VOLUME 12 ISSUE 12

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

Website: www.suntci.com

VOLUME 12 - NO. 12

Email: sun@suntci.com

Tel: (649) 339-5879

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Fax: (649) 941-3281

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BUSINESSES LOSE MONEY THROUGH EMAIL FRAUD

Team TCI in Grenada for CARIFTA Games

The Turks and Caicos Islands track and field team travelled to Grenada for the 2016 CARIFTA Games.

Fourteen students from the Turks and Caicos Islands made the CARIFTA team this year. Some were unable due to injuries. Edith Skippings Team Manager/President TCAAA said it was very difficult getting the kids to CARIFTA this year but with the help of all the sponsors, donations and with the help of Gertrude Forbes (Chaperone) they were successful and made it happen.

The team is seen in the photograph.

A

t least two businesses in the Turks “Since email has caused a significant and Caicos Islands have lost “a decline in the use of fax machines, and substantial amount of money” by way even telephone for most companies, the of email fraud, says police spokesman ability to monitor the emails exchanged Kevin Clarke. within a company makes it easier for The Financial Crime hackers to become familiar with their Investigators of the Royal Turks financial procedures,” Clarke said. and Caicos Islands Police Force are Explaining how the email warning the business community of a fraud is carried out, Clarke said: “By new trend of a hacking method that company billing structure: Company A mainly targets businesses by using routinely does Business with Vendor B. email.

Vendor B submits a bill to Company A

Clarke did not disclose through email, which is then approved how much money was lost or which by the CEO/CFO and forwarded to companies were affected, but he said the accounting department. The officers are actively investigating the Accounting Department pays the bill two reports by victims who have lost to Vendor B like usual. This seems like money. a pretty harmless and basic payment

TCI home owner in big Ponzi Scheme - Page 19 Former Barbados PM to speak at Fortis function - Page 6

structure, but can be problematic if a hacker catches on to the system. If Company A’s email system has been unknowingly compromised, the hacker could familiarize himself with their payment procedures and ongoing transactions.”

He added: “Next, the hacker would send a bill posing as Vendor B with new payment instructions. The CEO/CFO would recognize Vendor B as a vendor they routinely do business with and see the bill was for a legitimate transaction. The bill would get approved and forwarded to the accounting department. The accounting department would submit payment following the new instructions, which

puts the money right into the pockets of the hacker. Company A would not discover the mistake until they receive a late payment notice from Vendor B.” According to Clarke, the second method involves the fraudster posing as the CEO.

In this method, the hacker sends an email to the accounting department posing as the CEO/CFO of the company. The email can request a wire transfer with provided account information and the pretense that the payment is for a new or current vendor.

The hackers do this by setting up a forwarding system to receive all emails sent to a CEO/CFO of a company.

Continued on Page 2

Another new festival for TCI - Page 12 Cabinet makes several new board appointments - Page 2

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LOCAL NEWS

BUSINESSES LOSE MONEYTHROUGH EMAIL FRAUD

Continued from Page 1

Once he or she has monitored the company’s exchanges and feels comfortable with the situation they make their move. This is done by sending a wire payment request using the CEO/CFO’s actual email account, or creating a spoof email that resembles the CEO/CFO’s email. The employee may not even notice the email has been altered. Example JohnDoe123@

tciconstruction.com and JohnDoe123@ tciconstruction101@

CLARKE GAVE THE FOLLOWING TIPS TO PROTECT COMPANIES FROM EMAIL FRAUD 1.) Verify a change in payment with the vendor over the phone with a previously established phone number (not one

that was provided in the email) 2.) Keep a hard copy of vendor contacts who are authorized to approve changes in payments 3.) Use a dual-approval system for any wire transfer requests that meet specified requirements 4.) Send a PIN number via text or require verbal communication before submitting payment

Police are urging anyone with information or who may noticed suspicions activities in their company to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.tc, Chalk Sound Police Station 3385901.

Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

Cabinet makes several new appointments to boards

Her Excellency the Acting Governor Anya Williams, chaired the 9th meeting of Cabinet on Friday • On the advice of the Attorney General, Cabinet approved March 18th, 2016 at the N.J.S. Francis Building in Grand the following Bills for submission to the next sitting of the Turk.

House of Assembly:

The Control of Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2016 ALL MINISTERS WERE PRESENT AND CABINET: which seeks to amend the Control of Drugs Ordinance to ensure TCI’s full compliance with the requirements of •Considered a request for a supplementary appropriation Article 3(1)(c) of the UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in from the Attorney Generals Chambers in relation to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances; additional legal costs incurred. Cabinet noted the additional

The Prevention of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill costs of defending legal claims in 2015/2016 and supported 2016 which seeks to amend the principal ordinance to the need for internal arrangements to be made to facilitate ensure full compliance with the Financial Action Task Force these costs. recommendations in particular with recommendation IV on the reporting of suspicious transactions on terrorism and Her Excellency the Acting Governor Anya Williams, also financing of terrorism among other areas; chaired the 10th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday March

The Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2016 23rd, 2016 at the N.J.S. Francis Building in Grand Turk at which seeks to amend the principal ordinance to include which all Ministers were present. a definition of arms trafficking of fence and to make consequential amendments to the Customs Ordinance in AT THIS MEETING: relation thereto;

The Financial Intelligence Agency (Amendment) • In accordance with section 4(2) of the National Honors Bill 2016 which seeks to amend the principal ordinance to and Awards Ordinance, Cabinet approved the appointment include a provision for the Agency to make an annual report of the following individuals to the National Honors and of its activities or work for the preceding year; Awards Committee for a period of one year with effect from

Law Revision (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 1st April: 2016 which seeks to make miscellaneous amendments to correct and improve a number of ordinances in consequence Willette Swann - Chairman - (Premier/LOO) of the 2014 Law Revision.

Rosabelle Adams - (LOO) Cicely Ewing - (Premier) • Advised Her Excellency the Acting Governor to grant Samuel Handfield - (LOO) an easement to Fortis (TCI) Limited over the seabed William Bill Clare - (Premier) between Providenciales and North Caicos to facilitate the Gertrude Saunders Forbes - (LOO) installation and operation of Power Transmission Cables, Alpheus Gardiner (Premier) linking Providenciales to Water Cay, Dellis Cay to Pine Cay and Dellis Cay to North Caicos for electricity generation •In accordance with section 4 of the Community College Ordinance, Cabinet approved the appointment of the • Advised Her Excellency the Acting Governor to approve following individuals to the Community College Board of the Immigration Regulations 2016 for publication in the Directors for a term of one year with effect from 1st April: Gazette. This is to come into operation at the same time as the new Immigration Ordinance and the new TCI Status Cheryl-Ann Shand-Forman - Chairman Ordinance on 1st April 2016.

Jennifer Lightbourne - Member Ahmed Jones - Deputy Chairman • In line with the Public Procurement Ordinance, Cabinet Leonardo Ralph Patrick - Member noted the advice of the Procurement Board on the award of Barbara Cox-Ambrister - Member the following contracts: Principal TCICC - Member Rachel Harvey - Secretary Upgrade works to South Caicos Sports and Recreational P/S Education - Ex Officio Facility (Phase 1) P/S Finance - Ex Officio Emergency Repairs to Eliza Simons Primary School Vehicle for Invest TCI • In accordance with Section 8 of the Education Ordinance, Major Hill Road Development - North Caicos Cabinet approved the appointment of the following individuals to the Education Advisory/Scholarship • In accordance with Section 15 and 16 of the Physical Committee for a period of one year with effect from 1st April: Planning Ordinance, Cabinet approved the appointment of the following individuals to the Physical Planning Appeals Cereocia Pratt - Chairman Tribunal for a period of one year with effect from 1st April: Rommaine Missick - Deputy Chairman Stanley Taylor (Snr.) - Member John A. Williams - Chairman Rosheeda Russell - Member Paul Gardiner - Member Mikala Taylor - Member Brian Cyrus - Member Khristopher Braithwaite - Secretary Marvin Simmons - Member P/S Education - Ex Officio Robert Smith - Member President TCICC - Ex Officio Natasha Hall - Secretary

Kyle Smith - Member Energy and Utilities Commissioner - Secretary of the Board • In line with Schedule II Section 10(4) of the Airports Authority Ordinance, Cabinet approved the appointment of the following individuals to the Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority Board with effect from 1st April: Gordon Burton - Chairman (3 years) Heather Allen-Green - Deputy Chairman (3 years) Dwayne Gardiner - Director (3 years) PS Finance or Designate - Director (3 years) CEO TCIAA - Ex Officio Ruth Gardiner Forbes - Director (1 year) • In line with Regulation 4 of the Air Transport Licensing Regulations, Cabinet approved the appointment of the following individual to the Air Transport Licensing Authority for a period of 3 years with effect from 1st April: Clyde Ricardo Pardo - Member •In line with Section 6(4) of the Civil Aviation Ordinance, Cabinet approved the appointment of the following individuals to the Civil Aviation Authority: Andre K. Malcolm - Chairman Harold Williams - Deputy Chairman Clifford Hamilton - Director Algernon Dean - Director Permanent Secretary Finance or Designate - Director Managing Director, Civil Aviation Authority - Ex Officio •In line Section 27(1) (b) of the National Insurance Ordinance, Cabinet approved the appointment of the following individuals for a period of 3 years with effect from 1st April: Jamell Robinson - Member Clayton E. Been - Member • In line with paragraph 3(2) of Schedule II to the Ports Authority Ordinance, Cabinet approved the appointment of the following individuals for a period of 3 years with effect from 1st April: Yvette Marcelin - Deputy Chairman Otis Morris - Member Dwight Mills - Member Permanent Secretary Finance or Designate - Ex officio Director of PWD - Ex officio Collector of Customs - Ex officio Director of Ports Authority - Ex officio •Cabinet approved an amendment to the Fisheries Protection Regulations to allow for pelagic fishing in the TCI using a number of fishing techniques including a long line method for which a specific number of licences will be issued and the conditions for maintenance of such a licence.

•Cabinet further instructed DEMA, following a review to develop a licensing system for different species of pelagic fish. The review needs to identify obligations under ICCAT and any other TCI or international legal considerations for the exploitation of pelagic stocks.

• In accordance with Section 14 of the Universities, Colleges •In accordance with Section 4 of the Physical Planning and Training Institutes Ordinance, Cabinet approved the Ordinance, Cabinet approved the appointment of the •On the recommendation of the Crown Land Advisory Panel appointment of the following individuals to the Higher following individuals to the Physical Planning Board for a in accordance with the Crown Land Ordinance, Cabinet Education Advisory Board for a term of one year with effect period of one year with effect from 1st April: advised the Acting Governor to grant a 999 year lease to from 1st April: Cockburn Harbour Limited over parcels 20307/70, 88, 89, 90 Rico O’Brian Smith - Chairman and 20308/58, situated at Cockburn Harbour, South Caicos, Jerry Clerveaux - Chairman Royal Robinson - Vice Chairman at a rent of US$31,091.00 per annum, for the purpose of Almaida Tipton - Member Russell Garland - Member renovating and revitalizing those parcels to restore existing Candice Williams-Malcolm - Member Kareem Williams - Member historical buildings which are derelict, the abandoned Rosita Smith - Member Director of Planning - Ex Officio historic waterfront building adjacent to the Queen’s Parade Cora Nicole Malcolm - Member Director of DEMA - Ex Officio ground on South Caicos and to create commercial space for Ya’sheen Stubbs - Secretary Director of Disaster Management - Ex Officio retail business use through subleases to local entrepreneurs P/S Education - Ex Officio Toriano Williams - Secretary to engage in tourism related business ventures.

President TCICC - Ex Officio • In accordance with Section 3 of the Water and Sewerage •On the advice of the Minister of Tourism, Environment, Ordinance, Cabinet approved the appointment of the •Cabinet advised the Acting Governor to issue a tender Culture and Heritage, Cabinet approved the appointment of following individuals to the Water and Sewerage Board for under the Crown Land Ordinance for parcels 60000/245 and a volunteer working group to identify issues and conflicts in a period of one year with effect from 1st April: 60603/51 for commercial lease, having had an application the water sports industry and to make recommendations for for the use of that property. an appropriate fee structure of licences; zoning of different Permanent Secretary MIHP - Chairman water sports activities and better management of the Chief Environmental Health Officer - Ex Officio • Noted that on the advice of the Premier, Her Excellency water sports industry. The working group shall be chaired Director of PWD - Ex Officio the Acting Governor agreed to issue a proclamation to by the DECR and shall include representation from the Director of Planning - Ex Officio prorogue the House of Assembly effective March 25th, 2016.

Maritime Department, Watersports Industry, Hotel/Resorts Director of DEMA - Ex Officio The House will be reopened on April 18th, 2016 and it is Association, TCI Sailing Operators, the Tourist Board and Director of SPPD - Ex Officio expected that the official Speech From The Throne will be the Attorney Generals Chambers Emerson Hall - Member delivered.

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TURKS AND CAICOS TOURIST BOARD MARKETING EXCUTIVE An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board in the post of Marketing Executive. This position is based in London, England, U.K. and the successful candidate will support the promotion and positioning of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a preferred tourist destination in Europe and the United Kingdom through the provision of marketing, advertising, promotions and public relations services in the European Market.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES Prepare and submit the annual marketing plan and budget for the UK/ European market. Prepare and submit monthly activity reports to demonstrate the implementation, completion and effectiveness of marketing activities. Act as primary signatory on Tourist Board’s bank account and prepare/submit monthly expense reports. Plan for, organize and evaluate consumer and trade shows, tourism conferences and other major tourism events in which the Tourist Board participates in the U.K. and Europe. Schedule and organize familiarization and press trips to the TCI. Oversee destination training for tour operators, reservations staff and travel agents. Coordinate and conduct sales calls. Develop and maintain relationships with major UK and European tour operators, airlines, travel agents, media representatives and trade publications. Source advertising and brand marketing opportunities for the destination with a variety of media and participate in the negotiations with said media houses. Write promotional pieces, proof copy and approve final content for features, supplements and promotional pieces published on the destination in trade and consumer publications. Work with digital and print media to design layout options for specific promotions undertaken by the Board. Develop and pursue co-operative marketing campaigns undertaken by the Board and the private sector Respond to general inquiries from the public, trade and media regarding the destination. Review and ensure updating of TCI’s marketing collateral, website content and the materials used for the TCI Expert Travel Agent program with respect to the U.K. and Europe. Gather market intelligence to inform the U.K./European component of the Tourist Board’s marketing plan and share the trends and developments in those marketplaces with key stakeholders. Collect new and updated destination product information to share with the trade and consumers. Maintain the relevant contact databases of industry partners and consumers who submit inquiries. Manage the destinations Public Relations Functions in the UK and Europe including that of its Italian Reps. Interface with relevant government ministries/departments, the tourism private sector and other entities as necessary. Provide general supervision of the Board’s Marketing Officer. Liaise with marketing staff in all TCI’s offices to share information on a consistent basis and to create synergies and opportunities for inter-office collaboration Provide strategic advice to the Senior Marketing Executives and Director to maximize the awareness of the destination to the target demographic. Comply with the policies, procedures and guidelines of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board. Any other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Marketing, or Tourism Management/ Development, with at least 5 years relevant work experience. Sound knowledge of local tourism products and services. Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills. Excellent time management, organization and scheduling skills. Ability to work effectively with all internal and external stakeholders. Ability to work with minimal supervision. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The job is performed in an office environment for part of the time and other times the job holder will be required to be out in the field. The job holder will be expected to travel to locations for marketing/promotional activities and may need to stand for a long period of time. .

SALARY:

Salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

For consideration please submit the following documents to chairman@ turksandcaicostourism.com or submit to The Chairman, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Stubbs Diamond Plaza, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: Cover Letter Current Resume Two (2) reference letters Current Police Record Resident Status Only persons shortlisted for an interview will be contacted in this regard.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 15th 2016

New principals for Enid Capron and Adelaide Oemler primary schools

New principals for Enid Capron and Adelaide Oemler primary schools

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is pleased to announce the appointment of the following Principals; Mrs. Darlene Lightbourne – Adelaide Oemler Primary School and Mrs. Sophia Hamilton-Garland – Enid Capron Primary School.

Mrs. Darlene Lightbourne has over 35 years of teaching experience, having served 19 of these years in administration as the former Vice Principal of the Iris Stubbs Primary School for 7 years, Principal of the Hubert James Primary School for 9 years and most recently Principal of the Community Christian Academy.

She holds both a Diploma in Education from Mico Teachers College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Nova Southeastern University with a particular focus in special education.

While Mrs. Sophia Hamilton-Garland possesses over 20 years of experience as an educator including having served as the Vice Principal of the Enid Capon Primary School from 2012 -2014 and as Acting Principal from 2014 to date following the departure of Mrs. Racheal Taylor.

She holds a Diploma in Primary Teacher Education from Sam Sharpe Teacher’s College in Jamaica, an Advanced Certificate in Educational Management and a Master of Science Degree in Educational Leadership from Leicester University in the United Kingdom.

Commenting on the appointment Deputy Governor Anya Williams said: “I am delighted to have these two remarkable individuals join the ranks of Principals of two of our most formative institutions of learning here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“They both have a wealth of knowledge, having both dedicated over two decades of service to the field of education and I am confident that they will fully utilize their special skills and knowledge to the betterment of the students of these two noble institutions.”

Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Hon. Akierra Misick added; “I want to also extend congratulations to both stalwarts of education for this achievement. I am confident that with their experience and commitment shown over the years that they will help realize the vision that the Ministry has for the leaders of its school.

“The Ministry envisions strong motivated leaders, who can clearly outline the expectations for staff and school. Leaders who can build a culture focused on excellence and who inspire students, staff and families with support and involvement. This is the leadership we envision and are confident it will be evident in these two new Principals, Congratulations.”

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LOCAL NEWS

Former Caribbean statesman, regional and global economists to present at FortisTCI Annual Plenary Session

FortisTCI Limited is gearing up for its 4th Plenary Session, slated to be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at Beaches Resort & Spa Turks and Caicos.

The event will be held under the theme “Caribbean Opportunities and Threats in the Information Age.” Headlining this year’s session is the Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur, former Prime Minister of Barbados.

The Plenary Session is one of the Company’s primary annual community events and precedes the FortisTCI internal strategic planning meetings.

The purpose is to provide a platform in which all stakeholders can discuss and engage in a politically neutral environment, current global, regional and local matters affecting the country and the economy.

The keynote address from the Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur will highlight global and regional economic development. Other guest speakers will include Melissa Marchand, Caribbean Strategy Director for Global News Matters, presenting on ‘The Digital Age’, and Economist,

Professor Gilbert Morris, who will address the audience on ‘Caribbean Prosperity in a Technologically-Driven World’.

This year’s Plenary will also feature a panel discussion led by Rev. Father Bernard Been. Guest panelists will include Oswald Simons, Deputy Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, and Larry Lawrence, Country Manager for FirstCaribbean International Bank. The panel will engage on topics relating to education, finance and the opening of Cuba’s tourism industry.

Wednesday’s event is expected to be attended by roughly 200 stakeholders throughout all sectors in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This includes members of Government, political representatives, educators, bankers, a cross-section of the local business community, entrepreneurs, hoteliers, religious and community leaders, FortisTCI employees, local college and college Former Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Arthur. prep students, and members of the media.

First meeting of National Security Advisory Group

The Governor, Peter Beckingham, co- chaired with the Premier the first meeting of the National Security Advisory Group on Wednesday, 16 March, in Grand Turk.

Those attending included the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, and Deputy Leader, Sean Astwood, the Minister for Border Control and Labour, the Hon DonHue Gardiner, the Police Commissioner, the Deputy Governor and the Attorney General, the Hon Galmo Williams, Ms Trem Quinlan, representing the Hotel and Tourism Association, the PS Finance, the Director of DEMA, Bishop Bryan Cox and Pastor Vernon Malcolm.

The meeting received a of burglaries and serious crime. They briefing by the Police Commissioner agreed that certain areas, probably on the strategic threats and risks in part because of poor lighting and facing the Turks and Caicos Islands, surrounding bush, were “hot spots”, including from firearms, money and particularly prone to attacks. laundering, terrorism, cyber crime, They agreed that there drugs and human trafficking. The needed to be a more concerted effort Commissioner noted certain common by all parts of Government, and threads, including enforcement civil society, to improve planning difficulties, legal challenges and and protection in these areas. The community issues about reporting Group also considered the perception crime. He also described a range of by some members of the community current policing issues. that stolen goods may be disposed of

The Group then focused on through pawn shops or other outlets, an area of particular concern, home and the reluctance of some members burglaries. They noted that, as the of the public to pass information to Commissioner reported, there had the police. been an increase over the past year The Group considered the

desirability of a public campaign to encourage greater community support for the police, and the passing of information about crime to the force. Neighborhood watches, schools and churches should all be engaged, as well as business and government and the social media. It would be important for any campaign to be separate from the police. The National Security Council (NSC) would consider how to take forward these proposals.

The Group received a copy of draft legislation for the National Security Council and Advisory Group, which would be tabled in the House. Further meetings will be held in April or May.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

PLANT DIESEL MECHANIC DESCRIPTION

Responsible for carrying out effective preventative and corrective repairs to plant mechanical equipment and other company assets in a manner consistent with equipment manufacturer’s specification and standard mechanical tradesman practices.

MAIN DUTIES  Maintain a high degree of knowledge and familiarity with operating principles and manufacturer’s operating and maintenance manuals for all mechanical plant equipment.  Maintain, repair and install engines and associated equipment in the diesel generating stations in a manner consistent with manufacturer’s specifications to ensure continual reliable operation.  Diagnose mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic problems related to the effective operations of generation plant equipment.  Prepare comprehensive job reports and failures analysis report.  Competently use proper tooling during equipment repair and safeguard and maintain tools and other mechanical repair equipment.  Operate shop tools as needed to fabricate, repair, weld, solder, cut, drill, etc.  Maintain records and reports as required (including inventory of necessary parts).  Be available to respond to emergencies at all times outside of regular working hours, as may be required by plant contingency.  Display a profound knowledge of underlying theoretic and operating principle of all mechanical equipment used in diesel fired operation and to utilize this knowledge in developing the technical competence and capacity of assigned junior maintenance personnel.  Ensure that all work undertaken falls under the Company’s established safety and environmental policies and guidelines and are adhered to consistently.

