VOLUME 12 - NO. 20
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
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$68MILLION SURPLUS
T
he Turks and Caicos Islands’ (TCI) economy continues to perform remarkably well, recording a surplus of $68.6million for the financial year ending March 31, 2016. According to the just-released fourth-quarter financial report, the overall fiscal position that was more favourable than the original and revised estimates for the year. This was largely due to the extraordinary returns in areas such as Import Duties, Hotel& Restaurant Tax and Stamp Duty on Land Transactions; while appropriate legislative compliance measures continued to be enforced, as well as emphasis continued on adherence to both the Public Finance Management and the Public Procurement Ordinances. In the fourth quarter of the year, there was a surplus of $10.3 million. “With the help of our taxpayers, vendors, civil servants and lenders we have managed to advance many of our projects that focused on infrastructure within the islands and the education sector, while delivering a budget surplus for FY 15/16. However, TCI we must not become complacent, there is still much work ahead of us, as we continue our work in ensuring sustained economic stability and also the continual improvement of the standard of living of all residents of our islands,” said Minister of Finance, Hon. C. Washington Misick. Recurrent Revenues for the fourth quarter totaled $70.7 million. Total Recurrent Revenues for the year of $259.8 million, recorded a favourable variance of 12% ($27.9 million) against the budgeted amount, while realizing a growth of 5% when compared to the previous year. The variances are attributable largely to the following items: Growth in Import Duties which totaled $67.3 million at the end of the fourth quarter; up 12% from the budgeted amount; Strong Performance in the Real estate sector with Stamp duties on Land Transactions, totaling $26.9 million for the year, being 45% above budget; Favourable results from the Hospitality sector, recording $58. 2 million at year end for Hotel & Restaurant Tax. According to the report, recurrent expenditure made up somewhat for previously shortfalls during the fourth quarter, being up 33% ($14.0 million)
Kids enjoying in the festivities of Haitian Flag Day
Young children are getting more involved in the festivities of Haitian Flag Day in Turks and Caicos Islands. Pictured here are three young children who competed for the title of best costume depicting the Haiti flag. All three of the kids were winners and given an envelope with a token which leave the young kids even more excited and looking forward to the activities each year. from the budgeted amount. Full year expenditure however, was 6% ($11.8 million) below budget, while recording a growth of 14% over last year’s outturn. The total amount spent on capital projects at the end of the fourth quarter was $11.6 million representing a $14.8 million or 56% shortfall from the budgeted amount of $26.4 million. This $14.8 million however, will be retained in the Development Fund to cover the cost of projects that were deemed committed as of March 31, 2016. Major projects during the year included: $2.2 million spent on Long Bay High School Phase 2; $2million Spent on Repairs to the Causeway Bridge; $500,000 million spent on
repairs to the Wellness Centre on the island of Grand Turk; $500,000 spent in on various Carnival infrastructure projects and $400,000 spent on Glass Shack road development TCIG’s total outstanding debt as of March 31, 2016, was $44.3 million; including $28.0 million borrowed from Royal Bank of Canada during February as part of a refinancing arrangement and a $5.0 million Policy Based Loan received from the Caribbean Development bank during March. All ministries expenditure outturn came in less than the estimated amounts for the financial year except for the Attorney General Chambers that incurred unavoidable unexpected consulting fees during
the year in regards to some highly sensitive cases. Due to the timing of the expenditure, it was not possible to execute a supplementary appropriation, the report added. The fourth quarter of fiscal 2015/16 recorded a negative cash flow of $19.5 million compared to a budgeted cash deficit of $4.0 million and a prior year cash deficit of $39.1 million due to using a larger amount of accumulated cash to repay the UK guaranteed bond in February 2016 thereby reducing TCIG’s indebtedness. The cash balance at the end of the fourth quarter was $25.2 million, which was $41.6 million over projected net cash deficit of $16.5 million and $19.3 million below the results for the same period last year. Continued on Page 2
Chief Justice slams DPP in judgment - Page 6
Tourist dies at sea - Page 10
SIPT case in disarray - Page 9
TCIG borrows $15M from RBC - Page 5
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
$68MILLION SURPLUS
To enhance the government’s treasury management, an amount of $15.0 million is currently placed in an on-call money market account at Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos), which is earning interest at a rate of 0.4% per annum. Total outstanding debt as of March 31, 2016, was $44.3 million. Total debt repayments for the
financial year were $180.5 million. TCIG borrowed $28.0 million from the RBC Royal Bank Canada during the month of February as part of a refinancing arrangement to assist with the repayment of the $170 million Bond during February 2016. TCIG also borrowed a Policy Based Loan of $5.0 million from the Caribbean Development Bank
during the month of March. All loan principal and interest payments are up to date as of March 31st, 2016. The National Forfeiture Fund had a balance of $5.7 million at March 31, 2016.
The total amount spent on capital projects at the end of
the fourth quarter of FY201516 was $11.6 million, funded by capital contributions totalling the same amount provided by the Consolidated Fund. This outturn represented a $14.5 million or 56% shortfall from the budgeted amount of $26.4 million while being $3.6 million above last year’s expenditure of $7.9 million.
TCIG Launches 2016-2017 Recruitment Drive
Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) is pleased to launch its 2016-2017 Recruitment Drive, which will see several positions being advertised and filled throughout the year, all aimed at improving service delivery across government and meeting the needs of the people across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Advertisements will be released in sets during the third week of each month and will be published in the newspaper and on TCIG’s website and social media outlets. There is currently over 150 positions to be filled across the civil service. This includes both new and vacant positions, which spans across various ministries and administrative, technical and professional positions throughout government as well. The Ministry of Education, which is currently seeking to fill 12 new teaching positions in order to facilitate the opening of 2nd phase of the Long Bay High School which will accommodate Forms 2 and 3 students.
Deputy Governor, Anya Williams was excited to be launching this year’s recruitment program and to follow on from numerous improvements and achievements in the civil service last year. She stated; “2015-2016 saw a number of improvements being implemented in the civil service and in our recruitment and retention programs. Following on from the implementation of the Pay and Grading Review, we noted an increase in the number of applications and interest in positions across government. This was coupled with the launch of our TCI Jobs web page which allowed persons more visibility and access to vacancies in government. “This year we saw not only another increase in salaries through the 2.5% across the board salary increase implemented in April 2016, but we will be undertaking a review of several other areas as well. “As a part of our new community outreach program, we will be facilitating a Job Readiness Fair during the
month of June, which is aimed at assisting persons in obtaining jobs within government by providing guidance and insight into how you can apply for these jobs, the forms of documentation that must be supplied along with your application, as well as tips on how to prepare for interviews. All ministries are expected to take part in the Job Readiness Fair as well as the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force which is currently seeking to fill 20 constable positions. “We were quite pleased with the level of talent that we were able to attract to the civil service last year and also the significant increase in promotions from within government as well. This year as we seek to create excellence in public service through the improvement of service delivery across government we encourage persons to continue to visit our website www.gov.tc/vacancies to review our vacancies each month and look forward to welcoming new and innovative talent to our team.”
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
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MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
TCIG borrows $15M from RBC for capital projects The Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investments (MoFTI) has obtained approval from the House of Assembly to enter into a loan agreement with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) for a $15m loan to assist with funding of the Capital Expenditure 2016/17. The loan is to be drawn down in two equal segments of $7.5m. Each segment shall be repaid in full over $42 months with a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.20% subject to TCIG retaining a credit rating of BBB+. “This tranche of $15 million Dollars will allow the Government to invest, in well needed capital infrastructure that will continue to boost
the economic growth of the TCIs and improve the standard of living of all residents,” stated Hon. C. Washington Misick, Minister for Finance, Investment and Trade. A press release from the Ministry of Finance said the total Capital Expenditure for 2016/2017 was approved by the House of Assembly during the budget debate in March 2016. A total of $36.5m has been appropriated, of which, $21.5m would be funded from the Consolidated Fund. Some of the projects to be undertaken in the next two fiscal years are: 1.Road Development of $9.4 million –(including the Light House Road)
2.Long Bay High School Phase III - $3m 3.Construction of New Block- Eliza Simon’s Primary - $1.8m 4.HJ Robinson Rebuilding Works - $2.2m 5.Police Boats - $2m 6.Fire Halls for TCI - $1.6m 7.Blue Hills Master plan and Board Walk - $2.1m 8.National Physical Development Plan - $1m 9.Post Office Redevelopment - $1.1m 10.Community Clinic – Bottle Creek - $1.8m 11.Wellness Centre Phase II – $1.4m 12.Bight Fish Fry and Cultural Village - $1.7m 13.Wheeland Civic & Recreational Centre - $1m 14.Mental Health Home Phase II - $650,000 15.Upgrade of Sporting Facilities Centres - $1.6m
We Hire Smiles!!! Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa Summer Program: •Must be over 15 years old •Currently enrolled in school (Secondary, Community or other College/University) •Able to take part in the programme for the full 5 weeks
Applications close June 17th 2016. Send a cover letter titled Beaches Summer Programme 2016 accompanying the resume and copy of passport or copy of the birth certificate with a passport size photo affixed to the attention of M McClean-Vaughn email mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or Fax to: 941-4870 or drop off in our secure resume drop box at the service gate. There are limited spots; applicants will be advised via text of the interview date and time. Summer Internship attachments are available in the following Departments:
Accounting Concierge Cost Control Dining Room Environmental Health and Safety Engineering Entertainment Environmental Health & Safety Front Office Gift/ Resort Shop Grounds Housekeeping Information Technology
Kids Camp Kitchen Laundry Photoshop Projects Public Relations Sales Spa Stewarding Training Travel and Loyalty Department Watersports Weddings
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale slams DPP John Masters in judgment by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief John Masters, the embattled Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), was dealt a devastating blow when Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale ruled that Magistrate Jolyon Hatmin was correct in refusing to allow one of Masters’ close friends to prosecute in criminal proceedings because he was not admitted to the local Bar. Stephen Hill, a barrister from England, was contracted by Masters to provide certain legal services which included appearing on behalf of the Crown in the court. When he sought to appear in the Magistrate’s Court on July 24th, 2015, Mr. Hatmin refused to hear him on the ground that he was not qualified to practice law in the Turks and Caicos Islands, not having been admitted to practice here nor deemed admitted under the provisions of the Legal Profession Ordinance (“LPO”) which regulates the practice of law within the Islands. Masters challenged Hatmin’s decision, filing a judicial review in the Supreme Court, seeking, among other things, a declaration that his friend Stephen Hill was at all relevant times a subordinate officer of the Director of Public Prosecutions pursuant to section 100(3) of the Constitution; and a declaration that Hill was therefore exempt from the provisions of the Legal Profession Ordinance (Cap. 2.10). In a strongly-worded 12-page judgment dated May 17, 2016, Chief Justice Ramsay-Hale, in dismissing the application for judicial review, stated: “No person is entitled to practice law in these Islands unless he or she is admitted to the Bar under and in accordance with the provisions of the Legal Professional Ordinance or is entitled to appear by virtue of any other enactment or rule of law. The DPP is a Crown law officer and as such, he is deemed under section 14(1) of the LPO to have been admitted to the TCI Bar and his name entered upon the Roll of Attorneys. Any attorney engaged by him to conduct matters in any of the Courts who is not a member of the local Bar or a Crown law Officer must be admitted in accordance with the provisions of the LPO.” She added: “The learned Magistrate was correct in refusing to hear Mr. Hill as he was not entitled to appear in criminal proceedings before the Magistrate’s Court, not having been admitted to the Bar as required by the LPO. Had he been so permitted to appear, he would have been committing an offence under the LPO, aided and abetted by the learned Magistrate.” When the matter was heard on March 3rd and April 15th, 2016, Queen’s Counsel Ariel Misick appeared for the TCI Bar Council which was listed as an “interested party” in the matter, while John Masters in person, while Attorney General, Mrs. Rhondalee BraithwaiteKnowles, appeared for Hatmin. SHARP PRACTICE? Mr. Hill was one of two persons (the other being a Mr. Mauro Maselli) for whom Mr. Masters lobbied strongly to appear in local courts although they were not called to the local Bar. Masters has been on the job for just over 52 weeks and has hired consultants, usually his friends from the UK, for about 40 of those 52 weeks, at
exorbitant costs to the TCIG. Although Mr. Hatmin refused to hear Mr. Hill, former Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner allowed him to appear and conduct trials before him for a week make submissions in a criminal matter. Instead of filing a judicial review in respect of Hatmin’s decision not to hear Mr. Hill, Mr. Masters subsequently proceeded to make an application before Supreme Court judge Robert Shuster for Mr. Maselli, another one of his friends, to appear on the DPP’s behalf in the sentencing matter of Douglas Misick. Several persons in the local legal fraternity have questioned whether this unusual action by Masters could be regarded as a “sharp practice”. Chief Justice Ramsay-Hale said: “I share the disquiet which was expressed by the Hon. Attorney General, with understandable reticence, that the head of what is named in the Constitution as an institution of good governance would propose that he and the persons that he instructs on an ad hoc basis are exempt from the provisions of the LPO or, as the appointments suggest, that he need not operate within the constraints of the new Financial Management provisions which were introduced in the 2011 Constitution and which govern contracts for services made, inter alia, by a prosecuting authority which is in receipt of public funds. She submits, and I agree, that the Constitutional provisions are limited to ensuring that the DPP enjoys a high degree of independence in the exercise of his prosecutorial discretion and that the construction Mr. Masters seeks to put on section 100 would mean that the DPP is not subject to the Rule of Law. Such a construction would necessarily undermine public confidence in that office.” She continued: “The DPP is an independent prosecuting authority established by the Constitution. That independence which the Constitution guarantees the office is intended to free the DPP from political oversight or interference when carrying out his Constitutional mandate to institute, take over, continue and discontinue proceedings. It does not free him from due observation of the law or the provisions for appointing public officers set out in the Constitution from which he himself derives his authority to act. As an institution of good governance the DPP must uphold the Rule of Law. He cannot arrogate to himself the power to appoint officers subordinate to him in the ODPP which power, under the Constitution, resides solely in the Governor, or his delegate, acting on the advice of the Public Service Commission.” Chief Justice Ramsay-Hale stated: “It would be extraordinary if decisions which could have the greatest consequences for the application of the criminal law were to be made by persons who do not have legal qualifications. I readily agree with Mr. Misick that it is absurd to believe that the framers of the Constitution contemplated that someone not legally qualified could be appointed DPP. The Constitution in fact requires the Judicial Services Commission to assess applicants for that office and to make representations to the Governor which could hardly be necessary save that the job requires an assessment of an applicant’s legal qualifications.” She added: “The DPP is therefore, despite his protest, at liberty
to make application to the Court for the admission of any attorney that he wishes to appear in any cause or matter. On any such application, the LPO provides that it is a matter for the Chief Justice, and not the DPP, to determine whether the applicant is a fit and proper person to be admitted to the Bar. In doing so, the Chief Justice will not be seeking to subject the DPP to any control in the exercise of his prosecutorial discretion but will be exercising the supervisory function which the Ordinance places on that office. In the case of a pro hac admission, the decision to institute the proceedings in which outside Counsel is instructed would already have been taken by the DPP or his Deputy or some other subordinate officer within the ODPP acting under his special or general instructions. The provisions in the Constitution which safeguard the independence of the DPP and the provisions of the LPO which regulate the practice of law are, as Mr. Misick says, aimed at different mischiefs. There is no tension between them as nothing in the LPO can be construed as undermining Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale the independence of the DPP in the exercise of his prosecutorial discretion.” that provision, the Constitution also In her ruling, the Chief Justice provides that the DPP cannot be stated that the definition of “practising removed except for inability to discharge law” in section 3(1)(ii) of the Legal his functions and provides too that his Professions Ordinance (LPO) includes remuneration cannot be diminished appearing “on behalf of any person in while he is in office, she added. any court, tribunal or inquiry having In his legal arguments, Masters jurisdiction in the Islands.” submits that a ‘subordinate officer’ “There is no dispute that a person may be created by the DPP either by who appears as a prosecutor on behalf contracting with the attorney directly, as of the Crown in criminal proceedings in in the case of Mr. Hill, by drawing from a Magistrate’s court is practising law,” the pool of lawyers provided to his office she said. “The Ordinance provides that by “HR” or by instructing lawyers who a person is only entitled to practise law are admitted to the Bar and that Mr. if he is admitted as an attorney and his Hill was at the relevant time, an ‘officer name is entered on the Roll of Attorneys subordinate’ under section 100 (3) of the kept pursuant to section 9 of the LPO Constitution and therefore entitled to or he is a Crown officer holding a legal appear in the Magistrate’s Court. appointment in the public service of the The Chief Justice wrote: “From Islands, in which case he is deemed under what I understand of the argument, Mr. section 14 (1) to have been admitted.” Masters’ submission is that what creates She said there is no dispute that the subordinate officer is not the terms Mr. Hill was not admitted to the Bar and on which he is engaged, but that he has is not a Crown legal officer, adding that been given special or general instructions although the term Crown officer is not by the DPP. He refers to the seemingly defined in the Ordinance, it is accepted anomalous position of Mr. Hill who he that it refers to a person who is a public contracted directly having to be called officer as defined in the Turks and Caicos to the Bar, as the Magistrate proposes, Islands Constitution 2011. while Mr. Folorunso who is engaged by According to the judgment, the “HR” has automatic rights of audience, thrust of Mr. Masters’ submissions is when both are persons to whom he has that the LPO cannot limit the operation given instructions.” of section 100 of the Constitution which In her response to the confers on him the right to appoint submissions of the DPP, the Hon. subordinate officers and also confers Attorney General drew the attention of upon him, and any person he appoints, the Court to Part VI of the Constitution the right to appear in Court. He argues which deals with the public service and that the LPO does not apply to the DPP the appointment of public officers. She or those to whom he gives his general or noted that, save for the specific offices set special instructions and that any attempt out in section 91, all public officers below to subject that person to the provisions the head of department including officers of the LPO would be an attempt to in the Office of the DPP are appointed subject him to the control of an authority by the Governor acting in accordance other than the DPP, in violation of the with the advice of the Public Service provisions of the Constitutional and the Commission: see section 90(1), which independence of his office. power may be delegated - in the case of the Office of the DPP - to the Deputy DPP’S INDEPENDENCE Governor: section (5) who must act in NOT AN ISSUE accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission. The Chief Justice noted that the She submits that the provision “institutional independence of the DPP is in section 100 (3) of the Constitution not in issue either”. She said Section 97 for the powers of the DPP under section of the Constitution states that the office 100(2) to be exercised by “officers of the DPP is an institution protecting subordinate” to him means officers good governance and provides that, in appointed to the Office of the DPP under the exercise of his functions, the DPP and in accordance with section 90, and and any person acting on his instructions, not otherwise. is not subject to the control of any other Continued on Page 7 person or authority. In order to enforce
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
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LOCAL NEWS
: John Masters, Director of Public Prosecutions This, the AG said, is plain from the language employed by the framers of the Constitution who could have used the word “person” and not “officer” if that
was their intent. She submits further that there can be little doubt that the use of the expression “office” or “officer” throughout the Constitution refers to a public office which is defined in section 131(1) as an office of emolument in the public service. The “public service” is in turn defined as the service of the Crown in a civil capacity. A ‘public officer’ is defined as the holder of any public office. The office of the DPP is itself a public office and it follows that the expression “officers subordinate” to the DPP in section 100 (3) refers to those public officers who hold legal appointments in his Office. The conclusion she invited the Court to draw from the relevant Constitutional provisions is that, as the power to appoint such officers resides solely in the Governor or his delegate,
the Deputy Governor, a person engaged directly by the DPP, not being a public officer appointed in accordance with section 90 (1), cannot be an “officer subordinate” to him and cannot exercise the powers of the DPP pursuant to section 100 (3), though they may prosecute matters on his behalf. Queen’s Counsel, Ariel Misick who appears on behalf of the Bar Council urged the same conclusion upon the Court. He submitted that the effect of section 100(3) is that the DPP may set out general guidelines to subordinate officers as to when to prosecute or not to prosecute, or may give special instructions in any case to a subordinate officer. In so doing, section 100(3) gives statutory recognition to what he calls the practical reality that in many cases the decision to
prosecute or not prosecute will be taken by senior officers employed in the office of the DPP as was recognised in R. v. DPP Ex Parte Manning [2001] QB 330, and not by persons who are not so employed. The ad hoc appointees not being public officers cannot be officers subordinate to the DPP who is himself a public officer under the provisions of the Constitution. Masters contends that such an interpretation of the Constitution undermines the independence of his Office as it would confine him to giving general or special instructions to persons that had been, in essence, foisted upon him by “HR.” He went so far as to suggest that “HR”’s power to appoint people to the Office of the DPP could result in political interference in the exercise of his functions under the Constitution.
Attorney Mark Fulford calls for DPP to resign Fire-brand attorney and member of the TCI Bar Council, Mark Fulford, has called for the resignation of Director of Public Prosecutions, John Masters. In an email to Masters that was also circulated to members of the Bar Council, Fulford stated: “It is clear that you (Masters) no longer enjoy the confidence of your staff nor the confidence of the Bar Council nor the confidence of the bench,
therefore the most honorable thing for you to do is to resign rather than drag the good Office of the DPP through the mud fighting a losing battle with the taxpayers being the ultimately one that will pay for your misguided actions.You should go and go now to avoid any further liabilities to yourself an embarrassment to the office of the DPP.” Several members of the Bar Council agreed with Fulford’s position.
Mark Fulford
DELUXE EMPLOYMENT AND RECRUITMENT SERVICES Is seeking on behalf of their client Candidates to fill the following positions:
Construction Supervisors:
The successful applicants must be a chartered civil engineer with a minimum of 10 years working experience in the Construction Industry with extensive experience in all aspects of Construction Management and Implementation; Project Development and Strategies; Management Plan and Risk Management Plan.
Key Responsibilities: •Ability to prepare and analyze contract evaluation including evaluation of time extensions and variation orders as it relates to tender documents. •To analyze financial data use to identify projects •Lead or participate in project cost review meetings •To evaluate manpower, labour hours and labour cost requirements versus budget limitations including preparation of variance analysis •Develop and assist with cost/schedule baseline budgets and project schedule to measure work progress and development •Knowledgeable in the use of construction software and processes •Understands financial terminology and the financial impact in various project actions •Organize and assist with sessions relating to project planning and scheduling including time impact analysis Salary ranges from $8.00 - $10.00 per hr. Construction Helpers: The successful applicants must be reliable and dependable individuals with the ability to multitask and assist with various unskilled tasks as it relates to the construction field. Salary ranges from $6.50 - $7.00 per hr. Truck Driver / Operator: This individual must have a valid TCI License with over 5 years experience in driving and operating trucks use in today’s construction industry. Salary ranges from $7.00 - $8.00 All successful candidates must have a good comprehension of the English language willing to work on a shift basis, weekends and sometime holidays.
Contact:
Deluxe Employment and Recruitment Services Telephone number 946-8876 or Email: deluxebusinesscenter@tciway.tc
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
Statement from May 12th Cabinet meeting His Excellency the Governor Strategy 2016-2021 by LBB Strategies Peter Beckingham chaired the 15th of Montreal, Canada. Cabinet accepted Meeting of the Cabinet held at the Hilly the recommendations of the report Ewing Building in Providenciales on and charged the Ministry of Education, Thursday May 12th, 2016. Youth, Sport and Library Services with All ministers were present the responsibility for implementation. except the Hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning •Received a presentation from the Ports who was overseas on official duties. Authority on the Port Redevelopment Plan and an update on the schedule for AT THIS MEETING CABINET: the proposed dredging and landslide capital works at the port in both Grand •Noted the financial performance of the Turk and Providenciales. Turks and Caicos Islands Government for the period January to March 2016, •Noted the recommendations of the which is the fourth quarter of the Procurement Board in respect to the financial year 2015-2016. The details following contracts: of which will be published on the governments website and laid on the Environmental Impact Assessment for table of the House of Assembly GDT 4617 Roll-On-Off Ramp Environmental Impact Assessment •Received a presentation on the Grand for PR 12432 South Dock Excavation Turk Master Plan which was recently and Dredging to Create Deeper Water completed by Atkins International. for Docking of Vessels and Creating a Cabinet approved the report in principle Turning Circle of Three Hundred Feet and agreed to undertake a further (300’) review of the priority list of projects in Supply, Deliver and Installation of order to establish a project timetable School Furniture and Equipment for the Early Childhood Centre, Ona Glinton •Received a report from the TCI CITES Primary School Scientific Authority Committee (SAC) in relation to a request from TCIG •Gave approval to the Ministry of Health, to increase the conch export quota Agriculture and Human Services for 2015-2016. Cabinet noted the to recognize and formalize TCIG’s recommendations of the report and relationship with the Caribbean Public agreed to consult CITES further on the Health Agency (CARPHA) which is the matter in light of the concerns raised by new single regional public health agency fisherman across the Turks and Caicos for the Caribbean having combined the Islands functions of five Caribbean Regional Health Institutes (RHIs) into a single •Received a presentation on the Turks agency. and Caicos Islands National Sports
•Granted approval for the establishment of an Internal Multi-Agency Standing Financial Committee to provide the necessary financial oversight of the Inter Health Canada Contract, expenditure and reconciliation. •Advised H.E. the Governor to approve the following Bills for advancement to the House of Assembly: Hotel and Tourism (Taxation) (Amendment) Bill 2016 Health Regulation Authority Bill (HRA) 2016 Health Professions Bill 2016 Health Appeals Tribunal Bill 2016 •Approved the Turks and Caicos Governments 2016 Legislative Agenda which set out the legislative priorities of the government over the next six (6) months. •Approved the renewal of TCIG’s 2016 Hurricane Insurance Policy with the Caribbean Catastrophic Risk Insurance Facility, Segregated Portfolio Company (CCRIF SPC) •Approved a new contract for the CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Aviation Authority for the period 20162017 •Advised H. E. the Governor to approve the appointment of Mr. Addison Forbes to replace Mrs. Kadra Handfield as a member of the Zone 2 Work Permit Board and Ms. Leandra Garland to replace Mr. Kirk Forbes as the Secretary of the Zone 1 Work Permit Board.
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.
