FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
VOLUME 13 - NO. 07
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‘WASHIE’ SUSPENDED FROM PARLIAMENT By Todeline Defralien
L
eader of the Opposition Progressive National Party (PNP) Hon. Washington Misick was suspended from the House of Assembly on Monday, February 13th 2017, after refusing to withdraw the word “blowhard” in reference to Government back bencher Hon. Doug Parnell. Misick was suspended by Speaker Hon. Dwayne Taylor after a heated exchange that also involved Premier Hon. Sharlene CartwrightRobinson. Misick called Parnell a “pompous blowhard” because he said the PDM MP was trying to take credit for actions initiated and budgeted for by the previous Progressive National Party (PNP) administration, namely, the TOLCO agreement designed to saving Turks and Caicos Islanders Home; Phase 2 of Road Works in the Cheshire Hall Area; Funds identified to secure the perimeter fence of the prison; Funds identified to cover treatment abroad; in addition to other projects. After Misick called Parnell a blowhard, the MP for Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill told the Speaker that under the Standing Orders of the House of Assembly, Members of Parliament may not include offensive insulting language in relations to another member. Parnell said: “Members on the other side (PNP) may not like the content of my speech, but I have never insulted any of them and I believe that such an accusation that he’s laid against me, as well as some of the comments he referred to the Hon. Premier, is unbecoming of parliamentary language of members in this House.” Speaker Hon. Dwayne Taylor intervened and stated: “Hon. Leader of the Opposition, I look to you as an experienced and someone who ought to be a statesman in this House and I would expect that you would be one of those persons who would lead by example as required. You further said to the chair (Speaker) to hurry up. You don’t do that! And not only that I would ask that you withdraw the statement, but I’ll ask that you apologize to this Honorable Chair (Speaker) and this
Leader of the Opposition Progressive National Party (PNP) Hon. Washington Misick
Hon. Doug Parnell
Premier: Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson
Speaker: Hon. Dwayne Taylor
Honorable House for having to ask the Speaker to hurry up with his speech. You know that is unbecoming of anyone in this Hononarble House to level any insulting remarks at this Hon. Chair.” Hon. Misick then said, “Let me reiterate again, I will not be withdrawing blowhard. It is a definition for everyone to see. It is not offensive and I will not be withdrawing the statement because there is nothing wrong with it. It is not an offensive word. As it relates to my statement to say hurry up, Mr. Speaker, you embroiled yourself in politics from the first day you came in this House, so if anybody disrespects the Chair, you did!” Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson said, “Mr. Speaker, aside from blowhard, I am offended by the word he used arrogant, because arrogant can’t be anything other than what he intends for it to be, insulting.
Man murdered in Blue Hills Police are investigating a murder which occurred in Providenciales on the night of Thursday, February 16th, 2017. James Smith, of Blue Hills, was reportedly stabbed and shot while he was hanging out with friends. This is the first murder in Turks and Caicos Islands for the year.
Continued on Page 2
Belongers have unrealistic sense of entitlement, says Anglican Bishop - Page 6
TCI is fastest-growing Caribbean tourist destination - Page 5
Cruise ship arrivals down - Page 7
Time zone may change - Page 8
Page 2
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
‘WASHIE’ SUSPENDEDFROM PARLIAMENT
Continued from Page 1
Mr. Speaker, what you have ignored is that he has called me a bully and I will be bullish if I’m going to defend my members against your words. And if you don’t want to be here you can voluntarily leave, stop trying to get pushed to throw out. If you don’t want to be here leave.” Speaker Hon. Dwayne Taylor said he believes that the statements made by the Opposition Leader were out of order and he has asked Hon. Members if the House to conduct themselves in an honorable manner and to allow themselves to be guided by the Standing Orders of the House. Taylor called on Misick to apologize to the Honorable House, to the Speaker and the Premier for statements made and to also withdraw the statement made to Parnell, but the Opposition Leader refused to apologize for his statement made to Parnell. Misick said, “Mr. Speaker the comment with reference to the Chair, I agree was inappropriate and so was the reference to the Hon. Premier, and for that I am happy to withdraw those comments. As it relates to my comments to relating to blowhard, I stand on the dictionary. It is not an offensive word and I will not withdraw it and I will not apologise.”
Speaker Hon. Dwayne Taylor stated that according to section 59 (3) the statement was offensive an also insulting and said MPS have a responsibility as to the kind of language that is used in the Honorable House and he believes when both sides have erupted it is the responsibility of the Hon. Chair to make the right judgment call as to how he sees it. He continued: “I find that the language pompous blowhard in the context in which it was done I find it offensive and insulting and the fact that the Hon. Leader of the Opposition has refused to withdraw such statements, I will refer to section (80) of the standing orders and I would ask that the Hon. Leader of the Opposition to withdraw immediately from the House during the remainder of the day’s sitting. I believe that it is the responsibility of this Chair to make sure that the rules and regulations of this Honorable House are upheld and as a result I would ask that you withdraw, and since he is not withdrawing, Hon. Charles Washington Misick you are hereby suspended from this Honorable House until further notice.” In a press statement issued after the House of Assembly meeting,
Misick said he was “erroneously suspended...in a move instigated by the Premier and executed by the Speaker of the House”. He added: “To add insult to injury the proper procedures were not followed and the Speaker could be heard referring to Standing Order 59(3) which states “Except in respect of a substantive motion for rescission, a member may not reflect on a vote of the House or attempt to reconsider a specific matter upon which the House has come to a conclusion during the current session”. He should have referred Standing Order 59(4). In an effort to guide the Speaker in the correct procedures of the House in this matter Member for Leeward and Long Bay Hills was told by the Speaker “It’s the speaker’s turn now, have your seat and turn off your mike”.” The statement from Misick added: “Of grave concern was the visible side bar conversation between the Speaker, Premier, and Member for Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill, when the speaker used the incorrect procedure clearly instructing help on the next moves during the 10 minute suspension of the House’s proceedings. Also, of note was the Member for Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill
stating that the $300,000 as tourism additional funding for the fish fry location in the Bight was declared to the house, “it’s not a valentine’s gift but to ensure we win the bi-election”. The change is here, no record, no plan, just taking credit for the work of the PNP administration and silencing anyone who attempts to set the record straight or oppose them.” Misick, a former Chief Minister, said Speaker Taylor “is clearly partial to the Government” and allowed the Premier to speak without stating whether she was rising on a point of order. “Even when this was pointed out by the Leader of the Opposition, the Speaker allowed the Premier to speak without interruption. The Premier’s rant was meant to provoke the Leader of the Opposition. The events of today, were no more than a planned bait and hook orchestrated by the Premier, Speaker and Member for Cheshire Hall. We, Your Loyal Opposition will keep records of partiality as it relates to the Speaker’s execution of his duties, which must be firm, fair and consistent in dealing with all Members of the House of Assembly, regardless to which side of the House they sit on,” he added
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
Star Awards set for February 23, 2017 In just a few days the Tropicana Show and Supper Club will be transformed into a true magical spectacle as it awaits the arrival of the Kings and Queens of TCI’s Hospitality and Tourism Industry when the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association hosts its 9th annual Star Awards event. With over 165 nominations submitted to auditors KPMG the star-studded event scheduled for Thursday, February 23 will recognise employees and industry partners, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and who are committed to contributing over the years to the
contacting TCHTA at 941-5787. success of the industry. Executive Director of TCHTA Stacy Cox noted, “Other SPONSORS FOR THIS YEAR’S EVENT INCLUDE: than Maskanoo Star Awards is one of the Association’s biggest events and one which we have designed •Platinum sponsor - Digicel to celebrate those, who through •Gold sponsors – Ministry of their hard work and inspiration Tourism and Scotiabank have made our destination the •Silver sponsors – Fedex, Caicos most sought after in the region. Express Airways, AIB Hotel & We anticipate a packed house on Restaurant Supplies, The Wine February 23 as all tickets are sold Cellar, CSC Insurance Brokers, out, thanks to friends, colleagues Graceway IGA, COMO Parrot Cay and family members who are Resort, Cargo Express Services attending to support their loved Ltd, CIBC FirstCaribbean, TCIAA, TCI Sun Newspaper, ones.” Even though tickets for Delta, Zemi Beach House Resort the event are sold out persons can and Spa (Anguilla), BVICCHA, still purchase Raffle tickets by Grace Bay Club, The Palms, The
Sands, The Hartling Group, Do it Center, Caicos Dream Tours, Delta Airlines, KPMG The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) represents a wide range of members from hotels and resorts to insurance companies and financial service providers, from watersports operators to catering outlets, from taxi drivers to human resources. The Association aims to assist the organisations through networking opportunities, training, promotional activities and representation at all levels of decision-making in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the region.
Turks and Caicos Islands exhibited at biggest and longest-running travel show
Destination: Turks & Caicos show. By exhibiting at the prestigious Islands exhibited at the UK’s biggest and event, many potential vacationers got longest-running travel show. Destination: the opportunity to learn more about the The Holiday and Travel Show, which took ‘Beautiful by Nature’ destination which place in London’s Olympia Exhibition is renowned for its world famous Grace Centre, was filled to the gills with Bay Beach, award winning luxurious hundreds of leading and independent tour accommodations, enviable waterscapes, operators, over 70 Tourist Boards from picturesque scenery and sophisticated across the globe, cultural entertainment, service. The Destination Show also plays world flavours, travel celebrities, amongst others spectacular activities. host to The Stanfords Travel Writers Courtney Robinson, Marketing Festival – which features compelling, Executive UK & Europe - represented inspirational and entertaining talks. the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board at the There is also Experience The World
Stages – where visitors can dive in and experience world cultures, foods and entertainment in four incredible stages: Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe. What is more, the Meet the Experts Theatres, provide over 50 hours of free travel advice from destination specialists covering an array of journeys to every continent, providing inspirations to visitors to discover and learn about destinations across the globe. Destination: The Holiday and Courtney Robinson assisted by Travel Show ran from 2nd to 5th February, Dulga Gray at the Destination: The 2017. Holiday and Travel Show
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FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Turks and Caicos Islands fastest-growing Caribbean tourist destination The Turks and Caicos Islands is the fastest-growing destination in the Caribbean, according to the latest statistical report from the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). The destination welcomed and hosted some 1,300,575 tourists to its shores in 2016. While the majority of arrivals were cruise-based, 2016 marked an impressive, fifth consecutive year of growth in stopover arrivals. Further assessment of the 1.3 million arrivals in 2016 shows 453,612 visitors were stopovers and 846,963 arrivals came via cruise. 2016 marked a record setting year for the destination; for the first time the Turks and Caicos Islands received more than 400,000 stopover arrivals through its international airports and fixed based operations. Despite political uncertainties, security concerns and economic challenges in major source markets, stopovers to the destination grew by a robust 17.5 percent in 2016 totaling 453,612 arrivals when compared to 385,531 arrivals in 2015. For a consecutive year, the destination recorded growth in each month of the year and within the overwhelming majority of its major source markets. The growth rate ranged from a 27.4 percent increase in stopover arrivals recorded in September to a 7.5 percent increase in December of 2016. Led by a strong first half, the destination welcomed 137, 641 stopover arrivals in the first quarter, an 18.5 percent increase in stopover arrivals when compared to the same period in 2015. Similarly the second quarter saw a 22 percent increase in stopover arrivals when compared to the same periods in 2015, welcoming 121,413 stopovers. The month of March saw 50,913 stopover arrivals, the most stopover arrivals of any month in 2016. According to the recently released State of The Industry Report 2016 from the CTO, tourist arrivals among the destinations showed uneven growth. Of the 28 Caribbean destinations reporting data for varying periods between January and December, the Turks and Caicos Islands’ 17.5 percent increase in stopover arrivals lead the region. Besides our destination, 4 countries, Belize, Cuba, Guyana and Bermuda reported double digit growth rates. Six destinations experienced declines in stopover arrivals. On par with the rest of the Caribbean, the Turks and Caicos
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Islands’ strong performance in 2016 was primarily supported by the sustained economic growth and relatively low oil prices in the United States, its leading source market. Stopover arrivals from the United States in 2016 surged by 16 percent in comparison to 2015. The total number of stopover arrivals from the United States in 2016 was 365,854. Contributing factors to this performance includes greater accessibility to the destination, frequency of flights from most major gateways in the United States, and increased direct airlift to the destination. Regionally there were over 14.6 million visitors from the U.S. according to CTO’s report, 3.5 percent more than the previous year. CTO attributed the region’s performance to solid economic growth, a low unemployment rate, and high consumer confidence in the U.S. Of the 28 destinations in the region reporting data, the Turks and Caicos Islands was among one of seven destinations recording double digit increases within the period, outdone only by Belize in the U.S. market. The other destinations included Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada and Montserrat. Six destinations recorded declines in stopover arrivals from the United States. While Canadian arrivals to the Caribbean fell by 3.4 percent in 2016, the Turks and Caicos Islands recorded a tremendous 23.2 percent growth in the Canadian market with 44,974 arrivals. More than 70 percent of the reporting destinations saw decreases in this market. According to CTO, a weak currency and sluggish first half economic output are among the contributing factors to the decline in Canadian trips to the Caribbean. EUROPEAN BOOM For the consecutive year, the Turks and Caicos Islands recorded the highest growth from the European market within the Caribbean region. Arrivals from the European totaled 14,556 and improved by 27.7 percent year-over-year, the strongest growth among the destination’s major markets. Stopover arrivals from the United Kingdom grew by 40.5 percent year-over year. Similarly, stopover arrivals from Italy and France also saw continual growth recording increases of 33.2 percent and 22.3 percent year-over-year, respectively. Combined, the destination
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welcomed 14,556 stopovers from the European market in 2016, up from 11,403 stopovers in 2015. A closer examination of stopover arrivals to the destination from the European market reveals 8,991 arrivals from the United Kingdom; 1,960 arrivals from Italy; 1,256 arrivals from France; 363 arrivals from Germany and a collective 1,986 arrivals from other European nations including Ireland, Luxemburg, Spain, Switzerland, etc. Similarly, arrivals from the European market showed the strongest growth among the main markets in the Caribbean region. According to CTO, arrivals from the European market to the region totaled 5.6 million and improved by 11.4 percent, notwithstanding terrorist attacks in some countries, the fears and fallouts of Brexit, and the mixed economic outcomes across Europe. Seventy two percent of the reporting destinations registered increase in arrivals from the European market with St. Maarten, Guyana and Anguilla joining the Turks and Caicos Islands as top performing destinations. Stopover arrivals to the destination from Brazil declined by 7.5 percent year-over-year, totaling
1,264 arrivals. The trend was the same regionally, as the Caribbean received 11 percent fewer arrivals from Latin America in 2016 compared to 2015. Intra-regional travel has become a recent trend to the Turks and Caicos Islands due to destination’s rising popularity as an accessible hub for the best interconnectivity between the Caribbean islands. Travelers can access regional flight services from Providenciales, to multiple destinations in Antigua, The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. In 2016 the destination welcomed 20,486 stopover arrivals from the Caribbean, a 21.3 percent growth rate year-over-year. According to CTO, 2016 was another record-breaking year for Caribbean intra-regional travel, as arrivals rose by 3.6 percent for a consecutive year of growth, registering just over 1.7 million trips. Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Turks and Caicos Islands were the top performing destinations reporting robust double-digit growth. 6,478 stopover arrivals visited the destination from the rest of the world, including countries in Asia, Africa and the Pacific.
Milano Diamond Gallery is interested in hiring persons to fill the position of Sales Person and Sales Manager. Candidates should have as a minimum qualification For Sales Manager: •At least 10 years in the fine Jewelry Industry with at least 5yrs experience in a similar position •Certificate or Diploma in Gemology Studies •Excellent communication and a strong sense of responsibility •Willingness to work weekends or additional hours when required •The ability to speak other languages would be considered an asset. Based on experience salary will start at $2500 a month Candidates for Sales Person requirements: •Good Communication Skills •sales experience would be an asset •All candidates must be willing to work with an irregular cruise ship schedule. Based on experience Salary starts at $6.25 an hour
Applications can be submitted to Milano Diamond Gallery, Grand Turk Cruise Center 946-2276.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
Some Turks and Caicos Islands have unrealistic sense of entitlement, says Anglican Bishop Anglican Bishop Laish Boyd has criticised some Turks and Caicos Islanders for having an “unrealistic sense of entitlement”. He said: “The overarching reality that all stakeholders must address and seek to ameliorate is improving understanding and dialogue between the various national groups. If you have a country of 35,000 and more than one half is expatriates and you have 19,000 persons on work permit – that is cause for discussion, understanding, working together and fair opportunity. It is a dialogue that ALL of the stakeholders in the nation need to be involved in to find a just, and optimum way forward where native TCIs are not disenfranchised but where those same native TCIs take a realistic and sensible view of reality AND are prepared to pull their weight and play their part. I have found that sometimes, some local Turks & Caicos Islanders have a sense of entitlement that is unrealistic and unhelpful to real national development.” Bishop Boyd made this observation while delivering his charge to the 114th Session of Synod, at the Synod Opening Eucharist, in
Christ Church Cathedral, Nassau, The Bahamas, on Monday, February, 6th 2017. In a wide-ranging address, the Bishop also stressed the need for the British Government to give more assistance with national security: resources and training for the police and prison officers, and better resources to detect illegal boats which bring illegal immigrants, poachers and guns. He also stated: “When the British government was forced to suspend portions of the Constitution and to take over the running of the country, it was an upsetting time, but, in my view, the British government did the best thing. The process of streamlining, of stricter management and more accountability and transparency has been a good thing for the country, and has put it in a better place. The Bahamas could learn many things from this.” He said that at this time of post-election transition the country must be commended for what the interim British administration and the former PNP government were able to accomplish.
Bishop Boyd called on all Anglicans, and upon the wider community, to focus on that personal relationship with God. “Nurture it, strengthen it, rekindle it if you have to, or start it for the first time. Live for God. Let His light shine into our lives, and then let His light shine FROM our lives. We have to get back to basics. We have to live for God. We have to live the Gospel. We have to put arms and hands and legs on the Gospel,” he said. “Our theme in the Diocese this year is “We have a Goodly Heritage – Build on it!” Our Christian heritage is rich. God has been SOOO good to us. He has given us life. He has given us this Church that has shaped us all, and given us each our wonderful identity. He has given us His Son, Jesus, who died for our redemption. My friends, let us claim God, name and claim Gods’ place in our lives, and move forward from this foundation to live for Him, to build on the glorious faith with which we have been entrusted. In this year I call on the whole Anglican Family, individually, in parishes, in your various ministries and in every sphere
Anglican Bishop Laish Boyd of existence, to build on God’s heritage in your life. Set about building a spiritual house. Set about ordering your affairs in God’s ways. Again, my sisters and brothers, we have to speak it. We have to live it. We have to bring our lives and our living into line with what God wants from us, and we have to help each other along the way…to be what God wants us to be.”
Oceanscapes Spa is seeking the following to work at their locations in Grand Turk
POSITION AVAILABLE
Spa Technician:- We are looking for an experienced massage therapist to join our dedicated team. You must have at least two years of experience as a registered remedial massage therapist and be a mature and caring professional with immaculate presentation and excellent communication skills. Additional qualifications and skills, such as in sports massage, shiatsu, myofascial release or pregnancy massage, will be regarded favourably.
A private villa is currently seeking a part time Executive Chef. The successful applicant should have at least 5 years experience running kitchens, knowledge of food costing and controls, monthly inventory, knowledge of proper hygiene and safety, menu planning and costing and managing and scheduling staff. As a private rental villa expertise in catering such as weddings, cocktail parties and special events is crucial. Plus knowledge and experience in preparation of cuisine worldwide, pastries, desserts, chocolates and wine/food pairing, is essential. Due to the nature of our guests and to be able to provide direction to the other staff as required, the need to be fluent in English and conversant in Spanish, is required.
Job requirements: •Diploma level qualifications - Current first aid certificate - Upbeat personality with the ability to write and speak fluent English - Ability to perform 5-6 deep tissue massages consecutively - Team spirit and capacity to work autonomously •Position is commission based Spa Helper:-This individual will be responsible for keeping the locations clean and greeting customers. Must have basic knowledge of massage therapy to be able to advise and help clients with treatment options as such previous experience in working in a Spa is critical. Candidate should be punctual and personable. Compensation is $6.25/ hour Both positions involve working according to the Grand Turk Cruise Terminal schedule -weekend and some evenings and as otherwise directed by the Spa Manager Send all resumes to: Spa Manager, Oceanscapes Spa – Grand Turk, oceanscapesspa@ gmail.com Deadline for applications are March 10, 2017
POSITIONS AVAILABLE Sokol Ltd. is looking for two (2) gardeners who will be responsible for the general maintenance of the grounds, and gardens, of three (3) private villas. Main duties: To carry out numerous gardening duties requiring a minimum amount of supervision. Soil cultivation, digging, forking, mulching, watering, raking, weeding, edging, pruning, bed preparation and planting. Lawn maintenance and cultivation. The use of cylinder and rotary mowers, strimmers, leaf blowers. To keep the borders, thoroughfares and highway footpaths clear and free from litter at all times.
Requirements: Must have knowledge of gardening tools and an understanding of safety precautions when using these tools, able to work with little to no supervision. High school diploma and clean Police certificate a must. Positions are currently vacant. Beginning salary Commensurate with experience. Interested Applicants please email all applications to info@saunders.tc or Fax: 649-941-4500
A car, driver’s license and a clean police record is necessary. This position requires working long hours, both nights and days, public holidays and weekends. Salary - $700 - $900 weekly depending on experience. All applications must be made in writing, including a complete resume, to either: QED Enterprises at PO BOX 196 Providenciales or email to bstrogatz@aol.com, or fax at 649-9415832. Successful applicants will be notified by phone. Only qualified Belongers need apply.
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands. 1.Parcel 60002/202, North West & North Central Providenciales. Three bedroom, two bathroom 1306 sq. ft. property in Phase 2 of the Priton Development Registered Proprietor: Monique Shandalyn Delancy 2.Parcel 60717/107/K11 Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales One bedroom, one bathroom, approximately 448 sq. ft. unit in the One on Marlin Condominium Development, Strata Plan Number SP 107 Registered Proprietor: Tamika Latoya Thompson The auction will be held at the office of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 10th day of March 2017. A reserved price will be fixed on all parcels and a deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids. Conditions of Sale available upon request or at the Auction.
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Cruise ship arrivals down
While the Turks and Caicos Islands continued to boost its stopover arrivals in 2016, for a consecutive year cruise arrivals took a downturn. The Grand Turk Cruise Center greeted a total of 846,963 cruise passengers, an 8.9 percent decline in cruise passengers yearover-year. Similarly, for a consecutive year the Cruise Center also welcomed fewer ships, hosting 284 compared to 317 ship calls in 2014; this marked a 10.4 percent decline in ship calls yearover-year. The month of March showed the most significant growth rate in cruise passengers and ship calls to the Grand Turk Cruise Center, recording an increase of 25.6 percent and 13.3 percent respectively.
