VOLUME 13 ISSUE 44

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

VOLUME 13 - NO. 44

$1.00

activate a 7 day Prepaid combo and get an Alcatel U5 for

69

$

LTE sim upgrade Double data

activate now! *129# or topupflow.com

visit discoverflow.co *Terms & conditions apply.

Valid with any 7-day Prepaid Combo Plan.

4GLTE

always connected. always faster.

Website: www.suntci.com

Email: sun@suntci.com

Tel: (649) 348-6838

Fax: (649) 941-3281

www.facebook.com/tcisun

JUDGE REJECTS MIKE’S MOVE TO STOP SIPT CASE

by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

A

High Court judge has dismissed an application by former Premier Michael Misick to stop the corruption case against him because the appointment of now retired Special Prosecutor Helen Garlick was unconstitutional, and the investigation

by British police officers who reported to her was unlawful.

His Lordship Mr. Justice Paul Harrison, who is judge and jury in the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) corruption case, ruled on Thursday, November 23rd, 2017 that contrary to what Misick submitted through his lawyer, Senior Counsel Reginald Armour, “no abuse of process has been shown and no unfairness in the trial process has been shown to exist”.

Judge Harrison, a former President of the Jamaica Court of Appeal, said in a terse, eight-minute ruling, that with respect to the appointment of Special Prosecutor Helen Garlick, no abuse of power occurred.

The judge also stated that the SIPT police officers operated under the authority and control of the Commissioner of Police in the Turks and Caicos Islands and were lawfully entitled to investigate alleged offences and institute charges against the defendants.

Senior Counsel Mr. Reginald Armour, the lead defence lawyer for former Premier Michael Misick, had argued that the prosecutorial authority which Helen Garlick purported to exercise was unconstitutional and that all of the directions and the selection of police officers that she authorised, conformed and proceeded with were unconstitutional.

Mr. Armour, a Trinidadian and chairman of the Council of Legal Education, wanted the judge to stay the criminal proceedings because of an “abuse of executive power/process” against Misick.

All of the defence lawyers in the trial supported Armour’s submissions.

“It is...the defendants contention that the concept of

THANK YOU

In The Pink 2017 event raises just over $50,000

A

nother successful year for the ‘In The Pink’ event in its 9th year as they were able to raise just over $50,000 for the National Cancer Society and Hurricane Relief.

The Palms Turks and Caicos and the organizing committee of In The Pink hosted

protection of the law, which imports the doctrine of the rule of law, is a broad enough platform from which the actions of the Executive and the Special Prosecutor can be deemed to have been fundamentally unfair and unjust to the defendants throughout the commencement and continuation of the criminal proceedings herein,” he submitted.

In relation to Helen Garlick, he said: “She had no authority to do these things. She could not do it as a fiat from the governor and she could not do it as a public officer within the office of the Attorney General.”

Mr. Armour added: “The Special Prosecutor is a not a creature known either in the Constitution or in the Common Law. When that position

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

the annual event on Saturday November 18th and it was greatly supported by many in the TCI community.

Committee member of the event since its inception, Karen Whitt, told The SUN, “We will split this total between National Cancer Society, and Hurricane Relief. was created, you must look to see what was its lawful remit according to some legal instrument which will delineate that remit and in the absence of an instrument delineating that remit, that Special Prosecutor has no conferred power,” he added.

“It’s one thing for the Governor to create an office, but it’s another thing to put someone in that office and give that person directions to discharge functions in that office.

The mere creation of an office named Special Prosecutor stops there. So when that Special Prosecutor purports to go out and do anything, it must be consistent with the Constitution and not otherwise. And my point is that on the Crown’s case, the Special Prosecutor was operating outside of the

Our hurricane relief initiative is to provide Christmas gifts for all children in public primary schools.”

Whitt described this year’s event as another smashing success. In the photograph, Whitt is seen with supporting staff and sponsors. (See page 24 & 25 for more photographs). constitution.”

Mr. Armour told the court that what was done by Garlick’s appointment was unlawful and that former Attorney General Hugh Shepheard sought to “cover up” what was taking place, that’s why he (Armour) wanted him (Shepheard) to testify so he could ask him certain questions but Judge Harrison ruled against him coming.

However, in his ruling, Judge Harrison said the power to appoint all public officers is vested in the governor under the Constitution and former Governor Gordon Wetherell had constituted the offices of Special Prosecutor and Deputy Special Prosecutor within the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers.

Continued on Page 2

Page 2

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

JUDGE REJECTS MIKE’S MOVE TO STOP SIPT CASE Continued from Page 1

He said the office of the Attorney General is a public office, although he or she sits in Cabinet and in the House of Assembly, adding that no breach of the principle of separation of powers was occasioned in his functioning as Attorney General.

Judge Harrison added that since the Attorney General, under the 2006 Constitution, had power to institute and undertake criminal proceedings, such power could be exercised by the AG in person or by other officers who are subordinate to him.

He pointed out that the AG Senior Counsel, Reginald Armour had notified Garlick in writing that without merit, have no substance in she was to act under his authority in law, let alone in fact and are, borrowing from the language of the Constitution carrying out instructions.

“The Special Prosecutor ‘merely frivolous or vexatious’.” appointed in the AG’s Chambers was He added: The appointments of not a part of the executive as such, nor the Special Prosecutor and her deputy was she under the influence or control were made after careful consideration of the executive,” Harrison ruled. “She of the Public Service Commission. That was an appointed public officer in the there was “careful” consideration of Attorney General’s Chambers and was the appointments is apparent from the independent of the political executive minutes of the meeting of the PSC on and by that appointment she acquired the 7/8th July 2009. It is also noted, in the minutes, that these appointments prosecutorial powers.”

Lead Prosecutor, Queen’s were approved following a Cabinet Counsel, Mr. Andrew Mitchell, said minute approving the constitution Armour’s application on Misick’s behalf of the office of the Special Prosecutor was “without substance or merit and and her deputy within the Attorney should be dismissed”, noting that this General’s Chambers [AGC]. All of this was not the first time that an attempt was prior to the suspension of the has been made to “undermine the Constitution on the 14th August 2009.” judicial process by highly critical and Mr. Mitchell also noted that unmeritorious points being taken”. in an abuse of process submission in Mr. Mitchell submitted: “Each and a criminal case the burden is on the defendant to establish that there has every one of the....points are wholly

Queen’s Counsel, Andrew Mitchell

Mr. Justice Paul Harrison

been an abuse of process on the balance of probabilities, such that it would be unfair to try the defendant.

He said it is well known that there are two possible strands to an abuse of process argument: firstly, can the defendant have a fair trial, or secondly, it would be unfair to try the defendant.

“Since this is said to be an abuse of executive power or process, the abuse strand contended for here must be that it would be unfair to (continue to) try the defendant,” Mr. Mitchell added.

He said there is no power vested in the Governor to create the role of Special Prosecutor because it would be necessary to have some legal framework to do this, such as exists in Canada and the United States of America [USA], where statute has created the role.

“That there is legislation

in Canada and the USA for the appointment of a special prosecutor cannot be read across to the Turks and Caicos Islands [TCI] as meaning that because there is no such legislation in the TCI any such appointment is void and of no effect in the TCI,” he added.

Mr. Mitchell said the Governor has the power to make appointments to public offices acting in accordance with the advice of the PSC (s.84(1) 2006 Constitution17), unless the Governor is instructed by Her Majesty through a Secretary of State to do otherwise.

He said the Governor, in Her Majesty’s name and on Her behalf, also may constitute such offices for the Islands as may be lawfully constituted by Her Majesty (s.96 2006 Constitution) and subject to the Constitution (and any other law) may make appointments to any such office and the appointee shall hold office during Her Majesty’s pleasure.

TCI to get a share of $2billion international hurricane relief

The Turks and Caicos Islands will get a portion of the $2billion in loans and pledges from the international community to help Caribbean countries affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria.

During a meeting at United Nations Headquarters in New York last week, the international community mobilised over $1.3 billion in

pledges and more than $1 billion in loans and debt relief.

Premier Hon. Sharlene Robinson attended the meeting along with nearly 400 highlevel representatives from governments, multilateral and civil society organizations, the private the Secretaries-General of the UN and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to help

the affected countries “build back better.”

The powerful category-5 hurricanes Irma and Maria hit the Caribbean in September causing a number of deaths and widespread devastation in the Caribbean.

According to the latest needs estimates, recovery costs are expected to surpass $5 billion.

Barbuda, the smaller of

the two-island State of Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica were among the most severely affected, along with Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands. Haiti and St. Kitts and Nevis also suffered damage, while St. Maarten/St. Martin as well as Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico were also impacted.

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 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

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 5

LOCAL NEWS

No new cases of Zika in TCI, says Minister of Health

By Todeline Defralien

There have been no new cases of Zika or Chikungunya in the Turks and Caicos Islands, according to the Minister of Health, Agriculture and Human Services, Hon. Edwin Astwood.

While there were a number of countries in the Caribbean which have reported a high number of cases, the Turks and Caicos Islands have been very fortunate with no new cases, the Minister said at a press conference on Thursday November 16th at the Premier office.

Recently there have been frequent rainfall, residents and visitors are encouraged to continue to keep their surrounding free from all standing water even in flower pots.

Astwood stated: “I want to say that there are no new cases of ZIKA or Chikungunya in the Turks and Caicos and we know that sometimes on the internet or media you might see something about Zika in the Turks and Caicos but there are no new cases of Zika in the Turks and Caicos.

We are going to and the vehicle should be there so be stepping up they can do proper fogging activities, and if you do not fogging.

Due to see these activities the recent and I encourage you to continuous rainfall report that to our throughout the Ministry so that we can make sure Turks and Caicos Islands the these things take Environmental place. We know H e a l t h that it has been Department and raining for some Ministry of Health, two, three weeks Agriculture and here and we know what is going to Minister of Health, Agriculture and Human Human Services advised residents, happen after the Services, Hon. Edwin Astwood home owners, rains, especially in apartment owners our family islands of North Caicos and Middle Caicos. My and businesses to have all debris Ministry is clamping down in making removed from their premises and sure that there are no vector borne disposed at the public landfill/solid illnesses from mosquitoes this season.” waste disposal sites on their respective

Astwood said there’s a new island.

With the removal of the position for a vector control officer and a truck specifically for the island of debris from all premises it will reduce Middle Caicos and that person should mosquito breeding and prevention be in place by the end of the month of mosquito borne and other vector

borne diseases such as Zika virus, Chikungunya and Dengue fever.

As Environmental Health Department - Vector Control Unit continues to monitor and treat mosquito breeding sites, home owners, apartment owners and business owners are advised to treat standing water on their premises by using cooking oil or any other environmental friendly oils to prevent mosquito breeding.

In addition to taking such preventative measures, all residents are encouraged to continue to discourage the growth and reproduction of mosquitoes by taking the following precautions: Check around buildings for anything that could hold water; Inspect your home and yard weekly; Turn containers over or cover them; Get rid of or cover old tires; Properly dispose of all garbage/refuse; Cover boats, children’s pools, etc; Clean rain gutters and make sure they are flowing properly; Check screens for holes and Tightly cover water drums and rain barrels.

THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS NATIONAL INSURNACE BOARD EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

IS INTERVIEWING FOR:

FRONT DESK, HOUSEKEEPING, BAR, BEACH AND GARDENER POSITIONS Join relaxed and friendly 35 team workforce and enjoy one of the highest wage and bonus packages on the island.

Our 98 – room resort popularity and occupancy are growing year after year resulting in high distribution of service charges and

NO SLOW SEASON LAYOFFS Resumes can be dropped off at the hotel or emailed to Jgarland@portsofcallresort.com

A vacancy exists at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Insurance Board for an Accounting Clerk at its Head Office in Grand Turk, and applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill the post.

The Accounting Clerk will report to the Financial Controller of the Board.

CORE FUNCTIONS OF JOB The position performs the following: •Prepares cheques to pay administrative expenses •Receive and record all correspondence and data in the Accounts Department •Assist with Bank reconciliations •Prepares purchase orders •Prepares bank drafts •Liaises with bank, with respect to contractors payments •Assists with the preparation of monthly general ledger schedules •Reimburse the petty cash account •Checks all invoices and vouchers for accuracy and completeness •File accounting records •Receiving, recording and filing invoices and correspondences to the Accounts Department EDUCATIONAL REQUIRMENTS The successful candidate must have an Associates Degree in Business Administration, or Accounts. The position requires specialized training in: •Computer applications •Human relations •Communication •Systems management •Research The position requires two (2) year experience in a clerical position.

Experience should span: •Computer application •Supervisory management •Research •Human relations •Communication •Systems management Salary to be negotiated and will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

Applications giving fill details of qualifications and experience should be sent to the Deputy Director Corporate Services, National Insurance Board, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands to reach no later than Friday December 1, 2017.

Page 6

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Over 1,000 street lights down in TCI, says Fortis

By Allie Capron

There was significant damage to streetlights across Turks and Caicos in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Almost two months later, large sections of roads remain in darkness throughout the country, making driving at night extremely hazardous.

Though street lighting has been restored in some areas, the shortage of street lights remains a critical issue on roads.

Approximately 1,100 streetlights are down across the service territory, Talisha Simons, Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at FortisTCI, revealed in an

exclusive statement to the SUN.

“Restoring streetlights will take some time,” Simons stated. “There is continuing work being carried out to harden the electricity system. Access to streetlight product, specific to the needs of TCI, is a challenge due to locations in the US and Caribbean also having been hit with several hurricanes this fall season causing a severe spike in demand for products. Currently, there is a dedicated crew working to restore the streetlights that can be repaired and FortisTCI is in the process of retaining a local contractor to assist with the restoration of streetlights.

The company is also working with suppliers for procurement of product.”

Simons explained that some

Talisha Simons, Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at FortisTCI

`streets lights were restored since the hurricanes but have subsequently failed. Therefore, restoration and repair of streetlights is an ongoing process. Fortis is working steadily to restore the remaining lights that were either damaged or destroyed.

Work to restore street lighting across all islands is expected to continue throughout the next several months, she said, adding that the cost of restoration is still being determined.

FortisTCI is responsible for the installation and maintenance of streetlights across the service territories on behalf of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. TCIG is responsible for determining where and when new lights are installed.

New primary school for Long Bay

By Todeline Defralien Minister of Education Hon. Karen Malcolm announced at a Government press conference on Thursday November 16th that a new Primary School will be built in the Long Bay area in Providenciales.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government received $4.5 million from the European Union (EU) to construct a new Government school in the Long Bay area.

During the press conference Malcolm said the Ministry is moving forward with the new primary school and the tender will go out shortly.

She added: “I would also like will cost some $4.5 million to rebuild. to take this opportunity to thank the This figure does not include the Non-Governmental Organisations furniture and equipments that were (NGOs) and corporate partners for damaged. their assistance during these difficult Commenting on the times. I would also like to say a special reconstruction of the badly damaged thank you to the Ministry personnel, Oseta Jolly Primary School, Minister also the principals, parents, teachers for Infrastructure, Housing and and students of our schools who Planning Hon. Goldray Ewing said: have been patient with us as we go “We do not have the luxury to knock through this very difficult time after down the structure and rebuild back the passing of hurricanes Irma and right now, but the structure is an old structure and moving forward we will Maria.”

The Minister of Education also have to make some decisions on what noted that the damage assessments we’re going to do with it. But for now for the public schools have been we’re going to repair it to its original completed and it is estimated that it state. We are dealing with roofs and

NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE BOARD JOB ADVERTISMENT

JOB TITLE:

Medical Officer

ANNUAL SALARY:

Salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience

LOCATION:

Providenciales

REPORTS TO:

Chief Executive Officer

SUBORDINATES: Provider Services Manager/ Patient Services Representatives/ Clinical Services Manager SUMMARY / PURPOSE OF JOB: This is a managerial position, which has departmental wide responsibility for activities and direction of the Operations department and NHIP Emergency Overseas Treatment Programme; Providing technical leadership to the Insurance Operations team, the Medical Officer formulates policies and procedures to enhance the impact of the department; monitors patients overseas to assess their progress and report to the CEO; verify the eligibility of all claims, ensure staff is properly supervised and trained, customer concerns addressed; and ensures appropriate cost efficient health care services with best medical practices in place.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:  Manages the medical aspects of the NHIP Emergency Overseas Treatment Programme;  Manages all aspects of the Operations Department inclusive of all staff assigned to the department;  Manages and develops the Operations Department Budget with the view of ensuring that the Department expenditure remains within or below the budgeted ranges;  Develops policies, procedures, standards and controls for effective management of the Operations Department  Collection of statistics form ICL (the hospitals) and the private providers as required by management and the actuary  Liaises with the NIB to identify number of employment injury and occupational disease cases.  Enforces cost-reduction strategies and recommends initiatives in the management of patient’s care;  Prepares Quarterly Performance Reports and Trend Analysis  Recommends and monitors systems and procedures to facilitate achieving of objectives within the area of responsibility;  Verifies and signs-off on overseas provider claims in order to ensure veracity of claims as well as conducts value for money audits;  Advises on the adjudication of claims by beneficiaries in special circumstances, outside the scope of usual and customary benefits, including overseas claims  Makes recommendations to the Board on policy decisions such as but not limited to reimbursement and accreditation standards in line with the Health Practitioners Board or other authorized Agency.  Conducts sample surveys of health care providers and facilities to derive baseline

Minister of Education Hon. Karen Malcolm ceiling mostly and there is one block that has a problem with the floor because there’s a tank under it that we intend to include in the repairs.”

Meantime, Hon. Malcolm also announced that a review has been done of the Community College campus for Provo and the Ministry of Infrastructure has been provided with the plans to do the costing.

data on the availability and quality of services as well as the capacity and readiness to meet the demands of the NHIB;  Coordinates activities and provides advice to the NHIB team charged with the specification and costing of the service benefit package and in the development of provider payment systems;  Convenes and takes the lead in meetings and other mechanisms aimed at defining criteria for inclusion in the NHIB provider network, as well as developing norms and protocols for quality assurance utilization reviews, access to overseas care, and modifications ( inclusion and exclusion) of items in the benefit package;  Collaborates with other members on the NHIB team in the design and implementation of activities related to accreditation of health providers;  Collaborates with other members of the NHIB team in defining and developing contractual agreements with local and overseas providers for services within the benefit package;  Assists in the development of detailed terms of reference and procedures for the activities of the NHIB Medical Review Committee.  May perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or any other person authorized to give instructions or assignments  Any other duty deemed appropriate and consistent with the position, professional qualification and skill set as directed by the Chief Executive Officer WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:  Internal – Chief Financial Officer, Insurance Claims Manager, Nurse Case Managers, Claims Officers, IT, Registration and Accounting Officers  External - Members of the public, Ministry of Health and other TCIG Ministries, TCI Hospitals, International medical providers, Insurance Third Party Administrators MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:  Principles, practices and techniques of medical case management  Principles and practices of strategic, long-term business planning  Principles and practices of effective management and supervision  Good Problem Solving Skills  Human Relations  Strong written and oral skills including computer literacy in the main processing, spreadsheet and presentation graphics programmes.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:  Medical Doctor with at least 7 years’ experience; full time practitioner in primary care and hospital settings with the necessary competencies to effectively respond to the challenges of the job.  Business post graduate Degree  Business Management Experience  Knowledge of the NHIB Ordinance and Regulations  Current (Good Standing) Registration with TCI Health Practitioners Board  Experience with health insurance operations such as member of medical review panel will be an asset.

Deadline for submission is November 30th, 2017.

All Applications should be addressed to: Human Resources Manager National Health Insurance Board Salt Mills Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands British West Indies Email: recruitment@tcinhip.tc

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 7

LOCAL NEWS

Customers unhappy with Digicel service

By Allie Capron

Several customers across Providenciales are deeply frustrated

by Digicel’s service since the passage of Hurricane Irma.

Based on reports reaching The SUN, these complaints range from issues with cable connection, static-laden phone lines and slow internet connection, which for a large segment of the population is currently only accessible through portable Wi-Fi modems as standard internet services have yet to be restored to several areas across the island.

A customer who requested anonymity told the SUN: “The modem I have now is incredibly slow. It takes forever for things to load and

sometimes it just doesn’t work at all.

I’ve noticed that I have to catch it early when there are fewer people online to get decent speed. So I get up early in the morning to complete my tasks for work and hope I don’t forget anything because if I have to come back and try to use it in the middle of the day when more people are online, it’s a complete waste of time.”

A Digicel cable TV user commented: “I continue to have problems with my cable. They sent someone to fix it but it just keeps messing up. I’m trying to figure out how to fix it on my own now. I’ve called them several times to complain. They told me I need to come into the office to claim a discount but I don’t have the time. I have work to do and going up to

their office means I have to find extra time and money. So I ended paying the full bill for bad service.”

A few of the Digicel users contacted by the SUN complained of Digicel phone lines being ‘staticky’ since the hurricane which is making phone conversations difficult. One customer is calling upon Digicel to provide an explanation for their unreliable service post-hurricane.

“They’re not giving out much information on what the problem is or when things are going to go back to normal. As a customer, I want to know what’s going on so I can make better decisions,” said one unnamed customer.

The SUN understands that Digicel’s network was significantly

Digicel CEO, Sinead O’Marcaigh damaged by Hurricane Irma and it will take a substantial amount of work to fully repair.

When contacted for comment, Digicel CEO, Sinead O’Marcaigh told the SUN to wait for a press conference to receive more insight into the company’s network since the passage of Hurricane Irma.

TCIG Youth Listening Tour Part 2

The Department of Youth Affairs which is under the portfolio of Hon. Karen Malcolm, will be leading a Youth Listening Tour to engage youth on the Government’s change initiative.

The Ministry of Education will partner with local youth-serving institutions, clubs, churches and schools to host youth forums throughout the country.

The Youth Listening Tour is a part of a greater effort to engage youth, families, and communities in improving our nation’s schools. The Listening Tour is the main opportunity for the Youth Department to consult with a wide-range of young Turks and Caicos Islanders, from all walks of life. The Tour includes meeting and hearing from all private

and Government secondary schools.

The Tour will enable the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services to understand some of the complex issues facing Turks and Caicos, from a diversity of perspectives.

The primary goal is to listen and to seek feedback on the most important issues that young Turks and Caicos Islanders face. The acting National Youth Director will be gathering data on how young people perceive issues affecting them and using that to inform eventual policy recommendations. But beyond this, the aim is to solidify the path for some young Turks and Caicos Islanders to succeed in their country in whatever path of life chosen by them.

Young people of the Turks and Caicos Islands can contribute to issues important to them, for example, career paths and scholarship availability, job availability in the Turks and Caicos, entrepreneurship, challenges faced by youth, advice they may have for the government etc.

The Tour will continue as follow; Wednesday, 29th Nov - Clement Howell School High School @ 9:00am, Long Bay High @ 1:00pm Friday, 1st Dec - British West Indies Collegiate @ 9:00 am, Marantha High School @ 12:00pm, Wesley Methodist School@ 2:00pm

Monday, 4th Dec - Marjorie Basden High School @ 8:30 am Tuesday, 5th Dec - Raymond Gardiner High school@ 8:30am Wednesday 6th Dec-TCIPS Comprehensive High@ 8:30am, Holy Family Academy @12:00pm, Champions for Christ International School of Excellence @ 2:00pm

Please express your interest by emailing any of our youth officers dparker@gov.tc, nicky71422@yahoo.com or Mr. Nixon Dickenson, Acting National Youth Director at ndickenson@gov.tc.

Come and join our winning team at Seven Star Resort & Spa The following positions are currently available

LEAD SERVER Candidate will lead their section team and at times be responsible for opening or closing the restaurant including responsibility for end of day procedures.

