VOLUME 13 ISSUE 36

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

Website: www.suntci.com

Email: sun@suntci.com

VOLUME 13 - NO. 36

Tel: (649) 348-6838

$1.00

Fax: (649) 941-3281

www.facebook.com/tcisun

SEVERAL MILLIONS TO RECOVER FROM TWO HUGE HURRICANCES A

lthough Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson is not yet able to quantify the damage the country sustained from hurricanes Irma and Maria, the figure could be more than US$200 million, based on what it took to recover from hurricanes Hanna and Ike in 2008.

Back then, weather expert Robbie Berg of the National Hurricane Center said Risk Management Solutions estimated that total damage of Hurricane Ike alone cost between $50 and $200 million for the Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas.

However, early assessments suggest that Hurricane Irma which hammered more islands in TCI than Hanna and Ike combined, would have done significantly more damage than those two, followed by Hurricane Maria which gave Grand Turk and South Caicos a double-whammy.

This picture shows damages at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

Sailrock Founder establishes foundation for South Caicos and is matching up to $1 million dollars for post hurricane rebuilding efforts

The South Caicos Heritage Foundation was founded in 2017 by Colin Kihnke, President of Sailrock, to help preserve and support the South Caicos community and assist the island’s residents in the rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Irma. The South Caicos Heritage Foundation, (SCHF) is partnering with local leaders and community influencers to work alongside the South Caicos community to help restore the island’s natural beauty and historic charm.

Hurricane Irma’s strong winds tore the roofs off many of the island’s homes and damaged many others resulting in inadequate housing for many residents. One of SCHF’s primary goals is to restore the everyday lives of the South Caicos community. SCHF plans to accomplish this by providing quality construction materials to the island’s residents in order to assist the rebuilding process and by working with community leaders to ensure that the rich history

THANK YOU

and culture of the island is preserved.

Immediately following Hurricane Irma Colin and his team started working toward providing aid to the South Caicos community.

Through providing equipment, operators and logistical support from Colin’s Sailrock staff much was accomplished in a short period of time.

In unison with the on the ground efforts, SCHF has worked diligently in providing much needed building Colin Kihnke, President of Sailrock materials to residents.

Continued on Page 2

Thanks a million to FLOW for keeping us continuously connected throughout Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Your staff proved yet again that you’re the most reliable, caring, trustworthy telecommunications network and provider in the Turks and Caicos.

From Management of Turks and Caicos SUN, Airport Hotel, Occasions Ballroom

THANKS TO

We wish to express sincere thanks and gratitude to the management and staff of FORTIS TCI for restoring power to the Airport Hotel Plaza very shortly after Hurricane Irma.

Our situation demanded great ingenuity, flexibility and resourcefulness and your workers demonstrated those qualities in abundance.

From the management and staff of Turks and Caicos SUN, Airport Hotel, Occasions Ballroom, Tumble Totz Daycare.

Page 2

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS SEVERAL MILLIONS TO RECOVER FROM TWO HUGE HURRICANCES Continued from Page 1

A very high percentage of hotels, businesses and residences in Providenciales were damaged by Hurricane Irma, and this is likely to escalate the overall cost of catastrophic damages.

Officials from the Centre for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction Technology said Hurricane Irma has caused more than $10billion in damage across the Caribbean so far, making it the costliest storm ever to hit the region,

Experts from Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) are expected to be in the Turks and Caicos Islands shortly, after which there will be a more definitive cost of the damage. Several insurance adjusters are already in the country processing claims from what banking and insurance industry sources said is a record number of claimants.

As she addressed the nation post Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria at a press conference on Thursday September 28th, the Premier said that the TCI does not have the local expertise and they are awaiting the UNECLAC who leads on being able to say whether it will cost $250 million or $1 Billion.

The Premier said the nature of the damages across the Turks and Caicos was similar in nature and relates largely to roof damage across three levels and total destruction of homes.

Irma created significant damages to the roof structure of many

developments. Turks and Caicos post Irma received 79.6% damages to its housing stock and critical buildings, out of the 6,382 critical building and housing the hardest hit islands were Salt Cay where 100% of all the buildings received some level of damage and South Caicos at 99.1% where only two homes out of the total of 234 developments did not receive any damage.

Providenciales sustained a higher level of damage than Grand Turk coming at 79.6% and 79.1% respectively, though Grand Turk would have received a large share of level three and four damage, four being totally destroyed, North Caicos and Middle Caicos at 70.99% and 62.79% respectively, she explained.

In Salt Cay, 30 developments all received some form of damage with five being totally destroyed. South Caicos, the second hardest hit, had 232 of its 234 developments received some form if damage with 51 being totally destroyed.

In Providenciales 3,438 of its 4,319 developments received some form of damage with 284 being totally destroyed.

Grand Turk 1,030 of its 1,301 developments received some form of damage with 45 being totally destroyed.

In North Caicos, 323 of its 455 developments received some form of damage with three being totally destroyed and Middle Caicos 27 of its 43 developments received some form of damage with none being destroyed

completely. essentials I know that from island to Premier Cartwright- island we will rebuild stronger and Robinson stressed that nearly half safer for the good of our country.” or 2,693 developments of the 6,382 The Premier thanked the developments across the TCI received Cayman Island Government who level one damages. The report shows was the first outside help registered that a total of 383 homes totally through the landing of its Police destroyed or classified as level four. helicopter which moved the Police, the The Government has Governor and the Premier around the already engaged Caribbean Disaster islands initially.

Emergency Management Agency She added: “Our next priority (CDEMA) in trying to get their services was to have damage assessors come with the support of the Foreign and in and to get damage assessments Commonwealth Office (FCO). done. Having been the third overseas

“I wish to inform the people territory to be hit and one of nine of the Turks and Caicos that there are CDEMA member countries and ongoing critical assessments and I’ve with our main port of shipment ‘The already allotted to the fact that there Florida Port’ being also challenged is a post-Maria assessment being done. and closed, we begun immediately Efforts are being made and supported competing for resources in response by the FCO to obtain the services of to communication and utility UNECLAC to determine the economic challenges. My Government remains lost or impact of the storms to and committed to see the full restoration of on the islands. We will certainly be communication, electricity, water and anxious to have this consultancy done.” health services across the islands.”

She added, “The recent She continued: “As we rebuild experiences are certainly one for the and we rebuild stronger than before history books, as no one knows of with one of our four priorities being any time in recent TCI’s history that to have the damage assessments these islands have had two hurricanes completed, we are happy to have back to back or of having a category received the initial findings of CDEMA 5 hit every island in its nation. Never team and the final team was within before has this country seen the level the island within days. We remain of destruction and devastation as we grateful to CDEMA for responding so had seen and still three weeks later we quickly and we were able to get this rise. From island to island Irma left a team at work across the Turks and trail of destruction, taking off roofs, Caicos Islands.” shutting down communication and electricity and I believe that even as Damage assessment will also many continue to live without proper be done for the environment, coastline shelter, electricity and other basic in particular by coastal engineers.

Sailrock Founder establishes foundation for South Caicos and is matching up to $1 million dollars for post hurricane rebuilding efforts Continued from Page 1

SCHF’s first shipment of materials, containing over 200,000 pounds of plywood, roofing materials, lumber, nails, screws and fasteners is scheduled to arrive on island next week. It is estimated that this first shipment will be able to repair over 100 homes.

South Caicos, although not the largest of the Turks

and Caicos Islands, is an island overflowing with pride. The community is strong and is working together to make the best of this difficult situation.

We would ask that you consider being part of the rebuilding effort in South Caicos by contributing to the SCHF non-profit Foundation. Each dollar that is donated is matched by Colin Kihnke, up to

$1,000,000.

If you would like to support our cause, or learn more about our mission please visit our website at southcaicosheritagefoundation. com, or check us out on Facebook at South Caicos Heritage Foundation and Instagram at @ SouthCaicosHeritageFoundation.

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 3

Page 4

Thinking of trying out the game of golf, or joining us again?

Well now is the time with rates starting as low as

$60 * Visit www.provogolfclub.com for details. *Conditions apply

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 5

LOCAL NEWS

Building Code will be strictly enforced, Premier says

By Todeline Defralien

Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson stated that Planning Code will be strictly enforced in the Turks and Caicos Islands and persons will not be able to build or rebuild below the standard.

This statement was made by the Premier as she addressed the nation post Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria at a press conference on Thursday September 28th, at the Premiers Office, Providenciales.

She said, “All laws of the Turks and Caicos will be fully enforced, the planning code once received and reviewed will be strictly enforced and persons will not be allowed to build or rebuild below the standard. While TCI has seen a high level of percentages across the islands in damage, much could be avoided be eradicating substandard homes that also become flying debris and which cause further damage to other residential and buildings.”

She noted that this decision is for the safety of individuals and residents whose homes are sometimes destroyed by flying debris from substandard homes.

Premier, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson Cartwright-Robinson continued: “We are going to enforce the laws; it is for the safety of individuals, persons who are living in those types of towns as well as nearby residents whose homes are sometimes destroyed by flying debris from substandard homes, we have no choice but to enforce the building code. I should say that we have not had the level of destruction as we probably should have had consistent with a category 5 is because of our building code. Our building code is to 180 miles per wind once we build in accordance with the law.”

“Following Ike we would have also changed the roofing structure,

changed our culture a bit from the overhang with the porch where the wind goes in and lift it up, so we have a tighter cap. You would find that a lot of the Ike homes not the EU homes but homes that received roofing after Ike may have just received the level one or level two where there is a little tarpaper, shingles or tiles lost because of the tight cap but I can say to you that we will review our code and we will strictly enforce our code. We cannot be complacent in allowing people to live in such dangerous conditions,” she explained.

One of the recommendations coming from CDEMA is for Residents to use the standing seam or anything of like quality.

“Those tools alone can strengthen and protect roofs so we would look at all of that because tarpaper and shingle is cheaper not everyone can afford the wooden shingles or the standing seam and we need to put it within people’s reach as well,” Cartwright-Robinson stated.

Robinson noted that recourses will increase across the board and if the TCI is going into the recovery phase planning, mapping and surveying in crown land unit has to be strengthened.

“We do know that the resources must be put in place and the good news is for some of those areas we already have assistance afford from places for the critical periods that we will need them, so all we have to do is stagger the recourses that will come in while seeking to recruit permanently because this recovery process is not going to be over two weeks. We do know that they’re critical departments and that’s one of the functions of the task force who will be given priority from the Government but they will also look at realistic timelines and the recourses that are necessary.”

The Premier stressed that one of the major social issues that the Turks and Caicos Islands has, is persons living on land that doesn’t belong to them and this is why the Government believes that the building code being strictly enforced will help to minimize those numbers.

“This is why in the recovery task force we will have to focus on social and have housing alongside with health and education because there are persons who are displaced completely and they can’t rebuild because the land that they were living on was not theirs,” she said.

Fortis TCI says no major additional damage from Hurricane Maria

FortisTCI said there are no additional major damages to the electricity infrastructure across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) as a result of Hurricane Maria.

Additionally, only minor outages occurred during the passing of the storm, impacting very few of the nearly 4,000 customers whose electricity was restored following Hurricane Irma.

In a press release, the company said that on Saturday, September 23, after the ‘all clear’ was issued by the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), FortisTCI local crews resumed restoration of services, which had been temporarily suspended to prepare for Hurricane Maria.

On the same day, 60 members of the Fortis team visiting from Canada and Grand Cayman returned to Providenciales and joined the local

crews across the islands on Sunday, September 24.

FortisTCI, supported by its parent Company Fortis Inc., is keen on restoring electricity to the TCI as quickly as possible and has recently signed an agreement to deploy an additional 60 utility workers across the TCI. These additional crews will assist with repairing and rebuilding the transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure in areas severely damaged or destroyed.

President and CEO Eddinton Powell said, “Our T&D systems across the islands suffered considerable damage as a result of Hurricane Irma, and unlike some of our Caribbean neighbors, the TCI was fortunate to have experienced minimal impact from Hurricane Maria, which has allowed the Company to resume restoration very quickly. While full recovery will take some time due

President and CEO of Fortis TCI, Mr. Eddinton Powell to the extensive damage caused

by Hurricane Irma, the additional utility workers expected to arrive this week will provide significant added resources. It is important that we build and repair the system fast, and

it is equally important that we build and repair the system to be strong and resilient.”

To assist customers affected in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, FortisTCI is waiving account penalties from September 7 through November 30 of this year. FortisTCI also announces that as of Wednesday, September 27, the Provo and North Caicos offices will open to the public during regular business hours. The Company hopes to open its Grand Turk and South Caicos offices to the public during the following week.

FortisTCI would like to remind customers that the electricity system will remain stressed and susceptible to failures from hurricanedamaged equipment and components for some time even as work is ongoing to rebuild the system. Your patience is appreciated.

Scotiabank launches critical debt relief program for customers affected by hurricanes

Scotiabank is announcing a three (3) month Customer Assistance Program, a relief effort designed to help their customers in the Turks and Caicos Islands, St. Maarten, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands, and Dominica who have been severely impacted by this year’s destructive hurricane season.

Customers in the countries mentioned above will have all loan payments including mortgages, personal loans, credit cards and lines of credit automatically suspended until October 31st, with no action required from the customer.

If the customer requires

additional time, they can defer their payments for a further two (2) months until December 31st.

Customers will not be required to make any principal or interest payments, however, interest will continue to accrue and will be payable in monthly installments at the end of their loan.

Customers who wish to opt out of this payment moratorium will be asked to contact their branches immediately by calling the Contact Center at (649) 941-7774.

This temporary suspension on payments will allow customers the time needed to assess their personal circumstances and to let us know if

they wish to defer their loan payments up to an additional two (2) months.

Customers wishing to exercise this option are asked to contact their bank representatives through Scotiabank’s Contact Center before October 31st.

Customers are also invited to contact the Bank to discuss any financial needs not included in the Customer Relief Program.

“The impact of this active hurricane season on our customers and the communities in which we operate has been devastating,” says Brendan King, SVP Caribbean Region. “We want to play our part in the rebuilding process by giving our

customers one less thing to worry about. Scotiabank’s commitment to the region, our customers and our employees is unwavering during these very challenging times.”

Scotiabank had previously announced a donation of US$500,000 towards the relief effort as part of their contribution to the rebuilding exercise. Half of this money will be channeled through the Canadian Red Cross that already has active societies in the affected communities, with the remainder being directed to initiatives supporting young people in these areas.

Page 6

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

UK can’t use £13BN foreign aid budget to help its overseas territories

Hurricane Irma caused and British Overseas Territories, widespread destruction in the UK- claimed the rules were “outdated”. owned territories of Anguilla, the He said: “It is absolutely British Virgin Islands and the Turks essential we change these rules.

“It is ludicrous that we and Caicos Islands.

But rulings from the spend £13billion of aid but we cannot Organisation for Economic use any of that money to help our Cooperation and Development overseas territories.

“The rules were put in (OECD) that are enshrined in UK law, stop money from being sent to place to avoid ‘trade for aid’ deals the islands because they are too well with wealthier nations but they are off – even though their economies, outdated and should be replaced.” buildings and infrastructure have Tory MP Philip Davies been decimated by the furious storm. added: “It is absolutely ridiculous

Now Theresa May faces that we cannot use any of our bloated demands to change the “ludicrous” overseas aid budget to help British rules and allow British aid to be overseas territories devastated by spent on British islands in need. the hurricane.

Conservative MP James “You couldn’t make it up that an Duddridge, formerly a Foreign Office overseas territory doesn’t qualify for minister who oversaw the Caribbean overseas aid. Surely the Government

will see sense and stop this madness and take control of taxpayers’ money and spend it on our priorities.”

Earlier this week it was revealed a portion of the foreign aid budget was being spent on a project to help Chinese workers quit smoking despite Government pledges not to issue money to developed countries.

In a report into the Government’s aid commitments, researchers found hundreds of thousands of pounds was being handed to University projects aimed at helping relatively wealthy nations.

Loughborough University was handed £537,717 to research low energy ways to keep houses in India cool during the summer, while Sun Yat-Sen University received £133,584 to find out how to cut smoking rates

among migrant factory workers in Guangzhou, China.

A spokesman for the Department for International Trade said: “Reform of Official Development Assistance was one of the Conservative manifesto pledges and we are looking at how the current rules apply to disasters.”

It comes as Boris Johnson visits the island of Anguilla to offer both military support and vital supplies to the nation.

Addressing those gathered at the home of Anguilla governor Tim Foy on Tuesday, Mr Johnson admitted he “hadn’t seen much of the island yet”, but that what he saw was “very surprising”.

(From UK Express newspaper)

Beaches closed until December 14th

Beaches Resort and Spa, the biggest hotel and largest private sector employer in the Turks and Caicos Islands, will be closed un December 14tth, 2017.

In a media statement, Chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart, said: “After thorough assessment of the work that needs to be done, Beaches Turks and Caicos will be pleased to accept guests beginning December 14, 2017. The red carpet will be rolled out at and will be better than ever.”

He added: “We sincerely regret the inconvenience this brings to guests with upcoming holiday plans.

We truly understand the importance of your family vacation and we look forward to exceeding your expectations

at Beaches Resorts. With that said we are happy to re-accommodate your stay at one of our Beaches Resorts located in Jamaica or to any available Sandals Resort, or reschedule your travel dates for Beaches Turks & Caicos.”

Stewart, who visited the Turks and Caicos Islands immediately after the hurricane, said he was “truly humbled by the spirit of community and cooperation that has brought this small but mighty country through the storm.

He added: “I am also very impressed with the amount of work that we have been able to accomplish in the last three days. To my staff at Beaches, led by Managing Director, Don Dagenais and his phenomenal

Chairman of Sandals Resorts INternational, The Hon. Gordon “Butch” Stewart, OJ, CD, LLD team, thank you for all that you did and continue to do to care for our guests as you care for your families.

I have heard the stories and know how you calmed nerves and brought comfort. Your tremendous dedication is the most important reason our guests return. I thank you! To our guests, your patience and good humor as we enacted our hurricane protocols was sincerely appreciated.”

Stewart said the hurricane and recovery have been “extraordinary for too many people are our thoughts and prayers go to those impacted”.

He continued: “We are among the lucky ones and we are counting our blessings. As you continue this week, I hope that you will consider your own good fortune and the family and friends around you that make getting through life’s storms a little easier.”

UK Issues warning about travel to British Overseas Territories

The UK has warned against essential travel to two of its British overseas territories because of the impact of Hurricane Maria – the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), after damage caused first by Hurricane Irma and then Hurricane Maria.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued the advice in updated foreign travel advice today in the case of the TCI, and yesterday for the BVI.

The FCO pointed out that in both cases, Hurricane Maria’s passage

added to the extensive damage caused

by Hurricane Irma, and advised against all but essential travel to those places.

“Communications have been damaged in the region, including in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Commercial flights have resumed in and out of Providenciales. You should continue to follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders,” it advised.

“If you are considering travelling to the Turks and Caicos Islands, you should plan very carefully

and ensure that you have your own contingency measures in place. There has been widespread damage to infrastructure and communications with many homes and buildings damaged. Access to medical supplies, food and water are limited and power supplies have been affected. Please be aware that our ability to provide assistance to you will be extremely limited. If you are in the Turks and Caicos Islands, you should keep your departure options under regular review.”

Similar advice was given on

travel to the BVI.

“There is widespread damage to infrastructure with a large proportion of homes and buildings very badly damaged. Access to medical supplies, food and water are extremely limited and power supplies have been affected. Communications have been damaged in the region, including mobile phone networks.

The security situation remains stable, with minor reports of looting. You should be aware that our ability to provide assistance to you is extremely limited at this time,” it said.

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 7

LOCAL NEWS

No new cases of Zika, Premier says

By Todeline Defralien

Following the passing of two major hurricanes (Irma and Maria) in the past few weeks, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hon. Sharlene CartwrightRobinson reported that there are no new cases of ZIKA.

“There is absolutely no new cases reported of ZIKA, chikungunya, dengue fever, norovirus, nothing of that sort and we thank God that we have none. We are managing the health issues. The Health team has been moving around the islands.

Environmental Health is doing the same,” she said at a press conference on Thursday September 28th, at the Premier’s Office, Providenciales.

She added that the Health Department is not low on supplies and they are on top of the health issues.

Zika is a viral disease with symptoms that are similar to other mosquito borne illnesses such as dengue and chikungunya. These include rash, mild fever, pink eye, muscle or joint pain, and general malaise. However, many persons will not experience symptoms but will still be able spread the disease if they are bitten. While symptoms can be mild, or even non-existent, one concern is that the disease can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and cause complications to the infant such as microcephaly, a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected for its age and sex.

