VOLUME 13 ISSUE 01

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

VOLUME 13 - NO. 01

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PDM FOR ALL ‘A government of inclusion’, says new Premier

By Todeline Defralien

T

PDM’s “Dream Team” sworn in the House of Assembly

he newly-elected People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands was sworn in at the House of Assembly on Thursday, December 29th, 2016, during the 1st Sitting of the 11th Legislature.

The Inauguration ceremony saw Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson being sworn-in as the first female Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and all Members of Parliament taking their oaths.

By Todeline Defralien

T

he newly-elected People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) will be a Government of inclusion and will not sell out to any bidder, says Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson.

Addressing the Inauguration ceremony at the House of Assembly in Grand Turk, on December 29th, 2016, the country’s first female premier said she intends to ensure that all persons living in the Turks and Caicos Islands will benefit from Government’s policies.

Robinson said, “This is a time when leadership will be guided by God Almighty and by the people, for we in the People’s Democratic Movement believe that the voice of the people is the voice of God. Let me make it forcefully clear and inequitably correct, this is a Government of inclusion. I stand on the shoulders of the great men and women of the PDM Party who

Others were sworn in the House of Assembly were Hon. Derek Taylor, Hon. Josephine Connolly (missing from photo) and Hon. Karen Malcolm (AtLarge), and Hon. Sean Astwood in Five Cays, Hon. Delroy Williams in Wheeland, Hon. Goldray Ewing in Blue Hills, Hon. Doug Parnell in Cheshire Hall, Hon. Ralph Higgs in North and Middle Caicos, and Hon. Eddie Astwood in Grand Turk South.

have always acted in the best interest of all the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands; islanders, Belongers, residents, and visitors you are at home with us.”

She added: “I want to further assure everyone in Government in the Government service, if you serve my people with dignity and respect you will find in me and my Government your most severe advocate. The opposite is also true. We are a country built on the combined efforts of all persons from various lands with various languages, yet our destinies are intertwined, as we forge forward as one people, one nation serving our God. My Government and I stand today with our shoulders wide as we anticipate the load, the responsibility but equally so with a conscientiousness that the love and support that was showered on us, that with you our people backing us, we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.”

The 45-year-old attorney continued: “We will not sell out to any bidder. I repeat. We will not sell out to any bidder. The laws governing this country will be upheld by all. None will be so insolated that he or she can violate the country’s laws and not be held accountable. That accountability will be determined by the courts of the land, as these laws are geared to provide protection they must also be able to level penalties when they are flagrantly broken.”

Robinson noted the members of her Cabinet are strong, youthful, resourceful, and persons who “will not retreat to the ivory towers when the going gets rough”, adding that her Government will present the people of the TCI with hope for a bright future and hope for unity within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“This Cabinet will deliver on its campaign promises and each step of the way we will keep our people, this nation appraised of what is happening and what’s to be anticipated over any given period,” she added. “We are a Government of accountability, of honest interaction, of uncompromising attentions and above all, a Government that puts the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands first. We are a Government of the people, for the people and by the people. While celebrating a

great organization of the People’s Democratic Movement, I must celebrate all the peoples of this country who supported us and who are not traditionally PDM’s supporters. We have been the beneficiaries of crossparty support and for that we say thank you,” Robinson stressed.

Robinson said that she is thankful for the rainbow of support that they received and had represented all people and they will be a Government for all the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

She added: “As an opposition four years ago, never before seen, we were pleased that we were able to do what we did from the other side of the House. We promised you a campaign that was fresh, clean, and above all modern upbeat and issue-driven and centered. We are pleased that we were able to deliver that and we here by promise you a Government that will keep you informed, involved and central to all of our plans and decisions. My Government and I solemnly pledge our steadfast desire and our commitment to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands as said earlier our investors, our visitors those who have and will make Turks and Caicos their home will find us welcoming, encouraging and very supportive of the input and impact that serve to back our people.”

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Beaches donates over 5,000 non-perishable items to TCI HIV & Social Welfare Department

Beaches employees donated and have seen goods and items such it’s very beneficial to our clients. over 5,000 Non-Perishable items to as tunas, cereal, rice, pasta, crackers, “Beaches has been a great support over the years and has always supported The National HIV Prevention Unit & soups just to name a few.

During the event the our initiatives, this is the fourth year the Turks and Caicos Social Welfare Pantry in their “Share your Christmas” coordinator for the National AIDS the resort is donating non-perishable Program, Melissa Cox, said she was items to our pantry,” she said, “These holiday charity drive initiative.

Spearheaded by the Resort’s grateful to partner with the resort items will to support children in our Foster program as well as kids at the Environmental, Health & Safety again for the holidays.

“On behalf of the Ministry Provo Children’s Home.”

Department [EHS], the resort collected

Adams extended a big thank can goods, cereals, dry food from over of Health and Human Services, as well as the National HIV Prevention you to Beaches Turks and Caicos 21 departments.

“This is a great initiative for Unit, we would like to extend a big Islands on behalf of her ministry, staff us here are Beaches Turks & Caicos,” thank you to Beaches Resort for the and their clients.

According to Shuntel, Beaches said EHS Coordinator Shantel generous donation,” she said, “These Gibson, who spearheaded the charity items will go to serve people in Provo Turks and Caicos recognizes that both drive this year. “The support was so as well as the other islands, we look at organizations mentioned are vital to overwhelming, we have exceeded our it as a partnership and we also thank those social groups that live below target and almost double what we the staff members of Beaches who the lines of poverty in the Turks receive last year and I am so happy have taken the interest to share their and Caicos Islands. “This is such a that our employees were able to make Christmas with our clients every year.” tremendous charitable effort for us

Also in attendance was here at the resort, this year we were a difference and contribute more to the HIV Unit and the Social Welfare Deputy Director of Social Development, able to collect almost double of what Ashley Adams who presented EHS we collected last year,” she said, “It Department this holiday season.”

Now in its fourth year, the Coordinator Shuntel Gibson with a was all a departmental effort and of course the kind generosity of our resort received donation from over plaque of gratitude and appreciation.

“This is a worthy cause and employees.”

21 department over a six week period

“We are so proud of the donation and we are even happier that we are making a huge donation and making a difference in the lives of so many deserving men, women and children this holiday.”

The HIV Prevention Unit assists directly with providing medical support services to those infected with the virus. The office also provides healthy meals to people on the islands of Providenciales and Grand Turk who would not have the means to otherwise feed themselves.

The TCI Social Welfare Office assist with providing financial support to the unemployed and under employed living in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

They directly impact single mothers, children, the disabled and the elderly by providing them with monetary support and where possible, food and clothing in some cases.

Illegal Haitian sloop intercepted

A motorized wooden boat from Haiti was intercepted at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 5th, 2017, about 23 miles south east of Providenciales.

The vessel was spotted by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch.

The 25-foot yellow and blue boat which was

powered by one engine and sail, was escorted to the South Dock port where officials from various Police units, Border Control, and other Government and Non-Government agencies were on hand to assist with the processing of these individuals.

There were 84 persons on board, consisting of (seventy (70) males and fourteen (14) females).

All 84 persons were later transported to the

Detention Centre for further processing and detention.

A search for illegal drugs and firearms were conducted on the sloop, but nothing was found.

The communities of the Turks and Caicos Islands are encouraged to contact law enforcement with any information concerning the whereabouts of any illegal migrants or on pending sloop arrivals.

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

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JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Washie concerned about At-Large vote count

By Todeline Defralien

Opposition Leader Hon. Washington Misick has expressed concern about the counting of AtLarge votes in the December 15th 2016 general elections.

Speaking during the Inauguration ceremony in the House of Assembly in Grand Turk on Thursday December 29th, 2916, Misick said the Progressive National Party (PNP) has identified a number of inconsistencies relating to the reconciliation of AtLarge ballots, especially in the North and Middle Caicos constituency.

Misick said, “Given the unusual or the somewhat peculiar arrangements of our election structure with constituency-based, or with district-based constituencies in a single constituency that covers all of the islands, there is bound to be some confusion and some lingering issues. That is not to say that the Progressive National Party is interested in contesting the election results. However, it has to be said that we have indentified a number of inconsistencies relating to the reconciliation. I challenge anyone who has got the results to do their own math relating to the reconciliation of

the total number of At-Large ballots in each constituency especially Electoral District 4 (North and Middle Caicos) where we had grave concerns about the integrity of the results and we will be taking these up with the elections office, the governor’s office and the election monitors so that it could be investigated, reviewed for the future.”

The official At-Large results in North and Middle Caicos showed that Washington Misick got the most votes (168), followed by former Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing (166), Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson (163), Josephine Connolly (162), Karen Malcolm (152), Derek Taylor (146), John Malcolm (145), Robert Been jnr (133), Donhue Gardiner (131), Mike Misick (117), Sheba Wilson (114).

None of the other At-Large candidates got more than 100 votes in North and Middle Caicos.

Meantime, the Opposition Leader had some words of encouragement for his PNP colleagues who were not successful at the polls.

“For those of my colleagues who are not here today, who’ve worked very hard for the last four years and who have either decided not to stand for election, or those who have lost, I would like to say to them that there’s

Leader of the Progressive National Party Hon. Washington Misick no such thing as losing. There’s PDM will have to deal with the such a thing as learning. And so, to challenges of governing. them, including the former Premier “They will have to deal with Dr. Rufus Ewing, Amanda Missick, challenges that are not about picking Donhue Gardiner, Norman Saunders winners and losers or picking sides and all of those who put their names or picking issues or for that matter in the hat and failed, I want to thank pointing fingers, but about balancing you for a brilliant and hard fought the interests of all stakeholders. We fight and your contributions and for have been there. It is difficult, and these beautiful by nature islands,” from the bottom of our hearts, we once Misick said. again wish them well.”

Misick said now that the

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION Regulating with Honesty, Integrity and Transparency

The Financial Services Commission, the statutory body of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Government with responsibility for the regulation of financial services businesses, is seeking qualified applicants for the post of Supervisor, Credit Unions.

Duties and Responsibilities The holder of this office will contribute to the work of the Bank and Trust Department in general and to regulate/supervise credit unions in particular. The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting in the licensing and regulation of credit unions in the Turks and Caicos Islands and manage a portfolio of licensees with the responsibility of all onsite and off-site duties.

The successful applicant will be required to assist in co-ordinating and supervising the work of the Analyst for credit unions; Designs and plan the offsite and onsite monitoring of licensed entities within the Department and ensure that they are properly monitored and operating within the confines of the law and international best practice; Participate in pre-planning and scoping reviews of institutions’ risk management framework and overall corporate governance utilizing risk focused examination techniques as necessary; and perform other related duties as assigned. The office holder will also be expected to travel internationally to represent the Commission and the jurisdiction, and to speak on financial services regulation in the Islands.

Specific Knowledge Required The successful applicant should possess a sound knowledge of the Credit Union Ordinance and other relevant Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Services Laws, Regulations and international supervisory standards. The Applicant should have sound knowledge of the workings of the International Cooperative Principles on Credit Union Supervision, related Core Principles and the requirements of standards setting bodies such as the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU). The applicant should be familiar with current and emerging trends in the regulation of Credit Union operations and practices and developments in the financial sector.

Education and Experience A Masters’ Degree in Finance, Regulation or a related discipline from a recognised university. Five years in Credit Union supervision, including three years at the supervisory level.

Other Applicable Information Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, and will be based on the Commission’s salary scale.

The duties for the post may be carried out in Grand Turk and/or Providenciales.

Applications should be emailed to kbacchus@tcifsc.tc no later than January 20, 2017.

The response must state clearly “Application for Supervisor, Credit Unions”.

December 28, 2016

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Eight new cases of Zika in TCI

Eight new cases of Zika have been reported in the TCI including 7 on the Island of Grand Turk, according to the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services.

These persons were seen during the period of October 14th to December 7th. This brings the total number of cases of Zika reported in the TCI to 24 which includes 19 males and 5 females. As seen throughout the region, increasing Zika diagnosis is common during the rainy season as was recently experienced on the island of Grand Turk.

Zika is a viral disease with symptoms that are similar to other mosquito borne illnesses such as dengue and chikungunya. These include rash, mild fever, pink eye, muscle or joint pain, and general malaise. However, many persons will not experience symptoms but will still be able spread the disease if they are bitten. While symptoms can be mild, or even non-existent, one concern is that the disease can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and cause complications to the infant such as microcephaly, a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected for its age and sex. Unfortunately, there is no specific medication to treat Zika and there are currently no vaccines to prevent it. If you suspect you have Zika, please seek medical attention at your nearest clinic.

Symptoms of Zika can be managed by:

•Getting plenty of rest •Drinking fluids to prevent dehydration •Taking medicines, such as acetaminophen, or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain.

•Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs such as Aleve or Ibroprofen until Dengue has been ruled out.

Since Zika is primarily transmitted by the bite of the Aedes species, the best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Interventions to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and to prevent mosquito bites are most effective. The general public therefore plays an important role in Zika reduction/prevention.

You are urged to take the following measures to stop the spread of Zika: 1.Keep your environment clean and free from standing water where mosquitos breed: check gutters and empty old flower vases, tires and other containers 2.Keep all water storage drums/containers covered 3.Avoid being bitten by wearing loose long sleeved shirts and long pants 4.Apply insect repellent to exposed skin 5.Use mosquito nets when sleeping

6.Use safe household insecticides indoors 7.Have intact window and door screens in dwellings 8.Use condoms consistently as Zika can be transmitted sexually The Ministry of Health Agriculture and Human Services is also doing its part to prevent and reduce the spread of Zika. An intense media campaign to educate the general public on how to prevent Zika has been ongoing including the use of various media sources such as pamphlets, posters, and public service announcements on the radio, TV and social media. Zika prevention information has also been shared at booths set up at the major supermarkets and clean-up campaigns on the islands of Grand Turk and Providenciales help to keep the environment free from breeding sites while also empowering residents to cleanup their own communities. The Environmental Health Department continues to conduct premises inspections and fogging exercises and larviciding are ongoing.

Everyone has a role to play in keeping TCI vector borne disease free…let’s all do our part!

For more information contact the HealthPromotion and Advocacy Unit on (649) 3382772.

Former Minister of Finance says PDM inherited an excellent economy

By Todeline Defralien

Former Minister of Finance says the PDM has inherited an economy that is in excellent financial shape.

Speaking during the Inauguration ceremony in the House of Assembly in Grand Turk on Thursday December 29th, 2916, Misick said the Turks and Caicos Islands is enjoying a level of growth that is almost unique in our region; somewhere between 4. 6 percent and 6 percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate.

“That did not happen by accident,” he said. “That happened by strategic discipline. At the end of October, Turks and Caicos Islands boasts of a surplus just in this year a

sum of $36 million. The cash balance at October 31st was $61.1 million.

Capital investments over the last four years amounted to over $50 million including some $36 million that is currently in the capital works pipeline. Our total understanding debt that in 2012 stood at $229 million at the end of October the Government debt was $37.4 million if you do the math we paid off $192 million in four years.”

He added: “For the first time in the Turks and Caicos Islands have established a credit rating for these islands. Currently at Triple B-plus with a positive outlook not many countries in this region can say the same thing. That takes discipline and hard work and for that, the Progressive National Party in

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particular the Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing who led this party, ought to be given some credit.”

Missick said the PNP invested $5 million on a new school in Providenciales, adding that it was the former government who signed the $19 million from the European Development Fund to invest in education. Over the next four years, the PNP plan was to invest some $50 million in education.

He added: “In fact, you can pick up the budget booklet and you can see for yourself. The Turks and Caicos got one of the most transparencies among the governments in the region and I’m proud to say that as it relates to public finance management Turks and Caicos is being looked to as an example.”

KISHCO/KLASS ENTERPRISE 2 Sales Clerk Receiving and entering of items into the store inventory, assisting customers with purchases.

Salary $9.50 per hour 4 Domestic Workers Cleaning of store and dusting shelves, arranging and sorting stock for display Salary $6.25 per hour 4 Labourers Loading and offloading service vehicles and containers to the store and customers residence from warehouse.

Salary $7.50 per hour Must be able to work weekends and holidays 1 Warehouse Manager Salary $9.50 per hour Interested persons should drop off resume to TVS/Klass Ent, Opposite Scotia Bank Leeward Highway or call 649-941-7242/232-1199

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Police investigating numerous Christmas weekend offences

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating a number of offences that occurred over the Christmas weekend on Providenciales. These crimes include robberies, burglaries, wounding, vehicle interference and a number of motor vehicular accidents.

Police spokesman Kevin Clarke said that on Christmas Day at the Quality Supermarket located on Industrial Drive Providenciales there was a robbery that left employees running for safety.

Clarke said police responded to the scene around 7: 17 a.m. and were informed that three masked men entered the store area and began firing shots and demanding money. The robbers were able to get away with an undisclosed amount of cash. A security guard was overpowered during the incident. No one was injured during this incident.

He said that around 1:54 a.m. on Saturday 24th December 2016, a complainant reported to police that three males, all wearing black with mask were trying to enter his property on Fresh Water Avenue in Blue Hills. After shouting at them, they ran into the bushes.

At 2:03 a.m. the same date, police responded to another home on Freshwater Avenue after a robbery report was made.

The complainant told police he had just reached home and as he was exiting his vehicle, he was approached by an unknown male wearing dark colored clothing, who demanded his car key. When he refused, two other men jumped him and took two cellular phones and six hundred dollars in cash. One of the males struck the victim in the head with an object and threatened to shoot him, before running into the

Task Force on crime to be established in TCI “Crime is bigger

A Task Force on crime, security and than all of us and all hands community safety is about must be on deck,” she said.

The Premier of the to be established in the TCI said that immigration Turks and Caicos Islands.

This was in the Turks and Caicos announced by Premier Islands is broken and must Hon. Sharlene Cartwright- be fixed for a better TCI. “We must secure Robinson, while addressing the Inauguration ceremony our borders and ensure that at the House of Assembly in we become a country of laws Grand Turk on December again,” the Premier said.

“Immigration is broken and 29th 2016.

Robinson said the it must be fixed. We are task force will report to the committed to addressing Governor within 90 days of this issue head-on, as we its formations. She called recognize that legal and on Leader of the Opposition illegal immigration is at Hon. Washington Misick to the foundation of many of work with Government on the problems that we faced the task force. in this country.”

Shooting outside Versace nightclub

Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred early Monday, January 2nd at Versace Night Club parking lot on Airport Road Providenciales.

Police responded to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre around 3:15 a.m. on that day after a report was made that two males were admitted with gunshot wounds, one stabbed and two others with minor injuries.

Preliminary inquiries revealed that a fight broke out

outside the club’s parking lot causing patrons to seek cover.

One person got stabbed, two were injured with unidentified objects and at some point someone fired shots that wounded two men.

All victims were treated for non-life threatening injuries and later released from the hospital.

A 23-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent for that incident.

bushes.

Also, while on Fresh Water Avenue Blue Hills dealing with the report of a robbery, around 2:20 a.m. another complainant made a report to police that someone had broken into her silver Nissan Tenant car and stole a number of documents and nine-hundred dollars in cash.

The vehicle was processed for investigation purposes.

Clarke also reported that on Monday 26th December 2016 at 8:15 am, detectives responded to the Payless store located on the Leeward Highway where a complainant stated that the store was burglarized.

Upon arrival, officers observed a hole in the roof where culprits may have created to gain access into the building. A safe and a black laptop computer were taken from the store. The safe was later found in the nearby bushes still

intact.

On the same date around 11:47 am, a complainant reported to police that two guests at a resort were robbed. Upon arrival, both victims told officers that while walking to their hotel, a male attacked them from behind and snatched a purse with a number of documents, small amount of cash and cellular phone.

Meantime, on Tuesday 27th December 2016 at 3:45 a.m., police responded to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre to make inquiries into a report of a wounding. Upon arrival, officers noticed a male was being attended by doctors due to a stab wound he received on the left side of his body. No information was ascertained from him due to the seriousness of his injury that required immediate surgery. Further inquiries to be carried out.

Police working hard to reduce crime, says Commissioner

Members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have been working tirelessly throughout the year in an effort to reduce crime, says Commissioner James Smith.

In a Christmas message, Smith said many initiatives and strategies that have been put in place to deal with serious crimes, burglaries, and more minor incidents are producing very positive results.

“In the last three months alone, officers have conducted over 10 targeted operations, carried out 200 stop searches, arrested over 20 offenders and issued 250 traffic violation tickets. In Joint operations we have detained 96 illegal immigrants in some challenging and demanding circumstances,” Smith

added.

“As we ready ourselves to... usher in a new year, it is imperative to be very vigilant as criminals also want to celebrate in style by stealing what you have accumulated throughout the year,” Smith said. “Be on the lookout for scammers who will try to employ tricks to obtain money from you under false pretenses, and you are asked to avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash from the banks.”

The Commissioner said the force will continue its operational activities in the New Year with a focus on the serious and dangerous criminals that undermine the safety of citizens, visitors and the country itself.

Teenager charged with attempted murder

Police have charged an 18-year-old male of Grand Turk with attempted murder, wounding with intent and discharging ammunition.

This is in connection with a shooting report that was made on Saturday, December 17th, 2016 in the Wheeland area of Providenciales.

Around 6:37 a.m. that day, police responded to the Bay Road

area where the victim was met and told officers he just reached home, still sitting in his vehicle when he was approached by an unknown male who fired shots at him. The victim sustained wounds to his arm and parts of his body.

The 18- year- old suspect was later arrested on suspicion of that shooting and charged for the offences mentioned.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Deputy Commissioner job being advertised internationally

The post of Deputy Commissioner of Police in Turks and Caicos Islands, made vacant by the resignation of Marc Callaghan from the United Kingdom, is being advertised internationally.

An advertisement in the Police Oracle sates that the job Will pay US$7,250 per month in salary (US$87,000 per year) and US$2,520 per month in allowances (US$30,240 per year).

Callaghan resigned last month after serving nine months on the job.

No reasons were given for given for his decision but there has been wild and widespread speculation throughout the police force and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The job vacancy states: :An opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, committed senior professional to take over as second in command of one of the oldest police forces in the Caribbean.

The successful applicant will have at least seven (7) years’ experience in a senior management position with experience and competencies in a range of policing disciplines including, but not limited to: Crime Investigation, Executive Policing skills, Incident Command, Professional Standards, and delivery against demanding targets. He/she will be required to Deputise or act for the Commissioner of Police. The Deputy Commissioner of Police is responsible for maintaining disciplinary standards within the Force.”

The advertisement notes that former employer) as well as copies of the Turks and Caicos Islands like other educational certificates and a copy of jurisdictions in the world “are facing the passport photo page. challenging times”.

Shortlisted candidates

The ad continued: “We seek an must submit a Police Clearance/ individual who will embrace change Certificate. Applications should be and the opportunities it brings. He/ addressed to the Royal Turks and she will promote a real belief in public Caicos Islands Police Force, H.R, Old service, focusing on what matters Airport Road, Providenciales, Turks to the public and what will best and Caicos Islands Email to: James. serve their interests. The successful Smith@tcipolice.tc with the subject applicant will effectively develop and line: DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF communicate the strategies of RTCIPF POLICE/ APPLICATION. to officers, staff, government, partners Successful applicants will work in and communities and build public accordance with the Royal Turks and confidence. By actively engaging with Caicos Islands Police Force Ordinance, different communities, agencies and TCI Laws, Ordinances, Constitution, strategic stakeholders, he/she will and Public Service Ordinance. develop effective partnerships at a However, the job ad has an local and national level to ensure the error in the closing date, stating 18th delivery of an effective police service.”

January 2016 instead of 2017.

For persons recruited from It was noted that following a outside of the Turks and Caicos Islands, “paper-sift”, successful applicants to be a three (3) year contract extendable by called for interview will be notified by His Excellency the Governor on mutual 25th January, with interviews taking agreement is offered. place in person or videoconference in

Other benefits, in addition to the week commencing 30th January. the stated allowances include an end- The vacancy stated that of-contract gratuity of 10% of salary; the Government of the Turks and return passage for family of up to two Caicos Islands is committed to Equal children under the age of sixteen (16) Employment Opportunities, and that years as well as duty free concession all applicants will be considered on on the shipment of personal effects an equal basis that determines their imported within six (6) months of suitability to the post applied for. appointment.

The selection process will be

Resumes with current contact conducted on three principles of merit, information must be accompanied fairness and openness and applications by a cover letter and two letters of without all supporting documents will reference (one preferably from a not be processed.