JOB ADVERTISEMENT Gansevoort Turks + Caicos is a contemporary luxury full service boutique resort on Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals with Five Star experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuring Five Star standards and services are continuously delivered. Assistant Spa Director The Assistant Spa Director at Gansevoort Turks & Caicos is responsible for the daily operations, management, and profitability of the spa, along with the highest level of customer service and quality work environment. Requirements •Assist in overseeing the management of all spa positions: front desk, spa technicians and teachers. •Assist in the managing, coordination, and/or conduct associate meetings and workshops. •Monitor daily sales activities to ensure that all transactions are completed accurately. •Ensure the maintenance and cleanliness of spa facility. Control and maintain a high quality of music selection and HVAC. •Ensure spa treatment quality controls, including service, cleanliness, and product usage. •Assist in the preparation of purchase orders for professional treatment and operational supplies. •Maintain proper inventory levels for all professional and retail products. •Maintain expertise regarding all standard operating procedures and policies. •Assist with special projects, events, and promotions as needed. •Adhere to all corporate, departmental and spa operational policies and procedures. •Maintain a high level of guest rapport and service. •Demonstrate positive attitude and actions through a display of courtesy, service, cooperation, hospitality, sensitivity and professionalism to internal guests. •Manage department to achieve or exceed desired unit metric goals. •Increase gross margins of the business through optimal scheduling, staffing pans, and capacity utilization. •Improve guest service + satisfaction levels through heightened levels of communication and personal presence in the unit. •Demonstrate equal commitment to exhale’s soulful culture + profitable enterprise. The successful candidate must have/be; •Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology or equivalent work experience. •Experienced in Spa operations with minimum 6 years for a luxury resort, with at least 3 years in management. •Certificate in MassageTherapy required. Must hold CIBTAC or related certification. Previous knowledge of SPASOFT/SALONIRIS and MBO software is preferred. •Current CPR certification. Must be trained in Lymph Drainage and Craniosacral Therapy. •Atleast two (2) years professional teaching experience for beginning, intermediate and advanced yoga; also fitness training preferably in a high-end and/or hospitality environment. •Must be enthusiastic, motivated, and a team player. •Must possess computer proficiency with Windows-based products. •Must have outstanding experience delivering high-quality customer service. •Display good organizational, written, and verbal skills. Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm on (649)941-7555. E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to hr@wymara.com
MARGARITAVILLE Grand Turk is seeking to fill the position of:
Resident Manager The Resident Manager will primarily be responsible for the successful operation of all aspects of a multi-faceted venue including, Food and Beverage, Entertainment, and Retail. The Resident Manager operates as the most senior manager on the property management team. Reporting directly to the VP of Operations, the ideal candidate for the position of Resident Manager must display: A positive upbeat personality – a “Leader of Fun” Strong corporate strategic planning skills Professionalism Initiative Objectivity A track record of sound leadership Excellent motivational, mentoring, coaching and training skills A passion for excellence
Qualifications and Experience:
•5 or more years of senior management experience in a high-volume restaurant •3 – 5 years of multi unit management •Graduate of an accredited Hospitality Management program or equivalent preferred •Ability to manage a large team while delegating tasks and ensuring consistent follow-up •Ability to handle difficult and challenging situations and to work under pressure •The ability to understand and function within a multi-cultural/diverse environment. •Working knowledge of construction •Must have proven analytical and resolution skills •Financial business acumen required
Deadline for applications: May 31st, 2016.
We thank all applicants for their interest in our company, however only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Other available positions are Chef, Bartenders, Servers, Cost Control Clerk, Retail Captain, Store Clerk, Dining Room Captain, Cook, Stilt Walker and Kitchen Helpers.
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 9
LOCAL NEWS
SIPT trial in disarray; defence lawyers say prosecution constantly shifting ground Defence lawyers in the corruption trial made submissions to Mr. Justice Paul Harrison complaining about the late service of a statement taken from former Collector of Customs Terry Selver. The statement taken by SIPT the same day as Mr. Selver was due to give evidence, contained breakdown of customs duties said to have been lost during the Michael Misick administration, but not previously detailed in his original witness statements made in 2010. The defence teams were in combative mood, having successfully argued the previous week that the prosecution were behaving unfairly by constantly serving previously unrelied upon evidence upon them just days before important witnesses were being called. The judge, Mr. Justice Paul Harrison was told that the prosecution over the last 2 ½ years had repeatedly asserted that they were trial-ready and had encouraged him to bring the case on promptly because most of the estimated 250,000 pages of documentation disclosed to the defence was irrelevant and did not reasonably require anyone to read it. But defence counsel complained that in the run-up to the trial and throughout the six months that the trail has been ongoing, thousands of pages previously
described as unused (not relied on by the prosecution) had been served on the defence electronically and relied on in evidence without proper notice being given, or time being allowed for the defence to respond to it. Following legal arguments that took a day, Judge Harrison ruled that the prosecution should have two weeks in which to finally tell the defence precisely what evidence they rely upon, and in future he said, any newly relied on evidence must be served at least four weeks before a witness is called to give testimony, thereby allowing the defence enough time to consider it and /or object to it. Rather than waste the remaining week of the present sitting period it was agreed by the defence that Andrew Mitchell QC, lead counsel for the prosecution, could fill in the time with less contentious witnesses, when Mr. Justice Paul Harrison on Monday he dropped a bombshell by serving yet more “important new This case as charged, they said, was evidence” just minutes before the about land transactions not import witness was due to go into the witness duty concessions. Malcolm Bishop, box, causing more complaints and legal QC, the lawyer for Chal Misick made argument. the point that having already ruled Adrian Kayne, one of the that four weeks was the minimum the lawyers for Mike Misick and John defence should be allowed in respect Perry, QC, representing Jeffrey Hall of new evidence; it would be unfair took the lead in submitting that not to allow the prosecution to call this only was the new evidence late, but it evidence at such short notice. was irrelevant to any count with which In response, prosecutor the defendants were charged. Andrew Mitchell QC said it was
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Funtastic Tours Company Limited is seeking to fill the following posts: Assistant Manager / Gateway and Shorex Tour Operators Dispatchers Mechanics Assistant Mechanics Automotive Electricians Assistant Automotive Electricians Boat Captains Maintenance Officers / Labourers
All candidates must have a minimum of at least five (5) years experience in their specialist area in the tourism industry. o Must have a valid driver’s license with a minimum of five (5) years driving experience. o Tour Operators for All Terrain Vehicles must have extensive experience driving and maneuvering quad bikes and All-Terrain Vehicles and in managing large quay of tourists. o Tour Operators for Hummers must have sufficient electrical knowledge to troubleshoot cars on tours. o Boat Captains and Tour Operators in the aqua field must have a Captain’s License, CPR and PADI certification. Persons must be well versed in the natural habitat of various sea creatures. o Mechanics must be well versed in their specialized areas of repairing All-Terrain Vehicles, Electric Vehicles, Boats and Buses. Mechanics in their specialist field must have five (5) years experience. Assistant Mechanics must have (3) years experience in their specialized field. The company has a fleet of over seventy vehicles and climbing and requires several persons in the various mechanical areas. o Automotive Electricians must have at least five (5) years experience in repairing and maintaining high end electrical vehicles. Turks and Caicos Islands will be the first to pioneer such vehicles in the Caribbean. Assistant Electricians must have at least three (3) years experience in this highly technical field. o Maintenance Officers / Labourers must be able to maintain various trails, clean the Workshop and assist the Operators where necessary. o Positive and disciplined attitude towards work in a customer service environment. o Proven and unblemished employment record. o Have a good command of English and excellent communication skills. o Must be able to work flexible hours and extended overtime schedules, including weekends and public holidays to meet the demands of the industry. o Able to undergo intensive training to meet the requirements of the industry.
Remuneration package would be discussed at the interview process. All applicants should submit their resumes to Funtastic Tours Company Ltd at funtastic.tours@ yahoo.com. All applicants are required to submit a Police Record, three reference (3) letters (one from their last employer) and undergo a medical once successful at the interview process. Belongers will be given first preference.
Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell, QC just clarifying what was already in Selver's 2010 statement. He said they had realized that certain matters needed to be clarified the previous week and that there was nothing in it that should surprise the defence. The defence responded by asking how it could be that after seven years of investigating and preparation, only now the prosecution are realizing that there are holes in their case which only now they are trying to fill.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION SALES FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas) Ltd as Chargee pursuant to the Registered Land Ordinance hereby gives Notice that it will cause to be sold by Public Auction the following scheduled properties outside the offices of Miller Simons O’Sullivan, Regent House West, Regent Village, Grace Bay, Providenciales at 10:00 a.m. on 31 May 2016. 1. Title No. 60804/157/K31 The Bight & Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales Registered Proprietor: Blue Water Production Ltd. Comprising a one bedroom condominium end unit on the fourth floor of The Alexandra Resort located in Grace Bay. The unit has a floor area of 1,054 square feet including the balcony. The condominium also contains an entrance area, bathroom, powder room, living/dining room and kitchen. The unit has its own parking space and also benefits from the resort facilities including the swimming pool, restaurant, sun deck, tennis courts and a small gym. 2. Title No. 60715/210, Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales Registered Proprietor: Lincoln Hudson Ferreira Comprising a 0.54 acre canal-front parcel of bare land containing dense indigenous bush and mature trees. 3. Title No. 60905/211/K12 & K13 Leeward Going Through, Providenciales Registered Proprietor: TCM Associates Ltd This property is located in a mixed use development known as The Regent Village and is close in proximity to many of the commercial tourism developments on Grace Bay beach. The units are located on the second floor of Regent House East. The Regent Village development has a central courtyard with landscaped gardening, street lighting, stone paved footpaths, covered walkways and CCTV security throughout the property. The existing occupiers are restaurants, bars, shops and services. There is also office space and a substantial two story covered car park at the rear of the development. Each of the units is separately metered and has a restroom and ducted centrally air-conditioned system. Any and all potential bidders will be required to produce one (1) valid form of identification to Miller Simons O’Sullivan on the day of the Auction. Draft Terms and Conditions of Sale and the draft Agreements for Sale are available upon demand prior to the Auction. Any and all Successful bidders will be required to pay a ten (10%) per cent deposit upon a successful bid before close of business on the day of the Auction. Any and all successful bidders will also have to pay Auction legal fees in the sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars (US$750.00).
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
Another tourist dies on TCI shores when everyone but him surfaced. The SUN understands that as The body of 52-year-old David a result, a report was made; Marine Underwood of California USA who was Police, US Coast Guard along with missing on Friday May 13th, 2016 was other boats launched a search but were discovered by police of the Royal Turks unsuccessful in finding Mr. Underwood and Caicos Police Force at 7:04 am on the same day. The man arrived on the island Saturday 14th May 2016. The body was discovered in on Wednesday 11th May 2016 with his the sea 2 miles from the Leeward Cut wife and a group of friends. They were area of Providenciales early Saturday scheduled to return yesterday (Sunday morning after he had been reported 15th May 2016). This is the first of two reports missing during a Scuba Diving trip. In a press release sent to media that were made to the Royal Turks and houses, Public Relations Officer Royal Caicos Police Force of tourist death in Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force the Providenciales for the New Year Kevin Clarke said, “At 2 pm on Friday 2016. On Monday May 16th, 2016 13th May 2016, The male along with three other persons boarded a diving around 4:38 pm, Police Officers and vessel and headed for a Scuba Diving other emergency personnel responded Trip to a diving site call ‘The Cathedral’ to another report on the beach area in located in the area of Grace Bay Beach. the Lower Bight Providenciales. Two holidaymakers from the Around 3:24 pm while diving, the man left the group and headed back to the USA were out at sea snorkeling in the vessel to get more weights which he waters near the Beach House area received from the boat captain and left when the male party complained of not to rejoin the others, but never made it.” feeling well. His partner took him to The group noticed him missing at 4 pm the shore where he lost conscious.
Photo By Digital Handprint
By Todeline Defralien
Wine Specialist SUMMARY OF DUTIES: This position is responsible to promote and demonstrate fine wine knowledge throughout the island to increase sales among high profile local restaurants and retail accounts / customers while including managing logistics of wine shipments and consolidations in various wine worldwide countries. Requirements include:
52-year-old David Underwood and his wife Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was administered but was unsuccessful in reviving him. The male party was pronounced dead at 5:53 pm. An autopsy will be conducted to determine
the exact cause of death. The couple arrived on the island on Sunday 15th May and was schedule to leave on Thursday 19th May 2016.
Provo Air Center has the following vacancies: DRIVER. Must be 25 years or older, with a high school diploma, and a valid TCI drivers lisence.Must speak English fluently; ability to speak a second language would be an asset. Very mannered and knowledgeable about the Turks and Ciacos Islands. Must possess a clean police record and is reliable. Must be willing to work shift and on week end and holiday.
Required Specifications and qualifications •Ensue a good range of well priced quality wines is available •Create marketing and sales programs to increase sales •Purchase all wines, spirits and beers from local and interna tional suppliers for Graceway Supermarkets •Create marketing and sales program to increase sales, main tain and develop the established distributorships, create ad ditional exclusive distributorships and representations •Experience in whole sale distribution and retail of wines and spirits is essential •At least 2 – 5 years experience in international procurement of wines and spirits including working at the consulting level with large distributors is required •Previous years of retail, grocery management experience will be an added plus •Must be able to show strong background and understanding of French, Spanish and Italian wines
Salary rate will commensurate with experience and qualifications
Deadline for submission of applicants is June 3rd 2016 Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com
GARDENER: Must have knowledge and experience with gardening. Willing to do hard manual works in hash weather conditions. Intercaribbean Airways has the following vacancies: FLIGHT DISPATCHERS: Must Have FAA dispatcher license, with 2 -5 years or more experience and the ability to work in very high pace environment, excellent team player, and independent thinker. Must be able to work weekends and holidays BAGGAGE HANDLERS: 18 – 25 years old in good physical and mental health and can lift weight over 50 lbs. and willing to work outside in harsh weather conditions, must have a high school diploma, clean police license, driver’s license. Must be willing to work weekend and holidays. Belongers/Permanent resident holders only need to apply to HR@intercaribbean.com
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 11
LOCAL NEWS
PDM leader brings Crown Land motion
by Hon. Sharlene Cartwrigth-Robinson
Leader of the Oppisition
The PDM has been using the tool of Private Member’s Motion to bring topical issues and issues of national importance to the floor of the House of Assembly since 2012. On May 11th, 2016, PDM Leader, Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson brought her 5th Motion which was seconded and co - sponsored by the Hon Delroy Williams. This Motion sought to obtain a resolution from the House of Assembly to get the Government to address and review the Crown Land Ordinance. The debate exhausted the remainder of the 2 hours allotted for Private member’s business and the vote was allowed with all PDM members present and voting in favour and the remaining 3 Ministers in the Chamber did not cast a vote. The PDM Leader called for a division so that the Minutes could reflect the individual voting record, the Premier adjourned before this division took place. Please see the full text of her contribution to the Motion below: Mr Speaker when I was sworn in, in November 2012, I extended the olive branch to the Premier and mentioned that this side of this Hon House stood ready to work with the Government when it was in the best interest of the people. And specifically on legislation that we felt that were introduced by the Interim Administration that may not have been in our best interest. In fact, Mr Speaker, we listed Crown Land legislation as top priority in our Blue Print/Manifesto for review and amendment. Now 3 1/2yrs
later, the Law remains unaddressed names were placed in a container and and we are baffled that it did not persons were invited to draw names. receive the priority that it should have I understand that additional from this Government. names were drawn in the event that Mr Speaker, this legislation persons do not take up their offer for when passed was offensive to whatever reason. Mr Speaker, they each many and while we understand the had to pay a fee of 100 for a chance and background of alleged abuse, misuse this Mr Speaker is a raffle and gamble and mismanagement of land, we and our people deserve better! We continue to find bits of the legislation believe the ability to own land, a home offensive and an affront to the people or a business is an empowerment tool and the would be investor. and to continue on this path is nothing With our small land mass, short of insulting and inhibiting. Mr Speaker, we must manage our We look forward to the lands well and I believe that the amendments and promised legislation audit of crown land is a must so that in July as announced today by the we can ensure as many persons as Premier. We look forward to the possible are able to get a piece of their opportunity to contribute here in the inheritance. This Mr Speaker does call House of Assembly. for a comprehensive review and we are While the reform and the happy to hear that the Government for law is necessary, we cannot agree for the first time today after 3 1/2yrs has certain provisions that are offensive to addressed this law in the Premier’s remain. We believe that the Policy and Ministerial Statement. law must be clear, must be followed, Mr Speaker, the Deputy must be fair and transparent and it Leader and Five Cays representative, must afford an opportunity in a much Hon Sean Astwood during his more dignified and civil process than 2 Minute Speech, has what transpires now. presented two of our greatest concerns Mr Speaker our goal is simply and that is the clause that speaks to to have this issue addressed and fixed the “independence” of crown land in the best interest of our people. End which places land under the Attorney General’s Chambers and the “lottery” See full text of Motion below approach to the grant of land. I will PRIVATE MEMBER’S MOTION NO. 3 speak then only to the lottery process. I had the fortunate experience MOVED BY: HON LEADER OF THE to speak with a promising young man OPPOSITION who shared with me his concerns over SECONDED BY: HON MEMBER the process where he was included in FOR WHEELAND the recent casting of lots for land. A RE: CROWN LAND ORDINANCE whopping 500 plus applicants were said to have applied and following a WHEREAS the management and screening process, the numbers were application of crown land saw reduced to about 321 for 36 lots. The
Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson fundamental changes under the Interim Administration through a new Crown Land Policy and Ordinance. AND WHEREAS several of the new fundamental provisions have offended and frustrated private citizens, some elected officials and would be investors. AND WHEREAS there is a need to review the Policy and the Ordinance now following years of its introduction in order to examine its process and the general practicality of both documents. BE IT RESOLVED that this Hon House recommends to this Government the urgent need to review the Land Policy and Ordinance with a view to ensuring a Land Policy and Ordinance that will be the needs of these Islands’ residents and general development. Signed this 26th day of April 2016 Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson Leader of the Opposition
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION The Regent Grand General Manager Opportunity
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.
This employer seeks a dynamic individual and leader to bring new experiences to a beachfront boutique luxury property. The individual must have the following attributes:
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
•Customer focused and able to build the relationship with the condo owners while finding a balance between the owner and guest experi ence. •Able to motivate, train and develop staff while retaining an upscale service level. •Must have operational experience with luxury properties internation ally and or within the Caribbean. Includes front office, housekeeping/ rooms division, maintenance, pool & beach services and food & bever age. Preventative maintenance program knowledge is an asset. •Able to analyze budgets, profit & loss statements and balance sheets. •Familiar with strata management agreements, PMS software, visual one, ihotelier and “ez yield” management systems. •Knowledge of GDS, OTA’s, traditional wholesalers that service the Caribbean, seo management &googleplus is required. •Competent knowledge of the key US, Canadian & European markets and airline hubs. •A minimum of 5 years of high-end property experience in a management position. •A degree or diploma in hotel management will be an asset. •Annual salary - $65,000 USD This position is currently not held by a work permit holder Prospective & qualified applicants who are Turks & Caicos Islanders can send copies of their applications to the email address noted below or to the Labour Board. Applications will be accepted up to June 5th, 2016 Please forward resumes to: Email: rosemary @ rwimgt.com Regent Grand Management Ltd. c/o Regent Street TKCA 1ZZ Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 941-7770
1.Parcel 60002/262 North West and North Central, Providenciales. Single storey with two bedrooms, one bathroom, living/dining room, kitchen and laundry room on 0.25 acre. Registered Proprietor: Naydean Faurdene Johnson 1.Parcel 60802/57 The Bight and Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales. Split level with main floor consisting of two – one bedroom units, each with one bathroom, living/dining room and kitchen. Second floor has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, one partial bathroom, living/dining room, kitchen and laundry room on 0.31 acre. Registered Proprietor: Ruth Williams 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 3rd day of June 2016. A reserved price will be fixed on all parcels and a deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.
CAICOS OIL LTD. SOUTH DOCK ROAD, PROVIDENCIALES TEL: (649) 941-7872 / 941-7873 FAX: (649) 941-7874 POSITION: TRUCK DRIVER Cleaning and maintaining of yard and help with the loading and offloading of fuel tankers. Assist with warehouse duties. Must be willing to work weekends, and some holidays. WAGES/SALARY: 12.50 per hour. Interested persons should submit their resume along with a cover letter to the following: The Manager Caicos Oil Ltd., P.O. Box 653, South Dock Road, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands The deadline for receipt of all applications is June 3rd, 2016
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS TCI supports efforts to regularize growing online vacation home rental industry The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association is applauding the region’s leading umbrella tourism private sector organization, the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), and its efforts to find solutions to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid rise of the online vacation home rental industry and other sharing economy businesses being fueled by hosting platform companies like Airbnb and Uber. CHTA has released a Resource Guide to support TCI’s local efforts to create a level playing field through the taxation and regulation of the sector and its engagement in local public and private sector tourism development efforts. “This is a timely and helpful document with broad implications for TCI and the Caribbean in general. We are fully supportive of the need to create a level playing field and look forward to working with government to advance the recommendations provided by the CHTA report,” said Stacy Cox, TCHTA’s Executive Director. The Caribbean has seen explosive growth in the short-term vacation home rental business. Taking advantage of new technology platforms, many residential owners throughout the world are sharing in tourism revenues by providing accommodations through marketplaces or host platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway which have emerged as the industry’s top leaders. Airbnb, in particular, recorded more than 25,000 listings in the Caribbean
as of February 2016 and is projecting significant growth this year. Destinations such as the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Cancún, Martinique and Barbados feature the most listings on Airbnb with continued growth projected throughout the entire region. St. Lucia expects a 17% year-over-year increase in stays in 2016. Aruba saw the number of visitors using non-traditional accommodations (private homes, apartments, villas, condominiums) in 2015 jump from 24% of visitors to 33%. “As many governments throughout the world have experienced, the sharing economy made possible by these hosting platforms is happening whether or not we choose to embrace it and it presents new opportunities for the industry as well,” said CHTA President Karolin Troubetzkoy. “This leaves us with two options: we can allow it to develop as an untaxed and under-regulated market and lose out on tremendous opportunities or we can bring all the players to the table to work out solutions to the benefit of all concerned parties,” added Troubetzkoy. “CHTA has endeavored to take a positive, constructive and balanced approach to the Guide, welcoming this rapidly developing accommodations sector but also calling for a fair play arrangement regarding taxation and some measure of standards beyond those applicable to residences. CHTA is not calling for there to be the same detailed and sometimes onerous regulatory requirements for hotels, but for a level of regulation beyond those which simply apply to residences. These are
commercial enterprises regardless as to how one looks at it and the welfare of the guest and health, safety and reputation of the host property, the hosting platform, and the destination must be considered,”according to Troubetzkoy. The Guide provides the region’s public and private sector tourism stakeholders with a summary of the key issues surrounding the sharing economy, its impact on the tourism sector globally as well as regionally, and the opportunities presented by this emerging accommodations sector. It offers solutions and new approaches for the Caribbean’s NHTAs and governments to consider when regulating and regularizing this emerging industry. And it sets the stage for engaging the emerging accommodations sector in organized public and private sector efforts to protect and grow the tourism industry. The proliferation of Airbnb and other such hosting platforms is also beginning to effect airlift capacity to some destinations. In some cases, increased airline load factors have reduced the number of seats available for traditional hotel guests or have driven up the cost of air tickets. “Therefore, it is important that we account for this growing accommodations sector in our research, product development, airlift development, and marketing efforts in order to plan accordingly,” noted Troubetzkoy. Increasingly, governments throughout the world are working in partnership with local tourism industry stakeholders and hosting platform companies such as Airbnb, taking
a proactive approach to addressing challenges and concerns. With the support of companies like Airbnb, destinations are adopting new measures to address the taxation and regulation of home vacation stays. Underscoring the untapped potential for Caribbean jurisdictions experiencing budgetary challenges, a 2016 Airbnb study estimates that the 50 largest cities in the U.S. would have collected an additional $200 million in occupancy taxes in 2015 if taxation measures and supporting collection and enforcement protocols were in place. At the same time, concerns over the safety and well-being of both travelers and their non-traditional hosts are also prevalent. Traditional hotel and taxi businesses operate with strict property and insurance liability requirements and must meet stringent safety, cleanliness and operational standards, which are kept at a voluntary minimum for most home rental operators. “By embracing the sharing economy, we are able to hold nontraditional accommodation and service providers to a higher degree of responsibility than that which is typically expected for strictly residential use. This will help protect the reputation of a destination and the Caribbean brand as a whole,” said Troubetzkoy. CHTA is supporting local efforts to bring together public and private sector stakeholders to review their existing laws and regulations pertaining to taxes, health and safety requirements and other standards, incorporating the necessary changes for the sharing economy.
Caribbean Aviation Maintenance Services Is seeking suitably qualified applicant to fill the position as:
TECHNICAL RECORDS ADMINISTRATOR
Ensuring that component change in the Computeised Maintenance System is correctly executed and reflects the transaction recorded on the Technical Log pages. Maintenance and administer a filing system in an orderly manner preferably by ATA, Aircraft Registration, Document Serial Numbers and D the manufacture/vendor”) of both aircraft and components
Technical Records Administrator is accountable to the Engineering Manager and Quality Assurance Manager and is responsible for:
Work with delivery team to load the fitted listing of new aircraft, engines and equipment added to the Company fleet.
Have in-depth knowledge of aircraft computerize tracking software and programs.
Review changes and new requirements to recording system and ensure that new procedures implemented contribute to and / or enhance the safety and security of all aircraft records.
Have adequate knowledge of Turks and Caicos aviation laws as it relates to OTARS Part 39, Part43, Part 47 and Part 145. Have knowledge of Caribbean Aviation Maintenance Services maintenance organization exposition and documentation procedures. Assemble and issue daily work packages with accurate continuous airworthiness data Carry out aircraft maintenance planning with Engineering Manager Collect all aircraft records / data daily for input into maintenance tracking program Ensure records are available during certificate of airworthiness renewal Record all maintenance inspections/checks in the log books and component changes and issue warranty notification forms for components failing within the warranty period. Check all aircraft work records documents including technical logs, defect work cards, maintenance work packs etc for accuracy and completeness of contents and certification. Highlighting any discrepancy noted to the Engineering Manager and/or Quality Assurance Reconcile all anomalies with the Engineering Manager and/or Quality Assurance Manager Record the daily and total flying hours, landings / cycles, line maintenance component changes through aircraft Technical Logs etc on each aircraft, engine APU and propeller log books on daily bases or within 7 days.