Unfortunately, there is no specific medication to treat Zika and there are currently no vaccines to prevent it. If you suspect you have Zika, please seek medical attention at your nearest clinic.

Symptoms of Zika can be managed by: Getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids to prevent dehydration, taking medicines, such as acetaminophen, or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain, do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs such as Aleve or Ibroprofen until Dengue has been ruled out.

Since Zika is primarily transmitted by the bite of the Aedes species, the best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Premier, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson Interventions to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and to prevent mosquito bites are most effective. The general public therefore plays an important role in Zika reduction/prevention.

Invest Turks and Caicos is open for business

Turks and Caicos Islands is open for business and the country remains an investment destination of choice, says Invest Turks and Caicos.

The Turks and Caicos Islands have been impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, with the islands of Grand Turk, South Caicos and Salt Cay being hit hardest.

In a media statement, Invest Turks and Caicos said: “We recognize that the recovery period in the short and medium term will be a challenging one, however we remain a resilient

nation and are encouraged by the commitment and dedication of the Turks & Caicos Islands’ Government to restore the entire chain of islands to its brilliant shine in the coming months.”

It added: “We are happy to report that Turks & Caicos Island Government offices have been reopened – please note that business hours are 9am – 3pm until further notice.

Additionally, many businesses in Providenciales are fully operational and most hoteliers are completing repairs and preparing to be reopened to receive visitors for the upcoming

Message from the Energy and Utilities Commissioner and the Director of Planning As a result of the passage of hurricanes IRMA and MARIA and damages sustained to several buildings across the Islands.

Property owners who sustained damages are advised to have their electrical installation assessed by a qualified electrician. Wiring installations that have been

damaged must be repaired and determined to be safe for the reconnection of electricity supply.

Please note, Government Inspectors will be conducting inspections to verify safety of electrical installations for the reconnection of electricity supply.

CASHIER JOB OPPORTUNITY WEST INDIE Small boutique in Regent Village Grace Bay is looking for the services of a Cashier.

Successful applicants will: - Have a strong command of the English language - Be able to work weekends, public holidays & late nights - Have previous retail experience - Have knowledge and experience in POS system - Vend HQ: both sell and product function - Have experience in retail merchandising, packaging and display - Be able and willing to perform physical tasks, including moving stock, decorating, shifting heavy objects - Be motivated & take initiative - Have project management and organisational skills - Be dependable & reliable - Be knowledgeable about the island Remuneration is $7.00 per hour Please hand deliver your cover letter and CV to West Indie, A108 Regent Village, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos.

“BELONGERS NEED ONLY TO APPLY”

tourist season. Commercial flights have resumed at the Providenciales International Airport, supermarkets are opened, many restaurants are offering full services and the Grace Bay Beach remains as beautiful as ever.”

The statement said that investing in the Turks & Caicos Islands will help us to rebuild our islands and return normal lives to our people.

“Our doors at Invest Turks and Caicos remain open for business. Our Invest TCI team is waiting to serve you. We welcome all inquiries,” the statement added.

No boat landing in Blue

ontrary to reports made by the media of a possible illegal migrant vessel landing, the Department of Immigration and Ministry of Border Control and Employment wish to inform the public that there has been no such landing.

Following reports made to 911, an investigation was carried

out by the Task Force Team who later confirmed that there had been no illegal boat arrival.

The Department of Immigration, through its Task Force, will continue to monitor activities of migration and further encourages residents to remain vigilant and to continue reporting any suspicious activity.

Page 8

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

TurksPremier and Caicos Statement from Hon. Sharlene Post Cabinet Meeting Statement Cartwright-Robinson on crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands

His Excellency the Governor, Dr. John Freeman, chaired the 21st meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday September 27, 2017 at the Hilly Ewing Building in Providenciales. All Ministers were present.

At this meeting Cabinet:

• Received a report from the Minister of Home Affairs – The Minister provided a complete list of the relief distributed, Shelter Reports and reported on the CDEMA Rapid Assessment Report.

• Received a report from the Minister of Health with particular emphasis on management of liquid and solid waste, vector control program, NHIP Expenditure, Primary Health Care services and inventory.

The Minister also confirmed that there were no confirmed cases of Zika or other mosquito borne illnesses.

• Received a report from the Minister of Infrastructure who

Temporary relocation of Revenue Department & Treasury

provided a complete Report on Government Buildings damaged; Displaced Government Offices both rented or owned; and reported on the causeway.

• Received a report from the Minister of Education on Schools and Proposal for reopening. The Minister will give notice of the resumption of Government schools therewith.

• Received a report from the Minister of Tourism on the Marketing strategies, resort closures and opening dates of hotels.

• Received a report from the Minister of Border Control and Labor on the Restoration of critical Immigration services.

• Received a report from the Premier on the concessions given through DDME application and Hurricane Expenditure Report. The Premier also provided an update on the critical needs on all islands.

• The Deputy Governor provided an update and informed

The Ministry of Finance building in Butterfield Square, Downtown, Providenciales, sustained extensive water damage with the passage of Hurricanes Irma & Maria, therefore the Revenue Department and Treasury have been temporarily relocated to the Customs House on Airport Road, Providenciales offering limited services.

The due date for payment of taxes were as a result extended to September 30th 2017. Tax payments can now be made at the

Customs Department through Thursday, 27th September during the hours of 9 am to 3 pm.

Grand Turk Customers are likewise directed to visit the Treasury to make tax payments before 3PM on Thursday. North & South Caicos Customers must contact the District Commissioner to file and remit payment.

Please note payments can only be made in cash or by check at this time.

Blue Water Divers is looking to hire two (2) full time PADI Dive Instructors with the following qualifications for the upcoming Season: Applicants Must Possess: •PADI OSWI (or higher) Certification •Mechanical skills/background •Small boat handling and STCW/or boat captain’s licence a must •Valid Driver’s Licence •Familiarity with scuba dive equipment, PADI Standards, Rules and Regulations Fluent English Starting Pay $1200/month All interested applicants possessing these skills are encouraged to apply. Please send resume via email to info@grandturkscuba.com

Royal Key Properties

Looking for a hands-on Multi – Property Luxury Villa Manager. Candidates must be educated and hold experience in Hospitality and Event Planning.

Responsibilities for the successful candidate will include hiring, training, and personnel management. In addition, management of all required administrative functions related to financial matters including accounting, budgets and payroll. Experience in accounting, construction, legal, curating and logistics is a necessity.

Qualifications: - Education in Hospitality from a recognized institution - Minimum of 10 years experience in Multi – Property / Villa or Hotel management - Multi Lingual – Well spoken English is mandatory; the other preferred languages are French and German - Experience in working with reservation systems - Experience in personnel and payroll management - Service Training experience - Possess the skills to create and follow budgets, track revenue, computers, planning and Organization.

- Must possess social and dining etiquette skills - Must demonstrate leadership and motivational skills Please send resumes to jason@blueonwater.com

Cabinet on the Resumption of Government Services noting that Government will be operating on reduced working hours from 9am – 3pm until further notice.

• The Governor provided an update on the state of the Governor’s Residence, Office and the state of the Police Headquarters.

• Received a report from the Attorney General which informed on the condition of their offices, the Courts and the Department of Public Prosecutions.

• Noted that the National Recovery Plan is in draft form and will be presented to Cabinet for approval. Cabinet agreed to consider and decide upon this at its meeting on 3 October.

• Received a report on the Department of Planning Action Plan from the Minister of Infrastructure.

• Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.

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.

WSGBL is seeking suitably qualified individuals in the following areas: Public Area/Pool and Beach Supervisors Assume all general responsibility for property’s public areas •Supervise property service staff, including scheduling and daily assignment of tasks, and maintaining personnel records •Address and attend to Public Area staff complaints •Develop and implement public area maintenance procedures •Supervise grounds keeping staff •Supervise Pool and Beach Staff •Look after guest related services in common and public areas •Maintain Cleanliness of Resort Property including Pools, Walkways, Beach Area, and other Common Areas •Procure, maintain inventory and train in the usage of Cleaning, pool maintenance and other chemicals Ideal candidate should have a minimum of ten years experience in the hospitality industry, including at least five years at a supervisory or management level, a Bachelor Degree or equivalent Certification in Hospitality Studies, training in safety services including First Aid and CPR. Good oral and written communication skills, and valid driver’s license are required Salary commensurate based on qualifications and experience.

Maintenance Supervisor Assume all general responsibilities for property maintenance •Provides supervision to general maintenance staff, including scheduling and daily assignment of tasks •Address and attend to maintenance staff complaints •Design and implement preventative maintenance schedules and procedures •Appliance repairs •Procure and maintain adequate levels of maintenance tools and supplies •Work alongside outside contractors to ensure property is properly maintained •Valid Drivers License Ideal candidate should have a good working knowledge of general maintenance requirements. Experience in general building systems – mechanical, electrical and plumbing is also required. Certification, and at least five years experience in maintenance service provision including HVAC, and strong oral and written communication skills are a must.

Salary commensurate based on qualifications and experience.

Please submit applications via email to admin@whitesandsongracebay.com

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 9

alexandra resort | beach house | blue haven resort | blue haven marina

YACHT AID GLOBAL BRINGS RELIEF

BLUE HAVEN MARINA & YACHT AID GLOBAL DELIVER SUPPLIES TO GRAND TURK The Mega Yacht, Dorothea III and the Yacht Aid Global team arrived in the Turks & Caicos Islands to deliver clean water and other household supplies to Grand Turk on Tuesday, September 26th to assist residents affected

by Hurricane Irma and Maria’s devastation. With the help of Adam Foster of Blue Haven Marina and Victor Van Cleeff of the Turks & Caicos Collection, the yacht was able to dock and distribute the much needed supplies. A team from Blue Haven Marina also went over to assist with distribution efforts. Hats off to everyone for such a great effort in supporting these beautiful islands.

turks and caicos collection all inclusive resorts

turksandcaicoscollection.com

Alexandra Resort alexandraresort.com +1.800.284.0699 +1.649.946.5807

Beach House Turks & Caicos beachhousetci.com +1.855.946.5800 +1.649.946.5800

Blue Haven Resort & Marina bluehaventci.com +1.855.832.7667 +1.649.946.9900 +1.649.946.9910

Page 10

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Sailrock steps up with relief efforts for the South Caicos community following Hurricane Irma

On September 7, 2017 Hurricane Irma reached the Turks and Caicos Islands bringing with it winds of over 150 miles an hour, storm surges, and driving rains.

The storm affected many residents around the Caribbean and South Caicos was hit hard by the massive Category 5 storm. Incredibly, there was no loss of life reported anywhere on South Caicos and for that all residents are extremely grateful.

Downed power lines and poles, damage to many homes and the shipping port, and total interruption to all cellular and wireless communication were just a few of the issues residents woke up to on the Friday morning following Hurricane Irma. Storms are not new to the TCI, but the magnitude and proximity of Irma left significant damage and infrastructure challenges on South Caicos.

Although it was clear South Caicos had been significantly impacted, the after-morning brought with it a tremendous amount of support and goodwill.

Residents, local government and relief agencies

went to work immediately to assess damages, and meet the needs of the South Caicos Community. Graceway IGA, FortisTCI, and Lime were all on island within days of the storm and the Sailrock team was there to meet them and offer manpower, materials, and support.

Sailrock’s water truck distributed water from East Bay Resort’s reverse osmosis plant to residents for days after the Hurricane.

This 2,500-gallon water truck made rounds for over a week and Sailrock employees made certain that everyone who needed water was able to get it.

FortisTCI faced the tough challenge of restoring electricity to the remote island. Many power poles had snapped in half due to the force of the wind and lines were down all across the island. When the FortisTCI team began experiencing equipment issues, Sailrock was there with heavy equipment and operators to reset poles and provide assistance as quickly as possible. Soon after, power was restored to some key locations including the South Caicos airport, water plant and medical center. Although many still await

power, including Sailrock Resort, much progress has been made.

Another major concern after Irma was the damaged condition of the sea port. South Caicos relies on this port for deliveries of food and other supplies on a daily basis. With the port out of commission, there was fear of being cut off from critical necessities. Once again, Sailrock’s equipment and operators stepped in to make the needed repairs to the port, making it passable for larger ships to deliver supplies and aid. The port is now fully operational and South Caicos is receiving shipments without issue.

A storm of this magnitude brings with it difficult days and there is a long road ahead to restore South Caicos. But, the spirit of support and cooperation, the resiliency and the commitment to the community are all part of what makes this little island so special.

Sailrock is one of the many organizations committed to being a part of the recovery plan on South Caicos.

In addition to providing labor, equipment and materials, Colin Kihnke, President of Sailrock, has

established the South Caicos Heritage Foundation. This 501c3 organization’s immediate mission is to raise money to provide relief, repair and restoration to the South Caicos community while long term it will continue to support, preserve and promote the rich culture, history and environment of South Caicos.

The Foundation has committed to raise $1 Million, all of which will go directly to the relief, restoration and recovery of South Caicos and Colin Kihnke has personally pledged to match every donation up to $1 Million Dollars. The Foundation has already mobilized and shipped 5 containers of roofing materials to be used exclusively for repairing and/or replacing roofs on houses and businesses in Cockburn Harbour Town.

To learn more, and to donate to the Irma Relief Efforts please visit https://www. southcaicosheritagefoundation.com

There is much work ahead but quick responses and a tireless support network will go a long way to getting South Caicos back on the path to a bright future!

Jay Saunders’ company Domus Semo Sancus (DSS) nominated for 4 A-team 2017 RegTech (Regulatory Technology) Awards

Domus Semo Sancus (DSS), a Turks & Caicos Islands financial technology startup created by E. Jay Saunders, has been nominated for 4 A-Team 2017 RegTech (Regulatory Technology) awards for its Enhanced Due Diligence Cognitive Search and Crime Prevention Tool SafetyNet.ai (www.safetynet.ai). The categories in which DSS were nominated are:

 Most innovative use of KYC software for client on-boarding

 Most innovative use of AI in regulatory compliance solution

 Most innovative cloudbased regulatory solution

 Most Innovative compliance as a service solution

The RegTech Awards have been designed to acknowledge those companies who are creatively finding solutions to help with regulatory challenges.

DSS is the only company from the Caribbean that was nominated, and

one of only a few companies with multiple nominations. The awards ceremony will take place in New York City on the 16th November 2017 during the RegTech Summit for Capital Markets. Headline speakers for the event include Thomas Dunlap, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs and Julia Bardmesser, Global Head of Data Integration, Deutsche Bank.

E. Jay Saunders, Chairman and CEO, DSS will demo SafetNet. ai at the summit during the RegTech Showcase event and he will also form part of the panel discussing the topic “Applying innovative technologies to manage risk and improve onboarding, KYC and AML”.

Other nominees for the 2017 RegTech Awards include industry veterans Accenture, BearingPoint, Bloomberg, Deloitte, IBM, KPMG, LexisNeixs, Oracle, PWC, and Thomson Reuters. “The industry that our clients operate in is ever changing and the risks for them are high.” stated E. Jay. “Our clients put a lot of faith

and trust in us, and that’s why we spend a lot of time and effort to ensure that SafetyNet can help them mitigate risk at a local and global level. To have SafetyNet recognized by the A-Team is a great honor.” he further commented.

To vote in the 2017 RegTech Awards go to http://datamanagementreview. com/awards. Voting closes 4th October 2017.

Domus Semo Sancus (DSS) Ltd, founded by E. Jay Saunders, is a financial technology company that is building tools to encourage financial inclusion and bridge the e-commerce divide.

SafetyNet.ai is DSS’ award winning enhanced due diligence (EDD) cognitive search and crime prevention tool. It helps companies comply with K.Y.C and A.M.L. rules and regulations by harnessing the combined artificial intelligence power of IBM Watson, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

For more information on Domus Semo Sancus, visit: www.semosancus.com.

Jay Saunders

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

It's here!!

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS’ NEWEST RADIO STATION

I’m Locked in already A delightful blend of today's R & B and Old Skool hits!

Gospel music from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. every day.

Page 11

Page 12

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

CIBC donates US$450,000 to support Hurricane Irma humanitarian relief and rebuilding efforts

CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) is donating US$450,000 to support organizations providing humanitarian relief to areas impacted by Hurricane Irma.

The funds, which include a donation through CIBC FirstCaribbean’s ComTrust Foundation, will be distributed through the Red Cross and other local relief agencies.

“Hurricane Irma has had a devastating impact on the islands in the northern Caribbean, particularly the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten,

Anguilla, and Grand Turk,” said Gary Barbuda, The Bahamas, and St. Kitts Brown, CEO, CIBC FirstCaribbean and Nevis -- were affected by the storm.

International Bank. “We stand by our Operations have restarted in all but two colleagues and clients during this difficult of the islands, St. Maarten and Anguilla, time, and are committed to working and the bank is working closely with its closely with our clients, colleagues, and employees and clients as recovery efforts communities to recover and rebuild. The begin. road to recovery in some of the hardest hit CIBC FirstCaribbean has areas will be long, but we will help each approximately 3,000 employees in other through it.”

17 countries in the Caribbean. The

In total, seven islands where PrivateBank and CIBC Atlantic Trust CIBC FirstCaribbean has operations – Private Wealth Management also have the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, offices in Florida, which have been Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, Antigua and impacted.

Gary Brown

29 year old arrested on suspicion of murder

Detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating an incident that occurred on Tuesday 12th September 2017 that left a 44 year old male dead in Providenciales.

Around 7pm, Police responded to the parking lot area of Club Pillows The Bight,

where information was received that the 44 year old male got into a physical altercation with another male, he became unresponsive and was taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

While at the Hospital he was pronounced dead.

A 29 year old male is arrested on suspicion of Murder in connection with this report.

Investigations are ongoing into this matter.

Anyone who was present at that location when this incident occurred, the Police would like to hear from you. Please contact Chalk Sound Police Station at 338-5901/941-8067 and Crime Stoppers 1-800-8477.

 Be available to respond to emergencies at all times outside of regular working hours, as may be required by plant contingency.

SENIOR ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN Description Responsible for carrying out effective preventive and corrective repairs to plant control and electrical equipment and other company assets in a manner consistent with equipment manufacturer’s specification and standard electrical practices and as directed by the Plant Production Manager or his designate Main Duties  Conduct competent and effective preventative and corrective electrical maintenance on all rotating and stationary electrical equipment owned and operated by Fortis TCI in a cost effective manner consistent with manufacturer’s operating and maintenance guidelines in a manner that ensures the highest reliability and efficiency from these units.  Responsible for performing all levels of electrical preventative maintenance without supervision on all generating units and plant auxiliary equipment in a manner consistent with equipment manufacturer’s guidelines.  To be highly knowledgeable of and competent in the electrical spares parts required by the generation units and supporting electrical systems at the power plants owned and operated by Fortis TCI and to identify and recommend to the management staff of the Division the spares parts that are needed for maintenance.  Display a profound knowledge of underlying theoretical and operating principles of all electrical equipment used in diesel fired operation and to utilize this knowledge in developing the Technical competence and capacity of assigned junior maintenance personnel.  Prepare comprehensive job reports and failure analysis report.  Competently use proper tooling during equipment repair and safeguard and maintain tools and other electrical repair equipment.  Operate shop tools as needed to fabricate, repair, weld, solder, cut, drill, etc.  Maintain records and reports as required (including inventory of necessary parts).  Demonstrate leadership and commitment in ensuring that maintenance activities are performed by self and team members in full compliance with the company’s Environmental, Health and Safety policies and procedures when on the plant site and during the execution of work duties.  Make recommendations (supported by data) to management staff in the Division of new techniques, tooling and processes to improve maintenance activities and increase overall plant efficiency.

Minimum Requirements  Successfully complete all the units of module in NCCER Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 (or equivalent) and have at least 10 years industrial experience in the operations, maintenance and repair of diesel generating stations. An Associate’s degree (or equivalent) in the electrical engineering trades will be an accepted equivalent academic qualification.  Successfully complete NCCER Crew Leadership Program (or equivalent supervisory/leadership training).  Significant experience in failure diagnostics, trouble shooting and carrying out all levels of preventative and corrective electrical maintenance/repair of large generation units and in particular Wärtsilä 20V32 generating units and Caterpillar 3600 Series units is required.  Significant experience with and competency in the use of computers, PLCs and standard computing software programs.  Significant experience in high voltage installation, maintenance, and repairs.  Above average analytical skills in math and principles of diesel engine machines  Excellence in interpretation of engineering drawings and manuals.  Professional competency in written and oral communication skills in English.  Must display a high competency in the use of computers and standard engineering and office computing software programs utilized in maintenance activities, reporting and record keeping.