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.

TCI Red Cross Available post: Director Salary: US$45,000 per annum Location: Providenciales We are looking for a Director who will be responsible for managing Red Cross operations throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. This requires the development, delivery and sustainability of programmes within an overall strategic framework; including planning, staff and volunteer management, organisational accountability, fiduciary and legal compliance, government, donor and community relations, fundraising and reporting.

The successful candidate will be a confident and inspirational leader with a proven ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams, able to communicate effectively, sensitive to diversity, with sound planning and analytical skills, and with networking, influencing and negotiating skills.

For the full job description, please contact our Provo office 941-8056/331-8056 redcrossprovo@tciway.tc Closing date for receipt of cover letters and resume’s is JANUARY19TH, 2017.

Belongers only need apply.

NOTICE An Application registered # PR 12887 by Sky Poultry Farm Ltd for the development of proposed Poultry Farm, containing Hatchery, broiler house, all facilities related. Has been submitted to the department for consideration of online development permission on parcel 60509/3 in Blue Hills Stammers run Providenciales Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Downtown, Town CenterMall, Providenciales, within twenty-eight (28) days of Publication of this Notcice.

Date posted 18TH NOVEMBER 2016

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION Regulating with Honesty, Integrity and Transparency

NOTICE TO CURRENT AND POTENTIAL CREDIT UNIONS IN THE TCI RECENTLY PASSED CREDIT UNION ORDINANCE The recently enacted Credit Union Ordinance provides the Financial Services Commission with responsibility for the regulation and supervision of credit unions in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Credit Union Ordinance can be found on the Commission’s website at http:// www.tcifsc.tc/ All entities currently or intending to engage in credit union business, as set out in the Ordinance, will require a licence issued by the Commission. Accordingly, all entities currently conducting credit union business in the Islands are asked to contact the Commission at 946-5314/941-8311 or fsc@tcifsc.tc Recognising the early stage of credit union regulation in the Islands, the Commission is committed to working with potential licensees in developing compliant credit union models. This includes providing training to the executive and promotors of credit unions. Accordingly, the Commission strongly recommends that groups that currently operate informal credit union type businesses seize this opportunity to regularise their operations and become formally recognised under the new regulatory regime.

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 9

The International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands

A YEAROF SERVICE

e Turks hool of th il held tional Sc a nc u rn o te C t In The Studen s Islands’ hought.

T r fo d o and Caico ve for Fo a food dri vember 2016 No

Internatio nal Coast al Clean-u Keeping p Day. our beac hes clean Septemb ! er 2016

Hurricane Matth ew donations to help the families in Haiti and Baha mas.

October 2016

ilies r the fam drive fo y . to ls il d H n a Blue Clothing homes in 16 that lost 20 r e b m Septe

alvation the TCI S lp e h ts n hristmas Stude annual C ir e th h c n Army lau mpaign.

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Hurricane Matthew help the relief carw families in ash to Haiti and Bahamas.

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Page 10

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

New Year’s message from Former Premier Michael Misick

My fellow Turks and Caicos not win a seat in this election we were Islanders I would like to wish successful at the polls. Approximately everyone a prosperous, healthy and 1629 voters crossed party lines and safe new year. voted for me as an independent

The year 2016 has been a candidate. This is remarkable in a difficult year for us as a country as we country where the two major parties have lost numerous citizens, young are deeply and culturally entrenched. and old, that were pillars in our I would like to thank all of community. those that attended my rallies and

We have seen violent crimes voted for me. I can assure you that take over our streets, businesses and your vote will not be wasted as I intend homes. Unemployment is growing to continue to represent you and fight and strong representation for our for the ideals that we believe in. citizens seems to be lacking from We believe that you don’t politicians. All of the wealth and have to be inside of Parliament to major opportunities in our country effect change. As an agent of change, continue to be concentrated in the we believe we can effect change hands of the few ‘The Grace Bay Boys’ everywhere by speaking out and their heirs and successors. lending our voices to oppose injustice

The election of December and oppression wherever and 2016 that returned the PDM to office whenever it raises its ugly head. will compound the concentration of We believe that we can wealth as it will cement the Grace provide that strong and fearless Bay Boys’ grip on power, as they are representation to you regardless. We the major sponsors and financiers of still believe that our best days as a the PDM party. country are ahead and we believe

I would like to take this that the future lies within us taking opportunity to congratulate the PDM responsibility for our own actions, under the leadership of Hon. Sharlene taking responsibility for our own Cartwright-Robinson for their victory country. No external power can help at the polls. us or save us. We must seek our

We started a movement for solutions ourselves and we must help change, a movement to return power and save ourselves. to the people and take our country As we move forward into back. Although we did 2017, it’s my wish that we unite as

a people and work together for our common good, because there is more that unites us than that which divides us.

We must take a stand against British colonialism and imperialism.

That’s the only way I believe we will achieve our goal as a prosperous and safe nation among the other nations of this world.

I wish the new Government much success. But to end right you must begin right. I believe the reappointed of Hon. John Phillips by the Governor is a dangerous precedent. While I don’t agree that the Governor should be appointing any person to our Parliament, while he has that power, he should exercise it responsibly and in the wider public interest.

I have nothing against Mr. Phillips personally. I have known him for a very long time and believe that he has made a significant contribution to Parliament over the last 4 years.

However, I believe there are other citizens that are equally as capable of making a contribution and should be given a chance. If you are going to serve Parliament two consecutive times and be pensionable, you should run for office. I call on the governor to review and rescind the appointment of Mr. John Phillips to Parliament.

Form premier Micheal misick

In the first national address by the new Premier presenting her Cabinet, Hon. Cartwright-Robinson, in addition to appointing the six ministers that are allowed by the Constitution, suggested that Hon. Derek Taylor and Hon. Doug Parnell will be working out of her office in Grand Turk and Providenciales, respectively.

My question is, what will be their roles and positions, as the Constitution does not provide for junior ministers or parliament secretary. This seems to me to be a recipe for political mischief and is not permitted by the Constitution or by law.

I will end where I started, by again thanking those that supported our movement for change and to wish all of our citizens and residents alike a prosperous and safe 2017.

May God bless each and every one of you and may He bless our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands.

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JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 11

LOCAL NEWS

Jackie Lightbourne wins FLOW/ IGA Shopping Spree 2016

Jackie Lightbourne was the lucky winner of the FLOW/IGA Shopping Spree 2016.

Last Christmas, FLOW gave customers a chance to win a 60-second shopping spree with Graceway IGA.

To qualify, customers were to purchase a prepaid combo plan for as little as $10 or sign up for any of data plans to be entered into the pool of customers.

The campaign ended at midday on December 22nd and the names were pooled in a spreadsheet where a process of random selection was used to determine the winner of the highly anticipated 60 Sec Shopping Spree.

Before close of business on that day, the winner was announced and a call was made from Country Manager Mrs. Delleriece Hall’s office to the customer who responded where sheer excitement, enthusiasm and gratitude.

“I want to thank FLOW for this wonderful experience,” said Ms. Lightbourne walked away Lightbourne. “I really enjoyed it and with $1087.30 worth of goods to enjoy I hope I win again. Remember, you during the holidays. have to be BIG, you can’t be small.

Asked what she was going You have to get the $60 XL Combo to do with the goods, she replied: Plan. I have a XL plan on my phone, “Well, Christmas is a time of sharing. that’s why I believe I won, because I Share and give! That’s me. I’m always went BIG.” sharing and always giving. just like

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER POSITION Applications are invited for the Financial Controller position at a Turks & Caicos Islands FBO. An individual with leadership, customer relations, and results focused abilities is required to oversee all aspects of the FBO accounting operations and human resources.

Responsibilities will include: •Production of monthly, quarterly and yearly financial reports •Developing annual operating budget and budget presentation to the Board of Directors •Forecasting results, analyzing variances, and providing associated commentary •Preparation of ad hoc reports and analysis for management and/ or the Board •Full involvement in product pricing and maintenance of the billing system •Responsible for inventory management, invoicing, receivable collections and payables •Group consolidation •Establishment and maintenance of detailed fixed asset register •Preparation of audit information and management of the external audit •Oversee company’s human resource policies

Experience required for this position: •Professional membership (CA, ACCA, CPA) in good standing with a minimum of 2-3 years post qualifying industry experience •Experience in producing financial reports in compliance with IFRS/GAAP •Experience in audit liaison •Problem solving ability, and effective at working under pressure •Strong computer skills with proven experience using GL programs •Proven staff management experience •Experience of managing perpetual inventory a definite advantage •Aviation experience strongly preferred •Remuneration package commensurate with experience

Interested candidates should send a detailed Resume to hr@blueheronfbo.com

FLOW.” The Shopping Spree ommenced at 6:45 a.m. at the Graceway IGA location on Leeward Highway.

In attendance were Country Manager for FLOW, Mrs. Delleriece Hall, Retail Sales Manager, Cynthia

Adams, Corporate Sales Manager, Joanne Missick, Marketing Communications Executive, Darron Hilaire, daughter of the winner, Anya Malcolm, CEO of Graceway IGA, Mr Ken Burns, and store manager for Graceway IGA, Almando Rigby.

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION Regulating with Honesty, Integrity and Transparency

The Financial Services Commission, the statutory body of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Government with responsibility for the regulation of financial services businesses, is seeking qualified applicants for the post of Credit Unions Analyst I. Duties and Responsibilities The holder of this office will support the effective licensing and regulation/supervision of credit unions in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The successful applicant will contribute to the development of the sector by undertaking assessments of the financial operations of assigned Credit Unions to ensure compliance with relevant ordinances, regulations and best practices, standards and make recommendations to address breaches by licensees.

Specific duties will include the conduct of offsite and onsite monitoring of licensed entities assigned within the Department; Receiving, vetting and submitting for decision, applications/requests for changes requiring regulatory approval; performs the appropriate fit and proper assessment; Meet with licensees as needed to discuss performance, strategic changes within their organization, initiatives being planned by the FSC or outstanding issues, etc.; Maintaining computerized and manual files in relation to work done for assigned institutions and perform other related duties as assigned. The office holder will also be expected to travel to regulated institutions to conduct reviews or attend meetings.

Specific Knowledge Required The successful applicant should possess a sound knowledge of the Credit Union Ordinance and other relevant Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Services Laws, Regulations and international supervisory standards. The applicant should be familiar with current and emerging trends in the regulation of Credit Union operations and practices and developments in the financial sector along with a sound understanding of IT systems and the use of such technologies in the financial services industry Education and Experience A BSc. degree in Accounts/Finance or a related discipline or equivalent qualifications.

Three year experience in bank and trust supervision or auditing.

Other Applicable Information Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, and will be based on the Commission’s salary scale.

The duties for the post may be carried out in Grand Turk and/or Providenciales.

Applications should be emailed to kbacchus@tcifsc.tc no later than January 20, 2017.

The response must state clearly “Application for Supervisor, Credit Unions”.

December 28, 2016

Page 12

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Populism and Turks and Caicos Islands politics

By Oliver Mills

Populism is the most recent political concept to gain traction in political discourse. But in my view, elements of it have permeated Caribbean and Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) politics throughout the years, but a strict definition of it has not been advanced fully. We have an idea of what it is about, but nothing concrete in terms of it being a political ideology.

heri Berman in a Foreign Affairs magazine piece says populists are symptoms of a decline in the ability of traditional political parties to satisfy the needs of most voters.

Another writer locates populism in an uprising against elites who have backed neoliberal globalization, while ignoring the persistence of massive inequalities. Fareed Zakaria, in Foreign Affairs, says all versions of populism share a suspicion of, and hostility towards elites, mainstream politics, and established institutions.

It speaks for the forgotten ‘ordinary’ person, and imagines itself as the voice of genuine patriotism.

Here we have specific ideas about what populism entails. Modern Caribbean politics has its origins in populism, emerging from postplantation society, which continued from slavery to be run by elites. In the plantation system, only the wealthy could be involved in government, and there were no formal political parties, only interests that made decisions for themselves, while the majority population remained on the periphery.

We cannot then speak of populism as symptomatic of a decline in the ability of parties to satisfy voters’ needs. However in the period of the 1930s, with the formation of trade unions and political parties, populist leaders emerged such as Alexander Bustamante and Norman Manley in Jamaica, the former establishing the Jamaica Labour Party, and the latter the Peoples National Party. One being

labour oriented, the other nationalist.

Later Eric Williams a populist leader in Trinidad formed the first organized political party, the Peoples National Movement.

These populist leaders fit the definition above of emerging from an uprising against elites who ignored massive inequalities.

Caribbean populist leaders mentioned earlier, along with those who came in the aftermath of the 50s and early 60s and beyond, challenged the colonial elites and their local counterparts for political power. These included many Eastern Caribbean leaders and, in The Bahamas, Lynden Pindling, who enhanced the political consciousness of their people, and led their countries to full sovereignty. Did the Caribbean produce the first political populists?

And the Turks and Caicos has been influenced by populists in Jamaica and The Bahamas, using them as political models. Formal political parties emerged in the late 70s with a nationalist political philosophy. Notable were JAGS McCartney, who formed the People’s Democratic Movement, and became the first chief minister, and Norman Saunders, who helped establish the Progressive National Party, later to become chief minister as well.

McCartney fits the populist definition given by Fareed Zakaria in having suspicion of local and foreign elites, established institutions, which he saw as serving the interests of a colonial elite, and their local adherents, and spoke up for the ordinary person.

He challenged the policies of a system that served others to the detriment of indigenous persons, and brought hope and dignity, to the powerless. He dialogued with the authorities about independence, and made progress.

Saunders, although a populist among the people, was more incremental in his politics. Both, however articulated the aspirations of the people, and contributed to a populist brand of Turks and Caicos

and the elites, or ‘higher ups’ at the top of the social pyramid.

This populist trend continues in political organisations in Jamaica, but inverts itself at particular points where, on the one hand, the JLP was seen as the party of the working class, and the PNP the party of the intellectual and professional elite. This paradigm repeats itself throughout the Caribbean, and in many instances specific election outcomes have been questioned but not overall, as populists do when not the victors.

In the Turks and Caicos, the Progressive National Party now in opposition was seen as the party of elites, while the People’s Democratic Movement was described as representing the interests of ordinary citizens. The PNP in recent years also seemed to have become more capitalist oriented, with the PDM being more socially conscious, and appears to be one of the reasons the latter won the recent elections.

The PNP boasted of surpluses, but ordinary citizens claimed they never saw it in their wallets. But the PDM leaders were also more charismatic, and spoke of social divisions. However, both parties recognize the legitimate opposition when in government, unlike most populists.

Populism, then, is alive in the Caribbean and Turks and Caicos. It is an attractive political ideology, and appears set to enjoy an extended shelflife.

Oliver Mills politics.

A Princeton University professor, Jan-Werner Muller, gave what I believe is a comprehensive discourse on populism. He states that populists claim that only they represent the people, that their competitors and critics are part of the immoral, corrupt elite, when running for office and, once in government, they do not recognize any legitimate opposition. The logic they follow is that whoever does not support populist parties might not be part of the proper people at all. And they see a split between the actual citizenry and the ‘real people’, which is why populists question election outcomes when not the winners.

To some extent this view represents Caribbean and TCI politics in the modern period. Michael Manley of Jamaica can be regarded as a populist since his political ideology, * Oliver Mills is a former lecturer although undergoing change at periods, in education at the University of conveyed the impression that only his the West Indies Mona Campus. political party represented the real He holds an M.Ed degree. from people, and saw the Jamaica Labour Dalhousie University in Canada, Party, his competitor, as the elites, an MA from the University of supported by counterparts abroad. London and a post-graduate He appealed to the people’s sense of diploma in HRM and Training, patriotism, and their sensitivity to the University of Leicester. He is a past period of slavery, using it to explain Permanent Secretary in Education the existing class structure with the with the government of the Turks masses, the real people at the bottom, and Caicos Islands

PDM won, but a pyrrhic victory

By Royal s. Robinson, MBE

I would first like to say that it is an honor and a privilege to once again serve in the House of Assembly; first as part of an administrative government, and now – in Opposition. I would like to give thanks to members and delegates to the Progressive National Party’s NGC who afforded me the opportunity to represent the interest of the people of these Turks and Caicos Islands.

I would also like to make note of this an historic occasion with the election of our first female Premier, 40 years after the introduction of Ministerial Governance. To Madam Premier and her team, I say the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands have given you a mandate of change and it is my goal to ensure that you keep every promise made on the campaign trail, for I too have a copy of the Change document.

PDM may have won, but your victory was but a Pyrrhic victory - and most certainly, not in total repudiation of PNP. The overall final tally of the votes cast at both the individual district level, as well as that of the All Island District, show that the PDM got 48% of those votes, while those entities that included the PNP, PDA and Independents go 52%.

The results were similar in nature to the recently concluded

American elections, where Donald Trump secured the Electoral College votes sufficient to be President of the United States, while Hillary Clinton amassed the popular votes, but still lost! In our case, “other than PDM” got 52% of the votes and are in the opposition, while the PDM got 48%, won 10 seats and the right to govern our country for the next four years.

It is my pledge to serve diligently as a part of the People’s Loyal Opposition and hold the Premier and her team to account, for a lot of work has been done over the proceeding 4 years and they have a great foundation to build upon: Debt repaid, money in the bank BBB+ country for the past 2 years, High school built for the first time in 30 plus years, free education up to age 40, programmes at Invest TCI to encourage young entrepreneurs are but a few of such achievements.

We certainly realize that we cannot rest on our laurels. Even the Bishop at the Ecumenical Service prior to the Swearing in Ceremony, paraphrased that we have to take this country to the next level!

At the ceremony, a few things stood out. First and foremost, the PDM really believe that they have the absolute right to the Throne of God and surely, that cannot be right. We all know from the reading of the scriptures that God allows any government to stand

up. We further note the saying that the people at various points in time of their history, get the government that they deserve. That is reflected, whether they voted in a positive way or abstained from voting!

The second thing is that the exercise in “smoke and mirrors” has begun in honest. It started with the Premier announcing that she has been able to provide the additional 4.1M to contribute to NHIP. That money had to have been in the Consolidated Fund, left by the previous Premier. You cannot draw a cheque for an outside entity unless the money is in government’s Scotia Bank account!

The number of Papers laid on the table of the House indicated that Hon. C. Washington Misick had done his job well. There were the Financial Statements for the NHIP for the years ending March 31, 2011; 2012; 2013 and 2014. The impression that was tried to be conveyed was that in 6 Working days since her appointment as the Premier, the Hon. Sharlene L. Cartwright-Robinson was able to appoint auditors who would have had to review the books of NHIP for the relevant years and come up with the goods.

That was nothing more than a pipe dream! To add insult to injury, she laid on the table 6 Contingency Warrants for 2016, ranging in value

from the low five digit amount to $2M. It was only after the Leader of the Opposition, ask the Speaker to ask the Premier to give details of the Warrants, that she read them and append to each of them was the name of C. Washington Misick and this indicated who had actually done what! She could try, but she would not be allowed to take credit for other people’s work without that fact being pointed out!

We have to establish the right parameters lest we be lulled into nonsense of “real change is here”! It is one thing to win an election, but it is a different ball game in governing.

The PDM, having been out of effective governing for 13 years are in for a rude awakening!

They will soon fully see that the landscape has tremendously changed from the era of the Hon. Derek Taylor Administration!

The expectations of the segment of the voters who put their Xs in the PDM column are very high. You have to deliver. If you do not, the people will soon realize as the story went, “the Emperor has no clothes on”!

But remember this, heavy is the head that wears the crown, and to be sure, you will soon realize that it is nothing more than a Pyrrhic victory that you have won!

May God continue to bless the Turks and Caicos Islands.

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 13

LOCAL NEWS

NCS eMoney Services gives cheque to the Haitian Consulate for victims of Hurricane Matthew

By Todeline Defralien

NCS eMoney Services in Turks and Caicos Islands has made a generous donation presenting a cheque for $3,608.00 to the Haitian Consulate for the victims who suffered from Hurricane Matthew in Haiti last year.

The cheque handover ceremony took place at the Haitian Consulate in Providenciales on Wednesday January 4th, 2017.

.Antoinette Thomas of NCS eMoney Services told The SUN, “Immediately after Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti the management of NCS decided to give a portion of its income from every transaction sent to Haiti from October through to November 30, 2016. NCS has been in communication with the Turks and Caicos Island Haitian Vice Consul Adolphe Jacques who directed us to the Ministry of

Representatives from NCS eMoney Services presenting the $3,608.00 cheque to the Haitian Consulate Foreign Affairs in Haiti.”

She added: “NCS has always deemed that their corporate responsibility to support the communities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Being the MoneyGram operators we cater to all the community

Large quantity of alcohol stolen from storage

so therefore we always give back. It is not just to the Haitian community, we have been giving back to the Jamaican, to the Philippines and all of the communities that support us.”

Thomas stressed that Hurricane Matthew was devastating

Police confiscated a large quantity of alcoholic beverages and other items for investigation purposes from a home in the Five Cays area of Providenciales on Friday December 30th, 2016.

Around 9:35 am. that

and this is just the right thing to do to give back to the community.

“We decided to give a portion of our fees for the month of October and November that were sent to Haiti. We have given 50% of our fees that we’ve received for the month of October and November and we had our boxes in our three locations. The Butterflied Square location was the winners and we’ve collected the most funds from that location so we want to thanks those persons who came in and made their transactions,” Thomas explained.

NCS has 3 locations, Downtown Butterfield Square, Leeward Highway, Luke Plaza and Grace Bay, Queens Landing (across from Gourmet Supermarket), and Sub-Agents in Grand Turk, Cee’s Supermarket, South Caicos, Seaview Market and North Caicos, Digicel TCI.

date, police officers responded to the Williams Storage on Industrial Park to a unit own by Charlie’s Variety and met the complainant who told officers that someone broke into the storage and stole the property mentioned above.

As a result of information received, a search warrant was executed at the home where a number of the items were recovered.

No one has been arrested, and Investigation into this matter is ongoing.

British Caribbean Bank Limited MECHANIC GOLF COURSE EQUIPMENT Financial Controller Provo Golf Club seeks a qualified mechanic. A minimum of twelve (8) years’ experience in golf course equipment is required and the applicant must possess the following skills and experience.

Requirements •A history of maintenance of Golf Carts, mowers and tractors.

•General maintenance and repairs of all equipment used and operated on the Golf Course.

•Ordering or replacing any parts necessary.

•An aptitude to work unsociable hours is required.

The remuneration for this position is $2700.00 monthly commensurate with experience.

Please submit applications to: Veronica Rigby, HS Ltd, P.O. Box 124, Regent House, The Regent Village, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, Tel: (649) 946-5126; Fax (649) 946-5191; Email: ronnie@ habgroup.com Interested Belongers must also submit copies of their application to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2. Position currently held by a work permit holder. Closing date for application is January 6, 2017.

We are looking for an objective Financial Controller 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.

LOCATION: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS •Chartered Accountant qualified or equivalent •A university degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field •Minimum 10 years of banking or financial credit analysis experience and credit risk underwriting •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

BUSINESS EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT Applicants should have a minimum of 15 years in a broad range of financial management roles at a senior level.

Experience in the following area would be a significant advantage: financial and management accounting, business acquisitions and deposits, corporate restructurings, regulatory reporting, strategic financial and business planning, ability to interpret complex legal documentation.

The salary for this position ranges from $60,000 to $ 100,000 per annum based on experience belongers only need apply.

Interested persons may submit Applications no later than December 31st 2016 to: HR@WIHL.COM Phone: 649-9415028 P.O. Box 270, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Please also submit a copy to the TCI Labor Department

Page 14

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Mrs. Cynthia Astwood attends International Ombudsman Institute World Conference in Bangkok, Thailand

Mrs. Cynthia Astwood, the Complaints Commissioner for the Turks & Caicos Islands has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have represented the Office of the Ombudsman of this country at the 11th International Ombudsman Institute World Conference which was held in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 13th -19th 2016.

This auspicious occasion was the first of its kind to be held in Asia. Mrs. Astwood, former Chief Secretary of the Turks and Caicos Islands, participated in the conference as the chairperson for the breakout session discussing the topic freedom of information.

The main objective of the conference was to upgrade the measures of human rights protection and promote anti-corruption in line with good governance practices.