Caribbean Aviation Maintenance Services Continuously reviewing the records administration systems and identifying and recommending changes to improve the way records are administered and kept. Ensure that ALL records are kept locked and secured in a metal / and or fireproof containers / cabinets and maintain a register of all records released to other Company personnel and NO records are to be released unless approved by Engineering Manager and/or Quality Assurance Manager Ensure that records for mandatory modification, minor modifications, major modifications and any special inspections and changes to the aircraft configuration re clearly documented in the modification record book and filled properly. Provide all necessary information requested by Engineering Manager and/or Quality Assurance Manager as per the checklist issued for the preparation of the application for Renewal / Issue of C of A for an aircraft. Perform other record keeping responsibility not mentioned above as per company procedures but assigned by the Engineering Manager and/ or Quality Assurance Manager as required and provide relieve for other Technical Staff in the department. Provide accurate aircraft maintenance reports during maintenance planning meeting Salary will commensurate with experience.
SALARY WILL COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE.
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 13
LOCAL NEWS
Team TCI off to 3rd Annual Premier’s road trip
Team TCI will be travelling to the United States for the 3rd annual road show again this year and is looking to see 500-600 people for the five days. The team will be leaving Sunday May 22nd and returning to the TCI on May 28th, 2016. At a press conference held on Thursday May 19th team TCI gave an update on what they will be taking on and doing for the five day trip. This team comprises of the Office of the Premier, the Ministry of Tourism, the Hotel and Tourism Association and other agencies including the Invest Turks and Caicos Agency as well as Turks and Caicos Airports Authority among other stakeholders who will join this year’s annual Premier’s road trip. Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing said, “At the annual Premier’s road trip we take the opportunity to go out of Turks and Caicos and showcase, market and promote our beautiful by nature destination throughout the United States including several states. We normally do six cities in five days. I think this time we will be doing five cities in five days this year and we intend to introduce one new city to our list of cities to visit this particular year.” When asked about the major successes/benefits that came out of the past road shows so far, Ewing added: “Most of the benefits come from out of one, as I said it’s a very important for us to keep intact and network with our travel partners in the US (United States). Building that relationship is critical and when you build that relationship,
we build that relationship at all levels within your tourism system. We may not be able to measure directly most of the arrivals that we see here by our guests and knowing about Turks and Caicos due directly to our relationship with those travel wholesalers, travel agents and our travel partners in the US (United States) selling Turks and Caicos because we go there and make it important enough to host them, get to know them better on a one on one basis.” He added: “The other is the expression of interest in terms of investing in Turks and Caicos. We know that most of our investment normally comes out of their first visit. If persons come and visit the place, they like it they get to buy real state, they want to buy their second home and you see a lot of that happening just because of those kinds of networking relationships that we develop in persons coming down and visit Turks and Caicos and even major infrastructure project interest came out of those road trips as well. Some of them are not out of the grounds as yet but they’re a number of persons who still express interest in Turks and Caicos and investment interest.” Ms. Stacy Cox, Executive Director of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association said, “We have an exciting line up of cities like the Premier alluded to which includes, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, New York and Los Angeles for the first time. Noting the demands from out market Los Angeles is a new city this year because we do have a lot of visitors from that area so we decide to take
CAICOS OIL LTD. SOUTH DOCK ROAD, PROVIDENCIALES TEL: (649) 941-7872 / 941-7873 FAX: (649) 941-7874 POSITION: LABOURER Cleaning and maintaining of yard and help with the loading and offloading of fuel tankers. Assist with warehouse duties. Must be willing to work weekends, and some holidays.
From L-R (Tendra Musgrove representing Villa Del Mar, Althea Been, Keyona Coward of Beach Enclave, Ms. Karen Whitt, Ms. Stacy Cox, Executive Director of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture, Gordon Burton of Turks and Caicos Airports Authority, Angela Musgrove of Invest TCI and Gloria Thomas General Manager of Alexandra Resort). Turks and Caicos to Los Angeles. We have an exciting line up of breakfast events, we have cocktail events in most of these cities and we’re looking forward to our key market going into the New York area, where we have most of our visitors from. This year we have for the first time Invest TCI with us and they will be hosting an event in New York that caters to potential investors in that market. We have for the first time Beach Enclave and also out partners from Villa Del Mar will be joining on this exciting annual Premier’s road trip.” Gordon Burton, chairman of Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority noted, “Last year was a very exciting time for us. We actually visited two cities that culminated actually in
direct airlift which were Houston and Chicago. We’re not working on a direct flight out of LA (Los Angeles) but who knows because we are in talks with airlines all the time and even though it may not be a direct flight, we’re looking at other cities on the East Coast and also in the Mid- West that would be a good fit for the Turks and Caicos and they will be able to see passengers from that airport area. We got to meet a lot of our travel partners and also got to travel with a lot of the persons that are based here in the Turks and Caicos that are very instrumental in bringing Tourist here but we’ve never really meet and so we were able to build up that networking and that camaraderie and person now can call on me and I can call on them.”
CUSTOMER RELATIONS OFFICER A Dive Company located in Providenciales is looking to recruit a Customer Relations Officer for their Dive office. The applicant must be fluent in English, French and Spanish as well as possess excellent Communication and Customer Service skills. A strong diving knowledge is paramount as all client interactions will involve questions regarding dive courses and scheduling. Precedence will be given to individuals with experience in the diving industry and a diving certification at a professional level.
WAGES/SALARY: 7.50 per hour. Interested persons should submit their resume along with a cover letter to the following: The Manager Caicos Oil Ltd., P.O. Box 653, South Dock Road, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands The deadline for receipt of all applications is June 3rd, 2016 CAICOS OIL LTD. SOUTH DOCK ROAD, PROVIDENCIALES TEL: (649) 941-7872 / 941-7873 FAX: (649) 941-7874 POSITION: MECHANIC Cleaning and maintaining of yard and help with the loading and offloading of fuel tankers. Assist with warehouse duties. Must be willing to work weekends, and some holidays. WAGES/SALARY: 12.50 per hour. Interested persons should submit their resume along with a cover letter to the following: The Manager Caicos Oil Ltd., P.O. Box 653, South Dock Road, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands The deadline for receipt of all applications is June 3rd, 2016
Salary commensurate with experience. Applications must be submitted to: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Services Limited Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-941-4777 Email oa@fcorporatemsl.com
BOOKKEEPER A Bookkeeper is required for a business based in Providenciales and as such the successful applicant is required to be flexible and willing to learn and research information in order to fulfill customer’s needs. The duties include but are not limited to interact with customer, collecting on-site equipment information, pick up cheques, pay bills and purchase materials. The successful applicant must have ten (10) plus years working knowledge of AC equipment, audio/visual equipment, alarm systems for home and small business, walk in freezers and hot water heaters. Applicant must be proficient in Microsoft systems, Quick-Books and Wave Accounting making entries, such as posting/tracking of receivables, payables, expense tracking and costing. Required to work six (6) day per week. Salary commensurate with experience. Application must be submitted to: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Services Limited Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-941-4777 Email oa@fcorporatemsl.com
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LOCAL NEWS
Over $8,000 raised at Food For Thought's first public fundraiser
By Todeline Defralien
Food for Thought hosted its first public/ brunch fundraiser on Sunday May 15th, 2016 at Mango Reef restaurant in Providenciales with the purpose of raising funds to provide breakfast for children in the Government schools in the Primary Schools in North, Middle, South Caicos and Salt Cay. The event gained a tremendous support raising approximately $8,500 in funds from their first public fundraising event. Food for Thought was founded by Karen and Jeanne Savory in order to provide free breakfast to all children in the government schools. The first phase, due to begin in September, will provide a healthy breakfast on every school day to the government primary schools in North, Middle and South Caicos and Salt Cay. The charity has already partnered with Caicos Express Airways, Lew 1 Shipping and Quality Food Center to bring the food items in and transport to the schools. This means that all fundraising efforts are able to go towards purchasing the nutritious food items for the students. On a sunny morning at the popular restaurant Mango Reef guests were treated to a welcome mimosa (donated
by Wine Cellar), a wonderful buffet brunch spread prepared by chef Florent Sourmont and his team, a raffle, a variety of fantastic silent auction prizes, quizzes, and facepainting for the kids by the lovely Rogdreka Rolle. One of the highlights of the event was delightful steel drum music by the talented Val Kalliecharan. A good time was had by all. "We’re starting in the primary schools in North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos and Salt Cay, and from there hopefully we will move on to Grand Turk and Providenciales and One of the Founders of Food For Thought TCI also the high schools as well,” she said. Karen Savory “We recognise there is a long way to go entertainment, face painting for the as we need approximately $56,000 for kids, a few quizzes, raffle, colouring the first year. The fundraiser was a big and the silent auction. boost for us.” “This is really just a push for the She added: “This is our very fundraising, so it’s not only a first fundraiser. We launched a month fundraising effort here with the silent ago, as a soft launch but this is our first auction and the raffle and the ticket public fundraiser and we are trying to sales but also just getting the word out find funds to purchase the food. We’ve and hoping that people will come and got help already from Caicos Express donate monthly. Even small donations Airways and Lew One shipping to help out of their monthly salary will make us with the transport but our main a huge difference to our efforts and it’s focus is to really the fundraising to also just raising awareness. We will be purchase the food. It’s been fantastic. doing many more fundraisers but also We were initially expecting to sell 150 just hopefully a lot of communication tickets but we’ve sold out 200 tickets. It in the community to help to try and get has been great.” sponsors and support that was from the Over 200 persons came out to local community,” Savory explained. support this great cause. There was The Savory sisters are pleased
with progress so far but acknowledge there is much to do. There have already been multiple requests to widen the programme to include Providenciales and Grand Turk (over 4,500 students in all). “We are encouraged by the community’s support - we have received many kind donations from individuals and small businesses. However in order to ensure the longevity of the programme we would love to see more support from the corporate sector as part of their social responsibility efforts.” Food for Thought would like to thank the following wonderful sponsors of their event: Mango Reef, The Wine Cellar, Val Kalliecharan, Rogdreka Rolle of Khye’s Body Art, SURFside Ocean Academy, Big Blue, Maison Creole, Goldsmith, Seven Stars, Grace Bay Osteopathy, Flamingo Pharmacy, Davidson Louis, Caribbean LED Lighting, The Palms, Turkberry, Nathan’s Cheesecakes, Jai’s, KB Home Center, Norma Jackson, Retreat Yoga and Wellness Studio, TCI Coffee Roasters, Scott Loosley, Digicel, Sail Provo, Melt, Swift Delivery Services, Laura, Kevin, Thorn, and of course Richard and Robin Savory. If you would like to learn more about or donate to Food for Thought please email foodforthoughttci@gmail. com or visit foodforthoughttci.com
TCI recognized World Hypertension Day 2016 On May 17th, the Turks and Caicos Islands recognized World Hypertension Day under the theme ”Know your blood pressure”, which highlights the importance of getting regular blood pressure checks and to further educate of the significance of blood pressure readings. Hypertension usually occurs when your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. High blood pressure increases one’s health risk. The heart actually has to work that much harder which increases which can cause permanent damage to the heart and blood vessels in major organs like the brain and kidneys. Chronic non-communicable
diseases (NCDs) are preventable non-communicable diseases stated; with life style changes. A major “Hypertension is a silent killer because objective of the National Health in its early stages it rarely causes Sector Strategic Plan, Primary Health symptoms, and many people go Care Renewal Strategy and the undiagnosed. Diagnosing and treating National Action Plan for Prevention it on time can reduce the risk of heart and Control of Non-communicable attacks, stroke and kidney failure.” Diseases is to “Encourage healthy According to Aldora Robinson living in communities". Therefore, as Director of Health Promotion and an individual, as a community and Advocacy Unit within the Ministry as a country we need to address and of Health Agriculture and Human overcome the challenges of preventing Services; "Hypertension is listed among the most common non communicable hypertension. Hypertension better known diseases in TCI. In 2010, the rate of to us as High Blood Pressure can go persons inflicted was 34.2 per 10,000 unnoticed because in its early stages population. there is little or no signs at all. Pedro "The intent of the Health Ordunez PAHO/WHO adviser on Promotion and Advocacy Unit is to
help people achieve a state of optimal health and take individual and collective responsibility for making healthy lifestyle choices. Hence the Unit has developed the Healthy and Alive Campaign which focuses on eight priority areas and the prevention and control of Hypertension is embedded in all strategies." Grace Bay Pharmacy, at all of their locations are testing person’s blood pressure free of charge all day. Persons are encouraged to take advantage and have their blood pressure checked. You can also visit any of the government clinics on any of the islands and have your blood pressure checked.
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Gary Lightbourne SIPT statement causes controversy A statement which Gary Lightbourne gave to SIPT caused a stir when the corruption trial continued last week. Lightbourne, a former professional boxer and a former bodyguard and driver to Michael Misick, appeared confused about certain aspects of the statement which it emerged, was signed by him but not witnessed by anyone. Lightbourne said he only gave SIPT information but did not actually write the statement. He only signed what they gave him, adding that it contained an error that would have had to be made by the person who wrote the statement for him. Under cross examination by Ralph Thorne, QC, the lawyer for former Premier Michael Misick, Lightbourne admitted that he made a statement to SIPT on November 14, he could not say that he handed something to an officer four days later. Lightbourne said he travelled with Michael Misick very often and was asked specifically about a trip to the World Tourism Market in London, prior to which Misick went to Los Angeles and met former First Lady LisaRaye McCoy. He said that he and Tarsha Hall went to London, while Misick and LisaRaye went to Switzerland. He noted that although TCIG was paying him subsistence, the hotels
were often expensive and he ended up paying for some of his expenses. While in London, Lightbourne said he also met Galmo “Gilley” Williams who was Minister of Immigration and Labour at that time. The former bodyguard/driver was questioned extensively about Salt Cay developer Mario Hoffman, who he met in 1999 and who owned a house in Chalk Sound. He told the court that Misick met Hoffman in London, and then they went to Prague along with Galmo Williams on Hoffman’s private jet. While there, they stayed at a hotel that had a casino and went to a football game where he, Williams, Misick and Hoffman had VIP seating. The following day, he said, Galmo Williams, Mike Misick and Hoffman were having breakfast at the hotel and he heard them saying something about a casino in Providenciales. He said Mike and Hoffman then travelled to the city of Nice, while Williams returned to Turks and Caicos Islands because there was a storm here. Lightbourne said he eventually resigned his job as bodyguard because he wanted to devote more time to starting a boxing programme at the Graceway Sports Complex. He told the court that for many
Gary Ligtbourne years he wanted to get a piece of land for a boxing facility and he applied on numerous occasions, from as far back as 1994, but was never successful. Lightbourne said in December 2006 he was offered two pieces of land, one in West Caicos and the other in Proggins Bay, that he never applied for and never took up the offer. Under direct examination by Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell, QC, Lightbourne told the court that Misick
once lived on the Provo Golf Course with his brother Phillip Missick, but subsequently moved, after becoming Chief Minister, to a house in Leeward that was owned by businessman Peter Wherli. He also spoke about taking Misick to a meeting with Allan Forest of Johnston International who showed Misick a piece of land on which a mansion was subsequently built for the former Premier.
WATERLOO HOTEL MANAGEMENT LTD
Alexandra Resort, Blue Haven Resort & Marina and the Beach House
NATIONAL HEALTH
We are seeking to employ, suitably qualified and experienced hospitality professionals in the position of Catering & Conference Services Manager. POSITION OBJECTIVE Works as an intermediary between Banquets, Resort Operations and Clients to exceed guest’s expectations as it relates to catered meeting/meal events at any of the three company resorts. Acts as the main point of contact for group and catered event clients to oversee all aspects of a group and/ or catered event at one or more of the WIHL properties. This position will report to our Director of Catering and Conference Services. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 1. Call on definite bookings as assigned to detail event business; analyze requirements of functions, outline available facilities and services offered, as well as provide menu proposals and quote menu prices. 2. Coordinate catering /event requirements of meals, snacks, basic a/v and meetings as requested by individuals or groups by completing Banquet Event Orders, up-selling all experiences including spa and private venue events. 3. Oversee all guest-room and conference details pertaining to assigned groups and events. 4. Detail all aspects of the group / event on Conference Resumes and review with the departments at weekly meeting. 5. Verify deposits on hand at time of file turnover and collect any additional deposits as outlined in Group Sales and Catering Contracts. Prepare invoices and secure final payment guarantee. Work with designated Group Billing Coordinator for all properties involved in the group contract to ensure final master bill is accurate and processed accordingly. 6. Serves as Conference / Event Catering Manager during functions to minimize confusion and resolve problems such as space adjustment, guest services issues and/or need for additional equipment. 7. Attends Banquet Event Order meeting for property and leads as instructed by Director. 8. Communicates all details of group / catered event including final guarantees to all departments involved. 9. Works closely with the Banquet Manager and Culinary Team to create menu proposals and achieve /exceed guest expectations. 10.Prepare necessary information regarding group pick-up/fall off, deposits on hand and distribution status of Banquet Event orders and Group Resumes. Salary for this position is ranged: - $32,000 - $38,000 per annum based on qualifications and experience. Interested persons may contact our Corporate HR department Mon. – Fri. from 9am-3pm via telephone number 946-8054 or you may submit your resume with qualifications and experience to: cgibbons@wihl.com or kbeen@wihl.com Deadline for all applications to be submitted is May 30th 2016
INSURANCE BOARD Vacancy For The Position Of Office Attendant- Providenciales SCOPE
To perform a variety of office support duties and to carry out the cleaning function of the National Health Insurance board office. Duties and Responsibilities: Clear and distribute correspondence as required, complete errands on behalf of the office, assist with the preparation of room for meetings, prepare and serve refreshments when required, perform daily cleaning duties to ensure the office is clean and safe for staff and perform any related duties assigned from time to time. Special Features of the job Requires walking and extensive use of hands, pushing, bending, lifting, twisting and carrying sometimes heavy items. Competencies and skills required This position requires knowledge of health and hygiene requirements, ability to understand basic materials, must have an eye for details, ability to use modern office equipment, ability to understand and follow simple written instructions and basic time management skills. Education and Experience Primary level education and at least (2) years’ experience in a similar position may be an asset. Salary Salary will be based on the NHIB salary scale for this position. Deadline for Submission is May 26, 2016 All Applications should be addressed to: recruitment@tcinhip.tc
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
“Diving with Luxury” for South Caicos and Grand Turk
By Todeline Defralien
“Diving with Luxury” will be introduced to South Caicos and Grand Turk. This statement was made by Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture at a media conference held at the Premier office on Thursday May 19th, 2016. Team TCI will be travelling to the United States for the 3rd annual road show, leaving Sunday May 22nd28th to see 500-600 people for the five days and “Diving with Luxury” will be promoted at this year’s road show by the Minister. This team comprises of the Office of the Premier, the Ministry of Tourism, the Hotel and Tourism Association and other agencies including the Invest Turks and Caicos Agency as well as Turks and Caicos Airports Authority among other stakeholders who will join this year’s annual Premier’s road trip. Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith said, “As the Minister of Tourism with us having number one beach, number one island destination, it is important for me to be able to maximize our product and be able to maximize elements of our product so. This trip, it will be heard by those, I will be promoting diving in the
islands of South Caicos and Grand South Caicos already. Some of them Turk, so you’re going to hear the tag are not really prepared to take on this line “Diving with Luxury” because particular road show but I promised I’m excited as the Minister to say them that I would be standing in the that even though we haven’t had an front for them on this road show and official opening of East Bay Resort but make sure that they were included we’ve had a soft opening for East bay in the road show and that’s why we Resort.” decided to come up with the tag line She added: “It was an exciting “Diving with Luxury” or Diving in diving location and of course we have Luxury”. excellent diving in Grand Turk, so The Tourism Minister said on this road trip my colleagues will while Providenciales holds the be a little tired with me but I will superior product in terms of the be promoting diving with luxury rooms that we offer on the islands in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I of Providenciales, Middle and North look forward to 2017 being the year Caicos is like second to none as well where we will receive from our as Grand Turk and South Caicos. travel partners, some awards, some "So while the other partners recognition because we would have are promoting Providenciales, we been included for our diving here in from the Ministry's perspective are the Turks and Caicos Islands.” promoting the entire Turks and Smith said she will be looking Caicos Islands with a focus on the to get some additional airlift into the diving element on Grand Turk and TCI. we already have a following in Grand "So I will certainly be taking Turk that comes constantly every year the opportunity to talk to the airlines for diving because we certainly have diving and we would like to build that with luxury in the Turks and Caicos, interest as well in South Caicos,” diving like none other on the shores Stubbs-Amith explained. of South Caicos and Grand Turk. Currently the stakeholders Hopefully after this road show that are pleased with the initial the lack of attention to the sister introduction that will be put on while islands would be gone but we’re going they are on the road show and they’ve to start it with dialogue first. We’ve also agreed that there will be more Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith Minister of Tourism, had some dialogue with some of our formal discussions once the group Environment, Heritage and Culture. stake holders in Grand Turk and returns back to TCI.
AMANYARA
PROVIDENCIALES TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS 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 BS. In Accountant be detail-orientated with good communication skills and the ability to communicate directly with Villa Owners with regards to billing issues. GUEST ASSTIANT Minimum 2 year’s previous experience working at the Front Desk or Guest Relations team of a luxury/5 star resort. Well organized, detail oriented with excellent written and verbal communication skills. A team player to work under pressure and multi-task, speak English as a second or preferably a third language used by our guests to include French, Spanish, Portuguese, or German with good computer skills; requires and previous knowledge of Opera beneficial. Must be flexible to work evenings, weekends and holidays. INCOME AUDITOR Minimum 3 years previous experience in a similar role in a luxury resort. Must have solid experience in reviewing and verifying accuracy of hotel/ restaurant revenues and preparation of daily, weekly and month-end reports. Advanced computer and mathematical skills required. Must also be detail-orientated with good communication. SPA THERAPIST/ SUPERVISOR Minimum 5 years previous experience with working in a spa, preferably in a 5-star resort, providing massage and beauty treatments as well as manicures and pedicures. Must be physically fit and in good health. Immaculate presentation and fluency in English is also required.
plumbing and electrical systems, kitchen equipment and laundry machines repairs. Knowledge of laundry steam boilers and steam systems. WAIT STAFF/ BARTENDER Minimum 2 year’s previous food and beverage service experience in a luxury/ 5 star resorts. Excellent verbal communication skills, immaculate presentation and friendly, professional demeanor. Micros skills advantageous, be a team player and able to work under pressure. Flexible schedule hours including weekends, holidays and evenings. PRIVATE VILLA HOUSEKEEPERS/HOST/COOKS Minimum 2 to 3 years’ experience working in a 5-star resort, private estate or luxury motor yacht with solid food and beverage service experience. Chef de Partie, Demi Chef, Commis Chef, Pastry Chef in a luxury resort, cruise ship, private estate or 5-star restaurant, knowledge of Asian and Mediterranean Cuisines. Fluent in English and possess the confidence to communicate directly with villa owners and renters. Must be self-motivated flexible and hard-working this is a live-in position and extended working hours are required when villa is occupied. BOUTIQUE /SHOP ATTENDANT The successful candidate must be able to interact with guest on a daily basis, possess the ability to sell and create sales, while maintaining the standards of the resort. He/she must show enthusiasm, eagerness to learn with good communications skills, work with the Guest Relations team to ensure the shop is manned at all times. Experience in Adaco and Micros also be confident in making sales and tracking receipts and outlet requisitions. LABOURER Must be reliable, strong, able to help clean ponds swimming pools, hardworking and willing to work in the sun all day. Should be able to speak English. Previous experience beneficial.
NIGHT AUDITOR Minimum of 2 years previous experience in a similar role in a luxury resort. Must have solid experience in preparing night audit reports and journals, making corrections and adjustments and balancing revenue and settlement accounts. Advanced computer skills required including Micros, Opera and Excel.
All positions require a flexible schedule (which may include holidays, weekends and evenings) and extended hours on occasion. Salaries based on experience and qualifications.
MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN At least five years experience in a resort with knowledge of A/C and refrigeration systems repair and maintenance, sound knowledge of
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FROM THE HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE WEDNESDAYS ONLY 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. E-mail mstubbs@amanresorts.com
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
Political Culture in the TCI by Damian Wilson
TCI Patriot
WHAT’S THE STORY? This is a question that I have heard so often while I was at university, it is a question aimed to get at the heart of every issue. In the retelling of life this question focuses on “the main issue”; a question that I believe we must now ask ourselves as a people. In exploring the national landscape of the TCI it is important for us to first discover which of our many issues is the most significant, in terms of its impact on other aspects of TCI society, that one issue at the core of everything. That one issue that could change everything and which most likely needs change itself. For the TCI, I believe that issue is the matter of our political culture; an issue that seems to be the most impactful matter of our time, and one that is the least talked about. After all, the word “culture” by definition isn’t just our past or our future, but it is especially our present. It is what we are consciously and unconsciously doing because of the past, and what we will continue to do in the future if uninterrupted. While I am no political or cultural expert, I understand that ‘political culture’ describes the characteristics of a democratic society’s political structure. It is the attitudes, beliefs and practices held by
a nation or group of people, which gives meaning to the political process and shapes behaviour in a political system. There is no political system without consensus between the politicians and the electorate. In the 1970’s the political system shifted significantly, this shift was based on the belief by islanders that they were entitled to the benefits of the activities of their own society and their willingness to take action in order to change the political system. Since, many politicians and others have manipulated this political philosophy, ingraining a sense of entitlement, often without responsibility; thus creating a “me first” mentality with an attitude of blind allegiance to the political leadership, particularly along party lines. Hence, it is rarely about the country and always about “my party”, because we’re next in line to receive. This partisan sense of entitlement has fed political stagnation and senseless bickering that has led to political regression in most instances. The bestowing of all authority to political parties, rather than the enforcement of sensible laws and policies, has caused the TCI to fall into several political ditches over the past four decades; consensus between government and electorate often being based on large scale partisan political appeasement. While particular appeasements may not be supported
Career Opportunities: Grace Bay Resorts is looking for candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner. They love to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization. Their management style is one that balances a commitment to people and their development with business/financial accountability and delivers an exceptional guest experience Stewarding Supervisor Job Requirements: Job purpose of Stewarding supervisor is to assist and lead the Stewarding Team, Restaurant Outlets, and Director of Food and Beverage in the cleaning and organizing of the Food and Beverage Outlets. Essential Duties: •Perform special cleaning projects as assigned. Ensure proper set-up, breakdown and maintenance of all banquet functions. •Interview, hire and train new stewards as required. Maintain proper administrative records on associates i.e. Attendance log, coaching and counseling sessions, disciplinary forms, etc. •Ensure that floors are swept and mopped. Keep floors clean and dry, spills are picked up immediately using wet floor signs, dry rags, and dry mops. •Clean walls, tables, racks, sinks, floor mats and disposal area. Polish stainless steel. •Clean ovens, hoods, filters, drains, hot boxes, steam tables, flat boxes and ceiling vents, according to schedule or as specified by the Executive Chef or Chef of their respective area of responsibility. •Maintain organization and ensure proper storage and cleaning of all rolling stock and racks, silver, presoaking and operation of dish machine. •Ensure all trash is emptied at end of shifts; containers washed out and returned to kitchens. •Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis. •Perform any other job related duties as assigned. This position is currently held by an expatriate worker Qualified Islanders need only to apply copying applications to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2 Salary Range: US$24,000 - $30,000 per annum Group Director of Food & Beverage Job Requirements (Chef N B) to be responsible for overall Food & Beverage and Culinary Operations for Grace Bay Resorts by overseeing concepts for front and back of house operations, creating total guest experiences. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in achieving food & beverage revenues, profit and guests satisfaction goals by developing and implementing menu designs and concepts that are current with international and local trends, ensuring that the Grace Bay Resorts are culinary Destinations. The successful candidate must meet the following qualifications and experience: •10+ years experience in a Senior Culinary Role, either as Executive Chef or Culinary Director. •Extensive culinary skills, with exposure and intimate knowledge of international cuisines and food trends. •Educated in Culinary Management, Food & Beverage Management, Restaurant Management and 5 Diamond requirements •International Hotel and Restaurant experience a must. •Caribbean experience considered a definite plus. •As an Executive Committee Member, work closely with the company’s senior management team to develop and implement strategies for food & beverage and kitchen operations that support achievement of the company’s goals. •Oversees the inventory, purchasing and disbursement of all supplies, while maintaining strong P&L statements. •Extensive experience overseeing multiple food & beverage units simultaneously, while driving revenue.
by all, as a whole, we often support many appeasements with the hopes of being the next to benefit. Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t only happen in the TCI; political appeasements of some kind happens in every country and often lead to problems and deficiencies in regards to national needs. The TCI is no different in this regard, as globally many politicians look at appeasements as “playing to your base”; however, this global attitude still doesn’t make it right. SO, HOW DO WE CHANGE THIS? I believe that, like every learned behaviour, attitude or belief, the current political culture in the TCI can be changed, as a matter of fact I am already seeing signs that it is already starting to change. The first step is to be aware of what’s happening, take stock of where we are as a nation and begin to hold accountable those given stewardship. The electorate must realize that it holds the real power, but as often said, with great power comes great responsibility. Next, I believe that political parties must change their behaviour, attitudes and beliefs – this can only come from those base supporters within the party, as party leadership will not make significant changes or stand on principle without pressure from within. Pressure from external forces outside the parties has proven
Damian Wilson useless in creating sustainable change, as persistent attitudes prevail and win out. Lastly, our acceptance that “this is the way things are, we can’t change them and we have to go along with it” continues to keep the negative aspects of the political culture alive. This is a false narrative that is consistently feed to the electorate in order to keep us pacified. The political culture must change if we wish to truly move ahead and build a society to benefit us all and not just a selected few. Hence, I firmly believe that one thing which may break the stronghold of the status quo is the emergence of credible political parties and/or independent candidates. These must be parties and candidates that seek to positively change the political culture and not benefit from it. Will this happen? That still remains to be seen and elections will tell.
•Ability to “think outside of the box” as it relates to menu design, concepts, trends and culinary events. •Ability to create the “WOW” factor for entertaining VIP guests. •Demonstrated experience overseeing and developing exceptional Front and Back of House teams to meet and exceed guest expectation, revenue generation and employee satisfaction. •Ideal candidate will be a “strategic thinker”, skilled at identifying company development opportunities as it relates to overall food & beverage strategies and growth of the Brand. •New Hotel Opening experience considered a definite asset. This position is currently held by an expatriate worker Qualified Islanders need only to apply copying applications to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2 Salary Range: US$120,000 - US$180,000 per annum Bonus: Maximum $2,000 monthly at the Discretion of the Board of Directors Sous Chef Duties and Responsibilities •Demonstrate a participative supervisory style which promotes effective use of subordinates calculating added value profit return against time and resources invested. •Meet all company and statutory requirements with regards to food hygiene and employee health & hygiene. •To remain alert to potential threats to life, safety and security of employees and guests, with particular emphasis being placed on fire prevention, training / awareness, evacuation and emergency procedures. •To show a positive attitude at all times and promote mutual respect within the Kitchen and through all departments. •To ensure budgeted food costs are met by structured, conservative buying and produce utilization. •To keep up to date records for compliance with health & safety regulations. •To assist the F&B Director to monitor department’s performance against budget and GSTS, communicating feedback and providing appropriate support/action where necessary. •Help to maintain appropriate levels of staffing, according to business levels and help to ensure staffs are motivated to deliver consistently high levels of guest service. •To be responsible for the day to day running of the kitchen. •To assist the F&B Director in the maintaining of food cost percentage through control in wastage, purchasing, storing, portion control. •To assist the F&B Director in implementing and carrying out the departmental training needs. •To check mis en place is ready and is to the required standard for service. •On a daily basis check with the function sheets and liaise with the F&B Director to the duties needed to be carried out that day. •To be responsible for the writing of menus in the F&B Director’s absence. •To act in accordance with all Health & Safety and Hygiene regulations and to adhere to the Company’s Health &Safety policy. Job Requirements •Minimum 5 years experience as Sous Chef. •Extensive knowledge of International food including Asian, Indian as well as Mediterranean. •Qualified first aid trainer. This position is currently held by an expatriate worker Qualified Islanders need only to apply copying applications to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2 Salary Range: US$48,000 - US$60,000 per annum Annual Bonus: Maximum 10% of annual salary at the discretion of the Board of Directors
Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than May 27, 2016 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1066 Email: sheba.wilson@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Seven Stars Resort & Spa is seeking suitably qualified individuals to fill the positions outlined below. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications, possess a clean police record. SECURITY SUPERVISOR The areas of responsibility for this position include the protection and safety of property assets, employees, guests, accident and fire prevention and response. The ideal candidate must exemplify excellent customer service and create a positive atmosphere for guests and employees. Salary $7.87 per hour. Minimum Requirements: •Ex-Military with Officer Rank experience •Be proficient in unarmed combat techniques •Highly trained in security procedures •First Aid training is preferable •Ability to communicate effectively •Must be able to speak Nepalese, English and Hindi •Able to work flexible hours holidays, weekends, nights and 12 hour shifts HOUSEKEEPING ATTENDANT Candidates will be required to assist in all Housekeeping responsibilities, cleaning of guest rooms, stocking amenities and linens. There are new positions available and some positions are held by work permit holders. Salary $6.31 per hour. Minimum Requirements: •Suitable candidates must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working at a 5 Star Resort in a similar role. •Must have a strong attention to details and excep tional ability to maintain the highest standards of quality required. •Must have the ability to lift at least 50lbs. HOUSEKEEPER Candidates will be required to assist in all Housekeeping responsibilities, cleaning of guest rooms, stocking amenities and linens. There are new positions available and some positions are held by work permit holders. Salary $6.31 per hour. Minimum Requirements: •Suitable candidates must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working at a 5 Star Resort in a similar role. •Must have a strong attention to details and excep tional ability to maintain the highest standards of quality required. •Must have the ability to lift at least 50lbs. RESTAURANT MANAGER Salary range for this position begins at $3,500 and is negotiable based on current level, previous experience, previous restaurants, previous successes and qualifications. This position is currently held by a work permit holder.
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Minimum Requirements: •Successful performance is measured by consistent delivery of balanced results through our systems, methods and procedures from the perspective of all our stakeholders. This leads to sustained growth in sales and profits achieved through personal, people, business and results leadership. •Must have a minimum of 10 years’ experience as Res taurant Manager or Maitre D in a high end or FiveStar high-volume Restaurant. •Proven ability to develop team •Knowledge of systems, methods and processes •Stable job history •Knowledge of Wine and Spirits •Staff Scheduling and labor cost control Responsible for: •For leading and managing high volume quality restaurant and banqueting operations LEAD SERVER Candidate will lead their section team and at times be responsible for opening or closing the restaurant including responsibility for end of day procedures. This positon is currently held by a work permit holder. Salary $7.60 per hour.
•Suitable candidates must have a minimum of 4 years’ experience working in a lead position at a five-star resort or restaurant in a lead position •Experience training and directing staff in fine dining service •High energy with excellent interpersonal skills •Excellent command of English language (writing/ reading/speaking) •Experience with point-of-service system, prior cashier or banking experience preferred
DUTY MANAGER The Duty Manager role is an important function for the resort and it provides 24-hour coverage for our guests. The selected individual will assist with ensuring the smooth operation of the resort. In the absence of department heads and/or executive management, the DM upholds quality standards, resolves guest and employee issues, complaints and conflicts, and enforces policies and procedures. Salary range for this position begins at $2,800 pm and is negotiable based on current level, previous experience, previous successes and qualifications. This position is currently held by a work permit holder Minimum Requirements: •Any combination of education/luxury resort experi ence that will provide required knowledge, skill and ability to perform this job successfully •Minimum 3 years demonstrated supervisory success. •Friendly demeanor with excellent interpersonal and communication skills •Ability to multi task in a busy environment with minimal supervision •Ability to speak, read and write fluently in the English language •Ability to work flexible schedule including early mornings, late evenings, weekends and holidays Applicants should apply to Seven Stars Resort & Spa, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales via e-mail at hr@sevenstarsgracebay. com for consideration or should leave CV’s at the security building for the attention of HR. Prospective applicants who are Islanders kindly send copies of your application to the board. Application deadline: June 3, 2016. ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING ABOVE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
Surveying Students may also access one semester courses of their choice from any Associate Degree programme and obtain credits. Applicants for the Associate Degree must satisfy the following minimum requirements- Five GCE or CXC subjects including English A and Mathematics at the General Proficiency Level with Grads I, II, and III or GCE Grades A, B, C. Students without CXC/GCE Mathematics and English must complete the College Foundation Math: MTH1110 and MTH1120, and ENG1111 and ENG1122 (at additional cost) For the Certificate Programmes, the minimum of three GCE or CXC subjects, one of which must be English at General Proficiency level 1, 11, & 111 or GCE Grades A, B, C.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROGRAMME OFFERING FOR 2016/2017 Two-Year Associate Degree: Architectural Design & Building Technology (Both Campuses) Business Studies (Both Campuses) Computer Studies (Both Campuses) Education: •Early Childhood Education (Both Campuses) •Secondary Education: o English/Social Studies, Math/Computers, Math/Business, Computer/ Business, Music English/Math/Social St. (Both Campuses) o Math/Science (Grand Turk Campus Only) •Primary Teacher Education (Both Campuses) Engineering: •Computer & Electronic Engineering Technology (Both Campuses) •Electrical Engineering Technology (Both Campuses) Environmental Science (Grand Turk Campus Only) General Studies with concentration in any three of the following: (Grand Turk Only) •Sciences: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Information Technology •Humanities: Economics, Government and Politics, Law, Sociology Hospitality Studies (Both Campuses): •Tourism Management •Culinary Arts Marine Biology (Grand Turk Campus) Paralegal Studies (Both Campuses) Public Sector Management (Grand Turk Campus Only) Social Work (Both Campuses) “A” Levels: •Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Information Technology (Grand Turk Campus only) •Economics, Mathematics, Communications, Politics, and Sociology (Both Campuses) One-year Certificate: Business Studies (Both Campuses) Hospitality Studies Construction, Carpentry and Joinery In Collaboration with the University of the West Indies, School of Continuing Studies Two-Year Certificate (Both Campuses): Administrative Corporate Secretaryship Administrative Professional Secretaries Human Resource Management School Administration Two/Four Year Bachelor Degree: Bachelor of Science in Education (Primary) (Both Campuses) Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Both Campuses) with concentration in: •Accounting •Finance & Management •Human Resource Management •Marketing Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management (Provo Campus Only): •Tourism Management and Entertainment •Hospitality Management (with specialization in Restaurant Management) Short Technical/Vocational Programmes/Courses for skill development Duration: 6 Weeks Accounting Information System, Business Communication (Theory & Practice) Cake Decorating Conversational Spanish Customer Service, Dining Room Management English as a Second Language Introduction to Building Services, Introduction to Estimation and Costing Mixology PRC Courses (TCI Studies and English) Restaurant Operation Team Building Duration: 60 contact hours AutoCAD, Automotive Maintenance,
Students applying through the Mature Student Entry policy should be twenty one (21) years or older with relevant experience in specific areas of interest. Note that students may be required to complete a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) portfolio. For the Bachelors Degree, the minimum of an Associate Degree from the TCI Community College or another recognized institution. The deadline for applications is June 10th 2016. Any application received after this date would be deemed as LATE. Applications should be fully completed and then submitted to the Registrar, TCI Community College, P O Box 236, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands or to TCI Community College, Providenciales Campus for the attention of the Registrar. An application fee of $25.00 should accompany the application form. Late application fee is $50.00 For further information contact: Grand Turk Providenciales Telephone: (649) 946-1163 Telephone: (649) 941-3210 Fax: (649) 946-1661 Fax: (649) 941-8380 Email: tcicomc@tciway.tc Email: pvtci@tciway.tc
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROGRAMS AND FEE STRUCTURE COST OF PROGRAMMES/COURSES OFFERED BY THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE – 5th September 2016 A. SHORT COURSES Courses are for fifteen days for two hours per day (except for AutoCAD, Automotive Maintenance & Surveying) Credits earned could be transferred into the College programmes. Students may audit the courses and not participate in the examination. Students should indicate at the commencement of the course whether or not the course is being audited. No credit will be given for those courses which are audited. B.ONE SEMESTER COURSES Courses run from September – December, January – May; concentrated summer semester May – early July. C.FULL TIME PROGRAMMES Two years, two semesters per year for the majority of the programmes. Some programmes are for five semesters with compulsory summer courses during the first year. Additionally students may access summer courses from May – early July. TUITION FEES ARE AS FOLLOWS A.Short Courses Courses which require the use of laboratory facilities $450 per course Courses which do not require the use of laboratory facilities $350 per course B.One Semester courses CXC and Upgrade $200 per course Computer modules $350 per course Associate Degree/GCE “A” level $400 per course (Arts/Humanities), $500 per course (Sciences) C.Full Programmes (two Semesters) Sept – Dec; Jan- May; Student category Courses Annual Fees Semester Fees TCI Nationals Certificate $1,500 $750 Associate Degree $3,000 $1,500 Bachelors Degree $5,000 $2,500 Resident Non/ Certificate $2,000 $1,000 Nationals Associate Degree $3,500 $1,750 Bachelors Degree $6,000 $3,000 Overseas Students Certificate $3,500 $1,750 Associate Degree $6,000 $3,000 Bachelors Degree $8,500 $4,250 D.OTHER PROGRAMMES UWI Advanced Certificates $2,500 $1,250 OTHER FEES Application Fees $25.00 Late application $50.00 Registration Fees $25.00 Late registration $50.00 Transcripts $30.00 for initial transcript and 50% discount for others when applying for multiple transcripts. Facility fee $40 (ALL STUDENTS PAY THIS ANNUAL FEE) NB: ALL FEES ARE PAYABLE AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION. Fees are subject to change. Transportation Fee $50.00 per month (Grand Turk) Graduation Processing Fee (prospective graduates ONLY) $50.00
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
Little Mr & Miss E.C.P.S contestants unveiled Enid Capron Primary School is hosting their 10th annual Mr. And Miss Enid Capron Primary School on the 3rd of June, 2016. The Little Miss and Mr. Enid Capron Pageant is scheduled to be held Friday, June 3rd, 2016 at the Tropicana Show and Supper Club at 6:30pm. 10 contestants will be vying for the crowns of King and Queen at this year’s pageant. The theme for this year’s pageant is “It’s Carnival”. Tickets fees are $15 for adults and $10 for kids. The ECPS pageant started in 2007, and this year there are ten contestants consisting of six girls and four boys from grades 3 to 5 vying for the titles of Mr. and Miss E.C.P.S. Five girls and four boys are competing in this year’s pageant and
they are as follow, Calvin Greene, a section where they will be dressed Fania Philippe, Kevens Etienne, in a sport outfit, they will be showing Taisha Aime, Wardley Joseph, their talents as usual and they’ll be Kerlins Ace, Elizabeth Outten, showcasing evening wear. Normally Evangely Ferriera, John Cesar and we have a lot of very exciting prizes Jalissa Taylor. that all the contestants look forward Natalie Robinson who is on to and each and every one of them the fundraising committee for the will be given a prize even if they are Enid Capron Primary School to The not crowned King and Queen on that SUN, “Our major fundraiser for every night.” year is our little Mr and Miss E.C.P.S When asked about the pageant. This year it’s really special contestant strengths and weaknesses because it’s our 10th pageant and around the years Robinson stated, we’re trying to get all the old kings “We notice that the students that and Queens over the past nine years enter the pageant they all come out to come and join us and it’s going to more confident and this is something be bigger and better than normal. that their class teachers will report She added: “Our theme on following the pageant and when this year is “It’s Carnival” so our they move on to the next grade. It is contestants will be dressed in their a lot of work because right now we carnival wear for their opening dance, have 10 contestants and 20 coaches for their introductions, we also have who are teachers so each contestant
has two coaches who help them during break time and after school to get them ready for answering their questions, with their evening wear, get them ready for their introduction and we also have other teachers who are on the fundraising committee who help them with their opening dance.” The students are also in the process of visiting the different Primary Schools in Providenciales, visited the High Schools and they also visited Bugaloos Conch Crawl to meet the Tourists and will continue to go all over the place. Next week Thursday May 26th at 4:00pm will be the contestant float parade that will be leaving from Five Cays going to Downtown, up the Highway and will be ending at the Kids Park at the Fish Fry.
Calvin Greene - Coxco Ltd
Elizabeth Outten - Gilley’s Enterprises
Evangely Ferriera - Talbot’s Adventures
Fania Philippe - Island Furniture & Design
Jalissa Taylor - P & K Spendless
John Cesar - Got- U- Covered
Kenens Etienne - E & V Equipment
Kerlins Ace - Max’s Mini Mart
Taisha Aime - Grace Bay Car Rentals
Wardley Joseph - Grace Way IGA
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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Turks & Caicos - Q2 Credit Card_10x13.indd 1
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
Highlights of Haitian Flag culture celebration 2016 O
n Wednesday May 18th Local people of Haitian extraction celebrated Haitian Flag Day celebration in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event was held at Downtown Ball Park in Providenciales. A large crowd, including many from other nationalities, including Turks and Caicos Islanders took part in this year’s activities. There were many games for kids to play, performances by many
local performers including Melody Kompa, Ezzy JR, Haitian 4 life and many more, while Dj Success, Dj Maquu and Dj Nal from Haiti were on the ones and twos. Haitian Flag Day events take place not just in Haiti, Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas but in U.S. cities as well. The Haitian flag has long been a symbol of pride for Haiti. Haitian Flag Day is all about celebrating the culture and heritage of
the Haitian flag, which is emblaz with the country’s coat of arms the colors red and blue, ad from the French flag. Haiti ga its independence from colonial in 1804, making it the first cou in Latin America and the Carib to do so, and the second repub defeat a European colonial pow the Americas. These photographs cap the event
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MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
Women of Warfare 8th Annual Women’s Conference
New Beginnings Kingdom Ministry International held its 8th Annual Women’s Conference this past weekend in Grand Turk under the theme “Women, Arise, Go and Possess”. The event saw guest speakers such as Pastor Mary Callender, Sis Tarina Parker, Pastor Barbara Parker & Dr Lillian Boyce. It was well attended by women
from various churches from around the Turks & Caicos Islands. The organizers of New Beginning Kingdom Ministry International Women of Warfare would like to say a big thank you to all our guest speakers and attendees for making this event a huge success. These photographs captured the event
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
LOCAL NEWS
Highlights of Food For Thought Brunch fundraiser Food for Thought hosted its first public fundraiser on Sunday May 15th, 2016 at Mango Reef restaurant in Providenciales with the purpose of raising funds to provide breakfast for children in the Government schools in the Primary Schools in North, Middle, South Caicos and Salt Cay and is looking to feed about 270 children in the first phase
for 180 days. Scores of people in the community came out to support this great cause with the attendance of over 200 persons; there was entertainment, face painting for the kids, a few quizzes, colouring and the silent auction. Food for Thought is a great initiative that was launched on Tuesday April 5th
where they hosted a charity event at The Palms Karen and Jeanne Savory are the master minds behind this great initiative and partnering with Caicos Express Airways. With the support of the community organizers of the event were able to raise over $8,000 at their first fundraiser. These photographs captured the event.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
TCI Red Cross Raises over $10,000
Labelled the event of the season! Saturday, May 14th 2016 the Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross hosted its annual Red and White Party under the theme “Red, White and Gold” in The Palms Messel ballroom. Guests were welcomed with a refreshing Strawberry Mojito and then led into the beautifully appointed ballroom decorate in the colours of the evening; where they were treated to a delicious three course meal. Guests were kept entertained throughout the evening by the beautiful and effervescent Ms. Bianca Harvey-Joseph. Digicel began the night with a bang giving away ten vouchers containing variety of prizes from cell phones , spa days and yearlong subscriptions. Patron of the Red Cross, Mrs. Jill Beckingham was in attendance
accompanied by her husband His cocktail hour; guests were then being Excellency the Governor Peter regaled by the lovely Ms Chrystal Beckingham. Mrs Beckingham ‘TESS’ Charles. The special guest artist, Ms brought remarks commenting on the importance of the work of the TCI Red Karen Smith wowed all with her Cross and welcomed everyone to the original entrance, shocking the several event. Deputy Premier Hon Akierra people. Her number fever with the Missick spoke on the auxiliary role of dynamic, David Bowen held the crowd the Red Cross to the Turks and Caicos enthralled and her upbeat numbers Islands Government. The Director got the attendees on their feet and heartfelt speech, spoke to the passion dancing. Mr. Quinton Dean brought and work of the volunteers and down the house with his expert members of the organisation and the playing and his soulful rendition importance of donations and support of Prince’s hit, Purple Rain. The from the community, as she stated impromptu performance of Mr Craig that the Red Cross was the voice for Archibold was a welcomed surprise to those without a voice. the audience. There was a silent auction The highlight of the night was the performances that had everyone and raffles throughout the night, on their feet and having a grand with the prizes donated by generous time. The evening began with Sax O’ corporate citizens without whom the Pans Serenade who played during the event would not be such a success.
It is therefore fitting to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following sponsors, donors and Entertainers of the evening: .... The Palms, Beaches Turks & Caicos, Ms Bianca Harvey Joseph, Amanyara Resort, Grace Bay Club, Ganservoort, Wine Cellar, Spa Tropique, Anna Bourne, Kenard Cruising, Silver Deep, Blue Whale Tours, Big Blue Unlimited, Got-uCovered, Island Printing, Precious Memories Forever, Inter Caribbean, Digicel, Coco Bistro, Crackpot Kitchen, Graceway IGA, Provo Water, Projetech, TCBC, FSC, Bordier Bank, Regent Ltd, Ms. Chrystal TESS Charles, Mrs. Karen Smith, Mr. Quinton Dean, Mr. David Bowen, Mr. Craig Archibold, TCI Red Cross Volunteers, Individuals and Corporate Entities that Purchased Tickets.
NW Hamilton Group
H E Peter Beckingham and Mrs Jill Beckingham
TCI Red Cross Volunteers
Chef Nik, Mrs Beckingham and Arthur Forbes
Attendees of the evening
Attendees enjoying the music
Ms. Bianca Harvey- Joseph, MC of the evening
Heath and Tammy Francis
Sax O pans Serenade playing during the cocktail
David Bowen wooing Ms Karen Smith
Mr. and Mrs Thomas
CEO of Digicel, Lormeka Williams, Director TCI Red Cross
Hon Akierra Missick
Ms Karen Whitt and Mr Arthur Forbes
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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HEALTHY
LIFESTYLE
Supreme Court dodges major decision on Obamacare birth control
The ideologically deadlocked Supreme Court on Monday failed to resolve a major case involving the Obamacare law's mandatory birth control coverage, telling lower courts to reconsider the matter after tossing out their rulings favoring President Barack Obama. With four conservative justices and four liberals, the court did not rule on the merits of the legal challenge by nonprofit Christian employers who objected to the 2010 healthcare law's requirement that they provide female workers with medical insurance paying for contraceptives. The court's action avoided a possible 4-4 split that would have affirmed the lower-court rulings. The justices, shorthanded following February's death of conservative Justice Antonin Scalia, threw out seven rulings by federal appeals courts around the country that had backed the Obama administration. The justices handed at least a short-term victory to the religious employers, primarily Roman Catholic organizations. The decision suggested a possible compromise for the lower courts that would allow women to get contraception coverage without violating the religious rights of employers, by having the government arrange coverage directly with health insurers rather than requiring employers to sign off on it. "The court expresses no view on the merits of the cases. In particular, the court does not decide whether petitioners' religious exercise has been substantially burdened," the unsigned ruling stated.