•Suitable candidates must have a minimum of 4 years’ experience working in a lead position at a five-star resort or fine dining restaurant in a lead position •Must be willing to work long hours and all weather conditions •High energy with excellent interpersonal skills •Excellent command of English language (writing/reading/speaking) •Experience with point-of-service system, prior cashier or banking experience preferred Wages: $7.60 per hour and position currently held by a work permit holder Crystallization Specialist: This individual will be responsible for grinding and leveling of floors with the required machinery. Responsible for all of the following: Travertine Cleaning , Marble Polishing, Marble Cleaning, Granite Polishing, Etch Removal, Stain Removal, Limestone Cleaning, Lippage Removal, Crack & Chip Repair and Marble Floor Maintenance Requirements: •Knowledge of working with chemicals used for floor restoration, polishing, buffing or crystallization on different stone floor types – Limestone/granite/ marble •Some math and measuring skills along with an eye for detail •Also requires a great deal of lifting, bending and squatting, so a reasonable level of physical fitness is needed.

Salary range: USD12,000 to USD 13,500 per annum. Position currently held by a work permit holder

some positions are held by work permit holders.

Requirements/ Job knowledge/Skills/Abilities •Suitable candidates must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working at a 5 Star Resort in a similar role.

•Must be willing to work long hours and all weather condition •Must have a strong attention to details and exceptional ability to maintain the highest standards of quality required.

•Must have the ability to lift at least 50lbs.

•Ability to work conscientiously, meets deadlines, follows instruction and directions, with minimal supervision and detailed oriented •Ability to stand, sit, kneel constantly to handle specific details or demands of quality and speedy guest services •Ability to work with cleaning agents by extending arms over head, bending and stooping •Ability and desire to handle the heat as the layout of the resort’s rooms dictate •Ability to push, lift and/or pull equipment up to or more than 100 lbs •Ability to scrub and scour surfaces, extend arms over head to perform cleaning tasks, and work in confined spaces •Additional language abilities preferred Salary range: USD12,000 to USD 13,500 per annum.

LINE COOK: We are looking for a professional line cook to prepare food to the exact chef ’s specifications and to set up stations for menu. The successful candidate will play a key role in contributing to our customer satisfaction and acquisition goals.

Requirement •Proven cooking experience SPA THERAPISTS Candidates will join our team in our newly expanded award winning Spa and will be •Excellent understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment and procedures therapists as well as have opening and closing duties.

•Accuracy and speed in executing assigned tasks •Familiar with industry’s best practices Duties and Requirements: •5 years’ experience as a therapist and relevant degree or equivalent combination of •Culinary school diploma Salary: USD16,800 to USD21,600 per annum. Position currently held by a work experience and education.

•Knowledge of holistic concepts and treatments including facials, full body treatments, permit holder massages, physiotherapy, and manicures and pedicures.

OTHER POSITIONS •Enthusiastic demeanor with excellent customer service skills •Public Area Cleaner •Must be able to work long hours and split shift.

•Guest Services Agent Salary $6.31 per hour (plus commission). Position held by a work permit hold Salary range: USD12,000 to $17,000 per annum and is based on experience and qualification. Some position currently held by a work permit holder.

HOUSEKEEPING ATTENDANT/ROOM ATTENDANT Candidates will be required to assist in all Housekeeping responsibilities, cleaning of guest rooms, stocking amenities and linens. There are new positions available and ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING ABOVE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED. Candidates should apply to Seven Stars Resort & Spa, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales via e-mail at hr@sevenstarsgracebay.com for consideration or should leave CV’s at the security building for the attention of HR. Prospective applicants who are Islanders kindly send copies of your application to the board. Application deadline: November 30 2017

Page 8

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

IGA seeking permission to build solar carport

Turks and Caicos Sun

By Todeline Defralien

KH Capital Limited which is associated with Graceway IGA is applying for planning permission to build a Solar Carport in IGA’s parking lot on Leeward Highway, which will be the first in the Turks and Caicos Islands and one of the few in the region.

An Application, registered PR 13217, by KH Capital Limited for the development of Solar Carport has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on 60805/29 The Bight & Thomas Stubbs on Providenciales.

The application submitted seeks planning consideration for a Solar Carport on the Existing Parking Lot at Graceway IGA.

The SUN contacted KH Capital officials for a comment to elaborate on the upcoming construction but up to the time of this report, none was available.

Solar carports are overhead canopies built to cover parking areas, and are distinct from panels installed onto a preexisting carport structure. Solar carports have many things in common with ground mount solar panels, which are angled panel modules installed on the ground rather than on a rooftop.

Both ground mount solar and solar carports eliminate the need for

Suite#5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 339-5879 Fax: (649) 941-3281 Email: sun@suntci.com Read us online at www.suntci.com

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce Graphic designer Information Technology and Production Manager: Kelano Howell

The planning notice sign for a solar carport in the Graceway IGA parking lot a surface on which the panels could be mounted. The primary difference between a solar carport and a typical ground mount installation is that carports are taller in order to make space for a car to park. Otherwise, the two are quite similar and each offers the benefit of allowing installers to orient the panels at the most optimal angle for sunlight exposure.

The great advantage of solar carports and solar patio covers is that they don’t require additional land the way ground mount does. As a result, solar panel carports offer a more efficient use of space than ground

mounted panels.

Overall, solar panel carports have less restraints or conflicts than ground mounted solar, and can be considered preferable under many circumstances.

Solar carports and canopies have proven to be a successful and marketable approach to PV system siting and deployment. In addition to generating power, these structures add significant value to frequently underutilized parking areas, providing shade during the sunny months and protection from precipitation during the wet ones.

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.

CHIRAAG LTD

NOTICE OF SALE BY AUCTION NOTICE OFPUBLIC SALE

Seeking to employ suitable qualified and experience individuals for the following positions listed below

Hallmark Trust Limited (formerly Hallmark Bank & Trust Ltd.) of P.O. Box 656, Courtyard

Sales: •Managers •Persons

BY PUBLIC AUCTION

Plaza, Suite 1A, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following property pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands

The successful applicants must be computer literate and self driven individuals, with the ability to engage the customers and master the art of selling goods and services. Managers must be knowledgeable of the merchandise and provide technical information to the customers when required; he/she will be responsible for daily sales and activities.

CAP 9.01:

Salary:

powder rooms, five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a formal living room, breakfast room, formal

Ranges from $7.00 – $12.00 per hr

Store: •Clerks •Domestic workers •Butler Clerks must have the ability to properly organize and keep inventory of goods on display and general stock. The butler must be able to dine the customers while seeking purchases within the stores; He/she is required to have a valid driver’s license to carryout store deliveries and other menial chores. Domestic workers are required to keep the stores clean and carryout other domestic chores within.

Salary:

Ranges from $6.25 - $7.50 per hr

All successful applicants must have strong communication and excellent customer service skills. They may be required to work on a shift basis, weekends and holidays.

Contact: Deluxe Employment and Recruitment Services Telephone number 946-8876 or Email: deluxebusinesscenter@tciway.tc

Parcel 60721/38, Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hills, Providenciales. The property has a two storey private residence approximately 6,886 square feet consisting of an entry foyer, two dining room, studio, gourmet kitchen, pantry and laundry room.

The area is a total of approximately 1.3 acres of land.

Registered Proprietor: Neville Carl Bolton and Beverly Elaine Bolton The auction will be held at the offices of Karam Missick attorneys, P.O. Box 926, A 203 & A 205 Regent Village East, Grace Bay, Providenciales at 10:00am in the morning on the 7th day of December 2017.

A reserve price will be fixed on the Property. A deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.

Terms and Conditions of Sale by Auction are available by request from Hallmark Trust Limited (formerly Hallmark Bank & Trust Ltd.) (649) 941-5191.

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 9

alexandra resort | beach house | blue haven resort

ALEXANDRA RESORT IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

All-Inclusive guests have access to all three Turks and Caicos Collection properties - Alexandra Resort, Beach House and Blue Haven Resort. All-Inclusive stays include all meals, premium beverages, drinks, snacks and resort activities. A free shuttle allows guests to dine-around with a choice of 7 restaurants and 8 bars.

turks and caicos collection all inclusive resorts

turksandcaicoscollection.com

Alexandra Resort alexandraresort.com contact@alexandraresort.com +1.800.284.0699 +1.649.946.5807

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

Blue Haven Resort bluehaventci.com contact@bluehaventci.com +1.855.832.7667 +1.649.946.9900

Page 10

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Amanyara Resort donates $35k worth of tools and equipment to Clement Howell High Industrial Arts Department

By Todeline Defralien

Amanyara Resort on Tuesday November 21st officially handed over $35,000 worth of tools and equipment to Clement Howell High School to support their Woodworking Industrial Arts Department.

Over the years Amanyara has continuously supported Clement Howell High School and Oseta Jolly Primary School along with their local Blue Hills and Wheeland communities.

The past year Amanyara Resort have been raising funds for this initiative and also donated an art installation commissioned by Dasic Fernandez (valued at $30k) which was part of their 2016 NYE celebrations.

The handing over ceremony saw the attendance of Deputy Governor Hon. Anya Williams, Minister of Education Hon. Karen Malcolm, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning Hon. Goldray Ewing and Minister of Home Affairs, Agriculture and Human Services Hon. Delroy Williams.

Principal Mrs. Kadean Cunningham said during the ceremony: “Over the past few years with a formulation of our vision 2020 statement, we have been looking at the programs that this school offers and among them we wanted to put emphases on the technical, vocational programs that we have here at this school, seeking to provide those opportunities

for our students to gain the skills to go should change the approach to foster out there into the working world and learning and let the department be satisfying the marketing needs that is felt in the Turks and Caicos Islands, there. In keeping with this, we forged in the region and internationally. Our the target which is implementing mission was simply to equip our labs opportunities for technical, vocational with 21st century equipment so that programs through deliberate and we can teach our students to function sustainable partnerships synergizing effectively in the rapidly changing to quality standards and ultimately industry and today we are living that creating employment.” dream. By the donation Amanyara has

She added: “We recognize made we’ve received most of what we as a service-oriented country with had on our wish list.” particular emphasis on tourism and General Manager of the especially now through the passing Amanyara Resort, Mr. Serge Ditesheim of (hurricanes) Irma and Maria, the added: “I’ve taken on the legacy of the construction industry now started to General Manager of Amanyara a very boom. We want to expose our students short while ago, my contract states to these technical programs so that the 8th of September which is a date they can be a part of these industries to remember for many reasons but that will provide these opportunities I am very proud to take on this new for them to showcase those skills that legacy. We mentioned this being the they would have gain from being here brain child of Marco Franck (Former in Clement Howell High.”

General Manager of Amanyara) who is

Cunningham promised the still with Aman but in a slightly bigger Amanyara Resort team that they will role now in Singapore overlooking 21 put the equipment and materials to resorts in Asia, but I obviously want good use, adding that the students and to honour him here as well because it their teachers were ecstatic about the was really his brainchild to get this all generous donation to their Industrial going.”

Art Department.

Ditesheim revealed that he

Mr. Damian Williams, Head of is not a General Manager/Hotelier by department for Industrial Art at the trade. His first six years of professional Clement Howell High School described life he was a technician/metal worker, this day as a dream come true. so he is very familiar with tools, what

He said “A few years ago, they do and how powerful they are. we the members of the Industrial “I hope you can visualize with me what Technology Department established these tools can do, how may roofs a vision and enacted a mission that that they can build, how many chairs,

tables and chessboards that they can build. It’s unlimited and I am very excited for professional reason as well to see how those tools here can work.

I want to congratulate the Clement Howell High School for the foresight and investing in the vocational trade, which is something that I am very passionate about.”

Ditesheim said that the Clement Howell produced a lot of talent, even staff who are currently working at the Resort. He hopes that many more talents will join the Amanyara family after leaving the Clement Howell High School.

Minister of Education Hon. Karen Malcolm thanked the Amanyara Resort on behalf of the Ministry of Education and the Government for their very generous donation and for forging this relationship with the Clement Howell High School.

“We know that these gifts that you’ve presented this morning will be used to the best of the students’ abilities. I thank you (Amanyara) for just giving us this gift this morning to help advance our students in woodwork and whatever areas that they would like to pursue.”

A past student of the Clement Howell High School expressed how happy he was to see the upgrades made to the Industrial Arts Department and stated that this department has benefited him very much in his career as a professional Architect.

(From L-R) Minister of Home Affairs, Agriculture and Human Services Hon. Delroy Williams, Resort Manager Garrett W. Donovan, Deputy Governor Hon. Anya Williams, Minister of Education Hon. Karen Malcolm, General Manager of the Amanyara Resort, Mr. Serge Ditesheim and Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning Hon. Goldray Ewing

A full house of Government Officials, Amanyara Resort team, teachers and students of the Clement Howell High School

The Culinary Department team pictured beside DeWALT equipment donated by the Amanyara Resort

Some of the equipments donated by the Amanyara Resort

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 11

Page 12

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

‘Da Conch Shack’ Restaurant reopens in Blue Hills

By Todeline Defralien

Popular local restaurant ‘Da Conch Shack’ is back in business at its Blue Hills location and ready to serve locals and guests with their famous conch specialty and local seafood menu.

Despite the extensive damages sustained to the restaurant after the passage of hurricanes Irma, it officially reopened to the public on Tuesday November 21st with numerous upgrades.

General Manager Karel Rodney told The SUN, “As most restaurants on the island took a beating and got severely damaged, we quickly pooled all the resources together, myself, the other managers and few of the staff.

We had a meeting, came up with a plan, got some contractors on board, set some time lines to start the cleaning process which was very tedious and then made plans for the demolishing of the damaged areas and them made another plan for rebuilding.”

Rodney said for the past two months they received numerous emails, phone calls, and queries from guests inquiring when they were going to be open, so they pulled together and worked around the clock and got it done.

“We opened on November 21st which was a Tuesday. We didn’t want to open on a Wednesday, which is when we have live band. We wanted everybody to get in that routine again and hit the ball right. It’s been well received. People are just overwhelmed

Customers enjoying their evening at the Da Conch Shack restaurant and it’s just a really rectifying feeling you get to see customers coming in with happy faces. The staff are bright and cheerful again. At the end of the day, when I stand and evaluate, it has been a journey and it’s paid off,” he said.

Rodney was unable to quantify the cost of repairs to the restaurant but stated that they are just happy to be opened again.

“To be honest with you, the day after the hurricane when I came here I was heartbroken. Looking at all of the damages and looking at where we are today I didn’t think it was possible. Personally I was looking at January or February (2018) seeing all of the damages; it was that extensive and it just goes to show that anything is possible as long as you have a great supportive team. I can’t stress on how resilient everyone was and the efforts everyone made, it made a difference,” he added

Rodney said that after assessing the damages, they’ve decided to reinforce their decks, roofs and the building in general to make it stronger.

“Of course we had to get consultation from the Planning Department because the erosion was so bad and that posed a threat for both where the bar area is now and the opposite side where the kitchen is,” he noted. “We didn’t want our building to be getting cracked, then that would pose more safety issues in the future, so we had to consult with Planning and we got the approval and work started.”

When asked what sets Da Conch Shack apart from the other local restaurants, Rodney said, “The Conch Shack is a staple on the island as everyone knows. We put a lot of love and heart in whatever we do, from the freshest seafood, to friendly service, the guest that keeps coming back here year after year and it’s like they’re

coming back home. We maintain a very good relationship with locals, taxi cab drivers and all the other stakeholders and we put a lot of passion and heart in what we do and I think that that’s what sets the Conch Shack apart from other local restaurant.”

Da Conch Shack is known to serve the freshest local seafood on island. Their specialty is conch (of course) and local seafood, local fishermen catch grouper, snapper and lobster when in season. They are also the place for amazing island jerk chicken and other grilled features and tasty vegetarian options. Island life at its basic best awaits those who make the trek to Da Conch Shack, an openair landmark restaurant where the conch is harvested right in front of you and served every way imaginable -as salad, chowder, fritters, stir-fried, or as ceviche.

General Manager Karel Rodney

TCIG signs child safeguarding protocol November 2017, at the Premier’s Office Conference room, Providenciales.

The occasion was the official signing ceremony for the Child Protection Multi Agency Protocols –Reporting, Managing and Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect, Working Together in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In addition to the official and public commitment of stakeholder agencies to work together in the interest of children, the signing of the Child Protection Protocols brought the Turks and Caicos Islands in line with our sister Overseas Territory Countries including Montserrat, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands who have all passed and signed their Child Protection Protocols, and by extension, attest the Turks and Caicos Islands commitment to compliance with UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, to which the Turks and Caicos Islands is signatory.

Earlier this year, the Foreign Commonwealth Office of the UK, through the H. E. the Governor’s Office engaged a Social Work Advisor, who specializes in Child Safeguarding to work with the Department of Social Development, Miss Samantha Dunn.

Miss Dunn worked tirelessly for the past few months on incorporating relevant provisions of the Children Care and Protection Ordinance 2015 and updating the 2008 United Nations Children’s Fund (UNCICEF) sponsored draft version of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Child Protection protocol.

The Protocol is critical as it: •Helps to establish standards for points of contact, methods of contact and purpose of contact between relevant agencies •Helps to define professional roles and responsibilities, and, •Helps to ensure consistency in the way cases

are handled.

•The Protocol helps to improve the response of stakeholder to child abuse cases by: •Defining the steps that must be completed at each stage •Having concrete and practical procedures for handling special issues •Protecting agencies from allegations of discrimination in their handling of cases In their brief remarks Hon Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson highlighted the significance of government agencies in protecting and safeguarding children and stated that; “The Turks and Caicos Islands is committed to ensuring that a Child Protection Unit is established within the Turks and Caicos Islands to address such matter in addition to supporting the resources needed to effectively implement.”

Likewise, Honorable Vaden Williams, Minister for Home Affairs Transportation and Communication, noted that the protocol is communicating several messages to the society and world but paramount among those messages “the protocol signing signals clearly how we want our children to be treated in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Participating directly in the ceremony were Premier Cartwright-Robinson who did the honor of untying the red ribbon of the protocol document, students from primary schools throughout the Islands who presented the Signatories with a pen for signing and a colorful inflated “Thank you” balloon, and signatories who signed the protocol on behalf of stakeholder sectors.

•Signatories to the protocol were as follows.

•Hon. Vaden Delroy Williams, Minister of Home

Affairs •Hon. Edwin Astwood, Minister of Health •Hon. Karen Malcolm, Minister of Education •Mr. James Smith, Commissioner of Police •Mr. Michael Dillon, Acting Attorney General The event would have been less meaningful without the rendition of a song by students from the SNAP Center, as well as the presence of teachers and students from the various public schools, staff of the Department of Social Development, Domestic Violence and Sexual Offense Team, Director of Special Needs Unit, and representatives from the Ministry and Department of Health and Education.

Her Excellency, Deputy Governor Anya Williams, Hon. Goldray Ewing, Minister of Infrastructure Housing and Planning, Hon. Ralph Higgs, Minister of Tourism Environment Heritage and Culture, Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Tanya Lobban-Jackson, Permanent Secretary for Education, Mr. Wesley Clerveaux, Human Rights Commissioner, Ms. Sabrina Green and Consultant to the Social Development Department Mrs. Doreen QuelchMissick all supported the event through their presence.

In bringing the vote of thanks Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Clara Gardiner OBE recognized individuals and organizations for their contribution over the years leading up to the final draft and reiterated the highlighted the prominence and protection of a child’s human rights, in a changing world.

It was a special moment that will remain in the hearts and minds of all those who were a part of this occasion.

The protocol was approved by Cabinet on June 30th 2017.

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 13

LOCAL NEWS

Premier Robinson attends United Nations (UN) High-Level Pledging Conference

Premier Hon. Sharlene a presentation on the country’s Robinson led a delegation to the recovery needs, priorities and recovery CARICOM-High Level Donor strategies following the impacts of Conference at the United Nations Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Premier Robinson in her (UN) Headquarters on November 21, presentation to the United Nations 2017 in New York.

The objectives of the High- and CARICOM under the theme Vision Level Donor Conference were to for A Resilient Caribbean – Building mobilize support and commitment Partnership for Transformation said; of pledges, to help rebuild countries “Hurricanes Irma and Maria impacted ravaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria all islands across the Turks and Caicos and assist Small Island Development Islands. The immediate challenge States (SIDS) with building resilience, apart from the provision of the basic given its inherent vulnerability. human needs of food, water and shelter,

The two-day conference were to restore communications- most explored how United Nation (UN) essential in an archipelago, restore and CARICOM member states can electricity, water, provide support cultivate a shared vision geared to the hospital and to aid in the safe towards “Building a More Climate- departure of tourists. Humanitarian Resilient Community”. The Turks and Aid Critical assessments have shown Caicos Islands (TCI) as a CARICOM that four to five feet of coastal erosion associated member state, were was recorded at the popular Grace provided the opportunity to deliver

Premier Robinson attends United Nations (UN) High-Level Pledging Conference 3

Thanksgiving message from Hon. Sharlene C. Robinson Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands

“O Give Thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34 King James Version)

Gratitude is a boundless force. This infinite energy reaches beyond the borders of a single day.

We can, however, utilize this annual opportunity to reflect on the myriad of reasons for which we, individually and collectively, have to be thankful.

Throughout our journey as individuals and as a nation, it is of utmost importance to pause, reflect and reassess to chart the course ahead; particularly with new challenges presenting new obstacles.

It is imperative that God’s guidance is sought in tandem with our offerings of thanks and praise.

As we gather with our loved ones to share in joy and kinship on this National Day of Thanksgiving, let us be mindful of the many blessings bestowed upon us. May we

keep at the forefront of our minds and prayers our neighbours and friends, both local and abroad, who have experienced loss and avail ourselves of every opportunity to reflect the compassion of our heavenly father.

I stand before the most high and the Turks and Caicos Islands with a heart overflowing with gratitude for his mercies; for what we have endured and for his grace on the road ahead. As leader of this great nation, I wholeheartedly embrace the opportunity to be of service and remain immensely thankful for the prayers and support offered on behalf of the leadership of these islands. I look toward our future with great optimism and as the most high continues to guide and protect us.

May God continue to bless the Turks and Caicos Islands and receive our sincere appreciation on this National Day of Thanksgiving.

Premier Robinson attends United Nations (UN) High-Level Pledging Conference 3 Bay Beach. This paints a lucid picture of the adverse effects on our coastal environment, that is hinged on our main bread winner - Tourism.”

She said there is an urgent need to engage in coastal protection efforts, noting that humanitarian aid, particularly development action is also critical for the Turks and Caicos Islands at this time, CDEMA’s Initial Damage Assessment Report revealed that 80% of the housing stock was damaged due to the impact of Hurricane Irma. Five hundred and eighty (580) households across the islands received Levels 1 through 4 damaged to their homes (level 4 being totally destroyed).

Premier Robinson also leveraged the opportunity to encourage experts with strong technical experience in urban and land planning and building code application; particularly, roofing design to assist the Turks and Caicos Islands in

our rehabilitation process. Premier Robinson asked the conference to volte-face traditional development principles, such as, “relief first and development later.”

Premier Robinson ended her remarks by saying; “Building back better is expensive, not an easily attainable goal, especially when a high percentage of our population have been adversely impacted with no insurance benefits. I urge all partners to honor your pledge to the 2030 Agenda commitment which states “leave no one behind,” and collaborate with us in achieving a proactive, climatesmart, community driven, bottom-up approach to a more sustainable and resilient Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The CARICOM-UN High Level Pledging Conference took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Residents advised to remove debris from premises

Due to the recent and continuous rainfall throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands the Environmental Health Department and Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services hereby advise residents, home owners, apartment owners and businesses to have all debris removed from their premises and disposed at the public landfill/ solid waste disposal sites on your respective island.

With the removal of the debris from your premises it will reduce mosquito breeding and prevention of mosquito borne and other vector borne diseases such as Zika virus, Chikungunya and Dengue fever, the ministry said.

As Environmental Health Department - Vector Control Unit continues to monitor and treat mosquito breeding sites, home owners, apartment owners and business owners are advised to treat standing water on

$135

your premises by using cooking oil or any other environmental friendly oils to prevent mosquito breeding.