 An Associate Degree or a two (2) year post-secondary program, preferably in mechanical engineering trades.  Minimum of 10 years’ experience in operations, installation and maintenance of rotating machinery in a power plant operations setting.  A high degree of familiarity and competence in diesel engine theory and operations, trouble shooting of mechanical and rotary equipment, and mechanical repair tooling.  Significant experience in failure diagnostics, trouble shooting and carrying out corrective maintenance/repair of Wärtsilä 20V32 generating units is required.  Experience in carrying out preventative maintenance as team leader for Wärtsilä 20V32 generating units up to the level of full engine overhaul is a mandatory requirement.  Above average analytical skills in math and principles of diesel engine machines.  Excellence in interpretation of engineering drawings and manuals.  Professional competency in written and oral communication skills (English).  Experience in installation, maintenance, and repairs of large generation units in particular Wärtsilä generating units.  A member of (Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists) or its equivalent..  Familiarity with and competency in the use of computers and standard computing software programs.

COMPENSATION Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is April 5 2016 to: Ruth Forbes Vice President Human Resources, Finance and CFO FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or rforbes@fortistci.com

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LOCAL NEWS

South Caicos airport expansion moving forward

The Turks & Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has been designated to oversee the build of the South Caicos (XSC) Airport Expansion project.

TCIAA spokesperson Mrs. Lavern Skippings-Reynolds said this project is being completed with high emphasis placed on safety, security and aviation compliance.

“South Caicos has long been an up and coming destination for travelers. The Airports Authority has taken steps towards restoring full flight operations to this facility as soon as is practical, despite the challenges being faced on island.

Some of the challenges have been a limited access to resources as well as the limited continuous supply of materials,” Skippings-Reynolds said.

She said the expansion will be a much needed upgrade from the existing terminal, significantly larger and offering improved passenger amenities throughout the travel experience, adding that the facility will be the cornerstone to boost significant growth for the island of South Caicos and its economy.

The Construction has been broken down into three phases being: phase one- the Tower, phase two- the Airside works and phase three- the Terminal facility.

The first phase of works on the control tower is in full swing and is progressing a bit slower than anticipated. Contractors are working hard to have this phase completed within the next three months

DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL SERVICES DESCRIPTION

To oversee all financial operations of the organization and direct corporate financial planning and analysis; responsible for the flow of financial information to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and where necessary, the executives, the board and external parties such as financial institutions, credit rating agencies and regulators.

MAIN DUTIES  Leads all accounting functions, financial capital planning, budgeting, forecasting, preparation of cost and performance trends / analysis for presentation to senior management, and accounting information systems.  Directs the delivery of cost effective and efficient accounting and financial systems, policies and processes that meet the current and future business requirements of the organization.  Ensures that the regulatory requirements for financial reporting are met.  Ensures that accurate and timely financial statements are prepared in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as applicable.  Oversees the external audit, reviews and analyzes results and recommends approval of the Audited Financial Statements.  Oversees the production of month-end, quarter-end and year-end financial statements for group reporting and management accounts.  Oversees the production of management information and financial analysis to support the development of long term strategic initiatives and business plans.  Ensures budgetary control, makes recommendations to encourage the continuous improvement of financial performance and implements

contingent upon the resources and noted that much prerequisite works materials that can be accessed in have already been completed.

South Caicos.

Phase three, will consist

The second phase consisting of the design build of the Terminal of the Airside works has been Building and Fire Hall. This phase successfully tendered and has been remains out to tender with a closing awarded to Hertzog TCI. Airside date circa mid-March 2016. Once works which includes the resurface closed, the process of assessment and extension of Apron, resurface and selection shall commence and extension of Taxiway, new immediately. It is the intention of the lighting system, as well as new TCIAA to share conceptual drawings perimeter fencing were all due to from the various short listed RFP’s . commence in February 2016. The “Notwithstanding the above, the re-engineering exercise has however TCIAA cautions the expectations delayed works as we attempt to get of the public, that the experience better value for money to be spent conducting business in South Caicos as this phase exceeds its projected is very challenging and costly. The budget.

TCIAA intends to move swiftly and Physical commencement of these we are doing our best to better the works is slated to begin towards the passengers and people of South end of March 2016, and it must be Caicos,” she added.

relevant financial policies within the business.  Oversees management of cash, treasury and all other financial commitments on an ongoing basis.  Ensures compliance with all financial covenants on existing and future debt issues and metrics to maintain existing or improve corporate credit rating.  Overall control of all financial transactions and accounting matters.  Provides guidance on emerging trends in financial reporting standards relevant to energy and utility companies and in general.  Works with CFO in formulating financial strategies, long-term plans and debt issues.  Provides coaching, guidance and support, sets professional development plans to assist employees to reach their full potential.  Ensures consistent service delivery in a consultative and solutionsbased capacity to all levels of staff and with regard to financially related transactions, policies and procedures.  Ensures the team delivers the highest standard of teamwork and customer service.  Special projects as assigned by the CFO.  Other relevant duties that may be assigned from time to time

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS  Bachelor’s degree in Accounting  CPA, CA ACCA or CMA qualified  Minimum of 10-15 years’ senior management experience  Minimum of 5 years’ utility experience  Minimum of 5 years’ experience with one of the “big four” auditing firms Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is April 5 2016 to: Ruth Forbes Vice President, Human Resources, Finance and CFO FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or rforbes@fortistci.com

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LOCAL NEWS

Police officer helps change a troubled boy into a respectable young man

The necessary investigations were conducted, the young man was arrested and charged with the offence.

During the court proceeding Officer Grant, who was adamant about assisting him, stood before the Magistrate and the Social Welfare officer and asked them to give him the responsibility of taking the young man into his custody. The court granted his request. “Without any consultation with my wife, I took him to my home” said the officer, “I went home and told my wife Ingrid this is our son, and he will be living with us until he can support himself, without hesitation she accepted him.

That young man who was 15years old at the time was born on Grand Turk and living in Kingston Providenciales in a dilapidated one bedroom shack. His mom passed away Sergeant Winston Grant when he was three years old, and his

In early 2007, Sergeant dad was not around.

Winston Grant responded to a report of In 2011, he was officially a break-in at a home in the Bight. Upon adopted by the Grants and was sent to arrival at the scene, the complainant the Clement Howell High School where told the officer that a young man was he got five (5) CXC passes and also found hiding in the closet with food attended the Community College where and a bottle of coins in a bag, and they he pursued technical drawing. requested court action.

Today he is now 23 years old,

At that point, Officer Grant graduated from the Clement Howell saw a young man who needed help. “I High School and is employed and living could see he was troubled and was in the life of a respectable man in his need of assistance, I wanted to help, community, a life he said, was due to but I had to carry out the necessary the kindness of Sergeant Winston Grant police procedures as requested by the and his family. complainant,” he said.

“I struggled throughout my

SENIOR HIGH VOLTAGE PLANT SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN Responsible to plan and supervise the construction, installation, modification, maintenance and repair of the company’s high voltage electrical distribution facilities. At the direction of the Senior Electrical Engineer, the Senior High Voltage Substation Electrician will perform and direct maintenance and install high voltage equipment and electrical control systems both in the Plant and Substations in a sound technical manner, to ensure the reliable operation and functionality of equipment, as per design specifications. This position is required to trouble shoot and repair the more complicated electrical equipment that other staff members are unable to. Mentoring of apprentices and less experienced electricians.

MAIN DUTIES

 Lead and participate in the layout, construction, installation, modification, maintenance and repairs to FortisTCI facilities by preparing and interpreting blueprints, plans, specifications, catalogue data and written and verbal instructions.  Plan, provide materials and schedule work for subordinate employees ensuring proper assignment, tooling and techniques in performance of duties  Mentoring of the existing work force through “hands on training and mentoring” in conjunction with training provided by outside trainers in order to assemble a knowledgeable and motivated electrical plant work force.  Maintain and install all rotating and stationary electrical equipment with particular emphasis on control systems and substation maintenance.

All such work will be performed with safety, efficiency and functionality of the FortisTCI system as the guiding factors.  Maintain and install all breakers and associated equipment at the plant and in Company Substations.  Prepare instruction manuals and consolidate manufacturer’s information into a form that can be used by others to trouble shoot and maintain electrical equipment.  To prepare cost estimates and material lists for various projects for the Senior Electrical Engineer.  Assist the Senior Electrical Engineer in the preparation of capital and maintenance budgets by the preparation of cost estimates as assigned  Be familiar with all Company policies and procedures (including those established by past practice) relating to the position and to observe and enforce same.  Plan and conduct work in a manner consistent with the company’s

primary and secondary school years, I would steal and sell drugs to make money to get food to eat throughout the day. Those who I sold drugs for only encouraged me to it and I thought it was okay because it helped me to feed myself, but that very day the law caught up with my bad decisions. It was a day that changed my life forever, but if it weren’t for the Police Officer who is now my father, I probably would have already gone to prison and lost in doing illegal things” he said.

“Today, I am a better man; I thank my mother Ingrid Grant for accepting me into her home and my brother Malique and sisters Malieka and Atiah, who adores me and love me just as much I love them. I always thought the Police were heartless and were in my way when I wanted to do wrong things at the time. Those thoughts have changed, and there are compassionate and loving Police Officers out there and my dad Winston Grant is a prime example.”

“There’s so much I can say about my son, but importantly I am so happy that I took him into my family’s life, and I have no regrets. Although he is an adult now, he still looks to me for advice, even as a grown man he calls me to tell me where he’s going, I appreciate the way he shows his love to my family and me as an appreciation of how we help him changed his life.” Said Sergeant Winston Grant.

Turks and Caicos Sun Suite#5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 339-5879 Fax: (649) 941-3281 Email: sun@suntci.com Read us online at www.suntci.com Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce Office Manager: Dominique Rigby Graphic designer Information Technology and Production Manager: Kelano Howell Todeline Defralien Reporter

The Turks and Caicos SUN is a subsidiary of The SUN Media Group Ltd. We are committed to excellence in journalism, educating and informing our readers, serving and satisfying our advertisers and assisting in the overall development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

commitment to the environment and ensure that subordinate employees are likewise in compliance.  Be familiar with safety and operating procedures of the company and see that all in the Electrical Plant Department follow them  Assist in the maintenance of statistical records required by the company  Be calm and competent in response to plant emergencies in a manner that inspires others to do likewise.  Operate Company vehicles as required and in adherence to company policy and the driving regulations of TCI authorities.  Be professional in dress and demeanor as befits an employee and ensure that a good public image of FortisTCI is maintained at all times.  Perform other duties as may be assigned and/or required by system contingencies from time to time.

DAILY DUTIES

 Plan a weekly outline of the work to be conducted and who is to do it in conjunction with the Senior Electrical Engineer.  Submit job reports and failure analysis reports as may arise due to equipment operating abnormalities  Select the correct manuals and procedures to be used by apprentices and direct them in how to follow the documentation.  Conduct other duties As assigned by Senior Electrical Engineer from time to time

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

 Associate’s degree in a related field or successful completion of a 2 year in a post- secondary education program, preferably in engineering trades with an emphasis on electrical technology.  Familiarity with PLC’s and their trouble shooting  Completion of Industrial Electricians apprentice program equivalent to the Red Seal program.  A minimum of 10 years’ hands on experience in high voltage application preferably in the power generation and distribution field as well as a demonstrated ability to lead others.  Familiarity with and competency in the use of computers and standard computing software programs particularly drafting.

COMPENSATION Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is April 5, 2016 to: Ruth Forbes Vice President, Human Resources, Finance & CFO FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or rforbes@fortistci.com

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

Digicel announces new promotions

As part of Digicel’s continuing commitment to service excellence, Monique Williams and Frankira Forbes have been promoted to Retail Store Manager and Store Supervisor respectively.

Both Monique and Frankira, have been outstanding, dedicated and hardworking since joining the Digicel family.

They have excelled at ensuring that the company offers their customers the best service possible. In their new posts, both employees will be instrumental in continuing to build on the current success of Digicel in giving their customers the best services and products that the Turks and Caicos Islands has to offer. Monique and Frankira will be based at Digicel’s flagship store at Graceway House, Providenciales, and as Retail Store Manager and Store Supervisor they will be responsible for leading a very skill and highly motivated team.

CEO of Digicel Turks and Caicos Islands, Sinead O’ Marcaigh, in announcing the new promotions, said: “We continue to be very proud of our employees. Monique and Frankira have

exemplified the essence of the Digicel way, where hard work, dedication and commitment to our customers is our number one goal. These promotions are simply Digicel’s way of rewarding two outstanding employees. Part of our goals is to ensure that we have the best trained, the best motivated and the most customer focused employees in the Turks and Caicos Islands; and to ensure that Turks & Caicos Islanders continue to have opportunities to advance.”

Frankira joined the Digicel Turks and Caicos Islands family in May, 2015 as a Sales Executive. Since joining the Digicel family she has shown an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her previous work experience in people management coupled with her extensive customer service expertise, equipped her to meet and exceed the requirements of the new post. She embodies our corporate philosophy – Be Extraordinary!

In May 2008 Monique joined the Digicel Turks and Caicos Islands family as a Sales Representative in Grand Turk. She has worked tirelessly to build on her skills, so that she can

A property developer on Providenciales has an immediate vacancy for a Vice-President of Design & Development This position has a high level of responsibility and candidates must demonstrate proven experience in cost control, advanced technical ability/ knowledge, and excellent communication & management skills.

Candidate must: •be a Registered (RIBA, AIA, ARB) Architect and/or a Registered (ISLA, ASLA) Landscape Architect and have at least 20 years of professional experience in resort design & project management.

•be LEED certified by the US Green Building Council and well-versed in sustainable design and construction systems and strategies •have proven experience in AutoCAD 2013,- Adobe Photoshop - Sketchup – Adobe- Blubeam and Microsoft Office Suites •have proven experience in master planning, design, design management and construction of multi- use projects; includes extensive experience in the construction of High-end residential properties, Hotel, and Commercial mixed used buildings, golf developments and marina facilities.

•have knowledge of design and construction management principles; cost control, change order pricing/negotiation and construction techniques, standards and practices.

•have Knowledge of architectural design principles such as building materials, construction methods, and design standards and codes- TCI, US and international •have the Ability to independently prepare 3D architectural sketches, schematic designs and detailed contract drawings.

•demonstrate ability to present complex information to diverse audiences- Board of Directors, Members, Guests, financial Partners and potential investor/ buyers, both verbally and graphically.

•be able to coordinate architectural design efforts with Civil, Structural, MEP and Landscape Architectural design and systems.

•Be able to prepare tender analysis report and negotiate with contractors.

•have the Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

•have demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate and record projects.

•be willing to work weekends when required and most public holidays.

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience.

Misick & Stanbrook Email: info@misickstanbrook.tc Tel: (649) 946-4732 Fax: (649) 946-4734

0Frankira Forbes

Monique Williams

give her customers the best possible service. In September 2012, she was transferred to the Graceway House store in Providenciales where she displayed exceptional knowledge and skill as a Store Supervisor, which led to her promotion to the post of Store Manager.

Sean Latty

Both Monique and Frankira have proven that determination and an excellent work ethic pays off.

The entire Digicel family takes this opportunity to congratulate them and wish them much continued success in their new roles.

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 11

LIVE

ENTERTAINMENT

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS!

OPEN DAILY FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER.

NEW WEEKLY LUNCH SPECIALS - STARTING FROM $12++ PER PERSON SUCH AS: braised oxtail and beans braised short ribs

peas & rice | cole slaw

sweet potato mash | baked mac & cheese

escabeche snapper filet

peas & rice | baked mac & cheese

stewed chicken

peas & rice | fried plantains | cole slaw

steamed grouper stewed peas

rice | steamed veggies

jasmine rice | cole slaw | roasted vegetables

All specials include a non alcoholic beverage. Taxes and service fees applicable.

CLIP THIS COUPON AND PRESENT IT TO YOUR SERVER.

BUY ONE DESSERT AND GET ONE FREE*! *OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE. LIMIT OF ONE COUPON PER CUS TOMER. N O C A S H VA L U E . E X P I R E S M AY 3 0 , 2 016 . A S U R E S TA U R A N T. C O M 94 1. 8 8 8 8

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

“We Are One” multi-culture food & music festival to be hosted this summer

The Turks and Caicos Islands can also look forward to another festival this summer.

It’s the ‘We are one’ Multicultural Festival

The purpose of this event is to give an idea of oneness. There will be a variety of food, music and cultures on display that day from different nationalities such as the Dominica Republic, Haiti, Philippines, Jamaica, The Bahamas and others.

President of TCI Beat Records Herbert Swann said, “We have come up with an idea to try and unify the committee of the Turks and Caicos Islands because right now everybody seems to be in their own little corner doing their own thing. As you notice, even with the flag days, you would have people doing their independence and if you live in a community where there is 106 different nationalities and 40,000 persons you would think we have a more togetherness, so we have devised an idea to see how we can bring the community closer instead of everybody doing their own thing so we want to come together as a unit.”

This concept, the multiculture food and music festival is more educational, in the sense that residents will get to learn more about the different nationalities that are here and also to give them an opportunity to embrace and engage those that live here.

“We are not the Turks and

President of TCI Beat Records Herbert Swann Caicos Islands we knew 30 years ago,” Swann said. “We are a mixture of people that are making this country move and we have to embrace these persons and realize that they’re here to help make this country get to the forefront and not, as some people think, to take what they can get and just leave. With this cultural festival

Personal Insurance

the heads of community that I’ve meet with have agreed that this is the right time to make this move.”

Organizers who’ve been planning this event since 2014 said it is not a political move, adding that it’s a non-profit organization and any funds made from this event will be given back to each community to help

benefit residents. The message they are trying to send to the region and to the world at large is that Turks and Caicos Islands is a place open for people that want to come in, live, develop, invest and most of all we are a family and that is why the event is called ‘We are one”.

Swann added: “When I found out that our Culinary ambassador was planning the same thing I approached him and said we are trying to promote unity and it almost automatically seems like we have a division here where we’re almost undermining one another and this is not the case. I guess great minds think alike so to speak...some people have a vision to see unity and so I don’t want to convey the idea that we are somehow creating a move that’s undermining.

He planned his thing for a while and of course we’ve been working on this for a long time and since people who do stuff don’t go out telling their business to everybody we have no idea of knowing who was doing what and we tried to make an attempt to see how we could come together and maybe create a one-time event with both of us, but unfortunately that would not be possible this time.”

The two day event is dated to take place August 5th-6th and organizers of the event encourage the different communities to come out and show their support.

JOB DESCRIPTION – OWNER LIAISONS REPRESENTATIVE Professional Consultancy firm looking for an Owner Liaisons Representative to oversee all local and international marketing and sales efforts and act as a primary liaison with owners, tenants, existing vendors and brokers.

It’s a holiday weekend!

The management and staff at Colonial Insurance Brokers wish you a happy Easter holiday. If you plan to go to the beach, get there safely.

Home and car insurance Call 941-3195

Candidates must have 15+ years’ experience in true 5-star luxury resorts and have a Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and tourism and a Master’s degree in leadership management. Candidates must have knowledge of the sales process, local laws related to real estate and business analysis. Additionally candidates must have ability and proven record to meet sales goals, engage in negotiation, accommodate customer needs, build relationships and manage processes.

Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office programs is required. Must be fluent in English, German and French and knowledge of Scandinavian languages will be a benefit.

COLONIAL INSURANCE BROKERS LTD. Suite 3D-A, Courtyard Plaza, Leeward Highway, Providenciales Tel. (649) 941 3195 www.cgigroup.com A member of Colonial Group International insurance, health, pensions, life

cgigrp

Must be flexible with hours; on call 24 hours per day and works weekends as well as requires minimal supervision to work with good time management skills.

Please submit resumes/portfolios to PO Box 560, Regent House West, Regent Village, Grace Bay, Providenciales, TCI or send by fax to 946 4663 no later than 25 March 2016.

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

OPEN DAILY FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER.

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDE: Happy Hour | Daily 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Enjoy 30% of beverages and cocktails at Salt Bar and Grill.

Friday Night Oysters and Bubbles, & Live Entertainment Pre-dinner oyster and bubbles menu available.

Thursday Night Salsa dancing & Live Entertainment Starting April 7th enjoy a free salsa dance lesson, for Fire & Ice patrons followed by salsa dancing under the stars!

BLUE HAVEN RESORT & MARINA | BLUEHAVENTCI.COM + 1 . 6 4 9 . 9 4 6 . 9 9 0 0 | C O N TA C T @ B L U E H AV E N T C I . C O M

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

PNP Budget Fails to Support Tourism Industry

by Hon. Sean R. Astwood PDM Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister of Tourism, Investment & Trade

The Tourism Industry is our number one revenue generator.

Many of our residents are directly or indirectly working in Tourism Industry. As the Shadow Minister for Tourism Investment, and Trade, I was once again disappointment with the Government’s apparent complacency with our Tourism Product.

The Government continues to reinvest as little as possible into growing the Tourism Industry.

Our islands have been blessed with ‘Sand, Sun, and Sea’, however we are not the only country that possesses these attributes and we do have competitors vying for the same tourist dollars. The Government commissioned a report that was prepared by KPMG titled National Tourism Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan for the Turks and Caicos Islands. This report highlighted several important factors: “Tourism is an enormous global industry accounting for 9% of global GDP in 2013 and 1 out of every 11 jobs worldwide.” “According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (“WTTC”) there is no region in the world more dependent on tourism than the Caribbean. “In terms of tourism’s direct contribution to a nations GDP, 5 of the top 10 countries in the world, are located in the Caribbean, per

the latest league tables issued by the WTTC.” “For many countries in the region there is no “plan B” – tourism is their economy.” “Had TCI been included in the WTTC report it would have ranked 3rd out of a total of 185 countries in terms of tourism’s direct contribution to GDP, behind only the Maldives and Macau.” “Tourism dominates TCI’s economy and is likely to do so for the foreseeable future.”  The tourist exit surveys stated that the environment is very important to them. Garbage and pollution was cited as one of the top reasons why tourists visit to our islands was less enjoyable as compared to other places they have visited. Our tourists are looking for an authentic experience and locally made products. “It has to be recognized that TCI’s success to date has been achieved in something of a vacuum. Currently there is no: National Development Plan; Tourism Market Development Strategy; or Tourism Marketing Plan” The report goes on to say that “It therefore follows that whatever can be done to support TCI’s tourism industry must be done.”

This report included a lot of useful information, which should have encouraged this current PNP Government to take our Tourism industry more seriously. It is obvious based on the Government’s budget that either this Government has not read KPMG’s report or has rejected its findings. Being that this report cost the taxpayers over $200,000, one would hope that the report would have been taken seriously.

The successes we have had in our Tourism Industry currently is a direct result of God’s blessings of natural beauty on our islands, an aggressive Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, and the efforts of the hard working employees of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board, who continue to do their best with the little resources allocated to them. This upcoming fiscal year the Government budgeted $3.3 million, compared to $3 million last financial year. A mere $300K increase is not a serious investment in this industry.

Under a PDM Government we would have significantly increased the budgeted amount to allow for a National Development Plan along with a Tourism Marketing Strategy.

Some of the components of this plan would have been: •Developing a Tourism Product or further enhancing the Tourism product on each of our inhabited islands. Each island has unique features for which an authentic tourism experience can be created

without compromising the natural beauty or uniqueness of that island.