In a separate order, the court sent six other pending cases on the same issue back to lower courts, including two in which the religious employers prevailed. Among the employers challenging the contraception mandate were the Roman Catholic archdioceses of Washington and Pittsburgh, the Little Sisters of the Poor order of nuns, and Christian colleges. "We are pleased that the court confirms that there is a path forward that recognizes our religious liberty, yet we also recognize that this struggle will continue," said Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington. The justices in previous decisions since 2012 had fended off other major conservative challenges to Obamacare, considered Obama's signature domestic policy achievement. Obama, following the court's action, reiterated his demand that the U.S. Senate confirm Merrick Garland, his nominee to replace Scalia. "I won't speculate as to why they punted, but my suspicion is if we had nine Supreme Court justices instead of eight there might have been a different outcome," Obama told the online media outlet Buzzfeed. "We are disappointed that the court did not resolve once and for all whether the religious beliefs of religiously affiliated nonprofit employers can block women's seamless access to birth control," Gretchen Borchelt of the National Women’s Law Center added. The dispute before the justices focused on whether nonprofit entities that oppose the contraception mandate on religious grounds can
Supporters of contraception rally before Zubik v. Burwell, an appeal brought by Christian groups demanding full exemption from the requirement to provide insurance covering contraception under the Affordable Care Act, is heard by the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, U.S object under a 1993 U.S. law called the Religious Freedom Restoration Act to a compromise measure offered by the Obama administration. The Christian employers challenged the 2013 compromise that let organizations opposed to providing insurance covering contraception to comply with the law without actually paying for the coverage. Under the compromise, employers can certify they are opting out of the requirement by signing a form and submitting it to the government. The government then asks insurers to pay the cost of contraceptives. The court's decision, with no justices issuing a dissent, declined to decide whether the accommodation violated the employers' religious rights by forcing them to authorize the contraception coverage even if they are not paying for it. Sonia Sotomayor, joined by fellow liberal justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, wrote a concurring opinion stressing the narrow nature of the deci sion. Lower courts should not view the
ruling "as signals of where this court stands," Sotomayor wrote. The court told the lower courts to consider modified positions that the government and the employers have taken following a request by the justices after oral arguments in March for the two sides to outline possible compromises. The administration had conceded there may be an alternative way of providing birth control coverage without requiring employers to sign off on it. For their part, the employers said their religious rights would not be infringed upon if the government required coverage to be supplied by their private insurer as long as they do not have to take any action seen as endorsing it. The Christian employers call birth control immoral and assert that the federal government should not force religious believers to pick between following their faith and following the law.
Magic mushroom ingredient may ease severe depression, study suggests May 17 Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, may one day be an effective treatment for patients with severe depression who fail to recover using other therapies, scientists said on Tuesday. A small-scale pilot study of psilocybin's use in cases of treatmentresistant depression showed it was safe and effective, the British researchers said. Of 12 patients given the drug, all showed some decrease in symptoms of depression for at least three weeks. Seven continued to show a positive response at three months. Five remained in remission beyond the three months. Robin Carhart-Harris, who led the study at Imperial College London's department of medicine, said the results, published in the Lancet Psychiatry journal, were striking. Many patients described a profound experience, he said, and appeared to undergo a shift in the way they perceived the world. "But we shouldn't get carried away with these results," he told reporters at a briefing in London. "This isn't a magic bullet. We're just
learning how to do this treatment." Magic mushrooms grow worldwide and have been used since ancient times, both for recreation and for religious rites. British researchers led by David Nutt, a professor of neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial, have been exploring the potential of psilocybin to ease severe forms of depression in people who don't respond to other treatments. The World Health Organization estimates that some 350 million people worldwide are affected by depression, a common mental disorder characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, tiredness, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep and appetite, and poor concentration. Many patients respond to treatment with anti depressants and cognitive behavioral therapy, but around 20 percent don't get better and are classed as having treatmentresistant depression. Psilocybin acts on the serotonin system, suggesting it could be developed for treating depression. But hallucinogenic drugs can also cause unpleasant reactions, including
Mushrooms grow at the Highline Mushrooms farm, Canada's largest mushroom grower, in Leamington, Ontario, Canada anxiety and paranoia, so Nutt's team after the second dose. wanted to find out if psilocybin can be Carhart-Harris said no given safely. serious side effects were reported The trial involved six men during the study, although all and volunteers said they were slightly six women, aged between 30 and 64, all anxious before and during initial drug diagnosed with treatment-resistant administration. depression. They all went through a "Psychedelic drugs have potent full screening process before being psychological effects and are allowed to participate and they were only given in our research when fully supported before, during and appropriate safeguards are in place," after they received psilocybin. he said. "I wouldn't want members The patients were given of the public thinking they can treat psilocybin capsules during two dosing their own depressions by picking their sessions, seven days apart. own magic mushrooms. That Blood pressure, heart rate and the kind of approach could be risky." self-reported intensity of the effects Nutt said the results showed of psilocybin were monitored during that psilocybin "is safe and fast acting, each session, and the patients were so may - if administered carefully seen by a psychiatrist the next day have value for these patients." and one, two, three and five weeks
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
We hire smiles!!!
Half
Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond All-inclusive property in the Caribbean is inviting applications from Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions. We hire the personality and train the individual. Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends. The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that applicants will be contacted for an interview via Text Message.
✓
✓
Assistant Information Technology Manager
Financial Controller
Reports to: Senior IT Manager and Director of Information Technology The Assistant Information Technology Manager will be responsible to promote user awareness for the safe and secure management of all equipment and applications and be responsible for all I.T.-related problems, encompassing hardware, software, telecommunications and other infrastructure as assigned by the Department.
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director The Financial Controller is primarily responsible to ensure viability and ultimately profitability. This is only achieved through managing of controls by implementing accountability over the company’s resources in a consistent, systematic and effective manner.
Applicants should satisfy the following criteria: • Must demonstrate a high level of Integrity and professionalism. • Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. • Must be able to prepare monthly reports to relevant team members, (i.e. General Manager, IT Regional Manager and Group IT Director). • Must be able to troubleshoot and resolve technical IT related problems. • Must be able to monitor and support hardware maintenance by performing repairs on site or engaging authorized external technicians. • Must be able to maintain and secure timely backups of data systems, ensure backup integrity by performing timely restore testing operations. • Must be able to maintain and perform Software upgrades and testing and advise in a timely manner of their success or failure. • Provide 24 hour on call support whenever this is required by the property. • Must be able to work on shifts including nights, weekends and public holidays whenever this is required by the property. • Must be able to work extended hours on short notice during critical or emergency situations. • Must be willing to relocate, if required to do so.
Standard Specifications:
Qualifications and Experience: • Undergraduate degree in an Information Technology related discipline or an Associate degree with IT certification (e.g. A+, MCSA, and MCSE). • A minimum of 2 years working in an IT business environment; would be an asset. Knowledge and Skills: The incumbent must be proficient and knowledgeable in the following areas: • Microsoft windows configuration, installation, maintenance, and support. • Computer PC hardware, software systems and programs • PC networks, installation and administration • Troubleshooting PC Network and Network computer Hardware • Computer viruses and security • E-mail, MS Office Suite and Web based programs. Additionally the following would be an asset in this position: • Experience with Database Administration, MS SQL 2008 and Virtual Environments. • Supporting and troubleshooting of VOIP telephony, TCP/IP and WIFI Networks This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder however the position will become vacant. Recruitment to fill this position is underway at this time. The salary for this position ranges between $ 25,000.00 and $35,000.00
✓ Assistant Training Manager Reports to: • • • • • •
Training Manager
• • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
B. Specific Knowledge & Skills Required: Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook); Knowledge of company policies and procedures; General understanding of accounting practices and principles; Knowledge of financial and banking regulations; Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy in preparing and entering financial information; Knowledge of finance, budgeting, and cost control principles; In-depth knowledge of all accounting functions; Auditing skills Team leading abilities; Payroll management; Experience with automated accounting systems; Ability to maintain confidentiality concerning financial files; Bookkeeping skills that show high levels of attention to detail; Professional disposition; Analytical and problem solving skills; Effective written and verbal communication skills; Time and stress management skills; Have an ability to demonstrate sound work ethics.
This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder however the position will become vacant. Recruitment to fill this position is underway at this time. The salary for this position is dependent upon experience and qualifications and is negotiable.
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Assistant Gift Shop Manager
Reports to: Gift Shop Manager Responsible for the operation of the shop, which includes but is not limited to: customer service, inventory management, staff management, stock levels, merchandising, displays and records. The resort shop manager is to ensure that all the policies and procedures set by Sandals Resorts International and the individual resort are implemented and enforced.
Applicants must satisfy the following criteria. A Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management or Training and Development or any other related discipline Computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Publisher) Preferred - minimum two years’ work experience in a leadership position (Human Resources / Training, Food & Beverage or Rooms Division) Experience in Adult learning theories and instructional methodologies An eye for detail, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Ability to work flexible hours (including weekends)
Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: • Minimum of an associate in a Business related discipline • Certification in the related field 2 • Three (3) years’ experience in the retail industry • Computer Literate Ensure that there is an adequate supply of merchandise available Shop is always sufficiently stocked, especially on necessities such as medicine. No stock outage. 3 • Responsible for re–ordering existing merchandise. Ensures that invoices are submitted to the accounting department within the time frame set by the resort • Maintain a good relationship with suppliers.
This position is vacant and the individual will join other Assistant Managers already in place. Recruitment to fill this position is underway at this time. The salary for this position ranges between $ 25,000.00 and $35,000.00
Qualifications and Experience: A. A minimum first degree in Finance or Economics Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in hospitality management in five star hotels containing 200 or more rooms CPA or CA with three years post qualification experience Previous experience as a Senior Audit Manager / Finance Manager/ Finance Controller is an advantage. Must be knowledgeable of computer skills, i.e. Windows XP, Stock Control System, MS Outlook and WinZip. Experience in managing diverse teams.
This position is new and the individual will join another Assistant Manager already in place. Recruitment to fill this position is underway at this time. The salary for this position ranges between $ 22,000.00 and $32,000.00
Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or placed in the secure drop box at the service gate or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn The Labour Commissioner Labour Department Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
and
The Human Resources Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186 Lower Bight Road
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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British Caribbean Bank Limited INTERNAL AUDITOR We are looking for an objective internal auditor to add value and improve our operations by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. The successful candidate will possess a thorough knowledge of accounting procedures and a sound judgement. Duties •Perform and control the full audit cycle including risk management and control management over operations’ effectiveness, financial reliability and compliance with all applicable directives and regulations •Determine internal audit scope and develop annual plans •Obtain, analyse and evaluate accounting documentation, reports, data, flowcharts etc •Prepare and present reports that reflect audit’s results and document process •Act as an objective source of independent advice to ensure validity, legality and goal achievement •Identify loopholes and recommend risk aversion measures and cost savings •Maintain open communication with management and audit committee •Document process and prepare audit findings memorandum •Conduct follow up audits to monitor management’s interventions •Engage to continuous knowledge development regarding sector’s rules, regulations, best practices, tools, techniques and performance standards Requirements •Proven working experience as Internal Auditor for a period of 3 plus years •Advanced computer skills on MS Office, accounting software and databases •Ability to manipulate large amounts of data and to compile detailed reports •Proven knowledge of auditing standards and procedures, laws, rules and regulations •High attention to detail and excellent analytical skills •Sound independent judgement •BSc degree in Accounting or Finance The salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience and ranges from $31-36,000.00 per annum. This position is not for a work permit renewal.
SENIOR COMPLIANCE ANALYST As a professional, the Senior Compliance Analyst will form part of the management team at British Caribbean Bank (BCB). The overall responsibility will be directed towards achieving the goals and objectives of the Bank and ensure full compliance with all relevant local and international laws, regulations and best practices pertaining to banking, tackling changes in relevant laws, and educating the bank’s staff on such requirements to enhance and maintain compliance. Duties •To regularly review internal policies in line with changing international and local laws and regulations •To review policies to enhance compliance and improve efficiency •To ensure cases of noncompliance are detected early and corrective measures are taken before becoming a violation •To perform advanced level investigations or inspections of assigned cases and/or client audits •To analyse or sample various processes or banking records •To develop, implement and maintain Risk Management Strategies that offer solutions beyond detecting potential problems and avoiding litigation.
Requirements •University degree in Finance or Business Administration and a minimum of 5 years relevant experience •Knowledge of financial and banking, policies, operations and applicable procedures •Strong analytical and research skills, combined with technical ability to capture data and make decision with good judgement and a sense of urgency for high priority issues •Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines effectively and efficiently •Excellent communication and writing skills
SENIOR CREDIT ANALYST The Senior Credit Analyst is a quantitative expert who can extract meaningful business insights from multiple data sources, analyse key credit metrics, and leverage predictive models to create decision strategies that will optimise business performance. The successful candidate will also identify credit risk and recommend possible processes, improvements and opportunities for automation and support their implementation. In addition, the individual will oversee the day-to-day credit underwriting function and partner with other departments to design tactical strategic tools. Finally, we are seeking results driven and proactive individual with experience gained in a commercial environment, who will be working with corporate head office as well as the multiple global sectors to provide commercial support and reporting. Duties •To take ownership of projects/key risk decision areas, utilising your expert command of statistical analysis •To liaise with internal and external customers in collection efforts to ensure timely payments, address queries as required with appropriate departments and personnel •To process letters of credit and bank collections for assigned customers and cover for rest of Emerging Markets. •To be responsible for obtaining, analyzing and providing relevant information, advice and opinion to Credit Manager on new Emerging Markets. •To complete all necessary manual credit analyses of customers’ financial accounts and oversee the credit underwriting function. •To provide mentoring support to other members of the team in credit analysis and other areas of expertise and experience. •To identify risks associated with potential business transactions and where appropriate give recommendations on risk mitigation in different business areas •To investigate and analyse information from a variety of data source •To pro-actively review and improve processes to increase the level of service provided to customers Requirements •A university degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related
field •Minimum 5 years of credit analysis experience and credit risk underwriting •Minimum 5 years in a banking or financial services environment •Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Access, Excel, Word and PowerPoint are essential •Strong communication skills and ability to defend decisions made
Salary range for these positions are between $39,000 to $45,000 per annum, the starting point will depend on qualifications and experience. These positions are not for work permit renewals. Closing date for all applications to be submitted is Friday 10th June, 2016 Interested persons may contact our Corporate HR department Mon. – Fri. from 9am-3pm via telephone number 946-8054 or you may submit your resume with qualifications and experience to:cgibbons@wihl.com Please also submit a copy to the TCI Labor Department
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
KARIB AUTO RENTAL IS SEEKING AN INDIVIDUAL TO FILL THE POSITION OF RENTAL AGENT Post: Rental Agent Requirements: •Ability to operate All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and golf carts •Excellent interpersonal skill •Be able to perform book keeping •Trustworthy •Liaise with proprietor and other stakeholders Duties and responsibilities The rental agent will be responsible for interacting with and attracting clients. He/she will be responsible for safeguarding the company’s vehicles and ensure that they are routinely checked and well maintained. Maintain records of income and expenses. Be willing and able to wash vehicles when necessary. Salary: $200 weekly Contact: Call 331-7373 or send an email to karibarental@gmail.com
For All you advertising needs contact TCISUN at 339-5879 Or email – sun@suntci. com CLUB 2005 Is seeking vibrant persons with good customer service skills to fill the positions of
BARMAIDS BARTENTERS WAITRESS NANNY Salary $6.50 per hour Hours 5 1/2 days per week Location Five Cays Road Serious person only apply to Mr. Willard Williams 649-241-5635
NANY’S HAIR STYLIST Looking for 1 Hairdresser To work 6 days per week Must be able to do latest, cuts, weaves, braids & colors Contact 241-1742 between 10am – 6pm
ZELDA ELSA WILSON
BUTTERFIELD GOLD GROUP OF COMPANIES POSITIONS AVAILABLE Two (2) Labourers Applicant must be physical and able-bodied individual capable of lifting heavy loads and to assist with various duties within Butterfield Gold construction department. Wages: starting from $7.00 per hour
WANTED Domestic Worker
Application forms available from Butterfield Gold Human Resource Department. Only applicants selected for interview will be notified. Submit applications to by June 1, 2016 to: Butterfield Gold Ltd.,
Must have own transportation Must be available on an as needed basis, Sundays included Average of 1.5 days per week Salary $6.25/hr
Human Resource Department Town Center Mall Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211
Contact 231-1654 or 716-304-7041
For All you advertising needs contact TCISUN at 339-5879 Or email – sun@suntci. com NORTH CAICOS CONTRACTING LTD
EREBUS
Needed Labourer Salary $6.25 per hour Contact 243-4620
SEEKS
Email CV & ref to ncc@tciway.tc of contact during office hours 946-7437
Requirements: Five (5) years experience in housekeeping and in taking care of younger kids. Must be able to work flexible hours if required, keep the home tidy and well stocked. Interested Persons can call 1 649 347 2002 to schedule an interview.
TRIPPLE S CONTRUCTION
AUTOTECH
Must be able To work 6 days per week Salary $6.50 per Contact 347-1482
Is seeking a AUTO MECHANIC 5 years experience Salary is negotiable Interested person can contact us @ 332-2409
Courtyard Chiropractic & Wellness
Domingo Hernandez
�is looking for a Therapeutic Massage Therapist
graduate of an accredited Massage Therapy school
HOUSEKEEPER / SITTER WANTED IN GRAND TURK
Carpenter - Must be willing to work 6 days a week in North Caicos - Must have 3 years experience & references - Must demonstrate ability to work unsupervised with excellent communication skills - Salary $8.00 per hour MAINTENANCE - Must be willing to work in North Caicos including weekend - Must have 2 years experience & references - Must demonstrate ability to work unsupervised with excellent communication skills - Salary $7.00 per hour
SALES PERSON WANTED
J.B.S SALON
min 5-7 years experience Swedish and Deep Tissue techniques Lymphatic drainage Pregnancy massage professional & organized with strong work ethic Fluent english and able to work Saturdays Salary 1,600-2K/mt ( based on experience) Deadline for�applying�is June 10/16 Submit Resume to Courtyardchiro@me.com at La Vista Azul, unit 9 Turtle Cove
ELITE SECURITY A vacancy exist for Security Officers Suitable candidates with at least 4-5 years experience may apply. Salary based on experience in the security industry. Kindly contact 231-0047 or 331-7340
CLUB 2005 Is seeking vibrant persons with good customer service skills to fill the positions of
seeks a Sales Clerk Salary $6.25 per hour Applicant must be honest Reliable and hard working Contact: 343-7500
TABOO BAR & GRILL SEEKS 1 Barmaid Salary $150 $200 weekly Contact 242-7222
WANTED
BARMAIDS BARTENTERS WAITRESS NANNY
SEEKS 1 Domestic Worker Salary $150.00 per week Contact 244-5558
SEEKS 1 DOMESTIC WORKER Salary $6.25 per hour Interested person should contact 231-0209
SEEKS 1 Cosmetologist Salary $6.25 per hour 6 days per week Contact 341-9177
Salary $6.50 per hour Hours 5 ½ day a week Location five cays Road Serious person only apply to Mr. Willard Williams 649-241-5635
1 DOMESTIC WORKER Salary $6.25 per hour 6 days per week Contact 231-2894
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
CARIBBEAN WORLD
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
NEWS NEWS
Tourism booming in the Dominican Republic of new properties Ð such as those by Barcel—, Intercontinental and Hard Rock Ð as well as in remodeling and expansion projects, such as those occurring at Santo Domingo’s historic Hotel El Embajador. By 2019, it is expected that 18,000 new hotel rooms will open in the country, thanks to more than 55 new hotel projects and investments worth $2 billion coming into the tourism pipeline. Air Arrivals
Dreams resort and spa in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Tourism industry executives country is on track to meet the targeted at this year’s Dominican Annual 7 percent growth needed to achieve Tourism Exchange (DATE) conference this. Both speakers also noted that announced several developments to the United States remains the largest the future of the country and expressed source market for Dominican tourism great enthusiasm for the projects to with two million visitors in 2015, and come. RadhamŽs Mart’nez-Aponte, Canada following with 780,000. technical vice minister of tourism, opened the event with a number of Hotel Announcements updates pertaining to Dominican Republic’s overall tourism health Dominican Republic’s hotel and news in each major sector within occupancy rate was also greater than the country.Dominican Republic that of overall Caribbean numbers, announced a growth of 5.8 percent in with 75.5 percent of hotel rooms overall tourism to Dominican Republic, occupied in 2015 and an expected a number alone growing faster than average of 80 percent in 2016. Punta the Caribbean’s overall rate of 3.7 Cana leads accommodations in percent. Sim—n Suarez, president Dominican Republic, currently offering of the National Hotel & Tourism 37,000 rooms in the area. Its lead is Association (ASONAHORES), added followed by Puerto Plata and Santo that growth rates in the country are Domingo, boasting 18 percent and 10 double the world average, tracking at a percent of rooms available in-country, median growth of 5.1 percent over the respectively. Dominican Republic is last five years. The country is projected pleased to see an increase in interest of to reach six million total visitors in hotel chains coming to the country and 2016 Ð based on numbers thus far, the reports a boom in both the development
Officials announced that plans are underway to offer preclearance facilities at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) for U.S. travelers returning from Dominican Republic to allow a bypass of US customs after their return to the States, slated to begin in May 2017. PUJ continues to be the main point of entry into Dominican Republic Ð welcoming 66 percent of travelers Ð followed by Santo Domingo’s Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) and Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luper—n International Airport (POP). Together, the three airports represent 92 percent of foreign air travel into DR. Dominican Republic currently has an open-sky policy, allowing for a large influx of flights Ð nine nationalities do not require a tourist visa, while 145 others (including the US and Canada) need only to purchase a tourist card upon landing. It is the country’s dream to eliminate the need for visas entirely and allow all to freely enjoy the variety of attractions offered in the country. Cruise ArrivalsWith Amber Cove in Puerto Plata opening in 2015, cruise arrivals increased by 64 percent, coming in at 550,000 visitors. Since Amber Cove’s inauguration, an
average of 5,000 cruise visitors arrive weekly to the area, shifting by season. The country plans to expand its cruise market beginning in December 2016 in Cap Cana, signing contracts with 11 providers and continuing discussion with six others. Diversification of OfferingsNumbers show that tourists are continuing to look for vacations beyond the beach and are showing greater interest in multi-destination travel Ð 80 percent of all visits to Dominican Republic’s protected areas are by foreigners, demonstrating that visitors are increasingly looking to explore beyond their hotel. MITUR is committed to expanding the country’s multi-destination offerings and diversifying its segmentation. With more than 8,000 kilometers of roads created or expanded within the past three years, all major touristic areas are now connected and most are accessible within a two-hour drive. With opportunities for a wide range of tourism on the same island, Dominican Republic continues to hold a large advantage over other destinations and is positioned to expand the diversity of its offerings, with MICE, ecotourism and luxury travel among the largest niches of focus for the coming year. While sun and beach remain the country’s most sought attractions, Dominican Republic continues to work to expand its competitive offerings in the tourism marketplace. Between adventurous Puerto Plata, lush Saman‡, sunny Punta Cana, luxe La Romana, historic Santo Domingo and more, the country prides itself on offering something for every type of traveler and budget.
Bahamas condemns Panama Papers leak
“We do not intend to that these leaks will take place The Bahamas says it remains committed to suggest or imply that any persons, intermittently over an extended cooperating internationally on companies or other entities period of time. dealing with fraudulent financial included in the ICIJ Offshore “Any leak of confidential is unfortunate transactions and questioned why Leaks Database have broken the information the International Consortium of law or otherwise acted improperly.” and potentially damaging. The Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) The authorities here said given the uncertainty and sustained recently published the names disclaimer “the question comes to program of leaks is that much of structures formed in The mind as to why publish a list at all? more serious. “That said, it is imperative Bahamas and other international “What is the motive? Without more companies and the financial centers under the so the leak appears to be a gratuitous that called “Panama Papers”. attempt to convey a negative jurisdictions in which they operate, The Ministry of Financial impression of The Bahamas as an ensure that regulatory standards Services in a statement, said it International Financial Center,” are adhered to, monitored and that had noted that the publication the Ministry said in the statement. they are enforced,” the Ministry of came with a disclaimer which It said that “based on Financial Services said, adding stated “There are legitimate uses what has transpired thus far since “the Bahamas remains committed for offshore companies and trusts. the initial event it would appear to international cooperation for
its international compliance obligations and we continue to monitor the developments of this information leak”. The “Panama Papers” exposes the offshore holdings of 12 current and former world leaders and the leak also provides details of the hidden financial dealings of 128 more politicians and public officials around the world. The cache of 11.5 million records shows how a global industry of law firms and big banks sells financial secrecy to politicians, fraudsters and drug traffickers as well as billionaires, celebrities and sports stars.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
CARIBBEAN NEWS
Opposition motion of no confidence in government defeated A former member of the main opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) early Friday sided with the government to defeat a motion of no confidence in the administration of Prime Minister Freundel Stuart. Opposition Leader Mia Miottley had earlier this week brought the motion claiming that the Stuart government was incompetent and ruling by stealth among other allegations. But when the vote was taken after 2.00 am (local time), the government, which enjoyed a two seat majority in the Parliament, also received the backing of the Member of Parliament for Christ Church West, Dr Maria Agard, who had during the debate being critical of both government and opposition legislators. Agard, who was expelled from the BLP last year, told Parliament that unlike their predecessors, the current crop of political leaders had lost the art of making citizens feel proud to be Barbadian and part of nation building. “In our desire for supremacy, we have a tear-down society and the modus operandi is to destroy our opponents
Flag of Barbados with character assassination and parody and by extension to ascribe only the most evil and diabolical intentions to anyone not sharing our agenda.” She questioned the rationale for the motion, arguing that the grounds were no different from the accusations made against the then BLP government by the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) when it was in opposition. “The only thing that we are really arguing about here is . . . a betrayal of the public trust and the gang-rape of the public purse. I am left to wonder, what is the purpose of
Man held for raping, infecting stepchildren Police have called on parents of young children to be cautious who they allow into their lives, following the arrest of a HIV positive man who sexually abused his stepdaughters over the years. The man was arrested earlier this week, after a report was filed at the Juvenile Delinquents department against the stepfather. “This is a very sad case that we have been confronted with,” the police said in a statement. Reports are that the unnamed man had been having a relationship with the girls’ mother and lived at her home with the family keeping his health condition a secret. The man was taken into
custody after the girls were tested and proved to be positive for the HIV virus. “The sexual abuse of a child is punishable by law; intentionally infecting someone else as well,” the police said in the statement. The criminal code calls for up to 15 years in prison for both offenses. Police urged parents and caretakers to “always monitor their children” and to take action and investigate immediately when they notice different behaviour. “Let us all protect our children, as they are our future. Do not destroy the lives of children that are under your care,” the police said in the statement.