In addition to taking such preventative measures, all residents are encouraged to continue to discourage the growth and reproduction of mosquitoes by taking the following precautions: •Check around buildings for anything that could hold water; •Inspect your home and yard weekly; •Turn containers over or cover them; •Get rid of or cover old tires; •Properly dispose of all garbage/ refuse; •Cover boats, children’s pools, etc; •Clean rain gutters and make sure they are flowing properly; •Check screens for holes; •Tightly cover water drums and rain barrels;

Page 14

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Plant-based diet no guarantee for good health, says dietitian, Tamika Handfield

By Allie Capron

Plant-based eating has boomed in recent years with an increasing number of people adopting vegan and vegetarian diets.

Many believe that cutting out meat is a surefire shortcut to improving overall health and shedding extra pounds. A plant-based diet does come along with its fair share of benefits, however, these benefits are not without their pitfalls, said Tamika Handfield, the only local dietitian in TCI, who explained that a diet consisting primarily of plants does not guarantee good health.

“A common misconception is that just because a person does not eat meat, they are automatically healthy and that is so far from the truth,” said Handfield. “I know persons who are vegan and over-weight. And I know meat eaters who are within a normal weight range. Persons can be vegetarian or vegan and still have too much French fries or sugary drinks, desserts or foods that are high in fat, cholesterol and bad for your heart.

Just because you cut out meat does not mean that your diet automatically becomes healthy. You have to make the decision to focus on healthy eating and making healthier choices no matter what your diet is. It’s a choice.”

Handfield warns against fad diets and food trends, stressing that

healthy eating is not a one-size-fitsall process. The specific needs of the individual must be considered. This is particularly necessary when it comes to diets that involve cutting out primary elements of the food group as such strict limitations can often have side effects on the body.

“One of the downfalls with plant-based diets is the potential risk of becoming nutrient deficient,” Handfield explained. “There are some nutrients that persons who do not eat meat and other animal products run the risk of becoming deficient in. These include things like protein, zinc, iron, vitamin B12 and calcium. Iron, for example, is mostly found in animal products. Some iron is in plant foods but the most bio-available iron is found in meat, fish and poultry. Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell production and healthy brain function and it’s only naturally found in animal products.

A person who is not eating animal products will not have sufficient access to these vital nutrients through their Local dietitian, Tamika Handfield food and this can impact his or her Moreover, she encourages those who health in a negative way.” are interested in making major dietary

It is well-understood that what changes to do their research. we eat affects our bodies significantly, “People are making big so choice of diet is not a decision to be decisions about their diet without taken lightly, the dietitian highlighted. knowing why they’re doing these

She said everything will not things. They aren’t doing sufficient work well for everyone so one should research and many are following seek out plenty of information about a trends and myths. I would not diet before beginning a strict regimen. discourage anyone from going vegan

BUTTERFIELD GOLD GROUP OF COMPANIES POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Talisha Simons, Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at FortisTCI

It was another successful betting on pre-taped horse races that year for the annual “Surf & Turf” were announced live by Mr. Larry Horse racing night presented Collmus, voice of the Triple Crown

by PwC on Friday, November 10, and new voice of New York Racing raising $40,000 for the Turks and Association.

Caicos AIDS Awareness Foundation The evening culminated (TCAAF). with the “Turks & Caicos Derby”,

Nick Haywood, Territory sponsored by PwC, which also Leader, PwC TCI said: “The event featured a Calcutta style auction was again a great success. The of horses, where winning bidders generosity of those in attendance name their horses. Fifty percent allowed us to raise around $40,000 of the auction pool was committed for the TCAAF, which we know as a donation to the TCAAF, with they will use wisely and carefully to the balance forming the pay-out support both the Edward Gartland for Win, Place and Show. This year Youth Centre, and where possible the champion trophy was awarded the wider education sector. At a time to Barrie Cooke, whose horse “The when everyone has suffered to some Winner” lived up to its’ name. degree from the hurricanes, it is “We can’t express our heart-warming to see people coming gratitude and appreciation enough together to help support those who to the PwC family, Opus restaurant, have a greater need. This is just sponsors, volunteers and the one more example of the strength of participants of this event,” said our community, and we at PwC are Galmo Williams, Patron of the honoured to be a part of it.”

TCAAF. “Our fundraising efforts and

Haywood added: “The additional works executed in 2017 amount of money raised in a would have been futile without the time when the community is still support of the TCI Community”. rebuilding not only proves the The TCAAF is committed importance of this event but is to making the Turks and Caicos a testament to the strength and Islands a place where people living commitment of the community here with HIV/AIDS have lives free from and we at PwC continue to be a proud discrimination and prejudice. We are sponsor allowing us to live our core committed to continuing our works values that include working together, with the National HIV Prevention to care, to reimagine the possible, Unit. Most importantly, we are integrity and to make a difference.” committed to empowering everyone

A wide cross-section of living with HIV in the TCI, promoting the local community came out awareness and maximising health for a fun and unique event where and wellbeing by working to ensure guests enjoyed family style dinner, the best possible HIV treatment and complimentary champagne and wine support services. This commitment and had a chance to make money by will continue in the year 2018.

or vegetarian,” Handfiled added. “I would simply encourage them to make a road map or plan first. So you want to start a plant-based diet? Let’s talk about foods you like. Let’s talk about foods you do not like. Make a meal plan for the week from you available food options. From there you can see if this diet is this going to be restrictive.

Ask yourself: is this diet going to give me enough leeway to be satisfied with my food? How am I going to replace the nutrients that are going to be lost from the absence of animal products?

Have these kinds of discussions before jumping headfirst into a food regimen.”

Although important nutrients are lost through plant-based eating, it is possible to replace them, she noted.

There are plant-based foods and grain products that are now fortified which means that missing nutrients are added in. Fortified foods are readily available sources of various nutrients.

Additionally, supplements, as the name suggests, work to supplement your diet.

If you are losing some nutrients or not getting them through your food, taking supplements is an effective way to get those nutrients back into the body.

“All I ask is for you to do your research and to make diet changes for the right reasons. Through it all, you are the best expert on your own body.

So find what works for you and do what works for you. You can’t go wrong,” Handfield highlighted.

One (1) Kitchen Helper

Must experience in catering Must be able to cook Native and Jamaican dishes Must be willing to work long hours including Saturdays Must be willing to do general cleaning, when necessary

Wages: starting from $7.50 per hour One (1) Gardener Looking for an experienced gardener to plant and maintain the owner’s grounds and feeding and annual checkups for the Owners dogs.

Must be able to work daily including holidays.

Salary: $250.00 per week Application forms available from Butterfield Gold Human Resource Department.

Only applicants selected for interview will be notified.

Submit applications to by December 5, 2017 to:

Butterfield Gold Ltd.,

Human Resource Department Town Center Mall Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 15

at The Palms

Would like to thank all those who so generously donated the time, resources and money to make this event possible.

Foluso Ladejobi

Mary Lou Vanderheide

Chanda Tolani Rachna Uttamchandani Monica Uttamchandani Gemma Stewart Annie Lee Bela Govindjee Imelda Burke Hazel Rush Josie Hastings Donna Davis Mary Forbes Paola Del Fabrro

Courtney Miller Auriol Lloyd Wright Claire Phillips Tina Booroff Stephanie Shaw Rashmi Subhash Delphine Hartshorn Mani Nyczka Ryan Capili Jhun Guttierez Judith Pierre Sheldlene Pubiens

and Friends:

and Friends:

National Cancer Society of TCI

Honourable Josephine Connolly

Shanta Narinesingh Marc Rawlins Terry Menely Ronnie Rigby Tumbalina Carter Marsha Williams Corinne Bolton Elena Patrick Rochelle Gardiner Gertrude Forbes Susan Kalliecharan

Joe Connolly Nelly Jimeriz AnneMarie Connolly Jenny Cutella Mark Connolly Tiersa Smith-Hall Kichandra Penn-McDonald

and Friends:

DONNA KARAN

and Friends:

Karen Whitt and Friends:

Shara Bowen Karen Gardiner Drani Saunders Jennifer Saunders Andrea McKenzie Shenika Gibson Ling Riley Marcia Chiota Jenny Capili Tammy Francis J Public Relations Richele Morgan

Flower By EA BOHEMIA CLOTHING

Island Steel Drum by Val

Pelican Bay

Shere Clothing

Rumeurs

CAIRSEA ElenWright-Stead James & Deanna Bodenstedt

WELLINTON WILLIAMS

Le’Te Boutique Sonia Trussardi Sepe

Pinnacle Owners

Yadviga Dzieduszynska, Lisa Hall, Jenny Capili, Tammy Francis, Mary Forbes and the Parrot Cay Team, Chanda and Jai Tolani, Berniqua Missick, Shaquarse Been, Stan Hartling, and Staff of The Palms Turks and Caicos, Prime DJ’s, Kenny “The Hitman” Caughlin, The Palms Turks and Caicos and Team, The Team Fortis TCI and all other who contributed to make this event happen and we forgot to mention thank you!

CELEBRI TY BARTENDERS:

Johnny Tsavales, Scott Bevins, Manish Uttamchandani, Solie Williams, James Smith, Marc Goldsmith, Ramez Houkura, Todd Foss, Conrad Griffiths, Kyle Smith, Clay Seymour, Jai Tolani, Rob Webb, Alex Walker, Josh Williams, Nikita “Chef Nik” Skipping, and Paul Rennie

Page 16

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Skin Cancer Screening

By Dr. Marsha Barnett

Any sudden change in a mole Many people have moles on should not be ignored. This is called the soles of their feet or the palms the ABCDE rule. Check your moles of their hands, but they should be for asymmetry, border, color, diameter checked out, especially if the mole and evolution. In particular, a quickly is new or changing. Also, when evolving mole where obvious changes melanomas do occur in dark skinned are seen in symmetry, color or size individuals they are more likely to must be checked by a doctor. Other arise in these areas. changes like bleeding, crusting or itching to a once asymptomatic mole •You experience changes to an must never be ignored. area after having a mole removed

Believe it or not, skin cancer is actually the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide!

Luckily, in many cases, early detection and removal of the abnormal growth in an office setting is all that is required to achieve a cure.

In a few cases however, whether because of late detection or the type of skin cancer, extensive surgery and even chemotherapy •An ‘ugly duckling’ mole

If you’ve had a mole removed may be required. And whilst most and you start seeing pigmentation or a Dr. Marsha barnett skin cancers do not metastasize or Many persons have numerous bump or lump that’s extending outside spread to distant areas in the body, moles all over the body. But pay the scar, this is extremely concerning. nasal cavity, anal region and the melanomas do! attention to a mole that doesn’t Even if you were told that the original genitalia. It may be difficult for you

This makes quick diagnosis look like any of the others, or is the mole was not a cancer, visit your to inspect these areas which is why it and management essential. Skin lone mole on an otherwise spot-free doctor for a review as this may signal is important that you get these areas surveillance in a doctor’s office is area. This may need to be biopsied a recurrence of a skin cancer that was examined.” advisable for most person but it is or removed as having a mole that is not previously diagnosed.

The number one risk factor especially true if you have risk factors obviously different from the pattern for developing skin cancer is sun for skin cancer such as a history of on the rest of the body, is a sign for •There’s a dark streak on your nail exposure. Wear sunscreen religiously sunburns, a lifestyle where you are concern. with a SPF 30 or above. Reapply every repeatedly in a sunny environment, a

Melanomas can occur in the 2 hours when in the sun and wear light complexion that rarely tans but •You have a ‘pimple’ that won’t go nail. Most often it is seen as a streak water proof varieties when swimming. instead gets red on sun exposure and away involving the entire length of the Whenever possible, avoid the sun in a personal or family history of skin nail or may be limited to the base of the midday hours between 10 am and cancer.

Some skin cancers, like basal the nail and cuticle. This is why it is 3pm and partner with your doctor by

However, it’s not good enough cell or squamous cell skin cancer can important to remove your nail polish being aware of any changes in your to go into your doctor every year to get look like a bump. Unlike a regular when you see your doctor for a skin skin and having your skin examined your moles checked. You must also be bump, no pus or cheesy material will check especially if you noticed an at intervals. familiar with what to look for in case come out of it when you squeeze it and abnormality to the nail before coming something presents on your skin that it may actually have an indented area. in. you need to get checked before your A central crust or sore that will not *Dr. Marsha Barnett is a general next scheduled visit. heal or clears but keeps recurring is •There’s a black spot inside your practitioner who also specializes also a tell-tale sign. in dermatology. For questions cheek So, what should you look for? or comments, please contact at •You notice a mole on your palm Melanomas not only affect the skin drmarshabarnett@gmail.com or •Your mole is changing or sole but also the mucous membranes. That at Associated Medical Practices 946-4242. includes inside your cheek,

VACANCY NOTICE

Turks and Caicos Island National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) Providenciales Position Title: Chief Executive Officer, NHIB Reports To: Minister of NHIB and Board of Directors Job Summary: The Chief Executive Officer is the chief executive of the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) and, has system wide responsibility for the effective and efficient administration and day-to-day management and administration of the of NHIB in accordance with the National Health Insurance Ordinance and Regulations. Providing supervision to other professional and clerical staff. The CEO is expected to generate satisfactory results when the qualitative and quantitative output of the staff is at a high level, the expenditure of the NHIB is within the limits of the budget, and the services of the NHIP are provided to the Government and the beneficiaries in a timely and value for money basis.

Key Duties and Responsibilities required to be performed effectively and efficiently:  Monitoring and administering the Plan;  Monitoring and administering the Fund;  Monitoring the collection of contributions under the NHIB Ordinance;  Advise the Minister on the policies relating to the health care needs of the beneficiaries  Advise the Minister on the policies and directions concerning the use of monies of theFund;  Establish a quality assurance programme for the functioning of the Plan through monitoring of the health care service being provided to the beneficiaries;  Supervise and control expenditure from the Fund;  Financial and operational matters;  Developing administrative and human resources development manuals for approval by the Board;  Preparing regular financial and operational reports for the Board;  The administration and control of the staff of the Board;  Accounting for all monies collected, paid or invested under the Ordinance;  Contracting health service providers for the purposes of the objects

of the NHIP;  Ensuring compliance by contracted health service providers with the quality standards as may be prescribed by the Minister from time to time;  Make disbursements from the Fund; and  Perform such functions as are for the time being conferred on him or her by Virtue of the Ordinance or any other law or any Regulations and as the Board or the Minister may from time to time assign.

Qualifications and Experience:  A Master’s Degree in Health Administration/Health Financing/ Health Insurance/Finance or a related field;  A minimum of ten (10) years’ on the job experience in a senior management position in insurance or health related field to acquire the necessary competencies to effectively respond to the challenges of the role;  Certification in the Accounting/Finance field (such as ACCA, CPA, CMA or CGMA would be an asset).

Salary and Allowances: Salary is in the range of US$115,000.00 to $130,380.00 negotiable based on qualifications and experience. A standard set of benefits and allowances are additional.

Interested persons are requested to submit a resume, along with their contact information, cover letter, two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer), copies of educational certificates, a Police Certificate and a copy of the Passport photo page. Additionally candidates should declare any potential conflicts of interest and the nature of such interest.

Applications can be had delivered to the National Health Insurance Office addressed to: Chairman NHIB, subject line should read “Chief Executive Officer Position” Alternatively, applications can be emailed to rawilliams@gov.tc . The subject line in the email should read “Chief Executive Officer Position”.

We thank all applicants for their interest but only candidates selected for an interview will be acknowledged.

Deadline Date for Applications: The deadline date for applications is Friday December 8th 2017 by 5:00pm. Full Job Description can be found on The National Health Insurance Board website: www.tcinhip.tc

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 17

LOCAL NEWS

Junior Achievement innovation camp 2017 a success

Junior Achievement TCI hosted another successful Innovation Camp.

This year’s camp took place in Providenciales and Grand Turk simultaneously.

Seventy-seven students from numerous high schools around Providenciales gathered at The Shore Club for a full day of brainstorming and presentations.

The students were broken down into 11 teams between the ages of 14-18 years old. In Grand Turk, 59 students gathered at the HJ Robinson High School, breaking down into 12 teams, they worked diligently to create an innovative proposal. For this year’s challenge, both groups were to find a solution or a way to prepare and mitigate the effects of a hurricane.

There were many creative resolutions. Provo’s winning team, 649 Aerial System, proposed the creation of a drone service as a damage assessment tool. The system would also include an app that not only provided real time damage assessment but hurricane updates and preparedness tips. The team comprised of Zariah Ingham, Rasheed John, Rodiesha Johnson, AnthoniqueAsamoah, ErnelleHall, and RobriaClarke.

The winning Grand Turk team, Forecast 5, proposed a mobile app that provides hurricane updates and preparedness tips. The app would also serve as a friend tracker, satellite radar, and first aid assistant.

The team comprised of KendreaGelcius, LlewandraBasden, Raynae Myers, Samantha Marcellus, and Angelia Ariza.

“Each year I’m amazed at the creativity and ingenuity of the young

folks that attend the Innovation Camp,” said JATCI board of directors member Angela Musgrove. “The ideas they come up with are very advanced and great business opportunities.”

Both teams will face off in January with another challenge. The winner will represent the Turks and Caicos in the regional Innovation Camp 2017.

Judges for this year’s camp were representatives from Scotiabank and the Department of Disaster Management. The duo evaluated each presentation choosing the top three. Students were judged on theirpresentation’scontent, creativity, quality, as well as team spirit. The winning group of the national challenge will represent the country in the regional online Innovation Camp challenge hosted by JA Americas.

Junior Achievement is an international program designed to ready students for the future by instilling skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.

Junior Achievement is an international non-profit organization focused on inspiring and motivating kids and youth to be ambitious and goal oriented.

At a regional level, Junior Achievement Americas has presence in 31 countries, its programs benefit more than 1 million youth annually.

The Junior Achievement Innovation Camp is regionallyfunded through a partnership with Scotiabank.

JATCI and Scotiabank believe in entrepreneurial education as a way to inspire and prepare youth to become role models for their communities.

For further information please contact: Angela Musgrove 649-3314892 or email jatci@outlook.com

CONDO FOR RENT One-bedroom, fully-furnished apartment for rent in Turtle Cove condominium.

Security, swimming pool and gym facilities.

RBC Royal Bank (Turks and Caicos) Limited is presently considering applications for:

Mortgage Professional Turks and Caicos What is the opportunity?

The ability\opportunity to develop relationships with both internal and external partners is crucial to your success, particularly within the community and realtors’ offices. Further, you build client loyalty through your keen desire to provide exceptional and personalized service, while your proven motivation and entrepreneurial sales style allows you to drive the business results you desire.

What will you do?

•

• • • • • •

•

•

What do you need to succeed?

Must have:

• At least 3-5 years in lending\sales environment • Bachelor's degree in Management or related field

Nice-to- have:

• • • • •

$2,750 per month.

Rent does not include utilities.

Email enquiries: rocommunications@gmail.com

We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.

• •

Paradise Smiles is looking to fill the following positions:

Job Duties:

Dental Nurse/Therapist

•Checking gums and teeth for oral abnormalities •Taking and developing dental x-rays •Educating patients on oral hygiene •Developing care plans for maintaining good dental hygiene •Providing dental Treatment to kids.

•Fluoride administration and sealant applications •Administering local anesthetic •Removing stains and plaque •Preparing and maintaining dental instruments, supplies and equipment.

Pay will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Please submit applications to email: paradise.smiles12@gmail.com

Excellent communication skills Strong organizational and planning skills Strong Relationship building and collaborative skills Ability to partner effectively with all stakeholders Mobility is required

What’s in it for you?

•

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Deliver a consistently superior client experience through focusing on mortgage and creditor insurance advice, submission of high quality credit applications, and appropriate anchoring routines in order to consolidate banking relationships and generate sales opportunities for partners Introduce clients early to your branch partners considering customer needs and preferences, and respecting local market processes Respond to and resolve client problems at first point of contact whenever possible, ensuring escalation to Sales Manager and/or Branch Manager as required Maximize the use of all technology (e.g. Portable scanners, Laptops) to enhance productivity and client experience Keep informed of current events, market news and internal information on RBC Net. Maintain professional, advisory and supportive relationship with all RBC partners in local market and back office support groups Develop annual sales/business development plan, and regularly review sales results to plan (monthly sales review/quarterly performance reviews) adjusting activities to achieve personal targets Acquire mortgage clients through focusing on new clients to RBC, asking for business from external referral sources (eg. Realtors), satisfied clients, and servicing referrals from RBC partners/satisfied clients. Exercise due diligence to ensure “external partners” meet RBC, industry and legal standards Meet every client face-to-face at least once, and exercise due diligence in following all procedures relating to identification, verification, fraud, and anti-money laundering.

• •

A comprehensive Total Rewards Program of flexible benefits, unlimited commission pay, and pension options World-class training programs and career development opportunities The advantage of working with a dynamic, collaborative, and high performing team where initiative and hard work are recognized and rewarded A flexible work schedule based on client preferences and your own work/life balance Innovative mobile technology to ensure your success

Interested persons should apply by December 6, 2017 and forward your resume to: www.rbc.com/careers

Page 18

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

TCI students place in CSEC top ten merit list

Four students from the Turks and Caicos Islands have placed in the top ten in the Caribbean Examinations Council Exam (CSEC) at its May/June 2017 sitting.

Our students are continuing to earn placement in the top ten regionally and they must be recognized and celebrated for their excellent accomplishments, the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Services said in a press release.

Aaron Garland, student of the Helena J. Robinson High School,

placed 1st in Electronic Document Proficiency, competing with some Preparation and Management 5,875 candidates.

(EDPM) at General Proficiency out of Minister, Hon. Karen Malcolm stated; 16,033 entries.

“It is with a sense of great pride for

Stevenna Parker, student of our education system and the Turks the Helena J. Robinson High School, and Caicos Islands that I greet and placed 9th and Monae Gooden, student congratulate all the students on their of the Wesley Methodist School, placed excellent performance. This is indeed 10th in Textiles, Clothing and Fashion a historic moment for the Turks and at General Proficiency competing with Caicos Islands. One that all Turks and Caicos islanders should celebrate and some 2,629 candidates.

Rashaunda Cooke, student be proud of.” of the Majorie Basden High School, She added: “I am extremely tied for 9th position in Family and proud of Aaron Jamal Garland, a Resource Management at General student of Helena Jones Robinson

High School on his outstanding achievement- first place in the Caribbean Examination Council Exam in the entire Caribbean in the Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM) subject at General Proficiency. Well done! we are extremely proud of you and wish you continued success in all your future endeavors. I must commend all those persons who participated in the holistic development of these students. Well done parents, teachers, supporters and community at large.

We are indeed proud.”

No students charged after Clement Howell High riot

By Todeline Defralien

One of the biggest riots in the history of the Clement Howell High School took place on Monday November 20th where over eighteen students fought amongst each other and left the local community in shock.

The big riot at the school’s compound was believed to be gang-related and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Task Force was called in to put

an end to the brawl.

Reliable sources told the SUN that 19 students were involved in the fight. The students were taken to the Chalk Sound police station but none were charged up to press time. One of the injured students had to be admitted to the hospital and released since Tuesday November 21st.

Officials from Ministry of Education did not respond to request for a comment on the incident.

Some of the Clement Howell High School students at the Chalk Sound Police station

BUTTERFIELD GOLD GROUP OF COMPANIES POSITIO NS AVAILABLE One (1) Plumber Must be able to coordinate, troubleshoot, repair, inspect and maintain plumbing equipment including, but not limited to, faucets, lavatories, toilets, flush valves, sinks, water heaters, drinking fountains, domestic water heaters and boilers, garbage disposals, backflow devices, valves and water meters.

2. Perform preventative maintenance inspections and repairs in district facilities including, but not limited to, domestic water systems and related devices and sanitary waste drainage.