Abilities, Skills, Experience, Aptitude & Judgement  Excellent team player and team building skills  Excellent written and oral communication skills  Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure  Goal-oriented  Self- motivated Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is October 10, 2017 to: Avi Adams Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or aadams@fortistci.com

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 13

PremierHealth

This is what smart health insurance feels like!

Premier Health is a smart health insurance plan that does most of the thinking for you. From instant eligibility checks to 24/7 world-wide support, it allows you to feel in control of the choices that best meet your needs. More than half of claims are automatically adjudicated too, so paperwork is on course to be a thing of the past.

This is what it does.

63% of claims are settled automatically.

73% of claims are received electronically.

96% of claims settled in 5 working days.

Ask about

SolusHealth

individual health insurance

Now that feels good.

Ask for a quote!

Call 331-3195 or 941-3195 or visit www.cgigroup.com

COLONIAL INSURANCE BROKERS LIMITED

Suite 3D-A, Courtyard Plaza, Leeward Highway, Providenciales Tel. (649) 941 3195 www.cgigroup.com

Premier Health is a product from Colonial Medical Insurance Company Limited

A member of Colonial Group International Ltd. insurance, health, pensions, life

cgigrp

Page 14

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Tourism Minister encourages guests to visit TCI

By Todeline Defralien

After international media published an article online telling visitors to not visit the Turks and Caicos Islands after the passage of two hurricanes (Irma & Maria) in the last three weeks, Minister of Tourism, Honourable Ralph Higgs responded back with a message to encourage visitors to come back to the TCI, which will always be Beautiful by Nature.

Higgs stressed to guests that they will get some pleasure from knowing that while they are vacationing in TCI, they are helping the TCI to rebuild its islands and returning normal lives to its people.

In a press release, he said “As Minister of Tourism, I would like to encourage you to include Turks & Caicos Islands in your vacation plans right away. I can assure you that the warm hospitality which our islands have become synonymous with, will embrace you. Come back to Turks & Caicos; come enjoy our lifestyle, our people, and our hospitality, which the world has grown to love. We are open to serve you. The Turks & Caicos Islands that the world has grown to love is still here for you to come and enjoy

our casual luxe lifestyle, our friendly people, and our warm hospitality are all waiting for you.”

He added: “Hurricanes Irma and Maria did not break us; they did not steal our ability to love and serve.

These storms only exposed some of our vulnerabilities which we must strengthen. While the vast majority of our tourism infrastructure sustained minimal damages, several of our communities received direct hits from Irma. Indeed, this will cause some hardship over the short and medium term; however, we have persevered and came through with high spirits.

Our government rededicates itself to the rebuilding process on a steady path of completion in the near future.”

The Tourism Minister stated that the TCI’s tourism product will continue to evolve from the experiences it has undergone, affording them the opportunity to be more creative and innovative with the goods and services they offer.

“The Turks & Caicos Islands have adapted with resilience. Our ability to foster partnerships with key agencies, locally and internationally, will accelerate the process of recovery.

We continue to remain optimistically

Hurricane Irma Assistance

Minister of Tourism, Honourable Ralph L. Higgs confident that we will be able to return to providing the quality and excellent service that our islands are known for. Our tourism product will continue to evolve from the experiences we have undergone, affording us the opportunity to be more creative and innovative with the goods and services

we offer,” he explained.

Hoteliers are on schedule with their repairs and annual off-season maintenance schedules in preparation for re-opening, and have demonstrated their support for the welfare of their workers and the greater community as a whole.

“Irma and Maria have provided some challenging circumstances, but circumstances that present us with opportunities to forge new relationships and strengthen existing ones,” commented Nikheel Advani, President of Turks and Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association. “We are here to serve, and serve we will”.”

Most international flights have resumed normal operations as of Saturday, September 23rd. The majority of the country’s utilities services are back on line, and the workers are feverishly addressing those pending.

Category 5 hurricanes Irma which left the Turks and Caicos Islands destructed and many homeless made its passing in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Thursday September 7th while Maria made its passing on Thursday September 21st, 2017 just 14 days apart.

JOB DESCRIPTION OF MAINTENANCE WORKER The Turks and Caicos Islands Football association (TCIFA) is looking to recruit a MAINTENANCE WORKER on a full time basis. The successful candidate will be responsible for the delivery of grounds maintenance, associated services and processes that supports the operation, and ensuring the highest standards of safety, building, landscaping and grounds maintenance for the TCIFA’s employees and customers.

Responsibilities:

RBC® is here for YOU! RBC is supporting clients impacted by Hurricane Irma with: • Short-term payment waivers on mortgages and personal loans • Unsecured loans to assist with hurricane-related repairs Get the help you need with competitive interest rates and terms*

It’s All About You

•To deliver quality grounds and minor building maintenance services to the highest standard, in line with TCIFA policies, legislative, environmental and certifying authorities’ compliance and best practice.

•When dealing with customers, clients, support staff and members of the public, maintain high standards of customer care in relation to the quality and progressive image of the TCIFA. •At all times adhere to high standards in relation to Health and Safety.

•Prepare the playing surface to a high standard, undertaking all duties to ensure the best possible playing surface.

•Under the instructions of the Head GroundsAttendant, to be responsible for allocated ground maintenance tasks from start to completion including scoping the task, pricing and ordering materials, liaising with the customer, undertaking the work personally or coordinating and supervising others to ensure its timely completion.

•Take action as is necessary, under the supervision of the Head Grounds Attendant where inclement weather or other factors are predicted to ensure that games go ahead. This may involve action in relation to public areas to ensure safety.

•Ensure that the field and facilities are prepared correctly for fixtures and other events, while supporting match day operations.

•Ensure that all machinery are maintained to a safe and adequate standard. No maintenance of machinery should be carried out by employees where this may result in a significant risk to health and safety.

•Maintain the areas around the ground including hedges and car park ensuring safety for the public and good cosmetic appearance. This includes maintaining planting programme and soft landscaping.

•Maintain all the pitches to a high standard ensuring the surface is usable, safe and prepared for the playing of football •Undertake general maintenance tasks in relation to the playing surface and surrounding areas.

•Undertake general maintenance tasks within the buildings and offices.

•To ensure that all projects you are involved with are managed to the highest standards, working where required with sub-contractors and that the quality of site provision meets the needs of TCIFA’s employees and customers.

Qualifications:

Contact your RBC branch for assistance today.

*Special conditions apply. Subject to RBC Royal Bank Bahamas Disaster Relief Program lending criteria.

Limited time offer ends December 22, 2017. www.rbcroyalbank.com/caribbean ® / ™ Trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence.

•A minimum of 2 years’ experience with sports turf or horticultural background would be an advantage, but are not essential.

•A strong sense of responsibility with good communication skills is required.

•Willingness to work outdoors and in all weathers •Ability to work as a team member •Must possess a ‘can do’ attitude.

•Must have a flexible approach to meet the nature and demands of the TCIFA business.

The MAINTENANCE WORKER will be required to work approximately 44 hours per week under the supervision of the Head Grounds Attendant. In addition, you will also be required to work outside normal office hours in the evening and weekends for match days and other TCIFA events and have a flexible attitude.

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 15

Career Opportunity Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited is seeking the services of a

Personal Banking Officer Salary Range: $32,850-$46,400 Position Summary: The Personal Banking Officer is a member of the branch team and is responsible for contributing to the overall success of the branch at which they are assigned by meeting negotiated goals through the identification and satisfaction of customer needs. Success will be achieved through meeting the goals negotiated with the branch manager. These assigned goals include specific personal sales goals, sales activity goals, along with other objectives relating to teamwork, customer service and personal development.

Key Accountabilities for this role: • Identifying and satisfying the financial needs of potential customers; • Listening to and fully identifying the customer’s needs to link the identified need to appropriate solutions; • Using the Bank’s referral process when a referral opportunity is identified; • Initiating calls to a predetermined group of customers to retain and expand banking relationships, by offering customized solutions to customers; • Developing new customer opportunities through referrals from existing, satisfied clients and other sources; • Consistently delivering the desired customer experience during every customer interaction; • Applying the Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements including verifying and documenting Customer identity, source(s) of funds and the nature of the activity that is to be undertaken.

• Ensures all customer related activity is compliant with strict focus on Compliance requirements for same.

Functional Competencies: • • • • • • • •

Strong sales ability; Thorough knowledge of all Commercial Banking products and services; Excellent written and oral communication skills, negotiation and analytical skills; Good technical knowledge of Banking Systems and platforms; Strong Relationship Management Skills; Strong Customer Service Skills; Strong networking and interpersonal skills; Goal oriented and a self-starter

Educational Requirements: • Three years of related experience within the finance industry, in a Lending capacity; • Undergraduate Degree in Banking, Marketing or General Business

Qualified candidates should submit C.V. via email to: hrbahamas@scotiabank.com on or before Friday, October 6, 2017.

CVs may also be delivered to: Human Resources Department Managing Director’s Office 88 Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Please note: Only candidates short-listed will be contacted.

Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence (where applicable).

®

IMMEDIATE OPENING – FINANCIAL CONTROLLER Requirements: •CPA or CA equivalent with at least 10 years’ experience as Financial Controller or Assistant Financial Controller.

•At least 5 years management/supervisory experience of +5 accounting staff members at a property of similar size.

•Experience and in depth proven understanding of Rental Pool Agreements, HOA (Strata) Management Agreements, by-laws.

•Internal and External proven audit experience.

•Understanding of full insurance policies, Property, General Liability, D&O Liability, BI,…

•Complete understanding and proven experience +5 years of Executive Committee level functions.

•Advanced knowledge and skills in computer systems, most specifically, Excel, Oracle/Opera, Micros, Spa Booker, SAGE ERP, ADP, Timesaver, MXP. Experience in most of these software systems will be a basic requirement.

•Demonstrated understanding of interdepartmental relations and expectations in the luxury hotel market •Solid training proven in all areas of Accounting from A/P, A/R, General Ledger, Credit, Collections, Audit, Inventory control, Payroll, Budgeting, Costing, P&L preparation and analysis, etc Duties Include: •Managing the day to day operations of the accounting department and overseeing all accounting, IT and Purchasing staff.

•Assisting executive management, ownership and related associations with the production of financial reports.

•Directing departments in the preparation and consolidation of financial budgets and projections •Prepare, present and provide interpretation of operational reports as they impact the business finances •Developing and maintaining chart of accounts •Actively involved in yield management and revenue enhancement •Coordinate internal audits •Monthly balance sheet reconciliations and intercompany accounts •Budgeting •Maintain relations with banking and insurance institutions Salary $60,000 – Commensurate with Experience, Training & Education Interested applicants should apply to the Palms, in person, Monday through Friday 10AM to 12PM and bring along a recent C.V. Resumes can also be forwarded tocareers@thepalmstc.com Further inquiries can be made by contacting 946-8666 during business hours.

Page 16

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Keeping Well After Irma

By Dr. Marsha Barnett

We have been hit by a category 5 hurricane that has ravaged our homes, our businesses, and unfortunately, some of us, our spirits. In this very difficult time, it is important that we do the necessary things to maintain our physical and mental health as we rebuild our lives.

There are a few things that make maintenance of good health a bit more challenging after an ordeal as this. Here are a few pointers to help keep you well on the road to recovery.

COPING WITH THE LOSS OF UTILITIES

After a hurricane, there is usually a reduction or halting in water supply. It is important to have containers of water stored for cleaning the home, washing dishes, fruits and vegetables and so on and so on. Ensure you wash fruits and vegetables, clean your hands properly especially when preparing food and drink only clean drinking water which is bottled or boiled appropriately to reduce the risk of developing vomiting and diarrhea.

Many of us are also without electricity. Not having power means staying and sleeping in a hot home in a tropical climate. This leads to excess sweating that can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion especially in infants and the elderly. So, as much as possible stay hydrated and try to stay cool. Additionally, the heat can cause rashes! Most commonly, persons

develop a fine rash usually referred to as a “heat rash”, but one can also develop bacterial and fungal infections on the skin so try to wear light clothing and keep your skin as cool as possible.

TREATING POST-HURRICANE INJURIES

After a hurricane, begins the cleanup process. Clearing of debris, cutting away bushes and even opening canned foods as we prepare meals for our loved ones, increases the likelihood of being injured by a sharp object. If you step on a nail or cut yourself, clean the area, apply antibiotic ointment and cover the wound. If it’s just an abrasion, you might not need to see your doctor once you care for it properly at home.

But once it looks deep or a wide area is left exposed, see your physician as you may need stitches or professional bandaging as well as antibiotic coverage. Remember all cuts whether big or small must be covered with a tetanus vaccine. If you have not been given a booster in the last 10 years or you are unsure of the last time you were vaccinated and you have a cut – please see your doctor.

MAINTAINING MENTAL WELLNESS

The experience of a hurricane can be quite traumatizing. This is especially so for young children and for persons who lost property or were injured during the storm. It is important to allow children to get into

as regular a routine as possible. Allow them to play with friends, take them to the beach, for dinner, for picnics as so on. This will keep them engaged and cause them to feel as if their lives have not been dramatically changed.

As adults, we know things have changed at least temporarily, and this is the time to cater to your mental health. Talk to friends, family, your physician or pastor about any feelings of anxiety, sadness or apprehension you may be experiencing. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and pace yourself financially as you prioritize where to allocate funds at this time.

Watch out for changes in behavior in yourself and your loved ones. Whilst we are all familiar with a depressed individual having a sad mood and becoming withdrawn, in some persons it manifests itself in the opposite way where one becomes excitable, needs less sleep, may become boisterous and even indulge in negative behaviors such as excess alcohol intake, smoking and using mind altering drugs. We are all going through a stressful period – some more than others. We must be our brothers’ keepers and look for signs of depression, anxiety and even posttraumatic stress disorder in persons we know have been critically affected.

STAYING ON TRACK FOR PHYSICAL HEALTH We still have all the health and wellness challenges we had before the storm. In fact, if they are aggravated by stress or a less than perfect diet,

Dr. Marsha Barnett it might be even more of a problem now. Stay on your medications. Most pharmacies are open as are doctors’ offices so ensure that your blood pressure is still controlled despite the ravages of Irma and that your diabetes is ok despite the intake of canned foods and high carb biscuits and breads. It’s also the time to revert to your wellness lifestyle. Understandably, if you have no power you might be able to have a large supply of fruits and vegetables but purchase small amounts of the hardier ones. Still watch your fat and alcohol intake. Still exercise as much as possible even if it means walking on the beach now as your gym, might be closed.

Stay physically and mentally strong. The recovery has begun. *Dr. Marsha Barnett is a general practitioner who also specializes in dermatology. For questions or comments, please contact at drmarshabarnett@gmail.com or at Associated Medical Practices - 9464242.

managing accounts payable and receivable, reconciling bank statement and completing annual returns.

Job Description:

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Imperial Dry Cleaning & Laundry Centre apart of WIHL group of companies is currently seeking qualified individuals to become members of our Team.

Laundry Technician Requirements: •Install, repair and maintain laundry equipment, electrical, plumbing and related systems.

•Identity and source specialised components and tools.

•Prepare and maintain an effective preventive maintenance program and spare parts inventory.

•Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.

•Must be able to work on weekends and public holidays •5 years’ experience in a commercial laundry with additional knowledge of water management and maintenance residential, commercial and industrial properties.

•Knowledge of relevant building codes, legislation, regulations, polices and current standard procedures for installation and maintenance.

•Effective communication and negotiation skills Salary Scale: $7. 00 to $10.00 per hr. based on qualification and experience.

Bookkeeper Responsible for handling the fundamental aspects of Imperial financial recordkeeping, including recording financial transactions,

•Prepare financial statements and reports, including the profit and loss statement and balance sheet •Assist with budget preparations •Pay bills and maintain ledgers •Receive, approve, client invoices •Code payables for accounts payable clerks to input.

•Make bank deposits and receipts of money.

•Reconcile bank account and distribute money within departments •Assure expenditures are in accordance with code balances for item acquisition.

•Conduct invoice activities and pay vendors for delivered materials.

•Provide inventory support, including maintaining office materials and supplies.

•Receive requests for materials and equipment and prepare purchase orders accordingly.

•Transmit purchase orders directly to vendors for purchases.

•Prepare appropriate schedules and reports as requested by clients and partners.

•3-5 yrs commercial laundry experience.

•Bachelors Degree in Finance & Banking.

•Knowledge of DCC System.

•Draft letters, memos and proposals •Assist in daily operations •Must be able to work on weekends and public holidays •Knowledge of QB, Word, Power Point and Excel •Customer Service Focused Salary Scale: $24, 000.00 to $31,200.00 per annum based on qualification and experience.

Please Submit Applications to: hr@wihl.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department.

Submissions to be no later than August 15th 2017; Belongers need only apply.

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 17

LOCAL NEWS

Financial/Finances Drain

By Noel T. Skippings

Mr. Editor, Too often we hear about the brain drain, but seldom hear about the financial/finances drain from our country.

During the last election campaign, I spoke of the latter often.

I read recently that between January 2016 and March 2017 that one hundred and twenty one million dollars left our country from some expats working here.

Haiti is now insisting that each Haitian living abroad pays $158 when entering Haiti. Is it about time that our government charged more for money being sent out of the country?

This country is too small to allow such large drain of finances leaving, and so often.

We can correct this by employing more Turks and Caicos islanders, so that the money remains in our country and circulates. Our politicians must move lock step in making representations on behalf of our people. Some of the expats in top positions are taking advantage of our people. Some expats are disrespecting our people and treating their fellow

citizens better than us.

We must form groups or organisations to represent our people.

Most expats respect us, but some do not. Many that we employ cannot do a better job than our people. The expats’ families who are in top positions are employing them from abroad, whether they are qualified or not. We must stop this, and get those who are doing this out of the country. My guess is in the near future we will see pressure groups formed to represent our people.

If we let those expats go whom we do not need, we will prevent some of the money drain.

Another problem is employing expats without checking out their resumes and curriculum vitaes. This is a huge mistake. Some of these people are not being truthful in their applications. They do it everywhere.

Someone or a group should be responsible for checking out the expats’ qualifications and certifications. If this is done, we will be hiring less expats, and would be able to give the job to qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders.

If we have to bring pressure to bear on our politicians and others, then so be it. They are taking our kindness

SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Description  Provide Professional Transmission & Distribution (T & D) Engineering services to the company primarily in the areas of system engineering studies and operations including:  Design and management of overhead and underground line construction and T&D maintenance.  System Protection  System Expansion Planning  Technical consultation and support to the production/generation group as required.  SCADA system design and management  Manage the T&D Material and Equipment Specifications, and maintain a Materials Master File for T&D materials and equipment.  Provide engineering and operational support to Substation Operations and Maintenance to ensure optimal reliability and efficiency Main Duties  Responsible for the engineering and coordination studies completed primarily using the appropriate engineering software.  Set up and manage the T&D material specifications and coordinate and approve the T&D material purchased and stocked in stores.  Responsible for providing technical support when required on the use and development of the FortisTCI SCADA system to ensure in house capacity to perform maintenance, trouble shooting and programming.  Responsible for the T&D equipment specifications.  Responsible for the timely update of the system single line and the lock out procedures used by T&D.  Responsible for providing technical leadership to planning, construction crews and contractors with respect to line designs and system problem solving.  Responsible for the design and layout of underground and overhead transmission and distribution lines to established standards to meet the present future needs of the electrical system.  Responsible for completing cost benefit analysis for proposed Capital Budget transmission and distribution rebuilds and completing projects on time and on budget.  Responsible for interacting with customers, consultants and regulatory

Noel T. Skippings for weakness. Imagine recently hired expats saying that they will ‘move’ our people out of their jobs. Are they crazy, or are they on drugs? Let us save our country and our people.

Another area of concern is the Judiciary. It is about time that our people who apply or are interested in

being Magistrates and/or judges be given the opportunity.

This will NEVER happen as long as we have expats deciding who will be judges and Magistrates, and as long as our representatives sit idly by and do nothing. They will look out for their own, as they have done.

Politicians, you have a responsibility to make laws that certain/most jobs be advertised locally first, and if TC Islanders are interested and have the necessary qualifications, they get the jobs. All this nonsense must cease. Look at our sister islands, Jamaica, Bahamas, etc., they have their own judges and Magistrates, and rightly so.

These jokers are laughing at us. We will undoubtedly need some of the expats, but those that we can do without, we must do without them, and save much of our money leaving our country. The more money that leaves our country, the poorer the country becomes. We must wake up.

We must stop being silent when the situations call for us to speak up and demonstrate if necessary. We must not allow ANYONE to speak down to us and disrespect us.

bodies to provide high quality service to residential and commercial customers.  Responsible for ensuring that line construction is completed to establish standards.  Responsible for maintaining system reliability and ensuring that customer expectations are met in the most cost-efficient manner possible.  Responsible for assisting line crews and other technical staff in troubleshooting the electrical system for power restoration and improved reliability.  Responsible for providing input in the preparation of distribution Standards, Safety Practices and Work methods.  Providing technical and administrative supervision of the substation technicians in the execution of operation and maintenance activities.  Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time including support to the Generation department on electrical engineering related issues.

