development of provider payment systems; Convenes and takes the lead in meetings and other mechanisms aimed at defining criteria for inclusion in the NHIB provider network, as well as developing norms and protocols for quality assurance utilization reviews, access to overseas care, and modifications ( inclusion and exclusion) of items in the benefit package; Collaborates with other members on the NHIB team in the design and implementation of activities related to accreditation of health providers; Collaborates with other members of the NHIB team in defining and developing contractual agreements with local and overseas providers for services within the benefit package; Assists in the development of detailed terms of reference and procedures for the activities of the NHIB Medical Review Committee. May perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or any other person authorized to give instructions or assignments Any other duty deemed appropriate and consistent with the position, professional qualification and skill set as directed by the Chief Executive Officer
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: Internal – Chief Financial Officer, Insurance Claims Manager, Nurse Case Managers, Claims Officers, IT, Registration and Accounting Officers External - Members of the public, Ministry of Health and other TCIG Ministries, TCI Hospitals, International medical providers, Insurance Third Party Administrators MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: Principles, practices and techniques of medical case management Principles and practice of strategic, long-term business planning Principles and practice of effective management and supervision Good Problem Solving Skills Human Relations Strong written and oral skills including computer literacy in the main processing, spreadsheet and presentation graphics programmes. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: Medical Doctor with at least 7 years’ experiences a full time practitioner in primary care and hospital settings with the necessary competencies to effectively respond to the challenges of the job. Business post graduate Degree Business Management Experience Knowledge of the NHIB Ordinance and Regulations Current (Good Standing) Registration with TCI Health Practitioners Board Experience with health insurance operations such as member of medical review panel will be an asset. Deadline for submission is February 26th, 2016. All Applications should be addressed to: Human Resources Manager National Health Insurance Board Salt Mills Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands British West Indies Email: recruitment@tcinhip.tc
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 29
We hire smiles!!!
Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond All-inclusive property in the Caribbean is inviting applications from Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions. We hire the personality and train the individual. Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends. The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that applicants will be contacted for an interview via Text Message.
The Rooms Division Department Requires:
The Security Department Requires:
Butler Requirements include but are not limited to: o Member of the Association of English Butlers o Ability to go above and beyond for guest
Security Supervisor Security Shift Leader Security Officer Requirements include but are not limited to: o Supervise a team of officers (Supervisor and Shift Leader) o Responds rapidly to all incidents. o Ability to write reports. o Identify and eliminate risk. o Ability to work in the sun o Medically and Physically fit o At least 2 years relevant experience
Concierge Agent Front Office Agent Receptionist Travel and Loyalty Agent/ Concierge Requirements include but are not limited to: o Certified Guest Service Professional o Experience in resolving guest concerns o Sales experience (Travel and Loyalty) o Ability to go above and beyond for guest
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $10.00 an hour. The Food and Beverage Department requires:
Bellman Junior Concierge (use to be Minibar Stocker/Attendant) Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically Fit o Outgoing and friendly attitude
Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Three years supervising a restaurant with seating of over 100 persons o Knowledge of inventory o Excellent customer service skills
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $9.00 an hour
Hostess Server Labour/ Dining Room Cleaner Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically Fit o Ability to carry out labour intensive task
The Grounds Departments requires: Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Minimum 2 years supervising a team of grounds man o Experience with tropical or subtropical plants, Greenhouses and Irrigation o Physically Fit
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $10.00 an hour. The Kitchen Department requires:
Grounds man/ lady Grounds Keeper Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically fit o Ability to carry out labour intensive task
Chef Cook (Grade 1,2 and 3) Requirements include but are not limited to: o Must have worked in a Resort kitchen or medium to large sized restaurant o Must have over three years’ experience o Professional qualification an asset
The rate for the position listed above is $6.25 to $9.00 an hour. The Spa Department Requires:
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $10.00 an hour.
Spa Therapist/Technicians/ Cosmetologist Tennis Instructor/Pro Fitness Pro/ Instructor/ Coordinator Requirements include but are not limited to: o Certification in one or more of the following areas: Massage, Esthetics, Body treatments, Hair services, Tattoos and Nail services. (Spa Team Member) o Certification as a tennis professional (Tennis Pro) o Must be sales driven with proven customer service skills, upgrading of services/ retail.
Supervisor Steward Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience in supervising a cleaning team (supervisor) o No Food or chemical allergies o Physically Fit o Ability to carry out labour intensive cleaning task
Remuneration: Bi-weekly base pay plus commission
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $8.00 an hour.
Spa Attendant Gym Attendant Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically Fit o Ability to carry out labour intensive cleaning task
The Photoshop Department requires:
The Stewarding Department Requires:
Photographer Underwater Photographer Requirements include but are not limited to: o PADI certification(Underwater Photographer) o 2 years’ experience in field o Ability to sell and make quotas
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 an hour.
The rate for the position listed above is $6.25 to $7.50 an hour.
Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or placed in the secure drop box at the service gate or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn The Labour Commissioner Labour Department Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
and
The Human Resources Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186 Lower Bight Road
and should reach not later than February 29th 2016
Page 30
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
We hire smiles!!!
Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond All-inclusive property in the Caribbean is inviting applications from Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions. We hire the personality and train the individual. Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends. The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that applicants will be contacted for an interview via Text Message.
The Island Routes Department requires:
The Rooms Division requires:
Senior Tour Specialist Requirements include but are not limited to: o Must be service driven with excellent customer service skills o Excellent Organizational Skills o Ability to meet and exceed sales targets
Supervisor (Front Office) Supervisor (Concierge) Shift Leader (Front Office) Shift Leader (Concierge) Requirements include but are not limited to: o Assist with the supervision of the front desk o Assist with the supervision of all staff within the department
The salary range for the position indicated above is $40,000.00 to $55,000.00
Storeroom Controller Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience with Inventory and stock keeping o Experience with budgets and reconciliations
The Entertainment Department requires: AV Technician Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience Dee Jay with ability to use turntables and digital o Ability to set up and breakdown sound system for an event o For Senior Tech supervise a team, conduct inventory and ensure equipment is maintained in a good working order.
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.50 to $10.00 an hour. Watersports and Catamaran Departments require: Lifeguard Requirements include but are not limited to:
Fun pals/ Players/ Dancers/ Clowns Requirements include but are not limited to: o An outgoing personality required o Ability to sing and dance
o Ability to Swim o First aid/ CPR Certification Watersports Attendants Beach and Pool Attendants Requirements include bur are not limited to: o Assist with the maintenance of the pool. o Keep the pool area tidy and well stocked o Ability to swim
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $7.25 an hour The Bar Department requires: Bartenders Bar Porters Beach Server/ Pool Server Cocktail Waitress Requirements include but are not limited to: o Ability to mix a variety of drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic. o Outgoing personality o Ability to work in the sun o Physically fit
Dive Instructor Dive Master Scuba Instructor Requirements include but are not limited to: o International Dive certification required o An outgoing personality required o Strict adherence to safety procedures o Ability to swim
The rate for the positions listed above is 6.25 an hour. Laundry Department requires:
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $8.75 an hour.
Supervisor Laundry Attendant Requirements include: o Experience supervising a commercial laundry(supervisor) o Physically fit o No allergies to chemicals and the ability to handle heat o Previous experience in commercial Laundry an assist
The Housekeeping Department requires: Room Attendant Housemen Turn down Attendant Public Area Attendants/Cleaner Requirements include but are not limited to: o One year’s experience in a hotel environment an asset. o Physically fit
The rate for the position listed above is $6.25 to $8.75 an hour.
Linen Room Attendant Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience with inventory and maintaining par levels. o Physically fit
The Engineering Department requires: Assistant Waste Treatment Operator Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience working with sewage and sewage plants o Physically Fit o Ability to carry out labour intensive task
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 an hour. The Gift Shop Department: Cleaner Requirements include but are not limited to: o Physically Fit o Ability to carry out labour intensive cleaning task
The rate for the position listed above is $6.25 to $9.00 an hour
The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 an hour
Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or placed in the secure drop box at the service gate or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn The Labour Commissioner Labour Department Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
and
The Human Resources Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186 Lower Bight Road
and should reach not later than February 29th 2016
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 31
We hire smiles!!!
Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond All-inclusive property in the Caribbean is inviting applications from Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions. We hire the personality and train the individual. Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends. The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that applicants will be contacted for an interview via Text Message.
The Human Resources Department requires:
The Weddings Department requires:
Human Resources Clerk
Weddings Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience managing multiple wedding retail outlets(Manager) o Proven sales track record in Weddings exceeding sales targets o Ability to up and cross sell
Reports to: Human Resources Manager Position purpose: To assist the Human Resources Administrator with clerical aspects of the Human Resources Department and its daily operations.
The Accounts Department requires: Accountant Assistant Accountant Requirements include but are not limited to: o Professional Accounting designation preferred o 3 years’ experience managing a multi-million dollar portfolio o Experience with Budget generation
Responsibilities/Duties: o Prepare a report due the end of each month on all activities in the areas of responsibility and their status. o Assist in the interview process, this includes interviewing when requested to assist, the preparation of application forms, tests and copying of identification documents. o Collection of all Team Member documents pertaining to Immigration and Labour. o Keep a proper record of all Immigration documents submitted to the H.R. Department for processing. o Prepare all Immigration documents for processing and track and monitor the document through the work permit process. o Assist within other areas of the Human Resources Department. o Advise and update the Human Resources Manager of all pending issues affecting the Department and the resort. o Any other duties assigned by Management.
The Entertainment Department requires: Animations Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Three years’ experience with managing animation characters o Knowledge of their care and maintenance o Maintain or exceed performance targets
Requirements: o Driver’s License (required) o Associates Degree of higher o Proficient in Excel and Word o Experience with report generation and meeting deadlines o Confidential o Time management skills
Salary for the above mentioned positions is $25,000.00 to $50,000.00 The Kitchen Department requires: Executive Chef Assistant Executive Chef Executive Sous Chef Requirements include but are not limited to: o To create recipes and production methods, as well as compile new banquets methods when required. o Oversee the training and development of staff.
The rate for the position listed above is $9.00 an hour Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa has administrative/ clerical positions in the following departments:
The Information Technology Department requires:
Kitchen Cost Control Environmental Health and Safety Requirements include but are not limited to: o Associates Degree of higher o Proficient in Excel and Word o Experience with report generation and meeting deadlines o Experience in at least one of the following areas: o Payroll o Inventory o Inspections and audits o Confidential o Time management skills
Senior Information Systems Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Knowledge of a PBX system o A recognized IT professional qualification such as Degree/Advanced Diploma in IT or Computer Science & Technology o Due to the physical layout of the property, applicants should be in good physical condition. Salary for the above mentioned positions is negotiable The Training Department Requires:
The rate for the positions listed above is $7.00 to $10.00 an hour.