3. Repair or replace water lines, domestic recirculation lines, and sewer lines.

4. Respond to emergency plumbing calls such as clogged drains, broken water lines, frozen pipes, gas odors and possible gas leaks. Evaluate situation and take proper corrective action.

5. Install new plumbing fixtures including, but not limited to, sinks, commodes, urinals, faucets, drinking fountains, garbage disposals, domestic water heaters and related devices.

6. Provide labor and material estimates related to plumbing for small remodel projects. Coordinate inspections for contractor performed work in renovations and new construction projects.

7. Maintain and repair all natural gas services including valves.

8. Recommend repair needs to potentially eliminate ongoing and future repairs.

9. May assist other trades with piping and repair issues.

High school diploma, completion of G.E.D., or equivalent vocational school or short term courses resulting in Master Plumbers License. • Five or more years of experience in related trade. Experience as maintenance and rep.

Salary: commensurate with experience starting from $10.50 per hour Application forms available from Butterfield Gold Human Resource Department.

Only applicants selected for interview will be notified. Submit applications to by November 28 2017 to: Butterfield Gold Ltd.,

Human Resource Department

Town Center Mall Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 19

LOCAL NEWS

Wallet size cards for work permit holders effective December 1st

By Todeline Defralien

The Ministry of Border Control and the Immigration Department said they are in the final stage of issuing wallet size plastic cards to work permit holders in the Turks and Caicos Islands, effective December 1st.

On Wednesday November 15th the Department got an approval in Cabinet for the amendments to the regulation that will allow fort these new cards.

From December 1st, whether it’s a work permit, a PRC, permanent residence, a residence permit or a freelance work permit, persons will be issued on a new wallet size plastic card rather than the traditional paper card.

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday November 16th Minister of Border Control and Immigration Hon. Sean Astwood said, “The big announcement that I would like to make is the introduction of

the wallet size itself is delayed we see no plastic card reason why the products. This is something that public should be denied we have been access to those talking about benefits, so for a very long we are moving time as part of the new Border ahead with the issuance of the Management plastic cards.”

Control System

T h e with the work overriding permit module. concept is There have that once the been delays in this project Deputy Premier and Minister of Border Control Department gets the u n f o r t u n a t e l y and Employment Hon. Sean Astwood project up and it’s been serious running that delays and we do apologize for that but an information will be integrated announcement will come out shortly. directly into the new database, which The cards were a part of the product is something that the Ministry is that was going to be introduced at working on, he said.

Astwood encouraged the the same time as the new Border Management Control System, public to pay close attention as because of the benefits that the cards his ministry will be sharing more bring and also the fact that the project information about what these cards

are intended to be, which products they are, what they will look like, how to acquire them.

He said this is a big step for the Ministry and they hope that the public sees the benefits as they’ve seen over the years of the problems that persons would have had in terms of endorsees.

“This is a problem that we’ve experienced where someone would have a PRC and have their spouse or kids endorsed on the PRC but only the PRC holder would actually have a physical document that they keep with them and the endorsees will not have anything with them,” he explained.

With this new card each, endorsee and each applicant once approved would have a card of their own. This is a major step moving forward for the Ministry of Border Control and the Immigration Department and they are hoping that this would cure some of the problems that they’ve been having in the past.

All public and private Schools have resumed to normalcy following hurricanes Irma and Maria

The Ministry and Department indiscipline among its student body, of Education said all Government and most schools throughout the Turks Private Schools throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands have return to a and Caicos Islands have resumed state of normalcy. following the aftermath of Hurricanes In isolated cases where officials Irma and Maria. observed an elevated level of

Minister of Education, Hon. indiscipline, meetings are held with Karen Malcolm along with officials parents/guardians of the students from the Ministry and Department of involved. Daily checks were put in Education have visited a number of place to ensure that students behavior schools throughout the islands in an are monitored. The Ministry will be attempt assess the conditions under taking serious disciplinary actions which schools are operating and also against the students who continually to offer support to the Principals, seek to disrupt the daily routine at staff and students of the various school. institutions.

Hon. Malcom stated that

The Return to Happiness, a “The Ministry and Department of programme aided by UNICEF has Education is committed to providing been instrumental in mitigating additional support to schools where trauma experienced by students who acts of violence or indiscipline are were victims of the dreadful hurricanes. prevalent.

The Return to Happiness programme To this end, on November 23rd, has also promoted the concept of safer 2017, the Long Bay High School will be schools through the implementation conducting a Behaviour Management of initiatives and procedures which Workshop with all members of staff. seek to prepare students to effectively It is anticipated that the workshop address incidents which threaten will help to identify best practices for their livelihood.

Hence, although addressing behavioural challenges some schools continue to experience among students and implement episodes of conflict, restlessness and measures to prevent indiscipline in

Tasty’s Café in Grand Turk Job Description of a Café Captain •Minimum of 2 years serving or supervisory experience required in the restaurant industry.

•Must be Professional, articulate, friendly and punctual.

•Full time flexible hours are required (able to work days, nights, weekends, holidays).

•Must be able to stand/walk for 8 hours; bend, push, pull; lift 30 lbs. and proficient in computer skills including POS systems.

•Must be able to work at a rapid pace while maintaining attention to detail; ability to multi-task.

•Must have good supervisory skills.

•Must have good communication and ability to promote sales.

•Must have teaching and motivational skills.

Duties of a Café Captain: •Include but are not limited to ensuring that service meets/exceeds expectations to ensure a pleasant dining experience.

•Maintain communication with and supports the Owner of the business.

•Inspect the café, table settings, chairs, floors, proper maintenance, cleanliness and safety.

•Take immediate action to correct any issues.

Salary is based on experience.

Please email resumes to ea.williams@hotmail.com or call 332-1247

school.

She added: “We believe that it is initiatives such as these which will help to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to alter undesirable behavior among students and encourage behaviours which are acceptable.”

The Ministry of Education expressed gratitude to all local, regional and international stakeholders for the role played in helping to ensure that the students of the Turks and Caicos Islands continue their pursuit for an education in environments which are conducive to teaching and learning.

Great House Management Limited [Sailrock] is seeking a qualified candidate for the position below: Guest Service Agent •Guest Service Agent is directly responsible for the prompt, efficient and courteous check in and check out of guest.

Responsibilities •Engage each guest as a unique individual and listen attentively to their request •Answer the Telephone in a timely and professional manner •Escort all guest to their room •Listen to guest’s complaints or concerns and resolve their issue in a timely manner •Operate the Switchboard to ensure efficient communication within to and from the hotel •Assist guests with activities/excursion booking, restaurant reservation, and general information on the property/Island.

•Update guests’ profile with any special request.

• Complete all transactions and daily deposits.

•Ensure guest is properly check in and checkout from the system.

•Promote safe working environment •Keep work area neat and tidy Qualified Candidates will have/be: •High School Diploma or equivalent required, Bachelor’s degree preferred •Excellent communication skills both oral and written •Must have strong computer skills, epitome knowledge is a plus •Requires standing/walking throughout shift •Ability to work effectively in an innovative fast-paced and multi tasked environment •Able to organize, plan ahead and manage workload Please submit applications to Stacey-Ann Albert: •Drop off: W104 Venture House, Grace Bay, Providenciales •Email: humanresources@sailrockresort.com Interested Turks and Caicos Islands must also submit copies of their application to the TCI Labour Board.

Page 20

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

The Department of Agriculture welcomes a new Chief Veterinary Officer The Department of Agriculture is extremely pleased to announce that a new Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) has joined the complement of staff.

Dr. Shelley Tricia Bridgewater, a practising Small and Farm Animal Veterinarian for the past nine (9) years has actively been involved in the fields of Animal Production and Animal Science for more than 15 years. She is passionate about teaching

and the development of the Agriculture industry.

Dr. Bridgewater has used some of these acquired skills throughout the years to mentor students and lecture part-time in the areas of Swine Medicine, Poultry Production, Animal Genetics and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of the West Indies (UWI) for four (4) years.

She has assisted in the writing of a Distance

Learning Course manual for “Livestock Development in Small States” in the Livestock Programme at the UWI, St. Augustine Campus.

She is currently a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Veterinary Association (TTVA) and a co-founding member of the Pork Producers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (PPATT).

With such a wealth of experience, the Director of Agriculture-Ms. Wilhelmina Kissoonsingh says that

the new CVO is up to the challenge of taking the now developing Livestock Industry in Turks and Caicos Islands to a stage where it can be seen as a lucrative enterprise and where young persons can see Agriculture as a professional alternative. The Director also stated; “Over the last year the Department has offered outreach programs and training in crops and with the new CVO on board we plan to reach in the community and offer training in livestock and

Dr. Shelley Tricia Bridgewater animal care.”

She also iterated that a major responsibility of the Department is ensuring compliance with international trading laws with meat and meat products and movement of live animals all of which will be overseen by the CVO.

TCI celebrates World Diabetes Day

The Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services joins the rest of the world in the observance of World Diabetes Day. World Diabetes Day is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign and is observed every year on November 14. Observance of this day aims to highlight key issues related to diabetes reaching over 1 billion people in over 160 countries.

The theme of World Diabetes Day (WDD) 2017 - 14 November is Women and Diabetes, with the slogan “Our right to a healthy future”, focusing on women currently living with diabetes and how women can selfmanage their diabetes.

The Director of Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, Mrs. Aldora Robinson stated; “Diabetes is globally the 9th leading cause of

death among women worldwide and Diabetes is one of the leading causes locally 60.9% of persons diagnosed of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with diabetes in 2016 were women” blindness, kidney failure and lowerShe continued; “It is more difficult for limb amputation.

Mrs. Lakiesha Wilson, women who have diabetes to become pregnant and in instances where Nutritionist within the Primary Care they do, they are at risk of severe Department called for women to take a complications. We as women must deep look into their diet and stated; “In take better care of our health, we need pregnancy, poorly controlled diabetes to act now.” increases the risk of maternal and fetal

Girls and women with diabetes complications, we are the care givers experience a range of challenges. and nurturers in our families but take Power dynamics, gender roles and no time to look after ourselves” socioeconomic inequalities influence

“Women with type 2 diabetes vulnerability to diabetes, exposing are 10 times more likely to have women to poor diet and nutrition and heart disease and have significantly physical inactivity disproportionately. increased risk of depression in These factors also affect women’s comparison to men. Globally, there are access to health services and health more deaths attributable to diabetes seeking behavior, it also amplifies in women than men.” the impact of diabetes on women, The Minister of Health, particularly in developing countries. Agriculture and Human Services Hon.

Edwin Astwood added; “We must work together in our efforts to prevent and control diabetes in our population.

This requires the commitment of every resident in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

He continued; “While the government will do all that it can to provide the necessary treatment and care for those with diabetes, individuals also have a personal responsibility to take charge of their own health, and make healthy lifestyle choices. I encourage all of us to make a personal commitment towards leading a healthy lifestyle, to minimize the impact of diabetes and other chronic non-communicable diseases on our women and our society at large.”

For more information on Diabetes contact the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit on 338-2772.

SUPERMARKET FLOOR MANAGER

Graceway Trading Ltd is a seeking suitably qualified applicant to fill the following positions:

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING MANAGER Job Requirements & Responsibilities: •ACA/ACMA/ACCA/CPA professionally qualified with a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in a financial analysis/ financial reporting position.

•Responsible for managing all transactional accounting processes within the Financial Accounting team, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, weekly payroll, cashing-up and sales.

•Managing a team of four bookkeepers, ensuring that job responsibilities are being performed in a complete and timely manner as well as employee performance reviews being undertaken on a regular basis.

•Responsible for reviewing, correcting and posting all journal entries to the general ledger prepared by members of the Financial Accounting team.

•Detailed review and reconciliation of general ledger accounts on a daily basis to ensure accuracy of accounting records.

•Comprehensive knowledge of general ledger accounting and the function of financial accounting systems is essential.

•Implementing and improving accounting processes and procedures to improve team efficiency and drive profitability of the business.

•Weekly reporting of KPIs to senior management and stakeholders.

•Ad-hoc finance related projects as required.

•Strong written and verbal communication skills essential.

•Attention to detail and flexibility to manage multiple tasks.

•Knowledge of SAGE accounting software beneficial.

Salary will be commensurate with qualification and experience

This position is responsible for overall management of supermarket retail / floor operations. Job responsibilities and requirements include: •Bachelor’s degree in Food Services Management with a minimum of (2) years Retail Supermarket experience in Culinary Arts with extensive knowledge in meat selection and procurement •Monitor overall management of the Food Service Department to ensure that food items are prepared and presented in an acceptable manner •Monitor overall store quality, cleanliness, stock levels, merchandising, sales growth, profitability (e.g., by analyzing operating reports, payroll sales reports, shrink reports, etc.), and taking appropriate action to improve performance •Wide-ranging knowledge in areas such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Inventory management programs •Must be Proficient retail and wholesale accounting and good business practices related to documentation and record keeping •Manage department inventories by tracking weekly sales reports, orders product and supplies so as to meet customer requirements along with the company’s gross profit goals •Skilled in ordering methods and practices for inventory control •Ability to utilize computer systems/information for improved operational results •Strong current product knowledge of the retail industry and knowledge of Supermarket facility management •Will be required to work nights, long hours, weekends, and holidays •Experience in ISS / Droste Operating Systems is an added plus Pay will commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Deadline for submission of applicants is December 1st 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.

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 21

SolusHealth

Health insurance just for you.

If you are used to being independent and making important decisions for yourself, Solus is health insurance just for you. Solus is perfect for selfemployed consultants and people without access to an employer-based health plan. It offers generous benefits and first rate service from a leading

Affordable premiums RX prescription plan Direct billing US network & worldwide support $1 million lifetime maximum

regional provider of group health insurance.

Ask for a quote!

Call 232-9127 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

Solus Health is a product from Colonial Medical Insurance Company Limited

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

cgigrp

Page 22

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 23

9

Page 24

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

T

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

th Annual In the Pink event exceeded expectations

he Palms Turks and Caicos and the organizing committee of In The Pink hosted its 9th annual “In the Pink” event on Saturday November 18th to raise funds for TCI’s Cancer Society. The event was a smashing success, gaining support from many in the community including locals and tourists alike.

The event played host to a shopping frenzy, a lavish after-party and

Pink Poker Tournament at The Palms Courtyard with music featuring TCI’s own Prime DJ’s, cocktails, a silent auction and fun giveaways.

In the Pink, described as a powerful and inspiring event, was created to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about steps individuals can take to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer, and raise money to assist those persons locally who require additional assistance with extensive treatments.

Proceeds from this year’s event will be split amongst the Turks and Caicos Islands Cancer Society and Hurricane Relief. Committee member of the event since its inception Karen Whitt described this year’s event as one of the most special In The Pink event which they’ve ever hosted.

The following are photo highlights from the event.

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 25

Page 26

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Sailrock continues support of repair efforts in South Caicos community

This past week, the Sailrock team continued forward with its efforts to provide much needed building supplies to the South Caicos community.

With the aid of several Sailrock vehicles and a team of Sailrock staff, over 28 local residents received new roofing materials to aid in the repair of their damaged homes.

Matt Bywater, Executive Director, and Brad Brondyke, Director of Sales, are leading the efforts for the distribution of building materials for over 120 residences and businesses in the South Caicos community.

The local residents were both thrilled and relieved to receive the supplies that will allow them to fix their roofs and make their homes water tight. Handshakes, hugs and jubilation abounded as the building materials were delivered to each home.

“We are an active participant in this community and we are thrilled to be in a position to assist our neighbors with the needed supplies to repair their homes,” said Bywater.

Distribution efforts will continue through the coming days until all of the materials are in the possession of those in need.

Over 200,000 lbs. of construction materials were delivered to South Caicos through the efforts of the South Caicos Heritage Foundation.

These materials included 32,000 square feet of plywood, 125,000 square feet of roofing materials, 21,500 linear feet of framing lumber, and other construction materials like nails, screws, and fasteners.

South Caicos was among the many islands in the Caribbean that suffered substantial damage from Hurricane’s Irma & Maria, but has not received as much press as some of the more populated islands.

The majority of the homes

on the island experienced structural damage that presented a significant financial burden that many residents couldn’t face on their own.

Following Hurricane Irma, the South Caicos Heritage Foundation was founded to provide immediate aid to the residents of South Caicos with the long-term goal of preserving and supporting the rich history and culture of South Caicos.

The South Caicos Heritage Foundation’s fundraising efforts are on-going and the organization will continue to work with local leaders and members of the community to identify and prioritize areas of need.

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 27

Page 28

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 29

HEALTHY

LIFESTYLE

Babies learn what Three coffees a day linked words mean before to more health than harm they can use them

Babies begin to learn words and what they mean well before they begin talking, and researchers are beginning to understand how they do it.

”I think it’s especially intriguing that we find evidence that for infants, even their early words aren’t ‘islands’: even with a very small vocabulary they seem to have a sense that some words and concepts are more ‘similar’ than others,” Dr. Elika Bergelson from Duke University, Durham, North Carolina told Reuters Health by email. “While they still have a lot to learn before they show adult-like or even toddlerlike levels of comprehension, this gives us a peek into how those early words and concepts are organized.”

True word learning requires making connections between speech and the world around us and learning how different words relate to each other.

Bergelson’s team studied 6-month-old babies to see whether they recognized these connections, as opposed to merely recognizing words in isolation.

Using eye tracking, the researchers found that infants looked significantly more at pictures of named objects (“car,” for example) when the objects were paired with unrelated objects (like a picture of a car with a picture of juice) than when the objects were paired with related objects (like a picture of a car with a picture of a stroller).

Infants, the authors suggest, “may know enough about a word’s meaning to tell it apart from the unrelated referent but not the related one. . . . That is, perhaps infants know ‘car’ cannot refer to juice, but not whether stroller is in the ‘car’ category.”

Using home video recordings, the researchers also observed that the infants learned to recognize words better when they could see the objects as the words were being used (for example, when they were told, “here’s your spoon,” when the spoon was actually present).

How often the word was used in the presence of the object seemed to have a greater impact on the development of understanding than who did the speaking, according to the November 20 online report in PNAS.

“I think before figuring out how to enhance vocabulary development, we need to better understand how it proceeds ‘typically’ - this paper is a first step in that direction,” Bergelson said. “That said, I think one thing suggested by our work is that talking more with young babies, and focusing in on what they’re looking at and caring about certainly won’t hurt - and it might even help - with early language development.”

“Treat your baby like a real conversational partner,” she said. “Even young infants are listening and learning about words and the world around them before they start talking themselves, and their caregivers make that possible.”

Dr. Dana Suskind from the University of Chicago, who has studied ways to help parents enrich infant language development but who wasn’t involved in this research, told Reuters Health by email, ”From my standpoint, this work continues to reaffirm the critical importance of early and intentional parent language and interaction from day one and that learning doesn’t start on the first day of school but the first day of life!”

LONDON - People who drink three to four cups of coffee a day are more likely to see health benefits than harm, experiencing lower risks of premature death and heart disease than those who abstain, scientists said.

The research, which collated evidence from more than 200 previous studies, also found coffee consumption was linked to lower risks of diabetes, liver disease, dementia and some cancers.

Three or four cups a day confer the greatest benefit, the scientists said, except for women who are pregnant or who have a higher risk of suffering fractures.

Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed drinks worldwide. To better understand its effects on health, Robin Poole, a public health specialist at Britain’s University of Southampton, led a research team in an “umbrella review” of 201 studies based on observational research and 17 studies based on clinical trials

A Cappuccino stands on a table at a branch of Costa coffee in Manchester, Britain across all countries and all settings.

“Umbrella reviews” synthesize previous pooled analyses to give a clearer summary of diverse research on a particular topic.

“Coffee drinking appears safe within usual patterns of consumption,” Pool’s team concluded in their research, published in the BMJ British medical journal late on Wednesday.

Drinking coffee was

consistently linked with a lower risk of death from all causes and from heart disease. The largest reduction in relative risk of premature death is seen in people consuming three cups a day, compared with non-coffee drinkers.

Drinking more than three cups a day was not linked to harm, but the beneficial effects were less pronounced.

Coffee was also associated with a lower risk of several cancers, including prostate, endometrial, skin and liver cancer, as well as type 2 diabetes, gallstones and gout, the researchers said. The greatest benefit was seen for liver conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver.

Poole’s team noted that because their review included mainly observational data, no firm conclusions could be drawn about cause and effect. But they said their findings support other recent reviews and studies of coffee intake.

U.S. hospitals feeling the pain of physician burnout

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Dr. Brian Halloran, a vascular surgeon at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, starts planning his garden long before spring arrives in southeast Michigan.

His tiny plot, located in the shadow of the 537-bed teaching hospital, helps Halloran cope with burnout from long hours and the stress of surgery on gravely ill patients.

“You really have to find the balance to put it a little more in perspective,” he said.

Hospitals such as St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor have been investing in programs ranging from yoga classes to personal coaches designed to help doctors become more resilient. But national burnout rates keep rising, with up to 54 percent of doctors affected.

Some leading healthcare executives now say the way medicine is practiced in the United States is to blame, fueled in part by growing clerical demands that have doctors spending two hours on the computer for every one hour they spend seeing patients.

What’s more, burnout is not just bad for doctors; it’s bad for patients and bad for business, according to interviews with more than 20 healthcare executives, doctors and burnout experts.

“This really isn’t just about exercise and getting enough sleep and having a life outside the hospital,” said Dr. Tait Shanafelt, a former Mayo Clinic researcher who became Stanford Medicine’s first chief physician wellness

officer in September. organizational and societal level,

“It has at least as much or which has been submitted to a more to do with the environment journal for review. in which these folks are practicing,” In July, the National he said.

Academy of Medicine (NAM)

Shanafelt and other called on researchers to identify researchers have shown that interventions that ease burnout. burnout erodes job performance, Meanwhile, some hospitals and increases medical errors and leads health insurers are already trying doctors to leave a profession they to lighten the load. once loved.

Cleveland Clinic last year

Hospitals can ill afford increased the number of nurse these added expenses in an era practitioners and other highly of tight margins, costly nursing trained providers by 25 percent to shortages and uncertainty over 1,600 to handle more routine tasks the fate of the Affordable Care Act, for its 3,600 physicians. It hired which has put capital projects and eight pharmacists to help with payment reform efforts on hold. prescription refills.

“Burnout decreases Atrius Health, largest productivity and increases Massachusetts’ errors. It’s a big deal,” said independent physicians group, Cleveland Clinic Chief Executive is diverting unnecessary email Dr. Toby Cosgrove, one of 10 U.S. traffic away from doctors to other healthcare CEOs who earlier this staffers and simplifying medical year declared physician burnout a records, aiming to cut 1.5 million mouse “clicks” per year. public health crisis.

Insurer UnitedHealth Group, which operates physician WHAT TO DO? practices for more than 20,000

Hospitals are just doctors through its Optum beginning to recognize the toll of subsidiary, launched a program to help doctors quickly determine burnout on their operations.

Experts estimate, for whether drugs are covered by a example, that it can cost more patient’s insurance plan during than a $1 million to recruit and the patient visit. It is also running train a replacement for a doctor a pilot program for Medicare plans in eight states to shrink the who leaves because of burnout.

But no broad calculation number of procedures that require of burnout costs exists, Shanafelt prior authorization.

Similarly, Aetna Inc this said. Stanford, Harvard Business School, Mayo and the American year began a behavioral health Medical Association are working program that eliminates prior requirements on that. They have put together authorization a comprehensive estimate of for admission to some highthe costs of burnout at the performing hospitals.

Page 30

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Positions Available Administration & Finance Officer (Grand Turk/ Part-Time) Duties and responsibilities Administration To take minutes of meetings, and distribute as requested by the Branch Director or Governing Board.

To arrange accommodation for staff, volunteers and visitors to Grand Turk, as required.

To maintain sufficient stocks of office stationery and other supplies necessary for programmes and services.

To adhere to the processes for safeguarding all assets owned by TCI RC. To provide updated information for the fixed assets register and contracts list.