Monthly Duties  Creation of pre-defined and as needed reports on the T&D material and equipment specifications along with an analysis of how well the T&D materials meet these specifications.  Update the materials master files for T&D equipment and ensure materials management is following the specifications.  Complete timesheets accurately reflecting projected being worked on as required.  Monitor and control all expenditures, especially Overtime.

Minimum Requirements:  A Degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university  At least ten (10) years’ experience in the field of Electrical Engineering  At least five (5) years’ experience as a Senior Electrical Engineer  Ability to apply technical knowledge, experience and problem solving to complex engineering and maintenance issues.  Goal-oriented and self-motivated to apply needed initiative, attention to detail and appropriate sense of urgency to achieve desired results.

Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is October 10, 2017 to: Avi Adams Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or aadams@fortistci.com

Page 18

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Some public schools to reopen from next week

Eighty (80) percent of public schools (Twelve out of fourteen) suffered damages affecting approximately 4,014 students as a result of the passage of hurricanes Irma on September 7th and Maria on September 21st.

A press release from the Ministry of Education stated: “Immediately following the passage of the storms, the Government engaged the services of a local engineering company as well as an international engineer NGO group - UK SARAID to conduct a detailed assessment of the structural integrity of all public schools. The degree of damages to public schools ranged from minor to severe, but all were certified structurally intact.”

However, given the extent of the damages in two of the schools and the potential noise impact associated with the construction environment coupled with the potential risk to the students, the Government decided to relocate all students from the Oseta Jolly Primary and the Eliza Simons Primary into alternative temporary locations.

It added: “Providing a safe learning environment is paramount and returning students to a state of normalcy by getting students back to school is a priority of the Government. We appreciate that parents have been very understandable during this difficult time and we ask for your further patience.”

The Government stated that a three-prong approach will be implemented simultaneously to return students to school.

Strategic Approach 1

As can be appreciated, the senior students such as Forms 4 and 5 in the high schools and the Grades 5 and 6 in the primary schools should be preparing for examinations. As such, it is critical to return these students to the classroom. Priority will be given to these classes in schools which were heavily impacted.

Strategic Approach 2

While these students are settling in their schools, the Ministry of Education will continue with the needs assessment and fine tune its plans to usher the remaining students into school within the following week(s). This would entail, but will not be limited to, completing minor repair works to existing infrastructure at the schools thus making more classrooms available, or finalizing plans for alternative spaces for our students.

Strategic Approach 3 The Government is beginning the process of reprioritizing its capital programme, and in many cases has already commenced the repair work in all impacted schools, with the vision to rebuild stronger, better schools. The Ministry of Education will remain engaged with parents throughout this process and provide continuous updates directly and via the media on progress being made to fully return our students to a state of normalcy.

In keeping with the strategic approach outlined above, and acting on the recommendation from the Director of the Environmental Health Department, the following public schools throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands will be open to the specific classes of students as of Monday, 2nd October 2017: School Island/location Forms or Grades Doris Robinson Primary Middle Caicos All Grades C. Hubert James Primary North Caicos All Grades Clement Howell High Providenciales Forms 4 & 5 (report to the Long Bay High for classes) Ianthe Pratt Primary

TURKS & CAICOS WATER COMPANY d.b.a. PROVO GOLF CLUB ASSISTANT GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT The candidate should have advanced knowledge of agronomy and turf grass management practices, a working knowledge of golf course construction principles and a thorough understanding of the rules of the game of golf. Only persons with a minimum of five (6) years experience on a golf course with two years experience as a second assistant will be considered for the position.

Salary: $34,800.00 per annum Please submit applications to: Veronica Rigby, Turks & Caicos Water Company Limited, P.O. Box 124, Regent House, The Regent Village, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, Tel: (649) 946-5126; Fax (649) 946-5191; Email: ronnie@ habgroup.com Interest Belongers must also submit copies of their application to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2. Position currently held by a work permit holder. Closing date for application is October 13, 2017.

NOTICE Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 1990

An Application, REGISTERED PR13225, by CHARLOTTE MEWS LTD for REZONING OF 61112/180 FROM LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (R3) TO COMMERICAL (C1), Long Bay Hills, Providenciales, has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Outline Development Permission.

Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Emily House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, within twenty-eight (28) days of publication or service of this Notice.

Notice dated:

18TH AUGUST, 2017

Hon. Karen Malcolm new Minister for Education, Youth Sports and Library Services Providenciales Grades 6 students from the three public primary schools (Oseta Jolly, Enid Capron & Ianthe Pratt)

The Ministry of Education also stated that the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College will resume classes on Tuesday, 10th October 2017.

Students who attended the Mary Robinson Primary School on Salt Cay will be prioritized for placement into public schools on Grand Turk.

The Ministry of Education will issue a follow-up release within the coming days to advise of plans to resume schooling for students of the H. J. Robinson High, Ona Glinton Primary, Eliza Simons Primary, Marjorie Basden High, Iris Stubbs Primary, Raymond Gardiner High, Adelaide Oemler Primary, Enid Capron Primary, and the Oseta Jolly Primary.

Recognising that many students and their families may have suffered great personal loss, the Ministry of Education is relaxing the wearing of uniforms for the remainder of Term 1. Parents are expected to ensure that their children are appropriately dressed.

THE ARCHES GRAND TURK IS SEEKING AN CHEF/BARISTA Summary The Arches Grand Turk is seeking a Chef/Barista to assist with the operation of this small family owned and operated business. The Chef will be required to work irregular hours, based on the needs of the business, including weekends and holidays, and is responsible to create, prepare and cook a wide variety of menu choices for breakfast, lunch and catering . As well as associated tasks of barista, the successful applicant must be able to repair and fix appliances and coffee equipment. Salary for this position will be negotiable based on qualifications and relevant experience, payable at an hourly rate.

Successful applicant must •have the ability to be a self starter and be able to work alone •be punctual (report to your shift a minimum of 10minutes before the start time) •be able to maintain inventory levels •have a strong knowledge in a wide variety of cuisines •be able to plan a menu on a weekly basis •ensure the work space and kitchen are constantly cleaned according to Health Board requirements •Strong communications and organization skills •Proficient in English both written and verbal •Ability to work flexible hours.

•Being positive and encouraging to co-workers, and courteous to guests Mandatory Experience •handling and butchering of various proteins •preparing mise en place for each day •working with a wide variety of ingredients, starches, basic sauces •wealth of knowledge creating meals (including vegetarian choices) using basic equipment •understand and can execute a large variety of breads, pastries, croissants, donuts, muffins, cakes, pies (savoury and sweet), quiche, biscuits, salads, wraps from scratch •Barista •Minimum of 10 years experience •Supervise a kitchen •Health and safety training •First aid •Valid driver’s licence with a reliable vehicle Please note that we will be taking resumes for this position until October 6TH 2017 The Arches Lighthouse Rd. Grand Turk thearchesgrandturk@gmail.com 649-331-2399

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 19

NATIONAL CANCER SOCIETY PRESS RELEASE On September 7th, the Turks and Caicos Islands experienced what was perhaps the worst natural disaster in its history.

Despite the extensive loss to homes and properties, our people have exuded a sense of thankfulness that, through it all, God has spared the lives of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Customarily during the month of October the National Cancer Society stages 2 walkathons (1 in Providenciales and 1 in the sister islands) and its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon.

In light of the devastation caused by hurricane Irma, which left a tremendous number of families affected, some homeless, the National Cancer Society has decided to cancel all of its October 2017 events. The Executives has determined that resources would be better utilized in assisting those of our Cancer Patients who face even greater challenges in the wake of Hurricane Irma, so our focus at this time is to assess the immediate care/ need of our Cancer Patients and to make every effort to assist as needed. Additionally, as the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands now focus their attention and channel their resources towards recovery, we would not wish to place undue burden on our supporters.

At this time we are awaiting confirmation from the organizers of the annual ‘In The Pink’ as the event will not take place on its original date of October 14th, but maybe rescheduled or cancelled.

A decision on this is forthcoming.

By the grace and mercy of God, all events will resume as normal in 2018. Our mission is to make a difference in the lives of our people; we remain committed to this cause. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Turks ans Caicos.

NATIONAL CANCER SOCIETY TCI

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

Main Duties

Key Responsibilities:  Lead and participate in the layout, construction, installation, modification, maintenance and repairs to FortisTCI facilities by preparing and interpreting blueprints, plans, specifications, catalogue data and written and verbal instructions.  Plan, provide materials and schedule work for subordinate employees ensuring proper assignment, tooling and techniques in performance of duties  Mentoring of the existing work force through “hands on training and mentoring” in conjunction with training provided by outside trainers in order to assemble a knowledgeable and motivated electrical plant work force.  Maintain and install all rotating and stationary electrical equipment with particular emphasis on control systems and substation maintenance. All such work will be performed with safety, efficiency and functionality of the FortisTCI system as the guiding factors.  Maintain and install all breakers and associated equipment at the plant and in Company Substations.  Prepare instruction manuals and consolidate manufacturer’s information into a form that can be used by others to trouble shoot and maintain electrical equipment.  To prepare cost estimates and material lists for various projects for the Senior Electrical Engineer.  Assist the Senior Electrical Engineer in the preparation of capital and maintenance budgets by the preparation of cost estimates as assigned  Be familiar with all Company policies and procedures (including those established by past practice) relating to the position and to observe and enforce same.  Plan and conduct work in a manner consistent with the company’s commitment to the environment and ensure that subordinate employees are likewise in compliance.  Be familiar with safety and operating procedures of the company and see that all in the Substation Department follow them  Assist in the maintenance of statistical records required by the company  Be calm and competent in response to plant emergencies in a manner that inspires

others to do likewise.  Operate Company vehicles as required and in adherence to company policy and the driving regulations of TCI authorities.  Be professional in dress and demeanor as befits an employee and ensure that a good public image of FortisTCI is maintained at all times.  Perform other duties as may be assigned and/or required by system contingencies from time to time.

Daily Duties  Plan a weekly outline of the work to be conducted and who is to do it in conjunction with the Senior Electrical Engineer.  Submit job reports and failure analysis reports as may arise due to equipment operating abnormalities  Select the correct manuals and procedures to be used by apprentices and direct them in how to follow the documentation.  Conduct other duties as assigned by Senior Electrical Engineer from time to time Minimum Requirements  Successful completion of a 4 year high school program  Successful completion of a 2 year in a post- secondary education program, preferably in engineering trades with an emphasis on electrical technology.  Familiarity with PLC’s and their trouble shooting  Completion of Industrial Electricians apprentice program equivalent to the Red Seal program.  A minimum of 10 years’ hands on experience in high voltage application preferably in the power generation and distribution field as well as a demonstrated ability to lead others.  Familiarity with and competency in the use of computers and standard computing software programs particularly drafting

Abilities, Skills, Experience, Aptitude & Judgement  Above average analytical skills in math and electrical theories  Excellence in interpretation of engineering drawings and manuals  Professional competency in written and oral communication skills in English  Experience in working under utility emergency response condition  Experience in high voltage installation, maintenance, and repairs  Ability to function effectively under emergency situations and thinks clearly and effective and deliver within deadlines and to work under pressure  Self -motivated, solution oriented and positive in outlook  Team player

Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is October 10, 2017 to: Avi Adams Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or aadams@fortistci.com

Page 20

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation Launched with US$500K Donation to Support Hurricane Relief

Further to its recently announced relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and Maria – including expertise deployment, humanitarian aid drops and free calls for impacted customers – C&W Communications(C&W) launched the Cable &Wireless Charitable Foundation(‘the Foundation’), with seed funding of US$500Kto help support humanitarian efforts across the region.

The initial primary purpose of the Foundation will be to serve as a fundraising hub, enabling monies raised to be directed to local, regional and international agencies to execute projects in affected territories. In the longer term the Foundation will also support other charitable and community causes in the markets the Company serves. C&W also announced a concerted drive to

raise further funding from partners, suppliers and individual donors, including the launch of a ‘Text To Donate’ campaign.

John Reid, C&W’s CEO, said,“The 2017 hurricane season continues to have a grave impact upon some of the markets in which we operate, and the present situation requires a concerted effort to provide much needed relief. What has been truly uplifting, however, is the huge desire amongst our employees, partners, and customers – as well as our extended Liberty Global family– to help improve the situation on the ground. The establishment of the Foundation is our commitment to do just that – and we’re looking to get everyone involved to help drive hurricane relief and other humanitarian efforts.”

The Company provided

further details on its drive to raise further monies from partners and stakeholders across its footprint as well as that of parent company Liberty Global. C&W also announced the launch of a ‘Text To Donate’ campaign, whereby customers in the Caribbean can pledge a $1 donation to aid the relief effort through the Foundation by texting ‘GIVE’ to shortcode 2300.

In addition, the Company launched an internal payroll giving scheme for its some 7,000 employees.

Reid concluded, “We stand shoulder to shoulder with those impacted during this severe hurricane season.

The Cable &Wireless Charitable Foundation is our deep, long term commitment to drive much needed funding into markets requiring relief, to enable rebuilding efforts and the return to the vibrancy that represents

John Reid, C&W’s CEO the Caribbean culture, as well as in the long term, enable further development opportunities. Together with our employees, partners and customers we will continue to make a difference in the markets we’re proud to serve.”

DELI BAKERY MANAGER Job Requirements & Responsibilities Graceway IGA Supermarket invites applications from suitable qualified individuals to fill the listed positions currently held by work permit holders:

MEAT MANAGER Job Requirements and Responsibilities: • Responsible for superior service goals of the department • Supervise department staff to include scheduling, training and assigning duties • Implement all merchandising programs • Ensure standards of Department presentation and operations are met; including cleanliness and sanitation, inventory control, rotation, quality, ordering, variety standards, signing, seasonal schematic • Responsible for ordering and inventory control to meet department goals •Ensure the Department has the highest quality of product available for customers •Monitor to ensure variety standards are followed, as well as 100% compliance on ad item display •Ensure paperwork, as set by the Company is followed •Perform all other related duties as assigned by management •Responsible for the sales and profitability of the department by supervising the daily operations of the meat department •Must have previous experience in Droste Systems •Will be required to work nights, long hours, weekends, and holidays •5+ years Fresh Meat Buying and Cutting Experiences •Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications, Experience with Food link Online Preferred, Strong communication and negotiation skills

• Is responsible for the overall sales and profitability of the department Ensure the Department has the highest quality of product available for customers •Ensure company standards of safety, proper food handling practices, sanitation and productivity are maintained •Monitor food preparation methods, portion sizes, and garnishing presentation of food to ensure that food is prepared and presented in an acceptable manner •Ensure standards of department presentation and operations are met; including cleanliness and sanitation, inventory control, rotation, quality, ordering, variety standards, signing, seasonal schematic •Must have at least ten (10) years experience in running a Deli / Bakery department of a large retail / wholesale supermarket •Experience in Food and Nutrition and Menu Planning. Inventory management and spoilage reduction techniques are essential •Must have the ability to meet department’s profitability requirements and gross profit margin analysis •Must be computer literate and have excellent communication, organizational and people management / training skills and be extremely customer service oriented •Proven experiences in rotating, handling, stocking, and merchandising Deli products are required •Will be required to work nights, long hours, weekends, and holidays and must have previous experience in Droste Systems

Deadline for submission of applicants is October 6th 2017 Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com •Please Note: Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews.

Starting salary range is base on qualifications and experience

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

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 21

Page 22

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

1st Annual Five Cays Lobster Fest a Huge Success T

he TCI community came out in numbers to support the first Annual Lobster Fest in the Five Cays community on Saturday September 2nd.

The event attracted hundreds of individuals

who came out to experience the TCI’s culture filled with local dishes, drinks, rake & Scrap music, games and lots of other entertainment.

The event was truly one to never forget and already the

community is looking forward to next year’s event.

The following are photographs of the 1st Annual Five Cays Lobster Fest.

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 23

Page 24

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

Hurricane Irma Damages in Provo

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 25

Page 26

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

FIVE CAYS

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

BLUE HILLS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 27

Page 28

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

It takes each of us to make a difference for all of us Help us fill our Breakfast Boxes which will be going into schools this September.

Food for Thought is expanding its reach by providing breakfast items to the ten government schools not currently receiving daily breakfast.

Shopping List (Approved by Grace Bay Medical Centre) Nut/grain bar

Crackers

Fruit/nut trail mix

Instant oatmeal

Instant grits

Long life milk (chocolate milk accepted)

Wholegrain cereal

Dried fruit

Peanut butter (Smuckers Natural preferred)

Drop your donations off at Savory & Co. in Regent Village West or visit foodforthoughttci.com for current locations.

Page 29

Page 30

FUN & GAMES

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

FUN & GAMES

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 31

Page 32

Sandeep Jagger Is seeking 1 Labourer To work 6 days per week Salar $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 431-4663 AGATHA S. V. BUTTERFIELD

All About You

SEEKS Plant Worker Fisherman Bookkeeper Salary $6.50 per hour Contact: 946-3570

Is seeking a Domestic Worker To work 6 days per week Salary $200 per week Contact# 231-3892

UNDER THE TREE

IS SEEKING A CASHIER AND A RECEPTIONIST TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK SALARY $6.25 PER HOUR CONTACT# 232-4145

Rosemyrlande Aurelus

BRENDA ROBINSON

#304025

Spa Nadia- Beauty Salon

Needs (2) Cosmetologist To work 6 days per week From 10am-6pm Salary $7.00 per hour Contact: Spanadiatc@hotmail.com or call: 941-8342

#304026

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

CAICOS PRIDE PRODUCTS

OF GRAND TURK IS SEEKING A DOMESTIC WORKER/CARETAKER TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK, MONDAY TO SATURDAY SALARY PAYABLE IS $6.50 PER HOUR. PLEASE CONTACT # 243-7660/341-8501

Domestic Worker Needed To work from Monday to Friday Salary $6.25 per hour Contact# 331-8751

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

#304031

GRAND TURK NEEDS A BABY SITTER SALARY $6.25 PER HOUR TO WORK 5 DAYS PER WEEK PLEASE CONTACT: 242-8252

Trevor Cooke

Labourer Needed, Blue Hills Providenciales To work from Monday to Friday Salary $6.25 per hour Contact#332-0057 #304024

MAMA DEE’S DAY CARE

Joanel Tailor Shop

Is seeking a Tailor To work 6 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 347-3638 #304030

New Frontier Construction Ltd. South Caicos, TCI

Apex Development

Is seeking a Utility Assistant To work 6 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Please contact: 341-3884 #304029

Seeking Heavy Equipment Mechanic With technical skills on repairing and maintenance of Heavy Equipment Clean Record Must have a valid driver’s license Salary $9.00 per hour Contact # 946-3570 Email Resume at islandcrops@tciway. tc Belongers need only to apply Note: This position is currently held by a work permit holder

2 K’S CAR WASH

GLAMOUR GIRL

Needs a Labourer Grand Turk Salary $6.25 per hour To work 6 days per week Please Contact: 232-4476

Is seeking: 1 Nail Technician, ($8.50 per hour) 2 Barbers, ($8.50 per hour) 2 Hairdressers ($8.50 per hour) 1 Helper ($6.25) per hour 1 Facial person ($7.00 per hour) 2 Domestic Workers ($6.25 per hour) I Yardman ($7.00 per hour) To work 7 days per week Please Contact: 347-2707

AJ’S Plumbing Solutions

Is seeking a Professional Plumber Must have at least 3 years of experience and be able to show it To work 6 days per week Salary $6.50 per hour Contact# 649-345-5556

#304029

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

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

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

NEEDS A HOUSE KEEPER Grand Turk Salary $6.25 per hour To work 6 days per week Please Contact: 332-1557

AMBACC ROOMS

IS SEEKING A CLEANER TO TAKE CARE OF A PROPERTY TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK SALARY $6.25 PER HOUR CONTACT #244-0693 #304032

Isaac Selver

Is seeking 3 Barmaids 4 Fishermen 1 Shoe Repairman To work 5 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Contact: 231-6318

Holy Ghost Church Of The Nazarene Inc

COX JANCILLIA ALTIDORE

Is seeking a Senior Pastor To work twice per week Salary $10.00 per hour Contact # 348-9895

Is seeking a Babysitter/ Nanny To work 6 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact:344-5969

Paul Higgs

DOLPHINS RESTAURANT

In North Caicos Is seeking to employ: Gardener, Farmer & Domestic Worker To work 5 days per week Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 331-9243

Is seeking 1 Waitress To work 4-5 days per week, early mornings & late nights Must be able to work Holidays & Weekends Must be able to help out in the kitchen and other areas if needed Salary $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 348-5419

#304045

#304040

#304044

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

CARIBBEAN WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 33

CARIBBEAN NEWS

NEWS NEWS

Hurricane-hit Dominica to get £5m in UK aid to assist recovery

The hurricane-hit island of Dominica is to receive £5m in UK aid to help the recovery effort, it has been announced.