Restaurant Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience in managing multiple Restaurant outlets with seating of over 200 o Five (5) years relevant experience in Fine Dining, Al La Carte and Buffet
Training and Development Manager Assistant Training Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o A first Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management or Training and Development or any other related discipline o Minimum two years’ work experience in a leadership position o Experience in Adult learning theories and instructional methodologies
The salary for the position listed above is $20,000.00 to $30,000.00 per annum
The salary for the position listed above ranges from $28,000.00 to $45,000.00
The Food and Beverage Department requires:
Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or placed in the secure drop box at the service gate or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn The Labour Commissioner Labour Department Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
and
The Human Resources Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186 Lower Bight Road
and should reach not later than February 29th 2016
Page 32
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
WANTED 1 LABOURER Salary $7.00 per hour To work in Provo Contact 341-8867
SUNRISE CAFÉ In Five Cays, Seeks 1 Waitress Salary $150.00 per week, 6 days per week Contact Noel Munroe at 242-2495
CAMERA OPERATOR A Camera Operator is required for a firm based in Providenciales. Duties include but are not limited to shooting and recording television programs, documentaries or news and sporting events. Organize raw film footage into a continuous whole. Collaborate with a director to determine the overall vision of the production. Discuss filming and editing techniques with a director to improve a scene. Select the appropriate equipment from the type of lens to the appropriate lighting, shoot or edit a scene based on the director’s vision. Salary commensurate with experience. Application must be submitted to: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Services Limited Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-941-4777 Email oa@fcorporatemsl.com
CLICHÉ CLEANING SERVICES Is hereby seeking the following:10 Domestic Workers 6 Labourers Salary $6.25 per hour Contact dash_247@hotmail.com
D and S Construction
1 Mason Salary $10.00 Telephone : 946-8876
EPIC CORPORATE & CONSULTANCY
SEEKS 1 Labourer/Handyman Interested person must be hardworking & reliable Salary $6.25 per hour 6 days per week Contact 946-1570
ROLAND JUNIOR CHIPLITE
Is hereby seeking a Domestic Worker 5 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Contact dash_247@hotmail.com
The Stage Bar & Grill
NOW HIRING
Looking for 3 employees BARMAID Salary will be discussed based on the experience. Contact 344-8644 or email browill649@gmail.com
H.B.B
1 Nail TECHNICIAN Applicant must be honest, reliable & hardworking Also fluent in English & Spanish. Contact #341-7341
Positions Available Restaurant Captain Minimum of 5 years experience in similar position. Must be computer & P.O.S system literate. Wine knowledge & bar skills essential. Experience in F.O.H training a bonus. Job requires a six days work week including weekends & public holidays. Pay based on experience & education. Kitchen Helper Must be willing to work weekends & public holidays. Job includes washing pots 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
WANTED 1 LABOURER
In North Caicos To work 6 days per week Salary $6.50 per hour Contact 231-0005
MECHANIC ASSISTANT A local Company is seeking a suitable candidate for the position as Mechanic Assistant. Remuneration based on experience and qualifications. Application must be submitted to: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Services Limited Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-941-4777 Email oa@fcorporatemsl.com
WANTED 1 Babysitter
Salary $6.25 per hour 6 days per week Contact 232-3194
MOTHER KING powerful spiritual healer and advisor miracle worker truly gifted solves all problems reunites lovers overpowers all obstacles and calls enemies by name call now for your free reading 704-771-3565 SPA NADIA & BEAUTY SALON
NEEDS 1 Cosmologist To work 6 days per week Salary $7.00 per hour Work hours - 10-6 Contact spanadiatc@hotmail.com or 941-8342
Caicos Dream Tours Seeking: 1 Boat Mechanic 1 Trainee Operator Salary: Depends on qualifications and experience Requirement: Must have a minimum of 3 years experience Must be computer literate An associate degree or its equivalent in related field Successful applicants must be willing to work weekends and holidays Only Belongers need to apply Contract -649 231- 7274
V & M SECURITY LTD SEEKS 1 Security Guard Salary $6.50 per hour 6 days per week Contact 941-5139 FLAMINGO CAFÉ TAKE OUT
Is seeking A Waitress Salary $6.25 per hour Contact 241-3943
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
CARIBBEAN WORLD
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
NEWS NEWS
Caribbean reports tourism surge, braces for Zika impact
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Caribbean on Tuesday reported a surge in tourism for 2015 that easily surpassed the global growth rate as it set new arrival and spending records , though there are concerns the mosquito-borne Zika virus could put a dent in those numbers this year. Nearly 29 million people visited the region last year, a 7 percent jump that surpassed the 4 percent global tourism growth rate, said Hugh Riley, secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. Visitors to the Caribbean spent $30 billion last year, a $1 billion increase from 2014, he said.
“It’s important for us to celebrate our victories in the Caribbean. We have our challenges,” Riley said in a phone interview. He credited a stronger U.S. economy, new flights, lower oil prices and persistent marketing. U.S. travelers accounted for 14.3 million visits, representing roughly 50 percent of all arrivals. Barbados, Curacao and Trinidad and Tobago reported the highest growth rates in U.S. arrivals. Meanwhile, there were more than 5 million arrivals from Europe for the first time in seven years, more than 1 million from Britain alone.
Hotel occupancies and average daily rates also increased last year for most hotels, although one-third of hotels reported a net loss as they struggled with high operating and air travel costs, said Frank Comito, CEO of the Floridabased Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association. “While most destinations have done well and most hotels did well, that’s not been the case across the board,” he said. “There have been some areas of slow growth and even no growth.” The news comes as the Caribbean and Latin America
struggle with an increase in Zika cases, with Puerto Rico already reporting several wedding and business conference cancellations. The U.S. territory has more than 30 confirmed Zika cases. The virus has hit Martinique and French Guiana the hardest, with more than 2,500 potential cases and more than 100 confirmed ones. Comito said there have been some cancellations of trips to the Caribbean but declined to provide a specific number. But officials said they expect tourist arrivals to increase roughly 5 percent this year.
Fingerprinting at airport in Barbados creating controversy BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Former attorney general Dale Marshall is questioning the wisdom in having Barbadian nationals leaving or returning to the country be subjected to being finger printed. Marshall told the Barbados Today on line publication that the new measure which goes into effect on April 1 is a “mindless adherence to international dictates”. On Monday, Chief Immigration Officer, Erine Griffith, said the new measure would be followed later in the year with one to facially scan passengers. She said the only exemptions to these regulations will be holders of diplomatic passports and children under the age of 16. The Chief Immigration Officer said these security measures will bring Barbados in line with international ports of entry and were mandatory under the Immigration (Biometrics) Regulation 2015. She urged visitors to cooperate with the Immigration Department saying it is seeking to ensure the safety of all who used Barbados’ ports of entry. But Marshall, who served as attorney general in a former Barbados Labour Party (BLP) administration, said that Barbadians were “entitled” to return to their homeland unencumbered. “If an Englishman shows up in Barbados and refuses to give his fingerprint for whatever good reason, the immigration officer can say he is not going to accept him as
a visitor and put him on the next flight departing for Britain. On the other hand, a Barbadian citizen has the right to enter his homeland and is not subject to deportation from his homeland,” Marshall said. He told the publication that the entry of Barbadian into his own country “must of necessity be unconditional. “If a Barbadian citizen turns up at a port of entry in Barbados with a Barbados passport, he/she must be allowed to enter, plain and simple. “So to make his/her entry into Barbados conditional in anyway upon giving up any biometric data is an infringement of that person’s constitutional rights,” he said, warning that the new measure is ““illegal and a technical absurdity. “Such action achieves no purpose,” Marshall said, acknowledging that while there was need for security to be maintained in the country “let us begin by saying that a Barbadian citizen must be exempt from that stipulation. “In relation to visitors coming to your country we already have advance passenger information dating back to World Cup 2007 where the list is scrubbed and that system works,” he said. Marshall also questioned the impact of the new measure on the tourism industry asking “will fingerprinting place Barbados at a competitive disadvantage in terms of other jurisdictions that do not implement the measure?”
The band Morgan Heritage
Morgan Heritage wins first Grammy
LOS ANGELES – The Jamaican reggae group Morgan Heritage Monday night won its first Grammy Award at the 58thGrammy Awards at the Staples Center here. The group, which was nominated also for the first time for The Grammys, copped the “Best Reggae Album Award”, with “Strictly Roots.” Since it was released last April, the “Strictly Roots” album has dominated the Billboard Reggae Album Chart. Formed in 1994 by five children of reggae artist Denroy Morgan, Morgan Heritage beat other notable contenders for the “Best Reggae Album Award.” These included Ghanaian Reggae star Rocky Dawuni (“Branches of The Same Tree”);
Barrington Levy (“Acoustica levy”); Jah Cure (“The Cure”); and Luciano (“Zion Awake”). “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Morgan Heritage on an award well deserved,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Dr. Wykeham McNeill, in his congratulatory message. “They have certainly made Jamaica proud through the extraordinary music they have produced over the years. “This very prestigious award is not only a win for the group but also a win for all Jamaicans. Reggae remains one of Jamaica’s strongest brands; and performers, like Morgan Heritage, who have taken it to the world stage, are global ambassadors of Brand Jamaica,” he added.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
CARIBBEAN NEWS
Frustration over delay to World Bank $2billion Andros project provides millions FRUSTRATION is beginning to mount in the community of South Andros as the government continues to delay approval for a proposed $2 billion ten-year project despite the efforts of developers Solar Verde to meet all the “stringent requirements”. According to the Bahamas Tribune newspaper, a number of the community’s prominent business owners and residents have compiled a petition and presented it in support of the company’s ecofriendly and self-sustaining scheme. The five-phase Solar Verde Bahamas project, which includes a marina and retail outlets at Kemp’s Bay, broke ground last May and promises jobs for the locals. The first phase of the project would expand an existing marina in Kemp’s Bay and extend the nearby Congo Town airport runway to 13,000 feet, which is needed to transport workers, cargo planes and eventually tourists and additional infrastructure upgrades. The marina will be flanked by beaches on both sides, along with retail stores and commercial facilities. According to Norwood Rahming, a former island administrator, the project is expected to spur the rebirth of South Andros. He said the community of South Andros has been left in the dark on issues pertaining to the major development - a development he said everyone needs to survive. “Our people are ready. Solar Verde has presented its plans and we are all on board in South Andros. Everything associated with the project has been arranged by a group of people that wants to see Andros
recover economically for a long period of time. This project has been put together in a way to ensure that Andros is capable of being self-sufficient for decades to come. “I don’t know why there is a hold up. Highways, roadways, electrical capabilities, water arrangements - everything is covered in the plans presented by Solar Verde. On the ground in South Andros, as far as we know, this project is the best thing for Andros. We want this because we need this.” Residents in South Andros said they believe the project would catapult Andros into the realm of being the third city the Bahamas needs. “Look at Andros; we have sufficient space to fit the entire population of the Bahamas comfortably,” Tracey Knowles, another prominent local business owner told The Tribune. “But, every year we have our people leaving Andros to seek work in Nassau. We just need the infrastructure and jobs, that is what this project is working to offer. I moved here and I wanted to have some form of employment, but there are no jobs here. This project will make the difference.” According to the developers, the Solar Verde project goes beyond the hotel, airport, marina and golf course. Future phases include bringing factories, industries, trade schools, a college and more. Rita Grant, CEO of Solar Verde Bahamas, told The Tribune: “We are looking forward with great anticipation to this project coming to life, we have waited for a very long time and we have confirmed backing. We are looking forward to working with the relevant government agencies
to facilitate the smooth and swift transition of the necessary funds and documents that are needed to make this project a success for South Andros. “This is a detailed master plan that was carefully crafted so that we do not lose even one of the special qualities that exist in South Andros. So detailed that it protects the birds, the fishes and the crabs that South Andros is so famous for,” said Mrs Grant, a Bahamian. “This plan incorporates proper drainage systems, sidewalks, a place for persons to pull over if something happens to their vehicles, minor things that may not seem to be important but are. These plans were submitted to the government in 2012. “It is very important to understand that some persons are suggesting breaking up the project, when they know full well that this will not work. You have to keep in mind that no other group of individuals would spend the money needed to develop the proper infrastructure such as the roads and the lights which essentially makes no sense and is not profitable for the community of South Andros. “We have created new industry that will bring training on every level, so that not one person between the ages of 18 and 65 in South Andros will be without a job if they want to work.” The first phase of the project is expected to pump $3.5 million into South Andros’ economy by way of salaries and create around 180 jobs. The Solar Verde developers said they had obtained all the necessary permits and approvals from the government to start the project when they broke ground last year.
to Jamaica
The World Bank Board says it has approved a US$30 million loan to help enhance Jamaica’s resilience to disaster and climate risk through the promotion of climate and disaster risk management. The Washington-based financial institution notes that Jamaica is one of the most at risk countries in the world, with high percentages of gross domestic product (GDP) and population at risk to two or more natural hazards. It said damages and losses from hydro-meteorological disasters and earthquakes were estimated at over three billion US dollars between 1988 and 2013. In addition according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the impact of sea level rise and intensified storm surges in Latin America and the Caribbean will be highest in Jamaica. “The government is actively working to reduce the country’s vulnerability to disaster and climate risk through a number of initiatives. “This project aims to improve the capacity of government agencies to generate and use hazard and risk information to shape local and national development; and make infrastructure more resilient,” said World Bank Country Manager for Jamaica, Galina Sotirova. The World Bank said among concrete results to be achieved by the Jamaica Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project are the establishment of a National Risk Information Platform and Coastal Risk Atlas and strengthened seismic monitoring network established; several multi-hazard risk assessments for coastal areas and about 450 government officials and constructors trained on the National Building Code and constructions practices. “The Jamaica Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project is financed under a loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) in the sum of US$30 million will mature in 30 years after a grace period of seven years,” the World Bank said.