Finance Minister calls for medical marijuana industry Finance and Planning Minister, Audley Shaw, says Jamaica must move with urgency to develop a medical marijuana industry. He told legislators last week that exploiting the benefits of marijuana is “not about smoking a spliff” or “walking around with two ounces of the weed.” “This is about building an industry of value-added products,” he said as he delivered his first budget presentation of the new Andrew Holness government. Shaw, who cited other countries that have benefited from using the plant, said that Jamaica is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the medical marijuana industry which can create wealth for the country. Shaw noted that in the United States alone, the legal marijuana
market is predicted to rise from US$6.7 billion this year to US$21.8 billion by 2020. He said that Canada has built a major industry which may become fully legalised next year adding that the Dutch Ministry of Health is exporting medical marijuana to Canada, Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic. In addition, Israel has over 12,000 medical marijuana patients and is leading the world in research on medical marijuana. Shaw said developing a medical marijuana industry for the country will involve pursuing research at the universities to create medicines which can help people dealing with major illnesses, such as diabetes, epilepsy and others. “One simple breakthrough in any of these areas will contribute
this exercise if the real charge is that the extent of your sin is bigger than the extent of mine? That ‘yes, what we did was wrong but what you are doing is more wrong’. Who can really come to these chambers with clean hands and righteous indignation? None,” Agard said. Tourism Minister Richard Sealy had also dismissed the motion saying that Barbados tourism is regaining top international ranking. “Expedia, the leading online tour operator, voted Barbados the best Caribbean destination for 2016. Caribbean Journal, one of the more
prestigious online publications, also voted Barbados the best destination. Trip advisor had us at third,” he said. “The [UK] Telegraph, doing their annual survey, they also had Barbados rated. And Routes America had Barbados finalized as one of the better destinations in the Western Hemisphere,” he said, crediting the current ranking to a “shift on the whole axis of how tourism operates” in Barbados. “We shifted the whole basis by concessions we offered to the sector. We treated the sector as an export industry, where in essence we saw that all of the imposts from the imports were removed,” he said. Among the legislators who were not present when the vote was taken on Friday, was former prime minister Owen Arthur, who is mourning the death of his father Frank Arthur, who passed away on Tuesday at age 89. Meanwhile, the BLP has announced plans to stage a “white” march for justice next Thursday. Mottley said full details will be announced later on Friday.
Jamaica looking to lure visitors from China, Eastern Europe Jamaica says it is going all out to lure visitors from non-traditional markets such as China and Eastern Europe. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said that while the sector has been performing creditably, he is confident that there are more frontiers to be conquered. “We have done a good job over the years, but there is a lot more to be done. If we are to attain double digit growth we have to aggressively target newer markets,” he said, citing also the South American market as a “frontier to be conquered.” Bartlett said that with business relationships with China currently at an all-time high, it was now time to make a play for that market in a more meaningful way. “We are currently in discussions with China with the aim of having a meaningful presence. This will help us tap into that market in a far more aggressive way than we have ever done before,” he said. Bartlett pointed out that his ministry will be seeking to increase the country’s market share of visitors out of North America, to move the current figure from 1.7 million to in excess of two million. “We must take the tourist industry to a whole new level. It requires a strong strategy with
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett bold but achievable goals to grow a vibrant sector, which contributes to sustainable economic growth,” he said, adding that to accomplish that growth, it is imperative that all aspects of the tourism product are right and that the country can deliver on the promises made in the marketplace. “The government will be doing its part to ensure that the infrastructure, policies and legislation required to facilitate growth in the tourism sector are in place. “In addition, we are committed to developing a competitive and productive workforce that can benefit from opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry. In this regard, the Ministry will pursue the development of a Craft Institute and a Hospitality College,” Bartlett said.
billions of dollars to our economy. from land which is sitting idle. This This is about turning wasted land is about our tourism industry where into growing hemp products which Jamaica will be positioned as the contain no psychoactive properties medical tourism capital, bringing and can be used for food, textiles, health and wellness to the world,” he building materials and many others,” said. he said, adding that the aim is to build The opposition spokesman on an industry in Jamaica where value- finance will response to the budget added products will be processed and presentation on Tuesday, followed two days later by the Opposition manufactured locally. “This is about an opportunity leader Portia Simpson Miller. for small farmers who will now earn
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Mob burns Venezuelan man alive over $5 as justice fails
Argelia Gamboa, Roberto Bernal’s widow, sits on a sofa with a family pet, in a hillside slum in Caracas, Venezuela. A mob beat her husband unconscious and then burned him alive. Gamboa says her husband was so badly burned by the mob that she walked right past him when she rushed to the hospital. He died the next day The mob didn’t know at first what Roberto Bernal had done, but he was running and that was enough. Dozens of men loitering on the sidewalk next to a supermarket kicked and punched the 42-year-old until he was bloodied and semi-conscious. After all, they had been robbed of cell phones, wallets and motorcycles over the years, and thought Bernal had a criminal’s face. Then a stooped, whitehaired man trailing behind told them he’d been mugged. The mob went through Bernal’s pockets and handed a wad of bills to the old man: The equivalent of $5. They doused Bernal’s head and chest in gasoline and flicked a lighter. And they stood back as he burned alive. “We wanted to teach this man a lesson,” said Eduardo Mijares, 29. “We’re tired of being robbed every time we go into the street, and the police do nothing.” Vigilante violence against people accused of stealing has become commonplace in this crime-ridden country of 30 million, once one of the richest and safest in Latin America. Reports of group beatings now surface weekly in local media. The public prosecutor opened 74 investigations into vigilante killings in the first four months of this year, compared to two all of last year. And a majority of the country supports mob retribution as a form of self-protection, according to polling from the independent Venezuelan Violence Observatory. The revenge attacks underscore how far Venezuela has fallen, with the lights flickering out daily, and food shortages fueling supermarket lines that snake around for blocks. As the plunging price of oil has laid bare years of mismanagement, the economy has come apart, and with it, the social fabric. Venezuela now has one of the highest murder rates in the world, and it’s hard to find a
person who hasn’t been mugged. In the general haze of violence, Bernal’s killing didn’t stand out enough to make the front pages or provoke comment from local politicians. “Life here has become a misery. You walk around always stressed, always scared, and lynching offers a collective catharsis,” Violence Observatory director Roberto Briceno-Leon said. “You can’t do anything about the lines or inflation, but for one moment, at least, the mob feels like it’s making a difference.” Bernal lived his whole life in a maze of narrow staircases and cheerfully-painted cinderblock shacks built into the hills above Caracas. This kind of slum is home for about half of Venezuelans, who are bearing the brunt of the country’s collapsing economy. The shantytowns draped over Caracas have not seen running water for months, and residents have begun raiding passing trucks for food. Bernal had been out of work, and recently confided in his siblings that he and his wife were struggling to feed their three children. He wanted to find a way to move to Panama. A quiet man with a muscular build from his time in the army, Bernal spent the days before his death presiding over his sister’s kitchen, preparing Easter stews and candied passion fruit. He chuckled softly when he won at dominos. His six siblings thought of him as the one who made it, attending a cooking school and becoming a professional chef. He liked to turn on the TV as soon as he got home from work, and would leave the room at the first sign of an argument. Many people who grow up deep in the slums assimilate some parts of street culture, sporting tattoos or cocked baseball caps, but not Roberto. “He was so on the straight and narrow, he didn’t even have a nickname,” his aunt Teresa Bernal said. A regular church-goer
who often sent around religious text messages, Bernal set his relatives’ phones dinging the night before the burning with a series of prayers for God to fill their day with blessings. That morning, he left the family’s windowless shack before dawn and walked into an acrid smog that had descended over the city from grass fires in the mountains above. He took a twisting bus ride out of the slum, dropped his daughter at school, then boarded the metro. By the time he emerged next to a bustling thoroughfare near the center of town, fat blue and gold macaws were crisscrossing overhead. He walked past security guards sitting outside sparsely-stocked shops and apartment buildings protected by the electric fencing that denotes a middle-class Caracas neighborhood. Bernal had told his wife he was on his way to a new job at a restaurant. But he stopped near a bank beneath a billboard advertising door-to-door delivery of scarce goods from Miami, a three-hour flight away. A man in his 70s walked out, tucking a stack of bills worth $5 into a hat that he then hid in his jacket. It would have been a lot of money for Bernal. It could have bought his family a week’s worth of food. Or a plastic dining table. Or a proper school uniform for his daughter, whom the other kids were calling “stinky.” Bernal grabbed the cash and started running toward a taxi line where dozens of motorcycles were parked, the robbery victim later told investigators. The man pursued him, crying “thief!” People watching from a distance assumed they were racing to get in line to buy groceries. In the meantime, the motorcycle drivers were sitting on a low wall in front of the supermarket, fiddling with cracked cellphones and drinking coffee from small plastic cups. They watched the pair come toward them. When the beating began, workers at the curbside candy stalls and hotdog stands left their booths, not wanting to see what was coming. Other people stayed to watch and cheer. Someone had the idea to siphon gasoline from a motorcycle tank into a soda bottle. As the smell of burning flesh filled the air, the crowd’s shouting turned to silence. Some onlookers took cellphone video of Bernal trying to stand as tall flames consume his head. He would likely have died there, begging for water to quench the fire in the middle of some two dozen onlookers, if not for Alejandro Delgado. The youth pastor arrived for his part-time job as a motorcycle taxi driver just as the frenzy was reaching its peak. Horrified, Delgado whipped off his dusty black jacket and smothered the flames.
Five teenagers charged with murdering former university professor Five teenagers, including two women, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts court here Tuesday charged with murdering former university professor Perry Mars, whose body was found tied up at his home in Prashad Nagar last Thursday night. The teenagers were brought to the court under heavy police security as more than 100 people flocked into the yard to get a glimpse of them. The media were locked out of the building and the court room was emptied with the exception of the attorneys and the prosecution involved in the case. The five, whose names were not disclosed, were not required to enter a plea to the charge when it was read out by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. The 15-year-old girl was charged as a juvenile while the others were charged as adults. Police said the body of Mars, 75, the Guyana-born American professor was found by his wife bound and gagged in his study at about 7.00 pm on Thursday Mars studied history at the University of Guyana and Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, before joining Wayne State University. He had been credited with developing an international academic exchange project between Africana Studies, the College of Urban Labour and Metropolitan Affairs (CULMA), and the University of Guyana The five accused are due to re-appear in court on June 14.
Cayman joins iniative for new ‘global standard’ on company ownership info
Premier Alden McLaughlin discusses a beneficial ownership agreement with the United Kingdom at a press conference in April The Cayman Islands will join the United Kingdom’s effort to develop a new global standard for sharing information on the owners of companies and trusts, likely to include automatic exchange of ownership information, according to the Ministry of Financial Services. A statement released early Wednesday by the ministry said Cayman will also repeal the Confidential Relationships (Preservation) Law, “which often has been misrepresented as Cayman’s ‘secrecy law.’” The ministry says a new Confidential Information Disclosure Law will replace the current legislation. The new law “will better clarify the mechanisms through which confidential information may be shared with appropriate authorities,” according to the ministry. The statement says Premier Alden McLaughlin pledged to the U.K. to repeal the law by September. Also by September the ministry says it will introduce new data protection legislation “that is on par with what is in place in the European Union.” The premier and other Cayman officials are slated to participate in the Anti-Corruption Summit tomorrow in London hosted by U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron. Mr. McLaughlin said that Cayman already participates in a number of tax compliance and anti-corruption initiatives. “For many years Cayman has had in place a strong anti-corruption framework, as evidenced by the extension in 2010 of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention; and the expected extension of the UN Convention against Corruption, for which Cayman was favourably assessed in 2014,” he said in a statement released early Wednesday morning.
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EgyptAir plane wreckage found Egyptian forces found in the Mediterranean,” the Egyptian wreckage from an EgyptAir flight that presidency said in a statement. crashed in the Mediterranean with 66 The airline also expressed its people aboard, the military said. condolences. Parts of the aircraft and “EgyptAir sincerely conveys its deepest passenger belongings were discovered sorrow to the families and friends of Friday near the coastal city of the passengers onboard Flight MS804,” Alexandria, the Egyptian military said it tweeted. in a statement. While no theory has been “The searching, sweeping and completely ruled out, speculation the retrieval process is underway,” on what caused the flight to crash military spokesman Brig. Gen. centered on the possibility of a terror Mohammad Samir said. attack. The plane was carrying 56 At some point before dropping passengers and 10 crew members off radar, the plane swerved 90 degrees when it left Paris’ Charles de Gaulle to the left and then made a 360-degree Airport for Cairo late Wednesday night. turn to the right before plunging first It disappeared from radar early to 15,000 feet, then 10,000 feet, Greek Thursday as it flew to Cairo -- what officials said. should have been about a 3½-hour “It’s very difficult to come up flight. with a scenario that jibes with some Read More sort of catastrophic failure. (The The military said the wreckage was evidence so far) leads us down the road 180 miles (290 kilometers) north of the to a deliberate act,” said Miles O’Brien, coastal city of Alexandria. a CNN aviation analyst. Egyptian officials pointed DEBRIS CONFUSION to technical failures and terror as possible explanations. A day earlier, the airline’s “But if you analyze this vice chairman said wreckage of the situation properly, the possibility of plane had been found at sea, but those having a different action aboard, of reports turned out to be false. having a terror attack, is higher than When searchers got close to having a technical problem,” said the debris, they realized it was not Sharif Fathi, the nation’s aviation from the missing airliner, Ahmed Adel minister. said Thursday. French officials urged caution, Hours after Adel retracted saying it’s still too early to draw his statement Thursday, the military conclusions. announced the sighting of the “All assumptions are reviewed but wreckage Friday. none is favored,” Foreign Minister “The presidency, with utmost Jean-Marc Ayrault told France 2 sadness and regret, mourns the network Friday. “We have absolutely victims on aboard the EgyptAir flight no indication on the causes of this who were killed after the plane crashed event.”
Ayrault said his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry was not leaning toward terrorism as the cause of the crash. “He said he wanted all possibilities to be examined,” he told France 2. Ayrault defended security measures at the Paris airport, saying they have been intensified since the November terror attacks. CONTROLLERS TRIED TO REACH PILOT Shortly before the aircraft was scheduled to exit Greek airspace early Thursday, controllers tried to reach the pilots to transfer control to Cairo authorities. Despite repeated attempts, they received no response, Greece’s Aviation Authority said. Radar soon lost the plane’s signal, just after it entered Egyptian airspace, the authority said. The Airbus A320 “swerved and then plunged” before descending into the Mediterranean, Greek Defense Minister Panos Kammenos said. Most of the passengers are Egyptian -- 30 in all. But also aboard are 15 French citizens, including an infant. There were also passengers from Iraq, Britain, Belgium, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Chad, Portugal, Canada and Algeria, according to the Egyptian aviation minister. According to EgyptAir, there were 30 Egyptians, 15 French, 2 Canadians, 2 Iraqis, 1 Kuwaiti, 1 Saudi, 1 Chadian, 1 Portuguese, 1 Algerian, and 1 Sudanese, 1 Belgian, and 1 British-Australian dual citizen on board. There were also 10 crew members. Canada said two of its
citizens were on the plane. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the British passenger had Australian citizenship as well. It is unclear whether any other passengers were dual citizens. Greece, France, the United States and other nations were searching about 130 nautical miles southeast of Karpathos, Greek aviation officials said. -- The pilots have been identified as Mohamed Said Shoukair, who was the plane’s captain, and first officer Mohamed Mamdouh Ahmed Assem, according to an official close to the investigation and a security source. -- The head flight attendant was identified as Mirvat Zaharia Zaki Mohamed. -- The plane’s captain had about 6,000 flying hours, Adel said. Maintenance checks on the plane had reported “no snags.” -- Checks of the passenger manifest have so far resulted in no hits on terror watch lists, officials with knowledge of the investigation said. -- An initial theory is that the plane was downed by a bomb, two U.S. officials told CNN. Officials said the theory could change, with one senior administration official cautioning it is not yet supported by a “smoking gun.” -- The jet had routine maintenance checks in Cairo before it left for Paris, the airline said. Earlier Wednesday, the jet was also in Eritrea and Tunisia, data from flight tracking websites show. -- The plane has been part of EgyptAir’s fleet since November 2003, according to Adel.
American Airlines is fed up with the TSA and taking matters into its own hands Airlines have had enough of the recent chaos at airports caused by understaffed Transportation Security Administration checkpoints. American Airlines chief operating officer Robert Isom said executives from all the major U.S. carriers met with the head of the TSA and the Department of Homeland Security last week to air their grievances over the situation. Isom wrote about the meeting in a letter to employees, dated May 18. “Two words: TSA lines,” Isom wrote in the letter, “Right now those words evoke frustration from all of us, as well as our customers who continue to miss flights due to lines that are literally out the door.” The delays — which American Airlines attributes to severe understaffing on the part of the TSA — have been growing for months but reached new heights last weekend when passengers at Chicago’s O’Hare airport were left stranded after security lines exceeded three hours.
“We all agree that the TSA plays a vital role in protecting the traveling public and we’re not in favor of anything that jeopardizes that safety,” Isom wrote. “However, tens of thousands of customers have missed their flights and tens of thousands of checked bags have been delayed in TSA resolutions rooms due to low staffing.” “This is unacceptable to all of us, and the federal government can, and should, do better,” he added. In the letter, Isom also said American Airlines will spend $4 million to provide contract staff at TSA checkpoints in the airline’s major hubs and gateway cities. These staff members will be used in non-screening functions and crowd management so that trained TSA staff can focus solely on screening and security. The airline already spends $17 million each year to help reduce wait times. In addition, the airline will help the TSA expand its canine screening program so that more
TSA checkpoint Chicago O’Hare passengers can receive expedited screening. American will also launch an aggressive program to encourage it customer to sign up for TSA’s PreCheck program to reduce the number of people in security lines. American Airlines joins the Port Authority of New York and
New Jersey as well as the Hartsfield Jackson-Atlanta International Airport in their fury over understaffed TSA checkpoints. The two major airport authorities have separately warned the TSA that would bring in private security contractors if the federal agency’s performance does not improve.
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American charged over Japanese woman’s death ahead of Obama visit
U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton greets supporters at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, U.S., May 16, 2016
Clinton calls on world to break down barriers holding back girls U.S. presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton called for renewed efforts to “break down the barriers holding back women and girls around the world” on Thursday. In a video address to Women Deliver, a major women’s health and rights conference, she said gender equality must be made a priority in the drive to meet new U.N. development goals. “Two decades ago at the U.N. fourth world conference on women in Beijing we came together and said with one voice that women’s rights are human rights. And the gains we’ve made since then prove that progress is possible,” she said. “But as you all know too well, our work is far from finished. This is an important moment as we chart a course to meet the new Sustainable Development Goals. We have to break down the barriers holding back women and girls around the world.” More than 5,500 delegates from over 160 countries - including world leaders, ministers, health experts, economists, business leaders, activists, royalty and celebrities - have attended the four-day conference in Copenhagen. Discussions focused on how to put girls and women at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed by world leaders last year to fight inequality and extreme poverty. “Gender equality, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, must be a core priority,” Clinton, the Democratic front-runner in the race to the White House, said in the unscheduled video address. “To get there we need greater political will and resources, and we need to continue to invest in more and better data to measure progress. “The Women Deliver summit is critical to this work,” Clinton added. “You carry the spirit of Beijing forward bringing in new voices and lifting up the next generation of leaders.” Mogens Lykketoft, president of the U.N. General Assembly, said he hoped a woman would become the next head of the world body when Ban Ki-moon steps down later this year. “It would be symbolically and of real value very important that at the end of 2016 we will have the first ever elected female U.N. secretary general, and the first ever female president of the most powerful of nations – the United States. “What a way to demonstrate that our shared vision can become a reality,” he said. Women candidates in the running include former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova of Bulgaria.
An American man working at a U.S. military base on the Japanese island of Okinawa was arrested Thursday on suspicion of dumping the body of a 20-yearold Japanese woman, Okinawa police said, a case likely to stir up anti-U.S. sentiment ahead of an impending visit next week by President Barack Obama. The 32-year-old civilian admitted to abandoning the corpse but did not make any clear comments about whether he killed the woman, a police spokesman said. Japan’s Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida summoned Caroline Kennedy, U.S. ambassador to Japan, to lodge a protest. “I expressed a strong
regret to Ambassador Kennedy and lodged a stern protest. I told her an incident like this is inexcusable and that I feel strong indignation,” Kishida told reporters after the meeting. Kennedy told Kishida the U.S. would redouble its efforts to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents, the foreign minister said. In Washington, State Department spokesman John Kirby expressed condolences and said U.S. authorities were following the case closely. “This is a terrible tragedy and it’s obviously an outrage. We’re treating this situation with the utmost seriousness,” Kirby said at a daily news briefing. Obama, who is due
to attend a Group of Seven summit next week, will become the first U.S. president to visit the city of Hiroshima, destroyed by a U.S. atomic bomb 71 years ago. Okinawa, the site of a bloody World War Two land battle, hosts the bulk of U.S. military forces in Japan, and many residents resent what they see as an unfair burden. U.S. installations take up about 18 percent of Okinawa’s land. In 1995, a 12-yearold Japanese schoolgirl was raped by three U.S. servicemen on Okinawa, sparking huge protests among local residents, many of whom associate U.S. bases with noise, pollution and crime.
Venezuela opposition slams ‘desperate’ Maduro state of emergency Venezuela’s opposition on Saturday slammed a state of emergency decreed by President Nicolas Maduro and vowed to press home efforts to remove the leftist leader this year amid a grim economic crisis. Maduro on Friday night declared a 60-day state of emergency due to what he called plots from Venezuela and the United States to subvert him. He did not provide specifics. The measure shows Maduro is panicking as a push for a recall referendum against him gains traction with tired, frustrated Venezuelans, opposition leaders said during a protest in Caracas. “We’re talking about a desperate president who is putting himself on the margin of legality and constitutionality,” said Democratic Unity coalition leader Jesus Torrealba, adding Maduro was losing support within his own bloc. “If this state of emergency is issued without consulting the National Assembly, we would technically be talking about a self-coup,” he told hundreds of supporters who waved Venezuelan flags and chanted “he’s going to fall.” The opposition won control of the National Assembly in a December election, propelled by voter anger over product shortages, raging inflation that has annihilated salaries, and rampant violent crime, but the legislature has been routinely undercut by the Supreme Court. Protests are on the rise and a key poll shows nearly 70 percent of Venezuelans now say Maduro must go this year. Maduro has vowed to see his term through, however, blasting opposition politicians as coup-mongering elitists seeking
Opposition supporters shout slogans to Venezuelan National Guards through a fence, during a rally to demand a referendum to remove President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, May 11, 2016 to emulate the impeachment of fellow leftist Dilma Rousseff in Brazil. Saying trouble-makers were fomenting violence to justify a foreign invasion, Maduro on Saturday ordered military exercises for next weekend. “We’re going to tell imperialism and the international right that the people are present, with their farm instruments in one hand and a gun in the other... to defend this sacred land,” he boomed at a rally. He added the government would take over idled factories, without providing details. Critics of Maduro, a former union leader and bus driver, say he should instead focus on people’s urgent needs.
“There will be a social explosion if Maduro doesn’t let the recall referendum happen,” said protester Marisol Dos Santos, 34, an office worker at a supermarket where she says some 800 people queue up daily. But the opposition fear authorities are trying to delay a referendum until 2017, when the presidency would fall to the vice president, a post currently held by Socialist Party loyalist Aristobulo Isturiz. “If you block this democratic path we don’t know what might happen in this country,” two-time presidential candidate Henrique Capriles said at the demonstration. “Venezuela is a time bomb that can explode at any given moment.”
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Head of U.N. Women says irking opponents comes with the battle for equality As the head of U.N. Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is used to people rolling their eyes when she starts to talk about women’s empowerment and the need for equality for girls globally. But Mlambo-Ngcuka, a veteran South African politician, holds no fear about irritating people in her mission to stop violence against women, secure education for all girls worldwide, and address the gender pay gap in all nations. She is hoping a key platform to help drive change will be a conference this week, Women Deliver, the first major women’s meeting since the 193 U.N. member states last year agreed a new set of 17 global goals to fight inequality and extreme poverty. Men, young people, religious leaders and the media are all targets for Mlambo-Ngcuka who says it is essential to get support to address and end prejudices against women in order to achieve the U.N.’s goal of achieving gender equality by 2030. “You can’t win a struggle without irritating those who you are trying to convert,” Mlambo-Ngcuka, the executive director of UN Women, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a telephone interview from South Africa. “We need to get across the message that feminism is not about hating men, hating those who don’t buy into our agenda, but it is about extending and advancing women’s rights .. and ending the deep prejudices against women that still exist.” She said it was important to get men on board - a key factor in
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Undersecretary-General and Executive Director, United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN WOMEN), addresses the session ‘Ending Poverty through Parity’ in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos January 24, 2015. UN Women’s launch of the #HeForShe campaign in 2014 - as gender equality affects all people socially, economically and politically and is not just a struggle for women by women. Religious leaders were also key to change, she said, citing the example of needing clerics from all religions to be part of any campaign to end violence against women in Pakistan. But Mlambo-Ngcuka also acknowledged the need to involve the next generation, aware many younger women were rejecting the traditional women’s movement, seeing it as having succeeded. She said the facts proved the fight was not over and the U.N.’s global goals, or Sustainable Development Goals, were an opportunity for both rich and poor countries to invest in women.
New York vendors charged with selling fake tickets to Statue of Liberty At least 13 New York vendors were arrested in a crackdown on selling tickets to tourists for New York Harbor boat rides that authorities said never stopped at the Statue of Liberty or nearby Ellis Island as promised, the New York Police Department said Thursday. The vendors were charged with fraudulent accosting following an investigation that began in February into ticket-selling practices at Battery Park, a popular Lower Manhattan site where visitors can buy tickets for boat tours. “You come up to people, you promise them one thing and you sell it to them, and it turns out not to be the case,” John Miller, deputy police commissioner, said about the vendors at news conference on Wednesday. Miller, who oversees intelligence and counterterrorism operations, said the arrested vendors, whose ages ranged from 26 to 52, had criminal records. “You had a large number of people who were on parole or probation, mostly parolees, for serious crimes, including assault, narcotics and robbery who made up the bulk of ticket sellers,” he said. The vendors worked for five different companies, some of which have been connected to convicted criminals, according to media reports. In February, a 33-year-old tourist was injured with a fractured skull after he declined to buy a ticket from a vendor at Staten Island Ferry’s
The sun sets behind the Statue of Liberty in New York’s Harbor as seen from the Brooklyn borough of New York February 27, 2016 Whitehall Terminal, according to authorities. A string of similar incidents involving fraudulent and aggressive ticket vendors have been reported in recent years in the media. Police advise visitors to be aware of counterfeit tickets and to purchase tickets from authorized providers. The crackdown follows an initiative in Times Square, another popular New York City tourist destination, to restrict the activities of costumed mascots and others who invite visitors to take pictures with them and solicit tips in return. After complaints about aggressive tactics by some of the dozens of characters working in the square, the New York City Council passed a measure last month that will likely force them to work in special zones set up in the pedestrian plaza.