•Funding a Hospitality Training School. This training school would help persons already working in the Industry and persons interested in entering the industry.

•Funding that focuses on partnering persons with the knowledge and skill-set of creating authentic products with future generations or persons interested in partaking in the tourism field.

•Providing real financial support to local vendors wanting to produce and market authentic local products.

•Funding for a proper cleanup program that hires persons whose sole responsibility is to keep our islands clean from 6am in the morning. These persons would be employed in all of our inhabited islands.

•Enforcing our litter laws and have zero tolerance for those caught littering • Investing in a beautification project that focus on proper landscaping throughout the islands.

•To ensure that 100% of Gratuity is returned to persons working within the tourism industry. The PNP under Former Premier Michael Misick had reduced workers gratuity to 60% and allowing hoteliers to keep 40%, this was wrong.

PDM understands the importance of our Tourism Industry. We recognize that the Industry needs to be nurtured and fully supported to retain our competitive advantages to continue to be the destination of choice.

Another key role will be to support the Vice President Small and Medium Enterprise in the operation of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Programme, to be operated by Invest Turks and Caicos. This role will include data and records collection and liaison and follow up with partner organizations.

Education and qualifications: Graduate degree in a relevant discipline such as Business Management, Marketing, or Economics from a recognized institution or equivalent.

Experience and Knowledge:

VACANCY NOTICE Job Title: Marketing Support Executive Salary: Negotiable in a range from $43,060 - $52,470 depending on education and qualifications.

Job Summary:

•At least three years’ experience in researching and writing various documents, including reports and pamphlets and web researching •At least three years’ experience in website management and other developing other communication channels in social media.

•Experience in developing and administering government programs and policies and in developing policies and procedures.

•Knowledge of the small business community in the TCI. •Financial management experience.

Desired:

•Experience in web development and maintenance and in using web tools such as SEO. •Experience in destination and/or investment marketing.

The role will support the Vice President Marketing by conducting market research to provide relevant information to prospective investors and will ensure that the website is actively managed to remain current, accurate and comprehensive. The office holder will receive all inquiries at the website and either respond directly or send the request to the appropriate officer and ensure prompt follow up.

Application Procedure

The Market Support Executive will also carry out research and prepare internal and external materials, including value propositions, which provide relevant information to attract investors to the country.

All applications must be received by 12 noon on Wednesday, March 30th, 2016 and should be emailed to investturksandcaicos@gmail.com. Only persons considered for an interview will be contacted.

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 Market Support Executive job description please send an email to investturksandcaicos@gmail.com.

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 15

LOCAL NEWS

CSA Elections to take place in April 2016 Statistics and is a former government worker on Salt Cay and the second

The Civil Service Association Vice President nominee is a teacher at (CSA) elections will take place in the HJ Robinson High School, Temard April 2016, where civil servants can Butterfield. go to the polls and votes for their best Deputy Governor Anya candidates for the different positions.

Williams told media houses, “When

The four candidates were we initially developed this process we officially revealed at a recent press said we wanted to be an open process. conference held at the Premier’s office We thought that the Civil Service was in Providenciales. at a place now where Civil Servant

There are two candidates in should choose who they want to the presidential race and two in the represent them. We have over 1,800 race for Vice President of the Civil civil servants and we didn’t want Service Association (CSA). anyone to just stand and say ‘I am the

Running for president are Dr. next president of the CSA’. We felt that Virginia Clerveaux, the Director of the there should be a consultative process Disaster Management & Emergencies and we thought the best way to do that and Patterson Williams from the is actually to take them through an Information Technology Department. election process.”

The candidates for vice president She added: “We are really pleased at are Vershina Forbes who works for the level of enthusiasm that the civil

By Todeline Defralien

servants and even the public has had for this process. Everyone is looking forward to the debates. These persons have come straight out even before we have announced their candidacy with videos, WhatsApp messages and Facebook postings and so on and the Civil Service is energized and that was what we wanted to see. We want to see the Civil Service becoming active. We believe all of these things will increase their job satisfaction and then will lead to greater efficiency event for the public.”

Williams encouraged all of the civil servants to participate and to make sure that they choose the right leader, choose the right persons who you know are going to represent on your behalf and who you know are going to bring great change to the civil service.

Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams.

Lavern Smith sentenced to 3 years in prison

On Monday 21st March 2016, Lavern Smith appeared in the Supreme Court where he was sentenced to three (3) years imprisonment and two (2) years probation after serving prison time for his previous plea of guilty for the offences of Keeping Firearm and Keeping Ammunition.

The facts are, on Tuesday 27th October 2015 at around 9:30 pm officers from the Tactical Unit were patrolling in the Bight area when upon

reaching a business establishment they saw Mr. ROUNDS OF 22 Caliber ammunition, one (1) black Smith, who was wanted by police for another matter holster, two (2) face masks, one (1) black and white behaving in a suspicious manner with a backpack on hand glove and a pair of scissors were found. his back, and as officers approached him he ran to When asked by officers if he owns a license the back of the building. Officers went to the back of to carry the firearm and ammunition he told them the building where they apprehended him. no. He was arrested and later charged with the

A search was made in his backpack where offences. one (1) BLACK Hi-Point 40 Caliber Pistol, Nine He pleaded guilty to the charges on Wednesday 9th (9) rounds of 9mm Caliber ammunition, two (2) March 2016.

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This position is responsible for the leadership and direction of the organization’s activities in accordance with the goals and objectives of the organization which include safeguarding and growing the value of the organization and ensuring that Company’s service territory has safe, reliable electricity services, while providing sound returns to shareholders.

MAIN DUTIES

 Define and articulate the organization’s vision and develop strategies for achieving that vision  Give direction and leadership toward the achievement of the organization’s philosophy, mission, strategy and its annual goals and objectives.  Coordinate all aspects of the organization, including: human resources, engineering, electricity production and transmission, financing and commerce, regulatory, environment and safety.  Implement the strategic goals and objectives of the organization.  Promote a culture that reflects the organization’s values, encourages good performance, and reward productivity  Assure that the organization’s mission, programs and services are consistently presented in a strong positive image to relevant stakeholders.  Develops and monitors strategies for ensuring the long-term financial viability of the organization.  Manage the physical and human resources of the organization to achieve maximum results.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

 Post graduate degree in business or engineering

 Minimum of 20 years’ experience in the electricity utility industry  Minimum of 10 years’ experience at senior executive level in the electrical utility industry  Proven exceptional leadership skills  Extensive global knowledge of the electricity utility industry and regulatory frameworks  Extensive knowledge in leading utility power plant procurement and installation  Extensive knowledge of global and regional energy markets  Extensive knowledge of fuel specs and regional fuel supply chains  Extensive knowledge of emerging hydrocarbon market including Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)  Extensive knowledge of renewable energy markets including solar and wind utility-scale and distributed generation systems.  Extensive knowledge of fuel hedging strategies  Extensive knowledge of Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) models  Extensive knowledge of new emerging electricity utility business model.  Extensive knowledge of demand side management  Extensive knowledge of global climate change issues  Extensive experience in risk management, disaster preparedness and recovery, and business continuity  Extensive experience in structured financing and debt placements in the Private Debt Markets.  Proven track record of leading investor-owned electricity utilities and creating shareholder’s value  Exceptional analytical skills  Excellent written and oral communication skills  Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications

Deadline for submission of applications is April 5, 2016 to: Ruth Forbes, Vice President Human Resources, Finance and CFO FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@ppcltd.tc and rforbes@fortistci.com

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

The Fashion House of JERITT to host first TCI fashion week

By Todeline Defralien

Fashion designer Jermell Williams under The Fashion House of JERITT is hosting the first Annual Turks and Caicos Islands fashion week, bringing something new to the events list in the TCI.

CEO and founder of this event Jermell Williams told The SUN, “I do believe that the Turks and Caicos is growing at a fast rate and with development comes new industries.

The country is ready, the doors are open, we are the world’s most wanted.

It takes a strong fashion Guru like myself to infuse this industry into our country. The industry is here, it just needs to be molded and shaped.

People need to understand it and see the importance of this billion dollar industry.”

This event is slated to be held October 20th -22nd, 2016.

Williams added: “Fashion is everything. It is in our culture and music, it is our everyday life. Fashion is a strong tourism market that can increase our tourist rates and make more jobs and opportunities for our young people. This industry is powerful and can open the TCI to the world in a new light.”

He said that he has been working on this event for about three years, adding that one of his goals is to ensure this event happen annually.

He wants the Turks and Caicos

Government to trust and believe in this groundbreaking idea and not take it lightly.

The event is a fashion festival, business event, for emergent fashion designers, make-up artists, models, fashion stylists and retailers to network. It’s a festival where emerging fashion designers will showcase their latest collection to retailers/buyers, top fashion media, stylists and fashion bloggers. It’s a playground where the latest fashion trends for the Caribbean will be made for the up-coming year.

This event caters to everyone; women, men, kids and fashion lovers and is expected to be a posh and classy event.

When asked what are the requirements to be part of this event, William continued: “You must first love this fashion business and love the event planning business. It would be great to also have experiences in some other areas - show producer, creative director, casting manager, event planning, backstage manager, guest list manager, decor manager and sales manager and a beauty and Local Fashion Designer Jermell Williams. styling team. The plan is for everyone first believe in yourself then your art. be open to learn more. Know that all to benefit from this festival. Hotels/ Trust your work of art. It is a plus to criticisms are good and intended to Resorts, taxi drivers, restaurants, educate yourself about the business make you stronger and know that VIP transportation services, printing and learn as much as you could all trend-setters are copied so when companies etc. It’s an outlet to possibly learn. The truth is you’ll someone copy your designs don’t feel promote, market, network and sell. never stop learning, Fashion is ever bad or hurt about it, just tell yourself

“My advice to all young changing. Believe that you are the that you are a trend-setting Fashion aspiring designers out there is to best at what you do, but always Designer,” Williams ended.

Applicants must be between the ages of 21-40, possess a high school diploma, a minimum of three (3) C.X.C. with a pass in English.

Candidates must undergo an extensive hiring process which includes a physical fitness test, a medical examination/ drug screening, written examination, a stringent background investigation, and a structured interview. Applicants with previous Law Enforcement Training are welcome to apply.

VACANCY Department:

Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force

JOB TITLE:

Police Officer

LOCATION:

Turks and Caicos Islands

Remuneration Package SALARY: Island Allowance:

$24,000.00 PER ANNUM $2,400.00 PER ANNUM

HOUSING ALLOWANCE:

$7,380.00 PER ANNUM

DUTY ALLOWANCE:

$1,440.00 PER ANNUM

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Police Officer in our recently established Tourist Police Unit.

The Tourist Police Unit is primarily entrusted with the duties and responsibilities of protecting and securing the safe movement and stay of Tourist in the TCI, as well as to attend to crime related complaints committed against tourist and to investigate them.

Applicants must fill out an application form accompanied by a cover letter and two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer) as well as copies of educational certificates and a copy of the passport photo page. Applications should be addressed to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, H.R., Old Airport Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands; to: James Smith Commissioner of Police with the subject line: Police Constable/ APPLICATION. Applicants who have previously applied should reapply.

Successful applicants will work in accordance with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Ordinance, TCI Laws, Ordinances, and Constitution.

Closing date is 18th April, 2016. Following a paper-sift, shortlisted applicants will be scheduled for the Police entrance examination and medical and fitness test; with interviews taking place in person on Providenciales beginning the week of 25th April 2016. An application form can be obtained by visiting our Headquarters on the Island of Provo or Grand Turk or downloaded at www.tcipolice.tc.

Applications can be submitted to any of our Headquarters on Grand Turk or Grand Turk.

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands is committed to Equal Employment Opportunities, All applicants will be considered on an equal basis that determines their suitability to the post applied for. The selection process will be conducted on three principles of merit, fairness and openness. Applications without all supporting documents will not be processed. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 17

LOCAL NEWS

Young locals host fundraiser for HJ Robinson High school

By Todeline Defralien

Young locals are continuing to give back to their communities and continuing to make a name for themselves. Local entertainers Chrystal Charles and Andy Williams better known as DJ Shakes are hosting a fundraiser to give back to the HJ Robinson High school.

The purpose of this event is to give back to the capital Grand Turk and the first school in the Turks and Caicos Islands HJ Robinson high school which was burnt down early this year. This event is slated to take place on the 2nd of April, 2016.

In an exclusive interview with The SUN, Chrystal Charles told The SUN, “The Fundraiser idea sprang from when we had that devastating fire in Grant Turk on the 29th of January. Everyone knows that the Government is going to make full efforts to rebuild and refurnish the destroyed assets but we felt that it was something that we had to do. We had to give back and we wanted to assist the school in their time of need right now.”

Organizers of the event are working towards getting a lighting system as well as a public address system for the school.

Charles added: “We’re going to be putting on and sharing our efforts and talents and just saying pretty much thank you because that’s

Local entertainer Chrystal Charles and Andy Williams. our alma mater, the HJ Robinson added with food, drinks games and High school, by putting on a fun day entertainment with performances by for everyone and a concert later on in V6 Band, TESS and TCI Most wanted the evening on April 2nd.”

Dj Shakes will be on the 1s and 2s.

In the morning supporters can Charles continued: “We’re look forward to a fun day including going to be raising funds by all face painting for the children, the items that will be on sale, the bouncing castles, music, games and so activities will be charged and much more. An adult section is also everything will be going towards

getting the lighting system and the PA system. As soon as the fire happened we sprang into action and we wanted to do something. We actually wanted to help with the rebuilding however with the government making the statement that they will be taking sole responsibility for it we reached out to the PTA and the PTA had that need so we just went with what they needed and what they already started to work on and that’s how we came up with the lighting system and with the PA system idea.”

When asked what inspired them to give back to their community, Williams said, “Our community, the kids. We came from Grand Turk and we came from the first High school of the Turks and Caicos. After what happened it was only right as entertainers and people from our community to o back and to give back to our community.”

Organizers of the event encourage the people of Grand Turk to come out in numbers and support the event and if you are not able to make it you can contact either Chrystal Charles or Andy Williams directly and make your donations and you will also get honorable mentions for their donations.

Organizers also said that they do have plans to host a fundraising event in Providenciales as well but that will be done after the event in the nation’s capital Grand Turk.

 Collect and preserve evidence including statements, photos and test results which may be used in court.  Effectively represent the Company in Court in power theft related cases and provide technical evidence.  Assist with informational presentations for both internal and external customers on power diversion.  Any other duties as may be assigned.

SENIOR REVENUE PROTECTION INVESTIGATION OFFICER Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of Senior Revenue Protection Investigation Officer, FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

DESCRIPTION

This position has responsibility for investigating and reporting cases involving power diversion and billing fraud and is required to receive and respond to intelligence regarding fraud and suspected power diversion. The Senior Revenue Protection Investigating Officer is also responsible for regularly examining meters to determine whether or not evidence of tampering exists and is responsible for examining electrical wiring connecting meters to building circuits and external power lines with a view to ensuring compliance with industry safety standards and detecting incidents of fraud and power diversion.

MAIN DUTIES

 Prepare power theft reports and analysis as requested.  Work closely with the Transmission & Distribution Team to ensure that confirmed cases of power diversion is disconnected from the service line.  Work closely with the Administrative staff to investigate accounts with suspicious decreases in consumption.  Work closely with the Royal TCI Police Force during the investigation and prosecution of power diversion.  Assist with conducting meter audits throughout all service territories.  Recommend service connection upgrades where the service is susceptible to power diversion or inaccurate billing.  Recommend and participate in efforts to reduce non-technical losses.  Seek various means of gathering evidence in order to build case files.

ACADEMIC/TECHNICAL/MANAGEMENT: EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:  Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or Engineering Technology.  Working knowledge of metering systems.  At least 6 years’ experience in utility services or related field.  A minimum of 3 years investigative experience.

CORE COMPETENCY SKILLS:

 High level of direct customer contact requiring excellent written and oral communication skills.  Must possess high ethical standards.  Police Record should be in good standing.  Knowledge of country laws and company policies and procedures applicable to illegal use of electricity.  Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.  Familiar with GPS and Mapping systems.  Goal-oriented and self-motivated to apply needed initiative.  Ability to work under pressure and in environments that may be adverse.  Ability to speak multiple languages would be an asset.  Valid Driver’s License is required.  Proficient in Microsoft Word & Excel.

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is April 5, 2016 Ruth Forbes Vice President, Human Resources, Finance and CFO FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or rforbes@fortistci.com

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

AMANYARA

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

PROVIDENCIALES TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

Amanyara is looking for energetic, highly motivated individuals to join our team: FINANCIAL CONTROLLER The position of Controller is critical to the efficient and successful operation of both Hotel and Villas (private homes), having responsibility for maintaining & improving accounting systems, internal controls & processes. The Controller is responsible for ensuring financial results are maximized, through effective budgeting, forecasting and cost controls.

The role requires a team player with strong operational & financial focus, good judgment, passion, vision and exceptional leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities: 1) Assume responsibility for all day-to day accounting functions within the Hotel and the Villas, including banking, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, inventory, and cash management.

2) Lead the accounting teams, ensuring all daily operational & financial transactions are prepared accurately and in a timely manner. Hire, train, and evaluate the performance of the accounting team members.

3) Produce month-end & year-end financial statements in an accurate and timely manner, analyzing, understanding and communicating the relationship between actual results to budget and prior year and provide commentary on variances.

4) As an active member of the Management Team, assist the GM & Division Heads in budget preparation, business plans & the gathering of financial data for special projects & reports.

Recommend and implement cost savings strategies.

Job Requirements: Minimum requirement of a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/ Finance. Complete knowledge of hotel accounting systems and procedures, 8 to 10 years of Managerial Accounting/ Finance experience and; exceptional analytical ability required.

Advanced Excel skills, ability to plan, prioritize & implement effectively multi-task while working effectively in a fast paced and ever changing and challenging environment.

RESORT MANAGER Resort Manager oversee product stocking, accounting, and marketing efforts at the resort. As the resort manager, he/she will assisted in the management of the daily room inventory function, handled all guest requests and issues. Assisted with the evaluation and implementation of service and revenue programs. Supervised various department managers. The individual will oversee and approve marketing and sales campaigns, and will required to approve discounts drafted by your marketing and sales coordinators. Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANAGER Oversee operations of all Food and Beverage outlets in a 5 star luxury resort, with a least 5 years’ experience as F & B Manager. Strong track record of maintain consistent standards, continually training outlet staffs and promoting an atmosphere of teamwork.

Strong Financial skills track record of building/increasing outlet revenue, experience implementing new F&B concepts.

Exceptional knowledge of different types of cuisine and wine including how menus are developed, pricing guidelines and how to improve results.

Duties Include: Plan and manage the Restaurant, Room Service and personal functions. Develop and implement special promotions and employees incentives; Create department budget and financial reports, and monitor status to adjust as appropriate.

EXECUTIVE CHEF Amanyara is looking for a creative and proficient in all aspects of food preparation, executive chef. He/she will be “the chief” and maintain complete control of the kitchen. Proven working experience at a 5 stars Luxury Resort as a head chef, excellent record of kitchen management and ability to spot and resolve problems efficiently and capable of delegating multiple tasks. Good communication and leadership skills, also keep up with cooking trends and best practices.

Plan and direct food preparation and culinary activities, Modify menus or create new ones that meet quality standards, Estimate food requirements and food/labor costs, arrange for equipment purchases and repairs, recruit and manage kitchen staff. Rectify arising problems or complaints. Give prepared plates the “final touch” Perform administrative duties, Comply with nutrition and sanitation regulations and safety standards; Keep time and payroll records, Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers and customers. BS degree in Culinary Science or related certificate IT MANAGER Candidate must have these qualifications: At least (5) Years’ experience, Cisco Unified Networking, Routing, Switching, Firewall, Bandwidth Management.

Cisco Call Manager VOIP, Unified Wireless, Micros Opera PMS, Micros 9700 POS, IP CCTV. Active Directory, Windows Server Administration, Linux Server Administration, Copper & Fiber Optic Cabling. General User end desktop repair / maintenance and administration TECHNICIAL SERVICE MANAGER Post-Secondary technical education required (or equivalent training and experience) The successful candidate must have at least 5 years’ experience running the engineering operations of a luxury resort located in a tropical environment. Responsible for the entire Engineering Department including guest room and multiple villa/home maintenance, refrigeration and air conditioning, power, kitchen, laundry and pool requirements, reverse osmosis plant, sewer, boiler, landscaping and pest control, vehicles and the resort’s firefighting system. The ideal candidate for this position will be a communicative leader with hands- on approach and advanced computer skills.

SENIOR OVERNIGHT DUTY MANAGER Must have Opera experience Computer literate, good word and Excel command necessary Previous night experience needed VILLA ACCOUNTANT Minimum of 2 to 3 years previous experience in a similar role in the accounting department of a luxury resort. Solid experience in preparing month-end P&L statements and proficiency in MS Office, Excel, Opera and Micros. Must have a Bachelors’ in Accountants be detail-orientated with good communication skills and the ability to communicate directly with Villa Owners with regards to billing issues.

All positions require a flexible schedule (which may include holidays, weekends and evenings) and extended hours on occasion. Salaries based on experience and qualifications.

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FROM THE HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE WEDNESDAYS ONLY 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. E-mail mstubbs@amanresorts.com

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 19

LOCAL NEWS

TCI home owner pleads guilty in one of largest Ponzi schemes ever

A man linked to one of the largest Ponzi schemes in American history pleaded guilty this week in federal court in Charlotte to obstruction of justice.

Prosecutors said Jaymes Meyer, 47, lied to authorities who were investigating the North Carolinabased scheme that involved hundreds of millions of dollars.

According to the Charlotte Observer, Meyer was chief executive officer of a financial services firm in Napa, Calif. The firm controlled about $17.4 million in assets of Lexington, N.C.-based Rex Ventures Group LLC, court records show.

The Securities and Exchange Commission froze RVG’s assets amid its investigation of the scheme.

When the SEC came knocking at Meyer’s firm, Preferred Merchants LLC, Meyer lied by saying his firm controlled no RVG assets, according to Meyer’s plea agreement this week.

Meyer admitted in court that he wired about $4.8 million from an RVG trust account to a brokerage account under his control within an hour of learning about the SEC investigation.

Over the next 10 months, Meyer used the money to purchase homes in Napa and the Turks and Caicos Islands, to which he subsequently made $1.5 million in Jaymes Meyer improvements, prosecutors said. He Islands-based trust account, formed a also withdrew about $195,000 in cash, shell company and opened a brokerage according to court records. account in the shell company’s name to

Meyer also established a Cook further conceal the trail of RVG assets,

prosecutors said. The Cook Islands is a nation in the south Pacific, southwest of Tahiti.