The move brings the UK Government’s financial support for the Caribbean region ravaged by two tropical storms to £62m.

Category five Hurricane Maria battered the island of Dominica after making landfall last Monday, leaving 98% of buildings damaged and thousands without power.

Almost the entire 70,000 population has been affected.

International Development Secretary Priti Patel is touring the area to see the damage caused to a number of British islands

by Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Irma.

Ms Patel announced

the latest wave of British support as she visited the Royal Navy’s flagship HMS Ocean, which delivered 60 tonnes of UK aid to the Caribbean on Friday, almost doubling the amount of aid in the region.

“The UK has pledged to give £5m to the people of Dominica, the island worst hit

by Hurricane Maria - on top of the £57m already promised to the region - to strengthen recovery following these relentless disasters,” she said.

“I have come to the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla to see first-hand UK aid in action, helping families whose lives have been ripped apart first by Hurricane Irma and then Maria.

“The UK is leading the way in the relief effort, delivering emergency food, water and shelter to those who need it most.

“We will continue to clear up after this devastation in the weeks, months and years to come.”

Ms Patel will meet families in the British Virgin Islands who have been devastated by Hurricane Irma, and she will visit Anguilla to see UK efforts to get schools and businesses back on their feet.

The Government is also doubling any UK public donations made to the British Red Cross’ Irma and Maria appeals, a pledge which has so far raised more than £2m.

The pledge of UK aid comes after the prime minister of Dominica formally requested international support to address the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria.

It will go directly towards restoring health services and increasing access

International Development Secretary Priti Patel is to tour the devastated region to healthcare in the most affected areas.

The UK is working with the UN, Red Cross

and other organisations on the ground to distribute aid, including food, across Dominica.

C&W Communications Joins Major Relief Effort for Markets Affected by Hurricane Irma

Jack Warner

Jack Warner loses fight against US extradition

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Former politician and football official, Austin “Jack” Warner on Wednesday, lost his lawsuit challenging his extradition to the United States.

Warner is wanted by authorities to answer charges of fraud arising out of a Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) bribery scandal.

Delivering a 50-page ruling in the High Court on Wednesday, Justice James Aboud dismissed the claim for judicial review brought by Warner.

That lawsuit challenged the process used by the Office of the Attorney General in signing off on the US Government’s request for his extradition in May 2015.

It now means that the extradition proceedings in the Port-ofSpain Magistrate’s Court will resume.

That matter was on hold

while Warner’s challenge was being heard.

There was agreement however for the stay on the extradition proceedings to remain for 28 days to give Warner time to consider whether he wants to appeal the decision.

Indicted by US authorities over allegations of racketeering, wire fraud and money-laundering conspiracies spanning 24 years.

Warner is charged with 12 offences related to racketeering, corruption and money laundering allegedly committed in the jurisdiction of the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, dating as far back as 1990.

Warner claims the case against him is politically motivated and accuses the United States of seeking revenge because it lost to Qatar in its bid to host the 2022 World Cup.

C&W Communications batteries. Additional shipments left (C&W) announced its latest Jamaicaon Wednesday, September involvement in joining the vast relief 13thand C&W’s operation in Antigua effort underway for those impacted delivered mobile and satellite phones

by Hurricane Irma. to the government of Barbuda, to

“Like countless other equip the teams coordinating their businesses in the region, we relief efforts. suffered damage to our property and Other C&W businesses are operations,” John Reid, C&W CEO also joining in the efforts to assist said. “And our people are responding their colleagues in the affected in the same way as so many of markets. In Grenada, for example, the communities we serve; with employees have volunteered to take kindness, resourcefulness and action. salary deductions in September, with Caribbean people are no strangers to the funds raised going towards the the impact of hurricanes, and when purchase of much-needed supplies. the going gets tough their resilience “These are just a handful of shines through.” examples from the many incredible

In the early hours of Tuesday, actions taking place across the region September 12th, C&W employees in in response to this tragedy,” Reid also St. Vincent and Puerto Rico loaded said. “It’s humbling for C&W to be aircraft with desperately needed part of this wider response and I hope, supplies and equipment bound for together, we can make a difference.”

Anguilla and BVI.

The Company’s recently

Country Manager of Flow announced deployment of BVI, Colin MacDonald, and his engineering expertise and equipment team offloaded the first shipment, to impacted markets, as well as which included bottled water, non- assistance to customers through free perishable food items, baby supplies, calls. C&W will also continue to work tarpaulins, blankets, medical with local governments and agencies kits, water purification tablets, to get supplies and expertise into the mosquito destroyers, flashlights, and affected markets.

Page 34

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Puerto Ricans still waiting for aid a week after Maria’s devastation

Puerto Rico’s governor said officials were working to get food, fuel and water “everywhere on the island” as millions of people continued to suffer without the basics and reports emerged of vital supplies stranded at Puerto Rico’s main port.

About 97% of the US commonwealth’s 3.4 million residents were still in the dark Wednesday, one week after Hurricane Maria slammed into Puerto Rico, Gov. Ricardo Rosselló said. About half the residents do not have running water.

Puerto Ricans are waiting People carry water in bottles retrieved from a canal this week in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico hours in line to get gas, food and cash. because of the magnitude of the aid might flow more fully to Puerto Rico.

Gas stations and supermarkets are destruction on the island.

“I did not solicit that to him personally rationing supplies, while banks are “This has been the biggest but it is something that would help running low on cash. catastrophe in the history Puerto Rico Puerto Rico, certainly, at least in the

“Right now we are in in terms of natural disasters,” he said. short run,” Rosselló said. emergency mode,” Rosselló said on Critics said the government’s aid effort As desperate Puerto Ricans Wednesday afternoon. “Our focus is could be improved if Washington lifted wait for aid, there’s not enough food not necessarily restoring energy. The the Jones Act, an obscure, nearly to go around. In the town of Utuado, energy grid has been destroyed. ... And 100-year-old law that requires all Lydia Rivera has started to ration we need to rebuild it. That does not get goods ferried between US ports to crackers and drink rainwater to keep rebuilt in days.” be carried on ships built, owned and her two grandchildren alive.

Asked if he thought the federal operated by Americans. The law had “No water, no food,” Rivera government was doing everything the unintended consequence of making told CNN. it can to help the island, Rosselló it more expensive to ship things from The hurricane killed 16 people said, “Well, they are. This is an the US mainland to Puerto Rico. Trump in Puerto Rico, 27 in the island nation unprecedented event. President Trump said Wednesday “we’re thinking” about of Dominica and one in the US Virgin has been in close communication with lifting the Jones Act for Puerto Rican Islands. As Puerto Rico attempts me practically every day making sure ports in the wake of Hurricane Maria, to recover from the disaster, there we have the assets, giving orders to his but he said a “lot of shippers” don’t were signs that aid sent from the US team so that they can execute.” want it lifted. mainland isn’t making it to people

The governor said getting aid Rosselló said he had not asked in need. And the US recovery efforts where it’s needed has been a challenge the President to lift the Jones Act so in Puerto Rico have been markedly

different from the recent responses to other Americans in hurricane-stricken Texas and Florida.

Federal relief efforts

With supplies running out, many Puerto Ricans are collecting water from mountain streams.

Harry Torres said the water is all they have for cleaning and drinking until help comes. They’ve heard on the radio that trucks loaded with supplies from the Federal Emergency Management Agency have arrived on the island.

“We haven’t seen any,” Torres said.

Some help began arriving. On Wednesday, a plane carrying 3,500 pounds of water, Army meals ready-toeat, diapers and other supplies headed from Florida to Puerto Rico. The plane, which usually carries out intelligence missions, returned to the US mainland with dozens of family members of federal employees.

Two military officials told CNN on Wednesday that another 2,000 to 3,000 US troops will be sent to Puerto Rico in the coming days to assist with aid. One official with US Northern Command said there are approximately 2,500 active-duty troops in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. This does not include National Guard forces.

Bahamian PM cries as he defends criticism for taking in students from Dominica AMID criticism of government’s intention to relax immigration restrictions for some citizens of Dominica, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was brought to tears as he shed light on how this process will work and outlined three categories by which Dominicans will be granted access to The Bahamas.

Giving an impassioned contribution at Parliament where he repeatedly wiped tears from his eyes, Dr Minnis, his voice at times trembling, spoke of the decimation in the island nation as he made a case regarding the government’s reasoning to assist that country. Dominica suffered widespread destruction from both Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

He questioned the fate of The Bahamas and its citizens had this country had the full brunt of these natural disasters.

In view of this, the prime minister rebuked critics and defended his decision to assist the devastated island nation, reminding Bahamians this country has received aid and assistance from many overseas partners in its time of need.

He said if Bahamians’ expressions of gratitude do not translate into generosity toward those in dire need because of these killer storms, our gratitude to God is superficial at best.

However, Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis rejected this, saying he did not think Bahamians were ungrateful to God or that the criticism of the proposal was due to xenophobia. He said there appeared to have been uproar because there was uncertainty of the details regarding how the plan to accept Dominicans would work. He said had there been

Prime Minister of The Bahamas Dr. Hubert Minnis was brought to tears as he shed light on how his government will assist students from Dominica better communication on the issue, it may not have caused controversy.

“My government proposes to temporarily relax the immigration rules for a number of school children from Dominica who wish to continue their education in The Bahamas,” Dr Minnis told Parliament yesterday.

“Permits to reside will be issued to students from Dominica, who, with the approval of parents, wish to study in The Bahamas.

“There are three categories of students who may apply: children who have relatives in The Bahamas, and who can find lodging and support from family members; college students who may wish to study at the University of The Bahamas, and who seek boarding at UB; children of parents employed in companies, banks, etc, which have offices in The Bahamas, temporary employment transfers can be arranged

with these institutions.

“The government will continue to apprise the general public on other details related to assisting children and young people from Dominica.

“I will lead a team to Dominica on Monday, October 2. The purpose of the visit is to survey the damage for myself, and for others to see the level of devastation,” Dr Minnis also said earlier in his address.

He said he has invited Mr Davis, the head of the Bahamas Teachers Union, the leader of the Christian Council and others on the tour.

“Given what we already know, the government proposes to deploy HMBS Lawrence Major landing craft to Dominica,” he said. “The Lawrence Major is a 198 feet landing craft in length with 19 officers, and a carrying capacity of approximately 14 x 40 foot containers or 28 x 20 foot containers of equipment and supplies. The vessel can also transport 50,000 gallons of potable water and 22,000 gallons of fuel. We will provide a further briefing on the deployment of HMBS Lawrence Major.

“What further targeted assistance can we offer Dominica at this time? Children are among those who are most affected by natural disaster and hurricanes. Such psychological scars and mental scars often last a lifetime,” Dr Minnis said.

“The sooner children are allowed to return to a state of normalcy the better it is for their long-term development.

“As a physician, I know all too well the effects of trauma, such as from hurricanes on the minds of the young, especially when all is gone, and when parents are distraught, and have

nowhere to turn.”

In clear disapproval of the negativity stemming from the government’s offer of generosity, Dr Minnis said Bahamians should fill their hearts with gratitude and thanksgiving in hindsight.

He said: “Let us remember that Dominica was hit by both Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Maria went from a tropical storm to a category five hurricane within hours.

“I hope that most Bahamians now understand why the government quickly sounded the alarm about both Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Those who continue to complain about the preparations they had to make before Hurricane Irma should look to the devastation in the Caribbean and the United States.

“Those who are prone to complaining and whining should fill their hearts instead with gratitude and thanksgiving.”

He also said: “Imagine if 80 per cent of the buildings on New Providence were destroyed. Imagine if our electrical and telecommunications grids were destroyed. Imagine if most of the roads in New Providence were uprooted and if PMH was without power.

“Imagine if every single government-operated school was destroyed, and most police stations, clinics and government offices were destroyed. Imagine if most people on Grand Bahama or New Providence became homeless overnight.

“So how should we respond to our Caribbean neighbour and CARICOM partner? We should respond the way we would want others to respond if we were in such dire need and desperation.

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 35

CARIBBEAN NEWS

The Bahamas deeply concerned about dangers of climate change

UNITED NATIONS – He said the Bahamian The Bahamas says it is deeply southern islands experienced concerned about the dangers serious damage and Ragged of environmental degradation Island was totally devastated and and climate change, stating that is now uninhabitable. they threaten the region’s very Additionally, he said survivability. tornadoes inflicted considerable

“With what we have damage on the northern islands witnessed just recently with the of Bimini and Grand Bahama. passage of Hurricanes Harvey, The Foreign Affairs Irma and now Maria, I cannot Minister said the Bahamas is underscore sufficiently the grateful to international partners importance the Bahamas attaches who provided immediate support to combating climate change, and after the passage of Hurricane the preservation and protection Irma, and now continue to stand of the environment,” Minister of by its side as it begins “the Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield painful and burdensome process told the 72nd Session of the of restoration and rebuilding.”

United Nations General Assembly Henfield commended Debate on Saturday. the UN Secretary-General for

“Even while these convening the recent High-Level hurricanes were occurring, there Meeting “to allow those of us have been earthquakes in Mexico, impacted to bring focus on these resulting in further tragic loss of events to other potential partners.” life and destruction,” he added. He noted that one of the “Climate change is global. We countries immediately affected have expressed before, and today by Hurricane Irma was Cuba, we reiterate, our thoughts and “which,as on previous occasions, prayers to all adversely impacted caused this massive hurricane by these devastating events.” to lose some of its energy and Henfield emphasized probably led to a lesser impact on that it was the third time in three our neighbor, the United States of years that the Bahamas has been America.” hit by a major hurricane, adding Henfield lamented that that “Maria is still churning in while all developing countries our territory. affected have been placed on a

“There are two more short-list for assistance to shore months before the end of the up their internal conditions hurricane season, and we can only towards recovery, Cuba does not pray that we will be spared from enjoy this capacity to the fullest. further destruction and loss,” he He also said the Bahamas said, pointing out that Hurricane joins other nations in calling for Irma changed course and did not the Congress of the United States directly hit the entire Bahamian to reconsider the legislative archipelago, thus minimizing barriers to the biggest of the the impact the country’s tourism Caribbean islands “in order for it industry. to develop to its fullest potential

But, Henfield stated as a member of the international that the country was not entirely community.” spared.

Henfield said it is the

intention of the Bahamian Government, working with the private sector, to create out of the destruction of Ragged Island the first fully green island in the region, utilizing renewable energy and smart technologies from solar energy to sustainable water purification systems to create a “more sustainable, resilient, island community.”

He said the implications for the existence of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), like the Bahamas, as they are confronted with global warming, rising sea-levels, and more severe and frequent hurricanes and other extreme weather events, are “all too clear.”

“For the first time in its history, the Bahamas evacuated whole communities to safe quadrants ahead of Hurricane Irma. What’s next: wholesale evacuation of the entire Caribbean?” he asked, calling on the international community to recognize “the imperative of accelerating the efforts to deal urgently with the adverse impact of climate change and to do so in a coordinated way.

“Only then will we mitigate against these ferocious and frequent destructive weather events, which now potentially threatens to add to the world’s migration issues,” he added, stating that well over two decades ago, the Bahamian Government, recognizing the very real threat posed to its very existence, upgraded its human capital capacity to address the unintended consequences of climate change, as well as its commitment to environmental conservation.

St. Kitts Nevis signs visa waiver agreement with Russian Federation

A waiver agreement has been signed between the Dr. Timothy Harris led administration and the Russian Federation.

The agreement, signed on Friday by St. Kitts Nevis Foreign Minister Mark Brantley and his Russian counterpart H.E. Serguey Lavrov allows citizens of both countries to travel for up to 90 days to each other’s countries without the need for a visa.

The government of St. Kitts Nevis says the signing signals a significant deepening of the bilateral relations between the two countries and affords a platform for continued engagement between both countries.

During the signing, Brantley and Lavrov spoke at length to the relationship already existing between the two countries and the ongoing efforts to grow that relationship.

The visa waiver signing brings to 12 the number of countries which have recently signaled similar agreements with Kitts and Nevis .

The visa waiver takes effect 60 days from the date of signing.

Antigua records three killings in 10 days

Kenroy Simpson, a 26-year-old father of three, is the third killing recorded in Antigua during the last 10 days and the second in the Cedar Grove community in five weeks.

More than 70 residents, which include Simpson’s two young sons and his father, assembled around the pasture adjacent to the Cedar Grove basketball court yesterday morning to view Simpson’s lifeless body.

The Jamaican national was discovered bloodied and face down at 5:40 am, without shoes or a shirt, after police received reports of his alleged kidnapping.

The police said the homicide victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body.

Residents said that they heard shots fired around 1:30 am.

The lawmen responded to a call from Simpson’s home and took a statement from Simpson’s girlfriend, who reported that four masked men robbed the pair at gunpoint of an undisclosed sum of money.

Trinidad and Tobago joins call for multi-dimensional approach for development assistance

UNITED NATIONS – The twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago has joined other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states in calling for a multidimensional approach for development assistance.

Dennis Moses, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, told the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly Debate on Saturday that this approach takes into consideration “real national needs and priorities, and takes into account these extraordinary circumstances, to provide access to development assistance, aid and debt relief.”

From shifting weather patterns, to global warming, to sea level rise, Moses said the impacts of climate change are “global in scope and unprecedented in scale.

“In our region, we have witnessed the catastrophic effects of hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria, which have undoubtedly changed forever lives in several of our Caribbean countries, leaving some islands almost uninhabitable and resulting in many untimely deaths,” he said. “The recent earthquake in Mexico ought to be counted within the realm of the recent global disasters.”

Noting that while Trinidad and Tobago, which is in the southernmost

part of Caribbean, was spared from natural catastrophes, how can one the ravages of these hurricanes, deny the scientific findings that Moses said “it is with empathy that I climate change is real, that it is here, extend, on behalf of the Government and it is upon us?” Moses asked. and people of Trinidad and Tobago, “The events of the last months in the heartfelt condolences to our Caribbean Caribbean once more remind us all family. that Small Island Developing States

“We are forever mindful remain at the forefront of the impact that, given our spirit of resilience, we of climate change. will rebuild that which was lost,” he “We cannot, by any means, said. “Trinidad and Tobago stands in continue with the same approach solidarity and shall continue to assist as nature’s fury holds no prejudice,” with the relief efforts.” he said. “Yet, in light of their

But the Foreign and CARICOM categorization as High Income Affairs Minister said rebuilding will Countries, on the outdated formulae require resources, as well as the of GDP [Gross Domestic Product] per cooperation and collaboration of the capita, Caribbean countries, in their international community, “because we time of need, will not qualify for aid simply cannot do it alone.” and development assistance.”

“The Government of Trinidad “In order to achieve human and Tobago, joins with other CARICOM and global sustainable development, Governments, in expressing our we must treat with unmitigated gratitude for the tremendous climate change and global temperature generosity and support provided in the rise as a priority issue,” he added, face of the region’s most urgent need,” stating that Trinidad and Tobago is he said. “Our thanks and appreciation doing its part and remains committed also go out to the Caribbean Disaster to achieving the overarching objectives Emergency Management Agency of the United Nations Framework (CDEMA), the region’s first responder.” Convention on Climate Change

But Moses said CDEMA will (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. need additional resources and funding Through its Nationally to enable the organization to do Determined Contribution (NDC], even more to facilitate its immediate Moses said Trinidad and Tobago has responses to natural disaster. indicated its intention to reduce its

“In the face of the recent Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

in its public transportation sector by 30 percent by December 31, 2030, compared to 2013 levels.

He said Trinidad and Tobago has, therefore, framed its national development plan for the period 2016 to 2030, titled “Vision 2030” with its thematic focus, “Many hearts. Many Voices, One Vision” in keeping with the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

In this context, Moses said Trinidad and Tobago has mapped its national development goals in accordance with global priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said Trinidad and Tobago and the United Nations signed the Multi-Country Strategic Development Framework (MSDF) in April 2017.

The twin-island republic is also “pleased” that the recently completed Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR) has initiated a recalibration of the United Nations Development System [UNDS), Moses said.

He said this would better support developing countries, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS), in the implementation of the programs of action, including the SAMOA Pathway and the 2030 Agenda.

Page 36

WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NEWS

Playboy founder Hugh Hefner dies at age 91

Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, who helped usher in the 1960s sexual revolution with his groundbreaking men’s magazine and built a business empire around his libertine lifestyle, died on Wednesday at the age of 91, Playboy Enterprises said.