The theme of this years’ conference “Evolution of Ombudsmanship” was a very expedient one. Over 114 organizations from

around the world were represented at the conference at which discussions were held on the changing roles and the evolution of ombudsmen from classical ombudsman to hybrid ombudsman covering aspects including the protection of human rights, anticorruption, freedom of information and the ombudsman carrying out investigations on specific issues of concern.

The conference affords members the opportunity to exchange experiences, share expertise and knowledge while bolstering camaraderie among colleagues within the ombudsman community.

The International Ombudsman Institute has been established since 1978 providing a forum for Ombudsman from around the world to extend their roles and widen recognition among ombudsman communities which will ultimately lead to further international cooperation. The IOI currently has over one hundred members.

Mrs. Cynthia Astwood (second from right) with other delegates at the conference

THE ROYAL TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS POLICE FORCE

JOB TITLE:

LOCATION:

VACANCY DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force

Remuneration Package SALARY:

$87,000.00 PER ANNUM

ALLOWANCES:

$30,240.00 PER ANNUM

An opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, committed senior professional to take over as second in command of one of the oldest police forces in the Caribbean. The successful applicant will have at least seven (7) years’ experience in a senior management position with experience and competencies in a range of policing disciplines including, but not limited to: Crime Investigation, Executive Policing skills, Incident Command, Professional Standards, and delivery against demanding targets. He/ she will be required to Deputise or act for the Commissioner of Police.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police is responsible for maintaining disciplinary standards within the Force.

The Turks and Caicos Islands like other jurisdictions in the World are facing challenging times and we seek an individual who will embrace change and the opportunities it brings. He/She will promote a real belief in public service, focusing on what matters to the public and what will best serve their interests. The successful applicant will effectively develop and communicate the strategies of RTCIPF to officers, staff, government, partners and communities and build public confidence. By actively engaging with different communities, agencies and strategic stakeholders, he/she will develop effective partnerships at a local and national level to ensure the delivery of an effective police service.

For persons recruited from outside of the Turks and Caicos Islands, a three (3) year contract extendable by His Excellency the Governor on mutual agreement is offered. Other benefits, in addition to the stated allowances include an end-of-contract gratuity of 10% of salary; return passage for family of up to two children under the age of sixteen (16) years as well as duty free concession on the shipment of personal effects imported within six (6) months of appointment.

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a cover letter and two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer) as well as copies of educational certificates and a copy of the passport photo page. Shortlisted candidates must submit a Police Clearance/Certificate. Applications should be addressed to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, H.R, Old Airport Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Email to: James.Smith@ tcipolice.tc with the subject line: DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE/ APPLICATION. Successful applicants will work in accordance with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Ordinance, TCI Laws, Ordinances, Constitution, and Public Service Ordinance.

Closing date is 18th January 2017. Following a paper-sift, successful applicants to be called for interview will be notified by 25th January 2017 with interviews taking place in person or videoconference in the week commencing 30th January 2017. An Application pack can be obtained by contacting Mr. Rex Swann, H.R Manager by email: Rex. Swann@tcipolice.tc The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands is committed to Equal Employment Opportunities, All applicants will be considered on an equal basis that determines their suitability to the post applied for.

The selection process will be conducted on three principles of merit, fairness and openness. Applications without all supporting documents will not be processed. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only persons selected for an interview will be contacted.

$135

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LOCAL NEWS

Governor visits Salt Cay

His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by Mrs Corinna Freeman, visited Salt Cay on December 28th, 2016.

The Governor was received by the District Commissioner, Mrs Almaida Wilson, and took part in a meeting with the local community. He heard of concerns felt regarding the state of the airport runway, the degradation of the sea walls as well as the local wish to see a tarmac road.

He also heard arguments for Salt Cay being made a UNESCO World Heritage Site and undertook to make inquiries as to this possibility.

The Governor subsequently toured the Island and visited the airfield and the sea protections and hosted a lunch for the District Commissioner, the Police Officer and the local nurse.

He offered seasonal greetings to those whose home is in Salt Cay as well as to holiday visitors.

Governor Freeman visits Cheshire Hall Hospital and police stations

His Excellency the Governor Dr. John Freeman, accompanied by Mrs. Corinna Freeman, made a Christmas Eve visit to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales, where they were received by the CEO, Mr Daniel Carriere, and the Chief

of Medical Services, Dr Denise BraithwaiteTennant, and taken on a tour of the Centre’s facilities.

The Governor took the opportunity to extend thanks for the work of the Centre’s staff in 2016 and to wish them and their patients all

the very best for 2017.

The same day, the Governor visited the RTCIPF stations at Chalk Sound and Five Cays and used the visit to extend thanks for the work of the police in 2016 and to offer best wishes for 2017.

New Year’s Message from Robbie Been Jnr.

Happy New Year to all my fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders.

I want to give my deep and heartfelt thanks to all who believed in me enough to give me the privilege of your vote in the 2016 election.

Your resounding support helped to make history by giving the Turks and Caicos Islands our first female Premier, the Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson. I have no question that we have made the right choice in this new Government.

The change we need has come and I know we will not be disappointed with the service of the People’s Democratic Movement on all levels.

While I fell short by a small

margin, it still shows clearly that the Turks and Caicos is ready to put more young leaders into Parliament and I am excited about the day when you push more of us right across the line.

To all young people, I hope that you are inspired by my strong standing as a newcomer.

My candidacy and campaign proved to be more appealing than seasoned and celebrated past leaders of our country.

It was very encouraging and humbling to see, and I want younger people in particular to know that you have not seen the last of me. I am still your guy as the face of the youth

and remain committed to working with my party to push the issues in my campaign platform to the best of my ability, for the betterment of our country. The Year 2017 and beyond looks very bright!

Thank you all again for blessing me with your votes and for the outpouring of love and words of encouragement expressed after the General Election.

From my heart and family to yours, God’s blessings upon everyone for 2017 and beyond. May your life in 2017 be the best you’ve ever seen... filled with great success, good health, prosperity and more.

God bless our country.

Robbie Been Jnr.

Notice of changes to the National Parks Order

National parks, nature reserves, sanctuaries, areas of historical interest, and critical habitat reserves are established under the National Parks Order.

Prior to any changes being made to the Order by the Governor in Cabinet, the Director of the Department of Environment and Costal Resources has published a notice of these changes in the Gazette.

The Director is also publishing the notice found herein in accordance

with the statutory obligations under the National Parks Ordinance.

DETAILS OF CHANGES

Both a digital copy of the Notice published in the Gazette (35 pages) and reference maps (48 pages) can be found at www.gov.tc/dema.

Hard copies of both documents can be viewed at Department of Environment and Coastal Resources offices in Providenciales, Grand Turk, and

South Caicos. The changes include expansion, removal, and creation of new areas under protection, as well as re-designating existing areas under different categories of protection.

INVITATION FOR COMMENTS Any person may, within six weeks of this notice, make either oral or written representation on the proposed establishment, alteration, variation or cessation of a national park, nature

reserve, sanctuary, area of historic interest or critical habitat reserve, to the Director.

Written representation can be sent by email to environment@ gov.tc or delivered to DECR offices on Providenciales, Grand Turk, or South Caicos.

Oral representation can be made by telephone +1-649-338-4161 or in person through scheduling an appointment.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

The Year of Conquering Negative Thinking

by Lesley Alderman New York Times

Here’s a New Year’s challenge for the mind: Make this the year that you quiet all those negative thoughts swirling around your brain.

All humans have a tendency to be a bit more like Eeyore than Tigger, to ruminate more on bad experiences than positive ones. It’s an evolutionary adaptation that helps us avoid danger and react quickly in a crisis.

But constant negativity can also get in the way of happiness, add to our stress and worry level and ultimately damage our health.

And some people are more prone to negative thinking than others.

Thinking styles can be genetic or the result of childhood experiences, said Judith Beck, a psychologist and the president of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Bala Cynwyd, Pa. Children may develop negative thinking habits if they have been teased or bullied, or experienced blatant trauma or abuse.

Women, overall, are also more likely to ruminate than men, according to a 2013 study.

“We were built to overlearn from negative experiences, but under learn from positive ones,” said Rick Hanson, a psychologist and senior fellow at the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley.

But with practice you can learn to disrupt and tame negative cycles.

The first step to stopping negative thoughts is a surprising one. Don’t try to stop them. If you are obsessing about a lost promotion or the results of the presidential election, whatever you do, don’t tell yourself, “I have to stop thinking about this.”

“Worry and obsession get worse when you try to control your thoughts,” Dr. Beck said.

Instead, notice that you are in a negative cycle and own it. Tell yourself, “I’m obsessing about my bad review.” Or “I’m obsessing about the election.”

By acknowledging your negative cycle and accepting it, you are on your way to taming your negative thoughts. Acceptance is the basic premise of mindfulness meditation, a practice that helps reduce stress and reactivity.

Intercaribbean Air ways 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. well 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.

Customer service agents: customer service orientated, computer literate, reliable hard working and an excellent team player Ramp agent: High School diploma, hard working, reliable, has a valid TCI driver’s license and willing to work in harsh weather conditions Security Guards; High school diploma, Hard working honest, willing to work shifts and night duty. Must be able to read and write English.

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.

Aircraft mechanics: must have 3-5 years experience and FAA license.

Belongers/Permanent resident HR@intercaribbean.com

holders

only

need

to

apply

to

`You don’t necessarily have about feeling unloved, check in with to close your eyes and meditate every friends and family members. day to reap the benefits of mindfulness.

If you are feeling insecure You can remind yourself to notice your at work, make a list of your thoughts in a nonjudgmental manner, accomplishments. Perhaps ask your without trying to change or alter them best friend to write you a letter telling right away. you all the ways in which you are a

Accepting negative thoughts good, kind person. Reread the letter can also help lessen their weight. daily.

Getting mad at yourself for worrying Dr. Hanson, author of or telling yourself to stop worrying only “Hardwiring Happiness: The New adds fuel to the negativity fire.

Brain Science of Contentment, Calm,

After you’ve accepted a and Confidence,” said it may be helpful negative thought, force yourself to to ask yourself if you are accomplishing challenge it. anything by dwelling on your negative

Let’s go back to the setback thoughts. at work. Perhaps not getting the If you’re ruminating on your promotion made you worry about financial problems during a run around your overall competence and you were the track in hopes of finding a solution, berating yourself about your skills. Ask then that is useful. But fretting for lap yourself, “Why would one setback mean after lap about the president-elect or a that I am incompetent?” Or you might foreign crisis is not going to accomplish ask, “What have I done in the past that anything. shows I am actually a very competent When your negative thoughts worker?” are making you feel agitated and

If you’re having trouble overwhelmed, take a deep breath, and challenging your negative thoughts, then another. Practicing controlled try this approach. Imagine that your breathing can help lower the stress friend is the one who received the bad response and calm anxious thoughts. news. What advice would you give him Finally, if your thoughts are or her? Now think of how that advice making you feel seriously distressed might apply to you. and interfering with your ability to

A study conducted at Ohio work and relax, consider seeing a State University found that this method mental health professional.

— known as Socratic questioning — Therapists who specialize was a simple way to reduce depressive in cognitive therapy, which teaches symptoms in adults. In the study, 55 practical ways to cope with persistent adults were enrolled in a 16-week and unwanted thoughts, may be course of cognitive therapy sessions. particularly helpful. If the underlying

Researchers studied videotapes source of your thoughts is clinical of the sessions and found that the more depression or intense anxiety, you frequently therapists used Socratic might want to talk with a professional questioning, the more the patients’ about the root cause of your negative depressive symptoms lessened. The thinking patterns and discuss study’s authors theorized that Socratic medications that can be helpful. questioning helped patients examine 94 the validity of their negative thoughts and gain a broader, more realistic COMMENTS perspective on them.

There will be times when your While you are sorting out bleak thoughts are actually valid, but what approach works best for you, give your projections about what’s next yourself a break and have compassion are not. Consider this scenario: Your for your overwrought thoughts. partner has left you for someone else.

“The more you dwell on the “My partner doesn’t love me anymore,” negative, the more accustomed your might be accurate, said Dr. Beck, but brain becomes to dwelling on the “No one else will ever love me,” is negative,” said Dr. Hanson, who probably not. suggests asking yourself, “Are my

Now move from a place of thoughts helping to build me up, or inaction to action to counteract the tear me down?” negative thought. If you are worried

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 17

A REWARDING CAREER WITH COMO HOTELS & RESORTS STARTS TODAY!!

At COMO, we create experiences worth re-living, experiences that inspire guests to travel and live differently.

COMO Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos Islands Job Title:

Training and Development Manager

Job Title:

Objective The position is responsible for managing the co-ordination and delivery of a range of learning and development activities that delivers Parrot Cay objective for Standards of Performance and guest interaction. To ensure that the COMO culture is reinforced through awareness of our mission statement.

Director of Purchasing

Objective

Main Duties

The Position is responsible for ensuring that all items ordered for the hotel are received in a timely manner, in accordance to standards, are released to correct departments and that all logs are maintained correctly.

In addition, the role is also charged with providing expertise and direction for all aspects of the Purchasing activities in line with the overall business strategy.

Training Planning:

Main Duties



To support the systematic analysis of training needs by department, through effective tracking of guest comments, employee appraisals, exit interview feedback, personal observation, and discussion with the appropriate managers, departmental trainers, and employees.



To formulate and communicate the annual learning & development plans, which simultaneously addresses training needs, and the short, medium and long term business objectives.



To co-ordinate the development of Departmental Training Plans that address the skills, knowledge, and behavior based training requirements of the hotels.



To co-ordinate short term cross exposure training opportunities throughout the hotels to support the development of a multiskilled and flexible workforce, ensuring that such placements satisfy the requirements of the individual, and that the department concerned has the resources to make the experience meaningful and worthwhile.



To support the design of creative and innovative training programs that satisfy specified training objectives, and facilitate the transfer of new skills and techniques into the workplace.



To ensure that all training programs include adequate techniques for ensuring that learning has taken place and the training objectives have been achieved, in line with Investor in People criteria.



To assist with monitoring the long term success of training activity, by assessing whether the desired change in behavior has taken place.



To support individual and team development, career development, and training and experience-based learning.



To spot check training standards by random attendance at departmental training sessions, and by coaching trainers in the appropriate methods and techniques.



To assist with the delivery of Induction maintaining contact with new employees during their induction period, providing a reference point in the event of difficulty and monitoring their training from an employee perspective.



To maintain an effective training record system that assists with the identification of future training needs and complies with the hotels’ statutory responsibilities.



To assist with management of the appraisal systems and support Managers with the achievement of team member’s personal development plans and succession planning.



To play leading role in promoting the desired work culture and values of the COMO Hotels.



To prepare sufficient quantities of training course material handouts in keeping with the Company’s understated style.



To co-ordinate Induction to ensure its smooth delivery.



To undertake other duties and responsibilities which, whilst outside the normal routine, are within the overall scope of the position.

Qualifications / Experience/Requirements



Extra Duties From time to time the property may ask you to undertake duties that are not included in this job description. You should agree to undertake these duties as long as the request is reasonable and will not affect your health, safety or security.

Qualifications / Experience/Requirements

    

Administration

  

Operations  Establishes adequate purchase requests, record keeping and issuance procedures for the property  Establishes standard purchasing specifications  Able to effectively negotiate with vendors, contractors, etc. to obtain the most cost effective prices and contract terms for goods and services purchased  Processes purchase requests from departments, and place approved orders  Obtains competitive quotations and bids  Ensure physical stock take is conducted as scheduled  Posts orders to inventory systems and produces purchase order for receiver to match against goods received  Ensures products and resources are assigned to the appropriate department and billed accordingly  Ensures stockroom inventory levels are maintained to adequately meet operation needs, and fill replacements if needed  Examines contents and compares with records, invoices and orders to verify accuracy of incoming shipments  Records shipping data such as weight, charges, damages and discrepancies for reporting, accounting and record-keeping purposes  Protects inventories from waste, spoilage and theft  Ability to perform other tasks and/or projects as assigned by Management.

Bachelor's degree in relevant field, Master’s Degree preferred.

Five years of experience.

Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) credential or equivalent Minimum of three years Management experience working in a luxury, 5 star properties

This position is currently held by work permit holder Salary commensurate with experience in the range: USD24K to USD36K



Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality or related field preferred Must have 5-7 years’ minimum supply chain experience Previous management experience in the hospitality field highly preferred Prior experience working in a high volume/diverse commodities setting ideal.

Must possess excellent communication, leadership and team building skills.

Ability to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.

Salary commensurate with experience in the range: USD49K -USD68K MANAGER AND SUPERVISOR POSITIONS General Manager Executive Assistant Manager F&B Director of Purchasing Director of Peoples Development Executive Assistant Manager Rooms Meetings and Events Manager Health and Safety Manager Hotel Manager Director of Purchasing Front Office Manager Power House Manager Information Technology Director Director of Purchasing Storeroom Manager Spa Supervisor Housekeeping Supervisor Restaurant Manager Duty Manager Head Butler Assistant Spa Therapist Manager OTHER POSITIONS: Private Estate Attendant Commis Chef Food & Beverage Server Spa & Gym Attendants Recreation Attendant Bartender Kitchen Steward K-9 Dog Security/Handle Receiving Clerk

Yoga/Pilates Instructor Spa Receptionist Hostess HVAC Technician Spa Attendant Guest Service Agent Purchasing Clerk Turndown Attendant Chef De Partie

Boat Mechanic Pastry Chef Pilates Instructor Chef de Cuisine Spa Therapist Bellman Housekeeper Airport Greeter

Salary for these positions will be paid base on qualification and experience.

Please note that all application must be submitted with a valid Police Record, two reference letters from previous employers or a notary public and current educational certificates. Must be willing to relocate.

Only suitable candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Forward your resume to the Human Resources Department at the following address: Parrot Cay Resort and COMO Shambhala P.O. Box 164 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Ph: (649) 946 7788, Fax: (649) 946 7749 Email: careers.parrotcay@comohotels.com

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Paul Stephenson Higgs Sr. - Turks and Caicos unsung hero

By Dr Carlton Mills

The Hon. Paul Stephenson Higgs was born in Bottle Creek, North Caicos, on 2nd February, 1898. He was married to Brenetta E. Williams of Bottle Creek and the father of four sons and four daughters.

Early Life

Hon. Paul Higgs attended the Bottle Creek Primary School (now Adelaide Oemler Primary School). As a young man, he engaged in many of the activities preferred by his age group.

These included fishing, boat building and eventually construction. He was an incredible sailor and fisherman.

He enjoyed fishing so much that he spent long hours in the boat. Many times, his family would worry about him because of the length of time he spent at sea. He would return home Dr Carlton Mills sometimes long after ten in the Boys” and that there was no need for evening with a huge catch, some of that kind of movement in North Caicos. which had already begun to rot. He This was because of the perception of lost most of his catch because of this the party at that time. but he did not worry about that. He Additionally, he was also a was enjoying something he loved. very religious man. He was not only

Hon. Paul Higgs was one of a senior deacon in the local Baptist the first political representatives for Church, but he was the person in North Caicos. During his tenure, the charge of the church. One had to ‘toe island experienced many benefits. the line’ under his leadership. He did He was instrumental in securing not tolerate marital indiscretions and scholarships for several persons to laziness. pursue studies in teacher education, He frowned on persons who nursing and agriculture in Jamaica. could not work due to minor illness He had a passion for education. He such as the flu. He would often be believed that if the people of North heard reminding workers that only Caicos were to assume responsible lazy people had time to be sick. He positions within their country, was never sick; not even on the day of education must play a pivotal role. his sudden death.

Some of the persons who received Hon. Paul Higgs was a scholarships at the time in North confidante and the local people, who Caicos include Claudius and Carlton lovingly referred to him as “Con Paul” Williams, Cecelia Gray and Raymond (Cousin Paul), relied on him regularly Gardiner. These individuals went on for advice. He also served in the very to become prominent citizens in the sought after and important role of Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) due to Justice of the Peace and Marriage efforts that were made by Hon. Paul Officer in the island of North Caicos.

Higgs to ensure overseas training for Hon. Paul Higgs played a them. pivotal role in the day to day life of

The commencement of the his people. In addition to his religious popular road works programme, which role, he also represented the poor and involved ensuring that the roads and downtrodden in the courts. He sought road sides were properly maintained, justice, pro bono, for those who could was started under Hon. Paul Higgs’ not defend themselves despite not watch. This programme provided having any formal legal training. This employment opportunities for several was a clear testament of his interest persons on the island who, under and concern for his people. ordinary circumstances, would not have been able to support themselves A Man with Vision and their families. Ironically, despite the progress we claim to have made Hon. Paul Higgs was a today, some political figures are still man with a vision. He envisioned seeing this initiative as the way to the demise of the salt and the sisal stimulate the economy in the Caicos industries and argued that, although Islands. salt brought some prosperity to the

Hon. Paul Higgs was a hard- TCI, he believed that it was the main working, trustworthy, dedicated and factor that contributed to the division determined man. He was very bold of the TCI – Turks against Caicos. At and outspoken and would give you a the time, salt was only being produced piece of his mind in a heartbeat. He in the Turks Islands (Grand Turk, Salt once told a renowned politician at Cay and South Caicos) and most of a public meeting in North Caicos to the commercial activity took place in shut up because he would not know ‘A’ Grand Turk. if it was as big as the rafters in the This made the salt island building where the meeting was being residents, particularly those on Grand held. He was alluding to the fact that Turk, to feel that they were superior to uneducated persons should not be in people in the Caicos Islands. “Caucus the forefront of politics. people” (as they were called by Salt

He also reprimanded the Islanders} had to travel many days new leader of the Peoples Democratic in sloops to Grand Turk to trade their Movement (PDM) party, Hon. JAGS ground provisions and sisal products.

McCartney, at the same meeting, Although their farm produce was referring to them as the “Black Power badly needed in Grand Turk, these

hard-working and ambitious people were, in many cases, mistreated and scorned during their visits.

At that time, there was a buoy placed in the waters to clearly demarcate the separation between the Turks Islands and the Caicos Islands. This was responsible for the phrase ‘West of the Buoy”. “Caucus people come from West of the Buoy,” was a popular but not endearing term during those years.

Hon. Paul Higgs wanted to end this segregation and replace it with a unified TCI. For this reason, he lobbied in the State Council for the economy to be diversified. He felt that the islands should move towards being a tourist destination. He obviously saw where this initiative would have more far ranging financial benefits to the lives of the people of the TCI than what was being realized through the salt industry.

Political Challenges One of Hon. Paul Higgs’ major tests came in the late 1950s and early 1960s when the Federation Movement was the political headline in the Englishspeaking Caribbean. The TCI was no exception, since the islands were being administered by Jamaica at the time and Jamaica was deeply involved in the Federation and the selfdetermination movement. Although the TCI was ruled by Jamaica, it had not achieved the same status of internal self-government as many countries involved in the Federation movement.

The Federation issue was challenging to the TCI for several reasons. Firstly, TCI was at the time regarded geographically as part of The Bahamas and had close ties with this country as many of its people had migrated there seeking employment.

Furthermore, the TCI’s agricultural abilities were hampered by the poor quality of its soil, which did not permit for mass production of crops. Because of this, the TCI relied heavily on imports from neighbouring countries.

Another serious challenge faced by the TCI was its distance away from the other Caribbean countries involved in the Federation movement, making travel and communication between these countries almost impossible.

The TCI itself, because of its geographically scattered nature, created administrative concerns.

These challenges led to the TCI’s inability to elect a representative to the BWI Federation parliament. The Turks and Caicos therefore had no choice but to seek a special position within the Federation, which limited its ability to become a full member of the Federation as Jamaica was.

Under the administration of Jamaica, the TCI suffered major political and economic injustices.

Politically, the islands did not receive adequate representation. The governor of Jamaica, who was also responsible for the TCI, was seated in Jamaica and made decisions about the TCI without consulting the TCI representatives who, on occasions, had to travel by sloops to Jamaica and missed many sittings of the Jamaican House of Assembly.

Also, because of the limited

Paul Stephenson Higgs Sr numbers of TCI representatives, even if they had arrived on time to attend House meetings, they could not affect any real change for the TCI as they were outnumbered. Jamaica, in essence, was seeking its own interest with little concern for the TCI.

Economically, Jamaica was benefitting from the TCI’s salt industry by charging a tax on all exports of salt from the TCI. The income from this tax went directly to support Jamaica’s economy rather than being reinvested into the TCI. This was a repeat of what was experienced in the 1700s and early 1800s while the TCI was being administered by The Bahamas. This practice by Jamaica seriously contributed to the further underdevelopment of the TCI.