In connection with his plea agreement, Meyer agreed to pay a $4.8 million judgment and forfeit the homes he purchased in the Turks and Caicos Islands and Napa. Meyer will be sentenced at a later date.

The Internet Ponzi scheme used penny auctions and the promise of high returns to attract more than 1 million investors worldwide. Some 50,000 North Carolinians took part, including 1,500 Charlotte residents.

Investigators said seven out of 10 investors lost money, more than $700 million in all, making the scheme the largest on record in terms of the number of victims.

Illegal Sloop from Haiti Intercepted

A motorized wooden boat from Haiti was detected at approximately 9:00 PM on (Saturday 19th March 2016) two- miles off the shore of Providenciales. The vessel was detected by the Coastal Radar Station and intercepted by officers of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force – Marine Branch.

The 25-27 foot blue and red boat

with an Outboard Yamaha 40 Horse Powered engine were escorted to the South Dock port by the Marine Branch where Officials from various Police units, Border Control, and other Government and Non-Governmental agencies were on hand to assist with the processing of these individuals. There were 54 souls on board when intercepted consisting of (fourteen (14) Females, thirty-

eight (38) males and two (2) male juveniles).

All 54 individuals were later transported to the Detention Center for further processing and detention. Plans are currently progressing for the repatriation of these persons to their homeland within the next few days.

A search of the vessel was conducted, but nothing illegal was found.

18-year-old Brian Blenman gets probation for serious offences

VACANT POSITIONS Position: Manager - Public Relations and Marketing Location: Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales TCI Job Summary: Under minimal supervision, manages, directs and coordinates the overall provision of the Public Relations activities of the Hospital, enhancing both the internal and external reputation of the organization.

Responsibilities: •Build, maintain and manage the reputation of the organization through all forms of media and communication.

•Communicate key messages to target audiences in order to establish and maintain goodwill and understanding between the organization and the public.

•Monitor publicity and conduct research to find out the concerns and expectations of the organization’s stakeholders, reporting findings to leadership.

•Plan, develop and implement PR strategies to promote the work of the Hospital to all stakeholders.

•Handle print, radio and television inquiries by responding in a timely manner to requests for information, interviews with Hospital staff, patients and families; assist with story development, film crew supervision and generation of media stories for the Hospital.

•Investigate avenues for health promotion and assist with launches/awareness strategies for health issues.

•Participate in quality improvement, customer service initiatives and accreditation activities.

•Measure the results and analyze the effectiveness of public relations programs.

•Ensure all internal and external customers are attended to promptly, efficiently and compassionately.

•Ensure sensitivity and respect for the rights and privacy of patients, visitors and staff.

•Participate in community, business and civic leadership organizations to help advance the Hospital’s presence and business interests.

•Responsible for the development and oversight of the Patient Advocate program in both Hospital locations.

Requirements and Experiences: •College degree in public relations, marketing, advertising, communications or related discipline preferable.

•Significant experience in a public relations or media role over several years.

Salary: Competitive based on experience.JOB DESCRIPTION PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. Submit resumes and references to: Recruitment@interhealthcanada.tc Deadline for applications: Friday 1st April 2016

On Thursday 17th, March 2016, 18-year-old Brian Blenman of Grand Turk pleaded guilty in the Magistrate’s Court to theft, attempted burglary and burglary and was sentenced to thirty (30) months’ Probation.

He was given 12months probation for theft and 18months probation for burglary and attempted burglary.

The facts are, On Wednesday 6th January 2016 at around 4:56pm a complainant reported on behalf of a guest at the Bajari Beach Grand Turk, that someone stole a beach bag containing One black Cannon Camera, One blue Nike Sport Watch, One Black iPhone, an undisclosed amount of cash, US drivers’ licence and a ship card. Officers immediately launched an investigation into the matter. Brian Blenman was later arrested and charged with theft. He was then taken to court where he pleaded guilty to the charges. He was offered bail awaiting sentence.

While on bail, Mr. Blenman was arrested and charged with burglary and attempted burglary.

It was on Friday 26th February 2016 around 11:09 am, a complainant

reported that he was at home on Frith Street Grand Turk, when he saw a male attempting to gain entry into his neighbor’s house. Officers responded to the scene where they noticed that a bathroom window screen was removed, but the culprit was not found. Base on the description of the clothing given, officers found the male person shortly afterwards wearing the exact clothing described by the complainant who happens to be Mr.

Blenman, at the time he had a backpack on his back which contained a blue and green Samsung Tab 3 tablet.

He admitted to the offence and was immediately arrested for attempted burglary.

Also, on the same date, a complainant reported that she left home in South Back Salina at 8 am. Upon her returned at 9 am the same day she noticed that her blue and green Samsung Tab 3 that she left home on charge and $900 in cash was missing.

Complainant was able to identify the tablet to the officers and base on the description given it was the same that was found in Blenman’s backpack.

He was later charged and caution for Burglary.

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

1.

Parcel 60715/102 Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales. Single storey with three bedrooms, one bathroom, living/dining room and kitchen on 0.54 acre.

Registered Proprietor: Livingston Williams 2.

Parcel 60503/145 Blue Hills and Stamers Run, Providenciales. Single storey with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining area and storage area with an unfinished attached two storey with 2-two bedroom apartments on 0.38 acre.

Registered Proprietor: Sharon Elizabeth Rigby The auction will be held at the office of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 8th day of April 2016.

A reserved price will be fixed on all parcels and a deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

Provo Water Company Ltd is seeking four (3) suitable applicants to fill the following positions.

POSITION: PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE ENGINEER QUALIFICATION: 1. Must be a graduate of Civil or Mechanical Engineering with at least 5 years of continuous professional work experience under the same capacity.

2. Must have at least 2 year minimum experience in water line maintenance under a water utility company setting.

3. Knowledgeable on the principles of hydraulic engineering related to water supply and water distribution.

4. Well verse on engineering mathematics and economics.

5. Familiar with Construction methods, materials and equipment.

6. Knows how to apply the principles and methods of statistical analysis.

7. Must be computer literate.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Preventive Maintenance Engineer plays a vital role in keeping the integrity and efficiency of PWC’s water distribution system. Application of scientific and methodological process in dealing with the existing line problem is the main concentration while subduing the new ones in occurrence before becoming PWC’s major concern.

The responsibilities and tasks of the Preventive Maintenance Engineer may vary from role to role depending on the call of the situation. Under the technical setting, one must be flexible and must engage in multi-tasking to ensure immediate application of required corrective actions. Following is the PM Engineer’s job description which includes: •Applying knowledge of civil engineering under the preventive maintenance setting of a water distribution system which includes pipeline positioning, hydraulic analysis, and structural design and control systems.

•Development of preventive maintenance database, including data input, monitors, audits and maintains the accuracy of the PM data base system at all times.

•Designing preventive maintenance strategies, procedures and application methods; •Planning and scheduling planned and unplanned maintenance work; •Carrying out quality inspections on the main distribution system and formulate technical recommendation for system’s enhancement; •Diagnosing breakdown problems in the distribution line and provide technical assistance for the application of corrective action; •Anticipating technical problems and developing solutions for recommendation at an early stage; •Arranging procurement requisition of needed fixtures, fittings or components for a specialized problem in the water main; •Communicates with preventive maintenance program vendor’s technical support staff regarding software upgrades, needed program modifications, and technical issues; •Maintaining infrastructure master plan and mapping database of all accomplished preventive maintenance task; •Oversees data input in CMMS and Asset Management software; •Provides technical and administrative support to engineering works and field operations as required; •Assists in the integration of maintenance software with GIS, GPS, CMMS, AutoCAD, Hydraulic Modeling Software, financial inventory and utility billing/customer databases; •Develops, produces and assists in generating regular and special preventive maintenance system reports; •Researches, gathers data, analyzes and documents PWC’s needs to automate current processes in addressing problem areas and improve existing workflow within preventive maintenance system; •Provides technical assistance in the operation, configuration, diagnostics, and troubleshooting of preventive maintenance program; •Develops and maintains Standard Operating Procedures for preventive maintenance task; •Directs implementation and procedural modifications in the preventive maintenance function; •Formulates and coordinates the implementation of Provo Water’s asset management plan; •Prepares monthly Preventive Maintenance report and maintains records and documents in accordance with PWC policy.

Salary Range: US$ 36, 000 – 48, 000 per annum All applications (inclusive of cover letter, CV & copies of qualifications) must be submitted by 22ND March 2016 to: Managing Director Provo Water Company Limited Grace Bay Road, PO Box 39 Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands provowater@tciway.tc Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified.

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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2016 Plenary Session Date—Wednesday, March 30, 2016 Time—9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Venue—Beaches Turks & Caicos Featuring:

The Rt. Hon. Owen Seymour Arthur: Former Prime Minister of Barbados "Economic Development - Global and Regional Opportunities and Challenges."

Panel Speakers:

Prof. Gilbert NMO Morris: Economist "A Road Map For Caribbean Prosperity In An Increasingly Globalized and Technologically Driven World”

Larry Lawrence

Oswald Simons

Country Manager, CIBC First Caribbean

Deputy Chairman, TCI Financial Services Commission

Panel Facilitator

Melissa Marchand: Caribbean Strategy Director for Global News Matters.

"The Digital Age Opportunities and Challenges”

RESERVE YOUR SPACE Priest-in-Charge Bernard Been

Holy Cross Anglican Church

Limited seating available. Contact ccommunication@fortistci.com today to reserve your space.

www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 | P.O. Box 132 1030 Leeward HWY, Providenciales, TCI

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

Over 250 employees graduate from Sandals Corporate University

Over 250 Team Members at Beaches Resort graduated from the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) with certifications in several core training courses on Wednesday.

Hosted by Beaches’ Entertainment Director David Ellis, the mid-afternoon event saw a large crowd which included officials from the Immigration Board as well as supporters from the private sector.

“This is our second SCU graduation and we are very proud of the Team Members who continue to use this avenue for their personal and professional growth,” said Managing Director Donald Dagenais, “As this university continues to grow, Beaches Resort will remain committed to presenting opportunities for our employee to develop themselves professionally and academically.”

The Sandals Corporate University (SCU) offers a unique opportunity, which gives employees a chance to advance their education and hospitality skill level while in a practical environment.

Talents are allowed to take core SCU classes, study and take exams all at the resort’s expense and while at work. Valedictorian Cordero Cash, who delivers the speech on behalf of the graduating class commented on his achievement, “Sandals

Corporate University opens doors for us to explore knowledge at a higher level and it gives lessons that can be carried outside of Beaches,” he said. “These courses that offered through the university will not only strengthen our resume but it give us many transferable skills that can be applied to any future positions.”

Acting Training Manager Peta- Gaye Tain also commented on the graduation event, “Sandals Corporate University only strengthens the capability of team members and pushes them to reach their maximum potential” she said. “This University is designed to grow and develop our Team members by enabling them to step out of their comfort zone while improving their human existence. We are grateful that our Chairman Gordon Butch Stewart for investing in developing the staff providing the training they need to excel at their jobs and also achieve their overall goals.”

The University boasts a variety of programs that are intended to enhance a team member’s general knowledge, leadership ability, customer service, sales and communication skills. This experience allows students the chance to apply the theoretical skills to practical situations which only

enhances their work ethic.

Sandals Corporate University has been in the works for three years at Beaches Turks and Caicos and has been a great accomplishment. Each of the students accepted awards and certificates for their successful completion of the various SCU courses.

TEAM MEMBERS RECEIVED CERTIFICATES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS. •SCU Core Training— Leadership Development, Customer Service, Professional Communication and The Art of Selling.

•Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) •Physiology & Anatomy—Red Lane Spa •American Hospitality & Lodging Hotel— Certificate Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) & Certificate Hospitality Department Trainer (CHTD) •M3 Sales System Training—By Geoffrey H. Fullerton •International Culinary Tour— Chef Christopher Johnson

SPA Graduating class

Assistant Gift Shop Manager, Andrea Talbot with the Director of Finance Philip Walcott

Valedictorian Cordero Cash with Hotel Manager Jamie McAnally.

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 23

Leading the

Green-Energy Revolution

C.O.R.E.

Customer Owned Renewable Energy 







Uses customer owned Solar PV systems up to 10 kW in size for residential customers Commercial customers can use Solar PV systems up to 60 kW in size Net billing arrangement—Get credit for the avoided cost of generation Interconnect with the FortisTCI grid

U.O.R.E.

Utility Owned Renewable Energy 





FortisTCI covers installation, maintenance, and ownership of the rooftop Solar PV system and customers rent their rooftop space to FortisTCI Receive a credit for your roof space depending on the size of the Solar PV system (up to 10kW for residential and up to 60kW for commercial) Interconnect with the FortisTCI grid

Visit us for details about how you can participate in our Solar Energy Programs!!

Energy for Environment.

Energy for Good.™ www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 | P.O. Box 132 1030 Leeward HWY, Providenciales, TCI

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

Highlights of TCI Rising Stars international basketball tournament T CI Rising Stars Basketball Club presented one game winning the international basketball their 17 and under boy’s tournament which championship trophy. featured two international teams from Zero Tolerance basketball team Issa Tatem MVP Dominican Republic and U.S.V.I and local teams the told The SUN, “It feels great, I have to give from Providenciales and Grand Turk. it up to my teammates and our coaches and the This event was held at the Gustavus Lightbourne whole staff. The team we went head to head with Gym in Providenciales on March 18th- 20th, 2016. was a good team and we just work hard and pushed The Zero Tolerance basketball team visiting it out.” from the U.S.V.I defeated the D.R in a one on The following are photo highlights of the event.

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

It’s Time to Lace ‘em Up Once Again!

FREE* *Registrations, prizes, breakfast, games, giveaways, t-shirts, and more!!

Registration forms are available at the Leeward Office or request them by email at: dkrzanowski@fortistci.com www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 | P.O. Box 132 1030 Leeward HWY, Providenciales, TCI

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East Bay Resort Ltd. is looking for the following

BAR SUPERVISOR IC

To provide a courteous, professional, efficient and flexible service at all times, following East Bay Resort Standards of Performance. To be entirely flexible and adapt to rotate within the different sub departments of the Food & Beverage Division or any other Department of the hotel as assigned. To perform all duties and tasks when rotated or assigned to another Department as per Master Task List for that Department. To be fully conversant with all services and facilities offered by the hotel. To perform opening and closing procedures established for the Place of Work as assigned. To have a thorough understanding and knowledge of all Food & Beverage items in the menu and the ability to recommend Food & Beverage combinations and up sell alternatives. To ensure that the Place of Work and surrounding area is kept clean and organized at all times. To monitor operating supplies and reduce spoilage and wastage. To handle guest enquiries in a courteous and efficient manner and report guest complaints or problems to supervisors if no immediate solution can be found and assure follow up with guests.

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF To manage the day to day kitchen operations in conjunction with the Executive Chef.

In conjunction with the Purchasing Department, to supervise all food ordering in line with Company Policy. To monitor the performance of the food outlets and to ensure that standards of food production, presentation and service are maintained. To coordinate the production of all products ensuring specifications, quality targets and delivery timetables are met. To meet the company’s food cost target as set out in the Plan through implementing and maintain prudent and established costs. In conjunction with management, to create menus for all outlets having regard to customer demand and company margins. In conjunction with management and the kitchen team to develop and achieve the departmental goals and strategies. To develop and enhance the culinary reputation of East Bay Resort through product improvement, effective PR and participation in high profile culinary competitions. To complete budgets and forecasts in accordance with the prescribed timetable. To ensure that costs relating to the kitchens, i.e. Payroll and expenses, do not exceed Plan through proactive control. In conjunction with Food and Beverage, to devise and organise food promotions as appropriate. In conjunction with the Personnel Department to recruit, select, and induct new staff for the department having regard for current employment legislation. In conjunction with management, to agree and maintain, through staff training standards and technical skills within the department. To build an efficient team, and to ensure the continued improvements in staff motivation through consultation, target setting and reviews. To be fully conversant with current Health and Safety legislation affecting food preparation and service areas and to ensure that the laid down requirements are met. To carry out employee evaluations in conjunction with the prescribed timetable.

ASSISTANT FRONT OFFICE MANAGER To provide a courteous, professional, efficient and flexible service at all times, following East Bayt Resort Standards of Performance. To have a full working knowledge and capability to supervise, correct and demonstrate all duties and tasks in the assigned Place of Work to the standard set. Please note that Master Task Lists are reviewed and changed on a regular bases reflecting change in trends, guest expectations and operating philosophies. To be entirely flexible and adapt to rotate within the different sub departments of the Rooms Division or any other Department of the hotel as assigned. To meet and greet guests at South Caicos Airport on arrival, and accompany guests to the resort. To perform all duties and tasks when rotated or assigned to another Department as per Master Task List for that Department. To be fully conversant with all services and facilities offered by the hotel. To perform opening and closing procedures established for the Place of Work as assigned. To have a thorough understanding and knowledge of all Rooms related service and product and the ability to up sell alternatives.

To ensure that the Place of Work and surrounding area is kept clean and organized at all times. To monitor operating supplies and reduce spoilage and wastage. To handle guest enquiries in a courteous and efficient manner and report guest complaints or problems to supervisors if no immediate solution can be found and assure follow up with guests.

To ensure guests settle their payment before leaving the resort, and accompany guests to South Caicos for departure.

SOUS CHEF To manage the day to day kitchen operations in conjunction with the Executive Sous Chef. To monitor the performance of the food outlets and to ensure that standards of food production, presentation and service are maintained. To co-ordinate the production of all products ensuring specifications, quality targets and delivery timetables are met.

To meet the company’s food cost target as set out in the Plan through implementing and maintain prudent and established costs. In conjunction with management, to create menus for all outlets having regard to customer demand and company margins.

In conjunction with management and the kitchen team to develop and achieve the departmental goals and strategies. To develop and enhance the culinary reputation of East Bay Resort through product improvement, effective PR and participation in high profile culinary competitions. To complete budgets and forecasts in accordance with the prescribed timetable. To ensure that costs relating to the kitchens, i.e. Payroll and expenses, do not exceed Plan through proactive control. In conjunction with Food and Beverage, to devise and organise food promotions as appropriate. In conjunction with management, to agree and maintain, through staff training standards and technical skills within the department. To build an efficient team, and to ensure the continued improvements in staff motivation through consultation, target setting and reviews. To be fully conversant with current Health and Safety legislation affecting food preparation and service areas and to ensure that the laid down requirements are met CHEF DE PARTIE Your work will be an important factor to the restaurant. Responsibilities, Prepare menus in collaboration with Executive Chef, Ensure adequacy of supplies at the cooking stations Prepare ingredients that should be frequently available (vegetables, spices etc.) Follow the guidance of the executive or sous chef and have input in new ways of presentation or dishes, Put effort in optimizing the cooking process with attention to speed and quality Enforce strict health and hygiene standards, Help to maintain a climate of smooth and friendly cooperation; Requirements, Proven experience in a Chef de Partie role, Excellent use of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment and processes, Ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure, Knowledge of best cooking practices Must be prepared to live full time in South Caicos, beginning salary commensurate with experience Interested applicants may submit your resume with qualifications and experience to: info@saunders.tc

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HEALTHY

LIFESTYLE

Women outlive men but suffer long years of disability

Women may have a longer life expectancy than men, but they are spending more of their golden years living with disabilities, a U.S. study finds.

Researchers analyzed studies of people 65 and older enrolled in Medicare, the U.S. health program for the elderly. The studies asked how often disabilities kept people from fully participating in daily activities and then followed them over time to see how long they lived. They looked at data from 1982, 2004 and 2011.

Over that period, the age an average 65-year-old woman could expect to live to increased by two years, from 82.5 years to 85.5 years, the analysis found. Men don’t live as long, but they gained more years – five – expanding their life expectancy at age 65 to a further 19 years from 14 years.

But women shouldn’t necessarily celebrate getting those extra birthdays.

After age 65, women consistently spent an estimated 30 percent of their remaining years with

a disability. Men, on the other hand, started out spending 22 percent of their remaining years after 65 disabled and saw that decrease to 19 percent by the end of the study.

It’s hard to say exactly why women may experience more years of disability, but some of this might be due to unequal progress in treating their health conditions or different shifts in gender lifestyle habits like smoking and exercise over time, said lead study author Vicki Freedman, of the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

“Older women also have fewer economic resources than men on average so they may not be as able to accommodate their declines in functioning when they do occur,” Freedman said by email.

“Whatever the reason, this is an important trend to continue to monitor as the large Baby Boom cohorts continue to reach old age,” Freedman added.

Disabilities might make it harder to complete daily activities like dressing, bathing, cooking,

shopping or driving.

Dr. James Kirkland, director of the

Severe disability – when Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on people had trouble with at least Aging at the Mayo Clinic. three different activities – declined “Women are biologically for both women and men over the more hearty than men so instead study period, researchers report of dying from a heart attack or in the American Journal of Public something like that they recover, but Health. they recover disabled,” said Kirkland,

In 1982, 13.2 percent of who wasn’t involved in the study. women and 10.7 percent of men Many women may also experienced severe disability after assume caretaker roles that leave age 65. By 2011, this dropped to less time for recreational, social, and about 10 percent of women and 7 self-fulfilling activities that might percent of men. help keep disability at bay, noted

One limitation of the study Dr. Lili Lustig, a family medicine is its reliance on data from just three specialist with the Cleveland Clinic individual years, which made it in Warrensville Heights, Ohio. impossible to explore how disability At the same time, some onset or recovery might influence life women may also lack the financial expectancy, the authors note. They resources to stop working as they also limited the analysis of disability get older or to pay for services they to mobility and completion of daily need, particularly if they are poor, activities, which excludes other Lustig, who wasn’t involved in the impairments that can influence study, added by email. They may also health and quality of life. struggle to pay for basic needs like

It’s possible, though, that the food, medicine and housing. same heartiness that makes women “Women are not prepared live longer than men also contributes for the golden years,” Lustig said. to their greater propensity toward “The idea of the idyllic retirement disability in their later years, said portrayed on TV does not exist.”

Cocaine use may increase risk of stroke for young people

Adults, even in their 30s and 40s, may raise their risk of stroke by six-fold every time they use cocaine, a recent U.S. study suggests.

Based on a comparison of younger victims of a first stroke, using cocaine in the 24 hours before the event raised the risk substantially – up to eightfold when the drug was smoked in “crack” form, researchers found.

“Among other factors, we know that cocaine causes rapid increase in blood pressure and also can cause cardiac problems that can lead to stroke,” said senior author Dr. Steven J. Kittner of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System in Baltimore.

The researchers analyzed data from a study that took place between 1992 and 2008, identifying more than 1,000 cases of ischemic stroke in people ages 15 to 49 years from hospitals in the Baltimore/ Washington D.C. area. Ischemic stroke is caused by the blockage of a blood vessel in or leading to the brain, often by a blood clot, and is the most common kind of stroke.