Trinidad soca celeb sues former international football star PORT OF SPAIN, as documents relating to the Trinidad – Soca star Machel lawsuit are still to be served Montano is seeking damages on Yorke who will then be from former Manchester allowed time to file a defence. United football star, Dwight Montano was advertised Yorke, whom he said used his as being the headline act image, name and music to for Yorke’s annual event on promote a post-Carnival party Saturday, but said he never in Tobago. agreed to perform. The matter was heard His manager, Chetan on Tuesday before Justice Kothari, in documents filed Frank Seepersad with neither in the court, expressed Montano nor Yorke being concern the advertisements present. intentionally promoting On Saturday, Justice Montano as the primary Ricky Rahim granted an performer for the Island Vibe injunction preventing Yorke event and led to ‘a real risk from using Montano’s image, that his reputation and brand name or music to promote Soca star Machel Montano will be compromised’, as his event and with the Montano ‘took pride in always event having taken place on A trial will now be set attending every show.’ Saturday, The High Court to ascertain damages owed Kothari said that on granted leave to Montano’s to Montano for the use of his February 8, Yorke approached lawyer, Larry Williams, image, name and music for Montano and himself, to withdraw the notice of the promotion of the fete. requesting the singer to application, to formally No date has been set perform at the event, but they discharge the injunction. for trial by Justice Seepersad “unequivocally” informed
Former Manchester United football star, Dwight Yorke Yorke that Montano would not be able to perform at the event or any other hosted by Yorke. Kothari said that on February 12, he found out the event was being advertised with Montano as the headline
act, with only his music being played in the background of an advertisement which had the tag: “The Evolution of Monk is coming to Tobago.” Advertisements were also said to have been posted on the Island Vibe event Facebook page as well as flyers which were distributed. Kothari said he later spoke with Montano who gave him the assurance that he was not performing in Tobago and that he had he received a phone call from Michael Christopher, acting on behalf of Yorke, who sought to book Montano for the event. Kothari said on Saturday, the day of the event, advertisements were still being aired leading to Montano’s attorneys approaching the courts for the emergency injunction.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Sweden turns to Caribbean cruise ship to house refugees
newspaper. The agency is engaged a desperate race to find new beds before spring, when offseason winter contracts to house asylum seekers signed with hundreds of hotels and campsites are due to expire. The agency also fears The 1,790-passenger Ocean Gala, formerly known as ‘MS Island Escape’ that the influx of asylum A luxury cruise Gala to Sweden, planning seekers, now down to a ship which spent decades to berth it in Harnosand, a manageable 700 a week from crossing the sun-drenched small port 270 miles north of unprecedented rates of 10,000 waters of the Caribbean and Stockholm. a week in November, will the Mediterranean could be “I am extremely pick up again in the coming en route for Sweden’s chilly pleased. This means that we months as warm weather Baltic coast to be converted are prepared, so that we’re returns to Greece and Italy into an asylum centre. not going to end up in a and tens of thousands of Sweden’s Migration situation where we can’t offer Syrians are forced from their Agency is close to signing a a roof over people’s heads,” homes. deal with charter company Willis Åberg, accommodation When Ocean Gala US Shipmanagers to bring chief at Sweden’s Migration was first launched as M/S the 1,790-passenger Ocean Agency, told the Aftonbladet Scandinavia in 1982 it was
Illegal Cubans putting pressure on Cayman Islandas
The recent increase in Cuban migrants has resulted overcrowding of the Immigration Detention Centre (IDC), leading immigration officials to consider new housing solutions. Deputy Chief Immigration officer, Jeremy Scott told local media that the in less than a week 90 Cubans were taken into custody and as a result his team is “facing a mass migration on par with a national disaster.” Scott said while the situation is believed to be under control, the IDC is no filled to capacity. “So there is currently two spill over facilities, that are currently being operated, which is actually the East End Civic Centre and the Bodden Town Civic Centre,” he said adding that 131 migrants are in custody. Scott explained that Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Cayman Islands and Cuban Government has helped to prevent overcrowding at the centre in years gone by. “We found that there was a revision of the MoU where we addressed the turn around times, and the permission given by the Cuban Government, and we have seen that those turn around times have increased significantly.” However, he noted that the problem that the Immigration Department is grappling with is new migrants are arriving faster than they can repatriate the ones in custody. He said several options are now being explored, one of which is increasing the capacity of the IDC, without increasing the size of the structure.
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one of the world’s largest cruise ships, spending its days cruising between New York and the Bahamas. Since 2002, renamed Island Escape, it has spent the summer in the Mediterranean and the winter cruising around South America. Its cruising days came to an end last December when it was renamed Ocean Gala and taken to Brest, France, to be rented out as a floating hotel. According to the local Allehanda newspaper, the charter agency’s applications to berth the ship at of Harnosand’s two deep water harbours has met strong resistance from local politicians. “A ship cannot berth
as an accommodation facility for one year at the dock unless a building permit has been granted and an environmental assessment done,” Fred Nilsson, chairman of the local municipal council told the newspaper. “Rarely has the municipal and county administrative authority felt as justified as in this case.” Mr Åberg told Aftonbladet that it was up to the charter company to find a willing municipality. “We don’t have any opinions about where it is. It’s all about finding a suitable harbour,” he said. The contract will be annulled if a berth cannot be secured within two months.
Holness says JLP now unstoppable Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Leader Andrew Holness says that the party is now unstoppable as it builds up momentum leading into next Thursday’s general election. “All they are doing, and all they are saying, the Labour Party is unstoppable,” Holness told a huge crowd in Stony Hill square, Monday, supporting the candidacy of Juliet Cuthbert Flynn, JLP candidate for St Andrew West Rural. Poking fun at the People’s National Party (PNP) campaign theme, “Step Up to Progress”, Holness said “The only step now that must go on is that Peter Phillips and Portia Simpson Miller step aside, because Andrew is ready to take over.” “The time has come for you to finally have a payday in Jamaica. The time has come for you to experience prosperity in your life,” the Opposition leader told supporters. He recalled that his predecessors, Edward Seaga and Bruce Golding, as head of the party, had suggested that, “we may not all be rich, but no one has to be poor”.“The vision of the Jamaica Labour Party is to remove the scourge of poverty,” he added. Holness said that poor
JLP leader Andrew Holness Jamaicans do not need pity, what they need is a liberator, because poverty is like slavery. “What the poor need is someone who will advocate on their behalf to create wealth and prosperity. What the poor need is a champion for growth in Jamaica, and the Jamaica Labour Party is your champion for growth in Jamaica, and your champion for prosperity in your lives,” he stated. He said that the JLP will win next week’s general election because the party was not responsible for incidents such as the dead babies and bad gas scandal and the CHIKV epidemic. “The JLP is the best
option to change your future for the better, and we are going to win this election because the people of Jamaica want a break: They have been taxed and overburdened,” he said. “We stand between the PNP and their destruction of Jamaica. We will defeat the evil cancer of the PNP that has been a scourge on the country for the past 26 years,” he stated. He concluded that, while Prime Minister Simpson Miller was “the country’s nightmare” after 2007, he has come to help Jamaicans fulfill their dream, “because my dream is to help you achieve your dream”.
St Kitts government keeping its term limit promise St Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Proposed legislation for term limits for the office of prime minister which has already has its first reading in parliament is expected to become the law of the land in the near future. The incoming law comes against the backdrop of former prime minister Denzil Douglas having served four
terms as head of government, here within St Kitts and power to be bestowed upon the the last term being one in which Nevis and elsewhere in the persons who holds the office of a motion of no confidence in Caribbean and the world, the the Prime Minister, and that his administration languished tendency for persons to get is a part from the motion of in abeyance for over two years into government and to begin no confidence etc, that is one without being tabled in the to feel that the government, of the ways by which you are parliament. the country belongs to that able to reign in that particular Deputy Prime individual rather than that individual and to ensure that Minister Shawn Richards individual being a servant of you have the type of changes says term limits has to be a the people. We recognize that which are needed that you priority. right here the constitution put the necessary checks and “We have right provides for quite a lot of balances in place so you don’t
have complacency, you don’t have persons having that sense of entitlement, that sense of empowerment that I cannot be moved and I am going to be there forever and you begin to reign supreme over the country” the Deputy Prime Minister said. The bill is expected to get its second and third readings in the House.
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U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a news conference after the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Rancho Mirage, California February 16, 2016. President Barack Obama on Thursday announced a historic visit to Cuba next month, speeding up the thaw in relations between the two Cold War former foes but igniting opposition from Republicans at home. In the first U.S. presidential trip to the Caribbean nation in nearly 90 years, Obama will meet with Cuban President Raul Castro, entrepreneurs, and “Cubans from different walks of life” during the trip on March 21 and 22, the White House said. After decades of animosity following Cuba’s 1959 revolution, the two countries agreed in 2014 to move to reopen ties.
It was diplomatic feat that is likely to be a highlight of Obama’s foreign policy legacy along with the reaching of a nuclear deal with another long-time U.S. foe, Iran. Although the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba remains in place, a presidential visit carries huge symbolic value and prestige. “Next month, I’ll travel to Cuba to advance our progress and efforts that can improve the lives of the Cuban people,” Obama wrote on Twitter. The Havana visit is likely to spark debate on Cuba policy in the campaign for the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election, particularly in the
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
Obama announces historic Cuba visit swing voting state of Florida, where many anti-Castro Cuban-Americans live. “Pitiful that Obama rewards Castros with visit to Cuba while conditions for the Cuban people are getting worse,” said Rep. Ileana RosLehtinen, a Cuban-American Republican congresswoman from south Florida. Two candidates in the Republican race, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, are conservative sons of Cuban immigrants and have criticized Obama for renewing ties with Cuba. RELATED COVERAGE • Ahead of Obama visit, Cuba says ready to talk about rights Obama said that while the United States still has concerns about human rights in Cuba, it has already made significant progress in renewing relationships. “We still have differences with the Cuban government that I will raise directly. America will always stand for human rights around the world,” Obama said. Obama had previously said he would visit the neighboring Communist-ruled
nation if he were able to meet with political dissidents. The last sitting U.S. president to visit Cuba was Calvin Coolidge in 1928.
accustomed to watching their government sputter down the last mile of socialism in a ‘57 Chevy, imagine what they’ll think when they see Air Force One,” said Flake. EMBARGO REMAINS “Just think of the progress that can come from His administration one day allowing all freedomhas taken steps to expand loving Americans to travel commerce with the island to Cuba,” Flake said in a nation, only 90 miles (145 km) statement. from Florida. In Havana on Tourism has already Thursday, news of the trip was surged. Airbnb, an online welcomed. home-rental site, said U.S. “Peace reigns in this rentals of homes in Cuba hemisphere,” said Jorge Felix, are booming. The countries a home painter. “These are two have agreed to restore airline countries who have confronted flights, and companies ranging each other for fifty something from tractor manufacturers to years, and on this occasion the telecommunications firms are visit of the U.S. president to assessing the market. Cuba is reason for happiness Obama still seeks and rejoicing,” he said. to pressure U.S. lawmakers “We are going to give to remove the decades- him a box of Habanos,” for a old embargo on Cuba but real taste of Cuba, said Luis Republicans control Congress Fernandez, a retired cigar and are unlikely to act soon. roller, referring to a Cuban Republican Senator cigar brand. Jeff Flake from Arizona, who First lady Michelle supports ending the sanctions, Obama will also go on the trip, said the Obama visit could which is taking place during help open Cuba up to the the president’s final year in world. office. “For Cubans
Pope says Trump ‘not Christian’ Mexico, Francis told reporters, “A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian.” Trump, a real estate developer and former reality TV star, said, “If and when the Vatican is attacked by ISIS, which as everyone knows is ISIS’s ultimate trophy, I can promise you that the pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump Pope Francis would have been president,” Trump Pope Francis assailed said in a speech in Kiawah Island, Republican presidential candidate South Carolina, using an acronym for Donald Trump’s views on U.S. the Islamic State militant group. immigration as “not Christian” on “For a religious leader to Thursday, prompting the billionaire question a person’s faith is disgraceful. businessman to reprimand the I am proud to be a Christian and as religious leader as “disgraceful” for president I will not allow Christianity questioning his faith. to be consistently attacked and No stranger to controversy, weakened,” Trump said. Trump, the longtime party front- “No leader, especially a runner in national opinion polls, has religious leader, should have the right vowed if elected president to build a to question another man’s religion or wall between the United States and faith,” Trump said. Mexico to keep out immigrants who Trump has said he would enter illegally. deport millions of illegal immigrants In a freewheeling conversation if he wins his party’s nomination and on his flight home from a visit to then the Nov. 8 election. Last week,
responding to the pope’s plan to visit the U.S.-Mexican border, he said that Pope Francis did not understand the Mexican border issues. “The pope is a very political person. I think he doesn’t understand the problems our country has. I don’t think he understands the danger of the open border that we have with Mexico,” Trump told the Fox Business Network. Asked about being called a “political person”, Francis said on Thursday, “Thank God he said I was a politician because Aristotle defined the human person as ‘animal politicus.’ So at least I am a human person.” The pope’s remarks and Trump’s response lit up social media with many Twitter users speculating on how Trump would move on from the pope’s withering comment. Author Dan Dicker @Dan_Dicker tweeted, “Let’s see @realDonaldTrump insult his way out of this.” Trump’s social media director Dan Scavino @DanScavino tweeted, “Amazing comments from the Pope considering Vatican City is 100 percent surrounded by massive walls.”
Donald Trump In a written statement Trump accused the Mexican government of making disparaging remarks about him to the pope “because they want to continue to rip off the United States, both on trade and at the border, and they understand I am totally wise to them. “The pope only heard one side of the story - he didn’t see the crime, the drug trafficking and the negative economic impact the current policies have on the United States. He doesn’t see how Mexican leadership is outsmarting President Obama and our leadership in every aspect of negotiation.”