The month of December saw a total of 97,799 cruise passenger arrivals, the most arrivals in any given month of the year, a 4.8 percent increase when compared to 2014 despite a 2.8 percent decline in ship calls for the month. Minor increases in cruise passenger arrivals were also recorded in the months of April, May, August and September despite having consistent or fewer ship calls when compared to the same periods in 2015. October saw the largest decline in cruise passenger arrivals and ship calls to the destination helped by an active 2016 hurricane season. While the Turks and Caicos Islands was spared the wrath of Hurricane Matthew, regional
neighbors sharing the same itineraries as Grand Turk such as the Dominican Republic, Haiti and The Bahamas were significantly damaged. Cruise passenger arrivals to Grand Turk decreased by 38.9 percent while ship calls were down by 44 percent in the month of October. According to CTO’s report, 2016 was a record-breaking year for Caribbean cruising as cruise passenger arrivals to the region grew by 1.3 percent to reach 26.3 million. Overall 48 percent of the reporting Caribbean destinations registered growth with the best performances in the Dominican Republic, the British Virgin Islands and Grenada. Belize became the eighth Caribbean destination to ever reach the benchmark of 1 million
cruise passenger arrivals. There is no secret that grave challenges continue to threaten the cruise industry in Grand Turk. The ports underperformance for the consecutive year is an indication that an agreeable solution to a list of unresolved matters between Carnival Cruise Lines, operators of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, and the Turks and Caicos Government must be reached in a timely manner in order for Grand Turk to rebound. The Turks and Caicos Islands recently received a boost in its accessibility for potential visitors in mid-December 2016 as United Airlines introduced a nonstop flight on Saturdays from Washington D.C. to Providenciales, opening a new gateway to the destination.
St. Louis doctor found dead in Turks and Caicos Islands A doctor from St. Louis was found dead Thursday after he had been missing for several days in Turks and Caicos Islands. The man was identified by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force as John McGurk, 32, of St. Louis. He was a doctor at Missouri Baptist Medical Center employed by BJC Medical Group. McGurk’s body was discovered Thursday on rocks just above the shore near his resort on the island of Middle Caicos, police
said. The cause of death was not immediately reported. McGurk had last been seen Feb. 6 when he checked in to Blue Horizon Resort. He was reported missing by the resort Wednesday. The body was spotted Thursday, but authorities had difficulty recovering it due to the location and the tide, police said. The U.S. Coast Guard was assisting. Dr. Doug Pogue, president of BJC Medical Group, issued a statement Sunday confirming
McGurk was a doctor at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. “We are shocked and saddened to have been informed by family members of the sudden passing of our friend and colleague Dr. John McGurk,” the statement said. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with his loved ones at this difficult time, along with his practice partners, staff and all those who worked with him at BJC Medical Group and Missouri Baptist Medical Center.” Dr. John McGurk
Waterloo Hotel Management
Cost Control Manager We are looking for an objective Cost Control Manager 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 Cost Control Manager Job Responsibilities •Direct and coordinate the activities of the cost control department •Organize the cost controtlling system •Organize the store and receiving system •Manage F&B cost function •Track record of all cost issues •Maintain standard of all responsible areas •Coordinate with all departments for inventory •Develop cost report for Chief Accountant •Support cost information for all concern departments upon request Job Requirements •Five years’ experience in food and beverage accounting. •Excellent processing experience with hotel software, Opera, Adaco and Dataplus Accounting System. •Excellent knowledge in computer with experience with Microsoft software excels. The salary for this position is $35,000 per annum based on experience belongers only need apply. Interested persons may submit Applications no later than March 3rd 2017 to: HR@WIHL.COM Phone: 649-941-5028 P.O. Box 270, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Please also submit a copy to the TCI Labor Department
POSITION:MASON Main Duties: •Prepares surfaces prior to beginning work. •Fabricates, alters, repairs, and maintains walls, sidewalks, street curbs, floors, bathroom showers, sink counters, partitions, manholes, and other related structures or surfaces. •Lays blocks or bricks following blueprints, plans, or drawings. •Determines work requirements and sequence of masonry/tile assignments through review of work orders, plans, or drawings. •Lays out work using chalk lines, plumb bobs, tapes, squares, and levels. •Mixes cement using hoes, cement-mixing equipment, and/or hand tools. •Cuts or breaks bricks and concrete using hammers, powered abrasive saws, paving breakers, drills, and/or hand tools. •Molds expansion joints and edges using edging tools, jointers, and straight edge. •Operates equipment, such as forklift, dump truck, and flatbed. •Any additional instructions given by the manager. Salary: $500.00 per week Interested persons must be willing to work on weekends and holidays. If interested please contact the following person: Alisa Folkes 1-(649)-441-8020
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
Government looking to change time zone The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) Government is having a consultation about changing time zones in the Turks and Caicos Islands. On Wednesday, February 15th, 2017, Cabinet advised Governor Dr. John Freeman to instruct the Office of the Premier and District Administration to conduct a public and stakeholder consultation for a period of one month on proposals to reverse the decision by Cabinet in August 2014 to cease seasonal time changes in TCI and to report back to Cabinet following the consultation. In March 2015, the Turks & Caicos Islands switched to a new time zone, citing potential benefits to the tourismdependent economy. The TCI has historically followed Eastern Standard Time (EST) along with eastern states in America, but former Progressive National Party (PNP) Minister Donhue Gardiner said that adopting Atlantic Standard Time (AST) will provide a boost to resorts, bars and restaurants as well as “allowing our residents to enjoy a little more sunshine.” During peak tourism season, the sun goes down around 5:30 p.m. The change from EST to AST has been a source of concern for several residents, businesses and tourists. ; Meantime, at that Cabinet meeting, they also agreed the fiscal targets set out in the annual Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement (FSPS) for the period 2017-2021 for forwarding to the UK Government for approval and approved the indicative budget ceilings for ministries to be issued in Budget Call Circular No.2. Cabinet approved the publication of the 3rd Quarter Financial Report for FY2016/17 on the financial performance of the TCI Statutory Bodies as required under Section 147 of the Public Financial
Management Ordinance 2014 and had an initial exchange on the need for timely audit and a comprehensive review of the statutory bodies. It also authorised Invest Turks and Caicos to commence negotiations on a development agreement with North Caicos Holdings Ltd on a proposal to build a five storey condominium and hotel resort on Crown Land Parcel 50104/59, 64 and 18.92 on Sandy Point, North Caicos, subject to thorough due diligence being carried out by TCIG and conditions being met by the developer. The negotiated development agreement would be resubmitted to Cabinet for approval. Ministers also advised His Excellency the Governor to approve a final extension, which will expire on 30 April 2017, to the renovation clause of the existing Development Order with Millennium Estates Ltd/The Palms Condominiums Ltd for duty concessions on the import of air-conditioners in respect of renovation works which are currently being carried out on existing condominiums. They advised the Governor to approve an amendment to the existing Development Agreement with TCI Toscana GP Ltd/Vista development for a final extension of the conditionality date for submitting a building permit application to the Physical Planning Department to 1 October 2017 and approved the development of a draft policy on public consultation for the subsequent consideration of Cabinet. Cabinet also instructed the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment to work with Invest Turks and Caicos and other relevant bodies in TCI to develop a National Refurbishment Policy for the consideration of Cabinet, and advised His Excellency the Governor to approve
a tender for applications for the lease of approximately 0.25 acres of accreted land lying seaward of Crown Land Parcel 60804/6 on Providenciales; The Governor was also advised to instruct the TCI Government to negotiate with the owners the purchase of portions of Crown Land Parcels 10302/5 and 10302/23 to enable Phase II of the upgrade of Lighthouse Road on Grand Turk to proceed. In addition, Cabinet noted the recommendations of the Procurement Board to award contracts in line with the Public Procurement Ordinance 2012 as follows – TR 16/07 Mobile Clinic for the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Resources; TR 16/16 Mental Health Facility Phase II – furniture and equipment and approved the waiver of the planning application fee for a planning application by the TCI Airports Authority (TCIAA) for the construction of a control tower at South Caicos Airport. They also noted a reduction in the potable water tariff rate of 1.9% applicable to customers of Provo Water Company Ltd conditional on the findings of the 2016 audit report of Provo Water Company. Cabinet also noted a proposal for funding of $50,000 in the development budget towards costs related to the five year review of the operations of Provo Water Company Ltd as required in the Instrument of Appointment. Finally, Cabinet approved a moratorium on applications from third parties for commercial developments in beach access areas to enable an assessment of the situation to be carried out, and received a briefing by the Hon. Premier on her recent visit to the UK and on her forthcoming visit to Aruba to attend the annual EU/Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) meeting.
Turks and Caicos Sun Suite#5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 348-6838 Fax: (649) 941-3281 Email: sun@suntci.com Read us online at www.suntci.com Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce 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.
Sokol Security Ltd. is looking for 2 to 3 professional security guards. You will maintain a high visibility presence and prevent all illegal or inappropriate actions. Responsibility Protect company’s property and staff by maintaining a safe and secure environment Observe for signs of crime or disorder and investigate disturbances Act lawfully in direct defense of life or property Apprehend criminals and evict violators Take accurate notes of unusual occurrences Report in detail any suspicious incidents Patrol randomly or regularly building and perimeter Monitor and control access at building entrances and vehicle gates Watch alarm systems or video cameras and operate detecting/ emergency equipment Perform first aid or CPR REQUIREMENTS Candidates are preferred to be retired armed forces and should have a minimum of 5 to 6 Years’ experience with a reputable company of similar nature Must be medically and physically fit (preferred top physical condition) Must be very discipline Ability to operate detecting systems and emergency equipment Positons are currently vacant. Beginning salary Commensurate with Experience. Interested Applicant’s please email all applications to info@saunders.tc or Fax: 649-941-4500
Grand Turk Cruise Center is currently accepting applications for motivated individuals interested in the following positions listed:
LIFEGUARDS: •Must have training in CPR and First responder. •Assisting in line handling for docking cruise ships as needed •Ensure the safety and security of passengers, tenants and their employees, personnel and guest at the GTCC. •Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility •Effective human relations skills in oral and written communication GENERAL MAINTENANCE:
This position requires experience in general maintenance skills
such as building, painting and masonry, to facilitate maintenance of all buildings and public areas in optimum condition. •Inspect ceiling, floor tile, wall coverings, siding, glass or woodwork to detect broken or damaged structures. •Knowledge of plumbing and/or masonry would be an asset. •Knowledge of landscaping •Assisting in any various tasks, necessary to keep GTCC operating to the highest standard.
Applicants must be willing to work nights, weekends and holidays. Must be able to lift minimum of 50lbs, have a strong command of English Language (oral and written); and able to work well as part of a culturally diverse team.
WAGES BASED ON QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE. Interested parties are encouraged to send resume to: Grand Turk Cruise Center Human Resources Phone: 946-1040 Fax: 946-1041 E-Mail: admin@grandturkcc.com
ONLY BELONGERS NEED APPLY
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 9
JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE THIS MARCH
Experienced & specialised teachers
Rigorous & challenging curriculum
Fully equipped science lab
Classrooms technologically equipped for 21st century
Sporting facilities including swimming pool
Gifted programme & learning support
The International School is now accepting applications of admission to
GRADE 7
FREE Mums and Tots Playgroups! Every Wednesday afternoon, from 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m., The International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands hosts a free parent and toddler playgroup called ‘Mums and Tots’. Mums and Tots, run by Ms. Evieann Barber, is an age appropriate stimulation programme developed for babies and toddlers from birth to two years old. The sessions are held in our new purpose built Nursery School. These playgroups encourage the love of learning and enrich the relationship between mother and child. They also provide a chance to make friends, gain support and advice from other parents, and swap experiences. If you have young children, or are caring for young children during the day, come out and join us for an afternoon of playtime! All are welcome!
For more information please contact Katie Hinks at khinks@internationalschooltci.com internationalschooltci.com | (649) 946-5523
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
Deputy Premier attends CARICOM meeting Deputy Premier and Minister of Border Control and Employment, Hon. Sean Astwood led a delegation to the 28th Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, Guyana on February 16 & 17 2017 to examine a wide range of issues of concern to the Caribbean Community and the Turks & Caicos Islands. During the two-day conference, Astwood was expected to hold bilateral talks with CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador, Irvine LaRocque and region leaders including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bahamas Hon. Fred Mitchel.
Commenting on the visit, Hon. Astwood said; “I am excited to be attending this meeting as the newly elected ambassador and Minister of Border Control and Employment as it offers many opportunities for the Turks and Caicos to collaborate with regional leaders in advancing my Government’s mandate and our country’s prosperity. “This meeting also offers us the opportunity to network with CARICOM leaders to address the body of Caribbean leaders to garner support for our challenges ahead.” The meeting focused on the effects on the economic climate on member states of the Caribbean Community and framework by which
Deputy Premier Hon. Sean Astwood the Community can achieve growth and development amidst the current environment. Additionally, the issue of crime and security is top among
the three broad area that are up for discussion. The Heads of Governments of the 18-member body and its associate membership are also scheduled to discuss issues relating to the region’s slow recovery from the global economic crises; the heavy debt burdens of some members and the effects policies by international financial institutions have had on the economies of CARICOM. Amongst the key topics to be discussed are Tourism in the region, corresponding banking, regional security and information and technologies for development. The delegation returns to the Turks & Caicos Islands on February 19, 2017.
Minister of tourism visits heritage sites
Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage & Culture, Hon. Ralph Higgs, together with Ministry personnel, explored some of the country’s prime heritage sites, including historical and natural sites managed by the Turks & Caicos National Trust, on February 9 - 10, 2017. Among the sites visited were Little Water Cay, more popularly known as “Iguana Island”, Bird Rock Point, Cheshire Hall Plantation Historic Site, Wade’s Green Plantation in North Caicos, and Conch Bar Caves in Middle Caicos.
With a steady increase in tourist visitation as well as trips by locals and residents alike, these sites are emerging as popular spots for travelers seeking an unspoiled tropical vacation rich in history and natural adventure. Other points of interest on the itinerary included the Caicos Pine Restoration Project, the Government Farm in Kew, North Caicos and Indian Cave Middle Caicos. Hon. Higgs was largely impressed with preservation efforts by the National Trust and encouraged the staff to continue to propagate and maintain the sites’ natural
beauty, unique geological features, unusual ecosystems, and recreational opportunities. Celebrating 25 years in August this year, the National Trust has been the leading agency in safeguarding TCI’s tangible and intangible heritage sites. The Minister vowed to support the tourism program set forth by the Trust and expressed that the new government will assist with any preservation and conservation efforts that will be carried out for the benefit of the TCI populace and its environment. The first among many planned future visits since taking
Minister of Tourism Hon. Ralph Higgs office in December 2016, Hon. Higgs and his team has shown great interest in boosting tourism development through these sites and reassured all that the necessary steps will be taken to ensure continuous improvement and enhancement of the Turks and Caicos Heritage sites.
Pursues professional development opportunities, including external and internal training and professional association memberships, and shares information gained with co-workers. Performs related work as assigned by the Director of Internal Audit, Risk and Compliance.
STAFF VACANCY – SARBANES-OXLEY COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Specialist, FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Description This job will focus on coordinating, monitoring, maintaining and evaluating Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance requirements with key IT/Business Process Control Owners including management’s control self-assessments and ensuring that all SOX related activities are done in an efficient, effective and timely manner. Main Duties Maintains and manages the Sarbanes-Oxley Roadmap and ensure that FortisTCI will remain on track. Evaluates the pertinence of all process narratives and risk and control matrices (RCMs) and recommend changes to the IT/Business Process Owners where required. Serves as business process consultant to standardize operation and financial areas and processes in specific risk accounts or as may be assigned by the Director of Internal Audit, Risk and Compliance Ensures that all identified control gaps and deficiencies in the design and operation of controls are logged, monitored, and maintained in the Issues Management Log in accordance to Fortis Inc. requirements. Assists the Internal Audit team and management in the formulation of remediation plans and determination of compensating controls in accordance to SOX guidelines. Performs validation of all remediation efforts as relates to control deficiencies identified either by the Internal Audit department or the external auditors. Lead the SOX 404 assessments including performing evaluation of the design effectiveness and tests of controls with focus on specific risk accounts and related End User Computing controls Assists with the implementation of tools or software used for the Company’s SOX compliance program Assists in providing SOX compliance training and guidance (as necessary) to IT/Business Process Control Owners. Researches new and technical subjects (when required) and regulations to support the audits. Assists in operational audits and advisory services as may be assigned.
Academic/Technical/Management: Experience and Qualifications: Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Computer Science/Management Information Systems, Business or equivalent combination of related work experience and education 5 - 7+ years of internal or external auditing experience at a publicly traded company’s internal audit department or at a public accounting firm. Must be a CPA, CIA or CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) Preferred: Certification in fields of project management, governance, risk and compliance a plus Proficiency with computer applications and tools such as: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint,Access), Visio, etc. is a plus Must have experience with Sarbanes-Oxley methodologies and requirements Degree in Accounting and Computer Science/Management Information Systems or equivalent education. Abilities and Skills Knowledge of ERP system-based control design and optimization Strong understanding of corporate accounting processes Must continuously learn and monitor advancements in technology. Proficient in using computer software (e.g., ACL, SQL, Excel) and application systems Working knowledge of auditing processes/procedures Must possess excellent team playing and leadership abilities Comfortable with leading edge risk assessment methodologies. Must possess strong inter-personal, organizational, multi-tasking and written and oral communication skills. Skill in negotiating issues and resolving problems. Strong interpersonal skills able to build excellent working relationships with Finance management, and third party contractors High degree of initiative, dependability and ability to work with minimum supervision Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is February 22, 2017: Avi Adams Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or aadams@fortistci.com
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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LOCAL NEWS
Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson and UKOT leaders meet in London Premier and Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, this week joined other leaders of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories (UKOT) in London at an extraordinary Joint Ministerial Council (Overseas Territories – Europe Negotiations) (JMC (OT-EN)) Meeting specifically arranged to begin preliminary negotiations with the United Kingdom (UK) Government in anticipation of the enactment of Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon and Britain’s exit from the European Union. The two-day meeting of the JMC (OT-EN), which was agreed in London back in October last year among the Overseas Territories (OT) Leaders during the annual Joint Ministerial Council Meeting as the primary forum for dialogue on the UK’s exit from the EU, sought to facilitate political engagement and collaboration between the UK Government and the Governments of the Overseas Territories to ensure that OT’s requirements are taken into consideration in the preparations of the UK to exit the EU. Among the opportunities presented by the forum was the discussion on areas of opportunity for EU cooperation and collaboration with the OTs that may be affected during the period that the UK remains a member of the EU; the basis for a future relationship between the UK,
OTs and EU; and it further provided a road map for future engagement at the Ministerial and Official level to ensure that matters agreed at the forum are upheld during UK negotiations on their exit from the EU. JMC (OT-EN) was hosted by the Rt. Hon. Baroness Anelay of St. Johns DBE Minister of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Mr. Robin Walker MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, DExEU, and was attended by leaders of twelve members of the Overseas Territories of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) which includes: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Montserrat, St Helena and Ascension Islands, Tristan Da Cunha and The Turks and Caicos Islands. During the week-long visit, Premier Cartwright Robinson also had three other key engagements: a bilateral meeting with Baroness Anelay on key areas of concern for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, among which are national security: border protection, crime and policing and prison reform, SIPT funding and she also highlighted human rights achievements and concerns. The Premier also committed to continuing dialogue on TCI’s proposed constitutional amendments. Additionally, a meeting took place with the Minister of State for Security,
BUTTERFIELD GOLD GROUP OF COMPANIESPOSITIONS AVAILABLE
Coral Quarry
Concrete Plant requires manager; primary duties include overseeing ALL plant operations. This includes, but not limited to coordinating and monitoring inventory, staff workload, overseeing drivers and yard/batch operators with responsibility for training and motivating employees towards accomplishing company goals and objectives. Oversee sales and customer service/dispatch.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties include ensuring; all products meet 100% total quality requirements; take samples and test as necessary; all equipment is maintained and working properly; complete all required reports timely and accurately; maintain accurate and current reports as required; collect all COD monies and tickets; complete all required reports and deposits accurately and timely; be able and willing to operate equipment and maintain yard and plant as necessary. Position requires an individual to be suitably qualified with background in engineering, 8 years experience with minimum 4 years managing a plant, working computer knowledge and at least basic conversational and written Spanish. If interested, email your resume and supporting documents to tciconcreteplant@gmail.com One (1) Pump Operator Must have Ten years experience in operating concrete pump Knowledge of the function of motors and ability to affect minor repairs to same Heavy equipment license and clean police record. Basic Knowledge of concrete Ability to relate to customers and coworkers Island Pride Fuel One (1) Labourer General cleaning & Relief Gas Attendant Butterfield’s Residence Two (2) Domestic Workers All aspects of cleaning & other domestic duties including preparing meals for the Owner Applicant must be of excellent character and work ethics. Be able to work independently Applicant must be willing to work flexible hours Submit applications to by February 24, 2017 to: Butterfield Gold Ltd., Human Resource Department Town Center Mall Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211
Hon. Ben Wallace MP on proposed amendments to the Criminal Finances Bill, which if passed in the UK Parliament could see the introduction of open registries in British Overseas Territories sooner than originally anticipated; and an Introduction and Photocall Session and Tour along with the other leaders, with the Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP, The Prime Minister at No. 10 Downing Street in London. Premier Robinson also received a courtesy call from former Governor Peter Beckingham at her London Office. Former Governor Beckingham will be a part of TCI’s Investment Conference that is scheduled to be held in March 2017. The Turks and Caicos Islands Government gratefully embraced Former Governor Beckingham, who has offered to assist where he can. While in the UK, the Premier also hosted receptions in London and Manchester, where the she addressed the Turks and Caicos Islands students and diaspora on matters of national priority and the focus of her Government, and further had the opportunity to hear from attendees on matters of interest to them. As an advocate for the development and empowerment of young people, the Premier informed the gatherings of her plans for re-positioning young professionals in the work-place and beckoned those who had completed their studies to participate in the development of the Turks and Caicos
Islands by returning home. Commenting on the events Premier Cartwright-Robinson noted, “I was astounded by the large number of Turks and Caicos Islanders residing and studying in the UK, and especially in Manchester. In addition to the scholarship beneficiaries, many persons are employed or self-funding their educational development. So the response to the invitation to meet with them was very well received and I found the evenings to be very engaging and invigorating. Our people have been displaced and many left as their final option but I am here to tell them that the Turks and Caicos Islands needs them, we need them and we want them, and we will be working in partnership with the Private Sector to ensure that our young and not-so-young have access to opportunities for employment, training and certification which would equip them for advancement in the corporate arena.” The Premier also got the opportunity to speak one on one with the students and diaspora and noted that she looks forward to engaging with them further when she next visits London in June of this year for the next OT-EN and Pre-JMC meetings. Premier Cartwright-Robinson returned to the country last evening in preparation for the next meeting of the House of Assembly scheduled for Monday February 13, 2017 in the capital, Grand Turk.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
It takes great people to deliver great service. We’d like to introduce you to some of them. Cynthia Adams Retail Sales Manager
Anissa Bootle HR & Business Support/PA to General Manager
Retail Sales Department
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Edith Skippings Business Support
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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Finance Department
It takes great people to deliver great service. We’d like to introduce you to some of them.