The researchers matched these stroke cases to 1,152 similar people who had not suffered a stroke.

Participants were asked to recall whether they had ever used drugs, pills or medications for nonmedical or recreational reasons or to get high.

South Korea confirms first case of Zika virus

An army personnel stands in front of cocaine.

The stroke victims were more likely than the comparison group to be tobacco smokers and to have a history of diabetes and high blood pressure.

History of cocaine use was similar in both groups, with 28 percent of stroke victims and 26 percent of the comparison group saying they had used the drug at some time in their lives. A history of ever use was not linked to increased stroke risk, the researchers report in the journal Stroke.

People who said they had used cocaine over

South Korea reported its first confirmed case of the Zika virus on Tuesday in a 43year old male who have traveled to Brazil, its center for disease control said.

The World Health Organization on Feb. 1 declared the Zika virus outbreak to be a global public health emergency, citing a “strongly suspected” relationship between Zika infection in pregnancy and microcephaly.

the previous day were more than six times as likely to have suffered a stroke as people who reported never having used cocaine. That result did not change much even after researchers adjusted for tobacco smoking and alcohol use.

Only 26 people reported cocaine use within 24 hours of their stroke, and 14 said they had used within six hours of the event, researchers note.

Roughly 10 to 20 young people per 100,000 suffer an ischemic stroke, and risk is much higher for African Americans than for Caucasian people, Kittner said.

No observational study like this one can “prove” causation, but a strong case can be made that using cocaine does cause stroke, based on the totality of evidence, he told Reuters Health by email.

But this study is very important for clinical practice, said Dr. Antonio Siniscalci of Annunziata Hospital in Cosenza, Italy, who was not part of the new study.

In particular, smoking crack cocaine seems to be associated with stroke, whereas cocaine hydrochloride causes mainly bleeding of the brain, Siniscalci told Reuters Health by email.

“It is reasonable to screen young patients, particularly men, for drug use when they present with cryptogenic stroke,” or stroke of unknown origin, he said.

Zika has not been proven to cause microcephaly in babies, but there is growing evidence that suggests a link. The condition is defined by unusually small heads that can result in developmental problems. Brazil said it has confirmed more than 860 cases of microcephaly, and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are seen at the Laboratory of Entomology more than 4,200 additional and Ecology of the Dengue Branch of the U.S. Centers for Disease suspected cases of microcephaly. Control and Prevention in San Juan, March 6, 2016.

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MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

OPEN JOB POSITION DATE OPEN: March 16, 2016

START DATE: ASAP

POSITION: Pastry Chef

SHIFT: TBD

DEPARTMENT: Food & Beverage Job Overview: The Pastry Cooks responsibilities include preparing quality pastry items such as breakfast items, desserts, breads, ice creams, sorbets, creams, simple syrups, amenities, displays/centerpieces and special request items. They should have a complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment; use equipment and tools only as intended, properly and safely. Also, they should be able to maintain and strictly abide by state sanitation/health regulations and hotel requirements. Meet with the Executive Chef to review assignments, anticipated business levels, changes and other information pertinent to the job performance. Full time. Weekend and holiday work may be required.

OPEN JOB POSITION DATE OPEN: March 16, 2016 START DATE: ASAP POSITION: Chef de Partie SHIFT: TBD DEPARTMENT: Food & Beverage Job Overview: Ensure that all stocks are kept under optimum condition, mise-en-place is always freshly prepared and on time, dishes are being prepared to the correct recipe and to the correct quantity, dishes reach the hot plate or passé correctly garnished, the correct portion and size, presented on the correct serving dish in the prescribed manner. Must attend all training classes required. Report any shortages promptly to the Sous Chefs.

Education and/or experience: Language skills required: read, write and speak English. Formal training in culinary arts considered highly desirable. Food and wine knowledge and creativity. At least 4 years practical culinary experience.

Physical requirements: Stand and walk, stoop, bend or crouch. Occasionally lift and/or move to 50 pounds.

Schedule varies. Full time. Week-end and holiday work required INTERNAL STAFF APPLYING FOR ANY POSITION LISTED WILL NEED TO COMPLETE A TRANSFER FORM.

OPEN JOB POSITION DATE OPEN: March 16, 2016 START DATE: ASAP POSITION: South American Chef de Partie

SHIFT: TBD

DEPARTMENT:Food & Beverage

REPORTS TO: Executive Chef

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB: To demonstrate and help maintain high levels of service at the Grill for the new South American concept that consistently exceeds the expectations of Guests.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: •To have hands on knowledge of at least 5 years of Latin American Cuisine with an emphasis on Brazilian, Venezuelan, Chilean, and Peruvian & Argentinian.

•To be able to source & procure all the requirements at the same time use what is available locally to produce world class South American food.

•To be well versed with all the special dishes from the different regions of Latin America eg. Causa, Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, Pescado a la Macho, Tres De Leche etc.

•To be able to produce Japanese- Peruvian Fusion food also known Nikkei style of food •Should have worked in ethnic Fine Dining restaurants in Venezuela, Columbia or Peru •Should be well versed in all aspects of the kitchen eg. Butchery, Garde Manger & Hot Range etc.

•Should be able to do contemporary presentation as well as interpret old classical South American dishes in modern style.

DUTIES •To understand and be aware at all times of food costs and percentages related to all Latin American products being used & imported for the restaurant and understand how daily departmental costs influence profit and loss results.

•To monitor stock movement, to ensure stock security.

•To ensure minimum kitchen wastage.

•To assist with the provision of training and development for department staff in kitchen procedures.

•To ensure knowledge of the product is maintained and communicated to all relevant personnel.

•To work with the Sous Chef to ensure the mis en place is completed.

•To report any maintenance issues to the Executive Chef immediately.

•To comply with all Grace Bay Resort’s policies and procedures to ensure that all statutory regulations are observed.

•To comply with the conditions of the food hygiene policies.

To be flexible and willing to help other departments at busy times if required.

Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than April 1st, 2016 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1030 Email: sheba.wilson@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies

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FUN & GAMES

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LOCAL NEWS OASIS DIVERS

is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates for the following positions. The successful applicants must:

TRAINER /TOUR DEVELOPMENT/SAFETY STANDARDS  Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Tour Development /Safety Standards in a service oriented business.  Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the management, and training of staff and development of safety standards operating procedures for staff.  Valid Driver’s License  Highly Professional and Ethical standards of Leadership with a passion for nature and the environment.  Positive and disciplined attitude toward work in a fast pace, multi-tasking customer service oriented business, with ability to handle complaints and work under pressure.  Excellent verbal and written communication, with Networking skills  Excellent analytical, inter-personal and customer service skills.  Ability to recruit and appraise staff performance as well as have a strong track record of fostering team work and motivating staff with multicultural differences.  Must be willing and able to work outdoors, 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

STEWARD/GUEST SERVICES - Have at least 5 years’ experience in the hospitality and tourism industry.

- Competent in Microsoft Computer software with accounting expertise and knowledge in Quickbooks and other accounting software.

- Possess the ability to remain calm in a high stress environment - Be well spoken with English as primary language - Have a valid passport - Be at least 25 years old - Have a clean criminal record - Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business Suitable candidates that do not meet the above requirements may, at the sole discretion of the Company’s management team, may be eligible to benefit if 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. Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders Written applications only and accompanying CVs/resumes must be addressed to the Manager at the following address:

Cee’s Plaza, Suite No. 1 Church Folly PO Box 86 Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Islands

INTER ISLAND BUILDERS Is seeking 6 labourers salary - minimum wage, must be willing to work in the sun, must be willing to lift heavy equipment, work days - Monday to Saturday Contact - 244-2212

HARD LIMESTONE BOULDERS AVAILABLE FROM JAMAICA oceanterracegroup@ gmail.com 1-876-791-8889

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

KADEEN AGENCY

On behalf of its client is looking for a Waitress, the person should have a good knowledge of the duties this position requires must be friendly and cordial to guess Salary $6.50 per hour Call 231-6565

OPEN JOB POSITION DATE OPEN: March 16, 2016 ASAP

START DATE:

POSITION: IT Professional

SHIFT: TBD

DEPARTMENT: Information Technology Job Requirements: IT Systems Administration experience; Strong knowledge of VMWare, NAS, SQUID, WEBMIN; Strong knowledge of In-House Surveillance camera systems; Knowledge of Microsoft 2xxx Server architecture such as roles, networking etc.; Knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory; Knowledge of SAN/NAS storage system; Knowledge of Remote Desktop; Knowledge in Linux operating system; Knowledge in configuring squid proxy access policy; Knowledge in Virtual Private Network (VPN); Experience in Point of Sale Jonas system and Jonas Accounting software; Experience in Micros OPERA administration; Experience in Saflok Doorlock system administration; Basic Knowledge in Electronics system; Experience in Avotus Call Accounting system; Basic Knowledge in Night Audit Daily activities: Be responsible for server infrastructure support and maintenance (Linux Ubuntu) and Windows Server and workstation; Responsible to troubleshoot electronics systems (TV, Sound Systems, PA Systems); Responsible to troubleshoot Doorlock systems; Responsible to troubleshoot Guest internet and Office internet connection; Provide email configuration and support; Responsible daily POS transaction and report; Responsible OPERA PMS operation; Responsible surveillance camera system.

Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than April 1st, 2016 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1030 Email: sheba.wilson@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies

Gus Motors

Gus Motors is looking for Three (3) Qualified Mechanic Specialized on all cars who can work with little or no supervision.

Due date for applications is the 31st March 2016.

For further information I can be contacted at 941-5208/231-4681.

NEEDED 1 Hairstylist Applicant must be honest, reliable & hardworking Contact 244-8579

WANTED

MARIE GARLAND SEEKS 1 Labourer Salary $6.00 per hour Contact 242-7205 SEEKS 1 Labourer Salary $6.00 per hour Contact 242-7205

LEYDI SALON & SPA

AUTO TECH SEEKs 1 House Keeper Work days - Monday to saturday salary minimum wage Contact - 432-2323

Labourer Salary $6.25 per hour 5 days per week Contact 231-1133

Caicos Bakery & Retail LTD Is seeking suitable qualified applicants to fill the following position: Bakery & Pastry Chef Specialized in gluten free and organic products Have 5yrs experience in similar position Excellent Interpersonal skills Excellent written & verbal communication Ability to work within a team Must be a team player Suitable qualified candidates should apply in writing or send resume to: Caicos Bakery & Retail Ltd. Grace Bay Road (behind Caicos café) Phone (649)242-2266(Eric) Email: bakerytc@gmail.com

IVAN FASHION & CLOTHING SEEKS Purchasing Agent 6 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Contact 231-6153

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

CARIBBEAN WORLD

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

NEWS NEWS

Mom of murdered boy: I begged police for help

Forced to go into hiding after witnessing a contraband deal, 14-yearold Darian Nedd finally met his death yesterday, after two men chopped off his limbs with a cutlass and then set fire to his home, leaving him to die.

The Form One student, of Red Brick Trace, attended the Siparia East Secondary School. His charred, dismembered body was found around 12.30 am, amid the ruins of the wooden house. His right foot and left hand were missing. It is uncertain whether he was still alive when the house was set on fire.

Up to late yesterday, police had held a 25-year-old man for questioning. They were also searching for two other suspects. Investigators said Nedd had an ongoing dispute with some men who accused him of being an informant.

Nedd’s mother, Christine, who sells oysters at Otaheite Junction, said she was not at home when the fire

started. Christine loved to fight with said she made his seven-yearseveral reports old sister Victoria to the Oropouche Pekhoo. “Yesterday police, begging for was the only day I assistance to save did not quarrel with her son. him. He used to be H o w e v e r, there, helping me police never with the oysters. arrested the Now he is gone,” suspects. “My son Christine said, as hiding for months tears ran down now. He went to live her swollen eyes. with (name called) She said around but because he had midnight when she school he came Christine Nedd speaks at her home finished work, she back last week,” got news that her Christine said. She explained that home was on fire. hours before his death, Nedd cut the Her cousin Mitra ran to the grass around their home and played house and called out to Nedd but it marble pitch. was only when the flames subsided

“He was happy. We didn’t that they found the body. think this was going to happen,” A witness, who requested Christine said. anonymity, said two men were seen

She explained that Nedd throwing flambeaus inside the house

Police identify mutilated and decapitated body found in barrel

Eden Nekeisha Teesdale

Trinidad and Tobago police have identified the mutilated and decapitated body of a woman that was found in Manzanilla, south of

here stuffed in a barrel on Tuesday night.

Police have identified her as 26-year-old Eden Nekeisha Teesdale, whose head has still not yet been found.

The authorities said that the identification was made possible through fingerprints obtained when Teesdale, a mother of three, had applied for a certificate of character on July 21, 2012. She had been employed as a cleaner at Mt Hope Hospital.

The barrel with parts of the body was found floating down the river by a passer-by and the only identifying mark on the body at the time was a tattoo with the word “Leo”.

An unidentified relative who appeared on television on Friday night said that the woman was not known to be involved in any criminal activity and had gone in search of a job.

“They did not have to kill her so,” she said.

which is situated off a bumpy track at the end of Red Brick Trace, behind the SM Jaleel factory. A blood-stained cutlass was also seen at the side of the house but this was hidden before the police came, the source added.

Neighbours said they did not know what happened as they were not at home. Nedd’s elder sister Kristie Benjamin said they made several reports of threats to the Oropouche police.

“Now everyone is living in fear. My brother was like my child. I used to do everything for him when he was a baby,” Kristie wept. Detectives from the South Western Division Task Force yesterday combed through the Otaheite region, searching for the suspects. The police helicopter was also used in the search.

An autopsy will be done at the Forensic Science Centre in Portof-Spain today.

Investigations are continuing.

Video: Trio caught on camera adding dead roaches to food Three people who have been accused of swindling $1,600 from the operator of a Chinese restaurant, are expected to face the court, tomorrow, after one of them was caught on camera adding a “secret ingredient — cockroach” to his Chicken Fried Rice meal.

Police have detained a 21-year-old woman, her 37-year-old boyfriend and a male accomplice for reporting to the employees at Hometown Restaurant in Jennings that their food contained cockroach.

The trio reportedly collected the sum A screen shot from the video of the restaurant as a bribe. where a diner is accused of putting dead

Through an interpreter, the roaches in his Chicken Fried Rice meal. restaurant’s supervisor, Guo Wei Wu told OBSERVER media that at from his styrofoam container, then about 6:30 pm last Saturday, a man removed a napkin from his left side on a pair of crutches, his girlfriend and quickly shuffles it over the and their eight-month-old daughter opened food container. The diner entered the eatery and bought a $10 makes a second attempt, this time plate of Chicken Fried Rice. shuffling and unfolding his napkin,

Soon after the couple dumping the contents into the food collected their food, another man who and taking a quick glance over his was standing around the entrance to right shoulder. the business place, also collected the He follows up with a quick same meal and sat at a table inside stir, as the young woman who was the restaurant and began to eat. wearing a striped black and white

The man, wearing a white maxi dress, makes her debut in the T-shirt took a mouthful of food clip.

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MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Michael Pintard resigns as FNM Chairman over Nygard controversy

MICHAEL Pintard has unethical Government. Thanks again resigned as chairman of the Free and God bless you and all Bahamians.”

National Movement (FNM) and as a Mr Pintard has been mired in senator over his involvement in the controversy since he was named in a lawsuit against Canadian fashion lawsuit filed on March 9 against Mr mogul Peter Nygard.

Nygard and his lawyer Keod Smith by

Mr Pintard announced his four Save The Bays (STB) directors decision to tender his resignation Joseph Darville, Romauld Ferreira, effective immediately from public Fred Smith and Mr Bacon - and office in a series of Facebook posts on Reverend CB Moss.

Monday morning.

The lawsuit alleges that Mr

After holding both posts for Nygard engaged in a murder-for-hire less than two years, he maintained scheme with criminals Livingston that his resignation was not an “Toggie” Bullard and Wisler “Bobo” admission of guilt.

Davilma, and paid them to stage

“I fear no legal or ethical several hate rallies and commit such wrongdoing in my role in meetings criminal acts as arson and harassment. when PLP/Nygard operatives made me It was revealed that the criminals aware of their past criminal acts and were tracked down with the help of Mr possible dastardly and unbelievable Pintard. plot that posed a potential threat to Mr Bullard and Mr Davilma were the lives and reputation of citizens of compensated for their “evidence”; this nation,” he said. however, the men later claimed they

“I resign because I want were paid for false testimony and our party not to be distracted in our that Mr Pintard negotiated the payoff. effort to defeat an incompetent and When The Tribune asked Mr Pintard if

Caribbean countries not fully satisfied with EPA accord

Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) countries say they are yet to “meaningfully reap the potential benefits” of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed with Europe in 2008.

The issue was among matters discussed at the 23rd Meeting of the Council of CARIFORUM Ministers held here earlier this week, and according to a statement issued on Friday a review of the EPA had concluded that the region “ had as yet to meaningfully reap the potential benefits of the Agreement.

“They underscored that, for CARIFORUM, the EPA is a source of mixed feelings. The commonly held view was that CARIFORUM committed itself and signed a comprehensive EPA, yet it has not “harvested the windfalls” which seemed to have been held out as reward for early signature of the Agreement,” the statement noted.

It said that in further reviewing the state-of-play of EPA implementation, the ministers accorded high priority to wideranging technical work and tasked officials to follow up accordingly.

“They took note that CARIFORUM and EU senior officials held a Political Dialogue Meeting in Guyana on 15 March 2016, at which the EU provided an update on the Commission of the European Union’s recent Communication on an External Strategy for Effective Taxation as Part of its Anti-Tax Avoidance Package,” the statement said. The statement noted that the ministers also expressed “their deep concern” that recent developments on taxation in the European Union have the potential to negatively impact the economies of a number of CARIFORUM states.

The ministers at their meeting which was under the chairmanship of Haiti, welcomed the agreement arrived at in the Political Dialogue Meeting for the two regions to discuss a range of issues affecting the financial services sector, including taxation and correspondent banking, within the Joint CARIFORUM-EU Working Group on the Joint CARIFORUM-EU Partnership Strategy.

“They hailed the approach agreed to at the Political Dialogue Meeting to utilize the said Working Group as a forum to, in part, exchange information and explore what actions can be carried out on this matter to avoid negative repercussions in CARIFORUM States.”

he was compensated for his role in the lawsuit, he said he would address that in a later press release.

STB director Fred Smith confirmed that Mr Pintard had a professional relationship with his law firm Callenders & Co and has paid the FNM chairman in the past for services in connection with campaigns for the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association and other civic issues. However, Mr Smith would not confirm whether Mr Pintard had been compensated in connection with the Nygard lawsuit, stating that his private arrangements with the law firm were private.

Two audio recordings have been circulating on social media of the meetings between Mr Pintard and the would-be criminals.

In his Facebook post, Mr Pintard said: “The FNM and the PLP are different in how we approach governance and crisis. The central issue here is to rescue our country

from a PLP Party that is not suited to govern in a time when our people need a competent, honest and compassionate government.

“Today, I make the decision to work more directly in our communities addressing our people’s need for economic opportunities, basic necessities and a sense of who we are as a people. My letter of resignation from the Senate is being forwarded to the President of the Senate and my letter of resignation as Chairman is being forwarded to the leader of the Opposition. My resignation is not an admission of guilt about anything,” he said.

Mr Pintard was appointed in June 2014 after John Bostwick’s appointment was revoked because of a pending ammunition possession trial. Mr Pintard also served as a senator during the previous FNM administration. He replaced former FNM chairman Darron Cash at the party’s convention in November 2014.

Barbados postpones introduction of new policy to fingerprint Barbadians

Barbados has deferred plans to introduce new immigration policies that would have Barbadians fingerprinted when leaving and entering the island from April 1 this year.

The Barbados Immigration Department said that “accordingly, until further notice, no passengers, whether Barbadian or non-national, will be required to be fingerprinted”.

Acting Chief Immigration Officer, Wayne Marshall, said the decision to defer the start of the biometrics screening programme was taken to allow the department more time to re-examine some of the issues, especially the legal issues, raised in the public arena, both orally and in writing, and to increase public awareness about the initiative.

Earlier this week, Opposition Leader Mia Mottley criticised the move and told legislators that the measure was flawed and would be challenged in the court.

“You cannot take fingerprints from April 1. Against which data base would you be assessing these finger prints?

“There is no data base to assess these fingerprints against.

This is in the estimates, over two million dollars (One Barbados dollar =US$0.50 cents) to spend and then secondly what are you going to do when a Barbadian citizens says I am not giving you my finger prints.

“Where are you going to deport them to? You can’t deport your own citizens. So if you can’t deport them, you then criminalise your citizens,” she told Parliament as she made her contribution to the 2016-17 Estimates on Expenditure and Revenue.

She said the measure would make “criminals of all good people who are frighten about

A female uses a finger printing machine. the breach of privacy of their fingerprints”.

Earlier this month, attorney and social activist David Comissiong wrote to Prime Minister Freundel Stuart calling on him to outline the reasons for introducing the new immigration policies.

In his letter, Comissiong said that he had also written to the Minister Responsible for Immigration Darcy Boyce and the former Chief Immigration Officer Erine Griffith on the issue but to date has received no response.

In his letter, which was made available to the media, Comissiong said that he had been informed that the Immigration (Biometrics) Regulations 2015 were made by Prime Minister Stuart in his capacity as Minister Responsible for Immigration.

Last month, former attorney general Dale Marshall questioned the wisdom in having Barbadian nationals leaving or returning to the country be subjected to being finger printed.

Marshall said that the new measure was a “mindless adherence to international dictates”.

The Acting Chief Immigration Officer said that all legal procedures previously undertaken in adopting the Immigration (Biometric) Regulations, 2015, will be revisited, and any irregularities found corrected.

He said the review is taking place in collaboration with the Solicitor General’s Chambers and the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.

Marshall noted that the benefits of fingerprinting were national in scope and included enhancing the level of national security; identifying individuals travelling with fraudulent identification documents; strengthening border control; reducing crime; improving investigation of crime; and preserving the high international ranking of the Barbados passport.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

Bermuda’s Tourism Minister quits

Shawn Crockwell has launched a stinging attack on Premier Michael Dunkley after resigning as Bermuda’s Tourism and Transport Minister.

Crockwell quit late Wednesday, saying he had lost confidence in the ruling One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) under Dunkley’s leadership.

He said their lack of understanding of the black community had resulted in the tense demonstrations and industrial activity of the past week over the proposed Pathways to Status initiative.

Demonstrators want the immigration bill withdrawn and the protest went into a fifth day on Thursday.

Crockwell, a lawyer, who said he would stay on as a backbencher, further accused Dunkley of failing to rise above political posturing.

Dunkley said he had accepted Crockwell’s resignation “with regret”.