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Hundreds of millions of Islamic State funds destroyed in air strikes
U.S.-led air strikes on Islamic State cash storage sites have cost the militant group hundreds of millions of dollars, a U.S. military spokesman said on Wednesday. The United States is trying to cut revenue to Islamic State - believed to be one of the best-funded militant groups in the world - through air strikes targeting its oil production as well as cash storage sites. U.S. officials
believe the ultra-hardline Sunni group is more dependent on cash as it has seen its access to the formal banking system reduced through sanctions and other measures. Colonel Steve Warren, a spokesman for the U.S.-led military effort against Islamic State, said the air strikes on cash storage and collection sites have destroyed hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of currency.
He declined to give a more precise in its territory, U.S. officials say. estimate of how much money had been Islamic State has declared a destroyed. self-styled caliphate across areas of As of mid-January, the U.S.-led territory it controls in Iraq and Syria, coalition had struck 10 Islamic State imposing its own harsh interpretation cash storage and distribution sites in of Islamic law. Iraq and Syria, Warren said last month. U.S.-led air strikes have In addition to selling oil pumped from helped force the militant group to cut territory it controls, Islamic State also its fighters’ pay by up to 50 percent, a has earned revenue through taxation, senior U.S Treasury official said earlier selling antiquities and raids on banks this month.
Wounded soldier soon to receive first US penis transplant
Ted Cruz rises above Donald Trump in new national poll The Republican primary may have just shifted in Ted Cruz’s favor, according to an NBC/ Wall Street Journal national poll released Wednesday. The poll, which stands contradictory to other state and national polls, shows the Texas senator 2 percentage points ahead of longtime front-runner Donald Trump. The poll, conducted after the Republican primary debate held in South Carolina on Saturday, shows Cruz in first place with 28 percent of the vote to Trump’s 26 percent. The results are within the poll’s 4.9 percent margin of error. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) is in third place with 17 percent, Ohio Gov. John Kasich follows with 11 percent, Ben Carson has 10 percent and Jeb Bush is last with 4 percent. This is a dramatic shift from last month, when Trump led the field with a 13-point margin over Cruz in the previous NBC/ WSJ poll. This is also the first poll since early November to show a first-place candidate who is not Trump, according to the HuffPost Pollster poll aggregate.
The results also conflict with the HuffPost Pollster national average, which shows Trump soaring with 38 percent of the vote, well above Cruz, who has 18 percent, and Rubio, who has 16 percent. Republican pollster Bill McInturff, who alongside Democratic pollster Peter Hart conducted the poll on behalf of Hart Research Associates, explained to NBC that the results might be an indication that the poll is “right on top of a shift in the campaign.” That shift, McInturff said, could be a “momentary ‘pause’ before the numbers snap back into place,” or it could be an enduring change. A difference in the electorate composition could be another factor responsible for the surprising results, according to NBC. The survey has a higher percentage of “very conservative” Republican voters than the January poll. Still, weighing the results to match last month’s demographics shows Trump just 1 point ahead. It’s bad practice, however, to rely solely on one poll. It’s
An NBC/WSJ poll shows Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) ahead of Donald Trump in a national primary poll. possible that the NBC/WSJ poll is an outlier -- but it’s also possible that it is picking up a change in the campaign. A clearer picture should emerge as more polls are released. In addition, it’s important to remember that there is no such thing as a national primary. And while Cruz may be leading in one poll of a hypothetical race, Trump still has a strong lead in upcoming primary elections in South Carolina (17-point lead) and Nevada (27-point lead).
Austria sticks to migration cap despite EU legal warning Austria said on Thursday it would go ahead with introducing daily caps on migrants despite warnings from Brussels that the move broke European Union rules, which have already been badly stretched by the migration crisis engulfing the bloc. Vienna announced it would let in no more than 3,200 people and cap asylum claims at 80 per day from Friday as it tries to cut immigration, drawing criticism from the European Union’s migration chief. “Politically I say we’ll stick with it ... it is unthinkable for Austria to take on the asylum seekers for the whole of Europe,” Austria’s Chancellor Werner Faymann said on arriving at an
EU leaders’ summit in Brussels. Around 700,000 migrants entered Austria last year and about 90,000 applied for asylum in the country sitting on the migrant route from Turkey via Greece and the Balkans to Germany. “After 100,000 refugees, we can’t tell the Austrian people that it will just continue like this. That’s why I tell the EU: we set a good example but to think that you don’t have to do anything, then I have to say it is time for the EU to act,” Faymann said. Austria is the latest EU state to resort to its own measures to curb migration and try control the flows as the 28-nation bloc has all but failed to implement a joint response
to its worst migration crisis in decades. “It is true that Austria is under huge pressure,” European Union Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos told Reuters earlier on Thursday. “It is true they are overwhelmed. But, on the other hand, there are some principles and laws that all countries must respect and apply.” Avramopoulos sent a letter to Austria’s Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner on Thursday, urging Vienna to reconsider the move as it was against EU laws. “The Austrians are obliged to accept asylum applications without putting a cap,” Avramopoulos said.
A U.S. soldier wounded in an explosion will be the first person in the United States to receive a penis transplant, doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital said, which could open the way for about 60 other servicemen with genital injuries to have this surgery. Surgeons hope a donated organ from a recently deceased man will provide full function including urination, sensation and sex. The surgery requires joining nerves and blood vessels under a microscope. Doctors and advocates who work with wounded soldiers note that the loss of the penis is one of the most emotionally traumatic injuries because it affects a sense of identity and manhood, especially for men hoping to become fathers. “When you meet these guys and you realize what they’ve given for the country, it makes a lot of sense,” Dr. Richard Redett, a plastic surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital who will help perform the operation, told Reuters. The recipient, who was not identified, lost most of his penis and had substantial groin injuries in a bomb explosion while deployed overseas. Media reports have said he was wounded in Afghanistan. The surgery could occur in the coming weeks. Doctors are looking for a donor who is a good match in terms of age and skin color. The donor’s family will need to give permission for the penis to be removed. There have been two penis transplants in the world. The first in China in 2006 was unsuccessful. The second in South Africa in 2014 was a success. Thor Wold, who served as a Marine medic in the Iraq war and now works as an advocate for veterans, said that after suffering genital injuries servicemen immediately wanted to know if they would still have sexual function. “They would ask, ‘Is everything OK down there, doc? My wife’s at home and we’re trying to have a baby when I get back,’” Wold told Reuters. Redett said a veteran suffering from a blast injury could need to have not just his penis replaced but also the scrotum, part of the abdominal wall, groin tissue and part of the inner thigh. “We’ve sorted out how to take that block of tissue from a donor and give it to a recipient,” he said. The penis transplant does not involve the testes, where sperm are produced, so if a man with a transplanted penis does father a child, the baby would be his genetic offspring, not the donor’s. While for now only wounded veterans are being considered for penis transplants, the surgery could eventually be performed on men with birth defects and transgender men and women.
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WORLD NEWS
Cameron calls on EU for credible deal to keep Britain in
Prime Minister David Cameron called on EU leaders on Thursday to help him settle the question of Europe for a generation by agreeing a “credible” deal he can sell to the British public and stay in the European Union. At ‘now or never’ talks in Brussels, leaders worked to overcome differences on the most contentious areas of Cameron’s renegotiation of Britain’s membership deal - demands for financial safeguards and curbs to some benefits for EU migrants. All acknowledged there was work to be done, but most leaders appeared keen to give Cameron a deal which he can hail as a victory before starting a campaign to keep Britain in the EU at a referendum widely expected to be held in late June. “The question of Britain’s place in Europe has been allowed to fester for too long and it is time to deal with it,” Cameron told other leaders at the first working session of the two-day summit. “If we can reach agreement here that is strong enough to persuade
the British people to support the UK’s membership of the EU then we have an opportunity to settle this issue for a generation,” he said, describing the new relationship as a flexible one that allows countries to “live and let live”. On arrival, Cameron said he thought that hard work and goodwill would help him clinch “a better deal for Britain” - one that could convince an increasingly skeptical British public to vote to stay in the 28-member bloc. Doubters, including many within Cameron’s own Conservative party, have dismissed the changes he is seeking as watered-down “thin gruel” that will do little to alter Britain’s relationship with Europe. The stakes are high. A vote to leave would not only transform Britain’s future in world affairs but would also shake the EU, which has struggled to maintain unity over migration and financial crises, by ripping away its second-largest economy and one of its two main military powers. Under pressure from business
British Prime Minister David Cameron to settle the matter and end uncertainty that has weighed on markets and companies, and with opinion polls suggesting that the ‘out’ campaign is gaining ground, Cameron wants to hold the vote as soon as possible.
EU leaders are also eager to settle the British renegotiation, feeling that if they fail to agree terms this time, they will lose the opportunity to turn to more pressing concerns, such as the refugee crisis. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that despite some obstacles remaining, she had “the attitude that we gladly want to do everything to create the conditions so Britain can remain a part of the European Union”. French President Francois Hollande also said he wanted Britain to stay in the EU but not to the detriment of the EU. Summing up how many saw the evening talks playing out, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite said: “I think everybody will have his own drama. And then we will agree.” Cameron has spent weeks touring Europe seeking agreement on his reforms, so he can hold a referendum and try to put to rest the divisions over Europe that have dogged his party for years.
John Paul II had intense Iraq sentences 40 to death over friendship with married woman Islamic State’s mass killing of captured soldiers
Pope John Paul London (AFP) - Pope John Paul II had a close relationship with a married woman which lasted over 30 years according to letters which feature in a documentary being shown by the BBC on Monday. The documentary does not claim he broke his vow of celibacy with Polish-born philosopher and writer Anna-Teresa , although the tone of some of his letters to her points to intense feelings between them, the broadcaster says. The two spent camping and skiing holidays together and went on country walks. In one letter from September 1976, he calls her a “gift from God”. “My dear Teresa,” he writes. “You write about being torn apart, but I could find no answer to these words.” Also in September 1976, he writes: “Already last year I was looking for an answer to these words, ‘I belong to you’, and finally, before leaving Poland, I found a way -- a scapular.” A scapular is a piece of cloth worn as part of the habit of monastic orders and the then Cardinal Karol Wojtyla gave Tymieniecka his. “The dimension in which I accept and feel you everywhere in all kinds of situations, when you are close, and when you are far away,” he adds.
I would say they were more than friends but less than lovers,” he said. “One of the fascinating stories that comes out of these letters is of a struggle to contain what was certainly a very intense relationship which mixed emotions and philosophical ideas in proper Christian boundaries.” But the Vatican said there was “nothing out of the ordinary in the fact that pope John Paul II had close friendships with different people, whether men or women.” “Nobody will be amazed at this information,” a spokesman said. Denials of ‘fiancee’ The Polish library also rejected the BBC’s interpretation of the correspondence, saying that John Paul II had many friends and that such relationships were not confidential or “exceptional”. A close associate of John Paul II said it was “possible” that a married woman had fallen in love with him before he became head of the Roman Catholic church. “Women fall in love with priests all the time, and it’s always a big headache,” Father Adam Boniecki, editor-in-chief of the progressive Tygodnik Powszechny Catholic weekly, told AFP. “If she was in love with (Karol) Wojtyla, she was most likely not alone,” said Boniecki, himself the author of a detailed account of the pontiff ’s life. Tymieniecka “translated Karol Wojtyla’s books into English, making his work known to US academics... but her translations caused tension between the two”, Boniecki said. The BBC has only seen John Paul II’s letters, not Tymieniecka’s side of the correspondence. She died in 2014. John Paul II was pope from 1978 to 2005 and was made a saint by the Catholic Church after his death. In 2014 he was declared a saint by the current Pope Francis.
An Iraqi court sentenced 40 captured members of Islamic State to death on Thursday for the killing of hundreds of soldiers after their capture by the ultra-radical militant group as it swept across northern Iraq in 2014, a judicial spokesman said. The slaughter of 1,700 soldiers after they fled from an ex-U.S. army base outside the northern city of Tikrit has become a symbol of Islamic State’s brutality and the Sunni insurgent group’s sectarian hatred of Iraq’s Shi’ite Muslim majority. A Baghdad criminal court issued the death sentences based on what Abdul-Sattar al-Birqdar, spokesman for Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council, said were convictions on terrorism charges. Seven defendants were acquitted and freed for lack of evidence. Security forces arrested dozens of suspects over the mass killing of the soldiers after retaking Tikrit from Islamic State last year. Twenty-four were convicted and sentenced to death last July, and are awaiting decisions on their appeals. There are more than 600 suspects in all, judicial officials say.
London-based rights watchdog Amnesty International denounced the trial leading to the death penalties, saying it was “fundamentally flawed” and had displayed “a reckless disregard for justice and human life”. Amnesty said the total number of people sentenced to die in Iraq so far this year had risen to almost 100. Birqdar said all death sentences were subject to review by the court of appeals. Iraqi law provides for an automatic appeal for all deathsentence and life-imprisonment cases, even if the defendants do not lodge an appeal themselves. However, death sentences in Iraq are often handed down after very brief trials in which defendants are poorly represented, seldom allowed to give evidence and are often tortured into making confessions that are then used against them. Video images of the Shi’ite soldiers being machine-gunned in their hundreds, posted online by Islamic State, rank as among the most deadliest single acts of bloodshed during a decade of periodic sectarian war in Iraq.