Kevin Carmichael Finance Manager
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
Networks Department
Audley Gibbs Networks Operations Lead
Andrew Adams Customer Service Supervisor
It takes great people to deliver great service. We’d like to introduce you to some of them.
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FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Joanne Missick Corporate Sales Manager
Corporate Sales Department
It takes great people to deliver great service. We’d like to introduce you to some of them.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
LOCAL NEWS
Surviving the flu season By Dr. Marsha Barnett
Every year the flu season starts in the winter period and ends at about the beginning of spring. It usually lasts 12 – 14 weeks but the duration of the season varies each year as does the point at which the condition peaks. This year the Centre of Disease Control (CDC) believes we have hit the peak in the month of February as there has been a recent upsurge in the number of hospital admissions and flu - related deaths. It is therefore necessary that we put measures in place to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Flu Vs Cold Influenza, commonly known as the “flu,” is an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The common cold and flu are both contagious viral infections of the respiratory tract. More than 100 types of cold viruses are known, and new strains of flu evolve every few years. Both the flu and a cold are spread when you inhale droplets in the air that contain the virus or make direct contact with respiratory secretions for example through sharing drinks or handling towels used by an ill person. Viral respiratory tract infections present with cough, congestion, sneezing, running nose and sore throat. With the flu, you
are more likely to run a high fever for several days and have body aches, fatigue, and weakness. If you are tested and proven to have the influenza virus, you can be given antiviral drugs to shorten the severity and length of the illness. You must however see your doctor within the first 48hrs of the symptoms as the drug is not very effective when started late in the disease process. Drugs aimed at treating your symptoms such as fever, pain, cough and runny nose tend to be very helpful but antibiotics are indicated only if there is a secondary bacterial infection. Usually, complications from colds are relatively minor, but a severe case of flu can lead to life-threatening illnesses such as pneumonia. Infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic ailments such as diabetes and HIV are at highest risk for flu complications. The CDC estimates that deaths related to influenza range from 3,000 to 49,000 deaths in the United States each year. PreventingThe Flu Being sick is never fun. No matter what’s on your calendar, you can’t really afford to let a cold or the flu slow you down. Luckily, there are ways to reduce the risk of getting ill this season. The flu vaccine can reduce your risk of getting the flu and reduce the likelihood of flu-associated
hospitalization and complications. A 2014 study by the CDC showed that the flu vaccine reduced children’s risk of flu-related intensive care admission by 74% and another study done two years later showed that people 50 years and older who got a flu vaccine reduced their risk of getting hospitalized by 57%. Whether or not you have been vaccinated, good hygiene and a Dr. Marsha Barnett healthy lifestyle can help combat your susceptible to respiratory illnesses likelihood of becoming ill. Since the so workout in moderation and if you virus is spread through respiratory are ill take a few days off your regular droplets and contact with respiratory routine. The vitamins and minerals secretions, if possible, avoid close found in plants help boost the immune contact with persons when they are system especially when you have a sick. Wash your hands frequently, wide variety of dark green, red, and disinfect surfaces and avoid touching yellow veggies and fruits. So, have the face even when you think your fruits and veggies with all your meals hands are clean. and in your juices and smoothies and Heavy drinking can weaken stay hydrated throughout the day. the immune system so limit your Although its regular practice alcohol intake. Smoking and even to take vitamin C supplements being around someone who smokes during a cough and cold, there is little hurts the immune system as well. evidence that this actually makes a Heavy smokers get more severe and difference in the duration or severity frequent colds as smoke dries out the of the condition! Zinc supplements on passages in the nose and affects the the other hand have been found to be hairs that line the nose and lungs and helpful when battling a cold caused help sweep away cold and flu viruses. by other viruses but it has not been Try to take care of yourself proven to have an effect on the flu. during the season. Get adequate rest and relaxation as your immune system *Dr. Marsha Barnett is a general is boosted when you de-stress. Aerobic practitioner who also specializes exercise gets the heart pumping and in dermatology. increases your body’s natural virus For questions or comments, please killing cells, so get moving. Of course, contact at drmarshabarnett@ overtraining can make you more gmail.com
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FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 17
LOCAL NEWS
Turks and Caicos Reef Fund awarded grant to study East Caicos coral reefs
The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF), the only active environmental non-governmental organization in the Turks & Caicos Islands, has been awarded a $50,000 grant to study the coral reefs off the coast of East Caicos. The grant, titled “Understanding East Caicos KBA’s Corals and Coasts: A Key to Safeguarding TCI’s Future,” was awarded by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) BEST 2.0 Programme (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Oversees Countries and Territories). Funding for the programme comes from the European Union. “We are very pleased to be the recipient of this grant,” said Don Stark, Chairman of TCRF. “This is the second grant from the BEST 2.0 Programme we are involved in and appreciate the support of the IUCN and the EU Government.” The project will be spearheaded by Don Stark of TCRF, in association with Kathleen McNary Wood of SWA Environmental and Marsha Pardee of MerAngel Ecological Services. “The nearshore waters off the coast of East Caicos contain some of the best remaining unspoiled coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean region,” said Ms. Wood, who also functions as the volunteer Research Director for the TCRF. “With the exception of only a small portion of marine habitat contained within the RAMSAR
Nature Reserve, none of the coral reefs surrounding East Caicos have any conservation status, management plan or monitoring plan. East Caicos’ remoteness, the island’s uninhabited status and its limited use have historically protected the island’s marine resources from significant degradation; however, existing development schemes and increasing resource pressures are altering this status quo. Without adequate conservation, management and monitoring protocols in place, East Caicos’ fragile resources are at risk from uncontrolled land-based development, inappropriate and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing pressure and other unregulated and unsustainable pressures, increasing the island’s coral reefs’ vulnerability to global climate change and associated impacts,” she added. The project aims to address the current limitations of management and monitoring policy and improve long-term conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services within East Caicos’ coral reef ecosystems through the development of conservation zones and management and monitoring protocols. The selection of conservation zone classifications will be based on multi-criteria evaluation, which incorporates 16 ecosystem service and biodiversity values and quantitative and qualitative assessment based on
Critically Endangered Elkhorn Corals off East East Caicos Coastline Caicos Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network working closely with DECR staff to (GCRMN) Caribbean methods. implement this project over the course Conservation zone classifications and of 2017.” management and monitoring protocols “East Caicos is one of the will be agreed via workshops with the largest remaining, uninhabited islands TCI management authority (DECR) left in the Caribbean and tropical and local stakeholders. After project Atlantic regions,” said Ms. Wood. “It completion, TCRF, in conjunction has some of the most pristine stands with DECR, will establish regular of critically endangered staghorn monitoring protocols at two-year (Acropora cervicornis) and elkhorn intervals. The project methods and (Acropora palmate) corals seen results will be shared via multi-media anywhere around the TCI, and we and open-access online media. have only started to study the all the “This is a very important reefs around East Caicos.” project which help DECR identify new Mr. Stark encourages conservation zones around East Caicos everyone to become a member of the based on stakeholder input, create TCRF to help preserve and protect management and monitoring protocols the environment of the TCI. You can for this important cultural and become a member by going to their environmental asset of the TCI, and website – www.tcreef.org/donate.html provide for the ongoing management - or by contacting Mr. Stark by phone and monitoring of the gorgeous and (347-8455) or email (donstark@tcreef. unspoiled coral reefs off East Caicos,” org). said Mr. Stark. “We look forward to Performs related work as assigned by the Director of Internal Audit, Risk and Compliance. Academic/Technical/Management: Experience and Qualifications:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AUDITOR Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of Information Technology Auditor, FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Description This job will focus primarily on conducting performance, information technology and compliance audit projects; providing consulting services to the organization’s management and staff; identifying technology risks and independently evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of information technology infrastructure, application controls (including information security); and coordinate the development of the annual audit plan. Main Duties Identifies and evaluates the organization’s information technology risk areas and provides key input to the development of the annual audit plan. Performs audit procedures, including identifying and defining issues, developing criteria, reviewing and analyzing evidence, and documenting client processes and procedures. Conducts interviews, reviews documents, develops and administers surveys, composes summary memos, and prepares working papers. Identifies, develops, and documents audit issues and recommendations using independent judgment concerning areas being reviewed. Communicates or assists in communicating the results of audit and consulting projects via written reports and oral presentations to management and the board of directors. Develops and maintains productive client and staff relationships through individual contacts and group meetings. Pursues professional development opportunities, including external and internal training and professional association memberships, and shares information gained with co-workers. Plans and executes audits of client/server technology platforms and evaluates IT internal controls and works collaboratively with management to identify actions needed. Conducts data extraction, analysis, and security reviews utilizing software tools. Supports audits and consulting engagements related to programming, mainframe batch and online processes, client-server architecture, internet and intranet functionality, database extraction, technology strategy, and data communication and network security. Acts as liaison with IT business partners to ensure full understanding of data flow, data integrity, and system security. Assesses information technology control elements to mitigate IT risks regarding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of business information.
Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science/Management Information Systems, Accounting, Business or equivalent combination of related work experience and education 5 - 7 years of internal or external IT auditing experience. Preferred: Advanced degree in Computer Science/Management Information Systems or equivalent education. Completion of CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) , or CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer Abilities and Skills: Must be tech savvy. Must have a solid base of computer skills related to hardware, software, networks, and cloud computing -- from installation to operation and repair. Programming knowledge is helpful, since IT auditing uses computer-assisted audit tools to perform many job functions. Must continuously learn and monitor advancements in technology. Proficient in using computer software (e.g., ACL, SQL, Excel) and application systems Working knowledge of auditing processes/procedures Must possess excellent team playing and leadership abilities Comfortable with leading edge risk assessment methodologies. Must possess strong inter-personal, organizational, multi-tasking and written and oral communication skills. Must possess the ability to develop, monitor and maintain management information systems and procedures. Skilled in collecting and analyzing complex data, evaluating information and systems, and drawing logical conclusions. Skilled in planning and project management, and in maintaining composure under pressure while meeting multiple deadlines. Skilled in negotiating issues and resolving problems. Possess detailed technical skills in multiple platforms High level proficiency in information technology control concepts and system development methodologies . Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is February 21, 2017: Avi Adams Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or aadams@fortistci.com
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LOCAL NEWS
FLOW launches partnership with Junior Achievement TCI 2016-17 in Grand Turk The Junior Achievement program uses hands-on experiences to help young people understand the economics of life. In partnership with businesses and educators, JA brings the real world to students, opening their minds to use their potential, and challenging them to think creatively and innovatively. The Junior Achievement TCI calendar year spans September 2016 to April 2017. The program hosted its second tradeshow for the year in the Nation’s Capital at Grand Turk Cruise Centre on Saturday, February 11th, officially launching its partnership with telecommunications giant, FLOW. “We were more than happy to come on board with the JA program as the title telecommunications sponsor for Junior Achievement 201617” said, Darron Hilaire, Marketing Communications Executive, FLOW. Hilaire further stated, “Programs as such equip young people to think differently about their careers and their futures. It gives young people an opportunity to consider a future characterized by deployment of their gifts, interests, talent and craft as opposed to simply holding down a job.” On Saturday each of JATCI companies represented displayed a
From the left: Rachel Gregory (Judge), Edith Skippings (FLOW Representative), Hon. Temard Butterfield (JA Director), Darron Hilaire Jr (Marketing Comms Executive, FLOW), Angela Musgrove (Chairman), Jamell Robinson (Judge), Stacy Lawrence (JA Director) & Kenva Williams (Judge). full showcase of their products for two purposes. First, to amass sales from the local community and the visitors to the island entering via cruise. And, secondly, to be openly judged at this second stage of a 3-stage judging process. Judging the showcase at Magaritaville were Mr. Kenva Williams, Mr. Jamell Robinson, and Ms. Rachel Gregory. Members of the Board present were Ms. Stacy Lawrence (Director), Hon. Temard Butterfield (Director), and Mrs. Angela
Musgrove (Chairman). Participating schools include the Clement Howell High School, HJ Robinson High School, Wesley Methodist High School, Champions for Christ International School of Excellence and Holy Family Academy. Mrs Musgrove expressed extreme gratitude for the support of telecommunications giant FLOW as the corporate sponsor of the program this year. “FLOW has once again stepped up to the plate recognizing
the importance of inculcating entrepreneurial education and values in our youth and the JATCI couldn’t be happier to partner with them as we empower our young people for economic success.” The final phase of this program will see students within the program facing a panel of judges as they present Company Report and then receive awards in various categories for their entrepreneurial efforts during the JATCI year.
$135 Faces & Fingers •Is seeking a Aesthetician Requirements: Facials, Laser, Wart removal, Permanent Makeup •Seeking a Nail Technician Must be able to do Gel nails, Acrylic, 3D nails and Spa pedicures To work 5 days per week sometimes on Holidays Salary $6.25 per hour Please contact 941-4411
Clyde Holiday of Holiday Construction
Savor Holding LTD
Is seeking a Welder To work 6 days a week Must be able to work Holidays and weekends Wages starting at $8.00 per hour BELONGERS WILL BE GIVEN FIRST PREFERENCE Contact #243-5281 Between the hours of 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday
Is seeking a Bursta – $7.00 per hour Experience in coffee environment & Coffee making Chef De Partie- $9.00 per hour At least 5 years experience in catering and fast-paced environment To work 6 days per week hours should be flexible
Lavardo Talbot
Is Seeking an Inventory and Stock controller To work 6 days per week sometimes 7 days per week Salary $8.00 per hour Contact 331-0221
Is seeking a Mason To work 6 days per week Salary $9.00 per hour Please call 331-0221 or 3310220
#589209
For All you Shaper Image advertising needs contact TCISUN at 339-5879 Is looking for Or a beautician To work 6 days a week email sun@suntci.com
Olabasi LTD
Salary $6.25 an hour Phone 333-6695
Universal Super Star Barber Shop Is seeking 1 Barber Salary: $8.00 per hour To work 6 days per week Contact: Medeline Jean at 3466169 or Email: medeline227@ gmail.com
Wanted in Grand Turk Desius Alcius is looking for a Domestic Worker To work five days a week Salary $6.25 an hour Phone Contact 231-6013
SPARKLE CLEANING SERVICES Needed Urgently: Five (4) Cleaners/Car washers Duties: Washing and detailing automobiles Wages: On a commission basis Qualification: Honest, hardworking, highly motivated, Friendly, must be able to work under minimum supervision and flexible hours, Ability to safely operate motor vehicle. Experience is essential. Closing date for application is March 3rd, 2017 Sparkle Cleaning Services Suite 5, Southside Plaza, Five Cays Road, Providenciales Tel: (649)241-0237 Email: carwashguy@hotmail.com
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LOCAL NEWS
Big victory for Turks & Caicos Islands sports competitions
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services is pleased to announce that Turks & Caicos Islands athletes are now eligible to compete in the games of the Central American and Caribbean Sports Organization (CACSO), one of the major regional sporting events associated with the Olympic movement. At the CACSO 49th General Assembly meeting in February, this month, in Barranquilla, Colombia, delegates voted unanimously to make Turks & Caicos Islands an Associate Member. This means that TCI sport teams can be represented in full range under the Turks & Caicos Islands flag, beginning with the quadrennial CACSO games scheduled for August 3rd – 19th 2018 in Barranquilla. Judith Robinson, TCI Director of Sports (Acting) and chairperson for the TCI Sports Associations committee led the TCI delegation at the General Assembly meeting said; “This is a big victory for us because previously our athletes were not eligible to compete due to the fact that TCI does not have Olympic Nation status. However, the
Judith Robinson, TCI Director of Sports (Acting) and chairperson for the TCI Sports Associations committee and Mr. Eric Ben Stubenberg vote now makes it possible for us to compete at a very high regional level with other aspiring Olympians, and motivate us to continue pushing and knocking on doors until we acquire our goal as an Olympic body.” Ms. Robinson has been working to secure CACSO approval for three years. This process included high level discussions with the British Olympic Association, as well as senior CACSO officials. A special committee
was appointed in 2013 with Mr. Eric Ben Stubenberg as General Secretary and Mr. Dorn Fulford as Vice Chairman. This committee was established to advance the agenda of eligibility in Olympic affiliated events. In 2014, Ms. Robinson and the committee completed formation of the Turks & Caicos Islands Sport Associations Organization, a single entity to represent all TCI sports
federations/Associations and allow TCI to speak with one voice in international sports conventions like CACSO. Mr. Eric Ben Stubenberg, who also attended the meeting as part of the TCI delegation noted; “The new eligibility does not make TCI an Olympic Nation, but it puts us closer to the goal by becoming part of the structure of sporting events that lead to the Olympics.” One of the key requirements for CACSO membership was having at least 10 sports federations affiliated with their international federations that are recognized by the International Olympic Committee. TCI qualified with Athletics, Football, Basketball, Sailing, Rugby, Swimming, Cycling, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball. This however does not mean that TCI cannot compete in any other sport available under CACSO. Along with The Turks & Caicos Islands, several other dependent overseas territories won CACSO Associate membership approval, including Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, St. Maarten, and Curacao.
•Assist with drafting monthly blogs and newsletters as well as internal and external documents, and presentations •Assist team with preparation of collateral material for sales •Assist with other marketing, advertising, public relations, and production activities and tasks related to the implementation of the projects marketing plan
OPEN JOB POSITION DATE OPEN: February 1, 2017 START DATE: ASAP POSITION: Cook Job Overview: A Line Cook’s major responsibility is to prepare food, help the kitchen workers in the preparation of food items and set up allocated stations for menu, as instructed by Chef and compliant with standards. They also arrange, prepare and break down the stations while maintaining the uppermost hygienic standards. Shifts vary. Full time. Weekend and holiday work may be required. This position is currently held by an expatriate worker Qualified Islanders need only to apply copying applications to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2 Salary Range: $1,800- $2,100 per month DATE OPEN: January 16, 2017 START DATE: ASAP POSITION: Personal Assistant to the CEO and Marketing Coordinator Basic duties are to provide assistance and support to the CEO as Personal Assistant and to Grace Bay Resorts Marketing and Development projects. Duties for CEO as Personal Assistant •Maintain efficient office procedures and insures maintenance of accurate and updated files and follow up procedures. •Handle special reservations and requests. •Carry out specific projects and research. •Handle Business License renewals for various entities. •Liaise with legal team and bank officials as needed for various entities. •Pick up mail twice weekly (IBC). •Deposit checks from various entities. •Run errands as needed. •Responsible for arranging payment of bills for CEO and Corporate Office •Arrange travel and accommodations for CEO and Director of Marketing. •Prepare Corporate Office Expense Report for CEO. •Prepare Expense Reports for CEO and liaise with accountants. Rock House •Assist with Marketing & Sales coordination •Required at sales office from 1pm to 5pm Mon – Fri and 9 to 12 Sat •Assist with the planning and drafting of social media messages, oversee ‘selected company’s’ program for all social media channels, and assist in creating posts to support Rock House initiatives and activities. •Track and share media coverage •Assist Director of Marketing and Sales team in buyer/owner relations •Assist Director of Marketing and project with local media outreach
SALES & MARKETING •Ensure GBR content on partner/third-party websites maintains brand standards •Develop social media content in conjunction with marketing team •Review social media presence daily (Facebook, TripAdvisor) and respond/escalate per matrix •Maintain central marketing initiatives calendar •Assist in local public relations initiatives •Participate in/host FAM events for media and travel agents as needed (site inspections, dinners, island tours, etc) •Run reports on marketing initiatives •Handle reservations for Caribbean Food & Wine Festival and collecting payment for tickets. •Maintain CFWF Database and e-blasts to past attendees. •Distribute Ticket Sales updates to CFWF Board Members weekly. •Check in guests at all events. Qualified Islanders and Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: $3,000 - $3,500 DATE OPEN: February 6, 2017 START DATE: ASAP POSITION: Pastry Chef Job Overview: The Pastry Cooks responsibilities include preparing quality pastry items such as breakfast items, desserts, breads, ice creams, sorbets, creams, simple syrups, amenities, displays/centerpieces and special request items. They should have a complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment; use equipment and tools only as intended, properly and safely. Also, they should be able to maintain and strictly abide by state sanitation/health regulations and hotel requirements. Meet with the Executive Chef to review assignments, anticipated business levels, changes and other information pertinent to the job performance. Full time. Weekend and holiday work may be required. This position is currently held by an expatriate worker Qualified Islanders need only to apply copying applications to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2 Salary Range: $10.50 - $11.25 per hour
Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than March 17, 2017 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1030 Email: sheba.wilson@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies
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promotions for guests. Two years or more experience in managing a high end clothing boutique.
JOB ADVERTISEMENT Gansevoort Turks + Caicos is a contemporary luxury full service boutique resort on Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals with Five Star experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuring Five Star standards and services are continuously delivered.