The Premier added: “I am disappointed with this development, as Shawn was an effective minister who progressed the government’s agenda to restore workplace jobs and opportunity for Bermudians across the island.”

Other OBA MPs, meanwhile, pledged their support for Dunkley.

A statement from party chairwoman Lynne Woolridge, said: “At a meeting of One Bermuda Alliance parliamentarians yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon minister Shawn Crockwell announced his resignation from the cabinet. I would like to thank him for his excellent work in Tourism and Transport, and value his continued participation as a Member of Parliament for the One Bermuda Alliance.

“It was heartening that all MPs pledged their full support for the Premier as the leader of

He defected from the nowdefunct United Bermuda Party (UBP) — which ran the country from 1968 until 1998 — in 2009 to help form the shortly-lived Bermuda Democratic Alliance (BDA). The BDA merged with the remnants of the UBP to form the OBA in 2011, and was part of the OBA team that won the last election.

Crockwell was appointed to the portfolio he held until Wednesday in the first OBA administration, but his time as a minister was not without controversy.

He, along with Mark Pettingill, the former AttorneyGeneral and a fellow UBP defector Shawn Crockwell to the BDA, became embroiled in Bermuda and the One Bermuda a row surrounding the so-called Alliance.”

Jetgate controversy that cost

But the Southampton Craig Cannonier his job as the West Central MP added that he fledgling OBA’s first Premier in would stay with the OBA because May 2014. he feared for the stability of the Crockwell and Pettingill country if the ruling party loses were part of a government numbers. The OBA ousted the delegation that travelled to Progressive Labour Party (PLP) Washington, DC with Cannonier in the general election of 2012 in March 2013 on a private jet but only narrowly, winning by 19 owned by American developer seats to 17.

Nathan Landow.

“This issue is reflective of It later emerged that the inability of the government to Landow and a group of US listen and to appropriately gauge business associates, in the run-up the temperature of the community, to the party’s 2012 election victory, to understand the frustration and had donated US$350,000 to an lack of trust that has been created. account set up by the Bermuda “Time and time again, it’s not just Political Action Club, an OBAthe decisions that have been made linked grassroots organisation. but the manner in which they Crockwell and Pettingill have been made, and the inability denied any wrongdoing but to communicate appropriately Pettingill resigned his cabinet with the black community in post shortly after Cannonier particular, to bring them along stepped down from the top post. and get them to understand what The money was aimed at we have to do,” said Crockwell. mobilising voters in a grassroots

He noted that his campaign, although the party colleagues had also shown an executive, including party “inability to put aside the political chairman Thad Hollis, was pride, listen and make the unaware of the fund’s existence required adjustments”. until 18 months later. Hollis

Crockwell has enjoyed resigned his position after a colourful political career since conducting an investigation into being elected an MP in 2007.

Jetgate.

BVI: Richard Branson Discusses Solutions for Sargassum Seaweed with OECS Ministers

Hon. Minister of Trade and Environment on Montserrat, Claude Hogan and Chief Fisheries Officer Alywn Ponteen, joined colleagues from the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda along with leading scientists and experts from around the world to discuss the ongoing issue of Sargassum Seaweed which is affecting the Caribbean and the very important tourism industry.

It is a high stakes event involving the UK’s FCO with expectations of immediate solutions to stem the problem to include making a business from Sargassum.

Branson is working with the OECS to develop a regional strategy to be implemented locally by member states. The OECS is acting as the technical moderator for the conference

along with BVI technicians and Branson’s own team of environmentalists.

“Sargussum seaweed is a threat to tourism, the livelihood of fishers and the marine environment,” Hogan noted. “Finding a strategy which we can action locally is the dominant theme of the conference.”

The environment ministers of Montserrat, the BVI, Anguilla and Antigua have been asked to champion the project to work with Branson and his Virgin Unite charity to find solutions to the problem.

Minister Hogan said they have identified some of the main issues but no single solution has yet been formulated. “One of the bullets is public education and information on Sargassum,” he said. There’s also the use of

Sargassum as an animal feed.

Branson has also shared that energy must be given to conserving seafood and managing the catches of lobster in particular. According to Minister Hogan, the investor is willing to pay for his methods to be implemented and he has already agreed a marine project for Montserrat.

The billionaire who owns Moskito Island, along with nearby Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands has more than 400 companies under his Virgin Brand. Many of these companies, including Virgin and Virgin Holidays are in the travel industry. Moskito Island is part of the Virgin Limited Edition franchise, which features three villas and can house up to 22 guests for exclusive use according to the website.

Trinidad and Tobago confronting major shock with fall in energy prices – IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says the economy of the twin island republic is confronting a major shock with the sharp fall in energy prices that accelerated early this year.

In a statement following the conclusion of a mission from the international lending agency earlier this year, head of the mission Elie Canetti said based on available information, including that of job losses and continued supply-side constraints in the energy sector, the mission projects the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to fall by one percent this year.

The mission also said declines in energybased revenues will constrain the Government’s ability to act as an engine of growth.

It added that beyond 2016, new energy projects will modestly boost energy production, while non-energy growth could start to recover, provided there is confidence in the country’s ability to navigate the harsher global environment.

“Despite the great challenges posed by the need to adjust to energy prices, Trinidad and Tobago still has enormous strengths, including a well-educated work force and a stable political system. With substantial financial buffers and low, albeit rising levels of public debt, Trinidad and Tobago is not in a crisis. Nonetheless, in recent years, taking into account the size of energy revenue windfalls, the country has under-saved and under-invested in its future.

As a consequence, the imbalances that are now starting to build up could lead the country to uncomfortable levels of debt and external financial cushions absent further action.

“The new Government agrees that policy adjustments are needed. Since assuming office six months ago, the Government has already taken some difficult but necessary steps in the face of sharply lower energy revenues, including widening the value tax base (VAT) tax base, cutting fuel subsidies, reducing the number of Ministries with a view to streamlining the civil service, and instituting spending cuts.”

The team added that despite these measures, “with the further fall in energy prices since the budget, the mission projects the 2016 budget deficit at some 11 percent of GDP, although if one were to consider asset sales as revenue rather than financing, this would be equivalent to about five per cent of GDP. Continued projected deficits of this size call for further fiscal consolidation, perhaps of around 6 percent of GDP over the next few years.

“The Government has already identified additional measures that could meet some portion of this, including improving tax collections (with the help of a unified revenue authority), increasing gaming taxes and reintroducing property taxation. We believe there is further scope to widen the VAT base and increase some excise taxes, which are low by the region’s standards.”

The international lending agency says the Government has agreed to conduct a wideranging expenditure review, and will seek the assistance of the World Bank to rationalize and reverse the unsustainable increases in spending on transfers and subsidies over the last several years.

“We support the Government’s intent to conduct a national dialogue on fuel subsidies with a view to phasing them out over time,…”

“The country’s external situation has been very challenging. Against a backdrop of foreign exchange shortages that have intensified since the beginning of 2015, the recent sharp falls in energy prices are further reducing the available supply.”

The mission estimates that deficits will continue, albeit at a reduced level of 2–3 percent of GDP as the economy slows and public spending is contained.

The modest pace of depreciation should help to improve the current account.

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Two Americans among dead in Brussels bombings

MARCH 26TH, 2016 – APRIL 2ND, 2016

Hulk Hogan wins $115 million in sex-tape suit

Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday pledged further U.S. help to Belgium and the EU in tackling Islamist militant threats after Tuesday’s suicide bombings in Brussels and a U.S. official said two Americans were among the 31 dead.

Kerry also dismissed criticism of Belgium’s failure to track Islamic State militants before the attacks as a tendency to “jump to conclusions”, but said there was room for improving anti-terrorism cooperation among European Union nations.

“The United States is praying and grieving with you for the loved ones of those cruelly taken from us, including Americans, and for the many who were injured in these despicable attacks,” Kerry said after meetings with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, Foreign Minister Didier Reynders and Jean-Claude Juncker, head of the EU executive body based in Brussels.

“We will continue to provide any assistance necessary in investigating these heinous acts of terrorism and bringing those responsible to justice ... We offered today anything they need and they are already taking us up on (it),” Kerry said.

“We will specifically work with them to help in the coordination of the flow of information.”

He added that EU governments had been working over the past year to better exchange counter-terrorism information. “There is room for additional coordination,” he said.

Belgium has drawn international criticism

for security lapses in the run-up to the bombings in Brussels airport and a metro station which, in addition to the 31 dead, injured around 270 people.

The U.S. official declined to name the Americans killed until their next of kin had been notified.

Kerry took issue with the criticism. “This carping four days later is a little frantic and inappropriate.

People are jumping to conclusions, they are looking for things that sometimes just are difficult to analyze in the immediate aftermath.”

He told reporters he did not know whether opportunities had been missed by Belgian authorities in tracking Islamic State militants, but added: “This government has been in place for a year and it has moved very forcefully to deal with terrorism.”

Kerry said the United States was working with the Belgian government before the attacks and had a “foreign fighter surge team” in Brussels in February to work on specific counter-terrorism efforts.

There were also a number of counterterrorism initiatives already scheduled to take place in Brussels before the attacks occurred to help detect suspected jihadists, he said.

North Korea claims successful rocket engine test boosts capability: KCNA

North Korea, supervised by leader Kim Jong Un, successfully tested a solid-fuel rocket engine that increased power of the reclusive state’s ballistic rockets, North Korea’s state news agency reported on Thursday.

The claim, if confirmed, could mean the North was continuing to work on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program at a rapid pace, in defiance of U.N. sanctions that ban such activities. “(Kim) noted with great pleasure that the successful test ... helped boost the power of ballistic rockets capable of mercilessly striking hostile forces,” KCNA news agency said.

The North said last week it had conducted a successful simulated test of atmospheric re-entry of a ballistic missile and the country would soon test ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Pyongyang has previously launched longrange rockets that used liquid fuel but it was seen to lack the capability to build solid-fuel long-range or

intercontinental missiles.

Solid-fuel rockets have advantages in military use, although liquid fuel rockets are considered more sophisticated as their thrust can be controlled in flight.

The North has deployed short and mediumrange missiles and test fired them, but never flighttested the KN-08 ICBM it is believed to be developing.

The KN-08, which has been put on display at military parades and in official news media appears to have a three-stage design that is likely intended to use solid fuel, according to experts.

Despite its boasts to be making progress, many experts believe the North is a decade or more away from building an ICBM capable of threatening the United States.

In recent weeks, the isolated state has stepped up bellicose rhetoric, threatening pre-emptive nuclear strikes against Washington and Seoul.

New York state man, woman arrested for porn involving 16-month-old baby

A New York state man and woman alleged to have produced pornography using a 16-month-old baby were ordered held without bail on Saturday, authorities said.

The suspects - Jason Kopp, 40, of Liverpool, and Emily Oberst, 23, of Syracuse - were arrested

by FBI agents on Friday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New York’s Northern District said in a statement.

They were charged

with making and distributing child pornography involving the infant, it said. U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Baxter ordered them held without bail.

Oberst told an investigator Kopp, who was her acquaintance, had constantly texted her and asked for sexually explicit photos of the infant, and that she had sent him at least 45 of these images, according to an affidavit filed in court.

FBI agents found on Oberst’s wrist a bracelet shown on an adult’s arm in one of the images, the affidavit said.

Kopp and Oberst were arrested after agents searched their homes and seized evidence, the statement said.

If convicted of the charges of making and distributing child pornography, Kopp and Oberst each face a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison, prosecutors said.

Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, sits in court during his trial against Gawker Media, in St Petersburg, Florida March 17, 2016.

A Florida jury on Friday awarded Hulk Hogan $115 million with the possibility of more after finding the Gawker website violated his privacy by publishing a sex tape of the celebrity wrestler.

After deliberating six hours, the jury awarded Hogan $60 million for emotional distress and $55 million for economic damages.

“This is a victory for everyone who has had their privacy violated,” Hogan’s attorney, David Houston, said.

As the award was announced, the 62-yearold mustachioed wrestling icon cried and hugged Houston.

The case has drawn attention as a digitalage test of a celebrity’s privacy rights and freedom of the press under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Gawker publisher Nick Denton said the website would appeal the verdict. A Gawker attorney previously said a loss could put the website out of business.

“We all knew the appeals court will need to resolve the case,” Denton said in a statement. “We feel very positive about the appeal that we have already begun preparing, as we expect to win this case ultimately.”

The jury is to remain sequestered until Monday when it will consider punitive damages and other matters in the case.

Hogan, whose legal name is Terry Bollea, had sought $100 million in damages over the edited video that Gawker, a New York-based outlet known for gossip and media reporting, posted online in 2012.

The jury of two men and four women agreed with Hogan that his privacy had been violated, that the violation had caused him harm and that Hogan had a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Clay Calvert, a professor of law and mass communications at the University of Florida and a First Amendment expert, said such a large verdict was almost certain to be pared back on appeal, if not reversed.

“Juries generally do not like the media,” he said after the verdict. “The appellate court is a little more neutral.”

Gawker’s one-minute, 41-second video depicted Hogan engaged in sex with the wife of his then-best friend, radio “shock jock” personality Bubba the Love Sponge Clem.

Hogan, a longtime star of World Wrestling Entertainment, said he did not know the consensual encounter had been recorded when it occurred nearly a decade ago in Bubba’s home.

Gawker’s video included excerpts from a 30-minute sex tape the company obtained without knowing its origin.

Hogan testified that he still suffers from the humiliation of a video that went viral. The video was viewed 2.5 million times on the Gawker site.

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WORLD NEWS

Obama spars with Cuba’s Castro over human rights in historic visit

U.S. President Barack Obama pushed Cuba to improve human rights during his historic visit to the Communist-led Island on Monday, publicly sparring with President Raul Castro who showed flashes of anger and hit back at U.S. “double standards”.

Obama praised Castro for openly discussing their differences but he said a “full flowering” of the relationship would happen only with progress on the issue of rights.

“In the absence of that, I think it will continue to be a very powerful irritant,” Obama said in a joint news conference with Castro that began with jokes but was tense at times.

“America believes in democracy. We believe that freedom of speech and freedom of assembly and freedom of religion are not just American values but are universal values,” he said.

Both men’s remarks were broadcast live on Cuban state television from Cuba’s Palace of the Revolution in a room draped with the Stars and Stripes and the Cuban flag.

Castro countered that no country meets all international rights but appeared uncomfortable as he made the rare step of taking questions from journalists in a country where the media is state controlled.

Obama, the first U.S. president to visit Cuba in 88 years,

agreed in 2014 to improve relations with the former Cold War foe but he is under pressure at home to push Castro’s government to allow political dissent and to further open its Sovietstyle economy.

He said the two sides would hold talks on human rights in Havana later this year.

Opponents say Obama has given away too much as he improves ties, with too little from Castro in return, although the leading Republican candidate for the Nov. 8 presidential election, Donald Trump, said on Monday he would likely continue to normalize ties with Cuba if elected.

Castro, an army general who became president when his ailing older brother Fidel retired in 2008, had never before taken questions from foreign reporters on live Cuban television and was clearly irritated when asked about political prisoners in Cuba, demanding the reporter produce a list of those in jail.

“Tell me now. What political prisoners? Give me a name, or the names,” Castro said. “And if there are these political prisoners they will be free before nightfall.”

Cuba says it has no political prisoners and that the dozens listed by dissident groups are instead common criminals.

Castro said Cuba has a strong record on rights such as health, access to

U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuba’s President Raul Castro hold their first meeting on the second day of Obama’s visit to Cuba, in Havana March 21, 2016. education and women’s equality. His government criticizes the United States on racism, police violence and the use of torture at the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba.

Ben Rhodes, a senior Obama aide, later insisted that Cuba has political prisoners and said the U.S. government had shared lists of them with Cuba. He said Cuba has shifted from long prisons terms to short-term detentions of political opponents.

Later in the evening, Castro sat between Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for a dinner of rum flavored soup and pork, at a table that also included the leaders’ top advisers.

Obama’s ease with reporters’ questions contrasted with Castro’s manner.

The tension was palpable as Castro declined to call on a slew of Cuban journalists who yearned for the rare chance to ask him questions.

Fumbling with a headset providing translation, the 84-year-old leader scolded reporters when he was asked again about rights, saying he agreed to only take one question.

Obama playfully encouraged him to address a second but Castro seemed reluctant as he obliged.

“How many countries comply with all 61 human rights? Do you know? I do. None. None,” Castro said.

Plight of 11-year-old mother in Uganda reignites calls to stop child marriage

As coordinator of a shelter for pregnant teenagers in central Uganda, Ritah Ssetumba has seen thousands of young girls struggling to cope with having a child but even she was shocked when an 11-year-old girl arrived pregnant and married.

The girl, identified as Aidah, was referred to the Wamukisa Youth Centre by a village hospital in Buikwe District, 60 km (37 miles) from the capital Kampala, where she gave birth to a boy with her 16-year-old husband by her side.

Aidah is one of about 300,000 girls each year to get pregnant in Uganda which has one of the world’s highest rates of pre-teen and teenage pregnancies as the east African nation struggles to enforce laws to clamp down on child marriages.

One in every four girls aged between 15 and 19 fall pregnant,

according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, and nearly half of girls are married before 18.

“Aidah was the youngest pregnant child we have ever got in almost a decade of our operations,” Ssetumba told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in an interview at their premises in Kampala.

“But what shocked us even more was that the girl had been married off by her mother a year earlier and she also considered herself married.”

According to Ssetumba the mother agreed to let the then 10-yearold Aidah marry the 16-year-old to settle a debt with his family.

Aware of the dangers of child marriage, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, working with U.S. non-government organization Vital Voices Global Partnership, is trying

to raise awareness among girls about the dangers of early marriage and teenage pregnancy through theatrical drama and plays in schools.

This is the latest in a series of initiatives to back a campaign to reduce child marriages and teen pregnancies.

Ugandan authorities have struggled to enforce laws that set a minimum marriage age of 18, prompting the Ministry of Health to launch a partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) last year aiming to reduce the practice by at least 10 percent in five years.

Nakubulwa Mayi, a senior midwife at Mulago Referral Hospital the biggest hospital in the country, said pre-teen pregnancies posed serious physical and emotional risks to young girls.

“At this age a girl should be

Syrian government refuses to discuss Assad’s future

The fate of President Bashar al-Assad will play no part in talks to end the Syrian war, the head of the government’s delegation said, leading the U.N. peace envoy to warn that lack of progress on the issue could threaten a fragile cessation of hostilities.

Damascus delegate Bashar Ja’afari said Assad’s future had “nothing to do” with the negotiations, which entered their second week on Monday, insisting that counter-terrorism efforts remained the priority for the government.

“The (terms of) reference of our talks do not give any indication whatsoever with regard to the issue of the

President of the Syrian Arab Republic,” he said when asked about the willingness of the government delegation to engage in serious talks on political transition.

“This is something already excluded.”

U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura - who describes Syria’s political transition as “the mother of all issues” - responded by saying the government delegation’s refusal to discuss it could lead to a deterioration of the situation on the ground.

“Everyone more or less agrees, the cessation of hostilities is still holding,” he said. “The same ... more or less for the movement on humanitarian

aid. But neither of them can be sustained if we don’t get progress on the political transition.”

The fragility of the three-week-old cessation, which was backed by the United States and Russia, was highlighted on Monday when Moscow said it had recorded six violations in the last 24 hours.

The Syrian opposition accused the government delegation of wasting time by refusing to discuss the future of Assad. “It is not possible to wait like this, while the regime delegation wastes time without achieving anything,” said Salim al-Muslat, spokesman for the opposition High Negotiations Committee.

playing with dolls but not to have to handle a baby,” she said.

HIGH NUMBERS OF CHILD BRIDESA study by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2013 indicated that early marriages and resultant pregnancies are the biggest cause of deaths among 15 to 19-yearold girls in Uganda, accounting for 20 percent of maternal deaths.

Others of those who survive the pregnancies can suffer lasting complications like fistula and disability.

But ignorance on risks of child marriage, limited access to education for girls, cultures dictating girls should marry young, and poverty, have all contributed to this growing trend of child marriage in Uganda, according to the 2015 National Strategy to End Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy report.

A small Construction Company based in Providenciales is looking to recruit carpenters with experience working in the construction of high end villas in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Remuneration is $12 per hour, and applicants are required to have own transport and a clean valid driver’s license.

Applications must be submitted to: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Services Limited Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-333-7777 Email oa@fcorporatemsl.com

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WORLD NEWS

Gundlach sees Donald Trump nomination causing ‘global growth scare’

Jeffrey Gundlach, the widely followed investor who runs DoubleLine Capital, foresees a “global growth scare” between now and the end of the summer, triggered by a presidential nomination of Donald Trump.

“That is where I see the vulnerabilities,” Gundlach said in a telephone interview on Monday.

Trump’s protectionist policies could mean negative global growth, Gundlach warned. “As he gets the nomination, the markets and investors are going to worry about it more. You will see a downgrading of global growth based on geopolitical risks. You must factor this into your risk-management.”

Trump has blamed currency devaluations around the world for hurting the U.S. economy and costing American jobs, and has called for a tougher U.S. stance on trade.

Jeffrey Gundlach, star bond investor and head

“We just sit back and do of DoubleLine Capital, speaks at the Sohn nothing,” Trump said earlier this Investment Conference in New York, May 8, 2013. month. “That’s getting to be very

dangerous as far as I’m concerned.” A more effective economic move than devaluations would be charging a tax on products made abroad and sold in the United States, particularly those from China, Trump said.

Gundlach, who oversees $93 billion at Los Angeles-based DoubleLine Capital, said it isn’t premature to think about a Trump nomination. “You have to entertain the hypothetical.”

Phone calls and emails to Trump’s spokeswoman were not returned.

For its part, stock markets, which moved into positive territory after the U.S. Federal Reserve’s dovish move last week, will continue to track oil prices, Gundlach said, who was prescient in his call for $40 per barrel.

“I think oil will have a hard time moving up to $45,” Gundlach said.

The risk-reward proposition is “so bad right now because you had this easy

Vladimir Putin’s public trust rating drops 10 percent in a year: poll

imposed on Russia over the Ukraine conflict, and millions of Russians have seen their household income fall in real terms.

Liberal opposition politicians say any polling data concerning Putin is unfairly boosted by the fact that state TV, where most Russians get their news, affords Putin blanket and favorable coverage while largely ignoring them.

Putin is widely expected to contest the next presidential election in 2018. If he won, it would be his fourth term as president.

Another Levada poll, conducted last month, suggested more Russians were ready to reelect Putin now than a year ago, despite his falling trust rating.