It is important to note, that all the commercial activity was mainly between Jamaica and Grand Turk, making the Caicos Islands dependent on Grand Turk for its day to day needs, further resulting in the superiority complex of the residents of Grand Turk as aforementioned.

Based on those critical circumstances, it was decision time for the British Crown Colony (the TCI).

The decision was whether the islands should remain with Jamaica or return as a full-fledged British Colony. Many heated debates ensued, resulting in visits made by delegations from the TCI to Jamaica and to England. Hon. Paul Higgs was one of those persons who travelled to Jamaica and finally to England to present the case on behalf of the TCI withdrawing from Jamaica.

Knowing how candid and forceful he was, it is strongly believed that he influenced several of his colleagues to take the same position as he did. In fact, he was the spokesman for the Caicos group and was reported as saying to the British Parliament, “Anchor us off in the Atlantic Ocean.

We refuse to suffer one more day under Jamaica!”

When it came to the crucial vote in the TCI’s local Legislative Council, which was made up of one member from Salt Cay, one from South Caicos, two from Grand Turk, one from Middle Caicos, three from North Caicos and one from Blue Hills, the Yes votes won by one (5 – 4) in favour of the TCI moving away from Jamaica and becoming a full-fledged British colony.

Continued on page 19

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LOCAL NEWS Continued from page 18

This was symbolic of Hon. Paul Higgs’ strong stance against the harmful separation between the Turks and the Caicos Islands. All the representatives from the Turks Islands voted in favour of remaining with Jamaica while all the representatives, led by Hon. Paul Higgs, in the Caicos Islands voted for separation. If it were not for his strong position and leadership, supported by that of his colleagues, Gus Lightbourne, Emanuel Hall, James Walkin and Harry Musgrove, the TCI might still be a colony of Jamaica to this day.

One can only assume that with the current economic and political challenges that Jamaica is currently facing, the TCI might not be enjoying the high level of economic growth and prosperity currently being experienced.

These five brave men had finally affected the change longed for by the Caicos Islands.

Following this vote, representatives in the Turks Islands realized that the balance of power resided in the Caicos Islands. They felt that, to avoid further defeats, a seat had to be taken away. The seats in Bottle Creek, North Caicos, were reduced from two to one. This seat was placed in Grand Turk giving the Turks Islands the majority of seats.

Post Jamaica Years

Hon. Paul Higgs was a part of TCI’s pre-ministerial era. He realized that the single member constituency that currently existed could not reap the necessary rewards for the TCI. Hence, he encouraged voters to support the then Labour Party, which was spearheaded by Clarence Jolly and others who had just returned home from The Bahamas with experience in political organizations.

Hon. Paul Higgs spoke out

openly in favour of the Labour Party, as he felt that collectively, local representatives would be a greater force to reckon with. He noted that every developed country had a labour system of government. In his view, the same should apply for the TCI. He drew reference in his many political speeches to countries such as Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and to their respective labour leaders – Errol Barrow, Alexander Bustamante and Dr Eric Williams.

He was self-educated and kept abreast of what was happening politically in the Caribbean region and the role that Caribbean leaders were playing in the lives of their people.

Hon. Paul Higgs admonished the TCI to follow the example around them. He argued that the world was changing and that the TCI should also change in order to remain competitive.

Hon. Paul Higgs was passionate about the standard of living of his people. He argued that the TCI should make a serious effort to attract foreign investment. He believed that this would be one of the ways to reduce unemployment and raise the standard of living of the people of the TCI. This he believed would make the TCI a better place. This was his dream.

Hon. Paul Higgs saw the need for self-improvement and cooperation to prevail in the TCI. This is what he promoted over the years particularly at the opening of the House of Assembly.

He believed that Turks and Caicos Islanders should be the architects of their growth and development. To this end, he pushed continuously for Turks and Caicos Islanders to undertake advanced training.

Hence, he advocated for TCI people to go abroad and earn degrees in areas such as medicine, agriculture and education. These persons, he opined, would be instrumental in

charting a new course for the TCI. He However, during the 15th first coined the phrase “Turks and December 2016 general elections, one Caicos Islanders” first. of his grandsons, Hon. Ralph Higgs,

Hon. Paul Higgs was a warrior. who resigned his post as the director He was a champion for people’s rights, of tourism to contest a seat, on a PDM justice and equality. He felt the pain ticket in North and Middle Caicos, won that the people in the Caicos Islands convincingly and was appointed as the were experiencing. He experienced new minister of tourism. Hon. Paul their struggle first hand. He knew Higgs’ dream for TCI seems to have about the rejection Caicos people come full circle. encountered. He experienced it At the age of 83, Hon. Paul first-hand. He knew of their unfair Stephenson Higgs died suddenly treatment and degradation. He (without any illness) on May 12, 1980 experienced it first-hand. in Nassau, Bahamas, while visiting

Despite being unpopular in his children. He was buried in Old certain circles, Hon. Paul Higgs was Trail Cemetery in Nassau, Bahamas. a man of passion, a man of substance, JAGS McCartney, the chief minister of a man who cared. He placed country the TCI was buried on that same day. above self, a concept that is desperately Hon Higgs is survived by two sons and lacking among some politicians in the one daughter. From the records, his TCI today. This is what is required political career in the TCI spanned of leaders. Hon. Paul Higgs led by from 1955 to1962. example.

The 2016 TCI election day

The TCI has since seen the would obviously have been a proud, closure of the salt and sisal industries joyous and exceptional one for Hon. and the growth and expansion of Paul Higgs if he were alive to see his tourism with flights from North bloodline following in his political America, the Caribbean and Europe. footsteps and spearheading the tourist This is undoubtedly Hon. Paul Higgs’ industry, which he envisioned so long vision being realized. What has made ago as being the lifeline of the TCI. his vision so significant is that tourism is now the focus of the Caicos Islands – * Dr Carlton Mills received his early the islands that Hon. Paul Higgs knew education in South Caicos. He pursued needed to grow and develop in that studies at Excelsior Community direction. Some of his family members College, University of the West Indies, including two of his sons and one of his University of London, University of Bristol and his doctorate in Education grandsons have been actively involved at the University of Sheffield. in the tourist industry in the TCI and Dr Mills taught in the school The Bahamas. system in the Turks and Caicos

Interestingly, Hon. Paul Islands for a number of years. He Higgs himself was not a supporter of was also Principal of three high the Black Power Boys’ new party, the schools on the islands and Vice PDM. He obviously did not endorse Principal of the Turks and Caicos some of the activities that the group Islands Community College from allegedly was engaged in. He obviously September 1997 – February 2007. He would have supported their position was appointed Minister of Education on making Turks and Caicos Islanders from 2007 – 2009. He is the main editor first in their country. This is what he of The History of the Turks and Caicos Islands. wanted to see.

Somerset Resort on Grace Bay

ROOM ATTENDANT Job Summary:

To ensure that all guestrooms are cleaned to the established standards.

Main Duties & Responsibilities Provides courteous and professional service at all times.

Reports for duty punctually wearing the correct uniform and name tag at all times.

Receives Room Attendant assignment sheet and section passkey for the days duties from Asst. Housekeeper and/or floor Supervisor Stocks Room Attendant cart to the established standards

Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent vocational training Must be literate with above average verbal communication skills Ability to work in a self motivated environment with little supervision Ability to manage the administration of multiple tasks at one time Regular/Full Time position only Must speak, read, write and understand the primary language (English) used in the workplace Must work weekends and holidays Must have reliable transportation to get to and from work Possess at least 3 years of experience in five-star resorts. Strong attention to details and exceptional ability to maintain the highest standards of quality required. Must be a team player with a strong work ethic. Courteous individuals who possess a positive demeanor and a commitment to excellence are required.

Payrate: $7.00 per hour

LAUNDRY ATTENDANT Job Summary:

To ensure that all laundry is cleaned to the established standards.

Fold and arrange laundry neatly.

Provides courteous and professional service at all times.

Reports for duty punctually wearing the correct uniform and name tag

at all times.

Receives assignments from Asst. Housekeeper and/or floor Supervisor Stocks Room Attendant carts when required to the established standards

Requirements:

Qualify candidates must have Previous housekeeping or commercial laundry experience. Must be able to push/pull carts up to 300 lbs. Lift 2030 lbs. regularly and 40-50 lbs. occasionally. Must be able to work in a fast paced, noisy, humid environment. Safety oriented. He/she must be a team player with a strong work ethic. Courteous individuals who possess a positive demeanor. A commitment to excellence with good communication skills is required.

Payrate: $7.00 per hour

BELLMAN Job Summary:

Provide the pivotal first impression, setting the tone for the guest experience.

Extend a genuinely friendly welcome to arriving guests. Help with doors and luggage, guiding guests to the front desk, assisting guests to their rooms, and offering tips about the property and room amenities. Respond helpfully to guest questions about the property, getting around and nearby happenings. Pitch in. Help guests with special requests, room deliveries, and transportation arrangements when the need arises. Tidy the lobby and public areas when you see something out of place, reporting any repair or maintenance needs.

Requirements:

A high school education or equivalent is required, with prior customer service experience helpful. The ability to communicate effectively and graciously in English is essential. This position requires continuous movement, full mobility, lifting up to 50 pounds and pushing or pulling a luggage cart up to 200 pounds.

Payrate: $8.00 per hour

Belongers only need apply. Please send CV/Resume to the attention of: Marsha Blanche, Misick & Stanbrook, Tel. (649) 946-4732 – Fax 649) 946-4734- Email: Marsha@misickstanbrook.tc

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

We hire smiles!!!

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond All-inclusive property in the Caribbean is inviting applications from Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions. We hire the personality and train the individual.

Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends. The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that applicants will be contacted for an interview via Text Message.

The Administration Department requires: ✓ Reports to:

The Butler Department requires:

Executive Assistant Manager(s)

✓

Managing Director

Reports to:

The Executive Assistant Manager is responsible for the daily operation of a village and/ or departments, to improve and maintain a high quality of service. He/she is expected to give direction to all management and staff within the portfolio assigned and to ensure that this direction being in line with that of the company.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: • Minimum Bsc. Preferably in Hospitality from a recognized institution; • Minimum eight (8) years’ work experience in the Hotel Industry; • Experience managing in a 400 room or more hotel; • Experience managing a team of minimum 1000 employees; The Executive Assistant Manager position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder and more than one is required. .

The salary for this position is dependent on experience The Maintenance Department requires: ✓ Reports to:

Butler Manager Managing Director

Responsible for the Management of the Butler suites and team members, co-coordinating and overseeing the butler Service department to ensure consistency in service delivery while paying attention details so as to ensure a smooth operation in the department. He/ She must be able to train and coach butlers that will ensure total guest satisfaction. In addition to this, must have an excellent rapport with all in house butler VIP guests to ensure that their expectations are exceeded.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: • College or University Degree (Hospitality and/ or equivalent experience • Minimum Four years’ work experience managing Butler team; • Must be Guild Certified; The Butler Manager position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder.

The salary for this position ranges from $35,000.00 to $50,000.00

Technical Operations Manager

The Housekeeping Department requires:

Managing Director

The Technical Operations Manager ensures the engineering operations meets the brand’s target customer needs, team member satisfaction and maximizes the cost effectiveness of the department through efficient utilization of all utilities and ensuring continued asset value through predictive and preventative maintenance techniques.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: • Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar capacity • Extensive knowledge of building trades, electrical, mechanical, HVAC&R, plumbing and general building practices • Knowledge of facility regulations and safety standards (OSHA, EPA, AD, CFC, NFPA)

✓

Housekeeping Manager

Reports to:

Executive Housekeeper

The Housekeeping Manager reports directly to the Executive Housekeeper. He/ She has the responsibility to ensure that the property is well furnished: guest rooms are cleaned on a timely basis and are well maintained. The public areas should be aesthetically pleasing and be maintained at the highest level of cleanliness.

The Technical Operations Manager position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: • BSc. Hotel/Business Management or equivalent; • Minimum two years’ work experience in a similar or comparative position;

The salary for this position is dependent on experience.

The Housekeeping Manager position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder.

The Grounds Department requires: ✓ Reports to:

The salary for this position ranges from $35,000.00 to $45,000.00

Grounds Manager (Regional)

The Spa Department requires:

Managing Director

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping activities. Overall, ensure that the hotel grounds are kept in immaculate condition and that all plants are free from disease.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: • Diploma or Associates degree in Horticulture or other Landscaping related discipline; • Four (4) years’ experience in a similar position; • Knowledge of landscaping.

• Ability to travel frequently throughout the northern region The Grounds Manager (Regional) position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder.

The salary for this position is dependent on experience.

The Kitchen Department requires: ✓ ✓ Reports to:

Reports to:

Spa Manager

Assist the manager in the daily operation of the Spa. Provide guests with the highest quality service and ensure their complete satisfaction with every aspect of the Spa experience. Supervising all Spa employees including but not limited; to Spa Attendants, Receptionists, Massage Therapists, Beauticians, and the Fitness Coordinator.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: • Minimum of 2 to 3 years’ experience in a supervisory or leadership position.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

• Computer skills and ability to work successfully in Microsoft Office programs.

The salary for this position ranges from $35,000.00 to $45,000.00

Executive Chef

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: • Culinary institution or equivalent technical schooling or apprenticeship training preferred • Three to five years’ experience as a manager/supervisor in an international first-class hotel/resort.

The Sous Chef and Assistant Pastry Chef positions are currently held by a Work Permit Holder (however more than one is required). Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time.

The salary for these positions ranges between $23,000.00 and $38,000.00

The Accounts/Cost Control Department requires: ✓

Cost Control Manager

Reports to:

Director of Finance

As a Cost Control Manager, the primary function is to monitor cost effectively to ensure maximum profitability for the organization. The role exists to primarily perform cost estimating, tracking, analyses and reporting. The Cost Control Manager is envisaged to eventually become a focal point and custodian of all current and historical cost related information. Based on this premise the Cost Control Manager plays a vital role in achieving maximum efficiency & profitability.

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: • A minimum of a first degree in accounting, finance or business related discipline or ACCA / CPA designation • At least three years’ experience in a similar position; • Experience in managing diverse teams.

The Watersports Department requires:

Reports to:

Assistant Spa Manager

The Assistant Spa Manager position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder.

Sous Chef Assistant Pastry Chef

Under the guidance and supervision of the Executive Chef and within the limits of established Sandals Resorts policies and procedures, oversees and directs all aspects of the kitchen operation at the level of standard and quality established by the company.

✓

✓

Assistant Dive Shop Manager Dive Shop Manager

The Assistant Dive Shop Manager will be in charge of the overall experience and quality of the boats and dive equipment and machinery. This individual will also be responsible for establishing and maintaining systems, processes and policies for the smooth and timely operating of all vessels in the Watersports department.

The Cost Control Manager position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder.

The salary for this position ranges from $35,000.00 to $55,000.00

Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: • Certified PADI/NAUI Instructor ;

Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or placed in the secure drop box at the service gate or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn The Labour Commissioner Labour Department Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

and

The Human Resources Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186 Lower Bight Road

and should reach not later than January 6th 2017

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 21

Happy New Year from your FortisTCI family!

Energy for Good.

TM

www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 | 1030 Leeward HWY, Providenciales, TCI

Page 22

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

Maskanoo sees biggest crowd in 2016 Grace Bay Road came alive during the busy Christmas season when the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association hosted its annual Maskanoo event on Boxing Day, December 26, 2016.

This year’s event attracted the largest attendance ever. Visitors and residents lined the popular street where they witnessed a true spectacle and showcase of TCI’s culture.

The festivities continued until midnight with Kew Band Lynxs and Caribbean Music Farm Band rocking the stage under the theme ‘Bush meet Soca at Maskanoo 2016’ along with DJ Shakes. Kitch and We Funk provided two Maskanoo parades along with a Five Cays Youth Junkanoo group. Sponsors for this year’s event included TCHTA, Ministry of Tourism, Projetech, Danny Buoys, Turks Head Beer, Bambara and CIBC FirstCaribbean.

The following are photographs from the event. Photo Credits: The SUN & Digital Handprint.

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LOCAL NEWS

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

Historic Inauguration ceremony at House of Assembly in Grand Turk A

perfect blend of pomp, pageantry, colour and pride enveloped the environs of the House of Assembly on Thursday, December 29th, 2016, for the 1st Sitting of the 11th Legislature of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Inauguration ceremony saw Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson being sworn-in as the first female Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and all Members of Parliament taking their oaths.

The event was attended by a wide-cross section of residents, government officials, specially invited guests, foreign dignitaries, party supporters and onlookers.

The women were resplendent in their dresses and hats, while the males were quite dapper in their suits.

Here are some photos from the event.

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LOCAL NEWS

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LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

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LOCAL NEWS

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Hollyweed’: Prankster alters LA’s landmark sign

The iconic hillside sign overlooking Southern California’s film-and-television hub was defaced overnight in honor of marijuana.

Residents awoke on Sunday to find “Hollyweed” staring down at them in four-story, white letters from Los Angeles’ Mount Lee, where a version of the picture-ready “Hollywood” sign was first erected in 1923.

City surveillance cameras captured footage of someone dressed in black about 3 a.m.

(1100 GMT) whom police believe was behind the conversion, Sgt. Robert Payan of the Los Angeles Police Department said in a phone interview.

Material similar to a tarp was placed over the two O’s to make them appear as E’s, and park rangers were assessing how to remove them, Payan said.

There were no suspects, but the person if caught could be charged with misdemeanor trespassing, he said.

A ballot measure to make recreational marijuana legal for adults was easily approved

by California voters on Nov. 8, opening the most populous U.S. state to the burgeoning commercial cannabis market, although the drug remains illegal under U.S. federal law.

Rapper Snoop Dogg, a noted cannabis consumer, tweeted a photo of the sign on Sunday and

After New Year’s Eve debacle, Mariah Carey wishes for ‘more headlines’

A view shows the ‘iconic’ Hollywood sign overlooking Southern California’s film-andtelevision hub said: “#hollyweed - that’s were I get my mail. #merryjane.”

The Hollywood sign remains a popular spot for hikers and tourists, who used to be able to walk up to the sign and take a picture. Now, a fence blocks people, and accessing the sign is difficult.

The famed vista with the Hollywood sign was nearly spoiled by development in 2010

until a conservation group, with donations from Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner and others, purchased adjacent land to save the view.

The sign originally read “Hollywoodland” and was created to promote a housing development. The last several letters deteriorated in the late 1940s, and the part that remained was restored in 1978.

Janet Jackson, 50, announces birth of first child Pop star “Unbreakable” world Janet Jackson gave tour so they could birth on Tuesday to focus on starting a her first child, a boy, family.

In October, at the age of 50, her she showed off her publicist said. “ J a n e t baby bump in an Jackson and husband exclusive photo for Wissam Al Mana are People magazine. thrilled to welcome J a c k s o n , their new son Eissa the fiercely private child of Al Mana into the youngest world,” the singer’s the famed Jackson representative said in singing family, has a statement to People not given any details of the pregnancy or magazine.

“Janet had where the baby was a stress-free healthy born.

She had two delivery and is resting comfortably,” the previous marriages: a year-long union with statement said.

Jackson and soul singer James Qatari businessman DeBarge in the mid Al Mana married in 1980s, and to dancer 2012, and the singer Rene Elizondo Jr from in April postponed her 1991-2000.

Pop star Janet Jackson

Serena Williams engaged to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian

Tennis great Serena at the top.

Williams and Reddit co-founder “Destination: Rome/ To escort me to my very own Alexis Ohanian are engaged.

A spokesperson for ‘charming’/Back to where our Ohanian confirmed that he stars first collided/And now it popped the question while the was full circle/At the same table two were vacationing in Rome. we first met by chance/This time Williams first announced the he made it not by chance/But by news herself in a Reddit post on choice/Down on one knee/He said 4 words/And/r/isaidyes.” its “r/isaidyes” forum.

“I came home/A little Ohanian also announced late/Someone had a bag packed the engagement on his Facebook for me/And a carriage awaited” page, linking to Williams’ Reddit Williams said in her Reddit post, post and adding, “She said yes.” which was written like a poem Williams and Ohanian, and had a cartoon of the couple who have been dating since the

fall of 2015, have mostly kept their romance out of the spotlight, though she does post pictures of them on her Instagram account from time to time.

Williams is preparing for the start of the 2017 tennis season, having lost her world No. 1 ranking to Germany’s Angelique Kerber this year.

The 35-year-old needs just one more grand slam title to move past Steffi Graf and claim the record for a women’s player in the post-1969 Open Era of the pro game.

Grammy Award-winning singer Mariah Carey

Grammy Award-winning singer Mariah Carey shrugged off a botched New Year’s Eve show in New York’s Times Square, telling fans and critics on Sunday that life does not always go as planned.

“Shit happens,” Carey, the world’s million-selling female singer, wrote on Twitter.

“Have a happy and healthy new year everybody!

Here’s to making more headlines in 2017.”

Carey, named the Grammy’s Best New Artist in 1991, was the final musical act on ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” taking the stage just before midnight.

In addition to the television audience, the program was watched in person by the hundreds of thousands of people who gathered in what is called the “Crossroads of the World” to mark the beginning of 2017.

Carey’s opening song, a rendition of Robert Burns’ “Auld Lang Syne,” seemed to go as planned. But then the singer, surrounded by dancers and a sea of humanity, appeared flustered and complained of technical difficulties.

“We can’t hear,” she said, as the music from her 1991 hit song “Emotions” began to play.

“It is what it is,” she said. “Let the audience sing, OK?”

But the awkwardness persisted, prompting Carey to say: “I want a holiday, too.

Can I not have one? I’m trying to be a good sport here.”

The next song, “We Belong Together,” Carey’s 2005 hit, went awry as well. Carey dropped her hand-held microphone to her side and the song went on playing, revealing that she may have been only syncing her lips to the words.

“It just don’t get any better,” a frustrated Carey said after the song.

After the debacle, some fans came to Carey’s defense on Twitter, while others were less than kind. Several tweets compared her to the disgraced pop duo Milli Vanilli, who lost their Grammy for Best New Artist in 1990 when it emerged they had never sung on their records.

A spokeswoman for Carey said later on Sunday that there was no lip-syncing. “It is not uncommon for artists to sing to track during certain live performances,” spokeswoman Nicole Perna said in a statement.

Carey’s ear piece was not working before or during the performance and technicians could not fix it, but she took the stage anyway “essentially flying blind” so she could honor a commitment, Perna said.

A spokesman for ABC declined to comment.

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HEALTHY

LIFESTYLE

Tobacco, but not pot, boosts early stroke risk

Smoking pot in young adulthood does not seem to increase the risk of early stroke, but cigarette smoking does, according to a study of nearly 50,000 Swedish military conscripts.

“Extensive tobacco smokers in late adolescence had a fivefold increased risk of stroke before age 45, when compared to non-smokers, and more than double the risk of stroke (up through) age 60,” study author Dr. Anna-Karin Danielsson of Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm told Reuters Health via email.

More than 90 percent of stroke risk is related to tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and other modifiable risk factors, Danielsson and her team note in their report in Stroke. New evidence has suggested that marijuana may also increase stroke risk, they add, especially for strokes occurring before age 45.

To look for a link between cannabis and stroke, the researchers looked at data on 49,321 men born from 1949 to 951 who were drafted into military service at ages 18 to 20.

Over the next 60 years, there were 1,037 first time strokes, about half due to blood-vessel blockages and about a quarter due to bleeding. There were 192 first-time strokes among men under age 45.

Overall, after taking other risk factors into account, the researchers found that using pot more than 50 times was not associated with an increased risk of stroke at age 45 or younger. Pot users did have a two-fold higher risk of stroke due to blood-vessel blockage, but the link was weakened after the researchers accounted for participants’ tobacco use.

Men who smoked at least 20 cigarettes a day, however, were at five times the risk of stroke before age 45, and more

than two times the risk by age 60.

“The almost doubled risk of ischemic stroke following heavy cannabis use that was observed in our study disappeared when we controlled for tobacco smoking,” Danielsson said.

But, she added, the fact that almost all the pot smokers were also tobacco smokers makes it hard “to rule out possible associations between cannabis and stroke.”

“Further studies examining the possible health effects of cannabis are needed,” she said. “For one thing, we need to be able to control for the effects of tobacco smoking.