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73-Story Tower Would Be Brooklyn’s Tallest by Far Scrutiny is about to begin of a proposal for the tallest tower in Brooklyn, one that would be impossible to ignore. Two developers have submitted plans in recent weeks for a 1,066-foot building in Downtown Brooklyn, which would be almost twice as high as anything surrounding it. The complex, at 9 DeKalb Avenue, would also bring the current surge in supertall towers across the East River from Manhattan. The 73-story structure, to be built by JDS Development Group and the Chetrit Group, would be more than double the height of the 512-foot Williamsburgh Savings Bank building, which was once the tallest in the borough. The plans were drawn up by SHoP Architects, whose portfolio includes another of the most recognizable new buildings in Brooklyn, Barclays Center. For this project, the architects say they drew inspiration from the limestonecolumned Brooklyn Dime Savings Bank, which sits next door to the site of the tower and would be incorporated into the property. The bronzed ribbons running up the tower’s glassy sides draw on details of the bank, and its hexagonal shape echoes the bank’s footprint. Part of the tower would rest on a rear portion of the bank, which the developer hopes to demolish; this could become a sticking point, since the bank is a New York City landmark. The bigger issue for many would seem to be the height, even in a neighborhood and city marked by tall towers. “Yes, the city planned this for a new Brooklyn,” Gina Pollara, the newly appointed president of the Municipal Art Society, said. “But does the public really understand what the cumulative effect of all these towers will be on the public realm?” In 2014, JDS and Chetrit spent $46 million on the 340 Flatbush Avenue Extension, a five-story midcentury building that covers about a third of the triangular site and would be demolished to accommodate most of the tower. In December, the developers acquired the bank building, until last year a branch of JPMorgan Chase, for $90 million. They plan to use its soaring Beaux-Arts spaces for shops as well as incorporating roughly 300,000 square feet of air rights that would make the tower’s spire possible. A 1,066-foot tower can be built along Flatbush Avenue without any special approvals from the city, but since the exterior and interior of the bank building — opened in 1908 and expanded in 1932 — are protected, alterations to the bank must be approved by the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission. A hearing before the commission is scheduled for March 15. The members of the
Kendrick Lamar tops Grammy Awards
Rapper Kendrick Lamar led the Grammy winners on Monday with five wins but was shut out of the night’s top categories as Taylor Swift nabbed album of the year in an upset victory. Compton, California rapper Lamar went into the awards with 11 nominations, and had looked on course to take album of the year for his criticallyacclaimed “To Pimp A Butterfly,” but it was countryturned-pop artist Swift who won with “1989”, the best-selling album of 2014. Swift, 26, made history as the first woman to win album of the year twice after also taking the Grammy in 2009 for “Fearless,” and delivered a feisty acceptance speech on female empowerment. “To all the woman out there ... there will be people who try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame,” the singer said on stage, adding “don’t let people sidetrack you.” The speech appeared to be a swipe at Kanye West who last week released a song called “Famous” in which he claimed that he made Swift famous after the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards incident in which West hijacked Swift’s win live on stage. R&B singer Bruno Mars and producer Mark Ronson won record of the year for their upbeat track “Uptown Funk!” “We wouldn’t be up here if it wasn’t for the people dancing to this song,” Mars said. British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran won his first Grammys, including song of the year for “Thinking Out Loud”, receiving a big hug from Swift as he went up on stage. Pop star Meghan Trainor, who broke out A rendering of the 73-story tower planned for Downtown Brooklyn last year with her body-confident hit “All About That land-use committee for Brooklyn the former Steinway Building. Bass,” was named Best New Artist, tearfully thanking Community Board 2 were Until last year, the Chetrit Group, music executive L.A. Reid “for looking at me as an artist instead of just a song-writer.” impressed at a meeting on based in Brooklyn, was the owner Hip-hop took center stage as Lamar won best Wednesday night, though the of Willis Tower in Chicago, the rap album and delivered the night’s most socially board will play only an advisory second-tallest building in North charged performance. role. “It’s a beautiful project and America, behind 1 World Trade The rapper wore chains and a prison uniform a great opportunity to save the Center. to perform “The Blacker The Berry,” a powerful bank,” Hazra Ali said. “We’re really excited to commentary on racial issues facing America’s black Tiny Ibelli called it “the give Brooklyn a building that best proposal to compliment isn’t bashful, that isn’t shy,” youth. He then broke free and rapped his anthemic track “Alright” surrounded by African tribal dancers. the area since the RKO Albee,” Michael Stern, the founder and Other winners included blues-rock group referring to a famed movie house managing partner of JDS, said Alabama Shakes, who took home three wins including that once stood across the street, in a statement. “We want this and was demolished in 1978. The project to encapsulate everything best rock performance for “Don’t Wanna Fight,” and committee approved the plan, 11 that is great about Brooklyn’s Broadway musical “Hamilton” won best musical theater album. to 0. past and everything that is great Canadian crooner The Weeknd won two Unlike the Manhattan about Brooklyn’s future.” Grammys out of his seven nominations, including towers rising more than 1,000 Since the neighborhood urban contemporary album for “Beauty Behind the feet, the Brooklyn structure, with was rezoned in 2004, Downtown nearly 500 units, is planned as Brooklyn has seen a swell of Madness,” while Chris Stapleton also scored two awards, including best country album for “Traveller.” a rental apartment building, activity. There have been 6,758 Canadian pop star Justin Bieber won his firstaccording to a person familiar with apartments built since then, ever Grammy in the best dance recording category for the plans who was not authorized with 5,254 under construction to discuss them publicly. The and an additional 7,790 in the “Where Are U Now,” which he later performed. While most performers on the night offered developers also applied for the planning stages, according to the pared-down renditions of their hits, Lady Gaga gave 421-a program, which provides tax Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, a colorful tribute to late British singer David Bowie, breaks for including subsidized a local business group. singing a medley of his hits while dressed as the apartments in luxury buildings, “Brooklyn has redefined before it expired last year, and itself, in terms of the kinds of androgynous ‘starman.’ Offstage, Rihanna made news by canceling would set aside at least 20 percent housing it can support,” Jonathan her scheduled performance at the last minute due to of the units as affordable housing. Miller, the president of the Such an investment shows the appraisal firm Miller Samuel, illness. continued strength of the Brooklyn said. “This project, I’d almost real estate market, where prices in think of it as a part of downtown some neighborhoods have already Manhattan.” surpassed those in Manhattan. Mr. Miller cautioned The proposed tower that with so many units on the would be near one of the borough’s horizon, and demand for luxury most important intersections, rentals softening, the tower could the corner of Flatbush Avenue be difficult to fill. According to his Extension and the Fulton Street firm, rents for the most expensive Mall, and would rise beside one of apartments in Brooklyn fell 6 Brooklyn’s unofficial landmarks, percent in January from a year Junior’s Restaurant. For a time, earlier, to $5,163 per month. the 1950s diner known for its Among Brooklyn boosters, cheesecake was up for sale in the feeling is that such a tower is the hopes of facilitating a similar overdue. tower project, though the owners “Honestly, the first time I eventually decided not to sell, or got a glimpse of these plans, I got even to give up their air rights. a little emotional,” said Tucker The developers already Reed, president of the Downtown have considerable experience with Brooklyn Partnership. “It’s just a tall towers. JDS is constructing marker of how far Brooklyn has a 1,428-foot condominium at 111 come.” West 57th Street, that rises from Kendrick Lamar
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WORLD NEWS
Conspiracy theories swirl around the death of Supreme Court judge Antonin Scalia
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Two days after Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died suddenly in remote West Texas, a former D.C. homicide commander is raising questions about how the death was handled by local and federal
authorities. “As a former homicide commander, I am stunned that no autopsy was ordered for Justice Scalia,” William O. Ritchie, former head of criminal investigations for D.C. police, wrote in a post on Facebook on Sunday. Scalia was found dead in his room at a luxury hunting resort in the state’s Big Bend region by the resort’s owner. It took hours for authorities to find a justice of the peace. When they did, Presidio County Judge Cinderela Guevara pronounced Scalia dead of natural causes without seeing the body which is permissible under Texas law and without ordering an autopsy. On Sunday, the U.S. Marshals Service, which provides security for Supreme Court justices, said that Scalia had declined a security detail while at the ranch, so marshals were not present when he died. When the marshals were notified, deputy marshals from the Western District of Texas went to the scene, the service said in a statement. Guevara said she declared
Scalia dead based on information from law enforcement officials on the scene, who assured her that “there were no signs of foul play.” She also spoke to Scalia’s doctor, who told her that the justice had been to see him Wednesday and Thursday last week for a shoulder injury and that he had ordered an MRI for Scalia, according to WFAATV in Dallas. The 79-year-old justice also suffered from several chronic conditions, Guevara said. She said she was awaiting a statement from the physician to complete Scalia’s death certificate. In an interview with The Washington Post, Guevara has said she rebutted a report by a Dallas TV station that Scalia had died of “myocardial infarction.” She said she meant only that his heart had stopped. Ritchie also raised questions about the marshals’ actions: “How can the Marshal say, without a thorough post mortem, that he was not injected with an illegal substance that would simulate a heart attack…”
“Did the US Marshal check for petechial hemorrhage in his eyes or under his lips that would have suggested suffocation? Did the US Marshal smell his breath for any unusual odor that might suggest poisoning? My gut tells me there is something fishy going on in Texas.” A spokesman for the marshals service said Monday that the marshals did not make a formal determination of death. He directed questions to the county judge who made the call. Scalia’s physician, Brian Monahan, is a U.S. Navy rear admiral and the attending physician for the U.S. Congress and Supreme Court. He declined to comment on Scalia’s health when reached by telephone Monday at his home in Maryland. “Patient confidentiality forbids me to make any comment on the subject,” he said. When asked whether he planned to make public the statement he’s preparing for Guevara, Monahan repeated the same statement and hung up on a reporter.
How a new US Supreme Court justice will be chosen
The death on Saturday February 13th, 2016 of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, the high court’s most outspoken conservative judge, is setting up a major political showdown in a presidential election year between President Barack Obama and the Republican-controlled Senate over who will replace him. The following questions and answers address the process of how a new justice is nominated and approved. Q: Who nominates justices to the Supreme Court? A: The president has the sole power to nominate justices, under Article II of the U.S. Constitution. Q: Must President Barack Obama whose term ends on Jan. 20, 2017, when the new president is sworn in - nominate a justice to fill Scalia’s vacancy? A: No, he is not required to, and immediately following Scalia’s death, a number of Republican senators urged Obama to let the vacancy be filled by his successor. Q: But Obama still has the right to nominate someone? A: Yes, he does. The White House on Sunday said Obama plans to nominate someone to fill the vacancy, but he will wait until after the U.S. Senate is back in session on Feb. 22. Q: What happens after the president nominates someone?
Q: So what is the chance of a filibuster on a nominee by Obama? A: The Republicans currently control the Senate, with 54 seats, versus the 46 held by Democrats and senators who caucus with the Democrats. So the Democrats on their own clearly do not have the 60 votes to end a potential filibuster. That said, some Republicans could decide to vote with the Democrats to end a filibuster. Q: Are there any potential nominees who Republicans might approve? A: Yes, there are some names being suggested by observers who might be palatable to Republicans. Q: What happens if the process is dragged out and Scalia’s Supreme Court seat is still vacant when the new president takes office next January? A: That is a big wild card because no one knows at this point whether a Republican or Democrat will be the next president. It is also possible that the Democrats could win back control of the Senate in the Nov. 8 elections. There are 34 Senate seats up for election in November, as the body’s 100 seats turn over in a staggered fashion, A: Any nomination requires U.S. Senate with roughly a third of the seats up for election approval, by a simple majority vote, so at least every two years. 51 senators, out of the 100 total, must vote for Republicans face tough races for Senate approval. The Senate is currently controlled by the seats in various swing states, such as Ohio, Florida, Republicans, who hold 54 seats. New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. And But before the nomination goes before Democrats in the November elections will only have the full Senate for a vote, the Senate Judiciary to defend 10 seats, while Republicans are on the line Committee holds a hearing. The nominee gives for 24 seats. testimony at the hearing and answers questions Q: What happens with Supreme Court from the committee’s members. And the Judiciary rulings while a seat remains vacant? With only Committee, which is majority-controlled by eight justices currently on the bench, could Republicans, could even refuse to hold hearings. not there be tied decisions? Q: Once the Judiciary Committee A: Yes, it is true that eight justices currently holds a hearing, is the nomination then serving there could be tied votes on some cases that automatically brought before the full Senate? have already been argued before the court, but on A: No, the committee votes on whether to which decisions have not yet been made. However, put the nominee before the full Senate. the Supreme Court keeps operating, and there is a Q: When a nominee goes before the full mechanism in place in the case of a tied vote. Senate, is a vote taken immediately? If that is the case, then the ruling by the A: No, the Senate debates the nomination. lower court (i.e., the ruling by the last court before Debate continues until a senator asks for unanimous the case was brought to the Supreme Court) remains consent and move to a vote. in place. There are some big issues before the court Q: What happens if there is no that had been expected to be wins for conservative unanimous consent? causes that could end up being wins for liberals A: This is where things get interesting and if the lower court rulings are affirmed. Similarly, where party politics really come into play. If there there are cases in which Scalia was likely to be a key is no unanimous consent, the Senate must vote vote for the conservatives in which a tied vote could on whether to end debate, something known as result in upholding a lower court ruling favored by “cloture.” For Supreme Court nominations, 60 votes conservatives. of the Senate are required to end debate. If the vote There have also been cases of tie votes to end debate fails to garner at least 60 votes, debate resulting in the Supreme Court ordering that a case continues, which is known as a filibuster. be reargued after a new justice is confirmed.