That poll said 65 percent Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during an awarding ceremony for of Russians said they wanted to soldiers returning from Syria, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, March 17, 2016. see Putin re-elected as president,

Vladimir Putin’s trust The pollster did not offer up from 57 percent in the same rating among ordinary Russians an explanation for the apparent polling series the year before. has fallen by 10 percent in the past slip in Putin’s trust rating, which A survey by a state-run year even though the numbers remains stratospheric by Western pollster earlier this month gave who want to see him re-elected as standards. him sharply higher numbers, president have grown, two opinion He has capitalized on suggesting that public support polls showed on Monday. conflicts in Ukraine and Syria for Putin to serve another term as

According to one poll, by to boost his popularity and his president had hit its highest level the independent Levada Center, message that Russia is again a in four years.

73 percent of voters said they force to be reckoned with on the The first Levada poll was trusted Putin, down from 83 world stage has gone down well conducted from March 11-14 and percent in the same polling series with voters. surveyed 1,600 Russians across a year before, while 19 percent However, the Russian the country. The second poll was said they did not trust him, up economy is in a sharp slowdown, carried out from Feb. 19-24 with from 14 percent. made worse by Western sanctions the same number of voters.

Texas woman charged with putting two-year-old daughter in heated oven

Mother in Texas has been arrested and charged with child abuse on suspicion of burning her 2-year-old daughter by putting the child into a heated oven, a sheriff ’s department said on Sunday.

Tasha Hatcher, 35, was arraigned over the weekend on a first-degree felony charge of causing serious bodily injury to a child for the incident that took place on Thursday, the

Somervell County Sheriff ’s Office said in a statement.

The child, who was not identified by name, was taken by air to a burn center in Dallas, about 70 miles northeast of where the incident took place in Glen Rose.

Hatcher has not spoken to news media about the incident. There was no phone number listed for her residence in public records.

rally” in risk markets, Gundlach said.

He added: “No way I would buy junk bonds at this level.”

Gundlach also criticized Fed officials for changing their stance on interest rates. “They’ve been flipflopping like crazy over the past few months,” he said.

Just three days after the Fed held interest rates and cautioned “global economic and financial developments continue to pose risks,” Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart said on Monday that the United States may be in line for an interest rate hike as soon as April given “sufficient momentum” in U.S. growth.

Gundlach said it’s become obvious Fed officials are seeking guidance from markets.

“If it is going to be about the markets, they should just come out and say, ‘If the S&P hits 2,100 we will tighten - and if it goes to 1,900 we will ease,” Gundlach said.

Michigan woman pleads guilty to trading diseased body parts

A Michigan woman pleaded guilty on Monday to a scheme in which she and her husband used their medical cadaver business to sell infected body parts to unwitting medical and dental students, prosecutors said.

Elizabeth Rathburn, 56, of the Detroit suburb of Grosse Point Park admitted selling human remains she claimed were disease-free, but which had tested positive for HIV and Hepatitis B, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in eastern Michigan said in a statement.

Prosecutors said Rathburn and her husband, Arthur Rathburn, ran a company called International Biological, Inc. that would sell or rent human remains to medical and dental students.

Prosecutors said the couple would purchase diseased specimens from suppliers at a discount and misrepresent the remains to maximize profit, defrauding customers and exposing them to infection.

An attorney for Rathburn did not immediately return a call for comment.

The couple was indicted in January and Elizabeth Rathburn was charged with wire fraud, mail fraud and lying to a police officer, FBI spokeswoman Jill Washburn said.

She reached a deal with prosecutors that had her plead guilty to wire fraud and is set to be sentenced on July 18, according to the attorney’s office.

Arthur Rathburn was also charged with transporting hazardous materials and making false statements. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to begin trial on April 5, court records show.

The January indictment alleged that Arthur Rathburn would dismember the cadavers with chainsaws and other nonstandard autopsy devices, and would stack human heads directly on top of each other.

In one instance, Rathburn was charged with shipping the head of a person who died from sepsis and pneumonia among seven other severed heads on a Delta Cargo flight. The heads were stuffed in trash bags inside coolers that also contained pools of human blood, according to the indictment.

Attorneys for Arthur Rathburn did not immediately return calls for comment.

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British minister who quit over austerity cuts says they are divisive

Britain’s former Secretary for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith, arrives for a television interview in central London, Britain March 20, 2016

A senior British minister who resigned on Friday said vulnerable working age people were unfairly carrying the burden of deficit reduction, belying the prime minister’s claim that austerity was being shared by all.

Iain Duncan Smith, who quit his post of work and pensions secretary over changes to disability welfare payments, said he had come under “massive pressure” to cut welfare budgets as part of a “desperate search for savings” ahead of Finance Minister George Osborne’s budget statement last week.

Duncan Smith denied speculation that his resignation was triggered by his position on Europe, where his desire for Britain to leave the European Union pits him against Prime Minister David Cameron and Osborne.

He told the BBC that juxtaposing welfare changes against tax cuts for the wealthy in the budget was damaging to Cameron’s Conservative party and to the country.

“That is deeply unfair and was perceived to be unfair,” he said in his first interview since he resigned.

“And that unfairness is damaging to the government, it’s damaging to the party and it’s actually damaging to the country,” he said on Sunday.

Cameron and Osborne’s flagship policy

Australia arrests two suspected of Islamic State financing: police

Australian police said on Tuesday they had arrested two people, including a 16-year-old girl, on suspicion of raising funds to support operations of the Islamic State militant group.

The arrests in a Sydney suburb on Monday of the schoolgirl and a man, aged 20, were part of counter-terrorism operations aimed at thwarting attacks by domestic radicals at home and disrupting the flow of funds to foreign fighters overseas.

“We anticipate that both these people will be charged later today and attend court and the charge that we anticipate they will have is one of financing terrorism,” New South Wales state police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn told reporters.

“We will be alleging that they were involved in obtaining money to send offshore to assist the Islamic State in its activities,” she said.

Australia’s anti-money laundering agency said in November reports of suspected militant financing had tripled in the past year, with more than A$50 million ($38 million) that could be used to support militants being investigated.

The amounts being sent in this particular case were small and most likely used to help facilitate the travel of foreign fighters into Syria, an Australian Federal Police source told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

“They are doing it usually by credit cards or ATM cards - pretty easy.

It’s not that much money. Some of it is a very small amount of money ... sometimes less than $1,000,” he said.

Authorities believe dozens of Australians have traveled to Syria and Iraq to fight alongside Islamic State militants.

Australia, a staunch U.S. ally, has been on heightened alert for attacks by home-grown radicals since 2014 and authorities say they have thwarted a number of potential attacks, while there have been several “lone wolf” assaults.

Islamic State raises the majority of its funding from oil, kidnapping and other illicit activities in far greater amounts than what is sent by individuals, said Greg Barton, a terrorism expert at Deakin University.

Arrests like those made this week were more valuable in identifying and arresting Australians who may be at risk of further radicalization than they in putting a dent in militant finances.

“It’s more this gives us the basis for figuring out the connection and it also gives us the basis for laying charges,” he told Reuters.

Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan said the latest arrests were not connected to any threat of an imminent attack.

In 2014, police shot dead a Melbourne teenager after he stabbed two counter-terrorism officers. Three months later, two hostages were killed when police stormed a Sydney cafe to end a siege by a lone gunman, who was also killed.

A 15-year-old boy fired on an accountant at police headquarters in a Sydney suburb last October and was then killed in a gunfight with police.

of reducing Britain’s budget deficit was being pursued at the expense of some of the poorest in society, he said.

“(The government) has become too focused on narrowly getting the deficit down without being able to say where that should fall other than simply on those who I think can less afford to have that fall on them,” he said on the Andrew Marr show.

“I think it is in danger of drifting in a direction that divides society rather than unites it, and that I think is unfair.”

He said he considered resigning a year ago, and had felt increasingly “isolated” in a government “losing the narrative that the Conservative Party was this one nation party caring for those who don’t even necessarily vote for it”.

Energy Secretary Amber Rudd told Sky News on Sunday that she was “perplexed” by the move, echoing comments made by Cameron on Friday, who was “puzzled and disappointed” by Duncan Smith’s decision to leave the Cabinet post he has held since 2010.

UK’s Cameron seeks to end party infighting, backs finance minister Osborne

British Prime Minister David Cameron backed his embattled finance minister George Osborne on Monday in a bid to stem a bout of infighting triggered by the resignation of a senior minister.

Cameron’s Conservative Party, already divided over a forthcoming referendum on membership of the European Union, descended into chaos over the weekend after Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith resigned with a fierce critique of Osborne, a close ally of Cameron, and his plans to cut welfare.

The pointed criticism of Osborne, whom Cameron has trusted to run the British economy since 2010, posed a threat to party unity ahead of the June 23 EU vote and brought calls from the opposition Labour Party for Osborne to resign.

Faced with the difficult task of calming tensions in a party with a long history of bitter internal rows, Cameron said Osborne’s work on “turning our economy around” was essential to delivering his party’s vision for the country.

“You can’t show your compassion unless you have a strong economy generating the revenues that our health service needs, that our schools need, and indeed that our welfare systems need,” Cameron told parliament.

Duncan Smith’s dramatic exit, in which he said welfare cuts risked driving a wedge between the rich and the poor, was immediately seen by commentators as intended to destabilize Cameron as the Europe debate intensifies.

British Prime Minister David Cameron leaves Downing Street, London, Britain, 21 March, 2016.

But Cameron also praised the outgoing welfare minister in an effort to calm the row which threatened to become a proxy for the internal party debate between eurosceptics, like Duncan Smith, and pro-Europeans, like Cameron and Osborne. “(He) contributed an enormous amount to the work of this government and he can be proud of what he achieved,” Cameron said of Duncan Smith.

Earlier, Labour seized upon the divisions by trying to call Osborne before parliament to answer questions on the welfare cuts. Osborne instead sent out a junior minister to field the queries, provoking criticism and ridicule.

“If the Chancellor is too scared to answer questions in this house on this issue, he’s not fit to do the job,” said Labour lawmaker Yvette Cooper to roars of approval from colleagues.

The government announced it was abandoning the contentious cuts to disability benefits, worth 4.4 billion pounds, and said it did not intend to make any further cuts to the welfare budget.

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BUSINESS &

WORLD NEWS BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY

Apple bets new 4-inch iPhone to draw big-screen converts in China, India

Apple Inc (AAPL.O) is betting a new 4-inch iPhone will spur smartphone users in key markets such as China and India to ditch their largerscreens in favor of the diminutive, yet feature-rich and lower-priced iPhone SE.

The plan, if successful, will pose a challenge to its Asian competitors such as Huawei Technologies [HWT. UL] and Xiaomi[XTC.UL] which have been churning out big-screen phones to win market share in the crowded midrange and near-premium segments.

“With the iPhone SE, Apple is choosing to aim at an under-served segment of consumers that prefer small screen smartphones and have been reluctant to upgrade,” research firm IHS said in a note.

“Importantly, Apple’s competitors have chosen not to target the premium compact smartphone market.”

Users will be more willing to ditch their larger screens if Apple’s smaller phone can match-up in features, analysts said.

“This will appeal to more people who otherwise couldn’t afford their flagship phone. This will make the market more competitive at that price point as Apple is preparing to take more share,” said Anshul Gupta,

research director at Gartner.

The pricing, along with the features, is for the first time likely to pit Apple directly against phones made by companies such as Oppo, One Plus and Xiaomi, analysts said.

“Apple iPhone SE will target feature phone upgraders, first-time smartphone buyers and prepaid consumers in Asia who cannot afford, or are not familiar with, bigger-screen smartphones,” said Neil Mawston, an analyst at Strategy Analytics.

At the product launch in Cupertino, California on Monday, Apple vice president of iPhone Product Marketing Greg Joswiak singled out China as a target market, saying fourinch displays like that on the iPhone SE were still popular with first-time smartphone buyers.

Chinese buyers tend to start off with a phone with a 4-inch screen, just like the iPhone SE, he argued.

China, Apple’s second-biggest market, and India, one of the fastestgrowing major markets in the world, are both seen as key for Apple, which expects overall iPhone sales to contract.

In China, some analysts says the iPhone SE may have better prospects than the iPhone 5C, which was launched as an affordable gadget three years ago but was less

Apple Vice President Greg Joswiak introduces the iPhone SE during an event at the Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California March 21, 2016. technologically advanced than the top phone at the time.

“The Chinese market is not bringing as much growth as previously and is becoming more competitive than ever,” said Ronan de Renesse, an analyst at research firm Ovum.

“Apple must decrease the entry price of new iPhones to sustain growth in China. The iPhone SE offers very high specifications for a low price, which is essential to appeal to Chinese consumers,” said the analyst.

The iPhone SE, which will come with its latest processor, fingerprint scanner, Apple Pay and a powerful camera, is also meant to undo

Apple’s missteps with the iPhone 5c, which was launched as an affordable gadget three years ago but failed to sell in significant numbers.

Apple’s second attempt to enter the mid-tier smartphone market, crowded with Android devices of rivals such as Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) and Huawei, is seen as an improvement on the 5C strategy.

“The 5C was awful, no one wanted it. Everyone knew that if you bought it you had no money,” said Shanghai-based Shaun Rein, founder of China Market Research Group.

“Just going cheap doesn’t mean it’ll do well.”

touch, sight and sound.

These include voice-activated personal assistant devices dangling from “smart jewellery” necklaces with tiny embedded microphones or tiny earpieces that get things done for us based on our verbal commands.

The world’s biggest tech companies have made real progress in this arena with Google Now, Apple Siri, Microsoft Cortana and Amazon.com’s Alexa now able to read texts or emails for users, answer practical questions, The new iPhone SE is seen on display during an event at the Apple headquarters in Cupertino, control phone features, handle basic California March 21, 2016. communications or read a map.

Nearly a decade after the screen size, battery life and network “The way the whole thing is iPhone broke the mould for mobile capacity. evolving, the device itself is becoming phones the question being asked “Everything in the phone just another way to provide access to is whether the evolution of the industry now is incremental: slightly a user’s digital life,” said independent smartphone has finally come to an end, faster, slightly bigger, slightly more financial analyst Richard Windsor. as even Apple now treats older, smaller storage or better resolution,” said Lindholm now runs KoruLab, 4-inch screens as something new.

Christian Lindholm, inventor of the developers of compact, ultra-efficient

Industry experts believe easy text-messaging keyboards in old software for running wearable devices. innovation in smartphones is giving Nokia phones that made them the best- He sees smartphone functions splitting way to phone functions popping up selling mobile devices of all time. into two camps - big-screen devices as software or services in all manner The financial stakes are high for rich entertainment and compact of new devices from cars to fridges to as the futures of Apple, Google, and wearables for more transactional watches and jewellery rather than Microsoft, the world’s three biggest activities like keeping up with one’s remaining with handheld devices. listed companies at the end of last year, calendar, health or fitness monitoring

And analysts and product may now turn on who gets the jump on or paying for goods or services. designers said fresh breakthroughs making handsets redundant.

Financial analysts at UBS are running up against the practical Many firms are experimenting estimate smartphone makers will limits of what’s possible in current with new ways to help consumers generate more than $323 billion in smartphone hardware in terms of interact with the wider world through revenue this year, a 1.4 percent decline

from last year. Apple alone took in half of that revenue and more than three quarters of all profits, according to research firm Strategy Analytics.

Seeking to reverse declining iPhone sales, Apple announced a range of new products on Monday including including a cheaper 4-inch (10 cm) screen iPhone SE.

Google generates virtually all of its revenue from advertising sold alongside its wide variety of Web services, rather than from its Android software, which drives roughly 80 percent of the world’s phones.

It is cagey about how much revenue comes from mobile advertising, but analysts estimate this contributed roughly a quarter to a third of its $75 billion revenue reported in 2015. dream of gadget enthusiasts that has eluded recognized market leaders Samsung and LG of Korea, which have struggled for years to mass-produce flexible screens at anything close to mass-market prices.

Richard Windsor said flexible displays that could be unfolded or unrolled to up to 10 or 14 inches would set phones free from being defined by screen size.

“What is a tablet computer?” Windsor asks. “Why would you bother having a tablet? That market would just evaporate overnight,” he said.

The next big thing in phones may not be a phone

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Marriott wins back Sheraton-owner Starwood with new offer

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc (HOT.N), owner of the Sheraton and Westin brands, accepted a higher $13.6 billion acquisition offer from peer Marriott International Inc (MAR.O), spurning a bid from China’s Anbang Insurance Group.

The move dramatically raises the stakes in the bidding war since the deal with Marriott prohibits Starwood from communicating with Anbang, which already owns New York’s Waldorf Astoria hotel.

If Anbang had succeeded with its offer, the acquisition would have been the largest ever by a Chinese company in the United States. It would not comment on Monday on whether it was planning a new bid.

Marriott raised the cash portion of its offer to $21 per share from $2, valuing the total bid, which also includes stock, at $79.53 as of Friday’s close of trading. The company had clinched a deal with Starwood in November for $72.08 per share.

“In the further diligence we have completed in last five months, we have become even more convinced of the tremendous opportunity presented by this merger,” Marriott Chief Executive Officer Arne Sorenson told analysts on a conference call.

“That confidence is reflected in our higher offer.”

Starwood shares were up 4 percent at $83.79 in afternoon trading. Marriott was down 1.6 percent at $72.02.

“We believe this is the best bid Marriott is willing to make,” Canaccord Genuity analyst Ryan Meliker wrote in a note.

A group led by Anbang had challenged Marriott with an

A Marriott flag hangs at the entrance of the New York Marriott Downtown hotel in Manhattan, New York November 16, 2015. initial non-binding offer of $12.8 billion on March 14, raising it later to $13.16 billion, or $78 per share in cash.

“It’s likely that the Anbang consortium will increase its offer because that group may be motivated more by obtaining Western assets and shifting capital outside China than by generating value or earnings accretion,” Nomura Securities International Inc analysts wrote in a note.

An acquisition of Starwood

by Anbang would probably face a review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, an interagency panel that reviews deals to ensure they do not harm national security.

However, sources have said both sides believe that deal would receive CFIUS clearance.

A Marriott-Starwood

combination would create the world’s largest hotel chain with top brands that also include Ritz Carlton and the Autograph Collection.

“The power of the information and guest relationships to me is the greatest value that would come out of this for Marriott,” said Bjorn Hanson, a professor of hospitality and tourism at New York University.

“Control of so much information enables for there to be better targeted marketing and pricing,” he said.

The combined company will have more than 5,500 hotels with 1.1 million rooms worldwide, A house-for-sale sign is seen inside the Washington DC Beltway in giving Marriott a greater presence Annandale, Virginia January 24, 2016. in markets such as Europe, Latin

U.S. home resales fell sharply in February America and Asia and allowing it in a potentially troubling sign for America’s economy to better compete with apartmentwhich has otherwise looked resilient to the global sharing startups such as Airbnb. economic slowdown.

Marriott’s merger with

The National Association of Realtors said on Starwood has cleared antitrust Monday existing home sales dropped 7.1 percent to review in the United States and an annual rate of 5.08 million units, the lowest level Canada. Approvals from the since November.

European Union and China are

Sales have been volatile and prone to big pending. swings up and down in recent months following the

Under the revised introduction in October of new mortgage regulations, agreement, Starwood would pay which are intended to help homebuyers understand a breakup fee of $450 million, up their loan options and shop around for loans best from $400 million previously. suited to their financial circumstances.

The investor group

February’s decline weighed on investor Anbang is leading also includes sentiment, with the S&P 500 stock index falling private equity firms J.C. Flowers after the data was released. & Co from the United States and

Sales fell across the country, including a China’s Primavera Capital.

17.1 percent plunge in the U.S. Northeast.

Lazard (LAZ.N) and

Economists had forecast home resales Citigroup Global Markets Inc decreasing 2.8 percent to a pace of 5.32 million units (C.N) are financial advisers to last month. Sales were up 2.2 percent from a year Starwood, and Cravath, Swaine ago. & Moore LLP is its legal counsel.

The median price for a previously owned home Deutsche Bank Securities increased 4.4 percent from a year ago to $210,800.

(DBKGn.DE) advised Marriott.

The housing report runs counter to data PJT Partners Inc (PJT.N) is showing strong job growth and a stabilization of Anbang’s financial adviser, while factory output, which had taken a hit from weaker Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & demand overseas and a strong U.S. dollar.

Flom LLP is its legal counsel.

Housing continues to be supported by a tightening labor market, which is starting to push up wage growth, boosting household formation. But a relative dearth of properties available for sale remains a challenge. string of U.S. companies that are “Finding the right property at an affordable striking a deal with Cuba. price is burdening many potential buyers,” said NAR

Starwood Hotels & economist Lawrence Yun. Resorts Worldwide (HOT.N) In February, the number of unsold homes on on Saturday announced a the market rose 3.3 percent from January to 1.88 multimillion-dollar investment million units, but was down 1.1 percent from a year in Cuba. The company said it ago. would manage and market two At February’s sales pace, it would take 4.4 properties in Havana and signed months to clear the stock of houses on the market, a letter of intent to operate a third. up from 4.0 months in January. A six-month supply Priceline Group (PCLN.O) became is viewed as a healthy balance between supply and the first U.S. online travel agency demand. to make Cuban hotel rooms available to U.S. customers via its subsidiary, Booking.com.

Western Union, the world’s largest money-transfer company, expects to start services in a phased approach by the end of the second quarter.

Remittances can be sent to family members and other Cuban nationals for family expenses and personal support for private economic activity, the company said.

Cash remittances to Cuba in 2013 were $2.8 billion with 90 percent originating from the United States, the company said.

Western Union says to expand in Cuba

A Western Union branch is seen in New York July 30, 2013

Western Union Co (WU.N) said on Monday it would expand in Cuba, at a time when U.S. President Barack Obama started a historic Cuba tour as the two countries attempt to rebuild their bilateral relationship.

Cuba said last week it planned to remove a tax on

dollars after Washington relaxed currency restrictions against the Communist-run island.

The U.S. government had said it would allow U.S. banks to process dollar transactions for Cuba as long as neither buyer nor seller are U.S. entities.

Western Union joins a

U.S. existing home sales tumble in warning sign for housing market

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Twitter to keep World’s longest aircraft readies 140-character limit, for first flight in Britain CEO says

Twitter Inc’s 140-character tweets are here to stay, Chief Executive Jack Dorsey said on Friday, ending speculation that the microblogging site might abandon one of its trademark features for a 10,000-character limit.

“It’s staying. It’s a good constraint for us and it allows for of-the-moment brevity,” Dorsey said on NBC’s Today Show.

A Twitter spokesman declined to elaborate.

In January, technology news website Re/ code reported that Twitter was building a new feature that would allow tweets as long as 10,000 characters.

Twitter has declined to comment on the feature directly. But Dorsey tweeted the day of the report that the company had seen more screenshots of text posted as a way to get around the 140-character limit.

“We’re not going to be shy about building more utility and power into Twitter for people,” Dorsey wrote at the time, also in a screenshot of text that was longer than 140 characters.