Nine states have legalized recreational marijuana use, and 28 states have legalized it for medicinal purposes.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse says marijuana is tied to some negative health outcomes beyond the mental effects the drug is known

Tobacco cigs for. Those outcomes include possible breathing problems, increased heart rates and possible long-term cognition problems among young users.

Heavy drinking tied to higher risk of heart attacks

Alcohol abuse may increase the risk of heart attacks and other cardiac problems even in people who don’t have a family history of heart disease or other known risk factors, a study suggests.

After accounting for established risk factors for heart disease such as smoking, obesity and diabetes, alcohol abuse was associated with a 40 percent higher risk of heart attack, the study found.

Excessive drinking was also tied to a two-fold greater risk of atrial fibrillation, or an irregular rapid heartbeat, and a 2.3-fold increased risk of congestive heart failure, a chronic pumping disorder.

Even though some previous research has linked an occasional or even daily drink to better heart health, these findings should put to rest any notion that drinking more is better for our health, said senior study author Dr. Gregory Marcus of the University of California, San Francisco.

“Excessive drinking might

be ostensibly `justified’ by some recognized modifiable risk factors individuals because of the purported such as diabetes, high blood pressure heart benefits,” Marcus said by email. and obesity, researchers report in the

“We have shown here that Journal of the American College of not only does excessive alcohol Cardiology. eradicating substantially increase the risk for Completely atrial fibrillation and heart failure, but alcohol abuse would result in more also heart attack, the one phenomenon than 73,000 fewer atrial fibrillation that previous data has suggested cases, 34,000 fewer heart attacks, and might be mitigated by moderate 91,000 fewer patients with congestive heart failure in the U.S. alone, the alcohol consumption,” Marcus added.

To assess the connection researchers estimated. between alcohol abuse and heart The study is observational and doesn’t problems, Marcus and colleagues prove drinking causes heart problems. analyzed data on more than 14.7 Another limitation of the study is that million California adults who had the data on patients diagnosed with surgery, emergency or inpatient alcohol abuse problems didn’t specify how much individual people drank, hospital care from 2005 to 2009.

About 1.8 percent of the the authors note. It’s also possible people in the study, or approximately that some people in the study were 268,000 patients, had been diagnosed excessive drinkers but not diagnosed as alcohol abusers in the data, which with alcohol abuse.

The increased risk of also limits the ability to specify the heart attack, atrial fibrillation and amount of alcohol that may be harmful. congestive heart failure associated Even so, it’s possible that the current with alcohol abuse in the study were study with its broad population similar in magnitude to other well- of hospitalized patients may have

identified alcohol-related heart problems that previous research missed by focusing on a narrower subset of people, Dr. Michael Criqui, of the University of California, San Diego, writes in an accompanying editorial.

Earlier studies may have found drinking protective against heart attack and other heart problems because they included patients with a stable, healthier lifestyle, Criqui writes. By contrast, the broad crosssection of adults in the current study included more sick people who might not be as health-conscious.

“The most recent evidence casts doubt on whether there are any heart benefits of light to moderate drinking,” Criqui said by email.

“No randomized clinical trials have been done, and they would be technically difficult to do on this question,” Criqui added. “Studies do show benefit to quitting drinking, and the sooner the better, as over time the damage may be irreversible.”

Why you shouldn’t treat earwax without seeing a doctor

It may be tempting to clean The body makes earwax, or your ears with Q-tips or try ear cerumen, to keep ears clean and candling to clear away any clogs, but trap substances like dust and dirt, it’s best to check with a professional preventing debris from getting further before taking matters into your own into the ear where it can cause damage. hands, doctors advise.

As new skin grows in the ear canal, it

“Patients may try to blindly pushes old earwax from the inside of instrument their ears with cotton ear the ears closer to the opening where buds, bobby pins, or other tools,” said it naturally flakes off or washes away Dr. Seth Schwartz, chair of a committee during bathing. that drafted new guidelines for Often, there’s nothing wrong diagnosing and treating earwax for the with having a little earwax near the American Academy of Otolaryngology – opening, doctors stress in guidelines Head and Neck Surgery. published in Otolaryngology–Head “These are generally and Neck Surgery. ineffective and potentially dangerous,” But when the ear’s selfSchwartz, director of the Listen For cleaning process doesn’t work well, too Life Center at Virginia Mason in much earwax may accumulate and partially or fully block the ear canal.

Seattle, said by email.

“Scratching of the ear canal This can cause problems including skin can lead to pain and infection,” pain, itching, discharge from the ear, Schwartz added. “Sometimes they just ringing in the ear or hearing loss. push the wax in further, and there also Roughly one in 10 children and is the potential for damage to the ear one in 20 adults suffer from excessive drum.” earwax buildup, as do more than one

third of elderly people, according to the guidelines.

Excessive cleaning can irritate the ear canal, cause infection, and even increase the chances of excessive buildup, or what’s known as cerumen impaction, the guidelines note.

There’s no evidence that using ear candles, a process that relies on heat to remove buildup, actually works at clearing impaction, and this can cause serious damage to the ear canal and eardrum, the guidelines also emphasize.

Patients should see a doctor if they experience hearing loss, pain or feel fullness in their ears or aren’t certain whether the amount of wax is normal.

People should also get a checkup if they have ear drainage or bleeding because these symptoms aren’t tied to impaction and may be an indication of other problems.

“The mantra from previous

generations of ‘don’t stick anything in your ear that is smaller than your elbow’ still applies,” said Dr. Duane Taylor, chief executive officer and medical director of Le Visage ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery in Bethesda, Maryland.

“Generally people still erroneously believe that the cottontipped applicator or Q-tip is the primary weapon of choice to get rid of earwax,” Taylor, who wasn’t involved in the guidelines, said by email.

In most cases, though, wax that’s naturally found near the outer part of the ear can be wiped away with a damp cloth, Taylor added. Cottontipped applicators can compact the wax and push it deeper into the ear, making it harder to remove.

Certain hearing aids, or wearing earbuds instead of over-theear headphones, can also inadvertently push wax deeper into the ear, Taylor said.

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FUN & GAMES

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

Caicos Fisheries In South Caicos

Is seeking a plant worker Must work 6 day a week Salary $6.25 per hour Contact – 333-0575

Help needed: Y & R Contractors: seeking labourers wages $8.00 per hour.

CMP Cleaners: seeking labourers /domestic workers wages $7.50 per hour Marie Shop is seeking: 2 domestic workers wage $7.00 per hour JMC Construction seeking: labourers wage $7.00 per hour The tree of life Church Of God: seeking laborer wage $7.00 per hour.

Interested persons call 232 7950 for an interview. Please no calls before 8am or after 5 pm.

Belongers /PRC holder need only apply.

Premier Contracting Services

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Ange Toussaint

Angela Higgs of Grand Turk

Barber Needed in South Caicos

Is seeking a Labourer To work 6 days a week The salary for this position is $200 per week Interested persons should contact 246-7834

Is looking for a Domestic Work To work five days a week Salary is $6.25 an hour Please contact 347-5954

To work 6 days a week Salary $6.25 per hour Contact: 342-4423

Myrlene Pierre

Eroude Pierre

Is seeking 1 Labourer To work 6days a week Salary $6.50 per hour Interested persons should contact 346-8115

Is seeking a Fisherman in South Caicos To work 6 days per week Salary is on commission basis Contact: 342-6438

#440345/440346

Bohio Dive Resort

is seeking suitably qualified applicants to fill the following positions: Maintenance Laborer required Premier Contracting Services is seeking to recruit a landscape laborer to join our team. The successful candidate must have the following experience and skill set; •Working knowledge of basic skills to include, landscaping, and irrigation repair.

•Experience in painting and basic job preparation through completion •Basic knowledge of welding systems and fabrication •Septic system repairs and maintenance •Assist Light bulb replacement and limited knowledge of electrical systems and wiring •Assist with adhock duties to include for heavy lifting, cleaning and carpentry •Assist with cleaning large scale refrigeration systems.

•Must be willing to work nights, holidays and weekends as required.

Hourly wage $8.50 per hour to $9.25 per hour dependant on experience.

There are no other benefits provided.

RESTAURANT POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Is looking for a Labourer To work 6 days per week and Holidays Salary $6.25 per hour Contact: info@bohioresort.com

Christina Barron

Restaurant Captain Minimum of 6 years experience as a head waiter in upscale restaurants. College training and previous experience as a Captain essential. Organization, people and computer skills necessary.

Chef de Partie Minimum of 5 years in a similar position with experience in a small but busy kitchen. Culinary School qualified with experience in multiple cuisines including Mediterranean.

Candidates for both positions must be willing to work six day a week including weekends and public holidays. Renumeration based on experience and qualifications. Please send applications with a photo and resume to: magnoliaprovo@live. com

Is seeking 1 Labourer To work 6 days per week Salary $6.50 an hour Contact 946-3704

#440342

Food Service Manager •Minimum 10 years experience •International recognized culinary qualifications •Ability to supervise, train, motivate and mentor team members •Strong communication and interpersonal skills •Previous international work experience, ideally in the Caribbean __________________________ Candidates should apply to info@ bohioresort.com or PO BOX 179, Grand Turk Please include a covering letter, resume, and references with all applications

Mr. Calvin Green

Is seeking 1 labourer Work 6 days a week Salary - $6.25 CONTACT – 331-0221 # 440340

Page 32

Nicolas Pierre

Is seeking a Fisherman/ Labourer in South Caicos To work 6 days per week Salary is on commission basis Contact: 946-3704

Dwight Higgs

Is seeking a Labourer in Grand Turk To work 6 days a week Must be able to work Holidays and Weekends Wages starting at $6.25 per hour BELONGERS WILL BE GIVEN FIRST PREFERENCE May be contacted between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm Monday-Friday #440327

A&L TRUCKING Need of Dump Trailer Drivers, Mechanic and two Labourers Drivers must have at least five years experience in driving 24ft – 30 ft Dump Trailers Salary is $10.00 per hour.

Labourers must be willing to work on garbage trucks, cleaning garbage from roadsides and various districts in Providenciales and also my home from time to time.

Salary $6.25 per hour Interested belongers must contact Julie Smith at tel#231-0032 anytime.

Is Seeking 1 Hair Dresser To wok 6 days a week Applicants must be courteous and hard working Salary $7.00 per hour Contact: 246-3137 #440326

Brital Gray

Habitat Construction

SUPER CUTS BARBERSHOP

# 440340

Jay’s Garbage Disposal

Is seeking 1 Labourer To Work 6 days a week Salary $7.00 per hour Contact: 343-9394 #440328

David Saunders

Is seeking 1 labourer work 6 days a week Salary - $6.50 per hour Contact – 244-5638 #440338

Luxe Beauty Salon and Day Spa

Requiring a certified Nail Technician with over 3 years experience @Luxe Beauty Salon and Day Spa. Please send resumes to luxebeauty34@gmail.com or call 941-3376

1 Labourer - $6.50 per hour 1 Cleaner - $6.50 per hour 1 Cashier - $6.50 per hour 2 Beauticians - $6.50 per hour Barbers - $6.50 per hour To work 5 days a week

#440335

Please Contact Alex on 243-5406

Rudolph Cox/ Clarance Cox

Is seeking 4 Fisherman To work 6 days per week Salary is on commission basis Contact 946-3219

Island Steel

La Familia Restaurant

Is seeking 1 Labourer Work 6 days a week Salary - $6.25 per hour CONTACT – 331-0221

Is seeking a Delivery Driver To work 5 days a week Applicants must be fluent in English, Spanish, Creole and hold a valid driver’s license Salary $6.50 per hour Serious applicants can contact Miss Martines at 341-1021

# 440340

Butler Needed

#440321

Carl Robinson

An experienced Butler is required based in Providenciales References will be required Remuneration based on experience

Airport Road, South Caicos Is seeking 1 Domestic Worker To work 5 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Contact: Brital Gray #440329

Benson Rigby

Paul Day in Grand Turk

Is seeking 1 Labourer To work 6 days a week Salary $7.00 per hour Contact 341-8585

Is seeking a maintenance, cleaner To work 5 days a week Salary $1,040.00 per month Contact 241-3429

#440330

#440339

Is seeking 1 Steel cutter Work 6 days a week Salary - $8.00 per hour CONTACT – 331-0221

Is seeking 1 Domestic worker Work 6 days a week Salary - $6.25 per hour CONTACT – 331-0221

Is seeking a Babysitter who will be required to look after two infant children This position is currently held by a work permit holder Salary $600.00 to $800.00 per month Kindly forward resumes and qualifications to the below address copy to the Turks and Caicos Islands Labour Department and Immigration Board: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Service Limited Tel: 649-339-6275 Fax 649-941-4777 Email: oa@fcorporatemsl.com

Is seeking a Gardener To work 5 days a week Salary $6.50 per hour Contact 242-3569

Is seeking 1 Labourer Work 6 days a week Salary - $6.25 per hour CONTACT – 331-0221 # 440340

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

Is seeking

Island Steel

Glen A. William

Casa Bendijo Ltd

Sun Paddles

Island Steel

A & E Consultant

# 440340

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

#440337

Is seeking a Fisherman in South Caicos To work 6days a week Salary is on commission basis Contact: 344-8758

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

All applicants must submit to: Employment Department F Corporate & Management Service Limited 007 Emily House, 1105 Leeward Highway, Providenciales Tel # 649-339-6275 Fax 649-333-7777

Is seeking a Domestic in Grand Turk, To work 6 days a week Salary $6.25 an hour Contact No. 348-6626

Marie A. Kita

Rotika Johnson

Is seeking 1 Handyman Work 6 days a week Salary - $8.00 per hour CONTACT – 331-0221

Is seeking 1 Domestic Worker To work 6 days a week Salary $6.25 an hour Contact 346-6801

# 440340

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

CARIBBEAN WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 33

CARIBBEAN NEWS

NEWS NEWS

Ex-Haiti rebel leader wanted in U.S. arrested during talk show

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — A former rebel leader who is wanted on U.S. drug charges, and was recently elected to the Haitian Senate, was arrested Thursday as he appeared on a live radio talk show.

Guy Philippe was being interviewed on the show with another recently elected lawmaker when the host abruptly announced that police were outside the studio in the Petionville district of the capital to arrest him. The host came back on air and said authorities had taken him away.

Radio host Gary-Pierre Paul Charles later told The Associated Press the police were members of the Haitian anti-drug unit and fired shots into the air to disperse a crowd that had gathered.

“It was shocking. People were running everywhere,” he told the AP. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which barely missed capturing him in a 2007 raid, had no immediate comment on the arrest.

Philippe’s lawyer, Reynold Georges, said in a late Thursday interview on Vision 2000 radio that the former rebel leader been taken to the airport and he urged senators to go there to prevent his extradition.

“We can’t let this happen,” Georges said.

A photo being circulated on social media in Haiti appeared to show Philippe in a white dress shirt being led out of the studio by police. Another image showed him apparently handcuffed in a room while police in camouflage uniforms stood guard with assault rifles.

Miami attorney Richard Dansoh, who said he had worked for Philippe in the past and had unsuccessfully tried to negotiate his surrender several years ago,

Guy Philippe said he expects the former rebel leader will soon be transported to Florida out of concern about how Haitians might react to the arrest of a senator.

“They don’t want to keep him in Haiti because there might be riots,” Dansoh said.

At the heavily guarded police station near the airport where Philippe had been taken after his arrest, about 30 demonstrators gathered in the evening saying he should be released.

“Our country has no respect for people who are elected,” said one of the men, Jean-Marc Denis, who said he was from the same southern province as the former rebel leader.

In the southern Haitian city of Jeremie, about 200 protesters, many carrying photos of Philippe, also called for his release, threatening to set fires if he remained in custody.

Philippe, who has a wife and two children in the U.S., recently won election to the Senate representing a district in southern Haiti but had not yet been sworn into office.

He is wanted on drugtrafficking charges including conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States. The indictment

charging him is sealed and federal prosecutors have declined to discuss it. In Haiti, he is a divisive figure who was one of the leaders of a violent 2004 rebellion that led to the ouster for then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Philippe has spent most of his time in recent years in a remote, mountainous part of southern Haiti, where he had extensive family and business connections and it would have been difficult for authorities to locate and arrest him. Still, he would frequently appear in public and gave an extensive interview to the AP for an August 2016 profile.

In that interview, he insisted that he is innocent of any crimes, blaming the accusations on enemies trying to silence him.

“The path I chose, the way I chose, is not easy. But I chose it and I’m willing to die for it,” he said at the time.

In 2000, he was police chief of the northern city of CapHaitien, the country’s second largest city, when he fled to the neighboring Dominican Republic after accusations he was plotting a coup. While in exile, he was accused of masterminding attacks on Haitian police stations and other targets.

He returned in 2004 to join the uprising against Aristide, taking over a band of rebels that captured Cap-Haitien. Aristide left the country aboard a U.S.-supplied jet before Philippe’s rebels reached the capital.

After rolling triumphantly into Port-au-Prince, Philippe proclaimed himself “military chief.”

But he gave up his arms as a U.N. stabilization force geared up.

He ran for president in 2006, finishing a distant ninth. A year later, heavily armed U.S. and Haitian anti-drug agents raided his home in Les Cayes but found only his family and a maid.

Bahamas repatriates more than six thousand illegal migrants in 2016

NASSAU, Bahamas – Foreign Affairs said that up until The Bahamas government says it December 26, a total of 6,335 has repatriated more than 6,300 migrants had been repatriated illegal migrants during 2016 to their home countries.

It said that 4,655 with the majority coming from the French-speaking Caribbean Haitians and 1,179 Cuban Community (CARICOM) nationals led the way followed member state of Haiti.

by Jamaica where 214 nationals In a statement were repatriated from the responding to allegations that at Bahamas.

99 illegal migrants, including 22 The Ministry of Foreign women, had only been arrested Affairs also said nationals once they were discovered on from China (73), Brazil (59), the base at Carol Harbour on Dominican Republic (47) and Christmas Day, the Ministry of Ecuador (24) were deported

during the year.

The Ministry said that the latest batch of illegal migrants were arrested after their vessel had been detected off the Exuma chain.

“On board were 77 males and 22 females. The arrested migrants were handed over to Immigration officials and are detained at the Detention Centre in New Providence where they await repatriation,” the statement added.

Bahamas Government warns against trading local currency overseas

NASSAU, Bahamas – The Bahamas government says the country’s local dollar is not a freely convertible currency outside of its borders and any trader accepting Bahamian dollars for exchange in the United States “does so at his or her own risk”.

The Perry Christie government said that it had been informed that “a receipt purporting to be an exchange of Bahamian dollars at the Sawgrass Mills in Florida for US currency has been posted on social media sites.

“This has been passed around to demonstrate that the Bahamian dollar does not trade one-for-one with the United States dollar and has been devalued.”

It said that such a conclusion would be false, adding “this is what is now being described as “fake news” and Bahamians travelling overseas should be warned.

“Sharing of this “fake news” on social media or on any other media platform is strongly discouraged. The public is advised that in Bahamian law, the Bahamian dollar is one-for-one to the US dollar when traded across the counter in Nassau and throughout The Bahamas, whether in a bank or in a store.

“This has been the position since the change from the Bahamian pound to the Bahamian dollar in 1966.That position remains unchanged today,” the government said in its statement.

It also advised the public that the Bahamian dollar is “not and has never been a convertible currency like the US dollar.

“There are very few currencies in the world that are freely convertible outside of their home countries. Convertible currencies include the British pound, the Euro and the US dollar. The Bahamas does not have a freely convertible currency outside of its borders and this has been the position since the change from the Bahamian pound to the Bahamian dollar in 1966.”

The statement warned that as a result “this means that the Central Bank of The Bahamas does not have to honour the exchange of any Bahamian dollar or dollars spent or exchanged outside The Bahamas.

“Further, a private trader such as the one purportedly accepting Bahamian dollars for exchange at the Sawgrass Mills in Florida does so at his or her own risk and can charge whatever they believe the market can bear.

“Whatever price the trader in the US charges is entirely a matter for that trader and his or her customer but does not impact or reflect the trading value or official one-for-one exchange rate of the Bahamian currency in The Bahamas. The value of the Bahamian currency in The Bahamas remains one Bahamian dollar for one US dollar,” the government statement added.

Page 34

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

CARIBBEAN NEWS

UN says 2016 filled with challenges, milestones for the Caribbean, international community

UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations says 2016 was filled with challenges and milestones for the Caribbean and the international community in general.

On Wednesday, in its End-ofYear Report, the UN said while 2016 marked the hottest year on record, there were “critical breakthroughs, such as the historic Paris Agreement on climate change, entering into force faster than any other UN treaty.”

The UN noted that governments, as well as stakeholders from the private sector, agreed in 2016 on a plan to control carbon dioxide emissions from international aviation.

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also came into force this year, with calls for greater efforts towards their implementation.

Also this year, which marks his last at the helm of the United Nations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon apologized to the people of Haiti for the world body’s role in failing to properly address the cholera epidemic that has claimed the lives of at least 9,000 Haitians since 2010.

In addition, Ban announced a US$400 million two-track plan to stem the outbreak of cholera in Haiti and provide long-term support for those affected.

Yet, the UN said “serious challenges remain on the international community’s agenda” – especially in Syria, South Sudan and Yemen – “with Secretary-General Ban calling for unity and consensus among UN Member States in order to resolve these and other conflicts around the world.”

Meanwhile, at the United Nations, the former Prime Minister of Portugal and UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, was selected as the new UN Secretary-General.

He pledged to “move away from fear and focus on rebuilding trust globally.”

JDF battalion for MoBay

JDF soldiers patrol the streets of Kingston

Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness yesterday disclosed that the Government will increase its efforts to tackle the country’s nagging crime problem, saying that in western parishes the police will split their operational focus in two and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) will boost manpower.

“There will be restructuring of the security forces to increase operation and administrative focus on the western parishes, which will see the western operational area for the police split into two and the JDF presence increased to a battalion stationed in Montego Bay along with other infrastructure improvements to accommodate these changes,” Holness outlined in his New Year’s message to the nation, the full text of which is published on page 6 of today’s Jamaica Observer.

Under normal military standards, between 300 and 1,000 soldiers from four to six companies make up a battalion.

Montego Bay, the capital of St James, where more than 260 murders were committed last year, will therefore see a significant increase in military presence.

Noting that sections of

the country have been plagued by serious crimes, particularly murders, that have sent shockwaves across the country, Prime Minister Holness said it was his belief that the Jamaican people are now prepared and expect firm and decisive action in breaking the neck of the crime monster once and for all.

“I have been around the country, and everywhere I go the cry is the same — deal with the criminals. I no longer detect an ambivalence. While there is still some sympathy for the complex social justice issues that explain crime, the Jamaican people do not view poverty and lack of opportunity as an excuse for crime,” Holness said.

“There are thousands of young Jamaican men and women who are poor and without opportunity, but who continue the good struggle,” he said.

“Like the young man who I met in St Ann recently during a trip to Ocho Rios, he is learning to carve. And he and others in his community are selling craft items to a nearby attraction, earning his family and the country wellneeded foreign exchange.

“Or the group of young men in my constituency who pool

to promote round robin parties.

They made a decision not to pursue a life of crime, regardless of how difficult their circumstances are.

“But every time a shot is fired, or someone gets robbed, or a murder is committed, the dance is locked off and permits are refused, or the cruise ships don’t send the tourists to the communities anymore.

“The economic independence of that young man from St Ann and the young men who promote dances in Olympic Gardens, their economic independence is denied. Criminals chose crime. Criminals are not Robin Hood; they rob us of our livelihood,” Holness said.

“We have a plan to secure Jamaica, and in the coming weeks aspects of the plan that can be made public will be disclosed.

“We will be creating the legislative environment to support the establishment of the rule of law in communities where it is absent and to separate criminals from communities they have captured.

“Under this framework, zones where the security forces and other government agencies will be able to conduct special long-term operations in highcrime areas, including extensive searches for guns, contraband and criminals, will be created,” Holness explained.

He said the Government has already made significant investments in increasing the country’s ability to control its maritime borders to intercept illegal shipments of guns and contraband.

He also pointed out that, while the authorities have already started to seek international support in technical and strategic areas from friendly countries, “every Jamaican must recognise that no foreign country can solve our crime problem or sponsor a solution”.

Incoming CARICOM chairman calls for deepening the regional integration movement G E O R G E T O W N , which he described as “a Guyana – Guyana assumes foundational element in the the chairmanship of the Community’s Reform Process.