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US and Cuba sign deal on commercial flights HAVANA — The United States and Cuba signed a deal Tuesday restoring commercial air traffic for the first time in five decades, allowing dozens of new daily flights to bring hundreds of thousands more American travelers a year to the island as early as this fall. Immediately after the signing, the U.S. Department of Transportation opened bidding by American air carriers on as many as 110 U.S.Cuba flights a day — more than five times the current number. All flights operating between the two countries today are charters. Barring other major announcements, the restart of commercial flights will be the most significant development in U.S.Cuba trade since Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro announced in late 2014 that they would begin normalizing ties after a half-century of Cold War opposition. The Obama administration is eager to make rapid progress on building trade and diplomatic ties with Cuba before the president leaves office. The coming weeks are seen as particularly crucial to building momentum ahead of a trip he hopes to make to Havana by the end of March. “Today is a historic day in the relationship between Cuba and the U.S.,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said after he and Transportation Minister Adel Yzquierdo Rodriguez signed the deal in a ceremony at Havana’s Hotel Nacional. “It represents a critically important milestone in the U.S. effort to engage with Cuba.” The U.S. Department of
of regular flights between the United States and Cuba,” Yzquierdo Rodriguez at the signing ceremony. Commercial flights make travel to Cuba far easier for U.S. travelers, with features such as online booking and 24-hour customer service that are largely absent in the charter industry. U.S. visitors to Cuba will still have to qualify under one of the travel categories legally authorized by the U.S. government. Tourism is still barred by law, but the number of legal reasons to go to Cuba — from organizing professional meetings to United States Transportation Secretary Anthony Renard Foxx, center back left, and Cuba’s Minister of distributing information to Cubans — Transportation Adel Yzquierdo Rodriguez, center back right, watch United States Assistant Secretary has grown so large and loosely enforced of State for Economic and Business Affairs Charles Rivkin, left sitting, and Cuba’s Civil Aviation that the distinction from tourism has Institute Director Alfredo Pablo Cordero sign the airlines agreement in Havana, Cuba, Tuesday, Feb. blurred significantly. 16, 2016. Commercial travel will give Transportation expects to award Foxx said Cuban officials travelers the ability to simply check an the new routes by the summer. The know they have to improve Havana’s online box on a long list of authorized winning airlines then must negotiate transportation infrastructure, which is categories. their own deals with Cuba. already badly strained by the surge in The deal does not contemplate Yzquierdo declined an visitors since the 2014 declaration of flights by Cuba’s national airline to interview request but Foxx said after U.S.-Cuba detente. the United States, where lawyers for meeting with the Cuban minister that “Obviously with the demand families and businesses that have sued he believed Cuba was eager to restore spiking as a result of this there’ll be Havana over decades-old property commercial air service as quickly as capacity issues that they’ll have to confiscations are eager to freeze any of possible. address on this end,” he said. “They its assets that they can get their hands “Every indication I have in the recognize that they need to grow their on. conversations we’ve had today is that capabilities here and I get the sense American Airlines spokesman the Cubans want to move as fast as that they’re really serious about doing Matt Miller said the company plans we’re able to move,” Foxx said. “People it.” to bid on routes from Miami and other will actually be able to go buy a ticket Nearly 160,000 U.S. leisure unspecified “American hubs.” and fly to Cuba on a commercial airline. travelers flew to Cuba last year, along “We applaud the That’s a pretty big step. We haven’t with hundreds of thousands of Cuban- Administration for making commercial been able to do that in 50 years.” Americans visiting family, mostly on air service a priority,” American The agreement allows 20 expensive, frequently chaotic charter chairman Doug Parker said in a written regular daily U.S. flights to Havana, in flights out of Florida. statement. “American looks forward to addition to the current 10-15 charter “The adoption of this submitting a Cuba service proposal to flights a day. The rest would be to memorandum is an important step the Department of Transportation in other Cuban cities. that will soon permit the establishment the coming weeks.”
Venezuela hikes gas prices for first time in nearly 17 years gasoline revenue will finance the government’s social programs. “We must charge for gas,” he said. “I ask that the people welcome and support this new system.” Gasoline prices are a touchy issue in Venezuela, where memories are still vivid from 1989 riots in Caracas that erupted after the proposal of a series of austerity measures including a hike in gas prices. Maduro also announced that the strongest of the country’s official exchange rates, used for essential goods like food and medicine, would be changing from 6.30 bolivars to the U.S. dollar to 10 bolivars to the dollar. Meanwhile, the bolivar is worth about 1,000 to the dollar on the black market. A driver sits in his car as he fuels up at a gas station in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016. The economic measures come Venezuela’s government is raising gasoline prices sixtyfold _ the first increase of any kind in more as Maduro fights for his political than 17 years as the country struggles with an economic collapse. Yet drivers will still be able to fill survival. their tanks for pennies. Oil accounts 95 percent of CARACAS, Venezuela — so heavily subsidized that it is virtually Venezuela’s export earnings, and President Nicolas Maduro announced free. plummeting world prices have helped a currency devaluation and gasoline The price of premium gasoline push its state-led economy into a deep price hike Wednesday in an attempt will rise from 0.1 bolivar a liter to 6 recession, with chronic shortages, to shield Venezuela’s oil-dependent bolivars per liter, and regular gasoline empty store shelves and soaring economy from collapse and fend off will jump from 0.07 bolivar to 1 bolivar inflation. mounting calls for his ouster. per liter. In contrast, a beer costs Opposition leaders took Gas prices will jump more around 300 bolivars while a basket control of Congress in January for the than sixtyfold — the first increase of of strawberries goes for 800 bolivars. first time in more than a decade and any kind in about 20 years. Yet drivers Calculated at the widely used black have been on a collision course with will still be able to fill their tanks market currency exchange rate, the the socialist president ever since. for pennies in this South American price per gallon will be a few U.S. cents. Lawmakers are weighing country where gasoline has long been Maduro said the increased several options for removing Maduro
from office, including shortening his term, and calling a constitutional referendum. But many fear the Supreme Court, which has not ruled against the executive branch since the late President Hugo Chavez took office in 1999, would simply overturn these efforts. Opposition leaders quickly dismissed Wednesday’s measures as insufficient to right the flagging economy. Earlier in the day, the opposition’s top vote-getter, two-time opposition presidential candidate Henrique Capriles, called for a presidential recall referendum. Maduro’s approval ratings have languished in the 20 percent range for most of his term, but a recall battle would be complicated. To force a recall referendum, the opposition would need to gather nearly 4 million signatures. And if a referendum was held, the president would be removed only if the number of anti-Maduro votes exceeded the number of votes he got in the 2013 election. A voter referendum might be a longer and more risky path than some of the other recall options, but Capriles said it was one the government would be forced to recognize. “Now is the time,” he said. “They will not be able to overturn a referendum.”
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WORLD NEWS BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY
Apple could easily bypass iPhone security, experts say _ but won’t
NEW YORK — Faced with a federal judge’s order to help investigators break into an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino, California, shooters, Apple may well argue that the request places an unreasonable burden on the company. In fact, experts say that complying with the government’s request wouldn’t be particularly challenging for Apple. But doing so might set a dangerous precedent that could threaten the data security of the millions of iPhone users around the world. The phone in question was used by Syed Farook, who along with his wife, Tashfeen Malik, killed 14 people in a December attack. Investigators don’t know if the phone contains important evidence about the attack or the couple’s communications — and because its contents are encrypted, they won’t unless they can get the passcode to unlock it. The phone was issued by Farook’s employer, the county of San Bernardino. Investigators can’t just try random passcodes until they hit on the right one, either. The phone has apparently enabled an Apple security feature — a sort of selfdestruct option that would render the phone’s data unreadable after 10 incorrect passcode attempts. The judge’s order requires Apple to create a unique software package — one Apple CEO Tim Cook described as “a new version of the iPhone operating system” — that would allow investigators to bypass the self-destruct system. The same software would also let the government enter passcodes electronically, eliminating both the tedium of manual entry and the enforced delays the iPhone system imposes after a few wrong guesses. Apple opposes the order,
Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks during an announcement of new products in Cupertino, Calif. Faced with a federal judge’s order to help investigators break into an iPhone allegedly used by one of the San Bernardino, Calif., shooters, arguing that such software would says Lee Tien, a staff attorney for amount to a security “backdoor” the Electronic Frontier Foundation, that would ultimately make a digital rights group. “Asking iPhone users across the globe a technology company to make more vulnerable to information its security less secure is a crazy, or identity theft. Both the ACLU stupid thing to do,” he says. “It’s and the Electronic Frontier like asking water not to be wet.” Foundation have pledged to The government’s best support Apple, saying that the bet may be to argue that its government’s request endangers request doesn’t actually create security and privacy. a backdoor, even if that’s how From a technical Apple characterizes the request, perspective, making such software says Robert Cattanach, a former shouldn’t be difficult for Apple, Justice Department attorney. But experts say. But once created, it Apple is probably right to worry would be nearly impossible to that a government win in this case contain, says Ajay Arora, CEO will lead to broader requests down and co-founder of Vera, a startup the road. that provides companies with “If the court rules in favor encryption services. of the government, then I think “Imagine if that got into the stage has been set for the the wrong hands,” he says. “What next step, which is, ‘Thanks for they’re asking for is a God key — removing the auto-wipe. Now you and once you get that, there’s no need to help us defeat the code’,” going back.” Cattanach says. “If you’re the The demands being made government, you’re going to ask of Apple border on the bizarre, for that.”
Hospital explains decision to pay ransom to hackers LOS ANGELES -- The CEO of Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center says the hospital decided to pay ransom to hackers who were holding its computer network hostage because that was the “quickest and most efficient way” to regain control of the system. The hospital paid the ransom using the digital currency bitcoins, in an amount worth about $17,000, after falling victim to what’s commonly called “ransomware” - where hackers seize control of a computer system and threaten to misuse or destroy data if they’re not paid. In this case, the hackers encrypted the hospital’s data and demanded payment in exchange for a digital key to unlock it. CEO Allen Stefanek issued a statement about the incident, saying: “The quickest and most efficient way to restore our systems and administrative functions was to pay the ransom and obtain the decryption key. In the best interest of restoring normal operations, we did this.” Stefanek said the infiltration at Hollywood Presbyterian was first noticed on Feb. 5, and that its system was fully functioning again by Monday, 10 days later. Some security experts were surprised that the hospital went public. “Unfortunately, a lot of companies don’t tell anybody if they had fallen victim to ransomware and especially if they have paid the criminals,” said Adam Kujawa, Head of Malware Intelligence for Malwarebytes, a San Jose-based company that recently released anti-ransomware software. “I know from the experiences I hear about from various industry professionals that it’s a pretty common practice to just hand over the cash.” The hospital did not say whether anyone in law enforcement or the technology industry had recommended it pay off the hackers, and it quickly obtain the digital key used to be able to access its data again. Computer security experts normally recommend people not pay the ransom, though at times law enforcement agencies suggest they do, Kujawa said. The FBI said it is investigating the ransomware attack, but provided no details beyond that. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports that according to a source familiar with the investigation, the hospital paid the ransom before contacting law enforcement. “If they decided to pay the ransom, it probably means that they didn’t have very good backups, they weren’t able to recover the data, and that the data would have been lost if they didn’t pay the ransom,” Dave Kennedy, CEO of the information security firm TrustedSec, told CBS News.
Brent down as US crude build eclipses output freeze plan
Brent settled lower on Thursday after data showing U.S. crude inventories rose to record highs overshadowed production freeze plans by oil major producers that had sharply boosted the market this week. The U.S. government’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) said crude stockpiles rose 2.1 million barrels last week, to a peak of 504.1 million barrels in the third week of hitting record highs in past month. The EIA also cited record high gasoline inventories and higher stocks of distillates that include heating oil and diesel. Brent LCOc1, the global benchmark for crude, settled down 22 cents at $34.28 a barrel, having risen more than $1.20 before the data. It had gained a total of more than $4 between Friday and Wednesday. U.S. crude CLc1 settled up by a modest 11 cents at $30.77 a barrel, after an earlier peak at $31.98. Reuters data showed the daily volume in U.S. crude futures at just over 200 million barrels, down 75 percent from two weeks ago.