**General Manager: The General Manager is the primary strategic business leader of the property with responsibility for all aspects of the operation. The General Manager must oversee property performance, sales & marketing initiatives and strategies, manage profitability and revenue generation. Additionally, the General Manager must be able to attract talent and build talented teams and be multi-skilled and celebrate diverse environments and can relate to people from a variety of backgrounds. The General Manager must have at least 10 years experience in managing in a five star boutique hotel with minimum 3 as a General Manager. Essential duties: Maximize revenue and profitability, represent the hotel in the community and head the executive committee of the property. Manage all sources of revenue to include rooms, food and beverage, and others. Ensures all departments are profitable and maintain strong working relationships with all stakeholders. Achieve exceptional levels of guest and team member satisfaction. Promote the Gansevoort culture at every opportunity and stay true to its core values. Operate the hotel under the covenants of the management agreement, and other relevant brand standards/SOPs. Establish the strategic plan and execute to fulfill property revenue and profit objectives in accordance to annual budget, marketing plan and capital expenditure plan. In collaboration with the hotel’s financial controller, prepare and manage the budget and quarterly forecast process, and general reporting requirements internally, with brand leadership, banking affiliates, owner’s representatives and investors. Continually analyze market trends and direct team accordingly to obtain objectives. Creates local and national marketing plans and pricing strategies and knows market segments. Responds quickly to changing market conditions and revises strategies accordingly. Actively participates in sales discussions, meetings and plans. Knows monthly production levels for each sales team. Produces monthly financial reports and knows at all times where the hotel stands against budget. Protects the hotel and its assets through enforcing and maintaining a preventative maintenance program. Provide exceptional customer service to all hotel guests, making their stay as comfortable and accommodating as possible while achieving team and Brand goals. Follows company policies and procedures and is able to effectively communicate them to subordinates. Starting salary: $100,000 per annum Public Area Attendant/Room Attendant/Houseman - Loves to clean. Clean and maintain guest rooms and general areas. Clean and replenish amenities as per the resort standards. Assists room attendants with heavier tacks, window washing, linen delivery and removal. Servers/Assistant Servers - Provide guests with food and beverage service – restaurant, bar, room service, beach & pool. Able to work on feet all day, good math skill, experience in fine dining service an asset. Starting salary: $6.25 per hour
**Retail Buyer/Merchandiser - This position requires someone with established relationships with high end clothing wholesalers in Miami, Los Angeles, New York City, South America and locally to bring the right mix of high end merchandise at competitive prices to suit the resort client. The Merchandiser will be responsible for maintaining relationships with Buyers and distributors, for proper planning, budgeting and forecasting sales at the Boutique. The merchandiser must be able to promote the boutique as well as organize
The successful candidate must have/be; •Three years or more experience in managing a high end clothing boutique •Financial, Business and/or Hospitality Management degree or equivalent experience, with a passion for customer service •Must be able to control inventory and effectively manage cost control. •Must have excellent customer service and communication skills. •Proficiency with general office PC applications (i.e. Microsoft Office software and Opera) •Have proficient management, leadership, business development and technical skills. •Must be detail-oriented and exceptional organization and time management disciplines •Ability to work well within a deadline driven environment. •Must be fluent in English. Additional languages desirable. •Salary range: $8 - $12 per hour plus commission Assistant Director of Rooms Division: Reporting directly to Director of Rooms is responsible for the consistent delivery of exceptional performance of Rooms Division in both guest experience and financial results, and for the successful management of all internal and external relationships. The successful candidate must have/be; •Experienced hospitality executive with minimum 10 years five star international management success – Must have Caribbean experience with 3-5 years management in each departmental discipline. •Thorough knowledge of resort front office, housekeeping and laundry procedures, operations and equipment, with the ability to execute all aspects. •Financial, Business and/or Hospitality Management degree or equivalent experience, with a passion for customer service •Exceptional leadership skills with a proven record of providing consistently high guest experience standards balanced with operational efficiencies. •Five Diamond and Five Star Forbes experience. •Demonstrated success at delivering results through establishment of standard procedures, disciplined coaching and management. •Proven ability to develop business plans and budgets, and effectively monitor performance to meet objectives •Energetic, results driven leader with collaborative approach; focused on empowering people; developing skill in others through coaching, training and experiential learning. •Sense for perfection and attention to detail •Self-motivated and dependable with an exceptional work ethic and strong problem solving skills •Proficiency with general office PC applications (i.e. Microsoft Office software and Opera) to prepare reports, employee schedules, inventories, budgets as required. •Professional appearance and demeanor •Must be able to work on weekends, holidays and some overnight shift. •Must be fluent in English and European languages. Additional languages desirable. Starting salary: $50,000 per annum **HVAC Technician - Must be able to troubleshoot and repair different HVAC systems. Daikin system experience preferred. Troubleshoot and repair kitchen equipment. Troubleshoot and repair laundry equipment. Through proper data collection will create a preventive maintenance schedule for all electrical equipment, HVAC equipment and emergency generator. Must be able to work on electrical systems, reading and understanding blueprints. Troubleshoot and repair home appliances. Qualification: Must be a collage graduate with minimum 10 years experience in the HVAC field and hospitality field. Must be HVAC certified. Must be able to work with hand and power tools. Work on ladders and lift a minimum of 50 lbs. Must be able to work independently and have troubleshooting skills. To provide the guests and associates with a secure and comfortable environment by maintaining and ensuring that all mechanical systems are operating in accordance with the Gansevoort standards. Work in a safe and responsible manner to avoid accidents or injury. Starting salary: $25,000 per annum
**Position currently held by a work permit holder Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm on (649)941-7555. E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to hr@wymara.com and the Turks and Caicos Island Work Permit Board, Sam Harvey Building, Downtown, Providenciales.
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
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Presents the:
Annual FortisTCI
National Science & Technology Fair A joint effort with the Department of Education
Wednesday, March 8th - Thursday, March 9th, 2017 Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex Downtown, Providenciales 2016’s Winners: Maranatha Academy
This year’s winners will attend the Intel International Science and Enginering Fair in Los Angeles, California
www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 | 1030 Leeward HWY, Providenciales, TCI
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ENTERTAINMENT
Adele sweeps Grammy awards in upset victory over Beyonce
Adele swept the Grammy Awards on Sunday, taking home statuettes for the top prizes album, record and song of the year - in a shock, history-making victory over Beyonce on a night marked by political statements and emotional tributes. Adele, 28, won all five Grammys for which she was nominated, including for her comeback album “25” and her soaring ballad “Hello.” She became the first person in Grammy history to win the top three awards twice, following her wins for her last album “21” in 2012. Beyonce, 35, had gone into Sunday’s awards show with a leading nine nominations for her powerful “Lemonade” album about race, feminism, and betrayal. She had been hoping to win her first album of the year Grammy. Adele, who now has a career total of 15 Grammys, seemed stunned, telling reporters backstage that she “felt like it was her (Beyonce’s) time to win.” “My queen and my idol is Queen B. I adore you,” the British singer said to Beyonce, seated in the front row, as she accepted her award. “I can’t possibly accept this award, and I’m very humble and very grateful. But my artist of my life is Beyonce. This album for me, the ‘Lemonade’ album, was so monumental,” she added. SHOW-STOPPER Beyonce and Adele also had the most talked-about moments on the Grammys stage. In her first public appearance since her announcement 12 days ago that she is expecting twins, Beyonce donned a sheer, glittering gold dress and halo crown to perform her ballads “Love Drought” and “Sandcastles.” Singing seated on a chair
Pregnant Beyonce keeps all eyes on her despite shock Grammy loss
Adele waves to singer Beyonce who is in the audience and surrounded by petals, she Host James Corden, also appeared in video projections opening the show with an wearing a gold-chain string bikini. extended rap about the power Moments later, Adele of music, sang “Live it all up, literally stopped the show after because this is the best, and with flubbing the start of a tribute to President Trump, we don’t know the late British pop star George what is next.” Michael. The other big winner was “I’m sorry. I know it’s live late British singer David Bowie, TV,” she said, cursing, stopping whose final album “Blackstar” her slow ballad version of won all five of its nominations, Michael’s “Fastlove” and asking including best alternative album. to start again. “I can’t mess this The British singer had never won up for him (Michael),” she said. in his lifetime for an individual She later apologized for causing album or song. any offense. “Blackstar” was released Later, Minneapolis two days before his death in band The Time and Bruno Mars January 2016 of cancer. performed an up-tempo tribute Other winners on Sunday to Prince, celebrating his musical included Chicago’s Chance the legacy. Rapper, who won three Grammys As with other recent including best new artist while Hollywood award shows, artists Twenty One Pilots won best wasted no time getting political. pop duo/group performance for Katy Perry wore a “Stressed Out.” glittering armband saying Drake and Kanye West, “Persist” and her performance of who each had eight nominations, “Chained to the Rhythm” featured were no shows, as well as Justin banners showing the words “We Bieber. Drake, who won two the People”, the opening sentence Grammys for single “Hotline of the U.S. Constitution. Bling”, is on tour in England.
Beyonce holds the awards she won for Best Urban Contemporary Album for Lemonade and Best Music Video for Formation at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles A surprise loss didn’t stop Beyonce from being center of attention Sunday’s Grammy awards, as the pregnant singer delivered the night’s most anticipated performance and was praised on stage by the artist who triumphed over her. Beyonce, 35, went into music’s biggest night with a leading nine nominations including the top awards of the night - album, record and song of the year - but lost all three to Britain’s Adele. “The ‘Lemonade’ album is so monumental and so well thought out and so beautiful and soulbaring, and we got to see another side to you that you don’t always let us see and we appreciate that,” Adele said, addressing Beyonce, as she accepted the album of the year award for “25.” Beyonce, dressed in a red sequined gown, mouthed ‘thank you,’ as she looked on. The R&B singer did win two Grammy awards, including best urban contemporary album for “Lemonade.” “My intention was to create a body of work that would give voice to our pain, our struggles, our darkness and our history,” Beyonce said as she accepted her Grammy trophy. While Beyonce is usually known to deliver energetic dance-filled performances, the singer opted to slow things down now she is expecting twins and instead centered her set on the theme of motherhood. For her performance of “Love Drought” and “Sandcastles,” a video projection of Beyonce dressed in a gold chain bikini and gold halo crown appeared on stage, as she caressed her pregnant belly and posed with her mother Tina Lawson and 5-year-old daughter Blue Ivy. Beyonce then appeared for real on stage, dressed in a nude sequined dress and crown, strutting along the top of a long table strewn with flowers while her dancers, dressed in flowing dresses, surrounded her. At one point, she sat on a chair on top of the table, which tipped back as she sang.
Al Jarreau, Singer Who Spanned Jazz, Pop and R&B Worlds, Dies at 76 Al Jarreau, a versatile vocalist eclecticism that he won six Grammys himself, as he told The Los Angeles who sold millions of records and won a across three different categories: jazz, Times in 1986, on his “jazz attitude,” string of Grammys for his work in pop pop and R&B. He was also among the which he defined as “the idea of being and R&B as well as his first love, jazz, performers on a Grammy-winning open to each and every moment as a died on Sunday in Los Angeles. He was children’s album, “In Harmony: A chance to create something different.” 76. Sesame Street Record.” “I try to be receptive,” he added, His death was announced by If Mr. Jarreau’s highly accessible, “and to be listening, and to not be afraid his manager, Joe Gordon, who said intensely personal style defied easy to try something new.” that Mr. Jarreau had been hospitalized classification, that very accessibility Alwin Lopez Jarreau was born for exhaustion two weeks ago. On the — and, perhaps, the mere fact of his in Milwaukee on March 12, 1940, into advice of his doctors, he had canceled considerable commercial success — left a musical family. His father, a minister, his tour dates and retired from touring. some jazz purists skeptical was a fine singer; his mother played Mr. Jarreau did not begin a full-time Reviewing a concert by Mr. the piano in church. Young Al began musical career until he was nearly 30, Jarreau at the Savoy in New York in singing at 4, harmonizing with his but within a few years he had begun 1981, Stephen Holden of The New York siblings. As a youth he sang in church, attracting notice for a vocal style that Times encapsulated what many saw as well as with street-corner harmony was both instantly appealing and highly as both the pros and the cons of Mr. groups and local jazz bands. unusual. Critics were particularly Jarreau’s singular style: Mr. Jarreau earned a taken by his improvisational dexterity, “Al Jarreau may be the most bachelor’s degree in psychology from in particular his virtuosic ability to technically gifted singer working in Ripon College in Wisconsin in 1962, and produce an array of vocalizations jazz-fusion today,” Mr. Holden wrote. a master’s in vocational rehabilitation ranging from delicious nonsense to Of the evening’s performance, however, from the University of Iowa in 1964. clicks and growls to quasi-instrumental he continued: “Mr. Jarreau’s concert Afterward he moved to San Francisco, sounds. lacked the emotional range of great where he worked as a rehabilitation Although he made his initial jazz. He is such a prodigious talent counselor for people with disabilities. mark in the jazz world, Mr. Jarreau’s that the absence of even the slightest But Mr. Jarreau found he could style, and his audience, crossed stylistic blues inflections kept his music from not resist the pull of jazz and before barriers. His music incorporated cutting deeply.” long was singing in local nightclubs. elements of pop, soul, gospel, Latin But critics’ reservations never By the late ’60s, he had quit his day job and other genres. It was a mark of his deterred Mr. Jarreau, who prided and embarked on a nightclub career,
Al Jarreau first on the West Coast and eventually in New York. He reached a national audience with the album “We Got By,” released by Warner Bros. in 1975 to critical praise and commercial success. Though advertised as his debut, it was actually his second album. A decade earlier, Mr. Jarreau had quietly recorded an album, later released on the Bainbridge label under the title “1965.” Though Mr. Jarreau took legal action, without success, to block its belated release in 1982, it is esteemed by jazz connoisseurs today.
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HEALTHY
LIFESTYLE
Exercise during pregnancy may help obese women avoid dangerous complications
Exercise may be an efficient way for obese pregnant women to lower their risk of diabetes, dangerously high blood pressure and other complications, research suggests. “The study suggests that a prenatal exercise-based intervention leads to both decreased costs and improved outcomes in obese women,” said Leah Savitsky, a medical student at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland who led the study. As reported at the 37th annual meeting of the Society for MaternalFetal Medicine in Las Vegas, Nevada, Savitsky and her team analyzed previously published research on the effect of exercise on pregnant women with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30. The normal range for BMI - a ratio of weight to height - is 18.5 to 24.9; a BMI of 30 or more indicates obesity. (A BMI calculator is here, on the website of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Based on their analyses of those earlier studies, the researchers estimated the benefit of exercise for women who are obese at the start of their pregnancy. They calculated that for every one million such women, there would be 38,176 cases of a dangerous pregnancyrelated blood pressure problem known as preeclampsia among those who exercised, compared to 113,000 cases among those who didn’t exercise. Exercise would also be linked to a decrease in so-called gestational diabetes, with a rate of 195,520 per million among exercisers compared to 305,500 among non-exercisers, according to their calculations. Likewise, they estimated, for every million obese pregnant women the preterm birth rate would drop from 105,059 to 90,923 with exercise, the maternal death rate would fall from 90 to 70 and the neonatal death rate would drop from 1,932 to 1,795. Based on a cost-effectiveness threshold of $100,000 per quality-
adjusted life year, an exercise (high blood pressure), 1.5 times more intervention could save money as long likely to gain excessive weight and as expenses are held to just under 2.5 times more likely to give birth to a large infant,” said Michelle Mottola $3,000. The effects of exercise may be of Western University in London, even more beneficial than the study Ontario, Canada, who was involved in suggests, Savitsky said. the randomized trial. “With the obesity epidemic “This study did not consider additional downstream benefits on looming in our society, perhaps we control of weight beyond pregnancy should be turning our attention to as well as the downstream potential prevention of disease. It does not seem benefits on hypertension and diabetes,” to be too late even for obese pregnant women to engage in lifestyle change she told Reuters Health by email. Women who are not obese that may substantially reduce health may benefit as well. The researchers care costs,” Mottola told Reuters applied their model to women with a Health by email. The current study was not normal BMI of 18.5 – 24.9 and found similar improvements in outcomes designed to develop specific exercise among those who exercise, although guidelines for obese pregnant women; the cost-effectiveness thresholds were these women should consult their lower. obstetricians for guidance. In the One trial that the study drew meantime, the American College from looked at 765 women randomized of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to an exercise group or a control advises obese pregnant women to group (bit.ly/1QNoQzN). “We showed “start with low-intensity, short periods that women who do not exercise are of exercise and gradually increase as three times more likely to develop able.”
Worrying about your grown kids really can keep you up at night Older married couples can lose sleep when they help support grown kids, but the exact reasons for being awake at night may be different for men and women, a recent study suggests. Most parents probably don’t need a study to tell them they lose sleep over their kids, but there is plenty of research showing this happens all the time while children are young and living at home. The current study offers fresh insight into how grown kids can still contribute to sleep problems even for empty nesters, said lead study author Amber Seidel of Penn State York in Pennsylvania. “Family interactions continue to affect us well into later adulthood,” Seidel said by email. “The idea that being an empty nester will eliminate the worries and stresses associated with parenting is a very limited view.” Sleep problems have been associated with a variety of negative physical and mental health outcomes as well as relationship problems, researchers note in The Gerontologist. For the current study, they examined data on 186 heterosexual married couples who had two to three adult children, on average. Husbands were about 58 years old on average, while wives were closer to 57. Men reported sleeping an average of 6.69 hours a night, while women reported 6.66 hours. Researchers asked parents how often they provided different types of support to their grown kids including companionship, talking about daily events, emotional support, practical help, advice and financial assistance.
Husbands and wives rated how much they offered support on a scale of 1 to 8, with 1 being daily and 8 being no more than once a year. How well each parent rated their health and marital satisfaction appeared to influence sleep, the study found. Neither wives’ or husbands’ support provided to their adult child was associated with how well women slept, the study found. But for husbands, support the men or their spouses provided to adult kids did impair sleep. Wives’ stress about supporting their children was associated with their own poorer sleep, but wives didn’t appear to lose sleep due to their husbands’ stress. Husbands’ sleep wasn’t influenced by their
own stress about supporting kids or their wives’ stress about this, the study also found. One limitation of the study is that it wasn’t a controlled experiment designed to prove whether supporting adult children or stressing out about grown kids can directly cause sleep problems, the authors note. It’s also possible that lack of sleep exacerbates stress, rather than stress being responsible for parents getting less rest. Still, some parents who worry excessively about their adult children might benefit from therapy to improve coping skills or minimize stress, said Dr. Patrick Finan, a researcher in psychiatry and behavioral health at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore who wasn’t involved in the study. “Stress leads to what we call ‘cognitive narrowing,’ which can be experienced as rumination and rehearsal of negative thoughts,” Finan said by email. “Some people have difficulty disengaging from those thought patterns when it is time to sleep, and this type of excessive worrying intrudes on one’s ability to fall asleep.” Health problems can follow chronic poor sleep, too. “When this is experienced chronically and results in chronic sleep loss with associated daytime impairments, insomnia develops,” Finan added. “Unchecked, this type of insomnia is associated with myriad physiological problems, such as hypertension, inflammation, and increased pain sensitivity, as well as mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.”
California lawmaker makes push for health warning labels on soda A California state senator is taking another stab at introducing a law that would require sugary drink manufacturers to put a warning label on their products, the latest effort in the “War on Sugar.” Officials and public health advocates have heightened their criticism of sugar as a key contributor to health epidemics like obesity and diabetes, and California has become a major battleground in the fight against what they say is excessive sugar consumption. San Francisco is battling Big Soda in court over a law requiring a warning label on advertisements for sugary drinks, and voters in
four Bay Area cities have approved taxes on the products. On Monday, Democratic state Senator Bill Monning for a third time introduced a bill that would place warning labels on soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages sold in California. Similar bills from Monning failed in 2014 and 2015, but the lawmaker said he sees a rising tide of support. “Certainly the victories in local communities show a growing awareness of the health risk posed by these drinks,” Monning said by telephone, referring to votes in November in three Bay Area cities approving soda levies. Voters in Berkeley had approved a soda tax in 2014.
“This is not a tax measure. We’re not taking products off the shelves. This is about consumers’ right to know,” he said. The legislation would require companies like Coca-Cola Co and PepsiCo Inc to put warning labels on beverages sold in California that have added sugars and have 75 or more calories per 12 ounces. The warning would state that drinking beverages with added sugar contributes to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. Soda companies are already facing declining sales of their namesake beverages and trying to introduce new products to meet changing tastes.
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FUN & GAMES
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
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•Finance team development and training on accounting system and processes •Experience in financial analysis work in a retail/wholesale environment •Business process re-engineering experience in implementation of systems or process projects •Strong written and verbal communication skills •Attention to detail and flexibility to manage multiple tasks •Excellent communication skills are required Pay will commensurate with quantification and experience
SUPERMARKET FLOOR MANAGER Graceway IGA Supermarket invites applications from suitable qualified individuals to fill the listed positions currently held by work permit holders:
IT ANALYST Requirements/Qualifications •Must have at least a bachelors or higher degree in Computer or Information Systems •A minimum four years on the job experience as an information technology programmer/analyst (SQL language preferable) is required •Experience in data processing, computer information systems, data communications, networking, systems analysis, and computer programming is a must. •Ability to conduct training and informational sessions. Duties and Responsibilities include: •Supporting all hardware related issues and reviewing all new hardware capabilities as required, such as cash registers, scales, and database and POS systems. •Assist in resolving any software issues, review and upgrade of all new software packages. •Maintaining good documentation relating to all IT related work plans and schedules such as backups and flowcharts. •Overseeing the systems implementation and taking ownership of the systems work stream within the Process re-engineering project including any new systems for Graceway IGA Supermarket. •Assisting with updating and improving the current Graceway IGA website. •Providing reports generated from systems as requested by senior management – operational, financial or IT based. Pay will commensurate with experience and qualifications.
RETAIL STORE MANAGER This position is responsible for the management of the supermarket’s retail operations. Main duties and requirements include: •Over 8+ years experience in Supermarket Retail with a minimum of five years in a managerial position to include management of individual departments. •Strong character reference from known individuals in the supermarket industry •Excellent people skills, including the ability to teach and train staff. •Must have computer knowledge in areas such as Microsoft Excel and Inventory management programs. •Proficient in the understanding of retail and wholesale accounting and good business practices related to documentation and record keeping. •Skilled in ordering methods and practices for inventory control. •Ability to utilize computer systems/information for improved operational results. •Strong current product knowledge of the retail industry and knowledge of Supermarket facility management. •Will be required to work nights, long hours, weekends, and holidays. Pay will commensurate with experience and qualifications.
FINANCE ANALYST Job requirement and responsibilities: •CMA/ACA/CPA qualified with a minimum of 5 years post qualification experience in a financial analysis position •Operational and financial analysis of key business issues •Management and development of accounting system and processes, including chart of accounts, expansion of capability, and relationship management with external parties •Manage systems integration projects in relation to accounting system with operational systems •Extensive experience of preparation of Financial Statements, including Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and Cash flow
This position is responsible for overall management of supermarket retail / floor operations. Job responsibilities and requirements include: •Bachelor’s degree in Food Services Management with a minimum of (2) years Retail Supermarket experience in Culinary Arts with extensive knowledge in meat selection and procurement •Monitor overall management of the Food Service Department to ensure that food items are prepared and presented in an acceptable manner •Monitor overall store quality, cleanliness, stock levels, merchandising, sales growth, profitability (e.g., by analyzing operating reports, payroll sales reports, shrink reports, etc.,) and taking appropriate action to improve performance •Wide-ranging knowledge in areas such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Inventory management programs •Must be proficient retail and wholesale accounting and good business practices related to documentation and record keeping •Manage department inventories by tracking weekly sales reports, orders product and supplies so as to meet customer requirements along with the company’s gross profit goals •Skilled in ordering methods and practices for inventory control •Ability to utilize computer systems/ information for improved operational results •Strong current product knowledge of the retail industry and knowledge of Supermarket facility management •Will be required to work nights, long hours, weekends, and holidays •Experience in ISS / Droste Operating Systems is an added plus Pay will commensurate with quantification and experience
Floor Care Specialist Requirements / Qualifications: •Experience in floor care and maintenance. •Experience in waxing, wax removal, stripping, buffing and vacuuming large surface areas. •Experience in operating and maintaining heavy duty floor care machines. •Experience in using proper safeguards such as warning signs and safety cones to alert customers and employees to potential hazards such as wet or slippery floor surfaces; •Be knowledgeable cleaning programs and adhere to manufacturer’s label instructions for the safe and proper use of all chemical products Duties and Responsibilities include: •Monitor inventory of cleaning supplies and submit purchase orders or requests to store management; •Oversee cleaning and maintenance of the supermarket. •Responsible for the total store floor care on a daily basis. Salary Range: 6.50 - $7.00 per Hour
Retail Floor Positions Job Requirements All applicants must be able to read, speak and understand the English Language and will be expected to sit and pass an in-house Math and English Test. •DELI / BAKERY ASSISTANT •BAKER •Warehouse Clerk / Stocker
(1) (1) (1)
Salary Range: $6.50 - $7.00 / Per Hour Deadline for submission of applicants is February 24th 2017 Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com
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Charlie Variety Store LTD/Edwin Hernandez Is seeking to fill the following positions 2 Sales Persons 2 Handymen 2 Domestic Workers 2 Labourers To work 5 days a week Salary Start $6.25 per hour Interested persons may send their resume to hernandezemploymentservices.8@gmail.
com or call 346-3917 for info.