15-member Caribbean “That process is geared Community (CARICOM) towards ensuring that our grouping with President people feel the impact of the David Granger saying that integration movement in their 2017 holds great promise daily lives. Integration is not for the Caribbean countries merely about systems and to advance” our integration institutions. It is mostly about process which can only people. be possible through the “It is in the interest involvement and participation of developing our people that of all. we are taking steps to ensure

“Let us resolve to play that they are fully equipped our part in strengthening our to address the requirements Caribbean Community and of the 21st Century economy to making regional unity a and society. Our Commission living, breathing experience,” on Human Resource Granger said in a message Development is developing ahead of taking over from a Regional Education and Dominica’s Prime Minister Human Resource Strategy Roosevelt Skerrit from with special attention to ICT January 1. in Education and Human

Granger, who will Resource Development. “ hold the position for the next Granger said that six months, said that 2016 the CARICOM Single Market marked the mid-point of the and Economy (CSME) that Five-Year Strategic Plan allows for the free movement

of goods, skills, labour and services across the region, remains “the vehicle through which we can achieve the growth and development, timely assessments will serve to ensure that we maximise its benefits for our citizens.

“But he acknowledged that notwithstanding the substantial progress that has been made, regional leaders will review its operations and identify ways to improve its delivery.

Granger said that the Caribbean is well endowed with the requirements for pursuing a Green Economy including sources of renewable energy and forests that harbour a significant amount of carbon.

He said as noted by the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, “the green economy can be seen as a lens for focusing on and seizing

opportunities to advance economic and environmental goals simultaneously”.

“The effects of climate change continue to bedevil our countries as exemplified

by Hurricane Matthew. The need to conserve and protect our environment, therefore, becomes even more pressing.

“Such actions will also give us the opportunity to leverage the abundant forests and wetlands as well as the marine resources with which our region is blessed and utilize them creatively to launch new pathways to social and economic development.

This can be accomplished while ensuring that we help in the global commitment to limit the rise in global temperature to below 1.5 degrees. “

Granger said that Caribbean people made a considerable contribution to the global community in the sphere of culture and that

later this year, the region’s premier cultural exposition, the Caribbean Festival of the Arts (CARIFESTA), will be held in Barbados.

The 13th edition of this festival, bringing together the peoples of CARICOM as well as the wider Caribbean, will take place under the theme ‘Asserting our Culture: Celebrating Ourselves,” and Granger added “we certainly look forward to widespread participation to make the event a tremendous success”.

In his statement, Granger said that the safety and security of the region is of paramount importance, noting “as we move forward with implementing a regional crime and security strategy, we will be building on the platform already established by concluding legal agreements with respect to Arrest Warrants and Asset Forfeiture”.

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 35

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Record gold production for Guyana in 2016 G E O R G E T O W N , small and medium- scale miners Guyana – Guyana has produced who delivered the majority of a record 690,000 ounces of this gold, along with Guyana gold this year and is looking to Goldfields and Troy Resources, surpass that figure next year, which contributed 70 per cent of Minister of Natural Resources, the gold declared.

Trotman said that when Raphael Trotman has said.

“As announced in the the David Granger government National Assembly recently, we came into office in 2015, it surpassed that target. Today, recognised that some changes I am ecstatic to announce were needed in the regulation that declarations stand at an and management of the industry, unprecedented and whopping especially since for years, the 690,000; the highest gold Guyana Gold Board (GGB) had a declaration figure in any deficit of more than nine billion calendar year in the history dollars (One Guyana dollar of gold mining in Guyana,” =US$0.004 cents).

“This demanded a Trotman told reporters at the year-end news conference. He comprehensive review of the did not disclose the dollar value 35-year old organisation, which upon completion, informed us of the commodity.

He said that authorities that the Board has to transition will be aiming for 700, 000 ounces into the role of regulator and in gold declaration in 2017 and diminish its role as a purchaser that this year’s success was of gold,” Trotman said, adding as a result of the hard work of that a meeting with the various

stakeholders will be held soon to define the way forward.

Trotman said the Ministry of Natural Resources has maintained that there is need for the GGB since since it functions as a regulator to monitor gold dealers.

Meanwhile, Trotman said an estimated 1.6 million hectares from the forest concession recently held by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) will now be divided into four smaller portions.

“One of these portions will be used for conservation; a second will be made available to small loggers who are interested in pursuing sustainable logging activities, while the last two will be open to multinational companies interested in operating larger concessions in an environmentally sustainable way.”

Jamaica wants to sign Open Skies agreement with five African countries

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica is holding talks with Kenya and South Africa as it seeks to enter into Open Skies agreements with five African Countries.

Transport and Mining Minister Mike Henry, who recently signed an Open Sky agreement with Canada, said that the new initiative is aimed at establishing direct flights to Jamaica from these countries.

Henry said signing similar agreements with African states will enable travelers from the Asian and African continents to fly directly to the southern parts of the world without an in-transit visa.

“The outreach that I have here relates to the open skies, by flying people from the Far East across the African continent into Jamaica,

Jamaica being the centrally located hub that distributes them across the globe, both here and backwards, because as I have said everyone who lives in those countries – India, Japan… all need an in-transit visa to mobilize,” he said.

“It was therefore important for Jamaica to sign air service agreements with the countries that make that linkage grow,” he added.

IDB approved billions for projects in the Caribbean in 2016

WASHINGTON – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) says it had provided US$11.7 billion for various projects in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2016.

The Washingtonbased financial institution said funds were also provided by its subsidiary Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC).

“Between the IDB and the IIC, disbursements exceeded US$9.6 billion during the year, confirming the IDB Group’s role as the region’s leading source of multilateral financing,” the IDB The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) said in a statement.

It said both the approvals During 2016, the IDB and the disbursements were “in said the IIC approved a total of line with the priorities set by the 153 deals for US$2.26 billion, of IDB Group’s 48 member countries, which 100 corresponded to the such as ensuring that at least 35 Trade Facility (US$457 million). per cent of the new financing goes Of the larger transactions, to the region’s smallest and least the IDB said 41 per cent went to developed economies”. infrastructure projects, 40 per

The IDB said 2016 was cent to financial institutions and the first full year of operations of 19 per cent to corporate financing the renewed IIC, which is now in deals. charge of the IDB Group’s non- The IDB-led sovereign sovereign guaranteed operations. guaranteed operations went to

Victory for Valley Boys

THE Valley Boys recovered from a humbling fifth place finish on Boxing Day to win their fourth consecutive New Year’s Day Junkanoo parade, according to unofficial results announced last night.

With a circus theme, the group received 80.23 points, finishing ahead of the Boxing Day winners, One Family, who received 78.91.

Shell Saxons Superstars were third with 77.17 points, Roots fourth with 76.58 and A category newcomers, Genesis Warhawks, received 67.96 points.

Penalties proved decisive in determining the results, Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) Chairman Silbert Ferguson said, although the penalty scores were not released before press time last night.

“I’m a little bit disappointed that we didn’t read the penalty scores,” he said. “In a parade as tightly contested as these last two parades, especially (the) A category, one penalty, which is one person in a cloth costume, they can destroy your group. As we have tightened the scores in these parades over the last three parades, we recognise how important these penalties are. The penalties played a major role in the final results.”

Valley Boys won the best music, banner, free dance, off the shoulder and overall performance categories.

Roots won the step down, group costume and the Shirley Street performance categories while One Family won the lead costume and choreograph categories.

In the B category, Colours continued their domination of the parades, winning with 76.53 points.

Despite the impact of Hurricane Matthew - which damaged Junkanoo shacks, destroying tools and costumes - most Junkanoo groups were able to participate in what Mr Ferguson said were two of the best-attended parades on record.

The Boxing Day Parade was a sell out while 80 per cent of tickets were sold for the New Year’s Day Parade, which is likely a record, he said.

“In my seven years, I have asked for the public support and they have truly responded,” Mr Ferguson said. “They have supported us because they know every single person who purchases a ticket, that is how we pay our prize money.

“Our prize package we are faced with every year is now $383,000 and we have to have enough people sitting in those seats to be able to pay these groups their prize money. “This year … we couldn’t ask for more. (The 80 per cent ticket sales) is the highest percentage of sales that we have had for a New Year’s Day parade in my seven years (as chairman of the JCNP). Our average has been around 60 per cent.”

DOMESTIC WORKER REQUIRED For a large private family villa in Providenciales operated by Samuel Gillespie.

Experienced Live in Domestic Worker needed for busy household.

Applicant must have at least ten years’ experience in domestic service for a large private family villa.

state modernization projects (33 per cent), infrastructure and energy (30 per cent), social programmes (24 per cent), climate change (12 per cent) and trade and integration (One per cent).

During 2016, the IDB said its group continued to implement administrative cost controls that it had put in place last year, “reflecting the austerity policies adopted by many of its member countries”.

Job duties to include the following: •Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English.

•Excellent meal planning and preparation for large and small groups.

•Procure all groceries and cleaning supplies •Sufficient accounting skills and computer proficiency.

Salary is $2,000.00 per month. Required to work six days a week.

This advertisement is required for a work permit renewal application for this position.

All suitably qualified TC Islanders are requested to submit resumes/portfolios to PO Box 560, Regent House West, Regent Village, Grace Bay, Providenciales, TCI or send by fax to 946 4663.

Prospective TC Islander applicants are also free to lodge a copy of their applications with the Labour Board.

Page 36

WORLD

NEWS

Shooter kills 11, himself in Brazil New Year’s party rampage

RIO DE JANEIRO - A gunman stormed a house party and killed 11 people, including his former wife and 8-year-old son, before shooting himself in the head during a New Year’s party in the southeastern Brazilian city of Campinas late on Saturday.

Police in the state of São Paulo said the shooter, identified as 46-year-old Sidnei Ramis de Araújo, is believed to have been angry over a split with his wife, Isamara Filier, 41, and their son João Victor.

Three other people remain hospitalized, police said, while four people survived the attack unharmed, including one party attendee who managed to flee to a bathroom and phone the police when the shooting began.

Survivors, according to a police spokesman, said that just before midnight, the shooter jumped over a fence surrounding the house, burst through a door and began firing even as he berated Filier for taking their son.

Araújo possibly sought to take advantage of the commotion of New Year’s Eve to disguise the shooting, police said.

One neighbor told local television that he and his family heard shots, but had thought they might be fireworks until one of the wounded ran to their property, bleeding and pleading for help.

Despite high rates of crime and violence in Brazil, including significant problems with assaults against women, the attack alarmed Latin America’s biggest country on a holiday associated with family gatherings.

Gun deaths are common in heists, holdups and in confrontations among police, drug gangs and other criminals in Brazil, but targeted mass shootings are rare.

Police said Araújo, reported by local media to be a laboratory technician, used a 9 mm pistol and carried two additional clips, extra ammunition, a knife and unspecified but unused explosives.

Investigators are analyzing the explosives in addition to a cell phone and audio recorder found in a car he parked outside the home to determine whether Araújo left any sort of message about his attack.

Police said they did not yet know if Araújo had a history of violence, or whether he had been known to physically harm or threaten his former wife before the attack.

Campinas, an industrial and university city of over 1 million residents, is located about 100 kilometers (60 miles) northwest of the city of São Paulo, Brazil’s biggest metropolis.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JANUARY 7TH, 2017 – JANUARY 14TH, 2017

NYC train crash injures more than 100 after commuter train derails during rush hour

A New York City commuter train derailed at a Brooklyn terminal, injuring dozens of people

A NEW York City commuter train derailed at a Brooklyn station during rush hour, injuring up to 100 people, officials said.

According to the New York Post, New York City police say more than 100 people suffered minor injuries when a Long Island Rail Road train hit a bumping block at a Brooklyn station.

Eleven of the injured were taken to hospitals. Officials at the scene estimated that 600 to 700 people were on the train.

They said many passengers were standing as they prepared to get off the train.

“The train suddenly

slammed,” said a woman who was riding in the first car of the train. “We were standing and waiting to get off. One of the doors shattered and we all fell on top of each other.”

New York fire department officials at the scene said metal that appeared to be from a rail pierced the bottom of the train and the wheels lifted up. They said the crash also damaged a work area beyond the tracks.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said the train was moving very slowly, saying it “wasn’t really a derailment.”

Steve Miller, 46, of Park Slope, Brooklyn, was just across

the platform from the train waiting to catch another service into Long Island when the incident occurred.

“It was like a crashing sound — like a really loud car crash,” he said. “The train hit the end and came off the tracks. There was a screeching and the station quickly filled with dust and smoke.”

Mr Miller said that he and other onlookers got out of the station and helped people who were getting off the train.

“My #LIRR train crashed at #AtlanticTerminal in #Brooklyn. Crazy. Seems only a few people are lightly injured,” tweeted Aaron D. Neufeld along with a photo of passengers on the floor of the train and a mangled door in the terminal.

Paramedics worked on at least a half-dozen injured riders at street level.

“I don’t know, I can’t remember — all I remember is (suddenly) being on the floor,” one shaken passenger told local news station WNBC.

A Twitter video showed the aftermath of the incident shows smoke in the station as commuters rushed to leave the platform.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Greek ambassador to Brazil killed by wife’s lover, police say

Police contend Greece’s officer’s cousin, Eduardo Moreira ambassador to Brazil was killed de Melo, are also being questioned, by his wife’s lover -- a military Pontes said. police officer -- and the widow is Pontes said investigators being questioned in the crime, think Oliveira ordered the killing.

Brazil’s state-run Agencia Brasil No charges have been filed. news agency reported Saturday.

“She only told us that

Chief Evaristo Pontes, a her lover -- let’s call him that -police investigator in the Baixada the military policeman, was the Fluminense region, said Friday author of the crime, executed that Sergio Gomes Moreira Filho this crime against her husband,” claimed he killed the ambassador Pontes said. “She denies taking in self-defense and then recruited part.” his cousin to help dispose of Agencia Brasil reported the body, Agencia Brasil News the officer killed Amiridis inside reported. the ambassador’s home in Nova

Ambassador Kyriakos Iguaçu. The officer and his cousin Amiridis, 59, had been missing wrapped the body in carpet and since Monday, Pontes said. A put it inside a car, Agencia Brasil burned car with Amiridis’ charred reported. body inside was found in Nova Pontes said the cousin Iguaçu, a town outside Rio de told police Moreira offered “to pay Janeiro, on Thursday, he said. him 80,000 reals (about $24,574)

“He (Moreira) says he 30 days after the crime, a period got into a physical fight with the after which they thought there ambassador, and he had no choice wouldn’t be any more problems.” other than to hit the ambassador “All are under temporary arrest and kill him,” Pontes said. “He for 30 days for the ambassador’s says he was in desperation and death,” Pontes said. “ As we said didn’t know what to do, given before, this was a tragic, cowardly what had happened, so he asked act.” a cousin for help and they went Amiridis had lived in to make the ambassador’s body Brasilia, the capital, since being disappear.” appointed ambassador in January

Besides Moreira, the but usually spent holidays in the ambassador’s widow, Francoise house outside Rio, where he was De Souza Oliveira, and the consul-general from 2001 to 2004,

Agencia Brasil said.

The news agency said Oliveira was Brazilian.

Speaking to reporters outside the police station, Francisco Oliveira, the widow’s brother, said the couple “did not fight,” reported Agence FrancePresse (AFP).

“For me it’s like a dream,” said Rosangela Oliveira, her mother. “I’ll wake up and nothing will have happened.”

Brazilian President Michel Temer’s office issued this statement: “In this moment of pain and sorrow, I offer, on behalf of the Brazilians, my condolences and solidarity to the government and people of Greece, in particular to the families and people close to Ambassador Amiridis.”

The statement says Brazilian authorities will investigate the incident thoroughly.

“The Brazilian government reaffirms its willingness to collaborate actively with the Greek side, as it has done from the beginning,” the statement said.

Greece’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing its “deepest sorrow” at the death of Amiridis.

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WORLD NEWS

PAHO says Zika spread rapidly in 2016

WASHINGTON – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says the mosquito-borne Zika virus has spread rapidly throughout the Americas, including the Caribbean this year, after it was first detected in Brazil in 2015.

“By the close of this year, 48 countries and territories in the Americas had reported more than 532,000 suspected cases of Zika, including 175,063 confirmed cases. In addition, 22 countries and territories reported 2,439 cases of congenital syndrome associated with Zika. Five countries had reported sexually transmitted Zika cases,” PAHO said.

It said Zika, the first mosquito-borne flavivirus found to be also sexually transmissible and to cause birth defects, spread quickly, noting that before 2015, little was known about Zika apart from reports of earlier small outbreaks in Micronesia and French Polynesia.

“But the outbreak in Brazil’s northeast drew global notice and apprehension as graphic images of newborns with microcephaly, or smaller than normal heads, appeared widely.

PAHO’s Dominica-born Director Carissa F. Etienne recounting Zika’s sudden appearance in Brazil in May 2015 and its rapid spread

The Aedes Aegypti mosquito that transmits the Zika virus throughout the Americas, noting, “no one could have imagined two years ago that our children would be affected by microcephaly as a result of this oncedormant villain.

“There is a still long way to go on Zika. The development of affordable new tools by the scientific community, including diagnostic tests

Obama says he would have outrun Trump, but Trump says, ‘No way!’

U.S. President Barack on Nov. 8 with a promise to clean Obama said in an interview up Washington. broadcast on Monday that he In a tweet, Clinton spokesman would have won most Americans’ Brian Fallon said Obama would support if he had been able to run have beaten Trump and Clinton against Donald Trump for a third would have won if not for an FBI term. statement shortly before the “No way!”

Trump election disclosing new material countered in a tweet, citing as on Clinton’s email practices as liabilities U.S. companies taking secretary of state. jobs overseas, the fight against Clinton’s aides have said Islamic State militants and FBI Director James Comey’s Obama’s signature healthcare law. announcement, which led to

Barred by the U.S. no charges, swung the election, Constitution from seeking a third a charge Trump’s team has four-year-term, the president told dismissed. his former adviser David Axelrod Obama said Clinton in a podcast that Americans would “performed wonderfully under have backed Obama’s vision. really tough circumstances.” He

“I’m confident that if I said she focused on Trump’s flaws had run again and articulated and could have argued more that it, I think I could’ve mobilized a the Democratic Party agenda majority of the American people helped working people. to rally behind it,” Obama said, Trump garnered more referring to his 2008 campaign than 270 of the 538 state-bymessage of hope and change. state electoral votes to win the

A wealthy businessman, presidency. Clinton won 48.2 the Republican Trump will percent of the popular vote assume his first public office when compared with 46.1 percent for he succeeds Obama on Jan. 20. He Trump, according to the Associated defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton Press.

and a vaccine against Zika, as well as innovation in vector control, is an urgent priority. Our health systems will need to be prepared to ensure such new tools are introduced and that their benefits reach everyone, not merely a few,” she added.

She said in the Americas, “Zika was first confirmed while we were preparing for Ebola and responding to chikungunya.

“It was astute front-line healthcare workers who first realized that they were detecting something unusual. Indeed, our Zika experience proves once again that good clinical judgment and awareness of atypical events are crucial for the timely detection of emerging diseases. It also points to the importance of investing in the health workforce as the first line of defense against emerging disease threats,” she added.

Zika virus disease is caused by a virus that is mainly transmitted by infected female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes but also through sexual intercourse. People infected by Zika virus usually have mild symptoms that normally last for two to seven days and can include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headaches.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available. The

virus is now known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

PAHO said when clusters of babies with microcephaly and cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome were reported at the same time and place as Zika virus outbreaks, it published a series of alerts starting in December 2015.

Zika spread rapidly not only through the Americas but also to other regions. In all, 75 countries and territories now report evidence of mosquito-borne Zika local transmission since 2007, 12 countries have evidence of person-to-person transmission of Zika virus other than through mosquitoes, and 28 countries have reported microcephaly and other malformations.

Experts now consider Zika to be a long-term public health challenge, following the declaration by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Emergency Committee on Zika that the epidemic’s emergency phase was over.

Coordination and response activities by PAHO and WHO are being folded into longer-term efforts in detection, prevention, care and support. Further research is underway to strengthen preparedness and response in affected countries.

Britain scolds Kerry for comments on Israeli government

The United Kingdom scolded U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry for describing the Israeli government as the “most right-wing in Israeli history,” a move that aligns British Prime Minister Theresa May more closely with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

In a 70-minute speech just weeks before the Obama administration hands over to Trump, Kerry warned on Dec. 28 that Israel’s building of settlements was endangering Middle East peace.

A spokesman for May said the British government believed that while the construction of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories was illegal, it was clear that the settlements were far from the only problem in this conflict.

“We do not ... believe that the way to negotiate peace is by focusing on only one issue,” May’s spokesman said in a statement, according to Reuters. “And we do not believe that it is appropriate to attack the composition of the democraticallyelected government of an ally.”

The U.S. State Department on Dec. 29 reacted to May’s statement.

“We are surprised by the U.K. Prime Minister’s office statement given that Secretary Kerry’s remarks— which covered the full range of threats to a two state solution, including terrorism, violence, incitement and settlements—were in-line with the U.K.’s own longstanding policy and its vote at the United Nations last week,” a spokesperson said.

“We are grateful for the strongly supportive statements in response to Secretary Kerry’s speech from across the world, including Germany, France, Canada, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and others,” the statement also said.

Kerry’s remarks added to the strain in the relationship between Israel’s government and the outgoing Obama administration after the U.S. cleared the way for a U.N resolution last week that demanded an end to Israeli settlement building.

Trump had openly lobbied against the U.N resolution and criticized Obama’s handling of the relationship.

Britain supported the U.N. resolution.

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WORLD NEWS

Pope tells bishops to have zero tolerance for sexual abuse

Pope Francis has told bishops around the world they must adhere to a policy of zero tolerance for clergy who sexually abuse children and begged forgiveness for “a sin that shames us”.

In a letter sent on Dec. 28 but released by the Vatican only on Monday, Francis said: “I would like us to renew our complete commitment to ensuring that these atrocities will no longer take place in our midst.”

Since his election in 2013, Francis has taken some steps to root out sexual abuse in the Church and to put in place practices to protect children. But victims’ groups say he has not done enough, particularly to hold to account bishops who tolerated sexual abuse or covered it up.

“(The Church) recognises the sins of some of her members: the sufferings, the experiences and the pain of minors who were abused sexually by priests. It is a sin that shames us,” Francis wrote in the letter.

“I would like us to renew our complete commitment to ensuring that these

atrocities will no longer take place in our midst. Let us find the courage needed to take all necessary measures and to protect in every way the lives of our children, so that such crimes may never be repeated. In this area, let us adhere, clearly and faithfully, to ‘zero tolerance’,” he said.

The comments, included in a letter about the plight of vulnerable children in general, were some of his most comprehensive on abuse.

Anne Barrett-Doyle, founder of the U.S.-based research and monitoring group BishopAccountablity. org, said in an email that the pope’s words were little more than rhetoric.

“This pope keeps proclaiming zero tolerance but doesn’t enact it.

He knows full well that Church law contains no zero tolerance provision.

Zero tolerance is mere rhetoric. The sad fact is that the Church still has not changed its system to make zero tolerance a binding reality,” she said.

She said that while it existed in the United States, it is “still optional in

the global Catholic Church”.

Francis, who has met victims of sexual abuse several times, both in the Vatican and on some of his foreign trips, said: “We join in the pain of the victims and weep for this sin - the sin of what happened, the sin of failing to help, the sin of covering up and denial, the sin of the abuse of power.”

In 2015, Francis ordered the trial and defrocking of a Polish archbishop accused of paying for sex with minors in the Dominican Republic.

The year before, he set up a Vatican commission, including some victims, to advise local Churches on how to prevent abuse. But some members have complained about the slow pace of change in the Vatican.

Francis also approved the establishment of a Vatican tribunal to judge bishops accused of covering up sexual abuse or failing to prevent it, but the proposal has so far stalled.

Church sexual abuse broke into the open in 2002, when it was

New York Governor Cuomo proposes $10 billion renovation of JFK Airport

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (C), along with other government officials and a development team, announce their plan to convert the Saarinen Terminal into an airport hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, in New York City, NY, U.S. December 15, 2016

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the Federal Aviation Administration had proposed a $10 billion renovation of John F. “short-changed” New York on the number of flight Kennedy International Airport and surrounding slots allowed at the airport. He said officials would roadways on Wednesday, his latest salvo in a urge Washington to authorize more slots. roughly $100 billion push statewide to bring If it moves ahead, the airport revamp decaying old infrastructure into the modern era. would follow a $4 billion renovation of LaGuardia Cuomo’s proposal, based on Airport, the city’s other major airport, currently recommendations from a study panel, would underway via a public-private partnership. Both transform the New York City airport by unifying airports are in the city’s Queens borough. its terminals, which are currently disconnected.