Hefner, once called the “prophet of pop hedonism” by Time magazine, peacefully passed away at his home, Playboy Enterprises said in a statement.

Hefner was sometimes characterized as an oversexed Peter Pan as he kept a harem of FILE PHOTO - Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy magazine, twirls a napkin during a young blondes that numbered as performance by Dr. John and the Lower 911 at the 30th annual Playboy Jazz Festival at many as seven at his legendary the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood, California June 14, 2008 Playboy Mansion. This was chronicled in “The Girls Next Playboy quite frankly as a sex daughter Christie chief executive Door,” a TV reality show that magazine,” Hefner told CNN in officer of Playboy Enterprises and aired from 2005 through 2010. He 2002. “I always thought of it as she gave the business a makeover said that thanks to the impotency- a lifestyle magazine in which sex before stepping down in 2009. fighting drug Viagra he continued was one important ingredient.”

Hefner’s son, Cooper, who was exercising his libido into his 80s.

Hefner proved to be a nearly 40 years younger than

“I‘m never going to genius at branding. The magazine’s Christie, assumed a major role in grow up,” Hefner said in a CNN rabbit silhouette became one of the company in 2014. interview when he was 82. the best known logos in the world “My father lived an “Staying young is what it is all and the “bunny” waitresses in his exceptional and impactful life about for me. Holding on to the Playboy nightclubs were instantly as a media and cultural pioneer boy and long ago I decided that recognizable in their low-cut and a leading voice behind some age really didn’t matter and as bathing suit-style uniforms with of the most significant social and long as the ladies ... feel the same bow ties, puffy cotton tails and cultural movements of our time in way, that’s fine with me.” pert rabbit ears. advocating free speech, civil rights

Hefner settled down Hef, as he began calling and sexual freedom,” Cooper said somewhat in 2012 at age 86 when himself in high school, also was a in a statement, according to posts he took Crystal Harris, who was living logo for Playboy, presiding on social media.

60 years younger, as his third wife. over his realm in silk pajamas and Playboy magazine,

He said his swinging a smoking jacket while puffing on starting with its March 2016 lifestyle might have been a reaction a pipe. issue, did away with full frontal to growing up in a repressed “What I created came out nudity in a rebranding that would family where affection was rarely of my own adolescent dreams of have been unimaginable in the exhibited. His so-called stunted fantasies,” he told CNN. “I was publication’s heyday. childhood led to a multi-million- trying to redefine what it meant Playboy resumed nudity a dollar enterprise that centered on to be a young, urban unattached year later as Hefner’s son Cooper naked women but also espoused male.” announced a new philosophy for Hefner’s “Playboy philosophy” After writing copy for the company. based on romance, style and the Esquire magazine, Hefner married In August 2016, one of casting off of mainstream mores. and worked in the circulation Hefner’s neighbors, a private

That philosophy came department of Children’s Activities equity investor, announced he to life at the legendary parties magazine when he began plotting had bought the Playboy mansion in his mansions - first in his what would become Playboy for $100 million with the native Chicago, then in Los magazine. understanding Hefner could stay Angeles’ exclusive Holmby Hills The first issue came out in there until he died. neighborhood - where legions December 1953 - featuring nude Before Playboy, Hefner of male celebrities swarmed to photos of actress Marilyn Monroe married Millie Williams in mingle with beautiful young - and was a hit. As the magazine 1949 and they divorced in 1959, women. took off, it was attacked from the starting a period in which he

Long before the Internet right because of the nudity and became the ultimate bachelor. made nudity ubiquitous, Hefner from the left by feminists who said The many women who shared his faced obscenity charges in 1963 for it reduced women to sex objects. round, motorized, vibrating bed publishing and circulating photos Hefner once declared sex included models who posed in his of disrobed celebrities and aspiring to be “the primary motivating magazine and in 1989 he married stars but he was acquitted. factor in the course of human one of them, Playmate of the Year

Hefner created Playboy history” and, using that as a Kimberly Conrad. as the first stylish glossy men’s business model Playboy flourished They had two sons magazine and in addition to during the sexual revolution but Hefner’s experiment with nude fold-outs, it had intellectual and into the 1970s with monthly traditional domesticity ended in appeal with top writers such as circulation hitting 7 million. divorce after 10 years. Conrad Kurt Vonnegut, Joyce Carol Oates, He ran into trouble moved into a home next to Hefner Vladimir Nabokov, James Baldwin in the 1980s with competition so he could stay close to their sons. and Alex Haley for men who from Penthouse and Hustler - In 2008 after one of his liked to say they did not buy the magazines that had much more girlfriends, Holly Madison, broke magazine just for the pictures. explicit photos - and Playboy’s up with Hefner, he said he had

In-depth interviews with social impact faded considerably hoped to spend the rest of his historic figures such as Fidel by the 21st century. The Playboy life with her. Shortly afterward Castro, Martin Luther King Jr., Clubs closed in 1991 but would be he added 19-year-old twins to his Malcolm X and John Lennon also partially revived. group before turning to marriage were featured regularly.

After suffering a minor again with Harris.

“I’ve never thought of stroke in 1985, Hefner made

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

ISIS leader urges militants to keep fighting

Islamic State leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi

CAIRO - Islamic State leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi has exhorted followers across the world to wage attacks against the West and to keep fighting in Iraq, Syria and elsewhere.

The message released on Thursday was his first purported audio communication in almost a year during which his jihadist group lost much of its self-proclaimed “caliphate”.

The audio, partly dedicated to religious scriptures, came after several reports Baghdadi had been killed. His last recording was in November 2016, two weeks after the start of the battle to recapture the city of Mosul from Islamic State (IS).

“Oh Soldiers of the Caliphate, fan the flames of war on your enemies, take it to them and besiege them in every corner, and stand fast and courageous.”

“Beware of retreat, or the feeling of defeat, beware of negotiations or surrender. Do not lay down your arms,” Baghdadi said, referring to followers in Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, North Africa and elsewhere in Africa.

The date of the 46-minute recording, released via the Al-Furqan news organization, was not clear. But in it, Baghdadi makes an apparent reference to recent events including North Korean threats against Japan and United States and the recapture two months ago of Mosul by U.S.-backed Iraqi forces.

Since Baghdadi proclaimed the caliphate stretching across Iraq and Syria in 2014, Iraqi forces have retaken a string of cities in western and northern Iraq including Mosul, where Baghdadi made his announcement from the city’s El Nuri mosque.

Western-backed Syrian forces are also thrusting into the eastern Syrian city of Raqqa, Islamic State’s operational headquarters from where it plotted many of the attacks that have killed hundreds of people around the world.

Baghdadi also called for attacks on Western media, saying: “Oh soldiers of Islam in every location, increase blow after blow, and make the media centers of the infidels, from where they wage their intellectual wars, among the targets.”

“Continue your Jihad and your blessed operations and do not let the crusaders rest in their homes and enjoy life and stability while your brethren are being shelled and killed.”

The fall of Mosul in July effectively marked the end of the Iraqi half of Baghdadi’s “caliphate” even though Islamic State continues to fight in some territory outside of Mosul, the largest city they came to control in both Iraq and Syria.

An IS branch in Libya was also defeated last year in the city of Sirte, where they had set up a North African beachhead in 2014. In Egypt’s northern Sinai, another affiliated militant group is still fighting Egyptian military forces.

“With God’s will and his strength, we are staying determined, patient...The abundance of killing will not stop us,” Baghdadi said in the audio recording.

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 37

WORLD NEWS

Fugitive former Thai PM Yingluck gets five years’ jail in absentia

BANGKOK Thailand’s Supreme Court convicted and sentenced former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra in absentia to five years in prison on Wednesday for mismanaging a rice subsidy scheme that cost the country billions of dollars.

Yingluck fled abroad last month fearing that the military government, set up after a coup in 2014, would seek a harsh sentence.

For more than a decade, Thai politics have been dominated by a power struggle between Thailand’s traditional elite, including the army and affluent Bangkok-based upper classes, and the Shinawatra family, which includes Yingluck’s brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was also ousted by a coup.

Yingluck had faced up to 10 years in prison for negligence over the costly scheme that had helped get her elected in 2011. She had pleaded innocent and accused the military government of political persecution.

Nine judges voted unanimously to find Yingluck guilty in verdict reading that took four hours, and a warrant was issued for her arrest.

The court said Yingluck knew that members of her administration had falsified government-to-government rice deals but did nothing to stop it.

“The accused knew that the government-to-government rice contract was unlawful but did not prevent it ...,” the Supreme Court said.

Under the rice scheme, Yingluck’s government bought rice from farmers at above-market prices, leading to stockpiles and distorted global prices. Losses amounted to $8 billion, the military government has said.

Yingluck’s Puea Thai Party defended the scheme on Wednesday.

“The Puea Thai Party believes in the various schemes that the party introduced during the previous administration,” Phumtham Wechayachai, secretary-general of party, said.

Ousted former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck

Yingluck was banned from Shinawatra politics for five years in 2015 but

“Which is a manner of seeking remained the unofficial face of the unlawful gains. Therefore, the action of party and the populist movement that the accused is considered negligence of supports it. duty,” it said.

Kan Yuengyong, executive director of

A former commerce minister in the Siam Intelligence Unit think-tank, her government was jailed for 42 years said Wednesday’s sentence marked the last month for falsifying government- end of her political career, adding that to-government rice deals in connection it was unlikely she would return to with the subsidy scheme.

Thailand in the near future.

Norrawit Larlaeng, a lawyer “Politically, this is an execution for Yingluck, told reporters outside for Yingluck. The verdict has effectively the court that an appeal was being taken her out of politics,” Kan told discussed.

Reuters.

Thitinan Pongsudhirak,

‘RUDDERLESS’ director of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn The Shinawatras had commanded University, said the Puea Thai Party huge support by courting rural was now “rudderless”. voters, helping them to win every “Pheu Thai officially becomes general election since 2001, but their rudderless and will have to regroup foes accused them of corruption and under new leadership. If it is not nepotism. dissolved and if its leader is more

Japan calls snap election as new party roils outlook

TOKYO - A fledgling party led by popular Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike gained momentum on Thursday ahead of an Oct. 22 election as the biggest opposition Democratic Party said it would step aside to let its candidates run under her conservative, reformist banner.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a conservative who returned to power in 2012, hopes a recent boost in voter support will help his Liberal Democratic Party-led (LDP) coalition maintain a simple majority. It now holds a two- Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe raises his fist with his party’s lawmakers thirds “super” majority. at the party lawmakers’ meeting after

But Koike’s new Party of Hope, only formally launched the dissolution of the lower house was on Wednesday, has upended the announced at the Parliament in Tokyo, outlook for the election after the Japan September 28, 2017 former LDP member announced by its rocky stint in power from she would lead it herself.

2009 to 2012.

“I‘m someone who is After the cabinet formally always ready to take action,” set the date of the election, Abe Koike told a news conference told reporters, “I decided to call where she spoke about her this election because we must achievements since taking office overcome the national crisis of as governor a year ago. the threat from North Korea and

A media-savvy former an aging population by obtaining defense minister whose name has a mandate from the people.” often been floated to be Japan’s Some opposition first female prime minister, Koike lawmakers boycotted the said she would not run for a seat dissolution session, in protest herself, although speculation against Abe’s election decision, persists that she will. which could bring about a political Democratic Party vacuum at a time of high tension executives said they would not with North Korea over its missile run candidates of their own and and nuclear arms programs. would let members run under the A survey by the Mainichi Party of Hope banner. newspaper showed 18 percent

The party has struggled of voters plan to vote for Koike’s to overcome rock-bottom ratings, party, compared to 29 percent for defections and an image tainted Abe’s ruling Liberal Democratic

Party (LDP).

An Asahi newspaper poll showed 13 percent planned to vote for her party, versus 32 percent for the LDP.

Both surveys asked voters their preference for proportional representation districts where ballots are cast for parties, rather than candidates.

TAKING A RISK “Voters in many countries have shown they are willing to take a risk, even a severe risk, in terms of what will actually happen because they are disappointed with the status quo,” said Martin Schulz, a researcher at Fujitsu Research Institute.

But Schulz, who drew a comparison to French President Emmanuel Macron’s meteoric rise, added that Koike’s platform might not be so appealing, given its similarities to LDP policies.

Abe’s personal ratings have risen to about 50 percent from about 30 percent in July, partly on the back of his leadership during the current North Korea crisis.

But opposition parties say he called the election to escape questioning in parliament about suspected cronyism scandals that had cut into his support.

Koike, 65, defied the LDP to run successfully for Tokyo governor last year and her novice local party then crushed the LDP in a metropolitan assembly election in July.

compromising, then maybe Thailand can move on,” he said.

“The bottom line is that the Shinawatras have corruption problems and their elected governments are flawed but their unintended legacy of helping and connecting with the masses will need to be openly adopted by their opponents if Thailand is to move on.”

ESCAPE

Dozens of supporters had gathered outside the court to hear the verdict on Wednesday.

That was far fewer than on Aug. 25, when the court was originally scheduled to deliver its verdict, only to find out that Yingluck had fled the country.

Though her whereabouts has not been disclosed by either her aides or the junta, Reuters reported last month that she had fled to Dubai where Thaksin has a home and lives in self-imposed exile to avoid a 2008 jail sentence for corruption.

Neither Yingluck or Thaksin commented publicly immediately after the verdict. Nothing has been heard from Yingluck since she fled the country, and one of her lawyers, Sommai Koosap, told Reuters outside the court on Wednesday that she has not been in contact.

Photos posted on Instagram this week by one of Thaksin’s daughters show Thaksin in London.

Youths charged with murder after fatal fire at Malaysian school

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Two Malaysian teenagers were charged with murder on Thursday, for setting fire to an Islamic boarding school that killed 23 people, mostly boys.

The fire in Kuala Lumpur on Sept. 14 was the deadliest of its kind in two decades, and the tragedy sparked public outrage, with calls for greater safety and tougher regulation at religious schools.

The blaze had broken out in a top-floor dormitory at the three-storey boarding school where most of the students were sleeping in bunk beds, with many of the windows barred by metal grilles.

The two accused were part of a group of seven youths, all male and aged between 12 and 18, who police said had started the fire after feuding with students from the boarding school. They lived in the neighborhood and did not attend the school.

Prosecutors declined to provide the suspects’ names or ages, citing Malaysia’s child protection laws, but said both the accused boys were minors.

“They are being tried jointly and are facing 23 counts of murder, one for each victim of the fire,” prosecuting lawyer Othman Abdullah told reporters outside a juvenile court in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia carries a mandatory death penalty for murder, but authorities have said it will not apply to the youths as they were underage.

They could instead face jail time, whipping, fines or detention at an approved school.

The two, along with four others, are also facing drug use charges. All but one were minors, while another youth was released due to insufficient evidence, Othman said.

Those charged had tested positive for drugs, including marijuana and methamphetamine, according to a charge sheet sighted by Reuters.

The court has set Nov. 28 as the date for the next hearing, Othman said.

Page 38

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

WORLD NEWS

Two worlds of Labour, Britain’s opposition party struggles to unite

BRIGHTON, England - A baby gurgles in the background, posters defend workers’ rights and between DJ decks and a wellstocked bar of an old nightclub, dozens of young activists flesh out their demands that Britain’s Labour Party become a wider movement for the left.

Across the road, in the southern seaside town of Brighton’s main conference center, and in the nearby hotels and restaurants, Labour’s established lawmakers are discussing Brexit, policy and how to oust the governing Conservative Party.

Welcome to the two worlds of Britain’s main opposition party: a division centered around Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn who after months of fighting off attempts to depose him, is more cemented at its helm than ever.

It is not the only division at Labour’s annual conference, where the party is struggling to unite over Britain’s departure from the European Union. But it is one that may define Labour’s future -- for beneath the outward “comradeship” is a fight for direction.

“I‘m more convinced now than I ever have been that MPs (members of parliament, or lawmakers) aren’t as relevant as they think,” said Laura Pidcock, a Labour lawmaker who was elected for the first time to parliament in June and has frequently spoken out about it as an elitist institution.

“I bet there’s people in this room who have felt this during this conference, or are experiencing this now, that you shouldn’t really be there,” she told an audience gathered to talk about “Corbynism from Below” organized by a group called The World Transformed.

The World Transformed grew out of Momentum, a campaign group which drummed up support for veteran leftist Corbyn to lead Labour and acted in his defense when centrist members in the party tried to oust him, unconvinced his leftist views could ever win over voters.

But June’s general election changed all that.

Corbyn, running on a manifesto that instead of austerity promised an end to university tuition fees, renationalization and

14 people shot dead at Mexican drug rehab center

MEXICO CITY - Fourteen people were shot dead at a drug rehabilitation center in northern Mexico as part of a territory fight between two criminal gangs, a spokesman for the state attorney general’s office said.

The shooting took place in the Rosario neighborhood of the city of Chihuahua, the capital of the border state Chihuahua, and left 14 people dead and 8 injured, spokesman Carlos Huerta said on Wednesday.

“We have an ongoing preliminary investigation wherein we believe it was an attack carried out by a criminal gang fighting for drug territory in the area,” Huerta said.

The so-called Aztecas street gang attacked the rehab center where some members of rival group Los Mexicles, associated with the powerful Sinaloa cartel, were located, Huerta said.

The two groups are wings of cartels fighting over drug distribution routes, particularly for crystal meth.

Last year, some 23,000 people were killed in violent incidents in Mexico, the deadliest year since President Enrique Pena Nieto took office in late 2012.

Since then, violence has grown as the country’s powerful drug cartels have splintered and consolidated while fighting ruthlessly for control of lucrative smuggling routes in the United States.

Some 1,444 people have been killed so far this year in Chihuahua state alone, Huerta said.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn who after months of fighting off attempts to depose him, is more cemented at its helm than ever increased public spending, won early election were called, it has more votes than expected, many the power to influence party policy. from younger voters who wanted Earlier this week, several change.

Labour lawmakers criticized The vote forced Momentum for blocking a main Conservative Prime Minister conference debate on Brexit after Theresa May into a minority the group urged its members to government, and set the mood vote for other issues to be included at this conference mostly upbeat, on the official conference program. with Corbyn feted by almost all In response, some activists wings of the party. accused lawmakers of wanting to

His face adorns T-shirts, undermine Corbyn by speaking mugs and posters on sale. “Oh about an issue that divides the Jeremy Corbyn” -- sung to the party. chords of The White Stripes’ 2003 “Jeremy Corbyn wouldn’t be hit Seven Nation Army -- can be the first Labour leader to fix a heard across the conference, much conference vote,” said Alison as it was at the Glastonbury rock McGovern, a Labour lawmaker festival earlier this year. who is leading a campaign to keep LONDON - The wife of British aristocrat

For those activists Britain in the single market after Lord Lucan, who vanished without trace 43 years behind The World Transformed, Brexit. ago after the murder of his children’s nanny, has it is a chance to revel in their “I just think it’s a mistake been found dead, London police said on Wednesday. moment and press for change in on their part. Conference wants The mystery of what happened to Richard a parliamentary party populated to talk about Brexit ... The World Lucan, a dapper, moustachioed lord known as what some describe as the “suits”. Transformed has been wall-to-wall “Lucky”, has fascinated the public for decades and Brexit chat.” speculation about his whereabouts has long been a CHANGE

And nothing seems to staple of the British press. be off the agenda at the venues Lord Lucan disappeared hours after nanny

It is a sea change for the used by The World Transformed, Sandra Rivett was found bludgeoned to death in his Labour Party, which last won which offers child-friendly spaces house in central London in 1974. A car he was using power in 1997 with the business- for discussion of everything from was later found on the south English coast with a friendly, center-ground policies of bringing the game of football length of lead piping. former prime minister Tony Blair. back to its roots to “How to Run a It was alleged the peer had mistaken the Once Momentum was written off Kickass Social Media Campaign”. nanny for his estranged wife Veronica, who was also by some Labour lawmakers, seen But the overriding attacked and fled to a nearby pub covered in blood as little more than a cult following message is, don’t let this to raise the alarm. She later identified her husband for a leader whose politics, his opportunity slip. as the assailant. critics said, were little changed “The fight really isn’t over Police said on Wednesday they had found from the 1980s when the party if we get a Labour government,” the body of 80-year-old Lady Lucan after forcing wrote what was described as “the said Maya Goodfellow, a writer entry to a house in the upmarket Belgravia area of longest suicide note in history” and researcher.

London. for helping the Conservatives to “We hear people chanting “The death is being treated as unexplained victory.

Jeremy Corbyn’s name which is but is not believed to be suspicious,” police said.