Carl Robinson
In Grand Turk Is Seeking a Domestic Worker Salary: $6.25 per hour To work 5 days per week Contact: 243-0483
TOYOTA CONSTRUCTION
3 LABOURERS To work 5 days per week Salary $7.00 per hour Shanda Restaurant Seeks 3 Waitresses To work 6 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Contact 341-5121
For All you advertising needs contact TCISUN at 339-5879 Or email
sun@suntci.com
Cliché
Carl Robinson
In Grand Turk Is Seeking a Domestic Worker Salary: $6.25 per hour To work 5 days per week Contact: 243-0483
Americlean Dry Cleaners
Is URGENTLY in need of 2 Launderers Salary: Negotiable Contact: 246-9066 or 231-0047 #440391
Ana Godet
Is seeking to employ 3 Labourers Is seeking to employ 4 Domestic Workers To work 5 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact 431-1971 THE OUT LINER BARBER SHOP & BEAUTY SOLON
is looking for a reliable person to fill the position of a cosmotalagist must be able to work on weekends and holidays must have at least tw0 years experience salary $6.25 per hour please sendresume to joma930@msn.com
MBA CONSTRUCTION
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Rigby Building Is seeking a Carpenter Salary: $10.00 per hour To work 6 days per week Must have flexible work hours Contact: 331-0221 or 331-0220
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
Louise Gibbs
Georgio Chambers
Is seeking a Domestic Worker To work 5 days a week Salary $6.25 per hour Contact 241-1011
Is seeking a Babysitter To work 5 days per week Salary $6.50 per hour Please contact 246-1072
589210
Ana Godet
Naydean Johnson
Is looking for a Store Clerk To work 6 days a week Salary $6.25 an hour Phone 2421910
Is seeking 1 Sales Person To work 6 days per week Applicant must be honest, Reliable, hardworking Salary $6.50 per hour Contact # 245-9594 #589205
Messenger Baptist Church
Is seeking a Domestic Worker To work 6 days a week Salary $6.25 per hour Pease call 431-1971 to inquire #589208
Holiday Tires
Is seeking a Store Clerk in Grand Turk To work 6 days a week Salary $6.50 per hour Contact 946-1951
#440392
#589211
Robin Williams
Dewin L. Williams
Is seeking a Caretaker To work 4 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Please contact 332-1727
Is seeking a Babysitter Salary: $6.50 per hour To work 5 days per week Contact: 241-5131
SHREE SAI LIMITED
Is advertising for a general manager for its Grand turk store Applicants should have at least eight years experience in management of stores at cruise ports and willing to be transferred to other locations outside of grand turk. A full knowledge of overall management of the establishment and staff, accounts background, monitoring of stock levels, accurate reporting to directors. Salary is based on experience. Applicants should apply to the directors of shree sai ltd c/o grand turk Cruise port.
Handy-Pro Maintenance Ltd
TJ Construction
Hosea & Mercedes Simms
Is seeking 1 Electrician To work 5 days per week Salary $8.00 per hour Please contact
Is looking for a Salon Helper To work five days a week at Mercedes Beauty Salon Salary $5.25 an hour Phone No. 2410131
Messenger Baptist Church
The Landing is looking for the following: Restaurant Chef
SEEKS
Is looking for a Hair Stylist to work in her salon Salary $6.25 an hour To work 6 days per week Phone No. 2421910
2 Tile Layer - $8.00 per hour 1 Carpenter - $10.00 per hour To work 6 days per week Contact 242-3450
#589212
#440394
#589203
Is seeking one Stone Carver Must be willing to work long hours and weekends Send resume and cover letter to handypro@tciway.tc For more information call 649-231-2763 *New Position*
Is seeking a Domestic Worker To work 6 days a week Salary $6.25 per hour Pease call 431-1971 to inquire #589208
•Must be willing to work weekends, nights and holidays •Must be willing to work 6 days per week, clean kitchen after service •Must have a good knowledge of Mediterranean food, grilling/bbq, sauces, butchery, cooking of seafood and dressing •Must have current Food Safety and Hygiene certification To work 6 days per week Salary $950.00 per month Please call 341 5856 for applications.
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
CARIBBEAN WORLD
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
NEWS NEWS
The Bahamas is like the Wild West , says PM Christie
PRIME Minister Perry Christie including a 15-year-old juvenile. likened the Bahamas’ crime situation Three people were also left in to the “Wild West,” as he said the hospital on Monday after a man was recent wave of murders in the capital stabbed and two others were shot in must solicit a “major” and “continuous” two separate incidents. effort by his administration to “flood The most recent killing the streets” with officers in a bid to occurred about 15 hours before Mr do “all that is necessary to bring this Christie made his statement yesterday madness to a halt”. afternoon, when a man was shot Mr Christie, speaking with during an argument outside a West reporters yesterday, said the “madness” Bay Street nightclub just after 2am. He occurring is due to gang activity and was taken to hospital and died around retaliation. 8am, according to police reports. He said the past bloody Thus far, there have been 13 weekend is a “shocking development” homicides in 13 days in February and that will require the government to do the weekend murders take the toll for much more to “fully understand this 2017 to 27, according to The Tribune’s senseless set of killings,” and have records. law enforcement respond “as quickly “Clearly this is a shocking as possible” and in a “very meaningful development in our country,” Mr way” in their crime fighting efforts. Christie said on the sidelines of an These efforts, Mr Christie event at the One&Only Ocean Club. suggested, would likely include “...It’s clearly where we’re going to be dedicating a “substantial” number required to do much more to have a of officers to patrol the streets of greater capacity to meet the challenge New Providence and simultaneously that is going to be posed to us, to fully giving them “the capacity to interdict understand this senseless set of killings, the movements of people on the retaliations, and to have our systems streets,” incorporating more reserve respond to it as quickly as possible and police officers, and “if necessary” in a very meaningful way with a view incorporating Royal Bahamas Defence to demonstrating that we’re not going Force marines in policing efforts. to be able to accept or continence this Mr Christie also said he kind of conduct and behaviour from would be speaking with National those who are committing it. Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage “It is insane, it is reminiscent and Commissioner of Police Ellison of the Wild West, and it is something Greenslade about implementing a we must get under control as quickly “random exercise” where police stop as possible.” and search vehicles that are carrying When asked which policies his more than two persons. administration would be seeking to Mr Christie’s comments were implement to combat the recent uptick in response to a bloody few days which in criminal activity, Mr Christie said: saw seven people killed since Friday, “Whatever crime plan we have it has to
be based on dedicating a substantial number of officers to the streets and giving them the capacity to interdict the movements of people on the streets. You have to have a massive presence on the streets. And to the extent that that is necessary, it means incorporating more reserve police officers, it means if necessary incorporating the defense force in complementary ways, but it Prime Minister Perry Christie means dedicating all that is necessary and equipment to be able to intercept to bring this madness to a halt. and interdict.” “And so when you ask about Nonetheless, Mr Christie said a crime plan, we all know that you combatting crime in the country, and cannot control the mind of someone in particular preventing weekends like who is intent on killing or who is the past one from recurring requires being induced to do so through their “an effort on the part of the entire association with gangs. But we are able population” and will ultimately depend to know that they have to go through on “how well we are able to work point to point, and we have to dedicate together dedicating all of the necessary the resources immediately, day and resources in all the different diverse night, to intercept them as they’re forms that is necessary.” moving from point to point. In one He also said success in way or the other that has to be done combatting crime will not occur solely in a more meaningful way. I’ve always by “equipping the police” or “arming the known it, I’ve always believed it, and police with technology,” but by “getting that has to be the order of the day.” into people’s homes where parents He added: “The government must know, have a sense of what their has given over 300 police officers, children are doing, and being able to we’ve just had continuous training get the kind of assistance from the classes of police officers, so we have home that we should ordinarily expect given the police force the manpower, to happen in our country.” the equipment, we’re trying our best to “…You hear about people give the technology, but this madness going to parties and spraying the has to do with gangs and retaliation. parties and social gatherings with And in retaliation you’re guessing gunfire,” he added. “That is madness, who you should kill in response to it’s not consistent with who we are as who was killed. There’s no science to Bahamians. There is an unthinking it. And you don’t care who is present group of persons out there who are when you’re doing it. There must be a intent on doing this. We cannot be major response to this, there must be a lenient with people who are using guns continuous response to it, and it has to and bringing in guns, and there must be on flooding the streets with officers be very swift prosecution of them.
Barbados Government launches Electronic Single Window BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Barbados government announced plans to establish the relevant institutional infrastructure to ensure that greater levels of efficiency, productivity and international competitiveness are achieved. Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Chris Sinckler, addressing the launch of the Barbados Electronic Single Window (BESW), said that the Freundel Stuart government, through the Barbados Competitiveness Programme (BCP), had taken steps to reinvigorate the Commission on Competitiveness and to establish a supporting Technical Unit. He said this was done in an effort to urgently address erosions in this island’s international business and trade related rankings. “The Commission on Competitiveness will be established under the umbrella of the Social Partnership and will be chaired by the Prime Minister. Its primary role will be to serve as the main articulator of private-public dialogue on Barbados’ competitiveness. The Technical Unit or Department of Competitiveness will function, among others, as the Secretariat to the Commission. “In this capacity, it will
Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Chris Sinckler facilitate any technical research or study arising from the deliberations of the Commission; provide technical advice to the Commission regarding matters that are generally pertinent to competitiveness; and implement and monitor Barbados’ National Competitiveness Strategy and Action Plan, another deliverable from the BCP,” Sinckler said. Sinckler said that as a country heavily dependent on international trade, with over three billion dollars (One Barbados dollar =US$0.50 cents) spent on imports since 2010 for domestic consumption and production, Barbados must commit to simplifying
and streamlining existing regulations, behaviours and practices that impact business and trade facilitation. He told his audience that at present, the BESW was more than 90 per cent complete. He pointed out that there were some additional forms that needed to be integrated into the system and added that the full integration should be completed by the end of March, 2017. He noted that the anticipated benefits from creating a single window environment could be seen from the perspectives of government and the private sector. He said government was expected to gain from an improved e-government and e-governance infrastructure; an enhanced collection of taxes, duties and penalties; higher levels of efficiency and transparency and reduced incidence of corruption, among others. In the case of the private sector, he added, the benefits would include faster clearance of goods; improved transparency in the operations of regulatory agencies; spending less time travelling between government regulatory agencies to fulfil their traderelated obligations; and improved ability to classify goods and satisfy
regulatory filings. Sinckler said that resources were being mobilised to ensure that the BESW would communicate effectively with the recently implemented Customs software, ASYCUDA World. “ASYCUDA World will be able to send information to the BESW regarding new and cancelled declarations by traders. Similarly, the BESW will be able to send information to ASYCUDA World regarding new licence applications, approvals, updates and revocations. Such conveniences should go a long way towards promoting inter-agency collaborations involving Customs and government regulatory agencies,” he insisted. Sinckler said that although the expected benefits of the BESW were encouraging, it would be unrealistic to expect immediate results simply from the implementation of technologydriven reform. He pointed out that the pace at which benefits evolved was normally influenced by other factors, including the existence of other complementary reforms; change management and leadership; degree of user-receptivity; and supporting institutional infrastructure.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
CARIBBEAN NEWS
CCJ dismisses constitutional motion brought by Belize Bar Association PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Wednesday dismissed an appeal brought by the Belize Bar Association concerning a perceived threat to that country’s Court of Appeal’s judicial independence. The CCJ, Belize’s highest court in dismissing the claim, also made strong recommendations for changes to the appointment and tenure of Justices of Appeal that would provide them with security of tenure and a selection process that was independent of the government. The Court recommended immediate adoption of those recommendations. The Belize Bar Association had filed a Constitutional motion challenging the Belize Constitution (Sixth Amendment) Act which states that when an existing or future appointment of a Justice of Appeal did not specify a period of appointment, the judge’s term of office would last one year from the date of commencement of the amendment, or one year from the date of appointment. The amendment also stated that at the end of the period the office would become vacant. At the time, the changes applied to two sitting judges. The Bar Association argued that the Sixth Amendment was unconstitutional and violated the rule of law, the separation of powers principle and the basic structure of the Constitution of Belize.
The Association legislation as such is not expressed concern that one- unconstitutional, it is clear year appointments to the Court that one-year appointments of Appeal undermined the under the Constitution, thus security of tenure of such judges, amended, could be in breach of politicized appointments and re- the Constitution, in particular appointments, and eroded public section 6(7). confidence in the Court of Appeal “We recommend a further as an “independent and impartial” evolution of the concept of judicial court independence so that Justices of But the Belize Appeal have the same security of government argued that the tenure as Supreme Court judges. move was intended to correct This Court notes that Belize is the alleged invalidity of the moving towards a Court of Appeal appointments of two sitting Bench with non-resident fixed judges and to prevent the future term judges serving alongside appointment of judges with no permanent Belizean appointees,” specified period of tenure. the five-member CCJ panel of The Attorney-General judges ruled. submitted that the constitutional The CCJ said further that procedure for amending the “it is desirable that the executive Constitution was fully complied system of judicial appointments with, and there was no in respect of resident and nonalteration to the structure of the resident judges be replaced by Constitution. an independent appointing body In its judgment, the such as the Belize Judicial and CCJ acknowledged that while Legal Services Commission that the re-appointment of judges by deals with appointments to the the Government ‘lends fragility Supreme Court Bench. to judicial independence’, the “This independent amendment could not be deemed Commission should appoint nonas unconstitutional as the power resident persons to the Court to reappoint judges did not derive of Appeal until the normal from the amendment. retirement date or the extended It agreed with the retirement date of Supreme Belizean Court of Appeal’s Court judges but would require findings and ruled also that the non-resident judges to sit only Sixth Amendment was not a as and when invited to sit by the removal provision. The Court President of the Court of Appeal.” noted that neither of the two The Court also judges, who would have been recommended that shorter affected, had been removed from periods of tenure could be offered their posts. to appointees over the age of 75. “Although we have It said that each party come to the conclusion that the will bear its own cost of the impugned (Sixth Amendment) appeal.
Fake news hits close to home in Caribbean immigrant community NEW YORK, NY - Fake news has hit close to home for many in the Caribbean Diaspora, sending some immigrants stunned and reeling in fear and leaving others simply puzzled. In the Caribbean immigrant community in New York City, some are using the immigration status of many to stoke fear and anguish. As U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents completed a nationwide sweep, arresting 680 immigrants, including 40 in New York City, some unscrupulous individuals have begun sending out information of more planned raids in the Caribbean community. Except, according to immigration advocate, Irwine Clare, Sr., O.D., managing director of the Caribbean Immigrant Services, the information is absolutely false. He said some of the fake news being disseminated on Whatsapp and social media includes claims that ICE agents are planning to next raid Caribbean restaurants and Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. Clare said, as a result, many restaurants have reported seeing a drop in business as immigrants have begun staying away while he said he is fielding a lot of calls from many immigrants who are fearful of being detained and deported. “This is completely irresponsible. To attack our own small businesses this way and to stoke the level of fear in our community is reprehensible especially at this time,” Clare told NAN Tuesday. Meanwhile, other Caribbean Diaspora nationals are puzzled at news circulating on social media that Jamaica and Guyana are about to become U.S. territories. A fake media site calling itself statestv.com posted this week that Jamaica and Guyana are both “on the verge of becoming U.S. territories” and would “…become a sub-national administrative division directly overseen by the United States federal government.” Many Caribbean nationals were sharing the news around on Facebook and via Whatsapp before realizing it was totally false. Concern about the phenomenon has led Facebook and Google to announce that they’ll crack down on fake news sites, restricting their ability to garner ad revenue.
Approval given for new airport terminal in Bermuda HAMILTON, Bermuda – The Senate has approved controversial government plans for a new airport terminal which is expected to be completed in 2020. While the three opposition Progressive Labour Party (PLP) members voted against one of two bills crucial to the project late Wednesday , the five ruling One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) senators and three independents appointed by the Governor gave them the green light. The PLP trio objected to the Bermuda Airport Authority Act 2017 but there were no objections to the passing of the Airport Redevelopment Concessions Act 2017. The bills had narrowly been approved early on Saturday by the House of Assembly – 18 votes to 16 – after a marathon debate. Last December, a group of over one thousand protesters prevented MPs from entering the House to debate the bills. Police in riot gear used pepper spray in a bid to disperse the demonstrators, leading Speaker of the House Randy Horton to adjourn proceedings until earlier this month. In 2014, the OBA announced that it had agreed a 30-year publicprivate partnership (PPP) deal with the Canadian government through Canadian Commercial Corporation and Aecon, the Canadian contractor,
An aerial shot of the Bermuda islands to build a new terminal at the L.F. Wade International Airport. The current terminal is prone to suffering leaks during storms. The two political parties have been engaged in a bitter wrangle over the pros and cons of a new terminal ever since the project was unveiled. The OBA has repeatedly said its PPP deal with Aecon will give the island a desperately needed new airport without adding to its debt, while the PLP has aggressively attacked the move as privatisation, saying it will see airport revenues disappear overseas, and touting renovations as an alternative.
Finance Minister Bob Richards told the House last Friday that the new terminal would cost US$302 million and take 40 months to build. In the Senate on Wednesday, Transport Minister Michael Fahy said an unprecedented level of misinformation had been released. The first bill, he said, would create the Bermuda Airport Authority. This would take over responsibility for the general administration, control and management of the L.F. Wade International Airport and oversee the redevelopment of the facility by the Canadian Commercial Corporation,
and its maintenance and operation by Bermuda Skyport Corporation Ltd. Renee Ming, the PLP’s Senate Leader, cited what she perceived as the project’s lack of transparency. “How can this be a partnership when the public is kept out of the partner’s business and how can we sit here today to make a fair assessment of a deal we don’t have all the details for,” she said. Fahy addressed such concerns, saying: “More information has been disclosed to the public in this transaction than any other in the history of Bermuda. Any claim otherwise is strictly political theatre, nothing more.” President of the Senate, Carol Ann Bassett, echoed his remarks at the end of the debate, saying she had not seen such transparency on a project in her 13 years in the Upper House. Government senator Jeff Baron, the Minister of National Security, said debates on the airport project over the past two years have ranged from mundane to profane, blaming politics for making the issue as heated as it has become. Government senator Lynn Woolridge said that to patch up the current airport with renovations amounted to “throwing good money after bad”.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
Bahamas is not in crisis, says Police Commissioner
Cibc Firstcaribbean Donates To Diabetes Support Group
DESPITE the country recording 13 homicides in 13 days, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade said the Bahamas is not in a state of “crisis” and the average Bahamian can continue to A life-saving diabetic “go about their day as normal day” without the fear device was recently donated to a of being attacked. At a press conference at police headquarters local Diabetes association. CIBC FirstCaribbean on Monday after a weekend of “carnage”, International Bank donated a Commissioner Greenslade said the only solution Dexcom Continuous Glucose to the country’s crime problem is to “keep prolific Monitoring System to ACE offenders behind bars”. He said the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) is not considering implementing Diabetes through the The Family a curfew or “locking down certain neighbourhoods” Medicine Centre. “When we look at the and the suggestion to do so is “emotional and makes world overall, The Bahamas no sense”. is leading in the prevalence of His comments came hours after the country diabetes in the entire world,” said recorded its 27th homicide for the year. Seven people Dr. Graham Cates, president have been killed since Friday. On Monday afternoon, police also reported of ACE Diabetes, which was that a man was stabbed outside an establishment established to address the on Nassau Street while two men were shot while in overwhelming need in The the area of Ross Corner. These victims were said to Bahamas for diabetes awareness and daily self-management be in stable condition in hospital. education of the illness. Commissioner Greenslade said it is simply Kaylee not enough for people to “point the finger at the `Six-year-old police in times of crisis” yet refuse to “manage Hanchell and her parents, their homes” or assist the police in catching wanted Kareem and Shelisha Hanchell, were selected to receive the persons. Dexcom Continuous Glucose “It is a falsehood to tell the Bahamian Monitoring System at The Family public and the world at large that the Bahamas Medicine Centre in Nassau. is in crisis, that is nonsense,” he said. “Every well The advanced glucose meaning citizen in this country is well aware that these young people that are unfortunately dying monitoring system is a life-saving and the young people that are the perpetrators, diabetic device that will help these are people that have fallen though the cracks Kaylee, who was diagnosed with of our society and they did not remain in school. The diabetes at the tender age of three, ones who did, when they got out of school, chose to as it more accurately monitors associate with the wrong type of company and this and predicts blood sugar levels. “It was a sad day when is ‘tit for tat, you touch my boy I touch your boy’ type my wife and I learned that Kaylee of thing.” He added: “I do not want the public to form was diabetic; we knew we had the impression you can’t drive your car and go to to do whatever was necessary work, or you can’t drive your car to go to church, or to ensure that Kaylee remains you can’t drive your car and go to the grocery store. happy and healthy, which was We have a problem, let’s not kid ourselves and that now dependent on her blood sugar problem is prolific offenders that are in and out of levels,” said Kareem Hanchell. “Our cost of living went the system who are not prepared to not live a life of up due to bills for medication, crime.... “This country is not at a stage where the hospital visits and healthy food. average decent citizen has to be concerned about being attacked,” Commissioner Greenslade added. “Do we have cases were someone is robbed and KINGSTON, Jamaica where an innocent person dies, yes. But I am telling you year on year, those who are prepared to look at – Police have announced the the facts can tell you that no one is interested in immediate removal of tints from harming persons who go about their normal daily public passenger vehicles (PPV) as the authorities implement activity. measures to deal with the recent “Bahamians can go about their daily lives as normal, I don’t perceive that any Bahamian of recent incidents of women citizen who is going about their business on a and children being abducted daily basis is going to have any issues. It is a very by perpetrators posing as taxi bad development in this country but this is not operators. Last week, Prime Minister something that happened overnight.” Andrew Holness gave instructions He also said there are far too many “healthy bodied prolific offenders in our country who have for the removal of tints from PPVs no hesitation in causing harm to other people” and Head of the Police Traffic and until these people are “put away for good” the Division, Senior Superintendent crime situation will never improve. When asked if (SSP) Calvin Allen said for motor the RBPF is considering implementing a curfew in cars, no tint will be allowed on the high crime areas, Commissioner Greenslade said back windscreen, no tint will be allowed on the two front windows “absolutely not”. “The only solution (to crime) is when these and no tint will be allowed on the people are arrested and charged, that we allow due (front) windscreen, except for a process and natural justice and we put them before six-inch visor from the top. He told reporters that the the courts. I believe firmly as the commissioner that they should remain incarcerated based requirements for the coaster and upon the egregious crimes they have committed,” minibuses are similar, pointing out that the only difference will Commissioner Greenslade said. “We have to ensure that people that walk be the tinting allowed for the around with assault weapons and other variations windscreen. “For the coaster bus, no of weapons, that have raped people, that have attempted to rape people, that have killed people tint will be allowed on the back that have attempted to murder people they should glass, nor the two immediate remain, I will make no apology, they should remain glasses at the side of the vehicle; incarcerated and have their day in court. If we therefore, there ought to be a clear continue he way we are going we will continue to view on the back seat of those public passenger vehicles,” Allen chase our tails.