Oil prices had risen more than 14 percent over the last three days after a plan by Saudi Arabia and Russia, endorsed without commitment by Iran on Wednesday, to freeze oil output at January’s highs. Thursday’s EIA data, if followed through by more builds in U.S. crude, could undermine oil producers’ hopes for continued price recovery, traders and analysts said. “We should see crude sell off in the days to come,” said Tariq Zahir, oil trader and fund manager at Tyche Capital Advisors in Long Island, New York. “We’re still in a very wellsupplied market and with refinery maintenance coming up and warmer weather heading to the U.S. East Coast, we are likely to see substantial builds in the weeks to come.” The Saudi-Russian production freeze plan, also joined by Qatar and Venezuela, is the first such deal in 15 years between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and non-OPEC members. But following Iran’s failure to
A worker checks the valve of an oil pipe at the Lukoil company owned Imilorskoye oil field outside the West Siberian city of Kogalym, Russia commit to a production freeze, Iraq’s international markets. oil minister on Thursday signaled While oil producers hope their Iraq would wait for more cooperation efforts will end the 20-month long between producers before committing selloff that brought crude down from to freeze its own production. above $100 a barrel in mid-2014, the Iran is the major obstacle to only certainty ahead could be choppier the deal, having pledged to increase markets. output sharply to regain market share “What we see still is extreme lost during sanctions, which were volatility,” said Carsten Fritsch, lifted last month after an agreement analyst at Commerzbank. “I would not with world powers, allowing Tehran to be surprised to see prices retreating resume selling oil freely in again by a big margin in coming days.”
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What Facebook’s policy on nudity means in practice
a virtual “nurse-in,” replacing their profile photos with nursing ones. It’s not clear when Facebook’s policy changed internally, but about two years ago the policy wording changed to specifically allow photos of nursing mothers. MASTECTOMY PHOTOS — In 2013, more than 20,000 people signed an online petition, led by photographer David Jay and breast-cancer survivor Ann Marie Giannino-Otis, urging Facebook not to ban mastectomy images. Facebook responded with an official policy that permits the vast majority of mastectomy photos. visitor takes a picture with a phone of Gustave Courbet’s 1866 “The Origin of the World,” painting Giannino-Otis said Friday that while which depicts female genitalia at Musee d’Orsay museum, in Paris, France, Friday, Feb. 12, 2016. the policy change helped, many Facebook lost a crucial legal battle Friday as a Paris court ruled the social network can be sued in mastectomy photos are still flagged by France over its decision to remove the account of a French user who posted a photo of Courbet’s other users and removed by Facebook. famous 19th-century nude painting. Facebook didn’t respond to requests for NEW YORK — What are buttocks, as well as some images of comment Friday. Facebook’s rules for posting nude breasts if they include the nipple. PHOTOS OF CHILDREN: images? But Facebook says it allows photos In July 2014, North Carolina The question is at the forefront of women actively engaged in photographer Jill White’s Facebook again after a French court ruled Friday breastfeeding or showing breasts with account was suspended after she posted that a French art teacher can sue the post-mastectomy scarring. a photograph of her daughter and a social media service after it suspended “We restrict the display of friend on Coppertone’s Facebook page. his Facebook account. Although nudity because some audiences within Her 2-year-old daughter’s buttocks Facebook hasn’t given a reason, the our global community may be sensitive were partially visible, an homage to account suspension came after he to this type of content — particularly the famous Coppertone image of a dog posted an image of a classical painting because of their cultural background tugging at a child’s swimsuit. White featuring a female nude. or age,” the policy states. says her account was suspended Facebook’s rules on nudity BREASTFEEDING — twice, and she was warned it would be have evolved over time. The latest Breastfeeding pictures were the subject banned permanently if she didn’t take community-standards policy, from of controversy for years. Breastfeeding the photo down. She replaced it with March 2015, says Facebook restricts moms protested when images were the same image with an emoji covered photos of genitals or fully exposed pulled. In 2009, 11,000 people staged the offending part. But after friends
got away with posting the original photo, she started doing it, too — so far without problems. White says she still doesn’t understand Facebook’s rules or how they are enforced. BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY — In 2011, Facebook apologized for disabling the account of an Iowa photographer who posted shots of a friend and her newborn moments after birth; the images partially showed her friend’s breasts, but not her nipples. Laura Eckert’s photography business, New Creation Photography & Design, specializes in pictures of pregnant women and the first moments of a baby’s life. Facebook emailed Eckert to apologize and say that disabling the account had been in error. ARTWORK — Facebook’s policy allows “photographs of paintings, sculptures, and other art that depicts nude figures.” Yet many users have run into trouble after posting art containing nudity. Frederic DurandBaissas, the teacher whose account was suspended, had posted Gustave Courbet’s 1866 nude painting “The Origin of the World.” Artist Jerry Saltz said in a column for New York magazine’s Vulture blog that he lost his account after posting graphic images from medieval art. And in January a Facebook account for the Christopher Stout gallery in New York was suspended after posting an image of an artist sitting topless on a toilet.
Judge blocks Madoff victims’ $11 billion lawsuit vs Picower estate Victims of Bernard Madoff ’s fraud cannot pursue a Florida lawsuit to recover $11 billion from the estate of Jeffry Picower, who they say helped perpetuate the swindler’s Ponzi scheme, a Manhattan bankruptcy judge ruled. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Stuart Bernstein said the lawsuit by A&G Goldman Partnership and Pamela Goldman, their third effort to sue in Florida, violated an injunction barring Madoff victims from pursuing claims belonging to Irving Picard, the trustee liquidating Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC. Bernstein oversees the Madoff firm’s liquidation. Picard had in December 2010 won a $7.2 billion settlement with the estate of Picower, who died in October 2009. But a slew of litigation ensued
from Madoff customers, including many who say the trustee undervalued their claims, against Picower and other alleged enablers of Madoff. Picard has estimated that Madoff ’s victims lost $17.5 billion in the fraud, which was uncovered in December 2008. In the latest Florida case, the Goldman parties added claims that Picower “propped up” Madoff ’s fraud with $200 million of loans to fund investor redemptions, and agreed to serve in trading records as a counterparty for many fake options trades. The Goldman parties sought to hold Picower responsible for “all $18 billion” of Madoff customers’ losses, less the $7.2 billion from the 2010 settlement. Bernstein nevertheless found it “wholly conclusory” to allege that
Picower helped Madoff distribute fake statements to customers, and had enough “control” over the swindler to justify separate litigation. He also said allowing the Florida lawsuit “would carry real risks” to the Madoff firm’s bankruptcy estate, encouraging more lawsuits and perhaps undermining the $7.2 billion accord. Bernstein nonetheless rejected efforts by Picower’s widow Barbara, who oversees his estate, and other parties associated with Picower to stop further lawsuits by the Goldman parties, while saying “the question is close.” The judge said the Goldman parties have not pursued frivolous or vexatious litigation, and that the Picower parties or Picard could seek sanctions if they crossed the line. A spokeswoman for Picard
Bernard Madoff exits the Manhattan federal court house in New York in this January 14, 2009 file photo. declined to comment. Lawyers for the Picower entities and the Goldman parties were not immediately available for comment.
Twitter password recovery bug exposes 10, 000 users’ personal information Twitter has notified 10,000 users that their email addresses and phone numbers may have been exposed due to a bug in the website’s password recovery feature. The incident happened over the course of 24 hours on an unspecified day last week, but the company alerted affected users on Wednesday. “Any user that we find to have exploited the bug to access another account’s information will be permanently suspended, and we will also be engaging law enforcement as appropriate so they may conduct a thorough investigation and bring charges as warranted,” Twitter said in a blog post. It’s not uncommon for website features to be abused to expose users’ identifying information, such as email addresses and phone numbers. In
Users should not count on websites to shield 2012, Facebook imposed a limit on phone number searches through its mobile website, because a their affiliations with those services, because leaks of security hole could have allowed attackers to search registration information are common. From a security through phone numbers sequentially and match perspective, users valuing their privacy should take advantage of tools available to protect their accounts them to existing users. Other leaks of personal information can from possible hijacking, for example by enabling twobe hard for users to detect. For example, recent factor authentication when offered. Twitter offers a feature called “login data breaches at online dating websites Adult verification” that requires users to supply one-timeFriend Finder and Ashley Madison understandably use codes sent to their phones in addition to their enraged a lot of users whose spouses, partners or passwords when they authenticate. In addition, friends did not know that they had accounts there. Twitter offers the option to require additional However, many of those users didn’t know information, such as the user’s email address or phone that ,even before hackers broke into those websites, number, when initiating password resets. This option anyone could have checked if their email addresses can be found on the account’s security and privacy were registered through the sites’ password recovery settings page. Without it, initiating a password reset systems. requires only the account’s username.
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Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2016 of Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket Association 18 February 2016 Dear All,, In accordance with Constitution of the TCICA, the Secretary hereby give notice of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2016 will be held at 7.00pm on 11th of March, 2016 at Airport Inn, Airport Road, , Providenciales The AGM is open to all members as well as the general public and is the best opportunity for members to hear about the progress of the Association as well as ask questions about the past season and to have their say on the direction of the Association for the coming season. Therefore your attendance is warmly welcomed. The AGM will review the 2015 season as well as look forward to the coming 2016 season. Our particular focus will be a major development of youth cricket. Members will be invited to vote to approve a resolution to implement the proposed restructure by way of amending the Constitution. Please find attached the following materials for your consideration: •a copy of the Agenda •the minutes of the 2015 AGM •The 2015 Annual Report •a copy of the audited Annual Financial Statements
PROVO GOLF CLUB
Provo Golf Club is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the following opening. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.
GOLF PROFESSIONAL JOB SUMMARY •Provide competent golf instruction to members and guests. •Run Golf Clinics for larger groups needing instruction. •Assist with organizing charity golf events at PGC. •Fully co-ordinate group events from start to finish. •Assist in tournament sales and set up. •Assist in budgeting and forecasting. •Assist in a variety of other Professional Golf duties at PGC. REQUIREMENTS •Must have membership in PGA of America or Canada. •Strong computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher. •Minimum (2) years or more experience as a Golf Professional. •Proven organizational skills. The remuneration for this position is commensurate with experience. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by March 7, 2016 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephoned to schedule an interview.
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
All you advertising needs contact TCISUN at 339-5879 Or email – sun@suntci.com CHIBABOU LTD. IS LOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING: Restaurant Chef •Must be willing to work weekends, nights and holidays •Must be willing to work 6 days per week, clean kitchen after service •Must have a good knowledge of Mediterranean food, grilling/bbq, sauces, butchery, cooking of seafood and dressing •Must have current Food Safety and Hygiene certification Kitchen Helper •Must be willing to work weekends, nights and holidays •Must be willing to work 6 days per week, clean kitchen after service •Must have good knowledge in food preparation •Must be physically fit to unload trucks and move supplies between work areas
Pls call 341 5856 for applications
InterCaribbean is seeking an Electrical Technician. The successful applicant must: Have certification from an accredited institution, 10 years or more experience, Track record of trouble shooting and fixing electrical problems successfully Dependable, innovative, with strong team player Can work independently Ability to communicate written and verbally to other intercompany department Computer literate and can work with Microsoft word and Excel Must be a Belonger /PRC holder to apply. Send resume to jobs@intercaribbean.com
HAB MANAGEMENT LIMITED HAB Management Limited is seeking suitable applications for the following position:
BUTLER Main Duties •Must be able to provide personalized and detailed service to guests in a highly proficient manner. •Assist with guests schedule, appointments and other services as needed. •Maintain the operations of the household and/or executing special request, running personal errands and other related duties for guests. •Perform housekeeping duties. Requirements Minimum of five (5) years related experience as a Butler working with high networth guests. Must have professional mindset and the utmost discretion. Detail oriented with exceptional organizational skills. Applicants must have strong communication skills both written and verbal. Good presentation and a pleasant, friendly personality required. Flexibility with hours and scheduling required. Salary $14,900.00 per annum. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by March 7, 2016 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Suitable applicants will be contacted by email or telephoned to schedule an interview.