To support HR administration To support logistics administration Financial Management Under the supervision of the Provo Admin & Finance Officer, to manage the banking and cash requirements of the TCI RC office in Grand Turk.

To comply with all financial processes including bank and cash reconciliations, cash flow requests, financial reporting and variance analysis in line with organisational and donor requirements, payroll and working advances.

To ensure value for money is obtained through efficient and effective use of funds.

To ensure that all financial transactions are recorded in the QuickBooks system and submitted to the TCI RC Provo office before the end of each monthly.

To manage both electronic and physical document management systems for all financial information and records.

To prepare monthly management accounts to highlight and explain significant variances on all income and expenditure for the TCI RC office in Grand Turk.

To liaise with suppliers, vendors and contractors in Grand Turk, South Caicos and Salt Cay and to ensure that all payments are accurate, timely, and in line with TCI RC procurement policies and procedures.

To ensure that TCI RC is complying with legal requirements for tax / GST, staff provisions, banking regulations and any other financial related matters.

Programme Support To assist the financial management of TCI RC’s projects and emergency response activities including preparation of budgets, financial monitoring and reporting, and donor compliance.

To assist the Branch Director in the annual budgeting process, separating restricted and unrestricted funds.

To support the submission of donor reports.

Thrift Store To ensure a presence in the thrift store on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 11:00am to 5:00pm Monday To carry out inventory checks To include income from sales into the accounts of the Grand Turk office.

To bank any cash proceeds from sales on a weekly basis.

Wages: $13.00/hr Only Belongers apply for these positions. Applications forms available from Turks and Caicos Red Cross Human Resource Department. Only applicants selected for interview will be notified.

Disaster Risk Management Officer (Grand Turk/ Full Time) Duties and responsibilities Branch Capacity To support any review and updating of the branch Disaster Response Plan To ensure appropriate Standard Operating Procedures are in place and tested regularly, particularly prior to the annual hurricane season, in coordination with the Department of Disaster Management & Emergencies (DDME).

To monitor levels and types of relief stocks across the territory, and communicate the need for additional stock to the Branch Director.

Incorporate cash-based assistance in the menu of branch response options to disasters and emergencies.

Together with the Volunteer & Youth Coordinator, identify staff and volunteer disaster preparedness and response training needs and develop a training programme for the branch.

Community Resilience Facilitate Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments (VCA) in targeted communities.

Ensure baseline data is collected to allow for the effective monitoring of risk reduction activities.

Support target communities to develop disaster risk reduction action plans that include early warning systems and micro mitigation projects.

Conduct an ‘audit’ of existing Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) to determine gaps in knowledge, capacity and equipment.

Facilitate the recruitment, training, equipping and support of new CERTs.

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

Conduct disaster simulations to test community emergency response preparedness Conduct risk reduction and emergency planning sessions in schools Together with the Volunteer & Youth Coordinator, design activities for the School-based Red Cross Clubs Coordination, sharing and advocacy Contribute to the development of Communication and Advocacy strategies for TCI RC around disaster risk reduction Collect stories and pictures for case studies for internal and external publication Strengthen the partnership between TCI RC and government departments (particularly the DDME, District Commissioners, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Department of Social Development), the media, business and civil society on issues related to disaster risk reduction Strengthen links with sources of expertise and support, both internally (i.e. other Overseas Branches (OSB), Red Cross staff and volunteers) and externally Strengthen existing links, and identify and develop new links with community groups Promote the sharing of learning from the DRR programme internally Contribute to regional learning and capacity building initiatives via CDEMA and IFRC Programme Management Coordinate the delivery of the TCI RC Risk Reduction programme, including the implementation, monitoring and reporting, with agreed plans and budgets.

To monitor programme implementation and expenditure, providing monthly financial and narrative reports to the Branch Director, justifying any variances to the programme plan and budget.

Provide quarterly financial and narrative reports to the Branch Director to ensure that programme information within BRC’s Project Management Information System (PMIS) is kept up-to-date and contributes to donor reports.

Develop appropriate disaster management training materials and organise the delivery of training using these materials.

Coordinate with the Branch Director and TCI RC volunteer committees in organisational development activities linked to the Risk Reduction programme.

Wages: $27,099.96 per annum Only Belongers apply for these positions. Applications forms available from Turks and Caicos Red Cross Human Resource Department. Only applicants selected for interview will be notified.

Disaster Risk Management Officer (Provo/ Full Time) Duties and responsibilities Branch Capacity To support any review and updating of the branch Disaster Response Plan To ensure appropriate Standard Operating Procedures are in place and tested regularly, particularly prior to the annual hurricane season, in coordination with the Department of Disaster Management & Emergencies (DDME).

To monitor levels and types of relief stocks across the territory, and communicate the need for additional stock to the Branch Director.

Incorporate cash-based assistance in the menu of branch response options to disasters and emergencies.

Together with the Volunteer & Youth Coordinator, identify staff and volunteer disaster preparedness and response training needs and develop a training programme for the branch.

Community Resilience Facilitate Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments (VCA) in targeted communities.

Ensure baseline data is collected to allow for the effective monitoring of risk reduction activities.

Support target communities to develop disaster risk reduction action plans that include early warning systems and micro mitigation projects.

Conduct an ‘audit’ of existing Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) to determine gaps in knowledge, capacity and equipment.

Facilitate the recruitment, training, equipping and support of new CERTs. Conduct disaster simulations to test community emergency response preparedness Conduct risk reduction and emergency planning sessions in schools Together with the Volunteer & Youth Coordinator, design activities for the School-based Red Cross Clubs Coordination, sharing and advocacy Contribute to the development of Communication and Advocacy strategies for TCI RC around disaster risk reduction Collect stories and pictures for case studies for internal and external publication Strengthen the partnership between TCI RC and government departments (particularly the DDME, District Commissioners, Ministry of Education,

Submit applications to by December 4th, 2017 to: Turks and Caicos Red Cross Human Resource Department Sam’s Building Providenciales Tel: 649-946-8056 Email: redcrossprovo@tciway.tc

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

Ministry of Health and Department of Social Development), the media, business and civil society on issues related to disaster risk reduction Strengthen links with sources of expertise and support, both internally (i.e. other Overseas Branches (OSB), Red Cross staff and volunteers) and externally Strengthen existing links, and identify and develop new links with community groups Promote the sharing of learning from the DRR programme internally Contribute to regional learning and capacity building initiatives via CDEMA and IFRC Programme Management Coordinate the delivery of the TCI RC Risk Reduction programme, including the implementation, monitoring and reporting, with agreed plans and budgets.

Monitor programme implementation and expenditure, providing monthly financial and narrative reports to the Branch Director, justifying any variances to the programme plan and budget.

Provide quarterly financial and narrative reports to the Branch Director to ensure that programme information within BRC’s Project Management Information System (PMIS) is kept up-to-date and contributes to donor reports.

Develop appropriate disaster management training materials and organise the delivery of training using these materials.

Coordinate with the Branch Director and TCI RC volunteer committees in organisational development activities linked to the Risk Reduction programme.

Wages: $27,099.96 per annum Only Belongers apply for these positions. Applications forms available from Turks and Caicos Red Cross Human Resource Department. Only applicants selected for interview will be notified.

Volunteer/ Youth Officer (Provo/ Part-Time) Duties and responsibilities Increase the number of people supporting the TCI RC across the six inhabited

JOB POSTING - Country Manager What is the opportunity?

In this role you are required to deliver an exceptional client experience, understand the needs of our clients, and anticipate what is important for them by recognizing and reacting to verbal and non-verbal cues and adapting to how clients choose to interact with RBC. What will you do?

•Earn the business of new clients by developing relationships with RBC and community partners, represents the RBC brand and captures new business opportunities ensuring early anchoring of all new clients.

•Lead a branch team in the retention and growth of existing business and personal clients’ business by focusing the team on advice and activities that encourage long-term profitable relationships.

•Actively engage with and adapt to how clients choose to interact with RBC and leverage partners in the broader RBC network and across channels to match the clients’ needs with the right advice and solutions including fulfillment where applicable, ensuring that partners and specialists are introduced at every opportunity.

•Champion digital enablement by becoming an advocate of the RBC mobile application and wallet and promoting regular usage. Stay at the forefront of all new features and digital application capabilities in order to educate clients and team members on ease of use and ensure clients leave activated, able to transact and aware of availability for additional support.

•RBC local market leader who coaches, enables and performance manages employees to deliver full capability of RBC (human and digital) and grow your business faster than the competition.

•Full responsibility for all aspect of your franchise: operational risk, capacity & capability deployment, talent management and community engagement.

•Ensure a high level of employee capability and engagement through coaching and sales management, empowering team to reach their optimum performance.

•Lead one or more retail branches to achieve business performance goals by successfully implementing strategies, driving strong sales and

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 31

islands so individuals and entities can Volunteer time to provide services such as first aid at events, to work in support areas such as the thrift store, to fundraise, to respond to disasters and crises Donate money or goods Become a member of a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Become a member of a school-based Junior Red Cross Club

Promote diversity and inclusion within volunteer and youth teams

Maintain an up-to-date database of volunteers and members Lead on identifying staff and volunteer disaster preparedness and response training needs, and develop a training programme for the branch with the support of the Branch Director, DRM Officers, Administration & Finance Officers and volunteer coordinators.

Together with the TCI RC volunteer coordinators, develop efficient and effective mechanisms for recruiting, inducting and training volunteers Develop a reward and recognition system that acknowledges contributions made to Red Cross by its volunteers, members and supporters Together with the DRM Officers and Department of Education, head teachers and teachers, develop the Junior Red Cross Club programme in a manner that is relevant and will involve young people in understanding the TCI RC Humanitarian Agenda and also how to be involved in humanitarian action.

Collect stories and pictures for case studies for internal and external publication.

Provide monthly narrative reports to the Branch Director.

Be willing to work in the evenings and weekends in accordance with the availability of volunteers Any other duties necessary to support the well-running of the branch, including responding to disasters and crises out of office hours Wages: $12.00/hr Only Belongers apply for these positions. Applications forms available from Turks and Caicos Red Cross Human Resource Department. Only applicants selected for interview will be notified.

Submit applications to by December 4th, 2017 to: Turks and Caicos Red Cross Human Resource Department Sam’s Building Providenciales Tel: 649-946-8056 Email: redcrossprovo@tciway.tc

service performance and employee engagement.

•Handle regulatory matters; ensure resolution of assigned audit/ compliance issues, supported by the Regional Operations Officer.

•Act as RBC ambassador to multiple government and influential community leaders; promotes and engages the appropriate RBC market leaders based community forums; develops relationships with existing and potential community partners.

What do you need to succeed?

Must-have •Minimum – Bachelor’s Degree in Banking or a related field •10 or more years banking experience •Previous experience as a Lending Officer is mandatory •Strong Leadership & Coaching •In-depth Credit knowledge of Personal and Business lending •Strong communication skills (oral and written) and Negotiating/ Selling Skills •Relationship building & People Skills •Effectively Manage Risk Nice-to-have What’s in it for you?

We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.

•A comprehensive Total Rewards Program of flexible benefits, unlimited commission pay, and pension options •World-class training programs and career development opportunities •The advantage of working with a dynamic, collaborative, and high performing team where initiative and hard work are recognized and rewarded •A flexible work schedule based on client preferences and your own work/ life balance •Innovative mobile technology to ensure your success Interested applicants should apply by _________________ at jobs.rbc.com

Page 32

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

Dexter Ingham Is seeking a Domestic Worker To work 5 day per week Salary $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 341-4832

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

SEEKING FOR ONE CLEANER SALARY $7.00 PER HOUR PLEASE CONTACT 231-3617

JHONNY PIERRE

TRULY NOLEN

AGNES SWANN

IS LOOKING FOR TWO LABOURERS TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK AND BE ABLE TO BE ON CALL SALARY – NEGOTIABLE PLEASE CONTACT: 231-0195 / 946-4272 #304119

THE CONCH SHACK

Is seeking a Domestic Worker To work 6 days per week Salary $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 344-3288

IS LOOKING FOR COOK FLOOR SUPERVISOR FRUIT CAPTAIN WAITRESS/SERVERS RESUMES TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE CONCH SHACK BLUE HILLS. CONTACT: MR. RODNEY 332-8501

LODIE BROOKS

BLYTHE MALCOLM

SEEKING A PLUMBER TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK SALARY $6.50 PER HOUR PLEASE CONTACT: 341-2594 #304109

IS SEEKING A LABOURER TO WORK 5 DAYS A WEEK SALARY IS $6.25 AN HOUR PLEASE CONTACT: 231-2062

IS SEEKING A LABOURER TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK SALARY $6.50 PER HOUR PLEASE CONTACT: 246-7382

#304118

Turquoise Construction Co. LTD

Is seeking a Foreman Salary $2,600 per month Please Contact: 332-0158 Kostco Super Savers

Seeks to Employ: 1 Cook 3 Sales Managers 3 Domestic Workers 2 Labourers To wok 6 days per week and flexible hours Salary- Negotiable and is based on experience Please Contact 232-1199 All interested persons can drop resumes to Kishco former location on Airport Road.

MARGARET WILLIAMS

IS SEEKING 2 LABOURERS AND 2 DOMESTIC WORKERS TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK PAY IS MINIMUM WAGE PLEASE CONTACT: 946-3704

EXPRESS CONSTRUCTION LTD

Labourer needed Salary - $6.25 per hour Contact: 941-3478

THREE QUEEN'S BAR AND RESTAURANT

IS SEEKING 1 BARMAID AND 1 DOMESTIC WORKER TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK SALARY $6.50 PER HOUR PLEASE CONTACT- 242-4553

#304116

PATTY PLACE IS SEEKING 1 BAKER TO WORK 6 DAYS WEEKLY SALARY $6.25 PER HOUR PLEASE CONTACT: 331-4188

DEON WILSON IS SEEKING A LABOURER TO WORK 6 DAYS A WEEK SALARY $6.25 PER HOUR PLEASE CONTACT: 243-8307 #304123

NOTICE

TOMLINSON SKIPPINGS

GROUNDSMAN REQUIRED FOR GENERAL YARD MAINTENANCE ON GRAND TURK CONTACT DR. HUBERT FULFORD ON 231-1289

IS SEEKING A STORE CLERK TO WORK 5 DAYS PER WEEK SALARY $6.25 PER HOUR PLEASE CONTACT – 946-2165

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

CARIBBEAN WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 33

CARIBBEAN NEWS

NEWS NEWS

Haitians in U.S. angry about Trump decision to send them back home

Haitian immigrants is wobbling from Hurricane thank God, and then I will go,” decried a U.S. decision to end Matthew, a cholera outbreak said Margaret Etienne, who a program that granted 59,000 and political instability. gave birth to a 3-year-old son Haitians temporary visas after “We’re just left in a void,” here who is now a U.S. citizen. the 2010 earthquake, saying said Sebastian Joseph, 26, “It’s my country. I love they would be sent back to a a Haitian immigrant living my country,” she said after country that has yet to recover in the Flatbush section of buying takeout from a Haitian from that disaster and others Brooklyn where Haitians restaurant with her son on since. and other Caribbeans are a stretch of Church Avenue

The United States concentrated. that is also called Bob Marley Haitian immigrants and supporters rally to reject DHS Decision to terminate TPS offered Temporary Protected He said virtually all Boulevard, after the late for Haitians, at the Manhattan borough in New York, U.S., November 21, 2017 Status, or TPS, to Haitians Haitians want to stay in the Jamaican musician.

Haiti’s population lives below would protect from deportation after the January 2010 United States, where they In ending the TPS the poverty line of $2.41 per immigrants who have TPS and earthquake killed some have carved out a niche in designation, acting Secretary day, according to the World Deferred Enforced Departure 300,000 people and devastated construction and healthcare of Homeland Security Elaine Bank.

(DED), another program a country that has long been services such as caring for the Duke said she had determined “It’s not going to be subject to presidential the poorest in the Americas. elderly and sick. that the “extraordinary but good for me. I don’t know what discretion that was extended

The administration “America has been the temporary conditions caused I would do,” said Ives Joseph by Obama but is due to expire of former President Barack home of the free for 200 years by the 2010 earthquake no Laforgue, 63, an unemployed in March 2018.

Obama extended the program or more. Everybody wants to longer exist.”

Haitian immigrant in Flatbush Ricot Dupuy, station several times, finding that come to America,” Joseph said.

Some critics dispute who said he had open-heart manager of Radio Soleil, a conditions in Haiti were too “A lot of people will go back to that Haiti has recovered and surgery in 2014 and lives Haitian-themed broadcaster dire to send the beneficiaries nothing.” question how Duke reached off the charity of Brooklyn’s in New York, said he thinks the home.

President Donald Trump’s supporters such a conclusion.

Haitian community. Still, he decision is racially motivated.

Trump’s administration, after note that the visa program Senator Marco Rubio, said he would have even less “This pressure to send previously granting a six- was always meant to be a Republican from Florida, the in Haiti. immigrants back home ... The month extension, announced temporary and that Trump ran state with the most Haitians, Haitian community idea is to whiten America,” on Monday that it would end a 2016 presidential campaign urged Trump to extend TPS, leaders and pro-immigration Dupuy said from his Brooklyn TPS for Haiti in July 2019. promising restrictive warning in a column he wrote politicians in New York on studio.

Any Haitian who immigration policies. for the Miami Herald that Tuesday pledged to pressure “The U.S. Chamber cannot obtain another kind At least one Haitian “Haitians sent home will face the Trump administration to of Commerce is not stupid. of U.S. visa will be subject TPS recipient in Brooklyn dire conditions, including lack extend TPS. They know that TPS holders, to deportation back to the accepted that eventually she of housing, inadequate health Among them was it’s good for this country. The Caribbean nation, where some must return. services and low prospects for U.S. Representative Nydia business community knows it’s earthquake victims are still “If they say I have employment.”

Velazquez, a Democrat who good for them. And eventually homeless and the country 18 months and that’s it, I say Fifty-nine percent of introduced legislation that they may have the last word.”

Over $2 billion pledged to help hurricane-affected Caribbean nations ‘build back better’ The international community mobilized over $1.3 billion in pledges and more than $1 billion in loans and debt relief to help Caribbean nations recover from the strong hurricanes that pummelled the region a few months ago, during a meeting at United Nations Headquarters on Tuesday.

“I think we’re extremely happy with the results of the conference,” said Stephen O’Malley, the UN Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) for Barbados and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.

The powerful category-5 hurricanes Irma and Maria hit the Caribbean in September causing a number of deaths and

Deaths from HIV on the rise in Jamaica

widespread devastation in the Caribbean. According to the latest needs estimates, recovery costs are expected to surpass $5 billion.

Barbuda, the smaller of the two-island State of Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica were among the most severely affected, along with Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands. Haiti and St. Kitts and Nevis also suffered damage, while St. Maarten/St. Martin as well as Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico were also impacted.

“It is a very long road to recovery,” Mr. O’Malley said in an interview with UN News, noting that while the roads in the capital, Roseau, are more or less clear and water is back, only three per cent of

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton is calling for Jamaicans to practise responsible sexual behaviour in order to prevent new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections.

He said results from an HIV/AIDS Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviour Survey conducted for 2004, 2008 and 2012 indicate that the factors driving the epidemic have not changed over time, with continuing insufficient condom use and high levels of multiple sex partners among the general population.

Tufton, who was speaking at the media launch of World AIDS Day 2017 on

the country currently has electricity.

In addition, agriculture has been badly affected. “It’s still a hard time.”

Meanwhile, on Barbuda, water was restored yesterday and people are trickling back to the island. The roads have been cleared and people are beginning to repair their homes, and trying to determine whether they can come back and resettle or wait longer until the conditions are right for returning.

Schools have not re-opened and medical services are very limited, Mr. O’Malley noted.

Nearly 400 high-level representatives from governments, multilateral and civil society organizations and the private sector gathered in New York, along with the Secretaries-General of the UN

Thursday said adolescent deaths resulting from HIV infection continue to rise despite declines among other age groups.

This, he attributed to developmental, psychological and social factors, which place this group at increased risk of contracting the virus.

“As a society, we must do more to stop new HIV infections and untimely HIVrelated deaths through both primary and secondary prevention and better management approaches,” he said.

Director of Health Promotion and Prevention at the National Family Planning Board (NFPB), Andrea Campbell, informed

and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to help the affected countries “build back better.”

“They want to be a climateresilient region,” Mr. O’Malley stated, explaining that this involves practical steps from the way a country’s road network and electricity grid are designed to ensuring that schools and hospitals are built to withstand the impact of climate change.

“It’s your infrastructure.

It’s also better planning and preparedness by the governments so that they can respond more quickly,” he pointed out. “They have the capacity to do that […] there’s a variety of different things there to make everybody more climate resilient.”

that there were 1,222 new HIV diagnoses in 2017.

She said studies show that the population is aware of the methods of HIV prevention.

However, there seems to be a resistance by people to change their risky sexual behaviour.

Among the safe practices that people should adopt to safeguard against contracting the virus are reducing the number of sexual partners, using a condom consistently and correctly, and abstinence.

For those already infected, they are advised to adhere to medication, which will lead to viral oppression.

Page 34

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

CARIBBEAN NEWS

How an Irish billionaire is helping the Caribbean bounce back after Hurricane Maria

by Michela Tindera , Forbes Staff

Irish billionaire Denis O’Brien is no stranger to chaos and disaster.

As the founder and chairman of telecommunications giant Digicel, he’s expanded his business into regions of the world facing earthquakes (in Haiti), riots (in Tonga) and coups (in Fiji). So in September when Hurricanes Irma and Maria slammed into nearly half of his Caribbean markets destroying buildings, snapping cell towers like matchsticks — and worse — he sprung into action.

“It was all hands on deck,” Irish billionaire and Digicel founder Denis O’Brien, who founded Digicel in O’Brien Jamaica in 2001, said. “We were kind the worst of the storm passed, she of an NGO and a commercial business came out to find the house badly all in one go.” Out of 22 countries and damaged. She called her boss, regional territories that Digicel offers service Digicel CEO Robert Mayo-Smith, in, between Irma and Maria, 10 with a satellite phone that all Digicel faced cell tower damage of some kind. executives have for emergencies. Then Among those, the most affected were she and her husband trekked out to the Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Digicel office in downtown Roseau, the Turks and Caicos and Dominica. Once country’s capital. What should have the storms passed, Digicel deployed been a 10 to 15 minute walk, turned over 140 people to not only help begin into an hour-long journey, climbing rebuilding the cell networks but also to over downed trees, shingles and start providing humanitarian relief to damaged cars. islanders.

When she got there, she

“I can’t compare this to saw that while the main roof had anything I’ve ever been through in been blown off, the building was still life — nothing,” Digicel’s Dominica standing and a few of her employees CEO, Nikima Royer Jno Baptiste, said. were already waiting outside. She let The tiny, mountainous island nation them in and they all got to work. That of Dominica (population: 74,000) was office,Royer Jno Baptiste said, became spared by Hurricane Irma, but hit their temporary home for the next four days later by Maria’s 150 mile per hour weeks — sleeping on cots, blankets Category 5 winds, causing landslides and air mattresses and taking turns and reportedly killing more than 30 cooking for one another. At one point, people. The storm destroyed nearly they had close to 60 people in the office a quarter of all buildings on the 290 between local team members, their square mile island, and all 55 of Digicel’s families, their friends as well as the cell towers in the country suffered some relief teams that came in to help. sort of damage, cutting off connectivity Additional Digicel team for the country’s customers for at least members arrived on Dominica within 24 four days following the storm. “It’s hours, and over the next several weeks not the weight of a company, it’s the close to 100 in total came. Thanks to weight of an entire country; on you and them, 37 out of the 55 cell services have your team because connectivity is so regained service; they expect to have important,” she said.