(Top l-r)Marketing Manager for CIBC FirstCaribbean, Maya Nottage, Dr. Graham Cates of Family Medicine Center, Associate Director of Special Events at Atlantis Paradise Resort, Anitha Bulter and (bottom l-r) Nurse Specialist Practitioner Anita Cates of Family Medicine Centre presents the Hanchell family with a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and donated by CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank and a two month supply of sensors donated by Atlantis Paradise Resort CIBC FirstCaribbean and all parties involved have definitely been a blessing to us because we would not be able to afford this advanced blood sugar testing system on our own, and we feel so happy that we are now able to monitor Kaylee’s glucose levels right at home.” Dr. Graham Cates and Nurse Specialist Practitioner Anita Cates of the Family Medicine Centre have been guiding Kaylee and her parents through the process of managing her diabetes since she was
diagnosed three years ago. Atlantis Paradise Resort also joined CIBC FirstCaribbean in this initiative by donating a two month supply of sensors to be used with the DEXCOM machine with proceeds donated by ACE Diabetes. “Our community assistance programmes meet many different needs. It is always a little more heart-warming when we can help the younger ones,” said Maya Nottage, Marketing Manager for CIBC FirstCaribbean.
Jamaica police order tints removed from public vehicles said. “For the glass that is on either side of the vehicle coming up to where the driver sits, a 70 per cent inward view will be allowed. For the driver’s door, that glass should have no tint, neither will there be any tint for the passenger that sits across from where the driver sits, as well as the door that the conductor operates from,” he added. In terms of the windscreen of the coaster buses, Allen said a nine-inch visor will be allowed and that vehicles with factory tints that are being utilised as PPVs will be given a grace period to become regularised. “They will go through certain testing by the Island Traffic Authority. If the grade tint that is there is of the required standard, that will be accepted; if the grade tint that is there is not of the required standard, a twelvemonth period is being allowed for the owner/operator to correct and to become legitimate,” he said. He said operators found in breach will be charged J$2,500 (One Jamaica dollar =US$0.008 cents) and that fines are expected to increase once the new Road Traffic Act is passed in Parliament.
He said the regulations will also be extended to the Stateowned bus entity, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC). Transport Authority Chairman, Joseph Shoucair, said he has held talks with various taxi associations outlining the details of the initiatives. “I am pleased to tell you that the discussions were spirited, cordial and respectful. At the end of the meeting, we were and remain on one accord,” he said, adding that the removal of tints from public PPVs is aimed at assisting with public safety and security. Last week, police charged two men, including a 31-yeqrold taxi driver with the murder of 15-year-old secondary school student, Shineka Gray, whose body was found with stab wounds in bushes on February 1. The partly decomposed body of the grade 10 student of Green Pond High in Hanover. On the north-western tip of the island, was found in bushes in Irwin, a village in the suburban parish of St. James, north-west of here. Gray was reported missing after leaving the funeral of a former schoolmate.
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
NEWS
U.S. immigrants stay home from work to protest Trump policies
More than 100 restaurants and dozens of other businesses in cities around the United States shut their doors on Thursday to show support for “A Day Without Immigrants,” a walkout aimed at protesting President Donald Trump’s policies. Activists called on immigrants to stay home from work, avoid shopping and eating out and skip classes in an effort to highlight the vital role they play in American society. The protest was prompted by Trump’s vows to crack down on illegal immigration and his executive order, which was put on hold by federal courts, that temporarily banned travel to the United States from seven Muslim-majority countries. Immigrant rights’ groups expressed alarm after federal raids last week in which more than 680 people illegally in the country were arrested. The nature of the action made it difficult to ascertain how many immigrants were participating
A restaurant on Georgia Avenue is closed in honor of the ‘Day Without Immigrants’ protest in Washington, D.C., U.S. February 16, 2017 or to measure the economic impact, though local news media in cities like Minneapolis and Austin, Texas, reported that dozens of businesses were shuttered. Approximately 700 people showed up at a rally in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. “We add to the economy and society,” said Kia Allah, 32, a teacher who is Muslim and described herself
as half Puerto Rican and half black. “Sometimes people don’t listen until it hits their pockets. Numerous restaurants, which often depend heavily on immigrant staff, closed for the day in Washington, New York, Chicago and other cities. The media site Uproxx kept a running tally of closed restaurants based on social media and local reports that exceeded 135 by midday.
Celebrity chefs such as Jose Andres in Washington and Rick Bayless in Chicago closed restaurants in solidarity with protesters. A number of restaurants that remained open said they would donate part of their profits to pro-immigrant groups. “People that never missed one day of work are telling you they don’t want to work on Thursday,” the Spanish-born Andres said on Wednesday. “They want to say, ‘Here we are,’ by not showing up. The least I could do was to say, ‘OK, we stand by you.’” At the Pentagon, about half a dozen food outlets were forced to close after staff members joined the protest, including a Starbucks, a Taco Bell and a Burger King, according to a Defense Departmnet spokesman. The protest was the latest in a series of collective actions since Trump took office from women’s groups, immigrant groups and other activists.
Trump lets loose at press conference WASHINGTON — President Trump asked his national security adviser, Michael Flynn, to resign because he misled Vice President Pence about his calls to the Russian ambassador to the United States, Trump said in a wide-ranging and surprising news conference Thursday. Trump’s comments about Flynn came after a more-than-20minute opening statement in which he criticized the news media, bragged about the number of electoral votes he received in November and said the Islamic State is “another mess I inherited” from predecessor, Barack Obama. He lashed out repeatedly at what he called “fake news” and at reporters, who he accused of distorting what he has done as president and failing to accurately cover his administration. “I see stories of chaos, chaos, yet it is the exact opposite,” he said. “This
United States President Donald Trump administration is running like a finetuned machine, despite the fact that I can’t get my Cabinet approved.” Trump ticked off all the executive actions he has taken, including those freezing federal hiring and rule-making, ordering a one regulation in-two out policy,
The president declined to say and seeking to expedite permits for construction of the Keystone XL what the United States might do to and Dakota Access Pipeline. He said respond to recent Russian actions. A his administration is preparing for Russian spy ship was spotted 30 miles the repeal and replacement of the off the coast of Connecticut this week, Affordable Care Act and has already and Russian planes have reportedly begun work to start construction of a buzzed U.S. Navy ships in the Red Sea. Trump said the actions were wall along the southern border with “not good” but he wants to try and get Mexico. He signaled he will issue a along with Russia. He blasted former new immigration order next week secretary of State Hillary Clinton for and criticized the federal circuit trying unsuccessfully to do so, and court that let stand a stay of his last noted that she presented Putin with a order banning Syrian refugees and “stupid plastic button” as a symbol of temporarily halting travel to the resetting U.S.-Russia relations. “I would love to be able to get United States from seven majority along with Russia,” he said. Muslim countries. “That circuit is in chaos…in turmoil,” He said his administration, just shy of four weeks old, has taken he said. “We are appealing that.” Trump said he doesn’t believe “unprecedented action on behalf of the Flynn did anything wrong, but his great citizens of our country.” “And we haven’t even started failure to adequately inform Pence about his Russian contacts was the big work,” Trump said. “That starts early next week.” unacceptable.
Tour bus crashes in Taiwan, killing at least 32 At least 32 people were killed when a tour emergency response and will fully cooperate,” Chou bus crashed near Taipei on Monday night, with Chi-hung told Reuters by telephone. It was unclear what caused the crash. television footage showing the bus careening toward a road barrier before flipping on its side. Local television showed a video of the bus shot Of 44 people on the bus, 30 were pronounced from behind flipping onto its side and skidding dead at the scene and two died in hospital, the fire toward the hillside after it hit a road barrier when department said, adding that 12 people were still negotiating a highway interchange curve. Ambulances and fire trucks were lined up being treated in hospitals around Taipei, the capital. Many of the passengers were elderly, although the along the bend of the road as rescue workers used a age range was early 20s to late 60s, according to city crane to lift the battered bus from its wheels, after all the passengers were pulled from the wreckage. authorities. The trip had been arranged by the Tieh “Prosecutors need to get on the site,” said cabinet Lien Hua Travel Agency, according to Taiwan’s spokesman Hsu Kuo-yung on live TV. tourism bureau. The crash is the latest accident involving An official with the agency said the tourists tour buses in Taiwan. Earlier this month, another were “likely” all from Taiwan, but that it was still Taiwanese tour bus carrying Chinese tourists looking at passenger information. crashed into a bridge in southern Taiwan, injuring “We are making efforts to help with the some passengers.
Rescuers gather around a crashed bus in Taipei, Taiwan It followed a grisly murder-suicide last year in which 24 Chinese tourists were killed after the driver set their moving bus on fire.
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Anti-Castro Cuban-American Lawmakers See a Champion in Trump Republican lawmakers The congressional delegation from South Florida who opposed the from South Florida, home to the restoration of relations with Cuba largest number of Cuban-Americans under President Barack Obama have in the nation, was long able to help high hopes for President Trump. craft U.S. policy toward the island. MIAMI — Cuban-American They had hoped to continue isolating lawmakers from Florida helped shape the Castro government and both U.S. relations with the island for Democrat and Republican politicians years until they found themselves on went along, at least in part. the outside during a historic thaw in Diaz-Balart recalled that relations. under President George W. Bush But they could be getting he and other Cuban-Americans the upper hand on Cuba policy again persuaded the administration to grant under President Donald Trump with travel visas and asylum to Cuban a possible return to an earlier, more doctors working overseas, helping hard-line U.S. stance toward relations drive a brain drain from the island. with Cuba’s government. “When something came up, Former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart, from left, Congressman Carlos Curbelo, Congresswoman “We have had more we could call and they responded to us Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart hold a news conference in Miami. conversations with high-level Trump immediately,” he said. Republican lawmakers from South Florida who opposed the restoration of relations with Cuba under officials than we had in eight years of But that changed under President Barack Obama have high hopes for President Trump. Diaz-Balart says Trump officials have the Obama administration,” said Rep. Obama, who Diaz-Balart said refused already met with opponents of the changes and have shown other encouraging signs. Trump has not Mario Diaz-Balart, one of a handful of to meet with him as the administration yet released specifics of his Cuba policy Republican members of Congress from used executive orders to lift some Florida who long had an outsized role restrictions on travel, trade and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, doctors. on U.S. foreign policy related to Cuba. investment and ended the so-called another Florida delegation member, During the presidential What Diaz-Balart and other “wet-foot, dry foot” policy that allowed declined to speak to The Associated campaign, Trump was critical of the Cuban-American lawmakers hope is Cubans to stay and apply for legal Press but recently forwarded a letter to opening with the Castro government that their renewed access to the U.S. residency if they reached U.S. soil. the Trump administration calling for a and said Obama wasn’t paying government under Trump’s leadership Diaz-Balart and other Cuban- policy focused on “freedom, democracy, enough attention to human rights on will help them reverse the steps taken American lawmakers want U.S. policy the rule of law and respect for human the island. He promised to re-evaluate by President Barack Obama and to return to where things were before rights” that enforces sanctions written the agreements with Cuba and President Raul Castro to normalize December 2014, citing what he says into U.S. law. Sen. Marco Rubio, who cancel those he doesn’t believe serve relations between the two countries. is the Castro government’s “brutal also declined an interview request, U.S. interests. He named several “Everything is going to oppression.” Curbelo agrees about the has criticized what he calls Obama’s anti-Castro Cuban-Americans to his be very different,” predicted Rep. return to earlier policies but does not “failed Cuba policy,” and recently said transition team, but has not yet said Carlos Curbelo, another Miami-area oppose the easing of restrictions on he expected Trump would reverse publicly whether he intends to reverse Republican who said he felt shut out travel that allow Cuban-Americans to the previous administration’s order specific policies of his predecessor. under Obama. more easily visit family back home. halting the asylum program for
Colombia keeps cocaine from spoiling Valentine’s Day flowers
Monopoly says goodbye to this iconic game piece
planes. Colombia’s flower industry took off in the early 1990s when the U.S. Congress passed a law eliminating tariffs on goods from Andean drugproducing nations in a bid to encourage legal exports. That Colombia’s criminals now train their eyes on flower shipments as a way to smuggle drugs into the U.S. is a sign of just how much the industry has blossomed. It is now is the world’s second-largest An anti-narcotics police officer inspect flowers at the El Dorado Airport, in Bogota, cut flower exporter, after the Colombia. Security protocols developed by the flower industry with police begin from the Netherlands, and the top supplier moment refrigerated trucks carrying rose buds depart the flower farms to the U.S. Cocaine is probably the last thing Security protocols that The season before most people think about when the flower industry developed Valentine’s Day is the busiest buying roses. with police begin the moment that time of the year for Colombia’s But every year, police and refrigerated trucks carrying rose growers, when the 130,000 people growers in Colombia must work buds depart dozens of flower farms employed at hundreds of flower around the clock to make sure dotting the waterlogged savannah farms work nonstop to ship some that the romance of Valentine’s surrounding Colombia’s capital. 500 million stems, mostly to the Day isn’t spoiled by the drug, the Once the flowers are inside the United States but other parts of nation’s other major export along airport, 100 police offices equipped the world as well. with flowers. with 15 drug-sniffing dogs and “Right now there’s not a As much as 330,000 electronic scanners inspect each single rose available,” said Solano. pounds of flowers leave Colombia shipment. But with competitors on 30-plus jumbo cargo planes Last year, police said from Kenya and Ecuador making daily starting in late January, they found almost 200 pounds of inroads, the industry isn’t taking presenting an opportunity for cocaine hidden in flower boxes. its leadership for granted and the country’s ingenious drug “We have to guarantee works hard to keep out smuggled cartels to penetrate the frenzied, that our flower exports aren’t drugs. overworked chain of suppliers and contaminated by criminal gangs,” “It requires a big effort stash drugs amid the roses. Col. Julio Triana said as he and his because if another country finds “Without a doubt we’re drug-sniffing Labrador retriever drugs they can ban flower imports a target,” said Augusto Solano, walked through the refrigerated from Colombia and that would be president of the Colombian flower warehouse where flowers are kept disastrous,” Solano said. exporters’ association. before being loaded onto cargo
It’s the end of the game for the thimble The results are in and the thimble is out. Ahead of Toy Fair, Monopoly-owner Hasbro (HAS) has revealed that the iconic thimble token will be removed from the game. As part of the brand’s “Monopoly Token Madness” campaign, more than 4 million people voted to decide which eight tokens should be part of the next iteration of the game. Folks were given more than 50 options, including old favorites like the shoe, top hat and Scottie dog and new designs like a T-Rex, rubber duck and an emoji. Hasbro has yet to name which token will be replacing the thimble, but it will unveil all eight tokens on March 19, a day it dubs World Monopoly Day. Updated versions of the game will be available in August. It’s no surprise that Hasbro is seeking to update the 84-year-old game. When it comes to toys, the game segment has seen tremendous sales growth in the last year, up 20 percent from 2015 to 2016, according to the NPD Group. This isn’t the first time that Hasbro has held a contest to create a new edition of the game. In 2013, the company held a “Save Your Token” vote to determine which classic token would be replaced. The iron was ditched and a cat charm took its place.
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FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
WORLD NEWS
North Korean leader’s half-brother murdered in Malaysia The estranged halfbrother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been murdered in Malaysia, a South Korean government source said on Tuesday. Kim Jong Nam, the older half brother of Kim Jong Un, was known to spend a significant amount of his time outside North Korea and had spoken out publicly against his family’s dynastic control of the isolated state. The South Korean government source who spoke to Reuters did not immediately provide further details. In A man believed to be North Korean heir-apparent Kim Jong Nam Washington, A U.S. government someone grabbed or held his face Jong Nam for years and thought source said the United States from behind,” Fadzil said. “He he was at risk but could not say believed that North Korean felt dizzy, so he asked for help at whether North Korea was behind agents were responsible for the the ... counter of KLIA.” his murder. murder, but did not provide Kim was taken to an When asked about the firm evidence to support that airport clinic where he still felt nature of the reported attack, conclusion. unwell, and it was decided to Malaysian police official Fadzil There was no immediate take him to hospital. He died said: “We don’t know if there was response to a request for comment in the ambulance on the way to a cloth or needles; the receptionist from the Trump administration, Putrajaya Hospital, Fadzil added. said someone grabbed his face, which is facing a stiff challenge South Korea’s TV Chosun, a he felt dizzy.” from a defiant North Korea over cable-TV network, reported that Malaysia is one of a its test of a ballistic missile last Kim had been poisoned with a dwindling number of countries weekend. needle by two women believed to that has close relations with In a statement, be North Korean operatives who North Korea, which is under Malaysian police said the dead fled in a taxi and were at large, tightening global sanctions over man, aged 46, held a passport citing multiple South Korean its nuclear tests and ballistic under the name Kim Chol. government sources. missile launches, the latest of Kim Jong Nam has been Reuters could not which took place on Sunday. caught in the past using forged confirm those details. Malaysians and North travel documents. South Korea’s foreign Koreans can visit each other’s Malaysian police official ministry said it could not confirm country without visas. Fadzil Ahmat said the cause of the reports, and the country’s A phone call to the Kim’s death was not yet known, intelligence agency could not North Korean embassy in and that a post mortem would be immediately be reached for Kuala Lumpur late on Tuesday carried out. comment. went straight to an answering “So far there are no The U.S. government machine. suspects, but we have started source, speaking on condition of investigations and are looking at anonymity, said it was possible SECRETIVE FAMILY a few possibilities to get leads,” that Kim Jong Nam had been Fadzil told Reuters. poisoned. The U.S. source said Kim Jong Nam and Kim According to Fadzil, Kim it could not be ruled out that Jong Un are both sons of former had been planning to travel to assassins used some kind of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, Macau on Monday when he fell “poison pen” device. who died in late 2011, but they ill at the low-cost terminal of A former U.S. official, had different mothers. Kuala Lumpur International also speaking on condition of Kim Jong Nam did not Airport (KLIA). anonymity, said U.S. authorities attend his father’s funeral. “The deceased ... felt like had been closely following Kim
Dominican paper apologizes for using Baldwin photo for Trump Alec Baldwin does a pretty convincing Donald Trump impersonation - just ask a newspaper in the Dominican Republic. El Nacional published an apology on Saturday after mistakenly running a photo of the actor doing his impression of the U.S. president on “Saturday Night Live” instead of Trump himself. Accompanying an article in its Friday edition headlined in Spanish: “Trump says settlements in Israel don’t favor peace,” a photo of a scowling Baldwin in a blond wig appears next to a photo of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a statement posted on its website, the Dominican newspaper said a photo of
This screen grab of the Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 digitized version of Dominican Republic’s El Nacional print edition shows comedian Alec Baldwin doing his impression of President Donald Trump on “Saturday Night Live,” next to a photo of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the paper’s international page with the Spanish headline: “Trump says settlements in Israel don’t favor peace.” The Spanish caption under Baldwin’s photo reads: “Donald Trump, president of U.S.” The newspaper published an apology on Saturday Baldwin imitating Trump - over the caption “Donald Trump, president of the USA” - was published on page 19 and the mistake went unnoticed by the newspaper’s staff. “El Nacional apologizes to its readers and anyone who
felt affect by the publication” of the photo, the statement said. Trump has lashed out at the way “Saturday Night Live” has lampooned him, saying Baldwin’s semi-regular portrayal of him “stinks.”
Australia struggles to improve lives of indigenous population
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull poses at an event featuring indigenous Australians Australia is failing to meet almost every target for improving the lives of its indigenous population, including reducing the infant mortality rate, getting children in school and adults in jobs, according to a government report released on Tuesday. Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders make up just three percent of Australia’s population of 23 million people but have disproportionately high rates of suicide and incarceration, tracking near the bottom in almost every economic and social indicator. The ninth annual Closing the Gap report marks 50 years since Australia’s constitution was changed to count Aborigines as part of the population and allow laws specifically targeted at indigenous communities in a bid to improve welfare and living standards. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said there were more indigenous Australians in school, employment, business, and in better health. “We have come a long way over the last 50 years ... but we have not come far enough,” Turnbull said in a breakfast address to aboriginal community leaders. “There are still significant challenges that remain.” The report said the government’s target to close a 10-year gap in life expectancy between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians by 2031 was behind schedule as the rate of deaths from cancer increased. A target to halve the child mortality rate by 2018 also missed its target in 2016, however improvements to antenatal care and smoking rates during pregnancy would help move closer to the 2018 goal, the report said. Australia’s historic apology almost a decade ago for its mistreatment of Aborigines was supposed to herald a new era of race relations, but with progress in addressing inequality stalling, tensions between the two communities are high. Late last month, thousands of Australians marched in protests across the country, demanding the date of the national holiday be changed. For many Aborigines, who trace their lineage on the island continent back 50,000 years, Australia Day Jan. 26 is “Invasion Day”, the anniversary of the beginning of British colonization of their lands and their brutal subjugation. The Closing the Gap report showed that education levels are falling behind targets, a key driver for the huge disparity in national employment statistics. The report pegged unemployment for indigenous people of working age at more than 20 percent, 3.6 times the non-indigenous unemployment rate. Indigenous unemployment rates in the remote areas of the country are in excess of 40 percent.
C.A.T Construction Is seeking a Skilled Carpenter To work 6 days per week Salary $12.00 per hour Please Contact 232-4501 #589217
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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WORLD NEWS
Trump national security aide Flynn resigns over Russian contacts
President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Flynn, resigned late on Monday after revelations that he had discussed U.S. sanctions on Russia with the Russian ambassador to the United States before Trump took office and misled Vice President Mike Pence about the conversations. Flynn’s resignation came hours after it was reported that the Justice Department had warned the White House weeks ago that Flynn could be vulnerable to blackmail for contacts with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak before Trump took power on Jan. 20. Flynn’s departure was a sobering development in Trump’s young presidency, a 24-day period during which his White House has been repeatedly distracted by miscues and internal dramas. The departure could slow Trump’s bid to warm up relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Flynn submitted his resignation hours after Trump, through a spokesman, pointedly declined to publicly back Flynn, saying he was reviewing the situation and talking to Pence. Flynn had promised Pence he had not discussed U.S. sanctions with the Russians, but transcripts of intercepted communications, described by U.S. officials, showed that the subject had come up in conversations between him and the Russian ambassador. Such contacts could potentially be in violation of a law banning private citizens from engaging in foreign policy, known as the Logan Act. Pence had defended Flynn in television interviews and was described by administration officials
National security adviser General Michael Flynn as upset about being misled. “Unfortunately, because of the fast pace of events, I inadvertently briefed the vice president-elect and others with incomplete information regarding my phone calls with the Russian ambassador. I have sincerely apologized to the president and the vice president, and they have accepted my apology,” Flynn said in his resignation letter. Retired General Keith Kellogg, who has been chief of staff of the White House National Security Council, was named the acting national security adviser while Trump determines who should fill the position. Kellogg, retired General David Petraeus, a former CIA director, and Robert Harward, a former deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, are under consideration for the position, a White House official said.