For although women and girls make up more than half the world’s population, data shows they are often more deeply impacted than men and boys by poverty, climate change, food insecurity, lack of healthcare, and economic crises. And this inequality is not only a developing world issue. In the United States studies show that women earn on average 79 cents for every dollar earned by men and hold two-thirds of the jobs in the lowest paying professions, employed as domestic workers, cleaners, and caregivers for children and the elderly. Mlambo-Ngcuka, who became the second executive director at the United Nation’s organization dedicated to gender equality three years ago, said her aim was not to sideline anyone from the campaign but to convert and
widen the support base. “Even if a young woman says she is not a feminist and there is no oppression of women, I will still fight for her if she gets raped or attacked by a mob,” she said. Mlambo-Ngcuka hopes Women Deliver, in Copenhagen from May 1619, will be an opportunity for world leaders, policy makers, the private sector, civil society and celebrities to join forces for change with over 5,000 attendees from 150 nations. Billed as the biggest women’s conference in a decade, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, Melinda Gates of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, singer and UNAIDS campaigner Annie Lennox and actress Jessica Biel are all expected to attend. The focus of the fourth Women Deliver will be on how to implement the U.N.’s global goals relating to women, with a key focus on health as well as education and financial strength. The summit will begin with the launch of a new 12 point global campaign called Deliver for Good to boost investment in girls’ health, education and empowerment. M l a m b o - N g c u k a acknowledged achieving gender equality by 2030 was an ambitious target. “But if we work together in as many countries as possible we can by 2030 have substantive equality and changes that are irreversible,” she said. “If we can do this the next generation will not look back.”
UK receptionist petition on high heels at work gets 120,000 signatures
A woman walks in heavy rain caused by typhoon Etau in Tokyo’s business district September 9, 2015 A London temporary worker, sent home for wearing flat shoes, has collected more than 120,000 signatures so far in a petition calling for Britain to make it illegal for a firm to require women to wear high heels at work. Reaching that total on Friday easily put Nicola Thorp’s petition over the 100,000-signature threshold needed to have Britain’s parliament consider holding a debate on an issue. Thorp made headlines this week when she launched her campaign describing how she had arrived in flat shoes for her first day to work as a receptionist for accounting company PwC last December to be told she had to wear heels. She told British media she refused an offer to go buy a pair of heels and was sent home without pay.
Portico, the agency through which Thorp got the job, had set the uniform guidelines and has since reviewed and revised its policy upon PwC’s request. It now says “all our female colleagues can wear plain flat shoes or plain court shoes as they prefer”. Thorp started the government petition this week, saying “current formal work dress codes are out-dated and sexist”. “Employers are allowed to impose different dress codes for men and women, which is fair enough as long as that dress code doesn’t favour one of the sexes,” Thorp told Britain’s ITN television. “By making women wear high heels you are acting favourably towards men because their footwear doesn’t affect their posture, their ability to move. It doesn’t create long term health problems.”
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Senior female executive at Bank South Carolina bans of America sues over ‘bro’s club’ abortion after 19 weeks
A sign for a Bank of America office is pictured in Burbank, California August 19, 2011. A senior female fixed- for complaints about alleged income banker at Bank of improper activity that harmed America Corp (BAC.N) has filed clients. Bank of America a lawsuit accusing the bank of underpaying her and other spokesman Bill Halldin said: women, and retaliating when “We take all allegations of she complained about illegal inappropriate behavior seriously or unethical practices by her and investigate them thoroughly.” He said Messina remains an colleagues. In a complaint filed on employee of the Charlotte, North Monday night, managing director Carolina-based bank. Messina, a 42-yearMegan Messina said she was a victim of “egregious pay disparity” old single mother of three, is relative to male peers, and was seeking at least $6 million for paid less than half the salary being underpaid, plus punitive of the man who shares her title damages and compensation for as co-head of global structured mental anguish and humiliation. Her lawsuit filed in credit products. She also accused the bank federal court in Manhattan joins of condoning bias by her boss many others that accuse Wall that made her feel unwelcome Street of bias against female in his “subordinate ‘bro’s club’ of bankers, including being paid all-male sycophants.” She said less and tolerating demeaning the bank violated federal Dodd- conduct. “The bank is condoning Frank whistleblower protections bad behavior, and blaming the by suspending her last month
victim,” her lawyer Jonathan Sack said. “It’s one thing to pay women less, but another to reward crookery.” Messina complained that her boss has treated her “like a summer intern,” spent much more time with the other structured products chief, banned her from client events, and subjected her to questions such as “Have your eyes always been that blue?” She accused the other structured products chief of “front running,” by purchasing bonds for Bank of America despite knowing that Citibank (C.N) wanted them, and angering Blackstone Group LP (BX.N) by rigging a debt auction in which the private equity firm participated to benefit a favored hedge fund client. The co-chief was allegedly paid $17 million from 2013 to 2015, while Messina received $7.25 million, the complaint said. Messina also said Bank of America refused to tell regulators how another colleague “doctored” trading records to conceal lies about prices that he told Allianz SE’s (ALVG.DE) Pacific Investment Management Co, another major client. “BofA intentionally and deliberately discriminated and retaliated against Messina (for) following the mantra, ‘If you see something, say something,’” the complaint said. The case is Messina Bank of America Corp, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 16-03653.
Billionaire Steven Cohen wins dismissal of ex-wife’s fraud case
Steven Cohen, Chairman and CEO of Point72 Asset Management, speaks at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., May 2, 2016 “We respectfully disagree Billionaire investor Steven A. Cohen on Thursday won with the decision,” said Gerald the dismissal of a long-running Lefcourt, a lawyer for Patricia lawsuit in which his former wife Cohen. “If all the evidence were accused him of cheating her out put before a jury we believe a of millions of dollars in their 1990 jury would find for Mrs. Cohen. divorce. Fortunately, she can choose to Chief Judge Loretta pursue an appeal.” Preska of the U.S. District Court The decision for now in Manhattan said Patricia Cohen removes another legal overhang failed to show that her former for Cohen, who converted SAC husband fraudulently hid $5.5 into Point72 Asset Management million from a soured 1986 New LP after SAC pleaded guilty in York City real estate transaction, 2013 to criminal insider trading enabling him to lowball his net charges and paid $1.8 billion in worth. settlements with U.S. authorities. Cohen was not criminally The divorce came two years before Steven Cohen created charged, and under a January his Stamford, Connecticut-based settlement with the U.S. Securities hedge fund firm SAC Capital and Exchange Commission can Advisors LP, where he made resume managing outside money his name on Wall Street and in January 2018. Point72 is a his fortune. Forbes magazine family office that oversees mostly estimates his net worth at $12.7 his own fortune. In her lawsuit, Patricia billion.
Cohen accused Steven Cohen and his brother Donald, who was also the couple’s accountant, of falsely understating the value of the real estate investment during the divorce proceedings. Patricia Cohen claimed she was entitled at least half of the $5.5 million at stake, plus interest. But the judge found “no evidence that Steven concealed any assets from Patricia during the divorce,” and that no reasonable jury could find that he committed fraud. Preska also said the record showed that Patricia Cohen “suspected Steven of fraud in 1991 and 2006,” more than two years before she sued in December 2009, and that the statute of limitations had run out. Mark Herr, a spokesman for Steven Cohen, said: “We’re pleased with the court’s thorough and thoughtful decision.” Last month, Steven Cohen disclosed his ownership of a new firm, Stamford Harbor Capital LP, that can accept outside money, but said he would not act as a supervisor. A spokesman said the arrangement was consistent with the SEC accord. The case is Cohen v Cohen et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 09-10230.
A pro-life activist holds a doll and banner while advocating his stance on abortion near the site of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 4, 2012 The South Carolina legislature on Tuesday passed a bill banning most abortions after 19 weeks of pregnancy unless the mother’s life was at risk, making it the 17th U.S. state to approve such a ban. The bill will head to Republican Governor Nikki Haley’s desk, who indicated in March that she would likely sign the legislation. Her office could not be immediately reached for comment. The act, proposed last year in South Carolina’s Republican-controlled legislature, passed after it was stripped of exceptions for pregnancies that result from rape of incest. The Senate had approved the bill in March. Sixteen other states have passed similar laws as conservatives seek to chip away at the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision to legalize abortion. Courts have overturned the bans in three states. “I believe that life begins at conception and every step we can take to get back to that point is important,” the bill’s sponsor, Republican Representative Wendy Nanney, said in a phone interview. “In my view and many others it’s inhumane to subject that baby to pain at 20 weeks.” Critics have said the name of the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act goes against medical evidence showing that a fetus at 20 weeks cannot feel pain. “This is a dangerous bill for South Carolina women ..., made even more extreme by removing exceptions for victims of rape and incest,” Alyssa Miller, South Carolina director of public affairs for Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, said in a statement. “The reality is that abortion later in pregnancy is extremely rare and often takes place in complex and difficult situations where a woman and her doctor need every medical option available,” Miller said.
Colombian police seize 8 tonnes of cocaine near Panama border Colombian national police confiscated 8 metric tons of cocaine along the border with Panama, the government said on Sunday, in what may be one of the largest seizures in the country in recent years. The haul, with an estimated value of $240 million, was discovered in an underground hideaway on a banana plantation in the municipality of Turbo in Antioquia department, officials said. “The biggest seizure of drugs in history. A hit against criminals,” Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said on Twitter. Three people were arrested in the operation. Defense Minister Luis Carlos Villegas said the drugs belonged to the Clan Usuga crime gang. The United States has offered a $5 million reward for the capture of the gang’s leader. Colombia produces some 442 tonnes of cocaine annually, according to the United Nations. Colombian authorities seized 252 tonnes of the narcotic in 2015.
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TECHNOLOGY
Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner faces new challenge: slow sales
The logo of Dow Jones Industrial Average stock market index listed company Boeing (BA) is seen in Los Angeles, California, United States, April 22, 2016 Boeing Co’s (BA.N) high-tech comfortable cabin environment. 787 Dreamliner has had its share of Boeing has sold 1,154 so far, trouble, from early production delays making it the fastest-selling wide to batteries that smoked and burned, body plane when it came to market. grounding the worldwide fleet for However, the tally falls short of the 1,300 planes Boeing is using as the months in 2013. Now the company’s flagship basis of deferring the charges in its plane is facing a new challenge: accounting. Many airlines stocked up on slowing sales. Boeing needs to sell dozens of 787s to help recover nearly 787s before the 2008-2009 financial $30 billion it has spent on production crisis and do not need to order more and not yet accounted for in its now. Airbus’s cheaper A330 has also earnings. But the industry is in a sales chipped away at 787 sales and low slump. Sales of Boeing and Airbus fuel prices have allowed airlines to wide body jets have fallen 51 percent keep flying older, less efficient planes. “Airlines are coming back since 2013, and some analysts and investors predict that without more to us and saying they would like to 787 sales in the near term, Boeing extend their leases for two or three will have to take a sizable charge to years” on older planes, said Aengus write off some of the 787’s deferred Kelly, chief executive of AerCap costs. Holdings (AER.N), which has the The 787 remains popular. Its world’s largest leased wide body fleet. lightweight composite airframe and “That’s a direct result of low oil,” he new engines cut airline fuel costs as told Reuters. Boeing has not commented much as 20 percent compared to a conventional, aluminum plane. It can on a report earlier this year that the fly longer routes than previous jets Securities and Exchange Commission its size, and offers passengers large is looking into its accounting for 787 windows, less noise and a more costs, but says it stands behind its
numbers. “Our accounting is compliant with GAAP,” Chief Financial Officer Greg Smith said last month, referring to generally accepted accounting principles. The 787 conundrum has made some investors wary of Boeing stock, which has fallen more than 8 percent this year while the aerospace and defense index climbed more than 5 percent. Short sales of Boeing are at a record high. The stock closed down 1.7 percent at $132.09 on Friday. Boeing needs to book orders for about 120 this year to hit its target of selling roughly as many as it builds. So far it has sold a net total of 12, including a recent order from China Eastern Airlines (600115.SS). “Would we ever order the 787 again? Sure,” said an executive with a leasing company that has 787s in its portfolio. “Will we order it this year? Not a chance.” There are simply too many wide body jets for the demand right now, he said. AerCap had more than 80 Dreamliners to lease and has placed
all but a handful. It would buy more “if the price is right,” Kelly said. “But if it isn’t right, I wouldn’t bother.” Boeing spokesman Paul Bergman said that the company had “a healthy sales pipeline this year.” It also expects to “recover 787 deferred costs in the current accounting quantity of 1,300 planes,” Bergman said. Another big order still could arrive from China or elsewhere. Kelly met with China’s four largest airlines recently and said low oil prices had not dented their long-term interest in the 787. Chinese airlines have so far ordered 56 of the jets. While its sales force tries to defend the 787’s prices in the market, Boeing is working to make the aircraft less expensive to build. It has worked on taking out expensive materials such as titanium and is cutting its overall airplane division workforce by about 10 percent this year. Those moves would help improve the return on each 787, which reached break even late last year, Boeing said. It also gives scope to discount the jet to win sales. Boeing says it is not cutting prices significantly to sell more aircraft, since that would undercut the company’s goal of lifting profit margins to “mid-teens” by the end of the decade from about 10 percent this year. “We are not going to chase market share for market share’s sake,” Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg told Boeing’s annual analyst conference on Wednesday. But industry experts said the company is being more aggressive in sales. Ken Raff, executive director at the Seabury Group consulting firm said that if an airline wanted to buy 787s, “this would not be a bad time to try and do a deal.”
Nokia name to return to mobile phones after licensing deal The Nokia name will return to the mobile phone market after a company backed by one of its former executives teamed up with manufacturer Foxconn (2354.TW) to buy the rights to the brand for mobile devices. Nokia (NOKIA.HE), once the world’s biggest maker of mobile phones, was wrongfooted by the rise of smartphones and eclipsed by Apple and Samsung. It sold its entire handset business to Microsoft in 2014 and now focuses on telecoms network equipment. But it held on to its phone patents with a view to eventually striking a licensing deal, though it had to wait due to a non-compete deal with Microsoft (MSFT.O). Nokia said on Wednesday it had signed an exclusive 10-year licensing agreement for newly-formed Finnish company HMD global Oy to create Nokia-branded smartphones
and tablets. HMD is owned by Smart Connect LP, a private equity fund run by former Nokia executive JeanFrancois Baril, and its management. The products will be made by Taiwan’s Foxconn and Nokia will receive an undisclosed royalty on sales, covering both brand and intellectual property rights. Microsoft announced simultaneously it would sell its entrylevel phones business to HMD and Foxconn subsidiary FIH Mobile for $350 million. Nokia, whose global market share in handsets peaked at around 40 percent in 2008, said its brand remained widely-recognised, especially in developing markets. “The areas where we believe the brand is strongest are Asia, South America and parts of Europe. Clearly China will be one of the target markets,” Ramzi Haidamus, CEO of the Nokia Technologies unit, told
The Nokia headquarters is seen in Espoo, Finland April 6, 2016 Reuters. At 1320 GMT, Nokia stock was up 1.9 percent at 4.63 euros. “Nokia seems to have put together a very elegant deal in order to maximize the potential to drive some revenue from the handset business, with no risk in terms of hardware,” said Ben Wood, an analyst at research firm CCS Insight. “The brand is strong in the feature phone space, but does it stand for a cutting-edge future proof smartphone? That’s unclear ... It’s a brand that has lost its lustre,” he
added. HMD, which will focus on branding and design in the partnership with Foxconn, said it would put 500 million euros ($564 million) into marketing over the next three years. Nokia declined to provide revenue targets related to the licensing deal, nor a timetable for new devices, which will use Google’s Android platform. The deal between Microsoft, Foxconn and HMD is expected to close in the second half of 2016.
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Ecuador coast hit Facebook launches probe by two earthquakes; into report of political bias one dead
People gather on the streets minutes after a tremor was felt in Quito, Ecuador May 18, 2016 Two earthquakes struck Ecuador’s coast on Wednesday, leading to one death and light damage in the same region where a magnitude 7.8 tremor killed more than 650 people last month. Wednesday’s tremors, measuring 6.7 and 6.8 in magnitude, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, cut electricity in some coastal areas and sent people running into the streets as far away as the highland capital of Quito, witnesses said. President Rafael Correa said the epicenter of the first one overnight was the fishing village of Mompiche on the Pacific coast, about 368 km (229 miles) from Quito. He said the tremors led to light injuries due to people bumping into the things as they ran out of buildings, adding that one person died in circumstances that are still not clear. “We lament the death, which was caused either directly or indirectly by the earthquake, of a senior citizen in the city of Tosagua,” he said, referring to a city in the coastal province of Manabi. According to one version, the person hit their head on concrete, while a second held that a beam fell on their head. School was canceled until Monday in Manabi and in the province of Esmeraldas, Correa said. The tremors caused minor damage, mainly to infrastructure already hit by the April disaster. There was no tsunami warning. The second tremor struck just before midday, according to the U.S. Geological survey. “We were scared, we left the building because it started moving,” said Pilar Guacho, 39, a municipal employee in Quito. “We were worried about my daughter because we couldn’t make phone calls. We’re tense and worried about this situation.” The April 16 earthquake, Ecuador’s worst in decades, flattened buildings along the coast. As well as the fatalities, the tremor also injured more than 6,000 people, made nearly 29,000 homeless, and caused an estimated $2 billion in damage, according to the government’s latest tally. Correa on Wednesday said he was asking the United States, an ideological adversary of his leftist government, to grant Ecuador “Temporary Protected Status.” That designation, which the United States can provide in situations of environmental disasters, would allow nationals from those countries to remain in the United States and in some cases obtain authorization to work. Ecuador’s 110,000-barrel-per-day Esmeraldas refinery was working at 77 percent capacity after some operations were halted due to the first quake on Wednesday. Operations were not affected by the second tremor, an official said.
my commitment that we will take additional steps to address it,” Zuckerberg said. The Facebook chief added that he planned to invite “leading conservatives” to share their points of view. The allegations against Facebook prompted the company to reveal more about how it selects and displays news to its users. Facebook’s logo is seen through a magnifier in front of a displayed PC motherboard, in In a post published on this illustration taken April 11, 2016 Facebook’s media relations section on Thursday, a senior company Facebook Inc, the social popularity. networking powerhouse, is The accusation sparked official outlined its “Trending conducting a full investigation an outcry on social media and Topics” guidelines at length. “Facebook does not into allegations of political bias, prompted a U.S. Senate inquiry allow or advise our reviewers to Chairman and Chief Executive into Facebook’s practices. Mark Zuckerberg said. Facebook has “found no discriminate against sources of The company has come evidence that this report is true,” any political origin, period,” wrote under fire after an unnamed Zuckerberg said in a statement Justin Osofsky, vice president for former Facebook employee told posted late Thursday on his global operations. Facebook had over 1 technology news website Gizmodo Facebook page, but added that that workers often omitted the company would continue to billion daily active users, on average, in March, the company conservative political stories from investigate. the company’s “trending” list of “If we find anything posted to its newsroom. topics that it says spiked in against our principles, you have
Google appeals French order for global ‘right to be forgotten’
People are silhouetted as they pose with laptops in front of a screen projected with a Google logo, in this picture illustration taken in Zenica October 29, 2014 Alphabet Inc’s Google appealed on Thursday an order from the French data protection authority to remove certain web search results globally in response to a European privacy ruling, escalating a fight on the extra-territorial reach of EU law. In May 2014, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that people could ask search engines, such as Google and Microsoft’s Bing, to remove inadequate or irrelevant information from web results appearing under searches for people’s names - dubbed the “right to be forgotten”. Google complied, but it only scrubbed results across its European websites such as Google.de in Germany and Google. fr in France, arguing that to do otherwise would set a dangerous precedent on the territorial reach of national laws. In February it also started delisting results across all its domains - including Google. com - when accessed from the country where the request came
from. The French regulator, the Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertes (CNIL), fined Google 100,000 euros ($112,150.00) in March for not delisting more widely, arguing that was the only way to uphold Europeans’ right to privacy. “As a matter of both law and principle, we disagree with this demand,” Kent Walker, Google’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel, wrote in a blog post. “We comply with the laws of the countries in which we operate. But if French law applies globally, how long will it be until other countries - perhaps less open and democratic - start demanding that their laws regulating information likewise have global reach?” The company filed its appeal of the CNIL’s order with France’s supreme administrative court, the Council of State. A spokeswoman for the Council of State said that the court hadn’t yet received the formal
appeal and that the procedure would take “several months.” A spokeswoman for the CNIL wasn’t immediately available for comment. The CNIL has argued that the right to privacy should not depend on the location of a third person and that extending the right to be forgotten to all of Google’s versions does not curtail the freedom of expression because no content is actually deleted -- it simply does not appear in search results. “One nation does not make laws for another,” said Dave Price, senior product counsel, Google. “Data protection law, in France and around Europe, is explicitly territorial, that is limited to the territory of the country whose law is being applied.” Google accepts around 40 percent of requests for the removal of links popping up under searches for people’s names, according to its Transparency Report.
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Apple boss Cook to tap Indian software talent during maiden visit
Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks about the Apple TV during an event at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California March 21, 2016 Apple Inc will set up a software laboratory in India to help Indian startups and developers working on the company’s iOS platform, Apple said hours after Chief Executive Tim Cook began his first official visit to the country. Cook arrived late on Tuesday, and will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other officials, later in the week. Apple is expected to announce several more initiatives during his trip. The company is also expected to unveil plans to expand
its software development center in the southern city of Hyderabad, also home to Microsoft’s first India office, where engineers are working on Apple Maps. The app design and development accelerator - the term used for hothouse laboratories in the tech sector - will open in Bengaluru, as Bangalore is now known, in early 2017. Apple said in a statement the accelerator would help Indian developers and startups design their apps for Apple’s iPhone and iPad.
Cook’s visit coincides with India’s emergence as one of the last large growth markets for smartphones, with sales in the United States and China beginning to taper off. Over 100 million smartphones were sold in India last year, a number that is expected to grow by 25 percent this year. Although India is in the world’s third-largest smartphone market, Apple’s iPhone only has a two percent market share, but sales grew 56 percent in the first three months of 2016. “Cook’s visit shows how important India has become for Apple and will likely set the stage for the expansion of Apple ecosystem in India,” said Vishal Tripathi, research director at Gartner. Indian government sources expected Modi to encourage Cook to set up production facilities in India, supporting the government’s drive to find jobs for millions of Indians joining the workforce every year. Apple is in separate talks to open its first official retail store. Cook will be seeing industry partners during his visit. On Friday, he is expected to meet Sunil Mittal, the billionaire founder of India’s biggest mobile operator Bharti Airtel, an Airtel source said.
Honda to recall 20 million more Takata airbags: Nikkei
A visitor and the logo of Honda Motor Co are reflected on a Honda car at the company’s headquarters in Tokyo January 30, 2009 Honda Motor Co (7267.T) on Monday said it had not made any announcements on additional air bags recalls after the Nikkei newspaper reported it would recall at least 20 million more of the safety devices made by Takata Corp (7312.T). Citing unnamed sources, the Japanese newspaper on Sunday reported that regions affected by the automaker’s additional recall would include the United States, Europe, Asia,
Oceania and Latin America. U.S. safety regulators last week ordered automakers to further expand a massive global recall of potentially deadly airbags. Honda, whose vehicles have been affected by roughly half of the air bag recalls announced so far, said however that no additional recalls had been announced. Takata airbags are at risk of exploding with excessive force, sending metal shrapnel
into vehicles. The bags have been linked to 10 deaths in the United States and one death in Asia, in addition to more than 100 injuries. The U.S. Transportation Department and Takata last week confirmed that automakers will recall another 35 million to 40 million U.S. air bag inflators assembled by the Japanese manufacturer by 2019. The latest expansion will add to the more than 50 million airbags recalled to date.
Oil down over 2 percent as dollar soars on U.S. rate hike fears
A section of the BP Eastern Trough Area Project (ETAP) oil platform is seen in the North Sea, around 100 miles east of Aberdeen in Scotland February 24, 2014 Crude oil prices fell more than 2 percent on Thursday as the dollar’s surge on U.S. rate hike expectations drove players from the oil market. Fear that the U.S. Federal Reserve may raise rates by next month prompted investors to cash out of long positions in Brent and U.S. crude’s West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures that rallied earlier in the week on oil supply outages. “Petroleum prices are under selling pressure as part of a wider risk-off trade flow across a wider range of commodities as the U.S. dollar index has extended its recent rally,” said Tim Evans, energy futures specialist at Citi Futures in New York. The dollar index .DXY, measured against a basket of currencies, hit a near two-month high, furthering its gains from the previous session that made the greenback-denonimated oil less attractive to holders of the euro EUR=, among others. [USD/] Brent futures’ front-month contract, July LCON6, was down $1.40, or 2.8 percent, at $47.53 a barrel by 11:08 a.m. EDT (1508 GMT). WTI’s June contract CLM6, which expires as front-month at Thursday’s settlement, fell $1.30, or 2.3 percent, to $46.89 a barrel. July WTI CLc2 was down $1.37 to $47.56, narrowing the discount, or contango, between the secondmonth and the front to the lowest since October. CLc1-CLc2. Oil prices gained 3 percent over the first two days of the week on fresh threats to Canadian supplies from wildfires and worries about Nigerian, Libyan and Venezuelan supply outages. That was before Wednesday’s release of the Fed’s April policy meeting minutes that showed the central bank likely to raise rates in June if there was stronger second-quarter growth and firmer inflation and employment. Analysts at BNP Paribas said oil markets have moved “too high, too far, too soon”. “We still face a large inventory overhang and for the most part, the outstanding supply outages - Canada and Nigeria - are reversible,” they said in a report. Some argued that the soaring dollar was likely to pause but not stop the recovery in crude prices that have brought Brent up from $27 in January and WTI to rebound from $26 levels in February. “Although the hawkish comments out of the Fed alluding to a possible rate hike as early as next month are forcing us to reduce our short term upside crude targets by about $2 a barrel, we are not viewing this macro development as capable of forcing a high anywhere across the energy complex,” said Jim Ritterbusch of Chicago-based oil consultancy Ritterbusch & Associates.