45 back by the end of November, which

Royer Jno Baptiste, who had will equal about 85% coverage, up from just taken the CEO job in April, road zero directly after the storm. O’Brien, out Maria in a friend’s home, huddled meanwhile, first visited Dominica Sept. in a bathroom for 8 hours with her 26, eight days after the hurricane friend’s family and her own. After hit, to meet with Dominica’s prime

minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, who had also lost his home in the storm. Skerrit had appeared the week before at the United Nations General Assembly in New York declaring an “international humanitarian emergency.” After that meeting, O’Brien committed Digicel to build seven schools, each will include one large classroom that will be able to double as a hurricane shelter, and 360 homes in one of the worst damaged areas on the island, the Kalinago territory, which is home to the only indigenous Carib population left in the Caribbean.

The houses Digicel puts up will be for the families of children who attend the schools that they are also rebuilding. “If they don’t get their kids back into school they won’t be able to work, and the whole economic cycle doesn’t get moving again,” said O’Brien, who expects all the homes to be built in the next three to four months.

Everything will be built to the latest specifications for hurricane safety.

“There’s no point in building structures that will not be able to withstand Category 4, Category 5 hurricanes, because the frequency is going to be far greater because of climate change,” O’Brien said. In Dominica, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands, each of his 113 employees got a Caterpillar generator, and an additional one month’s salary.

Customers also got a $10 credit on their phones to make necessary calls.

The bulk of aid from Digicel, an estimated $2 million conservatively, is going to Dominica, Digicel estimates.

Compared to the other countries that were badly damaged, Dominica is the only one of the group that is completely independent and not a part of another country or its commonwealth. Though, Digicel has also provided support to those countries including:

rebuilding a senior citizens home and donating computers to a high school in Anguilla, and contributing $100,000 worth of building materials and providing a generator able to power 10,000 homes in the British Virgin Islands.

“Our game is if we invest in a country we want to make a meaningful

point of difference in the country over a prolonged period of time,” O’Brien said. “Not one year — maybe 10 years, maybe 20 years.”

O’Brien got a major taste for the havoc that a natural disaster could wreak upon one of his markets during the earthquake in Haiti in 2010.

There Digicel built 150 schools and he personally funded the restoration of Port-au-Prince’s 19th-century Iron Market. “If I ever sell my business, I would still be in Haiti building schools,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien, who has an estimated net worth of $5.2 billion, has built his business around endearing himself to the masses, as FORBES wrote in a 2008 cover story profiling him. He told the magazine then: “Get big fast.

[Damn] the cost. Be brave. Go over the cliff. [The competition] doesn’t have the balls.” Since starting Digicel he’s expanded the telecom company to 31 markets in the Caribbean, but also South and Central America and Oceania. He owns stakes in publiclytraded Irish media conglomerate Independent News and Media, engineering company Actavo, golf resorts on the Iberian peninsula, and a hospital in Dublin’s suburbs, among other holdings. Plus he’s currently in the process of building out a fiber-optic cable system through a venture called Deep Blue Cable.

Digicel isn’t the only billionaire-owned company that’s been providing relief efforts in the stormravaged Caribbean, though. Another big telecom carrier in the Caribbean, FLOW, which is owned by Cable and Wireless Communications, a subsidiary of billionaire John Malone’s Liberty Global, launched the Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation on Sept. 29 and made an initial donation of $500,000 to go toward rebuilding efforts throughout the Caribbean. Cruise lines Royal Caribbean, controlled by Norwegian billionaire Arne Wilhelmsen, and Carnival controlled by billionaire Micky Arison, donated their ships to deliver supplies in the immediate aftermath and have made pledges to donate more than $10 million to relief around the Caribbean.

Controversial Operation Tempura case closed in Cayman Islands

More than four years after criminal allegations were brought against former Operation Tempura senior investigator Martin Bridger, Mr. Bridger and his former second-incommand, U.K. police officer Richard Coy, have been cleared of any suspected wrongdoing.

According to a statement from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, the decision was released Wednesday by the Crown.

“The Director of Public Prosecutions issued a legal ruling directing no criminal prosecution against Martin Bridger or Richard Coy, related to the long-running Operation Tempura investigation,” the RCIPS statement noted.

“The RCIPS can confirm that both parties have been advised of the ruling and that the case is now closed.”

Mr. Bridger was contacted for comment Thursday regarding the decision.

“The investigation against me

by RCIPS has taken almost five years to complete,” Mr. Bridger said in a written statement. “I was not provided

with ‘details’ of the investigation. It was not made clear to me who my accusers were. I was not interviewed in respect of the allegations made. Not one piece of evidence was shared with me.”

“In all of the circumstances known to me, I am satisfied the allegations against me had no substance and were borne out of vindictiveness,” he added.

The retired U.K. lawman, now in his mid-60s, said he would continue to advocate for the truth surrounding Operation Tempura and its spin-off probe Operation Cealt to come out.

“I will now consider how to move matters forward, which will expose all the facts,” he said. “All of the available evidence has still not been fully investigated, which is a shameful stain on the credibility of RCIPS and other public bodies.”

Mr. Bridger, who was initially brought to Cayman in September 2007 to investigate allegations of corruption within the RCIPS, ended up having the tables turned on him in 2014, when former Police Commissioner David Baines announced it was Mr. Bridger

who was the subject of an investigation. statements he made regarding the original Tempura investigation, A decade ago

The former U.K. Metropolitan particularly criminal allegations Mr. Police officer’s initial purpose in Bridger made in early 2013 against Cayman was to investigate allegations the territory’s former governor and of collusion between a newspaper current attorney general. The former publisher and a top-ranking member U.K. lawman had alleged to the U.K. of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Met Police and the RCIPS that former Service. More than $10 million was Cayman Governor Stuart Jack and spent on the probe, two criminal trials Attorney General Samuel Bulgin were held and half-a-dozen police misled him about various facts in the officers lost their jobs.

Tempura investigation.

There were no convictions Former Governor Jack and after the court cases, and the initial Mr. Bulgin have publicly denied those allegations against the publisher, the allegations. Mr. Jack at one point late Desmond Seales, and the senior commented that it was “high time” Mr. RCIPS officer, Deputy Commissioner Bridger be held accountable for his Anthony Ennis, turned out to be statements.

Mr. Baines said in 2014, bogus. After clearing Mr. Seales and Mr. Ennis, the investigation sought “Whilst the criminal allegations made by to determine why the allegations had Mr. Bridger failed, were unsupported been brought against the two men and and unproved after analysis of all of whether other local police officers had the available evidence, it is correct to acted improperly or illegally in doing say that his account and publishing of so. data within the media led to counter In August 2014, then-RCIPS allegations of criminal conduct being Commissioner Baines alluded to the made in relation to his conduct. Those possibility that Mr. Bridger could be allegations remain under investigation in some legal trouble over certain and are subject to continued inquiry.”

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 35

CARIBBEAN NEWS

From homelessness to success - Kosha Johnson mobile spa is making moves

A few years ago, Kosha Johnson was homeless, living out of her car and struggling to make ends meet.

Today, the massage therapist and aesthetician has a successful business which she is about to take beyond the borders of The Bahamas.

VoKo’s Spa Experience is the name of her mobile luxury spa service, and Ms Johnson has set her sights set on expanding it throughout the Caribbean region, with plans to start in the Turks and Caicos Islands in the near future, the Tribune newspaper reported.

Ms Johnson founded the health-conscious mobile spa company six years ago, after having started out as a concierge agent at a local spa.

She admits that the journey has not been an easy one.

While she was pursuing a course as a message therapist, her house burnt down, leaving her homeless and forcing her to live out of her car for several weeks.

“I pleaded with my teacher at the time and the owner of the school to work with me and allow me to complete my course,” said Ms Johnson.

Having completed her course, she took every opportunity to make a name for herself. The massage therapist said that she received rave reviews for her services from the start. The solid reputation she was slowly building, coupled with increasing client demand and a desire to help persons improve their wellness, led Ms Johnson to launch her own business.

“I was working in a day spa and I had a lot of clients ask me if I did house calls. Due to the

Kosha Johnson is a Bahamian success story demand, I started doing house calls on a part-time basis. It got so busy that I went into it full-time.

Ultimately, I couldn’t do all of the services myself so I started to put a team together,” she told Tribune Woman.

The VoKo’s Spa Experience currently has seven therapists in New Providence, though Ms Johnson notes that her aim is to increase that number to at least 10.

She explained that VoKo’s is a full-service mobile spa which caters to the on-the-go needs of its clients.

“We come to you, whether to your residence or your yacht.

Wherever you are in the Bahamas, we come to you. We also do spa parties and corporate events,” she said.

VoKo’s Spa Experience has catered to some very large events, including the Commonwealth Youth Games 2017, with 1,400 athletes from all around the world, as well Bahamas Fashion Week 2017 and the Susan G Komen Race 2017.

Ms Johnson said she is now looking to create greater awareness of her company.

“We get a lot of repeat business. We have the best therapists on the island. I’m proud to say that. It’s not just my words, those are the words of our clients and we have a lot of repeat clients because of it.”

The VoKo’s Spa Experience, as she explains it, is being able to cater to the body, mind and soul of the clients, while offering a safe, professional, clean and luxurious experience.

“We create the entire spa atmosphere. We bring everything from equipment, to music, to candles, to ensure that our clients are in a relaxed environment,” she said.

The company also prides itself on using all-natural products, from massage oil to its facial products.

“People always ask me why I do it and I tell them that it is because of the results that I get after the service is done. It makes everything worthwhile,” said Ms Johnson.

“In the next year and a half to two years I hope to take the business to Turks and Caicos, then take it across the Caribbean.”

Caribbean can only ‘build back better’ with international support and urgent climate action

In view of the urgent needs of Caribbean islands affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the “CARICOM-UN High-level Pledging Conference: Building a more Climate-Resilient Community ” mobilised a broad partnership to support reconstruction efforts, including through over US$1.3 billion in pledges and over $1 billion in loans and debt relief.

Support derived from nearly 400 high-level representatives from governments, multilateral and civil society organizations and the private sector gathered at UN headquarters last week with the Secretaries-General of the United Nations and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to help countries to “build back better” as the first climate-resilient countries in the world Recovery costs surpass $5billion, according to the latest needs estimates. In some cases the impact is 3.5 times countries’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP), for example in the British Virgin Islands.

The principal economic sectors of tourism and agriculture have been significantly affected, according to assessments made public during the conference, organized by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) working with sister UN agencies.

“The magnitude of reconstruction will require significant levels of financing which we are unable to generate on our own. Countries are highly indebted, with limited access to financing due to their middle-income status,” said CARICOM Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque.

“The task of rebuilding is beyond us.”

“Countries in the Caribbean need support now to rebuild, and to take effective climate action. We need a new generation of infrastructure that is risk-informed, to underpin resilient economies, communities and livelihoods,” said UN Secretary-General, António Guterres.

Climate-vulnerable islands were decimated, like Barbuda, the smaller of the two-island state of Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica, with deep social, economic and environmental impacts. Other severely affected islands were Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands. Haiti and St Kitts and Nevis also suffered damage.

Sint Maarten/St Martin as well as Cuba and the Dominican Republic were impacted, in addition to Puerto Rico.

Caribbean countries record high sugar production figures

Caribbean countries produced an estimated 418,000 tonnes of sugar for the 2016-17 period, according to a statement released by the Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) on Wednesday. It said the figure surpassed the projected figure of 406,000.

The SAC, which groups the Barbados Agricultural Management Company (BAMC), the Belize Sugar Industries Limited,(BSIL) Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GUYSUCO), and Sugar Manufacturing Corporation of Jamaica Limited (SMCJL) said the production figures demonstrate the region’s own capacity to supply the regional market, estimated at 320,000 tonnes for both brown and white sugar, and supports the argument for tariffs to be applied to imported sweeteners.

The SAC said that at its 167th Annual Board Meeting in Belize last week, the directors reaffirmed their plans to continue to supply the needs of the regional sugar market for both brown and white sugar and that it had held talks with officials of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

Council of Trade and Development (COTED) in Guyana earlier this month to sensitise them on this issue.

SAC said it has noted that all other regional markets preserve their sugar industries through application of an import tariff, which permits their industries to be competitive.

“Regional producers requested of CARICOM a uniform application of the 40 per cent Common External Tariff (CET) on all imported sweeteners.

“The four regional producers have the capability to supply the full market requirements and we plan to increase our outreach efforts to all stakeholders who use sugar to make the case for the application of the CET and to discuss with them how best to do so for the benefit of both producers and users,” said SAC Chairman, Karl James.

The statement said that the SAC board of directors also discussed the effect that the removal of domestic production quotas in the European sugar market as of October 1, 2017 will have on prices.

“Surplus EU sugar from the last crop has resulted in a fall in prices and this has impacted regional producers, as current prices are not remunerative. This has the potential to close factories and result in negative socio-economic consequences, hence the imperative to preserve the regional market for regional producers”.

The SAC statement noted that different strategies were being employed by its member countries to add value to their product and that the producers have also announced that they have begun in earnest to produce value added sugar products.

“For years, Belize has been producing sugar of 99.5 pol, which is the international benchmark for refined sugar. In Jamaica, all retail sugar is now pre-packaged and labelled, and Barbados is producing direct consumption sugar to supply export customers and also various grades of packaged sugar, including sachet packs for the retail trade and the catering industry,” the SAC said.

In addition to sugar products,

BSIL has invested in co-generation that has allowed it to supply 11 megawatts of power to the national grid and has plans to increase this supply shortly.

The statement said that during their meeting in Belize, SAC officials visited the Santander Sugar Company which produces sugar for the export market and expecting to produce 60,000 tonnes of sugar in 2017/18.

It said Santander also plans to produce white sugar for the regional market and has plans to use technology, such as GPS and drones to prepare fields and monitor production.

“They have illustrated how technology can be used in agriculture to achieve high levels of efficiency to maximise returns. They want to make the Caribbean region a model for efficient sugar cane and sugar production and have invested their money accordingly.

“This is like a breath of fresh air to the regional sugar industry,” the SAC statement noted.

Page 36

WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

NEWS

Mugabe granted immunity, assured of safety in Zimbabwe HARARE - in power was triggered by a Zimbabwe’s former president battle to succeed him that Robert Mugabe was granted pitted Mnangagwa against immunity from prosecution Mugabe’s much younger wife and assured that his safety Grace. will be protected in his home “The outgoing country under a deal that led president is obviously aware to his resignation, sources of the public hostility to his close to the negotiations said wife, the anger in some circles on Thursday. about the manner in which

Mugabe, who had led she conducted herself and Zimbabwe from independence approached ZANU-PF party in 1980, stepped down on politics,” a second source said.

Tuesday after the army seized “In that regard, it became power and the ruling party necessary to also assure turned against him. Emmerson him that his whole family, Mnangagwa, the former vice including the wife, would be president sacked by Mugabe safe and secure.” earlier this month, is set to Mugabe had clung be sworn in as president on on to power for a week after Friday. the military intervened. He

A government source angered many Zimbabweans said Mugabe, who is 93 and when he did not resign in a was the world’s oldest serving televised address on Sunday head of state, told negotiators as many had anticipated. he wanted to die in Zimbabwe The government and had no plans to live in source said the tipping point exile. for Mugabe was the realization

“It was very emotional that he would be impeached for him and he was forceful and ousted in an undignified about it,” said the source, who way. “When the process is not authorized to speak on started, he then realized he the details of the negotiated had lost the party,” the source settlement. said.

“For him it was Mugabe will receive very important that he be a retirement package that guaranteed security to stay in includes a pension, housing, the country...although that will holiday and transport not stop him from traveling allowance, health insurance, abroad when he wants to or limited air travel and security. has to.”

The elderly ex Mugabe resigned as president was “rugged and parliament began a process to drained” by events of the impeach him, sparking wild past week and may travel to celebrations in the streets. Singapore for medical checks His sudden fall after 37 years in the coming weeks, the

source said. He had been due to leave for the Southeast Asian country in mid-November before the military put him under house arrest.

Mugabe has maintained that he leads a frugal life and that he does not possess any wealth or properties outside Zimbabwe.

But last month a legal Former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe quarrel between Grace and a growth is threatened by high “The people have Belgian-based businessman government spending, an spoken. The voice of the over a $1.3 million diamond untenable foreign exchange people is the voice of God,” ring lifted a veil on the wealthy regime and inadequate Mnangagwa told thousands lifestyle of Mugabe and his reforms. Immediate action is of supporters gathered wife, nicknamed “Gucci Grace” critical, Gene Leon, IMF outside the ruling ZANU-PF for her reputed dedication to mission chief for Zimbabwe party’s offices in the capital. shopping. said.

On Thursday, Mnangagwa

In Zimbabwe, Mugabe Britain’s Minister for urged the country’s citizens runs a dairy business and Africa, meanwhile, said the not to undertake any form of the family has several farms former colonial power wants “vengeful retribution”. while local and foreign media Zimbabwe’s new rulers to Some of his have reported that Grace has place the country on a more supporters have been calling bought properties and luxury democratic and prosperous for unspecified action against cars in South Africa. path. the G40 group that backed

Zimbabwe was once “ Z i m b a b w e a n s Mugabe and his wife. one of Africa’s most promising suffered for too long as a result The army appears to economies but suffered of Mugabe’s ruinous rule,” have engineered a trouble-free decades of decline as Mugabe Minister Rory Stewart said on path to power for Mnangagwa, pursued policies that included arriving in Harare. who was for decades a faithful the violent seizure of whitelieutenant of Mugabe and owned commercial farms and MEET THE NEW BOSS member of his elite. money-printing that led to

His own human rights hyperinflation.

Addressing a record also stirs hostility in

Most of its 13 million cheering crowd in Harare on many Zimbabweans. people remain poor and Wednesday night, Mnangagwa Mnangagwa was face currency shortages and said Zimbabwe was entering Mugabe’s state security sky-high unemployment, a new stage of democracy. He minister in the 1980s when a something Mnangagwa had returned to the country Korean-trained army brigade promised to address. earlier in the day, having fled cracked down on the minority An International for his safety when Mugabe Ndebele, who supported the Monetary Fund official said sacked him as vice president PF-ZAPU party of Mugabe’s Zimbabwe’s economic situation two weeks ago to smooth a then-main rival Joshua remained “very difficult” as path to the succession for Nkomo. sustainable Grace.

U.S. to end protected status for Haitians in July 2019

WASHINGTON - The United States in July 2019 will end a special status given to about 59,000 Haitian immigrants that protects them from deportation after a devastating 2010 earthquake, senior Trump administration officials said.

The decision by acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke gives Haitians 18 months to return to their impoverished Caribbean country or legalize their status in the United States.

Former President Barack Obama’s administration granted Haitian nationals in the United States so-called Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, for 18 months after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, in January 2010, killing more than 300,000 people.

The Obama administration extended the status several times after the initial designation.

Duke decided to terminate the special status after a U.S. review of the conditions in Haiti found the country had made considerable progress, a senior official with President Donald

Trump’s administration told a briefing.

“It was assessed overall that the extraordinary but temporary conditions that served as the basis of Haiti’s most recent designation has sufficiently improved such that they no longer prevent nationals of Haiti from returning safely,” the official said.

In May, then-Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly extended the status for Haitians for six months through January 2018.

At the time, Kelly told reporters that TPS “is not meant to be an open-ended law but a temporary law.”

The decision to end TPS for Haitians is part of Trump’s broader efforts to tighten restrictions on immigration, and comes despite calls from even some fellow Republicans to continue the relief.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida published an opinion piece in the Miami Herald on Friday urging the administration to renew Haiti’s TPS designation for another 18 months, citing ongoing natural disasters, health epidemics and security issues since the 2010 quake.

Islamic State beheads 15 of its own fighters

JALALABAD, Afghanistan - Islamic State beheaded 15 of its own fighters due to infighting in Afghanistan’s eastern province of Nangarhar, officials said, while a separate suicide attack on Thursday tore into a crowd in the provincial capital, Jalalabad, killing at least eight.

The two incidents underline the insecurity and lawlessness across Afghanistan, where thousands of civilians have been killed or wounded this year amid unrelenting violence involving militant groups including Islamic State and the Taliban.

In a bloody day for the province, a suicide bomber blew himself up, killing at least eight people at a meeting of supporters of a police commander who was sacked for illegal land grabbing.

There was no claim of responsibility and no immediate indication of who was behind the attack on the crowd in Jalalabad, which had gathered to demand the reinstatement of the commander, who survived the attack.

A spokesman for the

Jalalabad hospital confirmed eight people had been killed and 15 wounded.

Nangarhar, on the porous border with Pakistan, has become a stronghold for Islamic State, generally known as Daesh in Afghanistan, which has grown to become one of the country’s most dangerous militant groups since it appeared around the start of 2015.

Attaullah Khogyani, the provincial governor’s spokesman, said the 15 Islamic State fighters were executed after a bout of infighting in the group, which has become notorious for its brutality.

The killings occurred in the Surkh Ab bazaar of Achin district.

Further details were not available and there was no confirmation from Islamic State, whose local branch is known as Islamic State in Khorasan, an old name for the area that includes modern Afghanistan.

The Taliban and Islamic State have frequently fought each other in Nangarhar and both have been targeted by sustained U.S. air strikes.

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 37

WORLD NEWS

Trump starts paying his own legal bills on Russia probe

WASHINGTON U.S. former campaign chief and another Dowd said White House counsel Don President Donald Trump has begun aide, while a third former adviser McGahn and campaign lawyer Ben Ginsberg of Jones Day are working to paying his own legal bills related to pleaded guilty.

Attorney General Jeff structure that fund, which would be the Russia investigation and will no longer cover the costs using political Sessions has offered shifting accounts subject to rules that prohibit staff from donations to his re-election campaign of his Russia contacts while he was receiving gifts or pro bono legal service.

The president is exempt from or the Republican Party, his attorneys a campaign adviser, including with confirmed.

Moscow’s former ambassador to the those rules, Dowd said.

“The geniuses are working

Trump defense lawyer John United States, Sergei Kislyak, and Dowd said that following payments by his knowledge of contacts between the on it,” Dowd said. “If it passes muster the Republican National Committee, campaign and Russian intermediaries. with the tax lawyers and accountants, the president began paying the bills But Sessions made light of the then it has to pass muster with the and now wants to make the party investigation during a speech on Office of Government Ethics.”

During former President Bill “even.” The RNC confirmed it is no Friday before a conservative lawyers’ Clinton’s administration, private funds longer paying the bills. group.

“Is Ambassador Kislyak in the were raised to cover Clinton’s legal

The expenses cover personal lawyers representing Trump in special room? Before I get started here, any expenses related to the Whitewater prosecutor Robert Mueller’s probe of Russians?” Sessions said, prompting investigation. Under former President possible collusion between the Trump applause and laughter from the George W. Bush, a legal fund was set campaign and Russia in last year’s crowd at the Federalist Society event. up to help former Bush staffer Lewis election. Moscow has denied meddling “Anybody been to Russia? Got a cousin “Scooter” Libby, but only after he had left White House employment. in the election, and Trump has denied in Russia or something?”

In August, Reuters first

Special White House counsel any collusion.

The investigation has hounded Ty Cobb said the administration was reported that the RNC was paying Trump’s presidency. Mueller already working with others to establish a legal Trump’s legal bills, which amounted has secured an indictment of Trump’s fund for current and former staffers. to more than $230,000 that month.

Brussels eyes December Brexit deal

BRUSSELS - When Theresa May visits Brussels on Friday, EU negotiators will be listening intently for signs the British prime minister is preparing to risk a domestic backlash and raise her offer to secure a Brexit deal in December.

European Union officials and diplomats from the other 27 member states involved in the process hope that within a week to 10 days of meeting European Council President Donald Tusk, during a summit with ex-Soviet neighbors, May will deliver movement on three key conditions so that her EU peers can launch a new phase of Brexit negotiations when they meet on Dec. 14-15.