OASIS DIVERS is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates
Harward was described by officials as significant course change less likely, the leading candidate. at least any time soon,” the official A U.S. official confirmed a said. Washington Post report that Sally Another official said Flynn’s Yates, the then-acting U.S. attorney departure may strengthen the hands general, told the White House late of some cabinet secretaries, including last month that she believed Flynn Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and had misled them about the nature of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. his communications with the Russian However, the second official ambassador. said, Flynn’s exit could also reinforce She said Flynn might have put the power of presidential aides Steve himself in a compromising position, Bannon and Stephen Miller, whom possibly leaving himself vulnerable he described as already having the to blackmail, the official said. Yates president’s ear. was later fired for opposing Trump’s Congressional Democrats temporary entry ban for people from expressed alarm at the developments seven mostly Muslim nations. surrounding Flynn and called for a A U.S. official, describing the classified briefing by administration intercepted communications, said officials to explain what had happened. Flynn did not make any promises “We are communicating this request about lifting the sanctions. to the Department of Justice and But he did indicate that FBI this evening,” said Democratic sanctions imposed by President Barack representatives John Conyers of Obama on Russia for its Ukraine Michigan and Elijah Cummings of incursion “would not necessarily carry Maryland. over to an administration seeking to U.S. Representative Adam improve relations between the U.S. Schiff of California, ranking Democrat and Russia,” the official said. on the House Permanent Select Flynn, a retired U.S. Army Committee on Intelligence, said lieutenant general, was an early Flynn’s departure does not end the supporter of Trump and shares questions over his contacts with the his interest in shaking up the Russians. establishment in Washington. “The Trump administration He frequently raised eyebrows has yet to be forthcoming about who among Washington’s foreign policy was aware of Flynn’s conversations establishment for trying to persuade with the ambassador and whether he Trump to warm up U.S. relations with was acting on the instructions of the Russia. president or any other officials, or A U.S. official said Flynn’s with their knowledge,” Schiff said. departure, coupled with Russia’s The committee’s chairman, Republican aggression in Ukraine and Syria and Devin Nunes, thanked Flynn for his Republican congressional opposition service. to removing sanctions on Russia, “Washington D.C. can be a removes Trump’s most ardent rough town for honorable people, and advocate of taking a softer line toward Flynn — who has always been a soldier, Putin. not a politician —deserves America’s Flynn’s leaving “may make a gratitude and respect,” he said.
needs of the business
for the following positions. The successful applicants must:
BOAT PAINTER
CERTIFIED DIVERS / LIFEGUARDS
-Have a proven and unblemished track record of employment -Have a valid passport -Have at least 5 years’ experience in boat repair, including working with fiberglass and other dangerous chemicals -Positive and disciplined attitude toward work -Trustworthy and reliable disposition -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business
-Hold a valid diving certification of Open Water Diver or higher -Be at least 25 years old -Have a clean criminal record -Have a valid passport -Hold a valid certification in CPR and First Aid -Have at least 3 years’ experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. Other experience in the tourism industry would be an asset -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business TOUR DISPATCHER -Have at least 3 years’ experience dispatching tours -Possess the ability to remain calm in a high stress environment -Be well spoken with English as primary language -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business -Have a valid passport -Be at least 25 years old -Have a clean criminal record TOUR GUIDES -Be at least 25 years old -Have a clean criminal record -Have a valid passport -Hold a valid certification in CPR and First Aid -Have at least 3 years’ experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. Other experience in the tourism industry would be an asset -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business SALES ASSISTANT / LABOURER -Minimum of 3 years general sales and merchandising experience (Sales Assistant) -Proven and unblemished track record of employment -Positive and disciplined attitude toward work in a customer service oriented business (Sales Clerk) -Excellent communication, inter-personal and customer service skills -Trustworthy and reliable disposition -Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable
WATERSPORTS OPERATIONS COORDINATOR -Have a proven and unblemished track record of employment - High school diploma/ Bachelors -Dive Instructor or higher professional dive rating from an internationally recognized organization -Five years’ experience in a related position -C.P.R. and First Aid - Extensive knowledge of all standards and procedures with regards to international dive regulations -Ability to repair scuba equipment. -Basic knowledge of boat engine maintenance/repair -Basic knowledge of compressor maintenance and repair -Detailed knowledge of dive shop and watersports operation, organization and recording/ logging protocol. Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including on weekends and Public Holidays, as necessary to meet the challenging needs of the cruise ship schedule and/or reasonable needs of the business ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT OFFICER -Minimum 2 years’ experience in cruise allocation and allotments -Minimum 2 years’ experience in cruise dispatch -Basic accounting background -Certificate in office procedures -Computer literate - Proficient in Quick books -Excellent written and verbal communication skills -Excellent organizational skills -Possess a valid driver’s license Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders Written applications only and accompanying CVs/resumes must be addressed to the Manager at the following address: Cee’s Plaza, Suite No. 1 Church Folly PO Box 86 Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Islands
OASIS DIVING, LTD. c/o EPIC Corporate & Consultancy Services Ltd. Phone: 649-946-1128 Fax: 649-946-1128 Email: oasisdiv@tciway.tc
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FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 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:
The Maintenance Department requires: ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Electrician Room Technician A/C Technician Plumber Stove Technician
✓
Reports to:
To work closely with the Rooms Division to ensure that the physical appearance in and around the room is as per the Resort’s established quality and standards; to ensure that the furniture, fixture, A/C’s, plumbing and equipment are properly maintained, and to provide a prompt and efficient response to all guest service requests in a timely and courteous manner. Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: • Must have a minimum of a high school diploma and/or a certificate in a field of engineering from a recognized Vocational Training Institution • Basic computer literacy and internet knowledge is preferred These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders (note however more than one is required). Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time. Labour Carpenter Painter Tile layer/Mason Mason/Painter Pool Operator
To work closely with the Rooms Division to ensure that the physical appearance in and around the room is as per the Resort’s established quality and standards. Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: • Physically fit with the ability to lift and bend. • Knowledge of pool chemicals and required levels (Pool Operator) • Minimum 2 years’ experience in a related position.
Managing Director
Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: • College or University Degree • Three years minimum management experience of an EHS Department; • Relevant Certifications; The Environmental Health and Safety Manager position is vacant; recruitment to fill this position is underway at this time. Should a suitable local applicant not be found a permit application will be submitted.
Information Technology Manager
Reports to:
Loyalty and Travel Consultant
Senior IT Manager and Director of Information Technology
The Information Technology Manager will be responsible to promote user awareness for the safe and secure management of all equipment and applications and be responsible for all I.T.-related problems, encompassing hardware, software, telecommunications and other infrastructure as assigned by the Department.
Reports to: Loyalty and Travel Manager Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: • Certified Guest Service Professional preferred • Sales experience (Loyalty and Travel) • Ability to go above and beyond for guests This position is currently held by Work Permit Holders (note however more than one is required). Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time. The range for this position is $6.25 to $6.75 per hour plus commissions The Bar Department requires: Bartender Bar Porter Cocktail Server/ Pool and Beach Server Bar/Beverage Manager
Have a full knowledge of mixology and the use of all bar equipment, glassware and ingredients. Maintain a clean and efficient bar. Have an excellent command of guest service information and consistently practice excellent service with a friendly smile. Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: • Two years’ experience within a casual restaurant setting preferred • Physically fit • No food allergies These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders (note however more than one is required). Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time. The Dining Room Department requires:
Reports to:
Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Reports to:
✓
The Loyalty and Travel Department requires:
✓ ✓
✓
The Information Technology Department requires:
The range for these positions is $6.25 to $13.00 per hour
Reports to:
There are currently Manger on Duty or Night Managers with on island status however more than one is required. Recruitment to fill this position is underway at this time.
The salary for these positions ranges between $ 25,000.00 and $35,000.00
These positions are currently held by a Work Permit Holder.
✓ ✓ ✓
Qualifications and Experience: ▪ Minimum of an Associate’s Degree ▪ Minimum of 2 years’ experience managing a team in a hospitality environment ▪ Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Is responsible for ensuring the Health and Safety of the Resort, Property, Guest and team Members; overseas the Fire, Food Handling, Injury and Incident Management portfolio.
Reports to: Chief Engineer
✓
Senior Manager on Duty
This individual manages the Resort’s operation at night and takes care of all guests concerns during this time. Directs and coordinates the activities and oversees the staff of all departments in operation at night in the absence of their managers.
Reports to: Chief Engineer
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Manger on Duty or Night Manager
Server/ Waiter/ Waitress Hostess Restaurant Manager
To provide prompt, courteous and professional service to all patrons; monitoring service standards and assisting where possible, ensuring the smooth flow of the restaurant operation and enhancing the guests’ experience. Standard Specifications: Qualifications and Experience: • Two years’ experience within a casual restaurant setting preferred • Physically fit • No food allergies These positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders (note however more than one is required). Recruitment to fill these positions is underway at this time. The range for these positions is $6.25 to $7.00 per hour
Applicants should satisfy the following criteria: • Must demonstrate a high level of Integrity and professionalism. • Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. • Must be able to prepare monthly reports to relevant team members, (i.e. General Manager, IT Regional Manager and Group IT Director). • Must be able to troubleshoot and resolve technical IT related problems. • Must be able to monitor and support hardware maintenance by performing repairs on site or engaging authorized external technicians. • Must be able to maintain and secure timely backups of data systems, ensure backup integrity by performing timely restore testing operations. • Must be able to maintain and perform Software upgrades and testing and advise in a timely manner of their success or failure. • Provide 24 hour on call support whenever this is required by the property. • Must be able to work on shifts including nights, weekends and public holidays whenever this is required by the property. • Must be able to work extended hours on short notice during critical or emergency situations. • Must be willing to relocate, if required to do so. Qualifications and Experience: • Undergraduate degree in an Information Technology related discipline or an Associate degree with IT certification (e.g. A+, MCSA, and MCSE). • A minimum of 2 years working in an IT business environment; would be an asset. Knowledge and Skills: The incumbent must be proficient and knowledgeable in the following areas: • Microsoft windows configuration, installation, maintenance, and support. • Computer PC hardware, software systems and programs • PC networks, installation and administration • Troubleshooting PC Network and Network computer Hardware • Computer viruses and security • E-mail, MS Office Suite and Web based programs. Additionally the following would be an asset in this position: • Experience with Database Administration, MS SQL 2008 and Virtual Environments. • Supporting and troubleshooting of VOIP telephony, TCP/IP and WIFI Networks There is currently an Information Technology Manager with on island status however two are required. Recruitment to fill this position is underway at this time. Should a suitable local applicant not be found a permit application will be submitted. The salary for this position ranges between $ 28,000.00 and $40,000.00
Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or placed in the secure drop box at the service gate or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn The Labour Commissioner Labour Department Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
and
The Human Resources Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186 Lower Bight Road
and should reach not later than February 24th 2017
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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BUSINESS &
TECHNOLOGY
Big U.S. banks to push for easing of money laundering rules
America’s largest banks are to propose a complete overhaul of how financial institutions investigate and report potential criminal activity, arguing that rules imposed in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and strengthened during the Obama administration are onerous and ineffective, sources said. The Clearing House, a trade association representing the largest U.S. banks including JPMorgan Chase & Co, Bank of America and Citigroup, has long raised concerns about the effectiveness of the current rules, but this will be the first time A Citibank branch logo in the financial district of San Francisco, California the group has publicly called for them to be revamped. “Now we tell banks to file a (report) on banks do not investigate and report The proposal, which could be everything that might be criminal,” every transaction that could possibly published as soon as Thursday, will said Gary Shiffman, CEO of raise a red flag, according to people set the stage for an intensive lobbying compliance software maker Giant Oak. involved in the effort. effort targeting bank regulators and “But when everything is a priority Instead, banks would focus members of the Senate and House of nothing ends up being a priority.” on investigating and reporting Representatives finance committees. The number of suspicious activity transactions based on specific President Donald Trump has said he reports rose from 669,000 in 2013 to concerns relayed to them by law wants to cut costly regulations for almost a million in 2016, according enforcement. Under this approach, Wall Street. to U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes banks could shift their focus, as law To keep drug traffickers and Enforcement Network (FINCEN), enforcement priorities change. terrorists from laundering money which enforces anti-money laundering Institutions in different parts through the U.S. financial system, rules and collects data on suspicious of the country may also watch out for federal law mandates that bank transactions from banks around the certain types of criminal transactions, employees file a Suspicious Activity country. based on information from authorities. Report (SAR) with authorities if they Complying with anti-money For example, law enforcement could suspect transactions could be part of a laundering rules, including the warn banks in the southwest of the crime. manpower needed to file suspicious United States to look out for drug Faced with record penalties activity reports, costs U.S. companies traffickers moving funds to Mexico, in recent years over failures to alert as much as $8 billion a year, the according to people involved in authorities to criminal activities, Heritage Foundation estimated in a drafting the proposal. banks say they now over-report, filing report last year. The Clearing House will also hundreds of thousands of SARs out of The Clearing House will call for the creation of an informationfear of later falling foul of regulators. propose a new system under which sharing platform that would allow
Facebook launches app for watching its videos on TV
The Facebook logo is displayed on their website in an illustration photo taken in Bordeaux, France, February 1, 2017 Facebook Inc is launching an app for smart TVs that will help the social network’s users enjoy its videos on a bigger screen. The app will roll out soon from app stores for Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV and Amazon Fire TV, the company said in a blogpost on Tuesday. The blogpost also said users can scroll through their news feed and simultaneously watch videos on their timeline. Sound also fades in and out as one scrolls through videos in news feed now. Videos in news feed have previously played silently — one needed to tap on a video to hear its sound. The Wall Street Journal reported last month that Facebook was creating an app for TV set-top boxes that would bring the company closer to live video and video advertisements. Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg during a post-earnings call said this month that the company expected a major ramp-up in hiring and other spending during 2017 as it invests in video and other priorities. The company last year expanded its live video product, Facebook Live - a potential threat to broadcast television.
banks to share data among themselves about possible criminal transactions. For international banks, the group will push for the U.S. Treasury’s FinCEN to be responsible for investigating compliance, rather than the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, a main bank regulator. Since FinCEN is already responsible for sharing threat data with law enforcement agencies, the agency will be better able to determine if banks are making a substantial contribution to law enforcement efforts, the bank group will argue. ‘NEW SET OF EYES’
It remains to be seen what kind of reception such a proposal will get from U.S. law enforcement officials and regulators, who have spent years learning how to turn SARs into leads for fruitful investigations. A FinCEN spokesman pointed out dozens of criminal cases made with the help of SARs listed on the agency’s website. The spokesman said the agency is unable to collect comprehensive statistics on how often SARs lead to successful prosecutions. Even if controls were loosened at the federal level, state regulators such as the New York Department of Financial Services may not let banks alter course. Just last month, the New York regulator imposed a new anti-terrorism regulation requiring banks to beef up suspicious activity reporting.
New Google Chromebooks cross laptops and tablets Samsung is releasing April for $549. That’s cheaper the side when not in use. Apple’s two new “premium” Google than MacBooks and many iPad Pro and Microsoft Surface Chromebooks that offer hardware Windows laptops, but still high tablets don’t have any slot, and software improvements for Chromebooks. Budget models making it easy to misplace the stylus. not available on most standard sell for less than $200. ANDROID’S ARRIVAL: models. They borrow many BECOMING A TABLET: features from Samsung’s tablets, Both new Chromebooks have Google is bringing Android apps including a touch screen, a stylus 360-degree hinges so that the to Chromebooks, broadening and an Android app store to screens can flip over into a tablet their possible uses and allowing mode. This makes them similar people to use the devices even extend the app offerings. The hope is that the new to “2 in 1” Windows offerings, when an internet connection isn’t versions will attract a broader which use hinges or have available. Many Android apps range of consumers than the detachable keyboards to turn are already designed to work K-12 students who mostly use laptops into tablets. One oddity: with phones and tablets, even Chromebooks now. Currently, With the screen faceup, the when offline. The Netflix Android Chromebooks are stripped- keyboard is on the back. Though app, for instance, supports down laptops that don’t function typing is disabled in that mode, downloads for offline viewing; Netflix on the browser requires a well in the absence of a Wi-Fi it feels odd in your hands. A WRITING live internet connection. Android connection. The on Chromebooks is still in a Here are some details on the new INSTRUMENT: Chromebooks borrow a design “beta” test mode and is available laptops: PRICING: Samsung’s element from Samsung’s Note only on a handful of devices. The Chromebook Plus starts phones. Fortunately, it’s not the two new Samsung models will be selling Sunday for $449. The battery found in the fire-prone among them. More Chromebooks Chromebook Pro, with a faster Note 7 phone, but a stylus that will get Android when the Pro processor, will come out in late fits into a spring-loaded slot on comes out in April.
䘀伀刀 䄀䰀䰀 夀伀唀刀 䄀䐀嘀䔀刀吀䤀匀䤀一䜀 一䔀䔀䐀匀 䌀伀一吀䄀䌀吀 ⠀㘀㐀㤀⤀ⴀ㌀㌀㤀ⴀ㔀㠀㜀㤀 漀爀 䔀䴀䄀䤀䰀㨀 猀甀渀䀀猀甀渀琀挀椀⸀挀漀洀 䄀昀昀漀爀搀愀戀氀攀 刀愀琀攀猀 簀 䠀椀最栀 瘀漀氀甀洀攀 琀爀愀昀昀椀挀 簀 刀攀氀椀愀戀氀攀
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FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
WORLD NEWS BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY
Fake news is ‘killing people’s minds’, says Apple boss Tim Cook
Apple CEO Tim Cook is urging governments and technology firms like his own to help stem the spread of falsehoods Fake news is “killing showed a relatively modest people’s minds”, Tim Cook, the audience was there. head of Apple, has said. The Trump’s spokesman, Sean technology boss said firms such Spicer, insisted that the event had as his own needed to create tools attracted “the largest audience that would help stem the spread ever to witness an inauguration of falsehoods, without impinging ” and Trump said he believed the on freedom of speech. crowd went “all the way back to Cook also called for the Washington Monument”. governments to lead information Images from the moment campaigns to crack down on fake Trump was taking the oath showed news in an interview with a British the crowd was relatively small and national newspaper. The scourge went nowhere near as far back of falsehoods in mainstream down Washington’s National Mall political discourse came to the as the monument. Other evidence fore during recent campaigns, suggested a relatively small crowd during which supporters of each in attendance. side were accused of promoting Senior aide Kellyanne misinformation for political gain. Conway later characterised “We are going through the Trump administration’s this period of time right here falsehoods as “alternative facts”. where unfortunately some of Fake anti-Trump stories the people that are winning are during the election included one the people that spend their time in which it was falsely claimed trying to get the most clicks, not that he had groped the drag queen tell the most truth,” Cook told and television presenter RuPaul. the Daily Telegraph. “It’s killing Hillary Clinton was scrutin ised people’s minds, in a way.” over her claim that there was “no And the US president’s evidence” her emails had been team has been caught sending hacked because the FBI director, aides out to insist that a James Comey, had concluded it huge crowd had attended his was likely they had been. inauguration, when the evidence A study by economists
at Stanford University and New York University published two months after November’s US presidential election found that in the run-up to the vote, fake antiClinton stories had been shared 30 million times on Facebook, while those favouring her were shared eight million times. It said: “The average American saw and remembered 0.92 pro-Trump fake news stories and 0.23 pro-Clinton fake news stories, with just over half of those who recalled seeing fake news stories believing them.” But it called into question the power of fake news reports spread on social media to alter the outcome of the election, saying that, “for fake news to have changed the outcome of the election, a single fake article would need to have had the same persuasive effect as 36 television campaign ads”. Nevertheless, Cook demanded action to decrease the reach of fake news. “We need the modern version of a public service announcement campaign. It can be done quickly, if there is a will.” He added: “It has to be ingrained in the schools, it has to be ingrained in the public. There has to be a massive campaign. We have to think through every demographic... It’s almost as if a new course is required for the modern kid, for the digital kid. “In some ways kids will be the easiest to educate. At least before a certain age, they are very much in listen and understand [mode], and they then push their parents to act. We saw this with environmental issues: kids learning at school and coming home and saying why do you have this plastic bottle? Why are you throwing it away?”
Verizon close to Yahoo deal, price cut of $250-350 million Verizon Communications Inc is close to a revised deal to buy Yahoo Inc’s core internet business for $250 million to $350 million less than the original agreed price of $4.83 billion, according to a source briefed on the matter. Since last year, Verizon had been trying to persuade Yahoo to amend the terms of the acquisition agreement to reflect the economic damage from two cyber attacks. A source told Reuters that the deal, which could come as soon as this week, will entail Verizon and Yahoo sharing the liability from potential lawsuits related to the data breaches. Another person familiar with the situation said the price cut was likely to be around $250 million, a figure that Bloomberg reported earlier on Wednesday. A representative from Verizon declined to comment. Yahoo did not immediately respond to requests for comment. “Maybe this isn’t quite as much of a discount as initially thought, but it’s at least something,” said Dave Heger, senior equity analyst at Edward Jones. Verizon hopes to combine Yahoo’s search, email and messenger assets, as well as advertising technology tools, with its AOL unit, which Verizon bought in 2015 for $4.4 billion. Verizon has been looking to mobile video and advertising for new sources of revenue outside an oversaturated wireless market. But Sunnyvale, California-based Yahoo has been under scrutiny by federal investigators and lawmakers since disclosing the largest known data breach in history in December, months after disclosing a separate hack. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has launched a probe into whether Yahoo should have disclosed the breaches, which occurred in 2013 and 2014, sooner, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal last month. On Wednesday, Yahoo sent a warning to users whose accounts may have been accessed by intruders between 2015 and 2016, as part of a data security issue related to the breach it disclosed in December. A person familiar with the matter said notifications have gone out to a mostly final list of users.
Canada’s Trudeau tells EU: the world needs you Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised the European Union on Thursday as an unprecedented model for peaceful cooperation, in a speech to EU lawmakers that contrasted sharply with the critical stance of U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking to the European Parliament a day after it backed a comprehensive free trade deal between Canada and the EU known as CETA, Trudeau said the 28-nation bloc had a crucial global role to play. By contrast, Trump has questioned the value and future of the EU and has applauded Britain’s shock decision to leave it. “You are a vital player in addressing the challenges that we collectively face as an international community ... Indeed the whole world benefits from a strong EU,” Trudeau told delighted EU lawmakers in his speech, delivered in English and French. Canada and the EU share a belief in democracy, transparency and the rule of law, human rights, inclusion and diversity, said Trudeau, who is also due to visit Germany on his European tour. “We know that, in these
times, we must choose to lead the international economy, not simply be subject to its whims,” he added. CETA AS MODEL TO TRUMP? With the passage of their trade deal, Canada and the EU offer a counter to Trump, who has withdrawn from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and wants to rework the North American Free Trade Agreement. Trump told Trudeau in talks in Washington on Monday that the United States would only be “tweaking” its trade ties with Canada. For Canada, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the EU is important to reduce its reliance on the neighbouring United States as an export market. For the EU, it is a first trade pact with a G7 country and a timely success after Britain’s vote to leave the bloc last year harmed its credibility. Brexit supporters want to focus more on reviving trade with former British colonies, including Canada. “We are in a globalised world and how we make sure that we are turning that into opportunities for small businesses and our citizens is
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shakes hands with European Parliament President Antonio Tajani. the challenge of our time,” said Trudeau. Trump got elected partly by those who felt opportunities were slipping away, fearing for themselves and their children, Trudeau said, anxieties shared by people in Canada and Europe. “Hopefully this spring the vast majority of the provisions of CETA are going to start impacting small business, workers, consumers. People
will immediately begin to see the tangible benefits that come from trade deals such as this one.” Both Canada and the EU have to ensure that CETA, set to come into force in months, worked. “If we are successful, CETA will become the blueprint for all ambitious, future trade deals. If we are not, this could very well be the last. So make no mistake, this is an important moment for us.”