Dorsey has changed some of Twitter’s core features since he returned to run Twitter permanently in October. Twitter has added “Moments,” which allows users to easily find tweets about the day’s biggest news stories, and changed the shape of its “favorite” icon from a star to a heart.

Jack Dorsey, CEO of Square and CEO of Twitter, speaks during an interview with CNBC following the IPO for Square Inc., on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange November 19, 2015.

A worker stands under the Airlander 10 hybrid airship during its unveiling in Cardington, Britain March 21, 2016.

The world’s longest aircraft, an airship spanning more than six double-decker buses, is set to make its maiden flight later this Spring, British manufacturer Hybrid Air Vehicles said on Monday.

The 92-metre Airlander 10 floated in a hangar in Cardington, central England, at a media event where its backers showcased a vessel they said could stay airborne for up to two weeks.

Hybrid Air Vehicles is hoping the slow-moving, helium-filled Airlander 10 will catch the eye of potential customers who might want to use it to carry cargo or deliver aid, for surveillance,

communications or leisure purposes. It can carry 48 passengers.

The Airlander can take off and land vertically meaning it does not need a tarmac runway. It can also operate from open fields, deserts, ice or water, meaning it could be useful for humanitarian missions or coastguard monitoring.

Airships have a long history stretching back to the nineteenth century, although their use was curtailed by competition from aeroplanes in the twentieth century and high-profile accidents such as the Hindenburg disaster in 1937.

Hybrid Air Vehicles is a privately-held firm funded so far by 17.5 million pounds ($25.2 million) raised from 1,000 shareholders, and which has benefited from U.S. investment and British and EU grants.

It will undertake additional ground testing before a first flight in the coming months.

The airship could then become a familiar sight over the central English countryside as it aims to complete 200 hours of test flights before demonstrations to would-be customers.

Hybrid Air Vehicles hopes to be building 12 of the airships a year by 2018.

New Apple Watch Designs Land With Price Cuts And New Features

The Apple Watch 2 didn’t arrive alongside the new iPhone SE and the new iPad Pro – but the Cupertino tech goliath did reveal a few new Watch designs… 26 new ones in fact.

The new Apple Watches, essentially the same watches as before but with new straps, went on sale immediately after the keynote event at Infinite Loop.

The new line-up is dominated by the Woven Nylon strap range – colorful straps made from four layers of fabric. The Apple Watch Sport range has also been boosted by the arrival of new color options and the are a bunch of new leather straps too, alongside a new Space Black Milanese Loop option.

Apple CEO Tim Cook told the audience at the event that a third of Apple Watch wearers change up their bands on a regular basis – so it makes sense for the tech giant to launch a bunch of new alternatives (they can also be purchased separately for existing Apple Watch users). There is, however, a raft of third party Apple Watch straps available already though, including some nylon options – so

Apple watches with new band colors are seen on display during a media event at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California on March 21, 2016.

Apple will be hoping to tap into its renowned brand loyalty.

For people wanting a brand spanking new Apple Watch design, the event was somewhat of a disappointment although there is some consolation in

the fact that Apple has cut the price of its cheapest smartwatch to $299 – a saving of $50.

WatchOS 2.2 also went live after the event, bringing new features for Apple Watch wearers. The latest

software lets users pair multiple watches to one iPhone, making it easier to switch between watches if you own more than one model.

Maps on the Watch have also been revamped with shortcut buttons providing directions to saved locations and a new ‘My Location’ icon brings up a map view where you can Force Touch to see ‘Search’, ‘Contacts’, ‘Transit’ or ‘Nearby’; showing places near to you.

Extra language support has been added to the Watch and there’s also an increased frequency of background heart rate measurements when you’re standing or sitting still.

These are nice short term bonuses for Apple Watch fans although eyes will be focused on Cupertino for an autumn event where a next-gen smartwatch is likely to be revealed.

The web rumour mill suggests a HD camera will be added to the bezel, allowing Watch users to FaceTime with their contacts.

It’s also purported that emails, texts, and app updates will be hitting the next Apple Watch without the need of a paired iPhone.

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Starwood signs first U.S.-Cuba hotel deal since 1959 revolution

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (HOT.N) on Saturday became the first U.S. hotel company to sign a deal with Cuba since the 1959 revolution, announcing a multimilliondollar investment a day before U.S. President Barack Obama was due to visit Havana.

Starwood will manage and market two properties in Havana and signed a letter of intent to operate a third.

Such deals would normally be prohibited under the U.S. economic embargo of Cuba, but Starwood received special permission from the U.S. Treasury Department last week.

Jorge Giannattasio, chief of Latin American operations, said the deals included a “multimillion-dollar investment to bring the hotels up to our standards,” making Starwood the first U.S. company to commit major money to Cuba since Fidel Castro and his bearded rebels overthrew a proAmerican government on Jan. 1, 1959.

Castro quickly nationalized the tourism industry and made the Habana Hilton the new government headquarters for months.

Cuba’s tourism industry has boomed since the December 2014 rapprochement with the United States.

Obama relaxed restrictions further this week. Americans no longer need special permission to travel, or use guides, but must self-police their activities and keep records for five years.

Obama has called for Congress to do away with the 54-year-old embargo but has been opposed by the leadership of the Republican majority.

Starwood will operate the military-owned Gaviota 5th Avenue Hotel under its Four Points Sheraton brand, and the state-owned Gran Caribe Inglaterra Hotel under its Luxury Collection brand.

The deal could help Obama use his historic trip to showcase what he sees as the benefits of Washington’s diplomatic opening with the former Cold War foe after decades of hostility.

But Starwood, which is subject to a takeover battle, may not be American for long.

China’s Anbang Insurance Tourists take a selfie while sitting in a vintage car outside the Quinta Avenida Habana Hotel in Havana, Group Co made a $13-billion cash offer March 19, 2016. for Starwood on Friday, surpassing by International visitors rose 17 percent to will resume despite a continued ban nearly 15 percent a previous cash and a record 3.5 million in 2015, including on tourism. Americans are allowed stock offer by Marriott International a 77 percent increase in American to travel to Cuba for 12 authorized Inc. (MAR.O) Marriott has until March visitors to 161,000. purposes.

28 to make a counteroffer.

Cuba expects a similar “The amount of travelers “We do not comment until a increase in American visitors this year will skyrocket with direct flights,” deal is executed,” Giannattasio said. when scheduled airline service Giannattasio said.

Violence erupts as Jakarta cabbies protest ride-hailing apps

Indonesian cabbies clashed with motorbike drivers working for online apps on Tuesday, pulling them off their bikes and assaulting them as thousands of drivers took to the streets of Jakarta calling for a ban on ride-hailing apps like Grab and Uber.

Police were overwhelmed as convoys of blue and white taxis operated by PT Blue Bird and PT Express Transindo Utama blocked thoroughfares.

Police said 83 people were detained after skirmishes that saw drivers smash taxi windshields, attack other drivers and burn tyres in parts of the city.

The proliferation of cheap taxis using ridehailing apps Go-jek, Grab and Uber in gridlocked Jakarta has made the traditional pick-up and drop-off taxi services unprofitable, threatening the business models of the country’s top taxi firms.

The online apps currently offer heavily subsidized rates for their rides in an attempt to gain market share.

“Right now there are legal taxis and illegal taxis,” said Mat Ali, 54, an Express taxi driver who marched in front of parliament as others burned tyres.

“We are not allergic to competition with Uber and Grab ... but we just want them to meet the government’s requirements.”

Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan said companies like Uber were illegal unless they were registered as public transport providers and subject to the same rules as regular taxi operators.

“The point is, it has to be fair,” Jonan told reporters.

Government ministers called for calm and said the tech firms should be subject to the same legal and tax requirements as conventional public transportation companies.

“Give us time to find the best solution, it can’t be done overnight,” chief security minister Luhut Pandjaitan told a news conference.

A Bluebird official said the company would offer free taxi rides for 24 hours to make up for the disruption in services.

“We don’t agree with or support the anarchic demonstration,” Bluebird commissioner Noni Purnomo told reporters.

But some Jakarta residents rejected the offer on social media using the hashtag #NoThanksBluebird.

David Santoso, a director of Express, also said in a statement the company had urged its drivers not to join the protest.

Ford CEO’s compensation jumped 17 percent to $17.4 million in 2015

Ford Motor Co (F.N) Chief Executive Officer Mark Fields’ salary, bonus and stock awards jumped 17 percent to $17.4 million in 2015, a year in which the auto maker earned a record pretax profit, the company said on Friday.

Including pension and perks, Fields made $18.6 million, down from $18.9 million in 2014. His pension award was $2.8 million lower in 2015 than in the previous year.

Last year was the first full one for Ford under the guidance of the 55-year-old Fields and the company earned a record pretax profit of $10.8 billion.

Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford, 58, got a salary, bonus and stock awards totaling $10.07 million, up 1.6 percent from 2014.

Ford’s pension award was $3 million lower in 2015 from the previous year, the company said in a filing with U.S. securities

regulators.

The pension changes in 2015 for Ford were caused by the fluctuating discount rate and changes to the government-issued mortality tables, which were outside the company’s control, the auto maker said.

Last month, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCHA.MI) (FCAU.N) told the SEC that Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne’s total compensation of $73.6 million, which includes the value of the stock awards when they vested. Marchionne has not yet cashed them out and their value fluctuates over time.

Fiat Chrysler shares, adjusted for the spin-off of Ferrari at the start of this year, are down about 25 percent since last April when those shares vested.

Marchionne received a salary of $4 million and a bonus of $6.85 million in 2015.

Mark Fields, President and CEO of Ford, speaks at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, January 11, 2016.

General Motors Co (GM.N) CEO Mary Barra’s 2015 pay has not yet been filed to the SEC. In 2014, her compensation was $16.2 million.

Facebook, Twitter compete for live TV rights -NY Post

Facebook Inc and Twitter Inc are vying to buy rights to stream conventional TV programming, the New York Post reported on Thursday.

Both companies have approached programmers about a deal, the Post said, citing several sources familiar with the situation.

Facebook, which is already in talks with the National Football League for digital rights to Thursday Night Football, has met with a wide range of TV executives

over the past few weeks, sources told the Post.

However, it was not known how Facebook would deliver the shows, sources who heard the pitch told the newspaper.

“Our goal with live video is to work with our partners to move to a sustainable monetization model quickly,” Facebook said in a statement.

“We are not focused on acquiring the rights to conventional TV programs.”

A Facebook logo is pictured on an Apple’s IPad in Twitter declined to comment.

Bordeaux, southwestern France, March 10, 2016.

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“The 2015 National Championship Air Races

“The 2015 National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada will be televised on Sunday, March 27th, 2016 at 4 pm Atlantic Time on NBC.

in excess of 400 mph on the straightaways of the 8 mile course flying just 50 feet above the ground competing against 8 other aircraft.

Local resident Gary Mead participates in this event each year piloting his highly modified Glasair III #47 race plane in the Sport Class which consist of homebuilt aircraft reaching speeds of

Participants and Spectators alike come to this event each year from all over the world. Mead has been racing in the National Championships since 2007 proudly representing Turks & Caicos Islands. In

the last three years, racing against 36 other aircraft, Mead had finishes in the top of the Gold Class of 4th in 2015 averaging 348.45 mph on the oval course , 2nd in 2014 and 6th in 2013.”

Check out the action and many other High Performance Aircraft that race each year in the highly anticipated once a year event. It is truly the fastest motorsport in the world.”

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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SPORTS

NFL looking at playing regular season game in China

National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell said on Wednesday that China is too big a market to ignore and the league is working on holding a regular season game there within the next couple of years.

Goodell, speaking during a news conference at the end of the NFL owners meeting in Boca Raton, Florida, said “multiple” teams were interested in making the trek for a first regular season game in Asia.

“The size and the influence of China in the global marketplace is obviously something that you can’t ignore,” said Goodell. “You can’t ignore that as a sport, or a business, Overview of half-time show during the NFL’s Super Bowl 50 football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos in Santa Clara, California February 7, 2016. or as a nation.

“We know we have lots of fans during the 2016 season and another NFL’s popularity there and that there over there, and more importantly, in Mexico City, was spending “a great was no shortage of teams lining up to potential fans over there.” deal of time” talking about further make the trip.

Goodell also said the NFL, expansion internationally.

“As far as the teams, we which has scheduled three regular He said a regular season actually have multiple teams that are season games to be played in London game in China would increase the interested in playing. We have more

Lakers power past short-handed Grizzlies

than we can handle at this point in time, which is a good issue,” Goodell said.

“I think teams are interested in participating in how we expand our game on a global basis, but in particular in China. We will have to go through that process over the next several months.”

The Los Angeles Rams, who are already schedules to play the New York Giants at London’s Twickenham Stadium this year, have been mentioned in multiple reports as a team interested in making the trip to China for a game during the 2018 season.

China was scheduled to host a preseason NFL game in 2007 to kick off the one-year countdown to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, but the game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks was postponed and ultimately canceled.

Tennis tourney director quits after criticizing women pros

The tournament director of the BNP Paribas made the right defensive play.”

Added Williams, “We Open who said women’s pro tennis players “ride on stayed poised, and at the same the coattails of the men” resigned Monday night.

Tournament owner Larry Ellison said in time, we made plays down the a statement that Raymond Moore was quitting as stretch.”

Zach Randolph and Lance chief executive officer and tournament director of Stephenson had 16 points each for the $7 million event featuring men’s and women’s the Grizzlies, who were coming players in the California desert. Moore informed off a 103-97 win over the Phoenix Ellison of his decision when they spoke earlier in Suns on Monday night. Both the day.

“Ray let me know that he has decided to players also collected six rebounds.

Randolph’s boards allowed him to step down from his roles as CEO and tournament pass Artis Gilmore for 47th place director effective immediately,” Ellison said. “I fully on the NBA’s all-time rebounding understand his decision.”

A tournament spokesman could offer no list with 9,163.

The short-handed further details on Moore’s resignation, citing only Grizzlies again played without Ellison’s statement.

Moore apologized after he was roundly Mike Conley (left Achilles tendinitis), P.J. Hairston (left criticized by executives from the women’s and men’s Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Bass (2) is defended by Memphis Grizzlies guard groin strain) and Brandan Wright pro tours, players Serena Williams and Victoria Tony Allen (9), forward Matt Barnes (22) and forward Zach Randolph (50) during an NBA (right MCL sprain). They already Azarenka and on social media for his comments game at Staples Center. The Lakers defeated the Grizzlies 107-100. lost Marc Gasol (broken right foot) Sunday.

The 69-year-old former touring pro from

Tony Allen said the Los That was too much for for the season.

Angeles Lakers played with more the Grizzlies, who missed an Randolph, though he South Africa has been CEO of the tournament of an edge Tuesday, and the result opportunity to pick up a half- finished the game, sprained his since 2012. In the event’s early years, Moore and was a surprising victory over the game in the Western Conference right ankle and limped noticeable fellow ex-player Charlie Pasarell started PM Sports Management, which oversaw the tournament as it Memphis Grizzlies. race for the No. 4 spot with the throughout.

Jordan Clarkson scored idle Los Angeles Clippers.

However, Allen used none of that expanded.

“In my next life when I come back I want 22 points, Kobe Bryant added 20 Memphis (41-31) trails as an excuse. points, and the Lakers ended a the Clippers, who meet the Golden “They played with a little to be someone in the WTA because they ride on the four-game skid by defeating the State Warriors on Wednesday, by more energy than us tonight,” coattails of the men. They don’t make any decisions and they are lucky. They are very, very lucky,” Moore Grizzlies 107-100 Tuesday night 3 1/2 games.

Allen said of the Lakers. at Staples Center.

Julius Randle had 13 “They outhustled us. They said. “If I was a lady player, I’d go down every night

“We needed it more than points, 14 rebounds and five had a little more pep in their step, on my knees and thank God that Roger Federer and they did, obviously, (but) they assists for Los Angeles, which I believe. They’re a young talent Rafa Nadal were born, because they have carried were more aggressive tonight,” snapped a nine-game losing group. They are the future of the this sport.”

He also referred to women’s players as said Allen, a Memphis guard who streak to Memphis. Lou Williams NBA. Take nothing away from scored a game-high 27 points and also scored 13 for the Lakers (15- those guys, we just should have “physically attractive and competitively attractive.” hit all 12 of his field-goal attempts. 55). come out here and been much Moore later apologized, calling his comments “in extremely poor taste and erroneous.”

Lakers forward Brandon Bass “We covered some better.”

“I am truly sorry for those remarks, and contributed 18 points, eight of mistakes,” said Bryant, who Lakers rookie guard those in the final quarter, and made seven of 18 shots from the D’Angelo Russell sustained a apologize to all the players and WTA as a whole,” converted some clutch baskets in floor, hit two of five 3-pointers and bruised left shin in the second the statement said. “We had a women’s final today the last three minutes of the game, committed four turnovers in 30 quarter and did not return for the that reflects the strength of the players, especially including a reverse dunk that minutes. second half. Russell finished with Serena and Victoria, and the entire WTA. Again, I am truly sorry for my remarks.” gave Los Angeles a 105-98 edge “I felt like we played hard. 11 points in 22 minutes. with 1:02 remaining.

Certain stretches in the game we

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WORLD SPORTS

Brazil sports minister pushed out five months before Olympics

A man walks in front of the Olympic Stadium, undergoing renovation to stage athletic competitions during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, November 9, 2015.

Brazil’s Sports Minister His departure came Brazil’s spiraling political George Hilton has been pushed after Hilton quit his Brazilian crisis could affect the country’s out of his job just five months Republican Party (PRB), which preparations for South America’s before the country hosts the was part of Dilma Rousseff ’s first Olympics in August.

Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, ruling coalition, on Friday. The Appointed in January Presidential Chief of Staff Jaques PRB broke with Rousseff ’s 2015, Hilton had been criticized Wagner said on Wednesday. governing coalition last week and for an apparent lack of sporting

Hilton will likely be the minister quit the party to keep experience. In his acceptance replaced by Ricardo Leyser, a his post. speech he said, “I may not senior official in the sports Rousseff, who is trying to profoundly understand sport, but ministry who has been managing keep her coalition together as she I understand people, I know how Olympic preparations, Wagner battles impeachment proceedings, to listen.” said in a wide-ranging news pushed out Hilton in a bid to Hilton’s likely successor, briefing with foreign media in Rio. woo back the PRB, several party Leyser, has been responsible for Hilton could not members said on condition of coordinating the organization immediately be reached for anonymity because they were of Rio 2016 Olympic Games comment. But Ugo Braga, an not authorized to speak publicly within the ministry. Except for aide of his, said President Dilma about the matter. a brief six-month hiatus, he has Rousseff told Hilton her decision Hilton’s departure is been the ministry’s secretary for in a meeting on Tuesday evening. a sign of how the fallout from professional sport since 2009.

Bolt to run in London Anniversary Games Six-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt will run in the London Anniversary Games ahead of his multiple title defense at the Rio Olympics in August.

The Jamaican world record holder in the 100 and 200 meters will participate in the IAAF Diamond League meeting on July 22 at Queen Elizabeth Park in London.

“The London Anniversary Games

will be one of my last races before the Olympic Games in Rio,” Bolt said in a statement.

“It will be good to return to the Olympic Stadium on the Friday night and get more of the special atmosphere that the fans always produce,” the 29-yearold sprinter added.

“I always get great support in the UK and I expect the stadium to be packed.”

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt poses for a photograph while attending the Prime Minister’s Awards 2015 event, held to celebrate the outstanding performance of athletes, in Kingston October 16, 2015.

Swimming body FINA ready to probe Russia allegations

Swimming’s world body FINA promised on Wednesday to investigate “as a matter of utmost urgency” new allegations of Russian doping if they could be substantiated by evidence.

The Times of London newspaper reported earlier that Russia had for years undertaken systematic doping in swimming and covered up test results.

The Russian swimming federation rejected the allegations, which come as the nation battles an athletics doping scandal that could prevent the country’s track and field squad from competing at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August.

FINA said in a statement

it had noted the Times’ allegations aware of any concrete evidence and was aware more could be of systemic doping in Russian made in coming days. swimming, it had taken a

“We have called on the “particularly robust approach” to Times to share with us any anti-doping procedures regarding information they may have Russia and Russian competitions which might assist us in our and provided a detailed breakdown primary objective of protecting of extensive testing carried out in clean athletes in swimming,” the the country. statement said.

The Times said more than “Any new allegations of doping in a dozen Russian swimmers had our sport, which are substantiated been suspended in the past three by evidence and which have not years for doping. already been addressed, will The World Anti-Doping Agency be investigated as a matter of (WADA) said in a statement that utmost urgency, because we have it was aware of the claims and absolutely zero tolerance for the concerned by the report and its use of performance-enhancing timing, which comes when trust substances in swimming.” in clean sport is “already in a

It added that, while not perilous state”.

Djokovic apologizes for comments on gender pay

Novak Djokovic (SRB) pumps his fist after defeating Rafael Nadal (ESP) in his semifinal match in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

World number one Novak Djokovic has apologizes for his comments suggesting tennis’s top men should get paid more than women after he drew criticism from current and former players.

Djokovic told reporters at the Indian Wells tournament that he felt the men’s tour should “fight for more” money because their matches drew more spectators.

The Serbian’s comments followed inflammatory remarks by the tournament director Raymond Moore who suggested the women’s tour had ridden on the ‘coat tails’ of the men’s game.

Moore has since resigned.

Djokovic attempted to hose down the controversy in an open letter on Facebook but stopped short of saying he advocated equal pay for men and women in tennis.

“As you may have seen, I was asked to comment on a controversy that wasn’t of my making,” said Djokovic, who won his fifth Indian Wells title on Sunday.

“Euphoria and adrenalin after the win on Sunday got the best of me and I’ve made some comments that are not the best articulation of my view, and I would like to clarify them.

“Tennis helped me so much in my life and being where I am today, I felt the need to speak about the fairer and better distribution of funds across the board -- this was meant for both men and women.

“We all have to fight for what we deserve.

This was never meant to be made into a fight between genders and differences in pay, but in the way all players are rewarded for their play and effort.

“This was my view all along and I want to apologize to anyone who has taken this the wrong way.”

Djokovic’s comments at Indian Wells were poorly received by leading players, with women’s world number one Serena Williams describing them as “disappointing”.

“I wouldn’t say my son deserved more money than my daughter because he’s a man. It would be shocking,” Williams said at the Miami Open.

World number two Andy Murray said he supported equal pay “100 percent” and felt Djokovic’s idea that pay should be linked to attendances did not stand up.

“It depends on the matches day by day.

The men’s game has had some great rivalries for the past few years,” the Briton said.

“The whole of tennis should strengthen from that, not just the men’s game.”

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Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks and Caicos Islands | Tel:649 339 5879 | Fax: 649 941 3281