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
LOCAL SPORTS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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DIGICEL CONGRATULATES WEST INDIES UNDER 19 CRICKET TEAM WITH TOKENS TO CELEBRATE THEIR 2016 ICC U-19 WORLD CUP VICTORY Team presented with goodie bags with token for Samsung Galaxy Note devices
Quote from Conor Looney, CEO, Digicel the eight countries that you represent and for the Barbados Caribbean people – and as a proud sponsor of West CEO for Digicel Barbados, Conor Looney, Indies cricket since 2004, Digicel is delighted to be congratulated the West Indies cricket U-19 team a part of this celebration this evening. This victory on their championship in the 2016 ICC U-19 World augurs well for Digicel and for the region in a number Cup at a reception held at the Accra Beach Hotel on of ways. For one, as a brand that supports youth Tuesday, February 16, 2015. development through sports, this is a great motivator In congratulating the delegation, Looney said, for the youths who aspire to cricket beyond national “Today is a historic day for you, for the sport of cricket, borders. Secondly, we know that cricket fans will
take the energy, excitement and sense of pride from this thrilling victory into the fast-approaching 2016 Caribbean Premier League season.” Looney continued, “Over the past few weeks, the region was proud to watch your journey in this tournament – a journey that has been exemplified by your grit and determination to win. You are a fine squad of hardworking young men and you are a credit to the Caribbean region.”
The Honourable Stephen Lashley, Sports Minister for Barbados presented the Shimron Hetmyer, Captain of the West Indies U-19 team with a trophy following the team’s victory in the 2016 ICC U19 World Cup Finals. Also in the photo are Conor Looney, CEO for Digicel Barbados, (inside far right) and Michael Muirhead, CEO of the West Indies Cricket Board (far right). During the reception, Digicel Barbados also presented each member of the team with goodie bags and a token for a Samsung Galaxy Note.
Conor Looney, CEO for Digicel Barbados presents Chemar Holder, member of the West Indies U-19 cricket team with his goodie bag for a token of a Samsung Galaxy Note during the Heroes’ Welcome Reception held in the team’s honor. Digicel Barbados partnered with the West Indies Cricket Board to host a welcome reception to celebrate the team’s victory in the 2016 ICC U-19 World Cup Finals
CEO for Digicel Barbados, Conor Looney chats with Hon. Stephen Lashley, Minister of Family, Culture, Sports and Youth for Barbados during a welcome reception for the West Indies U19 cricket team. Digicel partnered with the West Indies Cricket Board to welcome and celebrate the team following their victory in the 2016 ICC U19 World Cup finals
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WORLD
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
SPORTS
Bryant’s farewell tour makes biggest stop in All-Star Game
Kobe Bryant made the biggest stop of his farewell tour on Sunday as he played the last NBA All-Star Game of a remarkable career in which he established himself as arguably the best player of his generation. Bryant, who said all week he did not want his fellow players to go easy on him in his final All-Star Game, was a shadow of the player who dominated the NBA’s midseason showcase many times before, but was still the man of the hour. Prior to the game’s opening tip, NBA great Magic Johnson lauded the 37-year-old in between a pair of tribute videos featuring some career highlights interspersed with messages of thanks from a handful of fellow NBA players. Bryant announced last November that this would be his final season and was made the leading votegetter for his 18th and final All-Star appearance by fans. “I just want to thank you guys for all of your support for all these
years,” Bryant told the Toronto crowd and a global television audience. “I’ve been extremely fortunate to be able to play the game that I love and be in the NBA for more than half my life. “It’s a thrill to be here in this All-Star Game so thank you for voting me in. I get a chance to be around these young players here, who when I first started playing most of them were my kids’ age now. “It feels so good to be able to speak to them about the game and to be able to share some of the knowledge that I have learned throughout my career to them so that they can carry on the tradition of the NBA and hopefully play 20 years themselves.” When the first NBA All-Star Game to be held outside of the United States finally got underway, it was Bryant who went up against LeBron James for the opening tip. James won the tip but appeared to send it over to Bryant’s Western Conference team. Bryant played nearly 15
Dibaba breaks 26-year-old world indoor mile record Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba shattered the women’s world indoor mile record on Wednesday, clocking 4:13.31 to eclipse the time of 4:17.14 set 26 years ago by Romanian Doina Melinte. It is the third time Dibaba, 25, has broken a world record in Stockholm, having previously set new marks for the 3,000 and 5,000 meters at the Ericsson Globe Arena in the Swedish capital. Dibaba, who was born 364 days after the previous record was set by Melinte in 1990, established a punishing pace early on before breaking away from the field and powering through the eight laps. She crossed the line more than 10 seconds clear of fellow Ethiopians Gudaf Tsegay and Axumawit Embaye, who finished second and third respectively. “I’m delighted,” she told reporters following her third world record in three years at the Stockholm venue. “I came here to
Shay Café
break a record this year again, and I have reached the goal I had when I came here.” The 25-year-old was helped on her way by pacemaker Joanna Jozwik, but quickly passed the Pole with her sights firmly set on breaking a record. “I had thought that I would run 4:13 or 4:12, and now it was 4:13, so I’m very happy with that,” Dibaba added. “Every time I come to Sweden I feel very happy, and I have always wanted to break records when I come here.” Earlier in the evening Djibouti’s Ayanleh Souleiman set a new men’s world indoor record for the 1,000 meters, clocking 2:14.20 to beat the 2:14.96 mark set by Wilson Kipketer of Denmark in 2000. “I’m very happy, but not surprised,” the 23-year-old told reporters. “Now I am going for gold in the 1,500 meters at the (indoor) world championships in Portland.”
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minutes in the first half and scored 10 points, including a patented
fadeaway late in the opening quarter that drew loud cheers from a celebritydotted crowd that included director Spike Lee and supermodel Kate Upton. Western Conference forward Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles The 20-year NBA Lakers (24) reacts in the second half during the NBA All Star veteran, who by his own Game at Air Canada Centre admission this week is “old as hell,” was held without a while the crowd chanted “Kobe, Kobe.” point the rest of the way. Russell Westbrook of the When Bryant, a five-time NBA Oklahoma City Thunder was named champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, the game’s Most Valuable Player for a one-time league MVP and four-time second consecutive year after leading All-Star Game MVP during a career the Western Conference with 31 points spent entirely with the Los Angeles in a 196-173 win that set a record for Lakers, checked out of the game with combined points in an NBA All-Star 66 seconds left, he received a standing Game. ovation from both team benches
New stadium to play key role in LA’s 2024 Games bid A futuristic stadium that will be home to the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams will be a key feature in the city’s bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics but officials would not say what events are planned for the venue. The stadium, which will be built in Inglewood and cost close to $2 billion, was not in the original LA24 bid proposal as the National Football League had not yet settled on plans to return to the city. But when the NFL decided last month to approve St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke’s request to relocate his team to Los Angeles and build an 80,000-seat, glass-roofed, stadium, the LA24 bid was quick to add it to their pitch. “When the Kroenke stadium became a certainty it was too late in our process to include that in a meaningful way other than to reference that it was a certainty and going to be happening,” LA24 Chairman Casey Wasserman told a conference call. “But suffice to say the most expensive and most technologically advanced stadium ever built will certainly be a key part of our plans going forward.”
Speculation is that the stadium, which will be built roughly 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles and expected to open in 2019, could be used for the highprofile athletics competitions, but Wasserman would only say, “stay tuned.” “When we are ready to tell people how we’re going to use all of our facilities on a definitive scale beyond where we are today, we’ll do that at the right time, but not today,” said Wasserman. The race to stage the Games is now officially underway with the International Olympic Committee having received the four candidature files of Paris, Budapest, Rome and Los Angeles. Earlier on Wednesday Paris bid leaders said 95 percent of the venues would be already existing or temporary to minimize investment but Los Angeles raised the bar and said 97 percent of the venues are in existence or already planned. “That is the definition of sustainability in terms of legacy and cost,” said Wasserman. “There’s no risk involved with venues or facilities.” The host city of the 2024 Olympic Games will be announced in September 2017.
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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WORLD SPORTS
Nike drops boxer Manny Pacquiao after anti-gay comments
Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, who is running for Senator in the May 2016 national elections, speaks to supporters during the start of elections campaigning in Mandaluyong city, Metro Manila February 9, 2016.
Nike Inc, the world’s largest sportswear maker, said it had ended its contract with Manny Pacquiao after the Filipino boxer described gays as “worse than animals”. “We find Manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent,” a Nike spokesperson said in an e-mailed statement, adding that the company no longer has a relationship with the boxer. Nike’s decision comes a day after an online petition was launched urging the company to stop Pacquiao endorsing its products. The petition on change. org has garnered more
than 3,000 signatures so far. P a c q u i a o , revered in the Philippines for winning world boxing titles in eight different weight classes during his 20-year career, suddenly fell from grace after a 30-second interview on local television about same-sex marriage, which he opposes. “It’s just common sense. Do you see any animals of the same sex mating? Animals are better off, they can distinguish between male and female,” Pacquiao told TV5 on Monday. “Now if men are mating with men and women with women, then they are worse than
animals,” he said. The 37-year old congressman, among those favored to win a Senate seat at the May elections based on independent pollsters’ surveys, apologized on Tuesday. “I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I’ve hurt,” Pacquiao said in a video message on his Twitter account. He said he remained against samesex marriage. S a m e - s e x marriage is not allowed in the Philippines, where more than 80 percent of the 100 million population is Roman Catholic.
Tour operators say Zika could be bad for Olympics business RIO DE JANEIRO — If the Zika virus — or fear of it — keeps spreading, the head of a sports travel agency handling tour packages for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics fears for her business. “It could be catastrophic,” Jerri Roush, director of operations of Cartan Tours, told The Associated Press. “It’s uncharted territory.” Hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors are expected for the Olympics in August, and there are concerns that some may stay away, frightened off by the mosquito-borne virus that is being linked to birth defects. There has been a “very small decrease” in foreign tourists, the Brazilian tourist board said this week, though world health authorities have no restrictions on travel to the country. “Zika already begins to damage Brazil tourism,” read a full-page headline this week in Rio’s O Globo newspaper. Many of Cartan’s clients are in Zikaaffected areas in Latin America. It is the authorized Olympic ticket reseller for 36 countries including Mexico and much of Central and South America and the Caribbean — the heart of the outbreak. Roush said there have been a few inquiries about cancellations, but Cartan managing director Jay Price declined to give specifics. “We’ve had a lot of package buyers, some have called to question it,” Roush said. “But I don’t know that we’ve seen a drastic fall in our sales.” Roush said the Los Angeles-based agency expected to take between 1,500-2,000 visitors to the Olympics, providing hospitality packages that can include tickets, accommodations, ground transportation, and translators. She
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The Arena Carioca 1 is seen in the background as officials visit the Olympic Park of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors are expected for the Olympics, which open Aug. 5. 2016. But there are growing concerns that some may stay away, frightened off by the mosquito-borne virus that is being linked to severe birth defects. said flights were usually not included. She said the company had a “nocancellation” policy that was being reviewed. Roush raised the question of liability if Zika harms the company’s income. “Is Brazil going to refund us our money from this?” she asked. Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes said on Friday, “We have to deal with (Zika), but there’s a little overreaction at the moment.” IOC President Thomas Bach said on Friday, “There is no intention by (any) national Olympic committee to pull out from the Rio Olympic Games.” Another agency handling Olympic packages said if travelers are concerned, it’s usually about security.
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“I’ve never seen anything like this with a potential health crisis for a major event,” said Anbritt Stengele, the president of Chicago-based Sports Traveler. She said two clients had just delayed making their final bookings for packages of four and five people. Sports Traveler also has a no-refund policy. Stengele said Olympic travelers were typically families — unlike for Brazil’s male-dominated 2014 World Cup — who are sensitive to reports that visitors to Zika-infested areas might bring the virus home. “Now it’s becoming not just a Rio problem, but potentially a North American problem,” she said. She described Rio’s ticket and
lodging prices as “very expensive,” which requires her company to make a large up-front investment. She said four-star hotels were charging $800 to $1,500 per night, and at least one five-star in Barra da Tijuca — near the Olympic Park — was asking for $3,200 per night. CoSport, which handles official Olympic ticket sales for the United States, Canada, Australia, Bulgaria, Britain, Sweden, Norway and Russia, did not answer email questions from AP. CoSport President Robert F. Long referred inquiries to the local Rio organizing committee, which has nothing to do with non-domestic ticket sales. Its sister company Jet Set Sports, also located in Far Hills, New Jersey, declined to comment. Airbnb, which is the official “alternative accommodation” sponsor for the Olympics, said pregnant women — and women trying to become pregnant — could get refunds on reservations. This also includes traveling family members. Some airlines are giving refunds or letting pregnant women change their plans if they booked for areas dealing with Zika. Leonardo Tristao, Airbnb country manager for Brazil, said they have 7,500 reservations for Rio during the Olympics. That was for a pool of 20,000 properties, which would accommodate about 80,000 people. He said Brazilians topped the rental list, followed by Americans, British people, Australians and Argentines. Brazil headed the list because of the company’s expanding presence in the country, Tristao said, and not because fewer foreigners than expected were coming.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2016 – FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016
Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks and Caicos Islands | Tel:649 339 5879 | Fax: 649 941 3281