The airports are operated by the Port

It would also redesign internal roadways Authority of New York and New Jersey. While to eliminate bottlenecks, centralize parking lots LaGuardia is notorious for its decrepit conditions, and revamp amenities, Cuomo said at a luncheon Kennedy Airport is in better shape, but still ranks sponsored by the Association for a Better New 59th out of the top 100 airports in the world, York, a development industry group.

Cuomo said.

Those changes could cost up to $8 The city is also served by Newark Liberty billion, most of which might come from private International Airport in New Jersey, which is run investments. A proposed expansion of the Van by the Port Authority.

Wyck Expressway, which leads to the airport, The Democratic governor, viewed as a would cost another $2 billion. possible future presidential candidate, pushed

Mass transit improvements - either New York City’s Second Avenue subway line the creation of a one-seat ride to the airport or decades in the making - to finally open formally expansion of existing capacity - would carry a yet- on Dec. 31. undetermined price tag. Currently, mass-transit Now in his second four-year term in office, passengers have to take at least two trains or a he has emphasized big construction projects, bus and a train to the airport. including a replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge

“This is a race, my friends,” Cuomo said, across the Hudson River north of New York City referring to London, Dubai and other international and the LaGuardia Airport renovation. cities speeding ahead with major infrastructure The opening of the subway extension developments and glamorous, state-of-the-art coincides with the incoming administration of airport projects. “We sat on our laurels for too Republican President-elect Donald Trump, who long.” has pledged to jump-start infrastructure projects Speaking to reporters after the luncheon, Cuomo through tax credits.

Pope Francis discovered that U.S. bishops moved abusers from parish to parish instead of defrocking them. Similar scandals were later discovered around the world and tens of millions of dollars have been paid in compensation.

Britain to build 17 towns and villages to ease housing squeeze

A builder works on the roof of a new residential property development in north London, March 21, 2013 B r i t a i n ’ s block construction. government announced Britain asked local plans on Monday to authorities last year to build 17 new towns and say if they were interested villages across the English in having new garden countryside in a bid to ease developments - based on a a chronic housing shortage. 19th century idea of housing

The new “garden” growing populations in communities from self-contained towns Cumbria in the north to surrounded by countryside.

Cornwall on England’s Barwell announced the southern-most tip - would locations for the first time be part of a scheme to build on Monday and said the up to 200,000 new homes, state would loosen planning housing and planning restrictions and give 7.4 minister Gavin Barwell million pounds ($9.10 said in a statement. million) to help fund the

That would still building. be a fraction of the million The three newly houses the government announced towns, with has said it wants to see more than 10,000 homes built from 2015-2020 in an each, will be built near already densely populated Aylesbury, Taunton and nation.

Harlow, the government S u c c e s s i v e said. governments have promised The new garden to tackle a shortage that villages, including Bailrigg has seen house prices spiral in Lancaster, Long Marston in London and other major in Stratford-on-Avon, cities, out of the reach of Welborne in Hampshire many buyers. and Culm in Devon, would But developers each have 1,500-10,000 have complained about properties. a lack of available land Together with and strict planning laws seven other garden towns that outlaw development already announced, the on “greenbelt” land around new developments could existing towns and give provide almost 200,000 local councils the power to homes, Barwell said.

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U.S. evicts Russians for spying, imposes sanctions after election hacks

President Barack Obama on Thursday ordered the expulsion of 35 Russian suspected spies and imposed sanctions on two Russian intelligence agencies over their involvement in hacking U.S. political groups in the 2016 presidential election.

The measures, taken during the last days of Obama’s presidency, mark a new post-Cold War low in U.S.-Russian ties and set up a potential flashpoint between incoming President-elect Donald Trump and fellow Republicans in Congress over how to deal with Moscow.

Obama, a Democrat, had promised consequences after U.S. intelligence officials blamed Russia for hacks intended to influence the 2016 election. Officials pointed the finger directly at Russian President Vladimir Putin for personally directing the efforts and primarily targeting Democrats, who put pressure on Obama to respond.

“These actions follow repeated private and public warnings that we have issued to the Russian government, and are a necessary and appropriate response to efforts to harm U.S. interests in violation of established international norms of behaviour,” Obama said in a statement from Hawaii, where he is on vacation.

“All Americans should be alarmed by Russia’s actions,” he said.

It was not clear whether Trump, who has repeatedly praised Putin and nominated people seen as friendly toward Moscow to senior administration posts, would seek to roll back the measures once he takes office on Jan. 20.

Trump has brushed aside allegations from the CIA and other intelligence agencies that Russia was behind the cyber attacks. He said on Thursday he would meet with intelligence officials soon.

“It’s time for our country to move on to bigger and better things,” Trump said in a statement.

“Nevertheless, in the interest of our country and its great people, I will meet with leaders of the intelligence community next week in order to be updated on the facts of this situation,” he said, without mentioning Russia.

The Kremlin, which

Russian embassy in Washington and consulate in San Francisco. The Russian embassy declined to comment.

The Russians have 72 hours to leave the United States, the official said.

Access to the two compounds will be denied to all Russian officials as of noon on Friday.

The State Department has long complained that Russian security agents and traffic police have harassed U.S. diplomats in Moscow, and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has raised the issue with Putin and his foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov.

The U.S. official declined to name the Russian diplomats who would be affected, although it is understood that Russia’s ambassador to the United States, Sergei Kislyak, will not be one of those expelled.

Obama said the actions announced on Thursday were just the A guard screens cars entering the Russian embassy beginning. denounced the sanctions as unlawful community in unison can tell us what “These actions are not the and promised “adequate” retaliation, it is that has been going on and what sum total of our response to Russia’s questioned whether Trump approved the investigation was and what it has aggressive activities. We will continue of the new sanctions. Moscow denies led to so that we can respond.” to take a variety of actions at a time the hacking allegations.

The Trump team’s response and place of our choosing, some of

U.S. intelligence agencies could generate bipartisan discord early which will not be publicized,” Obama say Russia was behind hacks into in the new administration’s tenure. said.

Democratic Party organizations “This is going to be a key A report detailing Russia’s and operatives ahead of the Nov. 8 source of tension post-inauguration,” interference in the 2016 election as presidential election. U.S. intelligence said Eric Lorber, a senior associate well as cyber attacks in previous officials say the Russian cyber attacks at the Financial Integrity Network, election cycles would be delivered to were aimed at helping Trump defeat which advises banks on sanctions.

Congress in the coming days, he added.

Democrat Hillary Clinton.

The sanctions were the

Republican and Democratic SPIES AND SANCTIONS strongest response yet by the lawmakers have voiced concern about Obama administration to Russia’s Russia’s actions, setting up a potential Obama put sanctions on two cyber activities. However, a senior wall of opposition should Trump seek Russian intelligence agencies, the administration official acknowledged to overturn Obama’s measures.

GRU and the FSB, four GRU officers that Trump could reverse them and

U.S. House of Representatives and three companies that he said allow Russian intelligence officials Speaker Paul Ryan, the top “provided material support to the back into the United States once he Republican in Congress, said Russia GRU’s cyber operations.” takes office. He said that would be “has consistently sought to undermine” He said the State Department inadvisable.

U.S. interests and called the sanctions declared as “persona non grata” 35 Obama amended an executive overdue.

Russian intelligence operatives and order originally issued in April 2015

Republican Senators John is closing two Russian compounds to respond to cyber hacking to include McCain and Lindsey Graham said they in New York and Maryland that sanctions on those who tamper with intended to lead effort in Congress to were used by Russian personnel for information to interfere with an “impose stronger sanctions on Russia.” “intelligence-related purposes.” The election.

Incoming White House Chief of State Department originally said the Trump said in October he Staff Reince Priebus told Fox News he 35 were diplomats. would “cancel every unconstitutional did not condone foreign governments The 45-acre complex in executive action, memorandum and hacking U.S. institutions.

Maryland includes a Georgian-style order issued by President Obama”

“It’s wrong and it’s something brick mansion, swimming pool, tennis on his first day in office, without we don’t agree with,” Priebus said. courts and cottages for embassy staff. saying who would determine their “However, it would be nice if we could A senior U.S. official told Reuters constitutionality. get to a place where the intelligence the expulsions would come from the

Queen Elizabeth II misses church due to ‘heavy cold’

LONDON - Queen Elizabeth II missed a traditional New Year’s Day church service Sunday because of the effects of a lingering cold.

Buckingham Palace said the queen “does not yet feel ready to attend church as she is still recuperating from a heavy cold.” There was no indication she is suffering from a more serious illness.

It was unusual for Elizabeth not to attend the service, long part of her New Year’s Day routine. The inclement weather may have been a contributing factor in her decision to stay indoors. It was cold with a steady rain in the Norfolk area 110 miles (175 kilometers) north of London

where the queen maintains a private estate called Sandringham.

Elizabeth also missed the Christmas church service last week for the first time in decades. She is recuperating out of the public eye in one of her favorite homes.

The 90-year-old queen, the longest reigning monarch in British history, had earlier delayed her departure for Sandringham for the Christmas holidays because both she and her husband, Prince Philip, were suffering from intense colds.

She traveled one day later than planned and used a helicopter rather than a train to shorten the travel time.

Her prolonged illness has raised some concerns because colds and flus can be dangerous for elderly people. The queen has generally been in good health in recent years, although she has cut down somewhat on her traveling and public appearances.

Philip, 95, has also reduced his schedule, but managed to attend more than 100 public events in 2016.

He and other members of the royal family attended the New Year service Sunday at the church on the grounds of Sandringham estate.

Philip was driven to the church in a royal Range Rover. He used to arrive by foot Queen Elizabeth II when he was younger.

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WORLD NEWS

US intel report ‘identifies Russians who gave emails to WikiLeaks’

Senior Russian officers in Vladimir Putin’s interior circle have been caught celebrating Donald Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton

by US intelligence brokers, a report delivered to Barack Obama on Thursday revealed.

‘Individuals who knew what this was about have been celebrating a victory over the US,’ mentioned one among a number of US officers who spoke on situation of anonymity.

The report – which can even be given to Trump on Friday – says that the CIA and others have concluded that Russia began out attempting to undermine the election, then escalated to attempting to actively assist Trump win.

Vladimir Putin’s interior circle celebrated after Donald Trump gained the US election and have been conscious of hacks in intercepted messages, in keeping with a newly launched US intelligence report

The report says Russia began off attempting to undermine the US political course of however upgraded to actively attempting to get Donald Trump into the White Home utilizing leaked emails from hacks Intercepted messages additionally present Russian officers acknowledging a hacking marketing campaign in opposition to Democrats, and determine the Russian officers who used third events to go stolen emails to WikiLeaks, the sources mentioned.

‘By October, it had change into clear that the Russians have been attempting to assist the Trump marketing campaign,’ mentioned one official accustomed to the High Secretclassified full report.

In some circumstances, one official mentioned, the fabric adopted what was known as ‘a circuitous route’ from the GRU, Russia’s army intelligence company, to WikiLeaks.

That was apparently an try to make the origins of the fabric more durable to hint, a typical observe utilized by all

intelligence businesses, together with US ones.

These handoffs, the officers mentioned, enabled WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to say the Russian authorities or state businesses weren’t the supply of the fabric revealed on his web site.

In an interview with Fox Information this week, Assange denied that emails stolen from the DNC, and Clinton aide John Podesta, got here from ‘a state occasion.’

When requested by Sean Hannity if he may ‘1,000 per cent’ verify Russia didn’t give him the emails, he mentioned: ‘Sure. We are able to say, we’ve got mentioned, repeatedly that during the last two months that our supply is just not the Russian authorities and it isn’t a state occasion.’

He didn’t rule out the chance that he acquired the fabric from a 3rd occasion.

WikiLeaks’ Julian Assange claims he did not get the Democrats’ emails from Russia, however report allegedly identifies Russian officers who used third events to get them into Assange’s palms

The report comprises a few of what the officers known as ‘minor footnotes’ about open questions and different uncertainties, partially as a result of among the proof supporting the conclusion is inferential.

One instance of the inferential proof was the Russian officers celebrating Trump’s win.

After all, Russia was all the time going to be extra optimistic in the direction of Trump than the hawkish Clinton, who was accused of meddling in Russian affairs a number of occasions by Putin when she was Secretary of State.

Trump, in the meantime, had repeatedly taken a smooth tone with Putin all through his election marketing campaign, saying that he would welcome a possibility for the nations to work collectively.

Duterte hopes Russia will become Philippines’ ally and protector

President Rodrigo Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday that he hoped Moscow, a rival of the Philippine’s traditional ally the United States, would become his country’s ally and protector as he toured one of the two Russian warships on a four-day visit to Manila.

Duterte’s remarks came a day after Russia’s ambassador said his country was ready to supply the Philippines with sophisticated weapons and aims to become its close friend.

“We welcome our Russian friends. Anytime you want to dock here for anything, for play, for

replenish supplies or maybe our ally to protect us,” said Duterte while shaking the hands of Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov, head of the Flotilla of the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet.

Duterte has thrown the future of Philippine-U.S. relations into question with angry outbursts against the United States, a former colonial power, and some scaling back of military ties while taking steps to improve relationships with China and Russia.

He is due to go to Moscow in April. The visit by the Russian warships was the first official navyto-navy contact between the two countries.

Last month, Duterte sent his foreign and defense ministers to Moscow to discuss arms deals after a U.S. senator said he would block the sale of 26,000 assault rifles to the Philippines due to concern about a rising death toll in a war on drugs launched by Duterte.

Mikhailov said on Tuesday Russia wanted to hold maritime exercises with the Philippines to help combat terrorism and piracy.

Vladimir Putin

And he had made optimistic remarks about Putin lengthy earlier than he made his election push. In 2013 he tweeted: ‘Do you assume Putin shall be going to The Miss Universe Pageant in November in Moscow – if that’s the case, will he change into my new greatest buddy?’

Trump has lengthy had a way more rosy view of Putin (as on this 2013 tweet) than Hillary Clinton, who was accused a number of occasions of meddling in Russian affairs when she was State Secretary

One other instance of inferential proof, the officers mentioned, was that as time handed the Russians more and more centered their hacking ‘nearly completely’ on Democratic slightly than Republican targets.

That occurred after early leaks attracted media consideration that undermined or eclipsed Clinton’s marketing campaign, they mentioned.

There was additionally a robust resemblance between the US hacks and people Russians have made in opposition to European targets, together with the usage of the identical laptop malware.

James Clapper, the Director

of Nationwide Intelligence, mentioned Thursday that he was ‘much more resolute’ in believing Russia staged the cyber assaults throughout the election Particulars of the report emerged as the highest US intelligence official, James Clapper, mentioned on Thursday he was ‘much more resolute’ in his perception that Russia staged cyber assaults on Democrats throughout the 2016 election marketing campaign.

The report additionally instructed that Putin has devoted growing time and assets to marrying web vulnerabilities with conventional Russian and Soviet ways like blackmail and bribery.

That may very well be a priority because the Democratic databases and e mail servers the Russians hacked additionally contained private info that WikiLeaks has not revealed.

Such info may very well be used to seek for monetary, medical, looking historical past and different information that can be utilized to focus on people for recruiting efforts

by Russian spies.

Trump has rejected the broad intelligence group’s evaluation that Russia staged cyber assaults throughout the election marketing campaign to undermine Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

He additionally attacked NBC for airing a narrative concerning the report on Thursday night time, Tweeting: ‘How did NBC get “an unique look into the highest secret report he (Obama) was offered?” Who gave them this report and why? Politics!’

Russia has additionally rejected the hacking allegations.

Not all the 17 intelligence businesses participated in making ready the evaluation.

The intelligence evaluation was offered to President Barack Obama on Thursday and shall be briefed to Trump on Friday. An unclassified model is anticipated to be launched Friday.

At least 33 prisoners killed in new Brazil prison uprising

At last 33 inmates have been killed in a new prison riot in the Amazon region of Brazil, officials said on Friday, just five days after 56 inmates were slaughtered in the country’s worst prison massacre in more than two decades.

Few details were available about the latest uprising early on Friday in Roraima state’s largest penitentiary, where a fight between rival drug gangs ended with 10 dead last October.

Security experts have predicted more violence in Brazil’s gang-controlled prison system in the wake of the massacre earlier this week in which members of one drug gang butchered inmates from a rival group.

The top security official in the state of Roraima, Uziel de Castro, blamed Friday’s violence on the Sao Paulo-based First Capital Command (PCC) drug gang, according to a report on the website of the Estado de S.Paulo newspaper.

Earlier this week, it was primarily members of the PCC who were among the 56 dead at a prison in nearby Amazonas state, killed by the North Family drug faction, believed to dominate the traffic of cocaine from Colombia and Peru in that region.

The North Family is allied with the Rio de Janeiro-based Red Command drug gang, Brazil’s second most powerful faction after the PCC.

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TECHNOLOGY

Chided by Trump, Ford scraps Mexico factory, adds Michigan jobs

Ford Motor Co on Tuesday scrapped a planned Mexican car factory and added 700 jobs in Michigan following criticism by Donald Trump, as the U.S. president-elect turned his attention toward rival General Motors Co with the threat of a “big border tax” over compact cars made in Mexico.

Ford CEO Mark Fields called the move “a vote of confidence” in Trump, but primarily a response to a decline in the North American demand for small cars like those that would have been made at the Mexican plant. He said the company would have made the same decision even if Trump had not been elected.

Ford will cancel plans unveiled in April to spend $1.6 billion to build the new plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, a project that Trump urged the company to abandon and described as an “absolute disgrace” during the election campaign.

The No. 2 U.S. automaker also said it would invest $700 million in the Flat Rock, Michigan factory plant and would make new electric, hybrid and autonomous vehicles there.

Trump’s efforts to browbeat the U.S. car industry show that he may go further than other modern presidents to try to influence corporate decisions, especially those related to trade and investment.

Investors on Tuesday sold off shares of Kansas City Southern railroad, a company that is heavily dependent on shipping goods across the U.S.Mexico border.

In a Twitter post hours before Ford’s announcement, Trump wrote, “General Motors is sending Mexican made model of Chevy Cruze to U.S. car dealerstax free across border. Make in U.S.A. or pay big border tax!” GM, the largest U.S. automaker, said making some of the Cruze cars in the plant in Coahuila, Mexico was part of its strategy to serve global customers, not sell those vehicles in the United States.

Trump’s GM tweet was his latest broadside aimed at an American company over jobs, imports and costs even before he takes office on Jan. 20.

Such remarks have signaled an uncommon degree of intervention for an incoming U.S. president into the affairs of U.S. corporations.

Mexico’s government said it regrets Ford’s decision and has made sure that the company will reimburse the state for any costs associated with the investment.

Ford spokeswoman Jennifer Flake said the automaker

Ford Motor Co. Flat Rock Assembly Plant is seen in Flat Rock, Michigan will save $500 million by not opening the new plant in the near term, but will have some undisclosed costs to retool the other Mexican plant to build the Focus. GM shares were up 0.5 percent, or $0.17, to $35.00. Ford shares rose 3.3 percent, or $0.40 a share, to $12.53.

TRUMP NOTIFIED

Top Ford executives personally notified Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence of their decision. Fields praised tax and regulatory proposals advocated by Trump and his fellow Republicans who control Congress.

“Our view is that we see a more positive U.S. manufacturing business environment under President-elect Trump and the pro-growth policies and proposals that he’s talking about, so this is a vote of confidence for President-elect Trump and some of the policies that they may be pursuing,” Fields said.

Trump said during the presidential campaign that if elected he would not allow Ford to open the new plant in Mexico and would slap hefty tariffs taxes on imported Ford vehicles.

Trump during the campaign also accused Mexico of sending criminals and rapists into the United States and vowed to build a border wall to combat illegal immigration.

Since winning the Nov. 8 election, Trump has targeted a wide range of American companies also including United Technologies Inc , Boeing Co

and Lockheed Martin Corp .

Trump also has touted decisions by companies to keep some production in the United States, including United’s Carrier unit in Indiana.

Trump previously vowed to hit companies that shift production from America to other countries with a 35 percent tax on their exports into the United States. He also has denounced the North American Free Trade Agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Fields said there were no negotiations between Ford and the incoming president over the decision to cancel the Mexico plant or invest in Michigan.

Ford will build a battery electric SUV with a 300-mile (482km) driving range at the Michigan plant by 2020, and will launch production there by 2021 of a fully autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel or a brake pedal for use in ride services fleets. Ford also plans new hybrid versions of its F-150 pickup truck, Mustang and police vehicles by 2020.

GM said it sold about 190,000 Cruze cars in the United States in 2016. All of the sedan versions sold in the United States, or about 185,500, were built at its plant in Lordstown, Ohio. About 4,500 hatchback versions of the Cruze were assembled in Mexico and sold in the United States.

Union workers gathered at the Flat Rock factory cheered Fields as he announced the new jobs. Hiring of the 700 new workers there will probably start in 2018 and the majority of it in 2020, Fields said.

Apple’s App Store generated $20 billion for developers in 2016

Apple Inc (AAPL.O) said on Thursday its App Store generated $20 billion for developers in 2016, a 40 percent increase from 2015, helped by the popularity of games such as Pokemon Go and Super Mario Run and increased revenue from subscriptions.

App Store sales topped more than $3 billion in December, helped by the launch of Nintendo Co Ltd’s (7974.T) Super Mario Run, which was downloaded more than 40 million times in the first four days after its launch.

Nintendo’s Pokemon Go was also the most downloaded application in 2016.

Billings from popular subscription-based apps such as Netflix, HBO Now and MLB.com At Bat jumped 74 percent to $2.7 billion in 2016.

Apple said customers spent nearly $240 million on apps and in-app purchases on New Year’s Day, the biggest sales day ever.

App sales in China jumped 90 percent last year, Apple said without providing details.

Apple said on Thursday it had removed the New York Times Co’s (NYT.N) English- and Chinese-language news apps from its iTunes store in China at the request of local authorities.

Apple’s own iBooks and iTunes Movies stores have been blocked since April as Chinese authorities worry about social disorder, moral harm and threats to national security.

Oil prices rise on expected drop in U.S. inventories

Oil prices ticked higher on Wednesday on expectations that U.S. crude inventories are falling and signs that oil producers will stick to agreed output cuts that took effect this week.

Global benchmark Brent crude futures LCOc1 were up 10 cents at $55.57 a barrel by 1110 GMT (6:10 a.m. ET). The contract reached an 18-month high in the previous session, but a strong dollar has shaved off most of those gains.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures CLc1 were trading at $52.42 per barrel, up 9 cents.

“Positive equities and gains in industrial metals this morning, as well as expectations that U.S. crude oil stocks will show a decline ... are ingredients helping to drive a slight gain in Brent crude,” said Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB Markets in Oslo.

Weekly U.S. statistics on oil stocks are expected to show a 1.7-million-barrel draw on Thursday, analysts polled by Reuters said.

[EIA/S]

OPEC member Kuwait also lifted expectations that producers will comply with a deal to reduce oversupply after its state-owned oil producer said on Wednesday it would cut output in the first quarter.

Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in November agreed their first output cut since 2008 in an attempt to stabilize oil prices.

As part of the deal, Kuwait has to reduce output by 131,000 barrels per day.

An OPEC committee meeting to monitor compliance with the agreement is scheduled for Jan. 21-22 in Vienna.

“Prices are likely to remain volatile until there is evidence that quotas are being adhered to,” analysts at Cenkos Securities wrote.

Also reflecting a tightening market, traders expect top oil exporter Saudi Arabia to raise the official selling price for its crude to Asia in February.

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WORLD NEWS BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

Apple pulls New York Times apps in China after government request Jiabao, the New York Times reported.

Apple Inc (AAPL.O) has Times’ apps.

“We have been informed removed the New York Times Co’s “The development of the (NYT.N) English- and Chinese- internet in China must respect China’s that the app is in violation of local language news apps from its iTunes laws and regulations, in principle,” regulations,” Apple spokesman Fred store in China following a request from foreign ministry spokesman Geng Sainz in California told Reuters.

An Apple spokeswoman in the local authorities, the companies Shuang said in response to a question China declined to comment on specific said separately on Thursday. about the apps.