“I don’t know what room for maneuver May has, but what we can see is a willingness to act,” one senior EU official told Reuters. Another spoke of efforts to arrange the “choreography” of a deal over the next three weeks, including an EU-UK “joint report” pinning down interim accords to unlock talks on trade.

“I feel the tectonic plates moving now,” a diplomat handling Brexit for an EU government said.

“Time is running out and a failure in the December Council would serve nobody’s purpose.”

There has been only a day of top-level talks between the two lead negotiators since a mid-October summit that dismissed May’s call for immediate talks on a future trade agreement.

But talks are continuing apace behind the scenes, ahead of a deadline of early December to strike a deal which can then be formalized by the 27 government leaders at the summit.

“Everyone is talking to everyone already, at all levels,” the European Commission’s chief spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters on Thursday when he confirmed that May would meet Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels on Monday, Dec. 4.

That is two days before envoys from the 27 meet on Dec. 6 to discuss a first draft of the Dec. 14-15 summit conclusions, including, crucially, whether the leaders should accept Britain has made “sufficient progress” to merit opening trade talks.

HOPES

Hopes in Brussels have been raised by reports in British media that May has secured backing from pro-Brexit hardliners in her cabinet to increase the amount of a financial settlement of what Britain owes to the Union when it leaves in March 2019.

“If there is a political willingness in Britain, we should be ready,” a senior EU official said, while warning that nothing was being taken for granted.

May’s room for maneuver to cut a deal that would please business while irritating Britons who want a sharper break with Brussels is limited. And Germany and France, the Union’s lead powers, have taken a tough line so far.

The payments were made to Trump’s outside legal team, which includes Dowd.

Additionally, Trump’s reelection campaign paid more than $300,000 this year in bills to lawyers representing his son, Donald Trump Jr., according to public disclosures.

The campaign did not respond to a request for comment on whether it will continue to pay for Trump Jr’s legal expenses.

The Federal Election Commission allows use of private campaign funds to pay legal bills arising from being a candidate or elected official.

While previous presidential campaigns have used these funds to pay for routine legal matters such as ballot access disputes and compliance requirements, Trump is the first president in the modern campaign finance era to use such funds on the costs of responding to a criminal probe, said election law experts.

Possible explosion detected near Argentine submarine’s last-known location

MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina - The Argentine navy raised the possibility on Thursday that a navy submarine missing in the South Atlantic suffered an explosion, heightening concerns over the fate of the 44 crew members on the eighth day of an international search effort.

A sound detected underwater by an international agency on the morning of Nov. 15, around the time the ARA San Juan sent its last signal and in the same area, was “consistent with an explosion,” navy spokesman Enrique Balbi told reporters.

The sub had only a seven-day supply of oxygen, a fact that drained hope from some of the relatives of the crew who have gathered at the vessel’s base in the city of Mar del Plata.

“What’s the point of hope if it’s already over?” Itati Leguizamon, wife of one of the missing crew members, told reporters.

The navy did not have enough information to say what the cause of the explosion could have been or whether the vessel might have been attacked, Balbi said.

Search-and-rescue crews were undeterred by a series of false leads that raised hope over recent days that the sub might be located. Asked during an evening news conference about the fate of the 44 sailors, Balbi said the situation was “critical”.

“We are not going to enter

into conjecture out of respect for “acoustic anomaly” in the same the families,” he added. area and around the same time.

The information about The San Juan was some 430 km the possible explosion was (270 miles) off the Patagonian received on Thursday from the coast when it sent its last signal.

Comprehensive Nuclear Test- “This is very important Ban Treaty Organization, or because it allows us to correlate CTBTO, an international body and confirm the acoustic anomaly that runs a global network of from the U.S. report yesterday,” listening posts designed to check Balbi said. “Here, we’re talking for secret atomic blasts. about a singular, short, violent,

The Vienna-based agency, non-nuclear event, consistent which has monitoring stations with an explosion.” equipped with devices including In Vienna, CTBTO underwater microphones that hydroacoustic engineer Mario scan the oceans for sound waves, Zampolli said the signal his said in a statement that two of its agency had detected “could be stations had detected an unusual consistent with an explosion signal near where the submarine but there is no certainty about went missing. The agency was this.” Speaking to Reuters, he more guarded about whether agreed with Balbi’s description of that was caused by an explosion. the signal as unusual and short, adding that the cause was nonOPTIMISM FADES natural.

The submarine was A huge sea and air hunt is en route from Ushuaia, the being conducted for the San southernmost city in the world, Juan, a German-built, diesel- to Mar del Plata, 400 km (250 electric powered submarine miles) south of Buenos Aires, that was launched in 1983, as when it reported an electrical crew members’ relatives waited malfunction shortly before anxiously for news more than a disappearing. week after the vessel disappeared.

Some relatives have The relatives had been largely questioned authorities for letting optimistic until Thursday. the crew navigate on an ageing They shed tears and insulted submarine - criticism that has authorities after being briefed on highlighted the armed forces’ the news of the possible explosion. dwindling resources since the They were told about it before end of a military dictatorship in the public announcement. the 1980s.

Balbi said the news Authorities have said the of the abnormal sound was level of maintenance, not the age, consistent with a separate report was what mattered, and that the received on Wednesday of an vessel was in good condition.

Page 38

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

WORLD NEWS

Mass killer, cult leader Charles Manson dies at 83

Manson died of natural causes Sunday evening at a Kern County hospital, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a statement. It gave no further details of the circumstances surrounding his death.

He had been serving a life sentence at the nearby Corcoran State Prison for ordering the murders of nine people, including actress Sharon Tate.

Long after Manson had largely faded from headlines, he loomed large as a symbol of the terror he unleashed in the summer of 1969.

“The very name Manson has become a metaphor for evil,” the late Vincent Bugliosi, who prosecuted Manson, told the Los Angeles Times in 1994.

A recent photograph showed the gray-bearded killer’s face still bearing the scar of a swastika he carved into his forehead decades earlier.

Manson became one of the 20th century’s most notorious criminals when he directed his mostly young, female followers to murder seven people in what prosecutors said was part of a plan to incite a race war.

GRAFFITI WITH VICTIMS’ BLOOD

Tate, aged 26 and eight months pregnant, was stabbed 16 times in the early morning hours of Aug. 9, 1969, by members of Manson’s

cult at the rented hillside house she

Manson aspired to be a rock shared with her husband, filmmaker star, and through one of his followers Roman Polanski, in the Benedict befriended Dennis Wilson, drummer of Canyon area of Los Angeles. the Beach Boys, who would go on base

Four friends of the celebrity their 1969 song “Never Learn Not to couple, including coffee heiress Abigail Love” on a Manson composition.

Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring,

Wilson introduced Manson to were also stabbed or shot to death music producer Terry Melcher, who that night by Manson followers, who later snubbed him. Melcher, along with scrawled the word “Pig” in blood on his then-girlfriend, actress Candice the home’s front door before leaving.

Bergen, had previously rented the Polanski was away in Europe at the Benedict Canyon house. time.

The brutality of the killings

The following night, members stunned the nation. of Manson’s group stabbed grocery

“There was a lot of fear,” owner Leno LaBianca and his wife Charles Manson in 2011 Bugliosi, author of the chilling book Rosemary to death, using their blood his youth shuttled between relatives about the murders, “Helter Skelter,” to write, “Death to Pigs” and “Healter and juvenile detention halls. By age told the Times in 1994. “The words Skelter” - a misspelled reference to the 13, he had been convicted of armed printed in blood made it especially Beatles song “Helter Skelter” - on the robbery. frightening for the Hollywood crowd.” walls and refrigerator door.

Newly paroled from prison in

Although Manson did not 1967, he began attracting members of SENSATIONAL TRIAL personally kill any of the seven victims, his “family” in San Francisco’s Haighthe was found guilty of ordering their Ashbury district, which had become a Denied his request to represent murders. haven for the hippie youth culture. himself during his 9-1/2 month trial,

He was later convicted of The group moved with his Manson showed up in court with an ordering the murders of music teacher followers to the Los Angeles area, “X” carved into his forehead, and would Gary Hinman, stabbed to death in July eventually settling at Spahn Ranch, later alter it into a swastika.

1969, and stuntman Donald “Shorty” site of an outdoor movie location Co-defendants Susan Atkins, Shea, stabbed and bludgeoned that used for Western films and TV shows. Leslie Van Houten and Patricia August.

Communal sex and drug use were Krenwinkel cut “X”s in their foreheads,

Manson was sentenced to a way of life as Manson became a shaved their scalps, sang Mansondeath for the Tate-LaBianca murders, messiah to the runaways, outcasts written songs and giggled through but his sentence was commuted to life and criminals drawn by his charisma, chilling testimony. in prison after the California Supreme intimidation and twisted spiritualism.

At one point, Manson tried to Court abolished capital punishment in One follower told authorities leap over the defense table at the judge, the state in 1972. she had seen Manson bring a bird back snarling: “In the name of Christian

Born Charles Milles Maddox to life by breathing on it. Another said justice, someone should cut your head on Nov. 12, 1934, in Cincinnati to a he could see and hear everything she off.” The judge began carrying a gun 16-year-old girl, Manson spent much of did and said. afterward.

Despite 7 women’s statements, Bush unlikely to be prosecuted

HOUSTON — Allegations plans to report the 41st president to that former President George H.W. authorities. That appears to be the Bush inappropriately touched seven only incident that hasn’t reached the women involve potential crimes local statute of limitations on how punishable by fines or jail time, if they long a crime can be prosecuted after it had been prosecuted. occurs.

All but one of the cases is The incidents occurred in ineligible under state laws that limit three states over a decade. In all of the when a prosecution can begin after cases, the women say Bush touched an alleged crime, and several lawyers their buttocks as they stood next to interviewed said that it would be him to take photos. All three states difficult to win a conviction against have laws against touching someone Bush, who has vascular parkinsonism, without their consent. a rare syndrome that mimics The women’s stories broadly Parkinson’s disease. follow the same outline: Bush patted

“You’re still going to be facing them below the waist as they stood prosecuting a 93-year-old man in a next to him to take photos, sometimes wheelchair that’s a former president,” with a joke about his favorite magician said Toby Shook, a lawyer who or writer being named “David Cop-apreviously served as a prosecutor in Feel.”

Dallas. “I doubt if you could ever find Bush has issued repeated a jury that would ever want to convict apologies through a spokesman him.” “to anyone he has offended.” The There’s no indication spokesman, Jim McGrath, said in prosecutors are planning to pursue a a statement last month that Bush case against Bush. Jordana Grolnick, has used a wheelchair for roughly an actress who alleged that Bush five years, and that “his arm falls on groped her behind last year as his the lower waist of people with whom wife, Barbara, stood nearby, told The he takes pictures.” In a statement Associated Press that she has no Monday, McGrath said, “George Bush

Venezuela opposition leader Ledezma flees to Spain

simply does not have it in his heart to knowingly cause anyone distress, and he again apologizes to anyone he offended during a photo op.”

McGrath did not respond to a request for additional comment Tuesday.

Actress Heather Lind was the first to accuse Bush of groping her, saying in an Oct. 24 Instagram post that Bush “touched me from behind” and told “a dirty joke” while they posed for a photo at a Houston screening of the AMC television series “Turn.”

Six more women have come forward since then, including Roslyn Corrigan, who told Time magazine Monday that Bush groped her as they took a photo in 2003, when Corrigan was 16, during an event in The Woodlands, a Houston suburb.

Broadway actress Megan Elizabeth Lewis also told NJ.com that Bush groped her at the performance of a musical in Houston in 2009.

The AP generally does not identify victims of sexual assault without their consent, but is using the names of women who have spoken publicly on social media or in news

Former President George H. W. Bush leaves a news conference at the Houston hospital where his wife Barbara has spent a week after surgery for a perforated ulcer. Another woman has stepped forward to accuse former President George H.W. Bush of inappropriately touching her. Roslyn Corrigan told Time magazine that she was 16 when Bush grabbed her buttocks as she posed for a photo with him in 2003 at a gathering of CIA officers north of Houston. reports.

Four of the incidents are reported to have occurred in Texas.

Shook said that under Texas law, touching someone’s buttocks over the person’s clothing would most likely be grounds for a misdemeanor assault charge, with only a $500 fine and no jail time.

CARACAS/BOGOTA Veteran Ledezma, the best-known detained our hands,” he also said, adding that he Venezuelan opposition leader Antonio opponent of leftist President Nicolas would soon meet with Spanish Prime Ledezma, under house arrest since 2015 Maduro after Leopoldo Lopez, had Minister Mariano Rajoy. for alleged coup plotting, escaped across spearheaded street protests against The 62-year-old former Caracas the border to Colombia on Friday and Maduro in 2014 that led to months of metropolitan mayor said he had gone later flew to Spain. violence and 43 deaths. past 29 police and army controls during With a 2018 presidential election looming, “In Spain today I feel free,” he said at a clandestine, overland journey that he an array of major Venezuelan opposition Madrid’s Barajas airport, where he kept secret from his loved ones. figures are now in exile, detention or are arrived in the early hours of Saturday. He “I ask my wife and daughters to understand. barred from holding office. was cheered by a small crowd including They have suffered long hours of anguish They say Maduro has turned Venezuela his wife and two daughters, who were without knowing where I was,” he told into a dictatorship, while the government already in Spain. Supporters chanted the reporters in the Colombian border town of Cucuta after crossing a bridge from accuses them of joining forces with a U.S.- Venezuelan anthem. led global plot to topple him.

“Let’s not permit that Venezuela dies in San Antonio in Venezuela.

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 39

WORLD NEWS

Leonardo da Vinci’s Christ painting sells for record $450M

NEW YORK — A painting of Christ by the Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci sold for a record $450 million (380 million euros) at auction, smashing previous records for artworks sold at auction or privately.

The painting, “Salvator Mundi,” Latin for “Savior of the World,” is one of fewer than 20 paintings by Leonardo known to exist and the only one in private hands. It was sold by Christie’s auction house, which didn’t immediately identify the buyer.

“‘Salvator Mundi’ is a painting of the most iconic figure in the world by the most important artist of all time,” said Loic Gouzer, co-chairman of post-war and contemporary art at Christie’s. “The opportunity to bring this masterpiece to the market is an honor that comes around once in a lifetime.”

The highest price paid for a work of art at auction had been $179 million (152 million euros), for Pablo Picasso’s painting “Women of Algiers (Version O)” in May 2015, also at Christie’s in New York. The highest known sale price for any artwork had been $300 million (253 million euros), for Willem de Kooning’s painting “Interchange,” sold privately

in September style robes, his 2015 by the David right hand raised Geffen Foundation in blessing as his to hedge fund left hand holds a manager Kenneth crystal sphere.

C. Griffin.

Its path

A backer from Leonardo’s of the “Salvator workshop to the Mundi” auction auction block had guaranteed at Christie’s a bid of at least was not smooth. $100 million (85 Once owned by million euros). The King Charles I bidding opened at of England, it $75 million and disappeared from ran for 19 minutes. view until 1900, The price hit $300 The painting, “Salvator Mundi,” Latin for when it resurfaced million about “Savior of the World,” and was acquired halfway through by a British the bidding. collector. At that time it was attributed

People in the auction house to a Leonardo disciple, rather than to gallery applauded and cheered when the master himself. the bidding reached $300 million and The painting was sold again when the hammer came down on the in 1958 and then was acquired in final bid, $400 million. The record 2005, badly damaged and partly sale price of $450 million includes the painted over, by a consortium of art buyer’s premium, a fee paid by the dealers who paid less than $10,000 winner to the auction house.

(8,445 euros). The art dealers restored The 26-inch-tall the painting and documented its (66-centimeter-tall) Leonardo authenticity as a work by Leonardo. painting dates from around 1500 and The painting was sold shows Christ dressed in Renaissance- Wednesday by Russian billionaire

Dmitry Rybolovlev, who bought it in 2013 for $127.5 million (108 million euros) in a private sale that became the subject of a continuing lawsuit.

Christie’s said most scholars agree the painting is by Leonardo, though some critics have questioned the attribution and some say the extensive restoration muddies the work’s authorship.

Christie’s capitalized on the public’s interest in Leonardo, considered one of the greatest artists of all time, with a media campaign that labeled the painting “The Last Da Vinci.” The work was exhibited in Hong Kong, San Francisco, London and New York before the sale.

In New York, where no museum owns a Leonardo, art lovers lined up outside Christie’s Rockefeller Center headquarters on Tuesday to view “Salvator Mundi.”

Svetla Nikolova, who’s from Bulgaria but lives in New York, called the painting “spectacular.”

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said. “It should be seen. It’s wonderful it’s in New York.

I’m so lucky to be in New York at this time.”

21st Century Fox in $90 million settlement tied to sexual harassment scandal Twenty-First Century Fox Inc has reached a $90 million settlement of shareholder claims arising from the sexual harassment scandal at its Fox News Channel, which cost the jobs of longtime news chief Roger Ailes and anchor Bill O‘Reilly.

The settlement, which requires a judge’s approval, resolves what are known as “derivative” claims against Fox officers and directors, including: Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan, who are Fox’s executive chairmen; James Murdoch, another son and its chief executive, and Ailes’ estate.

The defendants did not

admit wrongdoing in agreeing to the settlement filed with the Delaware Chancery Court.

Monday’s settlement calls for insurers of Fox officers, Fox directors and Ailes’ estate to pay the $90 million to the New York-based company for the benefit of shareholders.

Fox will enhance governance and said it created the Fox News Workplace Professionalism and Inclusion Council to ensure a proper workplace environment, bolster training and further the recruitment and advancement of women and minorities.

The council has four independent members, including former federal judge

Channel, said in a statement.

Barbara Jones.

In a typical derivative “We look forward to benefiting case, shareholders sue in from their collective guidance.” the name of a company to Shareholders were remedy wrongs inflicted by led by the City of Monroe Retirement an alleged lack of oversight Employees’ by a company’s officers and System in Michigan. Their directors. lawyer, Max Berger, said in a

Ailes’ estate disputed statement the accord would many of the allegations in the provide “meaningful benefits” settlement, which was reached for shareholders and Fox before a complaint was News employees.

The accord is not the formally filed, court records show. first big derivative settlement a Murdoch-led “The Workplace involving Council gives our management company.

In 2013, former Fox team access to a braintrust of experts with deep and diverse parent News Corp reached experiences in workplace a $139 million settlement issues,” Jack Abernethy, of derivative claims that its co-president of Fox News board turned a blind eye to

phone hacking at its London tabloids.

Two years later, the Delaware court approved a $275 million settlement involving “Call of Duty” videogame maker Activision Blizzard Inc over a stock sale

by Vivendi SA.

The scandal at Fox began in July 2016 when former anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit accusing Ailes of harassment. O‘Reilly lost his job in April after being accused of harassment, and has denied wrongdoing.

Ailes died the next month. Fox faces other private civil litigation tied to the scandal.

Trump’s cheeseburger in Japan still drawing lines While better known for sushi,

TOKYO — Haruyuki Sano traveled 1 ½ hours for a taste of the soba and tempura, Japan has had a same cheeseburger U.S. President long love affair with American food.

Donald Trump ate with Japan’s prime So-called “premium burgers,” which are twice the price or more of fast-food minister during his visit last week.

“It tasted great, like steak,” versions, are growing popular. the pastry-maker said after savoring The “President Trump Set,” a the 100 percent U.S. Angus beef Colby new addition to the menu at Munch’s Jack Cheeseburger at Tokyo’s tiny Burger, includes a serving of coleslaw and a side of fries with the cheeseburger Munch’s Burger Shack on Thursday.

The lines out the door during lunchtime and sells for 1,400 yen ($12). The juicy are getting longer than ever, thanks to beef patty comes layered with crisp lettuce, melted cheese and tomato Trump.

Trump’s tough talk on issues between hot soft buns.

These days, it’s one of the such as trade and security tend to get a mixed response in Japan, which sees most popular orders, says owner-cumthe U.S. as its most important ally chef Yutaka Yanagisawa, who recalls and partner. But Trump’s love for the Trump shaking his hand after eating Japanese take on the all-American the burger and saying, “Very good. hamburger is striking a chord with Very good.” many here.

“I felt so honored,” he said,

“I like Trump,” said Sano, adding that all he could muster in stressing that putting one’s country reply was “thank you.”

Since Trump wanted his meat first amid globalization made a lot of sense, and Japan should do that, too. well-done, that’s how the order was

placed for both burgers in case the servings get mixed up on the table.

“That would have been a disaster,” Yanagisawa said with a laugh.

He has no idea why he was chosen. One of his two stores is near the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, but it was the Japanese Foreign Ministry that reached out to him.

Yanagisawa was asked to bring the ingredients and his equipment to prepare the burgers, not just for the leaders but for an entourage of about 20 people, at a kitchen at the country club where the leaders were dining, he said.

The security checks were surprisingly simple, with no metal detectors, although a Trump staff member checked the food and watched the entire time he was cooking, he said.

The experience of eating out in Tokyo is increasingly about fun storytelling, such as sharing Instagram photos of

meals, said Jotaro Fujii, a Tokyo-based food consultant and the founder of Subway Japan.

And so the “Trump effect” for the humble burger joint is expected to be huge.

“Talk of lines brings more lines,” said Fujii. “Rather than mere taste, the value and joy come from being able to say: I had the same burger as Trump.”

Munch’s Burger Shack is up against some competition. Not only are there the ubiquitous McDonald’s and Burger King chains, and relative newcomer Shake Shack, but Japanese burger joints are popping up, such as Shake Tree, which serves a breadless burger.

Yanagisawa’s dream is to open a restaurant in New York. He hopes to show what Japanese sensitivity and attention to detail can bring to a burger.

Page 40

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

The Sands is now accepting applications/résumé for the following positions. Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply: EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER Responsibilities: Uphold and update established Housekeeping and Laundry operating procedures and standards.

Develop, implement and coordinate new Housekeeping and Laundry procedures.

Plan and coordinate housekeeping staff job duties, responsibilities, and activities including that of housekeeping managers and supervisors.

Coordinate and complete inspections of assigned areas for quality checks and cleanliness controls in accordance to standards.

Coordinate, administer and complete administrative tasks as required.

REQUIREMENTS Education: Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum of five years as an Executive Housekeeper is required.

The individual must possess Housekeeping and Laundry Department management working knowledge, and experience, skills and abilities. Must be able to explain, demonstrate and perform all related job duties, functions, and responsibilities of Housekeeping and Laundry department operations.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS Education High school or equivalent education required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Experience Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a managerial position in the Housekeeping & Laundry Department.

Licenses or Certificates Executive Housekeeper Certification or time on the job equivalent as stated above required.

Essential Functions 1.Plans, organizes, directs and controls all housekeeping and laundry activities, maintains the high levels of cleanliness standards, orderly and attractive conditions on guest floors, public/common and employee areas.

Oversees, and implements working rules with proper execution to meet those standards.

2.Monitors and maintains a healthy and safe environment for owners, guests, employees, suppliers and vendors.

3.Conducts and keep records of goods received, housekeeping and laundry staff, inventories, cleaning projects, housekeeping checklists, and room inspections for guest rooms and public areas.

4.Familiarizes him /herself and carries out policies and procedures established by the Sands at Grace Bay. 5.Initiates and aides in effective communication within the department and other departments.

6.Carries out the following routine assignments as required.

(This list is not exhaustive) Salary start at $30, 000.00 commensurate with qualifications and experience NIGHT AUDITOR POSITION PURPOSE To maintain all necessary income reports and journals by accurately auditing the daily revenues of the hotel and it’s Outlets.

DAILY COMMUNICATIONS: 1.Reports directly to Financial Controller & Front Office Manager.

2.Interacts with front office, accounting, housekeeping and security staff, staff from other departments and Sands outlets as required.

3.Works closely with staff from the front office, accounts receivable, and front office supervisors and managers.

4.Coordinates and works closely with Front Office Manager and Sands Outlets regarding room posting requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Oversees all daily and periodic audits of hotel revenues ensuring timeliness, accuracy and completeness.