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We hire smiles!!! The Resort holds Job Fairs every month to find Talent… we hire the personality and train the individual. 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. 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 (Saturday and Sunday). The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that applicants will be contacted for an interview via Text Message. Please forward your resumes to secure an interview date and time. Feel free to drop your resumes in our secure resume drop-box at the Service Gate, or email it to mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com, or fax to 649 946 4870.
There are vacancies from Entry Level to Management positions: Below are some of the openings in our departments (this inviting Turks and Caicos Islanders applicants:
list is not exhaustive)
and we are
• Administration (Night Manager/ Manager on Duty) • Accounts (Accountant, Clerk etc.) • Bars (Beach and Pool Server, Bar Porter, Bartender etc.) • Concierge (Agent, Junior Concierge etc.) • Cost Control (Porter, Clerk etc.) • Dining Room (Server, Supervisor, Restaurant Manager etc.) • Engineering (Certified skilled technical persons.) • Environmental Health and Safety (Manager) • Entertainment (Animator, AV Technician etc.) • Front Office (Agent, Bellman etc.) • Gift Shop (Assistant Manager, Sales Representative) • Grounds (Supervisor, Grounds man) • Gym (Gym Attendant) • Housekeeping (Houseman, Room Attendant, Linen Room Attendant etc.) • Island Routes(Tour Specialist [promoting and booking island tours]) • Kids Kamp (Attendant/ Counselor) • Kitchen (Cooks Grade 1,2 and 3) • Laundry (Attendant) • Photoshop (Photographer, Sales Representative ) • Projects (Assistant Project Manager, Construction Supervisor, MEP Engineer) • Sales (Junior Sales Executive) • Security (Officer, Supervisor) • Spa (Certified skilled therapist) • Stewarding (Steward) • Travel and Loyalty(Travel and Loyalty Consultant[returning guests bookings]) • Watersports (Towel Runner, Waterpark, Beach and Pool Attendant, Dive Instructor etc.)
Applicants will be contacted via text only to confirm your interview Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn or dropped off in the “Resume Box” at the Service Gate or Employment Services- Labour Department
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Tcifa Takes Weston, Florida In The 2017 Weston Cup & Showcase
The Weston Cup & Showcase, hosted by Weston FC and sanctioned by Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) and US Club Soccer, is Florida’s premier President’s Day Weekend Tournament for boys and girls under 8 to under 19. It is the largest youth football tournament in Florida, hosting hundreds of teams from all over the world on multiple playing fields. The tournament, expecting to see roughly 700 teams this year, will commence on
February 18th through February 20th, 2017, in the heart of Broward County in Weston, Plantation, Miramar, and Davie. The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) has chosen four age groups from the grassroots programme to compete at the bronze level; namely boys under 9, girls under 10, boys under 11, and boys under 12. The bronze division is primarily suited for lower
level Division 2 teams and new traveling teams seeking competitive competition. Under 9- 10 groups will play 7-a-side games, whilst the under 11-12 will play 9-a-side, with a guaranteed minimum of 3 games per team. All four teams have dedicated themselves to putting in a tremendous effort with training for the upcoming tournament. Not only only does this tournament afford them the
opportunity to play the sport they love on a larger competitive scale and build team morale, but TCIFA endevours to build self-reliance, self confidence, social skills, and communication skills, as these positive effects have lifetime developmental benefits. For more information, please contact TCIFA Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Candia Ewing, at 946-5532 or cewingtcifa@ gmail.com
Candace Hanchell graduates from FIFA’s Female Leadership Development Programme The FIFA Female Leadership Development Programme (FLDP) is an initiative that identifies, supports and develops strong female leaders, a part of FIFA’s commitment to its ten key development principles for women’s football. Candace Hanchell, TCIFA Executive Director with responsibility for Women’s Football, was selected as one of the thirty-five participants from the six FIFA confederations to attend its second edition. The FLDP is ran in partnership with THNK School of Creative Leaders which takes participants through a series of workshops, practical sessions and extensive field work. Each participant is paired with a mentor to guide them through the development of a personal project, translating into tangible benefits for girls and women’s football. The course was implemented in three modules and ran over a course of nine months: the first and second modules took place in Zurich,
Switzerland at the FIFA Headquaters during June 6th-9th and September 5th-8th, 2016 respectively. The third and final module which took place in Amsterdam, Netherlands at the THNK Center came to an end on February 9th, 2017. Hanchell stated “it was a pleasure being mentored by Mrs. Yolanda Kortman and having Sarah Murray as my Accelerator Coach and Debra Shaw as my Peer Coach. It was truly an awesome experience, and I look forward to continuing these fruitful relationships. I am excited about the new perspectives of football that were brought front and center by all of the participants. The network that we have build is in itself a positive and empowering tool. I look forward to the day when the norm is simply to have an unlimited amount of females sit on Football Executive Boards who are empowered by mandated voting rights. I am positive that the FLDP,
Graduates my fellow colleagues and I will be the driving force for this complete empowerment.” Birthing from the FLDP will be Hanchell’s accelerator project
Candace Hanchell and graduates
Group photo with FIFA Secretary General, Fatima Samoura
- the “Empower Me” U15 girls league, correlating with educational and career workshops. TCIFA anticipates supporting the project’s implementation.
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SPORTS
Samuels cleared to bowl in internationals
West Indies allrounder Marlon Samuels has been cleared to resume bowling in international cricket by the ICC. Samuels was banned from bowling at the international level for 12 months in December 2015, after his action was found to be illegal for a second time in 24 months. The offspinner’s action could be reassessed by the ICC only after the 12-month period ended, and Samuels underwent tests on January 29 at the ICC-accredited testing centre in Loughborough. According to an ICC release, the tests revealed the elbow flex for his offspin deliveries was within the permitted 15-degree limit.
If the umpires find issues with his action going forward, they can report him again, and then he will require further analysis of his action by the ICC. Umpires will be provided with images and video footage of his reworked bowling action, the ICC said, to help them judge his action in games. Samuels was reported during the Galle Test against Sri Lanka in October 2015, and subsequent tests revealed he was breaching the 15-degree limit. That was the third time Samuels’ action had been reported; the first instance was in 2008, when he was called for a suspect faster ball after the third Test against South Africa in Durban.
He was later suspended from bowling in international cricket but after remedial work on his action, was permitted to bowl in September 2011. Then, once again, he was reported during the Mumbai Test against India in November 2013. Following tests, he was allowed to bowl the offbreak delivery but not his quicker ball. Samuels last played for West Indies against Pakistan on the tour of the UAE in SeptemberNovember 2016. He was left out of the squad for the tri-series in Zimbabwe that followed. West Indies’ next assignment is the home ODI series against England, starting from West Indies can throw the ball to Marlon Samuels to March 3. have a bowl once again
I have no reason to stay in athletics, says Bolt Jamaican sprint great Usain Bolt says he has no regrets about his decision to retire from athletics in 2017 as he has accomplished everything he wants to in the sport. Bolt will hang up his spikes following the world championships in London in August, bringing the curtain down on a career that has delivered eight Olympic gold medals. “I’ve just done everything I wanted to do in the sport,” Bolt told Reuters on the red carpet at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Monaco. “I asked (former U.S. sprinter) Michael Johnson the same question, ‘why did you retire when you were on top?’. He said the same -- he had done everything he had wanted to do in athletics so there was no reason to stay in the sport. Now I understand what he means.” Bolt completed a ‘treble treble’ of 100m, 200m and 4x100m Olympic titles at the 2016 Rio Games, but had his 2008 relay gold stripped last month after team mate Nesta Carter’s
Usain Bolt of Jamaica smiles as he looks back at his competition, whilst winning the 100-meter semi-final sprint, at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil re-tested sample showed traces of to take it easy because I wasn’t a banned substance. at the level I would usually be. It Carter has said he will was the first time I had competed appeal to the Court of Arbitration at this time of the year.” for Sport. Bolt is nominated for the The 30-year-old Bolt fired his Laureus World Sportsman of the team of international ‘All Stars’ Year award along with back-toto victory in the inaugural Nitro back Olympic 5,000 and 10,000 Athletics Series in Melbourne meters gold medal winner Mo last week. Farah and double Olympic tennis He ran his first individual champion Andy Murray. race of the year, burning away Real Madrid and from a modest field for an easy Portugal forward Cristiano win in the 150m sprint. Ronaldo and basketball duo “I just wanted to run and Stephen Curry and LeBron to be part of it,” he said. “I had James are also shortlisted.
Dave Cameron set to be re-elected WICB president Dave Cameron is set to be be re-elected as WICB president for a third consecutive term on March 3. Cameron, who has been the WICB president for the last four years, was the only nominee for the post according to a WICB media release. Emmanuel Nathan, who has been the vicepresident for the last four years, is also set to be re-elected for a third stint in a row in the position. It was expected that Cameron would be re-elected; the prevailing chaos in key regional cricket boards like the Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board and the
Guyana Cricket Board affords the profile players continues to be Jamaican no credible opposition. on rocky ground, the WICB - and Nonetheless, Cameron continues Cameron - drew strong criticism to polarise opinion across the when it sacked Phil Simmons as Caribbean. the head coach of West Indies West Indies are the only last September. Simmons was team to be crowned World T20 critical of what he called outside champions two times, in 2012 influences having a bearing on and 2016, but they have been selections, which did not impress at the bottom of the ladder in the WICB. Recently former ODIs and Tests. This has meant Australian allrounder Stuart they will not be a part of the top- Law was appointed Simmons’ eight-teams Champions Trophy replacement. in England in June, leaving The WICB elections, and their fans disgruntled. While the annual general meeting, will the relationship between the be held on March 3 at the board’s board and a number of high- headquarters in Antigua.
Jamaican sprinter Carter files CAS appeal
Nesta Carter Embattled Jamaican sprinter Nesta Carter has filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) after he was retroactively found guilty of doping at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, his lawyer said on Wednesday. Carter is awaiting a date to come before the CAS for his appeal, lawyer Stuart Stimpson told Reuters after confirming the appeal had been submitted to the Switzerland-based body within the 21-day deadline. “Yes, they were sent electronically today and the hard copies (sent by courier) will get there tomorrow, so they (documents) have been filed,” Stimpson said. “We’ve paid our fees and we met our time line.” Carter retroactively tested positive for the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine in 2008 and on Jan. 25 was stripped of his 4x100 gold medal along with team mates Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, and Michael Frater. The filing of the appeal came four days after the 2013 world championship 100m bronze medallist made his competitive return by anchoring his MVP track Club’s 4x100m team to second place at the Milo Western Relays in Montego, ending 17 months of inactivity. That came after clearance was given to him by the IAAF, the world track and field governing body.
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SPORTS Pats’ QB Brady says Super Bowl comeback not his best game
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady kisses one of the team’s five Vince Lombardi trophies during their victory parade through the streets of Boston after winning Super Bowl LI, in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. February 7, 2017.
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 – FEBRUARY 25TH, 2017
Cavs’ LeBron not fretting about loss of Love
LeBron James may take on a heavier workload down the stretch to make up for the absence of All-Star Kevin Love and the added wear and tear could prove costly in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ quest to repeat as NBA champions. Love will miss six weeks after having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Tuesday and while his injury will not sink the Cavaliers it could cost them the Eastern Conference’s top seed and make their road to the NBA Finals a little tougher. It’s the latest injury for a Cavaliers team already playing without injured starting shooting guard JR Smith, but not a situation the team are unfamiliar with. “It’s just our road, every season one of our key guys gets hurt,” James told reporters before his team’s shootaround in Minnesota, where the Cavaliers play later on Tuesday. “This year has probably been the worst out of all years, having our starting 2 guard out for so long and then having our All-Star power forward out for an
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena extended period of time. Just next man up.” The Cavaliers (37-16) have a two-game lead over a surging Boston in the East and might need to lean on James much more if they want to lock up the top seed, which would guarantee them homecourt advantage until at least the NBA Finals should they get that far. But having James healthy for the playoffs is the team’s top priority and likely only hope of winning a championship, which
Tom Brady set several records as he rallied the New England Patriots to an unthinkable Super Bowl win but on Monday the quarterback said his play in the NFL’s title game was far from the greatest of his stellar career. Brady authored the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history when he shook off an uncharacteristically sluggish start to lead his team back from a 25-point deficit and secure a thrilling 34-28 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons. “I don’t really think that is necessarily the case,” Brady, 39, told TheMMQB when asked if that Floyd Mayweather Jr. want to get their hands on the pot. game marked the finest work of his Hall of Fame believes a superfight between him “Maybe it will get figured out, career. Early in the game Brady missed some and MMA star Conor McGregor but it’s going to be hard when routine throws, seemed rattled by the pressure will happen sooner rather than everyone is declaring they want $100 million.” Atlanta were putting on him and threw an later. Mayweather told ESPN’s Mayweather, a former interception that was returned 82 yards for a five-division boxing champion Stephen A. Smith at Saturday’s touchdown that left New England trailing 21-0 late NBA game between the Golden who retired undefeated at 49-0 in the second quarter. in 2015, said in January that he State Warriors and Oklahoma But Brady responded with an epic second half and by the end of the game had delivered a City Thunder that the two fighters believed the fight could happen performance for the ages as he set a slew of Super are on the verge of an agreement. after McGregor said he was Bowl records, including most completions (43) and “We’re getting very, very close,” determined to fight him. 28-year-old most yards passing (466) while collecting Super Bowl the 39-year-old Mayweather told The Smith. McGregor, the reigning UFC most valuable player honors for an unprecedented While Mayweather is Lightweight Champion, obtained fourth time. Prior to leading the Patriots back from a optimistic, he said that nothing his California boxing license in 28-3 third-quarter deficit and earning a quarterback- is guaranteed until contracts are December. UFC president Dana record fifth Super Bowl title, the largest ever deficit signed. No timetable was given White offered McGregor and overturned in a Super Bowl was from 10 points, for the prospective boxing match. “Real people are having Mayweather a sum of $25 million three different times. real discussions,” Nevada State each in January for a fight. “It was one of the greatest games I have ever Athletic Commission chairman Mayweather scoffed at the offer, played in, but when I think of an interception return for a touchdown, some other missed opportunities in Anthony Marnell told ESPN on saying White was “an (expletive) the first 37, 38 minutes of the game, I don’t really Tuesday, “I’m also telling you my comedian.” McGregor last competed consider playing a good quarter-and-a-half plus opinion as the NSAC chairman at UFC 205 last November when that a lot of things need to get overtime as one of the ‘best games ever.’” said Brady. done in order to see something he beat Eddie Alvarez for the “But it was certainly one of the most thrilling for me, lightweight title to become the like this come together because just because so much was on the line, and it ended first two-division champion in there are so many parties that up being an incredible game.”
means they will have to quickly sort out how to get by during Love’s absence. “We can’t run LeBron into the ground because Kevin’s out,” said Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue. “Guys have to step up and be ready to play.” James, 32, is already averaging a team-high 37.6 minutes per game this season for a Cavaliers team that can’t seem to get by for long stretches without the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player on the court. So, with 29 games left in the regular season, the Cavaliers may ultimately decide to capitulate the East’s top seed in favor of keeping James fresh for the playoffs. But James, who has sat out only three games this season, said any extra workload would not be a burden. “I’ll rest when I retire,” said James. “As long as I’m in the lineup, we’ve got a chance. We’re good. Kev is out for an extended period of time. JR’s been out. But I’m in the lineup, obviously we’ve got a chance against anybody.”
Mayweather says fight vs. McGregor is ‘very, very close’
Floyd Mayweather during the press conference UFC history. He also held the featherweight title after knocking out Jose Aldo at UFC 200 last July. McGregor was stripped of the featherweight belt in November to focus on the lightweight division. McGregor, 21-3 in MMA competition, is not scheduled to compete in a UFC event until May to avoid putting unnecessary stress on partner Dee Devlin, who is pregnant with the couple’s first child.
Brain damage in former players fuels soccer ‘heading’ fears Scientists have found signs of brain damage that could cause dementia in a handful of former soccer players, fuelling worries about the danger of frequent knocks from heading the ball or colliding with others on the field. The small study was the first of its kind, involving post mortems on six men who died with dementia after long careers playing soccer. All were skilled headers of the ball. It suggests that some professional soccer players might risk the same long-term cognitive problems suffered by boxers and some American football players.
But experts said more research was needed to prove any definitive link between heading a football and developing dementia, and they added that the risk was likely to be minimal for occasional players. “We’ve demonstrated that the same type of pathology that occurs in ex-boxers can also occur in some ex-footballers who have dementia, but I’d emphasize this is a very small number of players,” said co-lead researcher Huw Morris of London’s UCL Institute of Neurology. “The average playing career of these players was 26 years, which is thousands of hours
of game playing, thousands of hours of practice and thousands of headers ... I think the risk is extremely low from playing recreational football.” Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and scientists said the danger of head injuries had to be weighed against the game’s known benefits in improving cardiovascular health, which actually reduces the likelihood of developing dementia. The study, published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica on Wednesday, followed 14 retired soccer players with dementia and secured next-ofkin permission for post mortem examinations for six of them.
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Pats owner unfazed with players skipping White House visit New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft downplayed the growing number of his players who have said they will boycott a visit to the White House, saying on Monday that it is America and people are free to do what they want. At least six Patriots players have publicly said they will not make the trip to the White House - a longstanding tradition among pro sports teams after winning a championship and some cited U.S. President Donald Trump as their reason. Kraft, a Trump friend and supporter who attended the presidential inauguration last month, said on NBC’s “Today” show that players were able to make up their own minds and added that members of the team have skipped the visit in the past. In 2015, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady cited a “family commitment” when he declined an invitation to be feted at the White House by former President Barack Obama after winning the fourth of his five Super Bowl titles. “It’s interesting, this is our fifth Super Bowl in the last 16 years,
New England owner Robert Kraft before Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium and every time we’ve had the McCourty, linebacker Dont’a privilege of going to the White Hightower, defensive end Chris House, a dozen of our players Long, running back LaGarrette don’t go. This is the first time it’s Blount and defensive tackle Alan gotten any media attention,” said Branch have all said they will not Kraft. visit the White House with their “Some of the players have teammates. the privilege of going (to the White Bennett touched off the House) in college because they’re controversy following the Patriots on national championship teams. 34-28 overtime Super Bowl win Others have family commitments. over the Atlanta Falcons saying But this is America. We’re all free he would not be attending the to do whatever’s best for us. We’re White House reception. just privileged to be in a position “I haven’t thought about to be going.” it. I am not going to go,” Bennett Patriots tight end said. “I can elaborate later on in Martellus Bennett, safety Devin life.”
Knicks lift ban on Oakley after arrest
New York Knicks former player Charles Oakley (center) is removed from his seat by security as fans and the Knicks bench watch during the first quarter between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers at Madison Square Garden Charles Oakley’s ban from Madison Square Garden lasted less than a week. The New York Knicks legend was banned from the team’s home games last Friday following his highly-publicized altercation with security, who forcibly removed him from the arena during last Wednesday’s game. Oakley was arrested and
charged with three misdemeanor counts of assault and one misdemeanor count of trespassing. On Tuesday, a Madison Square Garden source told ESPN the ban was lifted. Oakley’s reinstatement comes one day after NBA commissioner Adam Silver met with Knicks owner James Dolan and Oakley. Michael Jordan participated in the discussion via
telephone. “Both Mr. Oakley and Mr. Dolan were apologetic about the incident and subsequent comments, and their negative impact on the Knicks organization and the NBA,” Silver said in a statement after the meeting. Dolan said Oakley was ejected because he was being verbally abusive to security while sitting nearby Dolan. After Oakley’s arrest, Dolan suggested Oakley might have an alcohol problem, which the former Knicks forward denied. Oakley told the New York Post on Saturday following his release from jail that he was minding his own business when team security approached his seat. Dolan fired Madison Square Garden security chief Frank Bendetto, who oversaw security for former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama for the Secret Service, after the incident.
US heavyweight boxer wins court case in unanimous decision In a unanimous court decision, U.S. heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder won his latest fight Monday. A Manhattan federal jury deliberated a half hour before finding in his favor in a civil action in which the World Boxing Council champion seeks $5 million for a fight that never happened against a Russian heavyweight challenger. The 31-year-old Tuscaloosa, Alabama, boxer was not in court when the nine-person jury returned its verdict after brief deliberations. Neither was the Russian boxer — Alexander Povetkin, 37. The jury concluded
Povetkin had used a performance- that hundreds of athletes tested enhancing substance after positive for it at trace levels early it was banned by the World in 2016 because it stays in the Anti-Doping Agency on Jan. 1, body for many months. “Povetkin did not receive 2016. He tested negative for meldonium three times but then a fair trial,” he said. Attorney Judd Burstein, tested positive in a surprise test before the scheduled May fight, representing Wilder, said his client was flying from Alabama which was canceled. Meldonium has been to New York on Monday to implicated in Russia’s larger attend the trial when his plane doping scandal and a 15-month was diverted because of high ban on tennis star Maria winds. “He said that he was Sharapova that is nearing its end. grateful for the victory,” Burstein Povetkin’s lawyer, Kent said. Yalowitz, promised to appeal, Wilder is preparing for calling the verdict “a true a Feb. 25 fight in Birmingham, miscarriage of justice.” Alabama, against Gerald Yalowitz said in an email Washington.
Phil Jackson (R) and New York Knicks owner James Dolan pose during a news conference announcing Jackson as the team president of the New York Knicks basketball team at Madison Square Garden in New York March 18, 2014
Knicks retain top spot as Forbes’ most valuable NBA team
The New York Knicks are the NBA’s most valuable team for the second consecutive year despite having been shut out of the playoffs since 2013, according to a Forbes poll released on Wednesday that showed the average team value rose 9 percent. The Knicks’ value rose to $3.3 billion, up 10 percent from last year, as they continue reaping the rewards of a $1 billion renovation to Madison Square Garden, which produced new revenue opportunities from sponsorships and seating. According to Forbes, the Knicks also posted an NBA-record operating profit of $141 million last season, despite a 32-50 season record. It was the first season of the team’s new local cable deal with MSG, which paid $100 million in year one. The Los Angeles Lakers ($3 billion), Golden State Warriors ($2.6 billion), Chicago Bulls ($2.5 billion) and Boston Celtics ($2.2 billion) rounded out the top five. The reigning NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers were ranked 11th out of the league’s 30 teams with a 9 percent jump in value to $1.2 billion. The Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder all lost money last season due to excessive payrolls that triggered the luxury tax. The average NBA team’s value rose to $1.36 billion, a rise driven by the NBA’s nine-year, $24 billion media deal with ESPN and TNT that kicked off this season, a new collective bargaining agreement ensuring seven years of labor peace and substantial international opportunities for the league.
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