The apps, which the New York Times reasons or which regulatory body newspaper said were removed on Dec. spokeswoman Eileen Murphy told made the request.

Apple has previously removed 23, are the latest Western services Reuters that the newspaper has asked news apps from its China app store, to fall foul of Chinese authorities, Apple to reconsider.

“The request by the Chinese but none as high-profile as the New whose other scalps include Apple’s own iBooks and iTunes Movies stores authorities to remove our apps is York Times. At least three other apps which have been blocked since April. part of their wider attempt to prevent have been removed from the app

Their removal comes just readers in China from accessing store in recent years on the grounds over a month after the Cyberspace independent news coverage by The of “illegal content”, according to news Administration of China called for New York Times of that country,” reports and the apps’ developers.

Apps from other international greater media scrutiny, citing fears Murphy said.

The government has blocked publications whose websites are of social disorder, moral harm and threats to national security. The the Times’ websites since 2012 after a blocked, including CNN, The Wall internet regulator did not respond to a series of articles on the wealth of the Street Journal and the Financial faxed request for comment about the family of then-Prime Minister Wen Times, were still available on

Hyundai, Kia aim to grow 2017 sales to 8.25 million vehicles globally

SEOUL - Hyundai Motor Co. and affiliate Kia Motors said on Monday they aim to increase their combined sales to 8.25 million vehicles globally in 2017, despite rising competition.

The 2017 target is slightly higher than their 2016 goal of 8.13 million vehicles. The South Korean automakers’ final sales figures for 2016 are due out later on Monday, with analysts expecting a miss due to weak demand in emerging markets.

“The 2017 goal is slightly higher than my projection,” said Ko Tae-bong, an auto analyst at Hi Investment & Securities, adding that the performance of new models would be the key to success after some disappointments in recent years.

With emerging markets such as Russia stabilizing, and with Hyundai and Kia Motors gearing up to boost vehicle supply to the United States and China, sales could get a lift this year.

But Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors - which together rank fifth in global sales - plan to add capacity in China and Mexico this year, just as those markets and the United States are seen slowing, likely pressuring margins.

“With the global economy continuing its low growth, trade protectionism spreading and

competition intensifying in the automobile industry, uncertainty is growing more than ever,” Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mongkoo said in his New Year message to employees.

Hyundai Motor likely clocked its fourth straight annual profit decline last year, hurt by its higher exposure to weak emerging markets, and a product line-up that features more sedans than sport utility vehicles, just as SUVs have become more popular across many global markets.

Hyundai Motor is targeting 2017 global sales of 5.08 million vehicles, while Kia Motors set its goal at 3.17 million vehicles.

Kia Motors Vice Chairman Hank Lee told employees on Monday that the automaker hoped to revive growth this year, after falling short of its 2016 sales target.

Hyundai Motor shares were flat in a wider market .KS11 that was down 0.4 percent in early morning trade, while Kia Motors shares were down 0.3 percent

Hyundai Motor shares fell for a third straight year in 2016, down 2 percent versus the wider market’s 3 percent gain. Kia Motors shares slumped 25 percent last year, making them the worst-performing stock among major car makers in the world.

Thursday.

Chinese mainstream media has not reported the app removal but it was discussed widely on social media.

“This must be coming from the request of The Wall right?” said one user on microblogging service Weibo, referring to state-backed internet censorship. “Apple has made enough money in China, it’s OK for it to take the blame this time for the sake of the money.”

Other users said they would attempt to change their country of residence within the app store to restore access.

While the New York Times’ websites have been blocked, mirroring sites managed by anti-censorship advocates have periodically made their content available.

British Airways’ cabin crew announce 48-hour strike for January 10

British Airways (ICAG.L) cabin crew plan to hold a 48-hour strike starting on Jan. 10, after suspending previous plans to walk out over Christmas, trade union Unite said on Tuesday.

Crew who serve as part of British Airways’ ‘mixed fleet’ - and have poorer terms and conditions than some longer-serving staff - rejected a pay offer from BA shortly before Christmas.

“Unite remains hopeful that a negotiated settlement which meets our members’ aspirations

can be achieved and would urge British Airways to engage constructively in meaningful talks to address poverty pay,” the trade union said.

BA said that ‘mixed fleet’ Unite represented 15 percent of its cabin crew and that the airline was working on a contingency plan to ensure its customers reached their destinations.

It said in a statement that it would give more details on Jan. 6 once it had finalised the contingency plan.

British Airways logos are seen on tailfins at Heathrow Airport in west London, Britain May 12, 2011

Ex-employee sues Snapchat, alleges it misled investors

A former employee has the magazine reported. dragged Snapchat to court accusing Snap Inc, Snapchat’s parent the messaging app of misleading company, rejected the allegations. investors and trading partners to “We’ve reviewed the complaint. It drive up its initial public offering, the has no merit. It is totally made up Hollywood Reporter said citing a court by a disgruntled former employee,” a document.

Snap spokeswoman told Reuters in an

In the lawsuit filed on emailed statement.

Wednesday in a California court The ex-employee, who led

by Anthony Pompliano, who earlier Snapchat’s growth team during his worked with Facebook Inc, also alleged three weeks with the company, said he was fired for being a whistleblower, he learned of misrepresentations

and urged executives to rectify the his counsel as saying in the court problems. Pompliano claimed he was document, a partially obscured copy pressurized to breach Facebook’s of which was posted on the magazine’s confidential and proprietary website.

Snapchat filed for an IPO in information, the magazine said.

“Snapchat fraudulently November and is one step closer to the induced Pompliano away from biggest U.S. stock market debut since Facebook to run Snapchat’s new user 2014. growth and engagement team by The case was filed in the falsely representing to him, among Superior Court of the State of other things, the company’s growth,” California for the County of Los the Hollywood Reporter quoted Angeles.

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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY WORLD NEWS

Google pushes virtual reality harder with new phones from partners

Alphabet Inc’s Google quickened the pace of its push into virtual and augmented reality this week as its hardware partners announced new devices featuring the company’s technology at the CES electronics show in Las Vegas.

Google has been trying to position the vast network of smartphones running its Android operating system for virtual and augmented reality, known as VR and AR, fields that many in the technology industry say are poised to go mainstream after years of niche appeal.

Chinese manufacturer Huawei Technologies Co [HWT. UL] announced on Thursday that two of its phones will soon work with Daydream View, a VR headset released last year by Google.

Meanwhile, Taiwanese manufacturer AsusTek Computer Inc announced that its ZenFone AR

will support both Daydream and Google’s Tango software for AR, in which computer-generated content is overlaid on the real world.

While the announcements expand the line-up of participating phones, Google still has much to do to take its technology to the masses, said analyst Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research, noting that Samsung Electronics Co, the largest Android manufacturer, has yet to sign on.

“Google’s ecosystem for both AR and VR is in the very early days,” he said.

As growth in the global smartphone market shows signs of slowing, some manufacturers are voicing optimism that AR and VR will revive consumer enthusiasm.

“This is the next wave of technology that is really going to get consumers excited about smartphones,” Erik Hermanson, Asus’s head of marketing for mobile

Amit Singh products, said at the show.

But mainstream consumer interest in the technology remains largely unproven. Apps might be

Samsung’s Profit Jumps 50 Percent Despite Galaxy Fiasco

Samsung Electronics Co. said Friday that its profits in the last quarter of 2016 surged 50 percent to the highest level in more than three years, despite the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco.

Analysts had expected Samsung’s profits to surge thanks to its mainstay semiconductor business, but the result surpassed even the most optimistic forecasts.

The semiconductor division cashed in on strong demand and a tight supply for microchips during the September-December period, likely contributing to more than half of its quarterly earnings.

In its earnings preview, Samsung said it posted 9.2 trillion won ($7.8 billion) in operating profit, up from 6.1 trillion won a year earlier. It was the biggest quarterly income since the third quarter of 2013.

Analysts polled by FactSet expected a figure of 8 trillion won.

Sales fell 1 percent to 53 trillion won ($44.9 billion). The

company did not give net profit due to the scandal.

Samsung Group faces or breakdown figures for its that Samsung businesses, which are due later allegations Electronics and its affiliated this month.

For the full year, the companies paid money to South Korean tech giant saw a 10 foundations and a company percent gain in its annual income, controlled by a long-time friend of Park’s, Choi Soon-sil, in order its best result in three years.

“It’s thanks to the to get the government’s backing improvement in semiconductors in a controversial merger of and displays on top of favorable two Samsung affiliates related foreign exchange rates,” said to Samsung’s father-to-son Kim Young Woo, an analyst at SK leadership succession.

It is still unclear why the Securities.

The result is a bright spot Galaxy Note 7 smartphones were for the tech giant that was obliged prone to overheating and catching to do multiple recalls last year of fire. That prompted two recalls products that included a popular and eventual discontinuation of smartphone and a washing the flagship product.

Tim Baxter, chief machine.

The stellar financial operating officer at Samsung’s results come as Samsung faces U.S. business, told reporters at an investigation linking it to the Consumer Electronics Show an influence-peddling scandal in Las Vegas on Wednesday that that led to the impeachment Samsung will share the root of President Park Geun-hye. cause of the Galaxy Note 7 fires Samsung already has postponed “very soon.” Samsung has been its annual personnel reshuffle, investigating the issue for more usually announced in December, than four months.

Bank of England economist: Brexit predictions were wrong

LONDON – The Bank of England’s chief economist says forecasters got it wrong when they predicted a sharp economic downturn if Britain voted to leave the European Union.

Andy Haldane says the country’s strong economic performance since the June referendum has been a

surprise, and the economic forecasting profession “is to some degree in crisis.”

Before the referendum, many forecasters said a vote to leave the EU could cause the pound to fall by as much as 20 percent and push the economy back into recession.

The pound did

plummet, but other economic indicators remain strong.

Speaking Thursday at an Institute for Government event, Haldane said it was impossible to predict how the economy would fare after Britain leaves the 28-nation bloc, because that depends on two years of complex exit negotiations.

expected to stimulate demand, but until Google’s technology is available on a wider range of phones, it will be tough to persuade developers to build for the platform, analysts said.

“We are waiting for app developers to really use the platform for what it’s for,” Amit Singh, a vice president for VR at Google, told reporters.

In addition to supporting Daydream, Huawei said that it is exploring opportunities for Tango with Google. The Asus phone became the first to support both technologies.

Google has stressed that the programs do not overlap for now, but by pursuing both, the company can position itself for success regardless of whether AR or VR becomes a mainstream hit.

“By having options for both, they can cover the full potential market,” said analyst Bob O’Donnell of TECHnalysis Research.

GM’s Cadillac to start car subscription concierge service in NYC

General Motors Co (GM.N) on Feb. 1 will begin a $1,500-per-month on-demand concierge subscription service for Cadillac cars and SUVs in New York, a program it hopes will expand to major cities in the United States, Cadillac said on Thursday.

GM and Cadillac will maintain a small fleet of Cadillac cars and Escalade SUVs to serve dozens of clients for the initial phase of the luxury service, which company executives hope will attract first-time drivers of GM’s luxury models.

The idea of offering consumers access to an array of models in return for a flat subscription fee has been discussed among auto executives for years.

Cadillac claims its “Book by Cadillac” service is the “first of its kind.”

Cadillac officials did not say when they expect BOOK by Cadillac to expand beyond the New York metro area.

The top-of-the-line Cadillacs would cost between $60,000 and more than $100,000 if purchased outright.

Cadillac spokesman Eneuri Acosta claimed BOOK by Cadillac will help Cadillac dealers rather than take sales from them.

Acosta said Cadillac hopes subscribers can be turned into traditional vehicle owners through leasing and purchasing after becoming familiar with the brand and its models.

“This is not ride-sharing,” said Acosta.

“Customers get to keep a car at all times.”

Vehicles will be delivered and picked up on demand to customers upon request by using a smart phone app.

During a three-month pilot of the service last summer and fall in New York, Cadillac learned that subscribers did not need parking covered, Acosta said. However, if customers in New York or other markets want parking services covered, Cadillac will consider it. The program is highly flexible and meant to cater to the specific needs of each customer, he said.

Cadillac’s service will evolve as the company and its customers gain experience, Acosta said.

Membership in the service will be monthto-month and can be canceled with a 30-day notice.

Members will be able to shift to different vehicles up to 18 times per year. In the pilot program, people kept the same vehicle about a month, Acosta said.

There is a one-time $500 initiation and processing fee, which is not charged again if a subscriber suspends membership and rejoins later, Acosta said. Mileage on the vehicles is unlimited.

Cadillac began accepting online applicants for the service in the New York metropolitan area on Thursday.

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SPORTS

Former world No.1 tennis player Ana Ivanovic retires at the age of 29

The Australian Open has been robbed of one its most popular drawcards following Ana Ivanovic’s sudden retirement from tennis.

Dubbed Aussie Ana during her charge to the 2008 Open final, Ivanovic was the darling of Melbourne Park as she cradled koalas and celebrated her grand slam run with a family barbecue on Australia Day.

Apart from having aunts, uncles and cousins in Melbourne, Ivanovic spent her early years preparing for the Open on Sydney’s northern beaches with her Australian trainer Scott Byrnes.

Adam Scott’s one-time girlfriend also landed her maiden WTA title in Australia, the Serb’s breakthrough at the 2005 Canberra International kick- starting her climb to world No.1 three years later.

Apart from having aunts, uncles and cousins in Melbourne, Ivanovic spent her early years preparing for the Open on Sydney’s northern beaches with her Australian trainer Scott Byrnes.

Adam Scott’s one-time

girlfriend also landed her maiden WTA title in Australia, the Serb’s breakthrough at the 2005 Canberra International kick- starting her climb to world No.1 three years later.

“I began dreaming of tennis when I was five and saw Monica Seles play on TV. My parents backed me all the way, and by the time I was ranked No.1 in the world and won Roland Garros in 2008, I’ve seen the heights I’ve never dreamt of achieving.

“But seeing those highs demands top physical form and it’s well-known that I have been hampered by injuries.

“I can only play on if I can perform to my own high standards and I can no longer do that, so it is time to move on.”

Ivanovic endured one of her toughest years in 2016, her last match a first-round loss at the US Open in September.

The 2008 French Open champion had planned a comeback next month in Auckland - where she reigned in 2014 - and even posted about her return to training just a

Ana Ivanovic fortnight ago.

But there will be no summer farewell as Ivanovic, who married German football superstar Bastian Schweinsteiger in Venice in July, prepares for the next chapter in her life.

“While my competitive chapter is coming to an end, tennis and my love for the game will still remain very close to my heart,” she said.

“I won’t be disappearing

completely from the circuit. I am also excited about the new challenges and the new path ahead of me.”

She won her only grand slam title at the 2008 French Open becoming the first Serbian world No.1 tennis player.

Her Roland Garros success came when she beat Russian Dinara Safina 6-4 6-3, one year after being humbled by Belgian Justine Henin 6-1 6-2 in the final.

Woods worth $740m, Jordan a billionaire, says Forbes

Golfer Tiger Woods and former NBA player Michael Jordan

Golfers Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson and former NBA player Michael Jordan are among the 20 wealthiest American celebrities, Forbes reported on Wednesday.

Woods, 40, is the youngest person on the Forbes top-20 list, with a net worth estimated at $740 million.

The 14-times major champion, who trails only Jack Nicklaus (18 majors) on the all-time list, recently

launched a competitive comeback after being sidelined for more than 15 months while recovering from back surgery.

Woods who went through a costly divorce in 2010 and lost several sponsors after revelations of multiple infidelity, is seventh on the list, while Mickelson is 18th, with an estimated worth of $375 million.

Jordan, 53, who retired in 2003 with the mantle of arguably the

greatest basketballer, is worth $1.2 billion according to the magazine, good for fourth on the list, which is topped by filmmaker George Lucas ($4.6 billion).

Forbes says eligibility for the list was limited to United States citizens who are rich because of their fame, rather than famous because they are rich. According to Forbes, President-elect Donald Trump belongs in the latter category.

Serena’s Auckland appearance fails to deliver

Serena Williams saw the Auckland Open as the ideal event to return from a long injury layoff and work on her game ahead of the year’s first grand slam, while New Zealand’s largest city hoped her presence would take the tournament to a new level.

In the end, both were disappointed.

The 35-year-old former world number one, out of action for four months due to a persistent shoulder injury, was bundled out in the second round by American compatriot Madison Brengle.

The performance was hardly the best preparation for the Australian Open in less than two weeks’ time, especially since she said in her only media conference before the Auckland tournament that her goal was to add more grand slam titles before she brings the curtain down on her career.

Williams equalled Steffi Graf ’s Open era record of 22 grand slam titles last year when she clinched her seventh Wimbledon crown and sits just two

away from the all-time record held by Australia’s Margaret Court.

She played just two more tournaments after that victory on the grass in London, losing to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the third round at the Rio Olympics then was upset by Karolina Pliskova at the U.S. Open semi-finals.

Williams then promptly shut down her season to have treatment on the injury.

The American arrived in New Zealand to a large media contingent and was feted as the biggest name to ever play a tennis tournament in the country.

She chose to skip media and sponsorship commitments to concentrate on fine tuning her preparations and shook off some of the rust in a less-than-convincing 6-3 6-4 victory over France’s Pauline Parmentier in the first round.

Against Brengle, however, she seemed unable to change her

Serena Williams of the USA plays against Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic on day eleven of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center game plan and adapt to the windy conditions, which she later described as her “least favorite”, trying to blast her light-hitting compatriot off court.

Instead booming forehands flew high and wide and she committed 88 unforced errors.

“I don’t think I have hit 88

errors in my life,” she told reporters.

“Eighty-eight unforced errors, you really need to go back to the drawing board because quite frankly it’s unprofessional.”

Apart from her inability to change tactics, her most dangerous weapon, her first serve, also lacked the usual velocity and numerous times she showed her frustration at the windy conditions.

Her desire to head to Melbourne for “better weather” and comments that Auckland was not a great place for her to “assess her game” caused something of a stir on Thursday, with the New Zealand Herald’s Michael Burgess suggesting they were a slight on the tournament itself.

“Overall, Williams’ time here was a disappointment,” Burgess wrote.

“Her presence gave the tournament massive exposure, but Williams never gave the impression that she wanted to pay back her huge appearance fee.”

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WORLD SPORTS

Federer expects injury layoff to prolong playing career

Roger Federer believes his six- future of my tennis career. month absence due to a knee injury “To have had this six-month could help prolong his playing career, layoff, rejuvenated, refreshed… maybe with the 17-times Grand Slam winner mentally I needed this rest more than I thought I would. saying he has enjoyed the break.

“Maybe my body needed a rest

The 35-year-old Swiss had surgery on his left knee in February more than I thought it would. I tried and, after missing the French Open to look at the big picture; I hope it’s with a back injury, announced going to pay off.

“At least one thing I know now in July that he needed extensive is I have no regrets. I did everything rehabilitation.

This had seen him being this year to get my body back in shape.

“It didn’t feel too gruelling, too long, sidelined for the rest of the season.

Federer returns to action at too hard to go through this process. I the Hopman Cup, starting on January have actually enjoyed it.”

For much of his career, the 1, which he will play in for the first time since he teamed up with his now former world number one had been blessed with a body that seemed wife Mirka in 2002.

He will partner 19-year-old bullet-proof against the aches, pains compatriot Belinda Bencic at the and injuries suffered by most top international team tournament in athletes.

Until May this year, Federer Perth.

Federer said it was a tough had appeared in 65 successive grand call to take a six-month break and slam tournaments and the last time he looked at the bigger picture before he was absent from one of the four deciding. majors was at the 1999 U.S. Open.

But his semi-final defeat by

Federer said: “I do believe that it could be very beneficial for the Canadian Milos Raonic at Wimbledon,

Roger Federer which saw him drop to 16 in the world rankings, was his last professional match this year.

Federer said his goal was to get fully fit and he was looking forward

to a few matches in Perth before the year’s first grand slam starts later in the month in Melbourne.

“This year is unique because maybe this is the year more than any time before where I do need matches at the beginning of the season,” Federer said, adding that he was doing everything possible to add more majors to his trophy cabinet.

He said: “Matches have a different intensity about it and your body reacts according to it.”

Federer said he had expected Andy Murray to be world number one at some point. But he was quick to point out also that he was surprised the Briton finished the year at the top of the rankings ahead of Serb Novak Djokovic.

Federer said: “That just gives even more credit to Andy for not becoming world number one but finishing world number one. Those are two separate things.

“Becoming world number one for a week or finishing a year as world number one, it’s a different animal.”

Seahawks enter the playoffs with a whimper, not a roar

RENTON, Washington — For the fifth straight season, the Seattle Seahawks have won 10 games and are headed to the playoffs, the longest such streaks in franchise history.

So why does this division title and playoff appearance feel so underwhelming? It’s because unlike the previous four playoff appearances when the Seahawks were rolling headed into the playoffs, this time Seattle is limping into the NFC wild-card game against Detroit on Saturday night.

The latest example came in Sunday’s regular-season finale against San Francisco when Seattle slogged its way to a 25-23 victory that again raised more questions than provided answers about what to expect when the playoffs arrive.

But even with the lackluster performance the latter half of the season, Seattle coach Pete Carroll

believes the Seahawks have the pieces for a playoff run.

“I think we’ve got great leadership. We’ve got a lot of young guys and we’re bringing them with us,” Carroll said during his radio show on Monday morning. “It’s a great challenge, a great exercise in putting it together.”

Seattle is playing on wildcard weekend for the second straight year after squandering its chance at a bye with a home loss to Arizona in Week 16. Facing the lowly 49ers was supposed to be Seattle’s opportunity to get itself pointed in the right direction headed into the playoffs. And while the win can’t be discredited, the fashion in which it happened failed to provide much confidence.

Seattle fell behind 14-3, needed a huge turnover to get back into the game in the first half and nearly watched the 49ers rally in the

fourth quarter before running out runs of 26 and 17 yards by rookie Alex the clock with Russell Wilson, Doug Collins in the second half and the Baldwin and a chunk of Seattle’s Seahawks averaged just 1.9 yards per starters sitting on the bench as carry.

In the final three games of Carroll tried to protect key players.

“When coach made the the regular season, Seattle averaged decision, I was for it and I saw that 79 yards per game rushing and just some other guys weren’t playing, too,” 2.9 yards per carry.

“We’re not pleased with it. It’s Wilson said after the win. “He just made those decisions. We knew that not anywhere near where we want it we were going to have a home game to be,” Carroll said.

For all the issues that have and so that was kind of our focus trying to get some rest, trying to surfaced late in the season for Seattle, get ready, allowing nothing crazy to the Seahawks may have drawn the best possible matchup to open the happen.”

While Wilson had another postseason. Detroit lost its final three solid day, throwing for 258 yards and games of the regular season, was a touchdown, the biggest concern worse than Seattle at running the was Seattle’s inability to run the ball and doesn’t have a defense most ball against the worst defense in the would consider on the same level as NFL. San Francisco was giving up the Seahawks.

Then again, Seattle was more than 170 yards per game on the ground, yet the Seahawks managed supposed to blow out the 49ers to only 87 yards on 25 carries. Take away head into the playoffs on the rise.

Woods to play PGA Tour event at Torrey Pines

Tiger Woods will launch his official comeback at the Farmers Insurance Open this month, the PGA Tour event announced on Wednesday.

Woods had been widely expected to start his season at the Jan. 26-29 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in southern California, an event he has won seven times.

He also captured the 2008 U.S. Open there on one of his favorite layouts.

The former world number one had already committed to the Feb. 16-19 Genesis Open at storied Riviera and announced on Wednesday that he would also tee it up the following week at his

hometown tournament, the Honda Classic in south Florida.

The 41-year-old American has not played an official money event since Aug. 2015, due to a lengthy recuperation from back surgery.

Woods was scheduled to return at the first event of the 2016-17 season in northern California in October, but pulled out three days beforehand, saying his game was not ready.

The 14-times major champion subsequently made his comeback at the Hero World Challenge, an unofficial PGA Tour event, in the Bahamas in December where he finished 15th in an 18-man

field.

Woods has not publicly announced his full schedule leading up to April’s Masters, the first major of the year.

But in confirming three events he is clearly planning to get plenty of tournament rounds under his belt before his tilt at a fifth green jacket in Augusta.

Woods is expected to play the March 16-19 Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Florida, an event he has won a record eight times.

He could also add one more tournament to his schedule before the Masters.

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