Now, with Labour great. Great that so many people Over the years, the British press have closing the gap in opinion polls are enthused, but the state will reported supposed sightings of Lord Lucan across to stand roughly level with the kick into power, there will be moves the world, including in Australia, India, the Conservatives and Corbyn in sight to stop a radical government from Netherlands and South Africa -- but his relatives of becoming prime minister if an doing what it wants to do.” believe him to be dead.

Wife of vanished British lord at heart of murder mystery found dead

Interpol approves membership for State of Palestine over Israeli objections

JERUSALEM - Interpol voted on Wednesday to admit the State of Palestine as a member over Israeli objections at the international police organization’s general assembly in Beijing.

The decision came despite Israeli efforts to delay a vote and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that the Palestinians’ joining the global police agency contravened signed agreements with Israel.

Israel had argued that Palestine is not a state and that it is ineligible to join. Under interim IsraeliPalestinian peace deals, a Palestinian Authority was granted limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Shortly before the vote in the

Chinese capital, the Israeli Foreign Assembly upgraded the Palestinian Ministry said Israel’s efforts to delay Authority’s observer status at the United Nations to “non-member state” the ballot until next year had failed.

“This victory was made possible from “entity”, like the Vatican. because of the principled position of The step fell short of full U.N. the majority of Interpol members,” membership, but it had important Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al- legal implications in enabling the Maliki said in a statement.

Palestinians to join the International

Interpol said membership Criminal Court and other world bodies. applications by the State of Palestine Netanyahu’s statement said and the Solomon Islands were approved Palestinian membership of Interpol at its annual general assembly by more was one of the issues discussed during than the required two-thirds majority a meeting with U.S. President Donald of votes. The organization now has 192 Trump’s Middle East envoy, Jason members.

Greenblatt, who is visiting the region.

Netanyahu also raised the

A Palestinian bid to join last year, at an Interpol conference in Palestinian refusal to condemn Indonesia, was foiled by what Israel an attack on Tuesday in which a said was its diplomatic campaign Palestinian laborer shot dead three against it.

Israeli guards in the Israeli-occupied

In 2012, the U.N. General West Bank.

“The actions of the Palestinian leadership in the past few days directly harm the prospects of achieving peace and the Palestinian diplomatic offensive will not go unanswered,” the statement said.

Some Israeli media commentators have voiced concern that as an Interpol member, Palestine could ask the organization to issue a “Red Notice”, an alert to police worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest an individual, pending extradition.

But the procedure does not appear to pose serious legal problems for Israelis such as government officials and military officers whom pro-Palestinian groups have sought to have arrested by local authorities as suspected war criminals during overseas visits.

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 39

WORLD NEWS

Saudi king decrees women be allowed to drive

R I YA D H / WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - Saudi King Salman ordered that women be allowed to drive cars, ending a conservative tradition seen by rights activists as an emblem of the Islamic kingdom’s repression of women.

The kingdom, the birthplace of Islam, has been widely criticized for being the only country in the world that bans women from driving, despite gradual improvement on some women’s issues in recent years and ambitious government targets to increase their public role, especially in the workforce.

Despite trying to cultivate a more modern image in recent years, the driving ban had been a longstanding stain on Saudi Arabia’s international image.

The royal decree ordered the formation of a ministerial body to give advice within 30 days and then implement the order by June 24, 2018, according to state news agency SPA.

It stipulated that the move must “apply and adhere to the necessary Sharia standards”, referring to Islamic law. It gave no details but said a majority of the Council of Senior Religious Scholars, Saudi Arabia’s top clerical body, had approved its permissibility.

An hour after the official announcement in Saudi Arabia, a jubilant Saudi ambassador to Washington, Prince Khaled bin Salman, said it was “an historic and big day in our kingdom”.

“I think our leadership understands that our society is ready. I think it’s the right decision at the right time,” the ambassador said.

Positive reactions quickly poured in from inside the kingdom and around the world.

The U.S. State Department welcomed the move as “a great step in the right direction”. President Donald Trump commended the decision, the White House said in a separate

A woman drives a car in Saudi Arabia statement that pledged U.S. support for a plan the Kingdom announced last year for economic and social reforms.

“This is a positive step toward promoting the rights and opportunities of women in Saudi Arabia,” the White House statement said. “We will continue to support Saudi Arabia in its to efforts to strengthen Saudi society and the economy through reforms like this and the implementation of Saudi Vision 2030.”

For more than 25 years, women activists have campaigned to be allowed to drive, defiantly taking to the road, petitioning the king and posting videos of themselves behind the wheel on social media. The protests brought them arrest and harassment.

Activist Manal al-Sherif, who was arrested in 2011 after a driving protest, took to Twitter following the king’s announcement to express her relief. “Today, the last country on earth to allow women to drive... we did it”, she wrote.

Latifa al-Shaalan, a member of the Shura Council, an advisory body, said the decision would strengthen women’s employment in the private sector.

“This is an historic day and I cannot find the words to express my

Cuba warns U.S. against hasty decisions in mysterious illness in diplomats

WASHINGTON - Cuba’s top diplomat warned the United States on Tuesday against taking hasty decisions over alleged incidents that have harmed U.S. embassy staff in Havana and urged its authorities to cooperate on the investigation into the mysterious affair.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez had called for Tuesday’s meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Washington to discuss the case, which has been threatening the already fragile detente between the two former Cold War foes.

The highest level meeting to take place between the two countries since U.S. President Donald Trump took office came 10 days after Tillerson said the United States was considering closing its recently re-opened embassy in Havana.

“The Foreign Minister reaffirmed that the investigation to resolve this matter is still in progress,” the Cuban Foreign Ministry said in a statement, noting that “effective cooperation” of U.S. authorities was essential.

“It would be regrettable that a matter of this nature is politicized and that hasty decisions not supported by conclusive evidence and investigation results are taken.”

The meeting “took place in a respectful ambiance”, the Cuban Foreign Ministry said.

The U.S. State Department said the conversation was “firm and frank” and Tillerson “conveyed the gravity of the situation and underscored the Cuban authorities’ obligations to protect Embassy staff.”

feelings and the feelings of thousands of Saudi women,” she said on Arabiya TV. CONSERVATIVE PUSHBACK In Saudi Arabia, a top Arab ally of the United States, women are legally subject to a male guardian, who must give approval to basic decisions they make in fields including education, employment, marriage, travel plans and even medical treatment.

Women in the kingdom are also bound by law to wear long robes and a headscarf and require the consent of a male guardian for most legal actions.

Prince Khaled, the ambassador, said women would not need permission from their guardians to get a license or have a guardian in the car and would be allowed to drive anywhere in the kingdom, including the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Women with a license from any of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries would be allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, he added. He said the Interior Ministry would have to decide whether they could be professional drivers.

“In terms of international PR, this is the biggest overnight win

that Saudi Arabia - and particularly MBS - could possibly have,” said Jane Kinninmont, senior research fellow at Chatham House.

The position of Saudi women gradually improved under late King Abdullah and since King Salman took over in 2015, the kingdom has been opening more areas for women through the government’s modernizing reforms.

That has sparked tensions with influential clerics upon whose support the ruling family relies.

Some reactions to Tuesday’s announcement reflected that. Critics took to Twitter to denounce the decision, accusing the government of “bending the verses of Sharia”.

“As far as I remember, Sharia scholars have said it was haram (forbidden) for women to drive. How come it has suddenly become halal (permissible)?” another user wrote.

Asked whether he was worried about a conservative backlash, the ambassador said: “On these changes some people will be in the drivers’ seat... some people will be in the back seat, but we’re all going to move forward.”

He added: “It’s not women must drive, it’s women can drive. So if any women do not want to drive in Saudi Arabia, that’s her choice.”

Some leading members of the country’s powerful and austere Sunni Muslim clergy have argued against women being allowed to drive, which they say could lead to them mingling with unrelated men, thereby breaching strict gender segregation rules.

The decision could also have broad economic impacts, making it possible for women to get to work without a driver but also curbing the popularity of car hailing apps like Uber and Careem.

Prince Khaled, a son of the king, said the decision was as much about economic reform as social change.

Prince Harry makes first public appearance with girlfriend

TORONTO - Britain’s Prince Harry and American girlfriend Meghan Markle made their first formal public appearance together on Monday, with the couple holding hands and watching a wheelchair tennis match at the Invictus Games in Toronto.

Markle, an actress who stars in the TV legal drama “Suits,” has been dating Harry for more than a year. They both appeared Britain’s Prince Harry and his girlfriend actress Meghan Markle watch the wheelchair at the Invictus Games opening tennis event during the Invictus Games in Toronto, Ontario, Canada September 25, 2017 ceremony on the weekend, but sat 2014 by Harry, younger brother of 36-year-old actress in British apart and were not photographed William, the second in line to the newspapers, including comment together.

British throne. pieces he complained had a racial

On Monday, they both The couple’s step into the undertone. wore jeans and sunglasses, but did public eye together will likely fuel Markle, a divorcee, is a not escape the notice of the crowd, speculation that marriage is on native of Los Angeles whose father which cheered their arrival. The the horizon and only add to media is white and mother Africanpair appeared relaxed and were interest in Markle.

American. seen leaning in to share whispered Harry, William and Markle told Vanity Fair comments during the match, and William’s wife Kate are a staple magazine earlier this month that also turned around and chatted of the front pages of British she and Harry were in love, in her with spectators in the row behind newspapers and gossip magazines, first direct comments about the them. which pore over every aspect of relationship.

There were about 200 to their lives.

Her former husband, 300 spectators at the match, which Harry last November Trevor Engelson, is reportedly was free to attend. criticized the press for subjecting working on a television comedy

The Invictus Games Markle to “a wave of abuse and about divorce and about sharing are an international sports harassment” after the news of custody of children after the former competition for wounded and sick their relationship sparked a wife marries into the British royal military personnel founded in stream of stories about the family.

Page 40

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 41

BUSINESS &

TECHNOLOGY

FCC says Apple should activate iPhones’ FM radio chip, but newer phones don’t have

WASHINGTON - The top U.S. communications regulator urged Apple Inc on Thursday to activate FM radio chips in iPhones that would allow Americans access to life-saving information when a natural disaster takes out wireless networks, but the company said its newer models do not have the chips.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai said Apple was the one major phone manufacturer that has not activated the chips.

“I hope the company will reconsider its position, given the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria,” Pai said in a statement.

But Apple, in its own statement, said newer iPhone 7 and 8 models do not have FM chips “nor do they have antennas designed to support FM signals, so it is not possible to enable FM reception in these products.”

The company added that it has “engineered modern safety solutions into our products. Users can dial emergency services

Apple’s new iPhone 8 (R) and 8 Plus are seen after they go on sale at the Apple Store in Tokyo’s Omotesando shopping district, Japan, September 22, 2017 and access Medical ID card information directly from the Lock Screen, and we enable government emergency notifications, ranging from Weather Advisories to AMBER alerts.”

FCC officials said it is unclear whether the agency would have regulatory authority to require a company to activate

the chips. The FCC did not immediately reply to Apple’s disclosure that new phones do not have the chips.

The FCC said that more than 90 percent of cell sites in Puerto Rico and two-thirds of those in the U.S. Virgin Islands remain out of service after hurricanes damaged them.

Facebook says it deleted many fake accounts in German campaign

FRANKFURT - Facebook said its efforts to fight fake news during Germany’s national elections included taking down tens of thousands of fake profiles in the final month of the campaign.

Richard Allan, Facebook’s vice president of public policy for Europe, Middle East Africa, said the Silicon Valley-based company mounted an array of efforts to ensure the social media network was not used as a platform to manipulate public opinion.

“These actions did not eliminate misinformation entirely in this election – but they did make it harder to spread, and less likely to appear in people’s News Feeds,” the Facebook executive said in a statement. News feed is the central feature in user profiles whereby they can see updates from people they follow.

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union secured victory in Sunday’s balloting with fewer votes than expected, forcing her to enter complicated coalition talks with

A Facebook logo is pictured at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany September 16, 2017 various parties to form a new monitor security threats during government. the campaign.

The company said “Studies concluded that it made a stronger push to the level of false news was low,” remove fake accounts when it concluded Allan, a former British observed suspicious activity member of parliament who, in following widely reported foreign addition to his work for Facebook, interference in the French and has been a member of the House U.S. presidential elections over of Lords since 2010. the past year.

A variety of German

Besides seeking to political experts and social media encourage civic participation and watchers had given the campaign voter education efforts, it also largely a clean bill of health in worked closely with authorities, terms of any wide-scale efforts including the Federal Office for to swing votes in the run-up to Information Security (BSI), to voting day.

Central banks seek better security on inter-bank payments

LONDON - Central banks from some the world’s biggest economies proposed measures to improve security of inter-bank payments and messaging systems, after the systems were used to steal tens of millions of dollars in Bangladesh and elsewhere last year.

The Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMI), an affiliate body of the Bank for International Settlements, said institutions needed to up their game to protect the stability of the global financial system.

“Wholesale payments fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated and is expected to evolve further. We need to move fast, and together, to guard against any loss of confidence in the system,” said CPMI Chairman Benoît Coeure.

Hackers attempted to steal nearly $1 billion from the Bangladesh central bank’s account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York last year and made off with over $80 million before being detected.

The Bangladesh authorities said the theft was in part due to weak security around Bangladesh Bank’s SWIFT terminal.

Banks send payment instructions via SWIFT and until last year most banks took the messages on face value, using them to transfer trillions of dollars each day.

The CPMI proposed seven measures that payment systems such as Britain’s CHAPS system, or messaging services such as SWIFT, should take to ensure their systems were safe.

These involved ensuring rapid reporting of fraud and attempted fraud, education of users and risk audits. CPMI also highlighted the need to closely oversee the access points to systems, which are often the entry points for fraudsters.

The proposals are contained in a consultation paper and, subject to input from stakeholders, will be published in a guidance document due by early 2018.

The guidance will not be binding upon institutions but regulators will likely use the guidance as a basis for how they oversee money transfer and messaging systems.

This could lead to tighter oversight of some bodies including SWIFT, whose lead overseer the National Bank of Belgium previously approved of an approach that put relatively little focus on enduser security.

Page 42

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

WORLD NEWS BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

U.S. picks companies to help make rules for advanced personal health monitors

An Apple Watch activity app shows completed move, exercise and standing goals for the day in this illustration image taken in Sydney, Australia, September 21, 2017

Digital devices designed to monitor the wearer’s health in much greater detail than current models will need regulatory approval, and Apple Inc, Fitbit Inc and seven other companies will take part in a program to speed the approval process, the U.S. health regulator said on Tuesday.

The firms will take part in a program that could make it faster for digital health devices to come to market by requiring less information to be sent to regulators ahead of time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

Current devices, like the Apple Watch or Fitbit Blaze, measure things like motion and heart rate. But to take further measurements like blood oxygen or glucose, future devices might full under regulatory review. That review can take months or years, which is far slower than the pace of software updates from most technology firms.

Because of the potential for lengthy reviews, consumer technology companies have been reluctant to wade directly into territory regulated by the FDA. Apple, for example, has tended to partner with existing health researchers and companies DexCom Inc, a conventional medical device firm, for uses of their products that involve regulatory oversight.

But under President Donald Trump, the FDA has been moving to relax some of its requirements. The FDA in July created a pilot program that would pre-certify certain companies so that they have to submit less information before marketing a product.

The initial participants in the pilot program also included Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, Alphabet Inc’s Verily biotech unit, Johnson & Johnson and Swiss biotech firm Roche AG, among others.

The FDA said in a statement it was also considering whether companies in the pilot program “may not have to submit a product for premarket review in some cases.”

“Our method for regulating digital health products must recognize the unique and iterative characteristics of these products,” FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in the statement.

One major difference in the pilot program from existing regulations is that it will evaluate companies based on how well their softwaredesign systems work, rather than looking at each product and its accompanying software individually.

“We are hopeful this will allow us to accelerate FDA regulated features and software development, bringing new capabilities that could positively impact health outcomes to market more quickly,” Fitbit CEO James Park said in a statement.

Twitter to test 280-character tweets, busting old limit

NEW YORK - The days of Twitter Inc limiting messages to 140 characters, a signature of the social network since its launch in 2006, may be numbered.

Twitter said on Tuesday that it would begin a test with a random sample of users allowing them to send tweets that are as long as 280 characters, double the existing cap, in most languages around the world.

The San Franciscobased company has stood by its short messages as a defining characteristic - like chirps from a bird, which is the company logo - even as users found ways around the limit, such as posting photos of text.

In a blog post on Tuesday, Twitter said its emphasis on brevity would never change but that it had been wondering whether people could express themselves easily enough, hurting the service’s popularity.

“Trying to cram your

thoughts into a Tweet - we’ve Japanese and Korean, the all been there, and it’s a pain,” company said.

Characters in those Twitter project manager Aliza Rosen and senior software languages can often express engineer Ikuhiro Ihara said in more than Roman characters can, the post. meaning those users already, in The employees effect, have a higher limit. They acknowledged some users may also use Twitter more often.

“In all markets, when have an “emotional attachment” people don’t have to cram their to the current limit.

News reports in January 2016 thoughts into 140 characters said that Twitter was running and actually have some to spare, internal tests for longer tweets we see more people Tweeting,” and considering a limit as high the two employees wrote.

The test of 280 as 10,000 characters.

Though Twitter is characters will run for an ubiquitous in media because of unspecified number of weeks in frequent use by U.S. President all languages except Chinese, Donald Trump and many Japanese and Korean, Twitter celebrities, the company has said. The company declined to struggled financially. For the say how many people would be second quarter, it reported a loss included in the test. of $116 million and zero growth The 140-character in the number of users, at 328 limit originated from the use of million people. Facebook Inc SMS text messages. Twitter’s founders, including Chief (FB.O) has 2 billion users.

A higher character limit Executive Jack Dorsey, wanted a was inspired by how people use limit just below the SMS cap of Twitter when writing in Chinese, 160 characters.

Royal Bank of Canada using blockchain for U.S./Canada payments

TORONTO - Royal Bank of Canada is experimenting with blockchain to help move payments between its U.S. and Canadian banks, one of the bank’s senior executives told Reuters.

Martin Wildberger, RBC’s executive vice president for innovation and technology, said use of distributed ledger technology, or DLT, would improve the speed of payments, reduce complexity and lower costs.

The bank developed the system over the past six months at an RBC blockchain technology center in Toronto, deploying software developed by a cross-industry open-source blockchain consortium known as Hyperledger.

The technology was integrated into RBC’s existing systems several weeks ago as a “shadow” to RBC’s primary ledger, letting the bank monitor payments in real-time as they travel between the United States and Canada, he said.

“We wanted to set it up as a shadow ledger so that we can demonstrate our leadership in exploiting that technology while at the same time recognizing that the technology is still early in its adoption phase,” Wildberger said.

Blockchain emerged in 2009 as the system underpinning the cryptocurrency bitcoin, allowing people to quickly and anonymously exchange electronic currency. It is a shared ledger of transactions maintained by a network of computers rather

A Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) sign is seen outside of a branch in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, May 26, 2016 than a central authority.

“Everybody recognizes

Investors have since put blockchain will be transformative billions of dollars into developing and critical,” said Wildberger. blockchain, betting the “At the same point in time, I think technology could make banking everybody recognizes these are operations faster, more efficient early days.” and more transparent.

RBC is looking to Although concerns use blockchain to improve its remain about the legitimacy rewards and loyalty offers and of bitcoin, which JP Morgan trade finance capabilities, he Chief Executive Jamie Dimon said. described as a fraud earlier this Canada’s central bank month, the credibility of the said in May that it had decided blockchain technology itself has against using blockchain increased. to provide the underlying

A growing number infrastructure for the country’s of senior bankers have said interbank payment system after they believe it will eventually a year-long investigation, saying revolutionize the way payments “too many hurdles” had to be are made across the industry, overcome to make the approach reducing complexity and costs of viable. back-office processes.

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 43

HEALTHY

LIFESTYLE

A single genetic glitch may explain how Zika became so dangerous

CHICAGO - A single genetic traced the virus circulating in Brazil change that occurred in 2013 may and elsewhere in South America to a explain how Zika acquired the ability strain of Zika that had been quietly to attack fetal nerve cells, causing a circulating in Southeast Asia for severe birth defect in babies whose decades. mothers were infected while pregnant, In the new study, published in Chinese and U.S. researchers reported Science, Ling Yuan of the Chinese on Thursday.

Academy of Sciences and colleagues

Scientists have posited many compared genetic changes in samples theories about why Zika, a mosquito- of the South American virus with one borne virus that had been linked with isolated in 2010 in Cambodia.