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Shell shareholders advised to oppose CEO’s pay Two investor advisory firms have recommended Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L) shareholders oppose the CEO’s 2015 remuneration, in the latest sign of rising discontent over pay amid falling oil prices. Shell Chief Executive Ben van Beurden’s 2015 remuneration fell 8 percent to 5.135 million euros ($5.63 million) last year, when the company’s revenue dropped sharply due to low oil prices. Proxy adviser Glass Lewis said in a report it remains “concerned by the disconnect between bonus payouts and financial performance, and the bonus scheme structure more generally”. In a separate report, adviser PIRC said “the ratio of CEO pay compared to average employee pay is 37:1, which is unacceptable”. Both firms recommended
shareholders oppose the remuneration packages in a vote at Shell’s annual general meeting in The Hague next week. A Shell spokesman said Shell’s executive compensation “reflects delivery of our strategy, measured by both short-term and long-term targets. There is a clear alignment between the company’s performance and our compensation policies”. Shareholders have become increasingly vocal over executive salaries and bonuses amid slumping earnings and lower commodity prices. Last month, BP’s (BP.L) shareholders voted against Chief Executive Bob Dudley’s $20 million pay deal for 2015, a rare investor revolt for such a major company, after it recorded a record annual loss. Van Beurden’s total 2015 package, including pension and tax
equalization, was 5.576 million euros, down from 24.198 million euros in the previous year, mainly due to a significant fall in van Beurden’s pension which was positively affected
in 2014 by promotion to chief executive. In April last year, Shell launched a bid for smaller rival BG Group which it completed in February this year for $54 billion.
Suzuki says it used wrong fuel economy tests in Japan
Suzuki Motor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Osamu Suzuki bows at a news conference at the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry in Tokyo, Japan, May 18, 2016 Suzuki Motor Corp (7269.T) used the wrong methods to test the fuel economy of its cars in Japan, it said on Wednesday, widening a testing scandal that has already rocked smaller rival Mitsubishi Motors Corp (7211.T). Japan’s transport ministry ordered widespread checks to industry methods after Mitsubishi Motors admitted last month it manipulated fuel economy data for at least four mini-vehicle models, overstating their efficiency. Mitsubishi Motors’ president, Tetsuro Aikawa, said on Wednesday he would step down over that scandal, becoming the first senior departure since it broke, battering the company’s reputation and wiping billions off its market value.
Worries over similar damage for Suzuki sent shares in Japan’s fourth-largest carmaker down as much as 15 percent during the day. Suzuki said it would continue selling its mini-cars and saw no impact on its earnings. The correct readings, it said, were not significantly different to those it submitted. Japanese authorities, however, have asked for further details from Suzuki before May 31, calling its use of non-compliant tests “outrageous”. “The company apologizes for the fact that we did not follow rules set by the country,” CEO Osamu Suzuki told reporters, adding 2.1 million vehicles were affected. The company denied using the tests to make its fuel economy data
“There was no direct order look better. It blamed the decision to cobble together readings from from top management,” CEO Osamu individual car parts - rather than a Masuko said. “But top management single reading - on its windy testing did not have a firm grasp on the location on a coastal hill that made proceedings at the R&D department.” readings erratic. The individual parts He said there were several chances for the company to stop its workers - but it were tested indoors, it said. Suzuki specializes in mini- did not. Masuko, who has been at the vehicles, which have engines of up to 660cc and get preferential tax helm of Mitsubishi Motors since 2005, treatment under Japanese law. It has has been named by Nissan boss Carlos roughly a third of the country’s mini- Ghosn as Mitsubishi Motors’ “pilot”. Emissions and fuel economy vehicle market. It also has a successful Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki have come under increasing scrutiny from regulators globally after (MRTI.NS). The transport ministry, which Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) admitted had asked all automakers operating last year it used “defeat devices” on in Japan to re-submit fuel economy 11 million diesel vehicles to lower readings on all models by Wednesday, emissions during tests. France, which ordered tests on said no other carmakers had manipulated data or used improper a random sample of about 100 diesel cars last year, has said some vehicles tests. It is still awaiting further made by Renault (RENA.PA), Fiat (FCHA.MI), Mercedes detail, however, from Suzuki. It said it has yet to decide whether to penalize (DAIGn.DE), VW, PSA Peugeot Citroen Mitsubishi Motors and, if so, by how (PEUP.PA), Nissan, Opel (GM.N) and Ford (F.N) failed to comply fully with much. Mitsubishi Motors’ admission its emissions regulations. South Korea, which has that it cheated on the fuel economy tests is its third major scandal in under tested 20 diesel vehicle models, said two decades, and has prompted the on Monday it would punish Nissan automaker to agree to sell a one-third with a fine and a recall of its Qashqai controlling stake to Nissan Motor Co diesel sport utility vehicles, accusing it of manipulating emissions. Nissan (7201.T). At a press conference on denied the allegation. In the United States, the Wednesday, Mitsubishi Motors blamed excessive pressure, less time spent on Justice Department is investigating research and development and high Daimler, the maker of Mercedes vehicles, over emissions testing. expectations for fuel efficiency.
Twitter to eliminate photos and links in character count: report Twitter Inc users will soon have more flexibility in writing tweets because the company plans to stop including photos and links as part of its 140-character limit, according to a Bloomberg report. The social media platform has faced stagnant user growth. Months earlier, Twitter Chief Executive Jack Dorsey said the company would simplify its product in an effort to attract new users. “We think there’s a lot of opportunity in our product to fix some
broken windows that we know are inhibiting growth,” Dorsey said during a February earnings call. Links currently take up to 23 characters of a tweet, limiting the amount of commentary that users can offer when sharing articles or other content. Twitter has faced stagnant user growth, and shares have fallen more than 70 percent over the past year. Twitter declined to comment on the report.
Electronic cables are silhouetted next to the logo of Twitter in this September 23, 2014 illustration photo in Sarajevo
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MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
ADVERTISEMENT FOR AIRPORT REPRESENTATIVE: Flight support Limited is seeking a candidate to fill the position as An Airport Representative. The successful candidate must have the following qualities, knowledge and experience: 5 years or more experience of working in the airline industry with current and specific knowledge of ground handling services. Ability to work on weekend and holidays Excellent command of the English both written and verbal. Experience in working with ground handling services of customer services and ramp operations Ability to supervise and schedule team members to provide efficient services Ability and working knowledge of providing strategic planning for operational and aviation maintenance methods. Excellent knowledge of human behavior and performance, ability to supervise and motivate team to work to achieve organization’s goals. Ability to work independently and with others to solve problems Detailed orientated Can establish good working relationships with internal and external customers
BUTTERFIELD MOTORS, LTD. 1045 Leeward Highway Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands BWI Phone: 649-339-2277 Fax: 649-339-2286 Is looking for experienced applicant for the follow position
Automotive Mechanic Key Functions:
Repair automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Perform the duties of a mechanic involved in inspecting, repairing, fabricating, rebuilding and maintaining. Mechanic repair virtually any part on the vehicle or specialize in the transmission system.
vehicles. •Mechanical Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. •Service assistant must have extensive practical experience in vehicle servicing and repairs, together with experience in supervising technicians and dealing with customers. •Proficiency with computers to input necessary data and communicate with management. •Experience with Customer and Personal Service. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
General Auto Body Shop
Job Duties and Tasks:
•Mechanic coordinates activities of technicians, conducts research and testing procedures and ensures the customer’s vehicle is fixed. •Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience. •Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing vehicles, engines and transmissions. •Examine vehicles to determine extent of damage or malfunctions. •Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. •Test drive vehicles, and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices. •Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups. •Repair manual and automatic transmissions. •Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. •Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. •Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to the job. •Use of computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. •Provide guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. •Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Skills:
•Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternatives to repair vehicles. •Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. •Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed. •Managing one’s own time and the time of others. Teaching others how to do necessary tasks. •Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. •Bilingual (English/Spanish) •Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. •Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Qualifications:
•Mechanical certification from accredited institution. •Thorough knowledge of all vehicle repair aspects including, but not limited to: Engine, Transmission, and Electrical among others. •10+ years experience in Automotive Repair, with minimum 5 years in Chevrolet Brand
Job Description:
Ensuring that repairs in the Service department are performed correctly and efficiently and that the service department maintains a high level of customer satisfaction in the Body Shop.
Job Duties and Task
-Perform the following repairs or replacements: •Auto body repair mechanic will repair damaged vehicles after traffic collisions and other accidents. They also repaint the vehicles once the repairs are complete. •The auto body technician is responsible for repairing a wrecked or damaged car and restoring it to its original condition. The auto body technician’s job is to remove dents when a car has been in an accident. •The auto body technician also fixes cars that have been vandalized or have become worn due to wear and tear or by weather. Technicians must have the ability to work on a variety of different cars, trucks, vans and other vehicles that need repair work. • Auto body technician should know the correct procedure and the correct equipment and tools to get the job done. He must know how to prepare a car with the correct putty. Masking of the vehicle must be done to ensure that the chrome, windows and other parts don’t get paint on them •Minor electrical system repairs, Surface preparation for refinishes, Minor Cab Accessory repair/replacement, Minor Cargo Box repairs •Maintain work area appearance and safety •Other projects and tasks as assigned by supervisor.
Skills & Experience
•10 years of related experience (or an equivalent combination of related education and experience) required. •High School Diploma or equivalent required •Vocational/technical school preferred •Certification of completion of technical school specializing in the repair/refinish •Working knowledge of tools of trade (including welding equipment, paint equipment, shop machines, and power tools) required •Body Shop Procedures Certificate •The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The associate must regularly lift and /or move up to 25lbs/12kg, frequently lift and/or move up to 50lbs/23kg and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100lbs/45kg. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the associate is regularly required to stand; walk; sit and talk or hear. The associate is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arm Competitive Salary commensurate with work experience and qualifications. All interested applicants should submit an updated resume by e-mailing info@ butterfieldmotors.tc,
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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CARIBBEAN
SPORTS
Rusty Bolt eases into Olympic buildup with Cayman win
Sprint king Usain Bolt took his first stride toward the goal of an unprecedented Olympic threepeat at the Rio de Janeiro Games with a modest 10.05 second run and an easy victory at the Cayman Invitational on Saturday. Starting in lane four, the Jamaican had a moderate start in his season-opening race before stepping away from the field in the last 60 meters and cruising to the tape. Bolt's time was the third lowest in a career boasting the 100 and 200m titles at the last two Olympics along with golds in the 4x100 relays. But the 29-year-old was satisfied with his first test since last year's world championships in Beijing, where he added another three titles to his honor roll before calling a premature end to his season. "I'm just glad I got out of that one injury-free, It's a season-opener so you never know what to expect," Bolt
told reporters after beating Jason Rodgers of St. Kitts and Nevis (10.12) and third-placed compatriot Kemar Bailey-Cole (10.18). "I haven't run all season so I expected to be rusty, and just like last season, I need more races to get sharp. "So I'm not worried, just about working up to the top now. "Now my coach (Glen Mills) can analyze the race, see what we need to do, see what we need to work on and move from there." Bolt conceded he still had work to do before Jamaica's Olympic trials at the end of June. "I wanted to run fast, I was feeling good in training. But you never know because running in training and running at a track meet is two differ- Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt poses during a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the ent things. flagship "Hublot" store on Fifth Avenue in the Manhattan borough of New York, U.S., April 19, 2016 "It's all about race fitness, so like last year, I need to get a few more On the other side of the world, to Olympic glory with a 9.94 second races under my belt and by trials time American Justin Gatlin showed he re- run to win the 100m at the Diamond I'll be ready I'm sure." mains one of Bolt's biggest obstacles League meeting in Shanghai.
Sir Curtly disappointed, surprised following West Indies replacement
Legendary West Indies fast bowler, Sir Curtly Ambrose (second left) chats with a number of bowlers during training Former West Indies Fast Bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose has labelled as disappointing, his removal as bowling consultant for the senior men’s team ahead of next month’s one-day international triangular series against Australia and South Africa. News broke late last week that the Antiguan has been replaced by former West Indies A Cricketer Roderick Estwick. Estwick is also a former bowling coach with the Barbados Pride. “I only learnt about it from head coach Phil Simmons on Wednesday (last week), and when he told me I said to him that I am very disappointed, because I never expected it, and I never saw it coming because he never gave me any indication he was going to let me go. So, it came as a bit of a shock basically, but I haven’t decided which direction I am going to take just yet. I’ll just pause and give it a little time to think about it and decide where I want to go after,” Sir Curtly said. The former pacer, one of Antigua and Barbuda’s four Knighted cricketers, was bowling consultant with the regional outfit for the last three years, most recently during their triumphant World Twenty20 campaign in India.
Sir Curtly revealed at least one reason he was given for the surprise decision. I spoke to Head Coach Phil Simmons, and he told me that he wanted someone who is more technical to work with the fast bowlers. So, I said to him well, if you knew I was doing a poor job, then you should have told me. He said no, I did a fantastic job, because I brought a high level of discipline to the team, and I have motivated the guys quite a bit. I’ve gotten the respect from all the guys, and I did a fantastic job, but he wants somebody more technical, hence, he is going for Roderick Estwick,” he said. Sir Curtly, who took 405 Test wickets at an average of 20.99 and topped the ICC Player Rankings for much of his career, said he was looking towards the upcoming trination series. He however holds no grudge against Simmons or the WICB. “I had high hopes for the tri-nation series and the Test series against India, because I have planned most of my stuff around those series. So, it was a bit of a shock, and it’s disappointing, but he’s the boss, and the head coach is the one who selects his crew, his coaching staff,” he said.
Judge to rule next month in former FIFA vice president lawsuit A High Court judge will rule on June 17 whether or not to allow the United States government to be included as an interested party in the law suit filed by former FIFA vice president Austin Jack Warner challenging his extradition to that country on a several fraud related charges. Justice James Aboud Friday heard submissions in the matter where Warner, 72, who has been on TT$2.5 million (One TT dollar =US$0.16) bail following his first court appearance on May 27 last year, is challenging his extradition to face 12 offences related to racketeering, corruption and money laundering allegedly committed in the jurisdiction of the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, dating as far back as 1990. US law enforcement authorities last year arrested a number of FIFA officials as part of the probe. British Queen’s Counsel James Lewis, who is representing the US interest, argued that Washington should be granted permission as it stood to be affected the most by the eventual outcome of the case. In his lawsuit, Warner is asking the court to declare Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi’s decision to sign off on his extradition in September, last year, as unlawful. Warner’s lawyers are claiming that Al-Rawi acted unfairly as he failed to give their client an opportunity to respond to the US’s extradition request before making his decision. “These proceedings are a challenge for the extradition proceedings themselves. It will be nothing but an advantage to this
court to hear the applicant on the extradition itself,” Lewis said. He said that while attorneys representing Al-Rawi’s office were defending his decision, they would not be in a position to provide the court with information on the US’s extradition request, about which Justice Aboud would need to make a final decision. James argued that the US government, as the requesting state in the extradition proceedings, were the ‘prosecutors’ in the matter and had ‘locus’ (or a right) to be heard in Warner’s challenge of the Authority To Proceed (ATP) which was signed by the Attorney General giving the Chief Magistrate the go ahead to begin committal proceedings. “There is absolutely no doubt we are affected,” James submitted, arguing “the court can be misled if we are not here to make representations”. But Warner’s lead attorney, Fyard Hosein, SC, said the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) required that an interested party prove that it was sufficiently affected to become a party to the proceedings as opposed to being merely directly affected. He told the court that the challenges raised by Warner impacted domestic law, not international law. “No foreign government has common law right to approach any court in extradition proceedings save and except where it is given the statutory authority to do so,” Hosein said. “You need statutory power to intervene,” he said, adding that the US in its application to be heard has not raised any conflict with having the Attorney General representing its interests.
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WORLD
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
SPORTS
Pacquiao's Senate victory brings him closer to presidency
Boxing great Manny Pacquiao was proclaimed Thursday as a winner of a Philippine Senate seat, bringing him closer to a possible crack at the presidency. At the proclamation ceremony, an elections commissioner introduced Pacquiao as the "people's champion" and called out his name in the same slow style that he is introduced in his worldfamous bouts, drawing cheers from the audience. The Filipino slugger garnered more than 16 million votes, landing 7th among 12 new members of the Senate, a traditional springboard to the presidency. Earlier this year, he said that he planned to retire from boxing to become a full-time politician. Asked by The Associated Press if his next target is the presidency, Pacquiao smiled, then said, "Nothing, nothing, nothing" as he rode into his black Cadillac SUV after his proclamation. Considered a hero in the country, which grinds to a halt during his televised fights to watch him box, Pacquiao has indicated in the past he would consider a run for the presidency. But he has often tried to ditch the topic, saying he was too young. The Philippine Constitution requires
presidential candidates to be at the opposition of the country's least 40 years old. The 37-year- dominant Roman Catholic church. old boxer would be eligible to run He added he would oppose any in the next presidential election proposed divorce bill. in 2022. In a populist stance, he Pacquiao's Senate said the first bill he would file victory is the latest chapter in would grant free elementary-tohis stunning rags-to-riches story. college education for children He came from an impoverished from poor families, a proposal rural family and had worked odd that has not been realized in the jobs before lacing up the gloves past due to the extensive costs it at the age of 12. He rose steadily would entail. More than a fourth and became a champion in eight of the more than 100 million boxing divisions to become one of Filipinos are considered poor. the world's most celebrated and Pacquiao ran for the wealthiest athletes. Senate under the ticket of losing He has represented presidential candidate Jejomar southern Sarangani province in Binay, but also was endorsed by the House of Representatives Duterte. since May 2010, though he During his senatorial has been criticized for seldom campaign, Pacquiao bounced showing up for legislative duties back impressively after a huge due to his preoccupation with drop in support from his remarks boxing and is still regarded a in February that people in political lightweight. same-sex relations are "worse He told reporters he than animals." He apologized to was still thinking whether to people hurt by his comments but participate in the Olympics in made clear he opposed same-sex August because he might be marriage. criticized again for being absent President Benigno from the Senate. "I need to ask if Aquino III revealed in April the Filipino people will allow me that the brutal Abu Sayyaf to participate in the Olympics," militant group considered he said. abducting Pacquiao, along with Pacquiao said he would support the president's sister, who is the proposal by the crime-busting a wealthy and popular actress. president-elect, Rodrigo Duterte, Despite the warning, Pacquiao to re-impose the death penalty. continued to openly campaign That comment from the newly in the south region where the religious Pacquiao differs from militants are based.
FIFA names Samoura as first female secretary general FIFA named an African was appointed as secretary general woman with no experience in soccer and will be responsible for the dayadministration as its second most to-day running of the organization. powerful official on Friday, part of "FIFA is taking a fresh approach to changes made by the sport's ruling its work and I am eager to play a body to move on from a major role in making that approach as effective and lasting as possible," corruption scandal. However, FIFA's Congress she said in a statement. Samoura's appointment also passed a resolution which gives its board, known as the FIFA was announced by president Council, the power to fire the heads Gianni Infantino, hosting his first of its independent committees at Congress since he was elected in February to lead the scandalalmost any time. The Congress also voted plagued federation out of its crisis. to accept Kosovo and Gibraltar as "Fatma is a woman with the organization's 210th and 211th international experience and members, opening the way for them vision who has worked on some of to take part in the 2018 World Cup the most challenging issues of our time," Infantino said. qualifying competition. Fatma Samba Diouf "Importantly for FIFA, she also Samoura of Senegal, the United understands that transparency Nations Development Program and accountability are at the heart Resident Representative in Nigeria, of any well-run and responsible
organization." The Congress was the first since FIFA passed a raft of reforms aimed at avoiding a repeat of the corruption scandal that has seen 42 soccer officials and entities indicted in the United States. FIFA has three independent watchdog committees but on Friday the Council was given the power to appoint or "dismiss any office holders of these committees", something that could only previously be done by the annual Congress. This effectively gives the Council the right to fire ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert, ethics investigator Cornel Borbely and audit and compliance chairman Domenico Scala but Infantino dismissed suggestions that it was a loss of independence.
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
Spurs' Duncan, Ginobili ponder future plans after shock playoff exit
San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) fights for position with Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the first quarter in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena Future Hall of Famers Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, who have been the heart of many championship teams with the San Antonio Spurs, are undecided on their NBA playing futures after an unexpected early playoff exit. The Spurs, who had the second-best record (67-15) in the regular season, were upset in the Western Conference semi-final by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday and both veterans were quickly faced with questions about their future plans. "I'll get to that after I get out of here and figure life out," Duncan, a 40-year-old, five-time champion with the Spurs during a 19-year NBA career, told reporters. San Antonio rolled through the regular season, losing only one of their 41 home games, and were an overwhelming favorite to reach the conference final for a mouthwatering clash with the defending champion and top-seeded Golden State Warriors. But the Spurs, long considered the NBA's model franchise, lost two of their three homes games versus the Thunder en route to dropping the best-of-seven series in six games, and they suddenly face an uncertain future. Ginobili, a 38-year-old, four-time NBA champion with the Spurs who also led Argentina's men's basketball team to a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics, is used to the questions about when he will retire. He said he would "take my time as always" before making a decision on whether to return for a 15th season. "It's been an amazing run," said Ginobili. "We all enjoy playing with each other. We've accomplished amazing things. We won 67 games. Of course, it's disappointing when you don't end up winning the last game. But only one team can do it. In 14 seasons in my case, it happened a lot of times. "I'm still proud of having played with those guys for so many years and winning so many games and even playing with the new guys," he said. "It's the reason why you always want to come back and keep being part of this because of the amazing chemistry and the good times and good people that you play with and spend time with. It's not always about winning a game or winning a championship. You learn from losses and enjoy the every day, too."
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016
LOCAL SPORTS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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Local Basketball Coach Gets The Ultimate Miami Heat’s Fan Experience
LaDonna Bassett got the ultimate fan experience when NBA Super Star Dwyane Wade, through his Charity the Wade’s World Foundation collaborated with the Sandals Foundation to fly the local basketball coach to Miami to attend a courtside Heat Game just before the playoffs. Bassett who is the only female coach with the with the Rising Stars Basketball Club met the Miami Heat’s point guard last year when he visited the island to host an Inspirational Summit for local TCI youngsters. Impressed by her dedication and
commitment to local youth and sports development in the TCI, Wade along with his sponsors invited Bassett and a guest to Miami Florida for the ultimate fan experience. “This was an opportunity of a life time and I would like to say thank you to Dwyane Wade, his foundation and Beaches through the Sandals Foundation for this amazing opportunity” said Bassett. “It has always bee my passion to give back to youth and sports here in the TCI, and I am glad that Mr. Wade along with Beaches Resorts appreciated
my contribution and awarded such wonderful gift.” The Wade’s World Foundation paid for airfare, hotel accommodations, and court seats for Coach LaDonna and her guest. “The best part of the experience was coming back to tell all of the young ones who are a part of the basketball camp about the trip, you can tell it made them very hopeful and excited. It is so important that we continue to find little bits of inspiration like this so the kids have a reason to keep coming to practice and to keep the sport alive.” Dwayne is well known for his philanthropic participation in many organizations. In 2003, he founded The Wade's World Foundation, which provides support to communitybased organizations that promote education, health, and social skills for children in at-risk circumstances. His foundation’s partnership with the Sandals Foundation has touched the lives of many youngsters in the Turks and Caicos Islands; especially aspiring athletes through a programme he has launched called Game Changer-an integrated sports program to benefit youth in underserved communities in the Caribbean and South Florida. “Dwayne Wade is an awesome star and loves what he does. His story about his childhood is very inspirational and many of our young men can relate to that. But I always tell them that one day their dreams can come true just like mine did, that is to work with kids in sports and give them opportunities
that I didn’t have as a child and I want to thank the Sandals Foundation for assisting us in so many ways.” The Sandals foundation has been working with Dwayne Wade’s Foundation for 3 years for the Game Changer program, to help raised needed funding to provide underprivileged youth with access to planned sports, recreation, healthy lifestyles and family engagement.
“Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim Plans Big Splash on July 2 Some 200 swimmers are expected to participate in the upcoming 7th annual “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim on Saturday July 2, 2016. As in previous years, the swim event will take place in front of Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe and feature three race distances: 2.4 miles, 1 mile, and 1/2 mile, plus a free100 meter Children’s Swim for youngsters 10 and under. This year, race organisers are offering a special entry fee to TCI residents—$60 for the 2.4 mile and 1 mile events and $40 for the half mile event, if they sign up before the July 2 race day at Marco Travel, located in Caicos Cafe Plaza, Grace Bay. The popular open water swim event in Grace Bay actively promotes swimming in TCI and has also created a significant sports tourism niche with hundreds of new and
non-profits like the Provo Children’s trophies, Lucie Stubbs to create the repeat swimmers flying in with friends and family every year just Home, TCI Swim Federation, and trophy base, and Carol Potter and Alizee Zimmermann for this year’s to participate in the race. Some are Reef Fund. T-shirt design. are out to win a conch trophy, but Everyone in TCI benefits.” Race sponsors: Marco Travel, many are here just do their personal The Race Directors point best in a benign and welcoming race out that the second half of the name, Caicu Naniki Sports Adventures, Royal West Indies Resort, Grace Bay “Eco-SeaSwim”, is taken seriously. environment. Co-founder and director, “We promote responsible products that Club, Blue Haven, Colonial Insurance, Ben Stubenberg stated, “In addition don’t spoil the ocean and marine life Wine Cellar, Bay Bistro, SURFside to showcasing world class swim like using biodegradable straws, non- Ocean Academy, Turks & Caicos Tourist Board, conditions in Grace Bay, overseas plastic garbage bags, and reef-safe swim visitors tell us time and again sunscreen. We also support efforts Tranquility Vacation Rentals, Power how friendly everyone here is to to produce bio-degradable water 102.5 FM, Finishing Touch, Driftwood them—a huge compliment of local bottles locally and an end to plastic Studios, Adventurescape, Blue Loos, character we can all be proud of.” bags. These are the kinds Caicos Express, TCI Waste, Graceway “Just as important,” co- of things that create a healthier Supermarket, British Caribbean founder and director Chloe environment and society, as well as Bank, and TurquoiseInk. Race Zimmermann said, “The race attract discerning visitors who base support also comes from Grace encourages learning to swim and their vacation decisions in part on Bay Medical Centre, Carolina Medical Centre, Grace Bay swimming competitively in TCI, a key local environmental stewardship.” The organisers also draw Osteopathy, Provo Ambulance Service, mission of the swim event. We have a lot of great sponsors and volunteers to on the talents of local artists and Big Blue, the Philippine Community, thank for this kind of success, that in designers such as Stanford Hanfield DECR, TCI Royal Police Force, Royal turn enables us to give more to local to make the conch medals and TCI Marine Police, Cocovibes.
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Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks and Caicos Islands | Tel:649 339 5879 | Fax: 649 941 3281
MAY 21ST, 2016 – MAY 28TH, 2016