They created seven sample only mild symptoms since its discovery in 1947, could suddenly be associated viruses, each with a single genetic with thousands of cases of the birth difference from the Cambodian strain, defect known as microcephaly, as it and tested these in brains of fetal mice. Although the viruses caused was in Brazil in 2015.

That outbreak prompted the some degree of damage in all, those World Health Organization to declare infected with a virus that carried Zika a public health emergency in a single mutation in a structural 2016, and set off a scientific quest to protein called prM developed severe determine whether Zika could cause microcephaly. That strain also proved microcephaly, a condition marked by more lethal to fetal brain cells.

The team estimates the small head size.

Several teams have already genetic change occurred in May

“Our findings offer an explanation for the unexpected causal link of Zika to microcephaly, and will help understand how Zika evolved from an innocuous mosquito-borne virus to a congenital pathogen with global impact,” Yuan and colleagues wrote.

One study author, Dr. PeiYong Shi of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, said other mutations also fueled the explosive epidemic, including one he and others reported on in May in the journal Nature that enhanced Zika’s ability to infect Aedes aegypti A 4-month-old baby born with microcephaly mosquitoes, which carry the virus. is held by his mother in front of their house in

Last November, WHO Olinda, near Recife, Brazil, February 11, 2016. pronounced Zika no longer an 2013, just before a French Polynesian international emergency, but stressed outbreak of Zika in which the first that the virus, found in at least 60 cases of microcephaly and Guillain- countries, will keep spreading where Barre, a rare neurological disorder, mosquitoes that carry Zika are present. were noted.

World Health Organisation reports 25 million unsafe abortions a year

GENEVA - Nearly half of the estimated 56 million abortions performed worldwide every year are unsafe and women in poor countries face even higher risks due to U.S. funding cuts to family planning programs abroad, health experts said on Thursday.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reinstated a policy that requires foreign NGOs that receive U.S. global family planning funds to certify that they do not perform abortions or provide abortion advice as a method of family planning.

Worldwide, 25 million unsafe abortions occurred every year between 2010 and 2014, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Guttmacher Institute.

Some 97 percent of those are in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

“Nearly half of abortions in the world are unsafe. And that is surprising because safe abortion is a simple intervention, scientifically speaking,” said Dr. Bela Ganatra of WHO department’s of reproductive health and research.

“There is an association between highly restrictive laws and unsafe abortion,” she told a news briefing.

All women and girls need access to sex education and effective contraception to avoid unwanted pregnancies and get safe abortion services if desired, Ganatra said.

Uruguay, Nepal and Ethiopia have made safe abortion accessible in

recent years, she added. Ireland plans family planning assistance is provided, to hold a referendum next May or has also been proposed in the U.S. June on whether it should loosen some budget,” she said. of the world’s strictest abortion laws, “We don’t have hard evidence Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on yet of the impact of those policy changes and proposed budget cuts.”

Tuesday.

But a more limited so-called Around 88 percent of abortions occur in developing countries, where “gag rule” was imposed by previous contraception is often lacking, said Republican administrations, Sedgh Dr. Gilda Sedgh, principal research said. Studies indicated that in subscientist at the Guttmacher Institute, Saharan Africa this had led to an increase in abortions after clinics were speaking from New York.

Sedgh, asked about the impact forced to close.

“So looking ahead, we can only of Trump’s executive order, said it bans U.S. health assistance to foreign speculate based on the past, that it’s NGOs if they provide abortion services, possible that this policy will again counseling or referrals, “even if they compromise women’s access to family use non-U.S. funds for those activities”. planning services and put them at

“Funding cuts to USAID, greater risk of abortion, including which is the channel through which unsafe abortions.”

More evidence that even a little exercise is good for your heart Moderate activity - which

People with heart disease or no exercise to getting even small who are sedentary most of the time amounts of mild activity like yoga, causes a light sweat, or only modest may be able to improve their survival strolling or light housework, the increases in breathing or heart rate - includes fast walking, lawn mowing odds by getting just a little bit of study found. exercise, a recent study suggests.

“Our study in a large group of patients or heavy cleaning. Vigorous activity Researchers examined with coronary heart disease from includes running or race walking, lap data from 39 countries on 15,486 many countries confirms the benefits swimming or aerobics.

At the start of the study, older adults with heart disease who from undertaking moderate and completed questionnaires about vigorous exercise,” said lead study all of the participants had already the number of hours each week author Dr. Ralph Stewart of Auckland had a heart attack or been treated they devoted to mild, moderate and City Hospital and the University of for serious health problems related to heart disease. They also had at vigorous physical activities. Then Auckland in New Zealand.

“In addition, we found that least one other risk factor for death researchers tracked everyone to see how many died or had serious people who did a modest amount of or serious complications related to problems like a heart attack or stroke. milder intensity physical activity also heart disease such as diabetes, high

More than half the had lower mortality compared to those cholesterol, smoking or age at least participants were followed for nearly who reported little or no exercise,” 60.

Stewart said by email. “These The study didn’t find that 4 years.

Overall, researchers calculated benefits were also seen in people with the amount of exercise people got was linked to their odds of having a that participants who doubled their more severe heart disease.”

For cardiovascular health, heart attack or stroke, researchers weekly activity levels could lower their odds of premature death from the American Heart Association report in the Journal of the American all causes by 10 percent and cut their recommends at least 30 minutes of College of Cardiology. chances of an early death from heart moderate-intensity aerobic activity But it did find that the between increased problems by 8 percent. five days a week, or at least 25 relationship

The most pronounced gains minutes of vigorous aerobic activity exercise and decreased mortality was in survival odds would occur for three days a week, or a combination strongest for patients at the highest people who went from getting little of the two. risk of dying because of their risk

factors for death and complications from heart disease.

The study wasn’t a controlled experiment designed to prove whether or how exercise habits influence the odds of death for people with heart disease.

Other limitations include the reliance on participants to accurately recall and report on their exercise habits, as well as a lack of data on a variety of social, economic, cultural and societal factors that can influence physical activity levels.

However, because previous research on exercise and longevity for heart disease has often focused on supervised workout programs, the current study offers fresh evidence of the benefits of activities people do on their own, said Dr. Thijs Eijsvogels of Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, author of an accompanying editorial.

“Little volumes of physical activity resulted in large decreases of mortality risks,” Eijsvogels said by email.

Page 44

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 45

Page 46

WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

SPORTS

Woods admits he may Wade signs deal never return to competition with Cavs to reunite

JERSEY CITY, New Jersey - Tiger Woods said he was “optimistic” about his golfing future while at the same time publicly acknowledging what has been obvious for some time, that he might never return to competitive golf.

The American former world number one won the last of his 14 major titles in 2008 and the 41-year-old has only played six competitive rounds in the past two years while trying to recover from multiple back surgeries.

“Yeah, definitely. I don’t know what my future holds for me,” he said on Wednesday on the eve of the Presidents Cup when asked whether there was a scenario that would not allow him to compete again.

“I don’t know what 100 percent (healthy) means after eight surgeries, but I’ll try and get as close as I can to that number,” Woods added.

“Is anybody in here who is in their 40s ever going to feel like they did in their 20s? Huh? Seriously? Exactly. As I’ve told you guys, I‘m hitting 60-yard shots.”

Woods was peppered with questions during a news conference with his three assistant Presidents Cup captains and the four International assistants, who often looked bored at the focus stayed on the second most

with LeBron

U.S. Team assistant captain Tiger Woods during The Presidents Cup golf tournament at Liberty National Golf Course prolific major champion of all be like, because I haven’t hit a time. golf shot yet.

It was his first press ”So that’s going to take conference since he was arrested time to figure out what my close to his Florida home in May capabilities are going forward, under suspicion of driving under and there’s no rush. the influence of drugs.

“First things first. Just Toxicology reports keep waiting for what the surgeon revealed he had several says. I‘m still training, getting prescription drugs in his system stronger, but I don’t have my golf at the time. muscles trained because I‘m not

Woods, who looked strong doing anything golf related.” and outwardly healthy, said the Woods seemed destined desire to have fun was fuelling his to become the most prolific major drive to return to competition. winner of all time when he won

“I’ve been competing in the 2008 U.S. Open, moving golf tournaments since I was four within four titles of the record of years old. It’s always been fun for 18 held by Jack Nicklaus. me,” he said.

But he has not won a

”Overall, I‘m very major since and serious back optimistic how I‘m progressing. injuries often left him crippled The pain’s gone but I don’t know with pain when he tried to play what my golfing body is going to over the past three years.

Majority of adults disagree with Trump on firing athletes who kneel during anthem

NEW YORK - A majority of Americans disagree with President Donald Trump’s assertion that football players should be fired for kneeling during the national anthem, even though most say they would personally stand during the song, according to an exclusive Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll released on Tuesday.

The Sept. 25-26 poll found that 57 percent of adults do not think the National Football League should fire players who kneel. This included 61 percent of NFL fans who watch at least a few Washington Redskins tight end Niles Paul and linebacker Ryan Anderson and Washington Redskins linebacker Chris Carter kneel with teammates during the playing of the national games per season.

The results were split anthem before their game against the Oakland Raiders along party lines, however, as field right now’,” Trump said at Eighty-five percent of adults said, 82 percent of Democrats and 29 the rally. “He’s fired!” for example, that they almost percent of Republicans disagreed Trump, who once owned a always “stand in silence” when the with the president’s comments pro football team in a now-defunct national anthem is played at an about firing football players. rival league, added that the NFL is event they are attending. Seventy Trump waded into the “ruining the game” with a fixation four percent said they almost issue last week at a political rally on player safety. always put their hand over their when he bemoaned what he saw as The president’s comments heart. a decline in the sport. Among other sparked a swift and widespread Yet, when it comes to things, Trump criticized players rebuke from the NFL last weekend professional athletes, there is who want to draw attention to as many players, coaches and less agreement about what is what they believe is social and owners kneeled, locked arms or appropriate. While 58 percent racial injustice by refusing to stayed off the field during pregame of adults said that “professional stand during the anthem. ceremonies. athletes should be required to

“Wouldn’t you love to see The Reuters/Ipsos poll stand during the national anthem one of these NFL owners, when explored the complicated feelings at sporting events,” there is rising somebody disrespects our flag, to that many Americans have about support for those athletes who do say ‘get that son of a bitch off the how to express their nationality. not.

Wade won two of his three NBA championships with James

Dwyane Wade has reunited with friend and former teammate LeBron James by signing a contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the NBA team said on Wednesday.

Wade, who won two of his three NBA championships with James while the two were teammates with the Miami Heat from 2010-2014, joins a Cleveland team that has reached the last three Finals and won it all in 2016.

“There’s no better place to be right now to continue to play and compete at the highest level,” Wade, who was the NBA Finals’ Most Valuable Player when he won his first title in 2006, said in a statement.

”Cleveland believes in my talents and what I can bring to a championship contender both as a player and leader.

“I look forward to reuniting and playing alongside my brother LeBron. We’ve already won two championships together and I hope we win a third.”

Wade, who agreed to a contract buyout with the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, will be relied on heavily in Cleveland with recently-acquired point guard Isaiah Thomas likely out until January as he continues to heal from a hip injury.

A 12-times All-Star, Wade has averaged 23.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game during the regular season and ranks 11th on the all-time postseason scoring list.

Wade, taken fifth overall by Miami in the 2003 NBA Draft, also won a gold medal with the U.S. men’s basketball team at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and a bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Games in Athens.

“Dwyane has proven time and time again that he is a leader and competitor of the highest caliber and that his focus is centered on the ultimate goal,” Cavaliers General Manager Koby Altman said in a statement.

“The deep commitment and consistency that he has shown to the game as a 12-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA Champion is remarkable and he’s going to be a difference maker on the court and in the locker room with our team.”

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 47

WORLD SPORTS

Cowboys extend reign as most valuable NFL team

The Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable National Football League team for an 11th consecutive year, valued at nearly twice the league average, according to the annual list published by business magazine Forbes on Monday.

The Cowboys, who have reached the playoffs only nine times since winning their last Super Bowl in 1995, are worth $4.8 billion, up 14 percent rise from last year, Forbes said.

Reigning Super Bowl champions New England Patriots ($3.7 billion) were joined by New York Giants ($3.3 billion), Washington Redskins ($3.1 billion) and San Francisco 49ers ($3.05 billion) in the top five.

Forbes calculated the average value of the NFL’s 32 teams at $2.52 billion, an 8 percent jump that was driven by hefty TV contracts and new stadiums and stadium renovations that help to generate more revenue from premium seating and amenities.

The NFL and its players are butting heads at seemingly every turn regarding player discipline on and off the field. TV ratings declined 8% last season and dropped again during the NFL’s opening weekend. The league’s image is taking a hit from the longterm health problems of players, and some fans are getting turned off by the gladiatorial nature of the sport. Yet for all the bad press surrounding the NFL, the league remains a financial juggernaut.

The average NFL franchise is worth $2.5 billion, up 8% by FORBES’ count over last year. The Dallas Cowboys were the only NFL team

worth $2 billion five years ago. Now all but five of the NFL’s 32 teams are worth at least $2 billion (the Buffalo Bills bring up the rear at $1.6 billion).

NFL owners are minting money thanks to hefty TV contracts and a favorable labor deal with the players. Operating profits (earnings, before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) were a record $101 million per team last season, with every team north of $40 million. The $3.2 billion in league-wide income is $500 million more than the combined earnings of teams in the NBA, NHL and MLB.

The Cowboys are the NFL’s most valuable team for the 11th straight year and the world’s most valuable sports franchise. America’s Team is worth $4.8 billion, up 14%, with profits of $350 million thanks to a booming merchandise business and the revenue opportunities at their new practice facility, The Star.

The Cowboys generate more than $150 million annually from sponsors. Owner Jerry Jones revolutionized the sponsorship template in the NFL two years after he purchased the team in 1993. He secured agreements with big brands Nike, Pepsi and American Express tied to his stadium, instead of the team, to get around the NFL’s control of sponsorships for clubs. Lawsuits flew before Jones settled with the NFL, and a new era was ushered in with teams actively selling sponsorships.

The NFL’s 32 teams generated $1.4 billion in revenue last season from sponsorships, ad signage and stadium

naming rights.

Jones renewed one of his landmark deals at the end of 2016 with a 10-year extension with PepsiCo. He is now actively selling sponsorships at The Star. The practice facility alone had $20 million in sponsor revenue last season -- more than some teams generate overall from sponsors.

Jones has leveraged the Cowboys to launch new businesses.

The Cowboys are the only NFL team to distribute their own merchandise.

Silver Star has merchandise agreements with other entities like USC and generated more than $200 million in wholesale revenue last year. Jones owns one-third of Legends Hospitality, which manages ticket sales, concessions and sponsorships for clients like the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Dallas Mavericks and Notre Dame. A minority stake was sold in the spring, valuing Legends at $700 million.

One of Jones’ latest ventures is Blue Star Sports. Jones and his partners launched the company last year to roll up a number of youth sports apps and sports tech businesses. The NFL’s private equity arm, 32 Equity, invested in Blue Star this year. It is understood to be the first time the NFL invested directly in a company owned by one of its owners (our valuation for the Cowboys does not include Legends or Blue Star).

The league has made other strategic investments like its $90 million stake this year in Fanatics, which operates the NFL’s online store.

Blue Star and Fanatics are similar in

The Cowboys generate more than $150 million annually from sponsors. Owner Jerry Jones revolutionized the sponsorship template in the NFL two years after he purchased the team in 1993 that they represent the NFL’s strategy of more equity investments instead of just focusing on rights-fee deals for cash.

Jones was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame last month for his role rebuilding the Cowboys into the sport’s preeminent business and brand.

Jones has been the NFL’s ultimate power broker behind landmark deals like the NFL TV packages and the Rams move from St. Louis to Los Angeles.

The 10 most valuable NFL teams: 1. Dallas Cowboys ($4.8 billion) 2. New England Patriots ($3.7 billion) 3. New York Giants ($3.3 billion) 4. Washington Redskins ($3.1 billion) 5. San Francisco 49ers ($3.05 billion) 6. Los Angeles Rams ($3 billion) 7. Chicago Bears ($2.85 billion) 8. Houston Texans ($2.80 billion) 9. New York Jets ($2.75 billion) 10. Philadelphia Eagles ($2.65 billion)

Knicks agree to trade Carmelo Anthony to Thunder Tennis player Serena Williams poses with her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr.

Serena Williams shows off baby girl Alexis

American tennis star Serena couple putting together the baby’s crib.

Williams confirmed her Williams on Wednesday announced the name and released first pictures of pregnancy in April hours after her baby girl, revealing that they had triggering speculation when she spent a week in the hospital following accidentally posted a short-lived selfie the Sept. 1 birth in Florida because of on social media with the caption: “20 weeks”. unspecified complications.

“Meet Alexis Olympia Ohanian Williams, the world’s highestJr.” the former world No. 1 and 23-time paid female athlete, was about two Grand Slam champion said in postings months pregnant when she captured on her social media sites that included her 23rd grand slam singles title at the Australian Open. a video diary of her pregnancy.

Williams, 35, who is engaged She has not competed since to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, announcing her pregnancy but she told said the baby was born Sept. 1 and Vogue magazine last month that she intends to defend her title next year in weighed 6 lbs 14 oz (3.1 kg).

“So we’re leaving the hospital Australia, where the year’s first grand after six days. It’s been a long time. slam will be played from Jan. 15-28.

Reddit was among the first to We had a lot of complications, but look what we got!” Williams said in congratulate the couple on Wednesday. the video, cradling the baby who has a “Congrats to two of our all-time mass of black hair. favorite redditors who just welcomed

The video showed Williams a new baby Snoo into their family: u/ dancing, hitting tennis balls as her Kn0thing and u/serenawilliams!,” the pregnancy progressed, selfies of her social news and discussion website expanding belly, and home video of the posted on Twitter.

The New York Knicks agreed to trade 10-time All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Thunder will send center Enes Kanter, forward Doug McDermott and a 2018 second-round pick via the Chicago Bulls to the Knicks, league sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The 33-year-old Anthony will waive his no-trade clause and his $8.1 trade kicker to accommodate the deal, according to ESPN.

A trade call is scheduled for Monday to finalize the deal with the league office, sources told The Vertical.

Anthony previously told the Knicks he would only waive his notrade clause for the Thunder, Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Anthony joins MVP Russell Westbrook and newly acquired All-Star forward Paul George in the reshaped Western Conference contender. Both players reportedly played a significant role in recruiting Anthony to waive his no-trade clause.

The Thunder are making a major commitment with the deal, incurring $27 million in luxury tax for the 201718 season.

Anthony has two years and $54 million left on his contract, including a player option for $27.9 million on the 2018-19 season.

Talks between Thunder general manager Sam Presti and

Carmelo Anthony Knicks GM Scott Perry intensified in 24 hours before Saturday’s agreement, league sources told ESPN.

Anthony could take part in the start of Thunder training camp on Tuesday in Oklahoma City.

The Knicks said on Friday that Anthony would return to the team for the start of training camp, but an increased level of urgency began over the weekend, The Vertical reported.

Anthony had a no-trade clause as part of the maximum contract he signed in 2014 and declined a trade from the Knicks throughout the turmoil of Phil Jackson’s tenure as president of basketball operations.

Anthony averaged 22.4 points on 43.3 percent shooting along with 5.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 74 games with the Knicks last season, his seventh in New York and 14th in the NBA.

Page 48

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 – OCTOBER 7TH, 2017

SAILROCK TAKES ACTION FOLLOWING HURRICANE IRMA Immediately following Hurricane Irma, Sailrock stepped up to respond to and lead many of the relief efforts for the South Caicos community. Our amazing team extended themselves day and night to offer the needed aid to local residents.

Shipments of food were donated by IGA in Provo, with Sailrock employees assisting with the offloading and distribution of the food. Many thanks to IGA for their generous efforts!

Sailrock President, Colin Kihnke, participating in the distribution of food, medicine and provisions to the local community.

When the service team from FLOW arrived to South Caicos, Sailrock offered equipment and operators to assist in placing the generator. Cellular service was restored the following day.

Sailrock promptly offered operators and equipment to make needed repairs to the South Caicos shipping port.

Sailrock provided operators and machinery to assist Fortis TCI in the repair of power lines and poles to reestablish power to the community.

The Sailrock water truck and operator distributed fresh water throughout town for several days until the water plant was restored to operational condition.

While a lot of progress has been made, much is left to be done in restoring this resilient community. Join us today in this effort by donating to the South Caicos Heritage Foundation. All donations will be matched dollar for dollar by Colin Kihnke, President of Sailrock, up to $1,000,000.

For information about the Foundation please visit us at

www.southcaicosheritagefoundation.com/irmaresponse

#SouthCaicosStrong

Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks and Caicos Islands | Tel:649 348 6838 | Fax: 649 941 3281