•Distributes the work to the appropriate accounting personnel.

•Spreads all miscellaneous wash accounts.

•Researches all unpaid tickets and properly posts charges.

•Posts all Sands Outlet charges accordingly to the correct account/s.

•Prepares all necessary daily and period end reports.

•Maintains filing system for daily information; registration cards, credit cards, restaurant charges, etc.

•Prepares the daily sales report.

•Prepares the Maintenance work logs for arrival rooms.

•Sends weekly sales information to corporate office in a timely manner.

•Completes period end journals.

•Completes forecast accuracy report of rooms, guests and outlets.

•Prepares reports as requested for improved management decision making and critical evaluation of work activities.

•Creates 100% guest satisfaction by providing Hartling Group Service Culture hospitality and by exceeding guest expectations.

•Gives personal attention, takes personal responsibility and uses teamwork when providing guest service.

•Listens, apologizes with empathy, finds a solution and follows through when resolving guest problems.

•Assumes the responsibility to notice when the guest is not satisfied and uses their best judgment as to when it is appropriate.

•Performs check-in and check-out of hotel guests and owners.

•Performs other duties as required and requested by management.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

•Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace to facilitate the communication process.

•Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written.

•Must have prior front desk or auditor experience.

•Must possess basic computational ability.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS Education Completion of High School or equivalent education preferred.

Experience Must have worked in hotels or other institution in a similar capacity.

Grooming Must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance per The Sands at Grace Bay standards.

Salary starts at $9.00 per hour HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR Responsibilities: •Ensures maximum efficiency in the performance of Housekeeping staff in guest rooms and surrounding areas.

•Familiarizes him / herself with and carries out the policies and procedures of The Sands.

•Offers all possible assistance to guests, initiates corrective action on complaints regarding guest cleanliness and servicing of guest rooms.

•Evaluates and updates the Executive Housekeeper on the performance of Housekeeping staff. Recommends appropriate action such as commendation and/or discipline.

Requirements: •High school diploma or equivalent.

•Must have supervised a minimum of 10-15 employees.

•Most work tasks are performed indoors and outdoors. Temperature is moderate and controlled by hotel environmental systems.

•Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 3 hours in length.

•Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. on a regular and continual basis.

•Must be able to push and/or pull carts and equipment weighing up to 200 lbs. on a regular and continual basis.

•Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space.

•Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch to fulfill cleaning tasks.

•Must have minimum of 3 years supervisory experience in the Hotel/ Resort and/or Hospitality Industry.

•Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.

•Must be able to read and write the primary language(s) to facilitate the communication process.

•Requires excellent communication skills, both verbal, written.

•Must possess basic computational ability and technological use of hotel PMS system, and Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook.

•Must work weekends and holidays.

•Must have reliable transportation to get to and from work.

•Must work PM shifts as business demands according to the operations policy.

Turks Island citizen’s only need to apply in person to Kitchandra McDonald, Assistant Human Resources Manager at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Labour Department, or e-mail: humanresource@thesandstc.com Resumes/CV’s must be in by December 08th, 2017.

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 41

The Sands is now accepting applications/résumé for the following positions. Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply: CONCIERGE AGENT

RESERVATIONS SALES AGENT

Responsibilities: •Consistent and professional operation of the switchboard •Provide prompt, efficient, professional check in and check out •Accurately complete guest reservations as required •Accurately answer all guest inquiries •To be aware of all packages and special rates offered by the property •Have a good understanding of sister properties •Have a strong understanding of area and activities and services •Perform other tasks as assigned •Work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team •Maintain confidentiality of guest information and pertinent hotel data

Responsibilities:

Requirements: •High school diploma •Must have experience in the Hotel/Resort and/or Hospitality Industry a minimum of 1 to 3 years combined experience preferred •Two to Three years of hotel front office experience required.

•One to Two years of hotel concierge experience preferred but not mandatory.

•Visual One experience is highly preferred •Strong Grammar, Reading and Writing Skills •Must have exceptional Customer Service Skills and hospitality Telephone Etiquette •Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace •Must possess basic computational ability (basic mathematics, word, excel, outlook) •Excellent interpersonal and communication skills •Highly organized and motivated •Work well under pressure Salary start at $8.00 per hour commensurate with qualifications and experience MAINTENANCE TECHINICAN Responsibilities: •To skillfully and professionally perform all scheduled maintenance related jobs.

•Account for time spent on individual works and actively seek further tasks when assigned tasks are completed.

•To advise the Maintenance Manager/Maintenance Supervisor when parts or supplies need to be reordered.

•Perform weekly and monthly physical counts of all inventory stock and tooling and requirements.

•Other duties as deemed necessary by the Maintenance Manager/ Maintenance Supervisor Requirements: •High school or equivalent education required •Must have Minimum professional qualification/certification in Plumbing/Carpentry//Electrical/ Mechanical and A/C related trades.

•Must have minimum of two years hands- on experience working on minor electrical, painting, plumbing, carpentry and a/c

•Handle incoming reservations, utilize up selling and value-added techniques •Process advance deposits •Process all electronic and faxed requests •Perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy •Be able to prioritize and organize incoming and outgoing work flow •Be a clear thinker, remaining calm and resolving problems using good judgment •Follow directions thoroughly •Understand guest service and request needs •Work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team •Work with minimal supervision •Maintain confidentiality of guest information and pertinent hotel data Requirements: •High school diploma •Must have experience in the Hotel/Resort and/or Hospitality Industry •Visual One/Opera experience is highly preferred •Must be able to type more than 40 words per minute •Strong Grammar, Reading and Writing Skills •Must have great Customer Service Skills and telephone etiquette •Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.

•Must possess basic computational ability (basic mathematics, word, excel, outlook) Salary start at $9.00 per hour DOMESTIC/WORKER* Applicants must have previous experience as a domestic work and cook. Must be comfortable and experienced around the care and walking of larger breed dogs and be willing to work 6 days a week including holidays and weekends.

Hours will need to be flexible in order to flex for evening service when required.

Nutritional food experience also an asset. Must have a willing, positive and personable attitude.

LINE POSITIONS HOUSEKEEPING ROOM ATTENDANT* HOUSEMAN*

LABOURER* GROUNDSMEN* FRONT DESK AGENT COMMON AREA ATTENDANT SECURITY OFFICER RESERVATIONS ADMINISTRATOR POOL & BEACH ATTENDANT Positions marked by asterisks are currently held by work permit persons. For the above line staff positions, Caribbean resort experience is an asset but not a requirement. Applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude, must be willing to work holidays and weekends as standard in the hospitality industry. Salary will commensurate with experience.

Salary start at $7.00 per hour

Turks Island citizen’s only need to apply in person to Kitchandra McDonald, Assistant Human Resources Manager at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Labour Department, or e-mail: humanresource@thesandstc.com Resumes/CV’s must be in by December 08th, 2017.

Page 42

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

BUSINESS &

TECHNOLOGY

Yellen to leave Fed board once successor Powell sworn in

WASHINGTON - Federal President Barack Obama Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said nominated her as Fed chief in she will resign her seat on the 2014.

Fed’s Board of Governors once

The economy “by most Jerome Powell is confirmed and metrics, is close to achieving sworn in to replace her as head of the Federal Reserve’s statutory the U.S. central bank. objectives of maximum

In a letter to President employment and price stability,” Donald Trump, which was released she wrote to Trump, a Republican. by the Fed, Yellen, 71, also vowed

Yellen was the first to “do my utmost to ensure a woman appointed to lead the Fed. smooth transition” to Powell, who Before that role, she was also was nominated to succeed her by president of the San Francisco Fed, Trump earlier this month. and head of the White House’s

Powell, also on the sevenCouncil of Economic Advisers member Fed board, must be under President Bill Clinton. She confirmed by the Senate before also served a separate term as a assuming his new job. He will Fed governor earlier in the 1990s. have a confirmation hearing next Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen

Her departure from the week before the Senate Banking It has been common Fed board will give Trump, who Committee, but no vote on his practice, however, for departing lauded the economy’s performance nomination has been scheduled.

Fed chiefs to also leave the board under Yellen but said he wanted to

It is expected that Powell at the same time as a courtesy to name his own Fed chief, that much will be in place when Yellen’s four- give the successor clear leadership more room to reshape the central year term as Fed chief ends in of the group. Board terms run for bank by opening up another spot February.

14 years. to fill.

Yellen, credited with In her letter to Trump, Should he choose to putting the economy on a firmer Yellen said she was “gratified do so, Trump will be able to footing and steering monetary by the substantial improvement appoint five of the board’s seven policy away from the firefighting in the economy since the crisis,” potential members, filling four mode that followed the 2007-2009 noting that 17 million net jobs had open seats alongside his sole recession and financial crisis, been added during roughly the board appointment to date of could have stayed on as a Fed last eight years. Yellen served as Randal Quarles as vice chair for governor until 2024. a Fed vice chair before Democratic supervision.

Uber hit with $8.9 million fine in Colorado over unqualified drivers

Colorado regulators fined Uber $8.9 million, saying the ride-services company allowed 57 people to drive for it although they lacked valid driver’s licenses or had committed other offenses that would have disqualified them.

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission said its probe found violations that included 12 drivers with felony convictions, 17 drivers with major moving-vehicle violations and three drivers with a type of driver’s license required after recent drunk-driving convictions.

“We have determined that Uber had background check information that should have disqualified these drivers under the law, but they were allowed to drive anyway,” Doug Dean, the commission’s director, said in a statement.

Uber Technologies Inc said in a statement it recently discovered an error in its background check process in Colorado and began working to correct the issue.

“This error affected a small number of drivers and we immediately took corrective action,” it said.

Uber has had a difficult year in the face of a federal probe into whether it broke bribery laws, allegations of sexual harassment, and other issues that led the company to bring in a new chief executive and take steps to improve its corporate culture.

Uber has about 600,000 drivers across the United States.

Apple scientists disclose self-driving car research

Research by Apple Inc computer scientists on how self-driving cars can better spot cyclists and pedestrians while using fewer sensors has been posted online, in what appears to be the company’s first publicly disclosed paper on autonomous vehicles.

The paper by Yin Zhou and Oncel Tuzel, submitted on Nov. 17 to independent online journal arXiv, is significant because Apple’s famed corporate

secrecy around future products has been seen as a drawback among artificial intelligence and machine learning researchers.

The scientists proposed a new software approach called “VoxelNet” for helping computers detect threedimensional objects.

Apple declined to comment.

Academics are used to freely sharing their work with peers at other organizations.

Yielding to that dynamic, Apple in

July established the Apple without help from a normal Machine Learning Journal camera linked to it in real for its researchers. Their time. work rarely appears outside But with new software, the the journal, which so far has Apple researchers said they not published any research were able to get “highly on self-driving cars. encouraging results” in Self-driving cars often use a spotting pedestrians and combination of normal two- cyclists with just LiDAR dimensional cameras and data. They also wrote they depth-sensing “LiDAR” units were able to beat other to recognize the world around approaches for detecting them. While the units supply three-dimensional objects depth information, their low that use only LiDAR. The resolution makes it hard to experiments were computer detect small, faraway objects simulations and did not

involve road tests.

Though Chief Executive Tim Cook has called self-driving cars “the mother of all AI projects,” Apple has given few hints about the nature of its self-driving car ambitious.

Last December, Apple told federal regulators it was excited about the technology and asked regulators not to restrict testing of the technology.

In April, Apple filed a selfdriving car testing plan with California regulators.

U.S. government warns businesses about cyber bug in Intel chips

The U.S. government urged was not clear how difficult it would businesses to act on an Intel Corp be to exploit the vulnerabilities to alert about security flaws in widely launch attacks, though they found used computer chips as industry the disclosure troubling because the researchers scrambled to understand affected chips were widely used. the impact of the newly disclosed “These vulnerabilities affect essentially every business computer vulnerability.

The Department of and server with an Intel processor Homeland Security gave the guidance released in the last two years,” said a day after Intel said it had identified Jay Little, a security engineer with security vulnerabilities in remote- cyber consulting firm Trail of Bits. management software known as For a remote attack to “Management Engine” that shipped succeed, a vulnerable machine with eight types of processors used would need to be configured to allow in business computers sold by Dell remote access, and a hacker would Technologies Inc, Lenovo Group Ltd, need to know the administrator’s HP Inc, Hewlett Packard Enterprise user name and password, Little said.

Co and other manufacturers.

Attackers could break in without

Security experts said that it those credentials if they have

physical access to the computer, he said.

Intel said that it knew of no cases where hackers had exploited the vulnerability in a cyber attack.

The Department of Homeland Security advised computer users to review the warning from Intel, which includes a software tool that checks whether a computer has a vulnerable chip. It also urged them to contact computer makers to obtain software updates and advice on strategies for mitigating the threat.

Intel spokeswoman Agnes Kwan said the company had provided software patches to fix the issue to all major computer manufacturers,

though it was up to them to distribute patches to computers users.

Dell’s support website offered patches for servers, but not laptop or desktop computers, as of midday Tuesday. Lenovo offered fixes for some servers, laptops and tablets and said more updates would be available Friday. HP posted patches to its website on Tuesday evening.

Security experts noted that it could take time to fix vulnerable systems because installing patches on computer chips is a difficult process.

“Patching software is hard.

Patching hardware is even harder,” said Ben Johnson, co-founder of cyber startup Obsidian Security.

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 43

BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY WORLD NEWS

YouTube steps up takedowns as concerns about kids’ videos grow

YouTube stepped up enforcement of its guidelines for videos aimed at children, the unit of Alphabet Inc’s Google said, responding to criticism that it has failed to protect children from adult content.

The streaming video service removed more than 50 user channels in the last week and stopped running ads on over 3.5 million videos since June, YouTube vice president Johanna Wright wrote in a blog post.

“Across the board we have scaled up resources to ensure that thousands of people are working around the clock to monitor, review and make the right decisions across our ads and content policies,” Wright said. “These latest enforcement changes will take shape over the weeks and months ahead as we work to tackle this evolving challenge.”

YouTube has become one of Google’s fastest-growing operations in terms of sales by simplifying the process of distributing video online but putting in place few limits on content.

Parents, regulators, advertisers and law enforcement have become increasingly concerned about the open nature of the service. They have contended that Google must do more to banish and restrict access to inappropriate videos, whether it be propaganda from religious extremists and Russia or comedy skits that appear to show children being forcibly drowned.

Concerns about children’s videos gained new force in the last two weeks after reports in BuzzFeed and the New York Times and an online essay by British writer James Bridle pointed out questionable clips.

A forum on the Reddit internet platform dubbed ElsaGate, based on the Walt Disney princess, also became a repository of problematic videos.

Several forum posts Wednesday showed support for YouTube’s actions while noting that vetting must expand even further.

Common Sense Media, an organization that monitors children’s content online, did not immediately respond to a request to comment about YouTube’s announcement.

YouTube’s Wright cited “a growing trend around content on YouTube that attempts to pass as family-friendly, but is clearly not” for the new efforts “to remove them from YouTube.”

The company relies on review requests from users, a panel of experts and an automated computer program to help its moderators identify material possibly worth removing.

Moderators now are instructed to delete videos “featuring minors that may be endangering a child, even if that was not the uploader’s intent,” Wright said. Videos with popular characters “but containing mature themes or adult humor” will be restricted to adults, she said.

In addition, commenting functionality will be disabled on any videos where comments refer to children in a “sexual or predatory” manner.

Digital currencies will not replace physical money soon: Bank of Japan official

TOKYO - Financial technology is fast revolutionizing the banking industry but digital currencies will not replace physical money any time soon, a senior Bank of Japan (BOJ) official said.

“It’s too far off,” Hiromi Yamaoka, head of the BOJ’s payment and settlement systems department, said on the sidelines of a forum on financial innovation hosted by Thomson Reuters.

“It would change the banking system too drastically.”

Bitcoin (virtual currency) coins placed on Dollar banknotes are seen in this illustration

Japan has become a picture front runner in the financial technology (fintech) industry, said in September they had online ledger of transactions with the government this year judged that blockchain – which maintained by a network of having recognized bitcoin as is best known as the system computers on the internet. legal tender and approved underpinning bitcoin - was not Financial firms hope several companies as operators mature enough to power the the nascent technology can of cryptocurrency exchanges. world’s biggest payment systems. reduce the cost and complexity

The BOJ last year set up “From a practical of burdensome processes such a section in charge of fintech to perspective, I think this is still as international payments and offer guidance to banks seeking ‘under construction’,” Yamaoka securities settlement. new business opportunities, and told the forum, referring to Banks are also using joined up with the European blockchain and DLT technology. fintech in other ways to make Central Bank to study He said the hype their financial services more distributed ledger technology surrounding initial coin offerings efficient, including smartphone (DLT) like blockchain. was “quite tremendous”. apps and artificial intelligence

But the BOJ and ECB

Blockchain is a public for advisory services.

Peter Thiel sells most of remaining Facebook stake

Facebook Inc’s first major investor Peter Thiel has sold three-quarters of his remaining stake in the social network as part of a previously established trading plan, a regulatory filing showed.

Thiel, who is a member of Facebook’s board had already sold more than $1 billion worth of its stock before the filing made on Tuesday.

It said he had sold another 160,805 shares for about $29 million, leaving his holdings at 59,913 Class A shares in the company.

The only major name in Silicon Valley to back President Donald Trump, some have

called for Thiel’s removal from Facebook’s board. Chief Executive and co-founder Mark Zuckerberg has said he should stay, citing the importance of diversity of opinion at the company.

A Facebook representative called Thiel’s sales routine and said there was nothing new to say about the billionaire’ s seat on the company’s board.

Representatives for the venture capitalist could not immediately be reached for comment.

Thiel co-founded payment service PayPal and is known for funding the Hulk Hogan lawsuit that led to the

shutdown of online news site Gawker. He became a Facebook investor in 2004 with an initial investment of $500,000 at a $5 million valuation.

When Zuckerberg took the company public in 2012, Thiel sold 16.8 million shares at the IPO for about $640 million. Later the same year, he sold roughly 20 million of his remaining 26 million shares for $400 million after the expiry of a lockup.

He hit the market once again in 2016 to sell a little less than 1 million shares for about $100 million.

Facebook shares were down 0.7 percent at $180.59 on Wednesday.

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

Page 44

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

LOCAL SPORTS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 45

CONCACAF Women’s Football Day, Turks & Caicos Islands

On Saturday November 18th, CONCACAF hosted it’s third annual Women’s Football Day where all 41 member associations within the confederation, including the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA), united to celebrate the platform of creating more opportunities for female to increase their participation in the male dominated sport - football. The Event, hosted under the theme “Every girl can play,” saw 80 female players participating from age groups Under 9 to adults, 8 coaches, and 3 referees. The Players were from all four TCIFA Youth

Development Programmes (i.e. Providenciales, Grand Turk, South Caicos, and North/Middle Caicos). At the end of the event, each player was awarded a certificate of participation to commemorate the day.

“Our aim is at consolidating a solid platform for the sustainable growth of women’s football within CONCACAF,” said CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice President, Victor Montagliani. “The third annual edition of the CONCACAF Women’s Football Day will be focused on providing further access for younger generations to

play the game.”

The Regional Confederation, on Women’s Football Day, also kicked off preparations for the CONCACAF U15 Girls Championship. Each member association, in this regard, was encouraged to host an activity with an aim to train its U15 girl’s team. The Turks and Caicos Islands, however without a complete U15 girls national team, welcomed the opportunity.

“The women’s game is in such a climate that it is critical that the world and regional governing bodies create ready opportunities for the younger generation

of females to play the game,” wider community. said TCIFA President, The TCI Women’s Football Team CONCACAF and FIFA National Council member, Sonia Bien- concluded the celebration Aime. “Encouraging free play with at the earliest opportunity an autographing session. with young females, will cast “The participation of the TCI Women’s National a Football Team in the success welcome net over these eager players who will not only learn of this event played a vital to love the game, but will be role as the young girls were the ones to grow football from very exited to receive personal the early stages to the highest autographs from them. We’re level of competition.” hoping that this event would

The event was inspire our younger players to well supported by TCIFA endeavor to pursue spots on members, TCI’s Minister of the national team and other Education, Youth, Sports and careers in football,” Said Library Services, Hon. Karen Candace Hanchell, TCIFA 2nd Vice President and Chairman Malcolm, as well as members of the of Women’s Football.

Women’s Football League Registration The FIFA Women’s Football Development Programmes offer member associations multifaceted support, which includes but is not limited to football gear and equipment.

This endeavor has assisted the Turks & Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) by refurbishing the Women’s Football League with sufficient football gear (i.e. athletic shorts, jerseys, socks, goal-keeping gloves, bibs, football boots, shin

guards and balls) for four teams. On the evening of Saturday November 18th, registration and distribution of gear for the Women’s Football League began.

Candace Hanchell, TCIFA 2nd Vice President and Chairman of Women’s Football thanked FIFA for their generous donation. “We are extremely grateful to FIFA for supplying the league with the necessary gears to kick start the

upcoming Women’s Football League.

We would also like to thank the volunteer coaches and encourage members of the community to become more involved by joining our volunteer programmes as it is vital to the success of our mission.Additionally, we look forward to having a greater participation of younger players and fresh faces.”

The Women’s Football League is currently accepting registration,

and it will remain open leading up to its commencement.

About TCIFA:

The Turks & Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) is a nonprofit organization in the business of football development throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands. The TCIFA has been in operation since 1996, and a member of FIFA since 1998.

Page 46

WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

SPORTS

Dimitrov comes of age to win ATP Finals title

LONDON - Grigor Dimitrov claimed the biggest title of his career and sent out a huge statement of intent as the stylish Bulgarian beat David Goffin 7-5 4-6 6-3 to win the ATP Finals last Sunday.

The 26-year-old recovered from losing his opening two service games to finally get the better of the willowy Belgian player, but it was fiercelyfought two-and-a-half hour duel with Goffin saving four match points before finally succumbing.

Dimitrov’s unbeaten run this week in London earned him $2.5 million while the 1,500 ranking points have catapulted him to end an impressive year ranked third in the world -- behind only all-time greats Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

More significantly perhaps, landing the unofficial “fifth” grand slam appears to be proof that the former junior Wimbledon champion, once dubbed ‘Baby Federer’ because of his easy-on-the-eye style, has finally come of age.

“It’s been an amazing week for me,” Dimitrov said on court after becoming the first player to win the elite eight-man tournament on his first appearance in the event since Spaniard Alex Corretja beat countryman Carlos Moya in 1998.

“It’s such an honour to be here and this week has been one of the best weeks I’ve ever had.”

He was still on court nearly an hour after the match ended, signing autographs for the sizeable Bulgarian contingent who had roared their man to victory.

Yet it was tough on Goffin who, like Dimitrov, was his country’s first qualifier for the ATP Finals.

His substantial consolation, though, was to end the year at a careerhigh seventh, having become only the sixth man to beat Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the same tournament.

He will need to recover fast from the two hour 30 minute final -the longest since the event adopted a three-set format -- as a Davis Cup final looms in France next weekend.

Many of the capacity crowd in the O2 Arena had doubtless booked their tickets in anticipation of watching the top two seeds Federer and Nadal go head-to-head but the two newcomers provided a fitting end to an extraordinary ATP season.

Goffin managed only two games against Dimitrov when they met on Wednesday in group play but recovered to beat Dominic Thiem to reach the semis where he stunned sixtimes champion Federer.

ATP World Tour Finals - The O2 Arena, London, Britain - November 19, 2017 Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov celebrates with the trophy after winning the final against Belgium’s David Goffin

For Dimitrov, he was quickly a different proposition in the final, using his pinpoint accuracy to keep his gifted opponent under control and he was way ahead on the winner count as he moved 4-3 ahead.

A double-fault at 30-30 followed by a wayward forehand, though, gifted Dimitrov a break and

seemed to energise the Bulgarian.

Dimitrov began to assert himself and piled on the pressure when Goffin served at 5-6. Goffin saved four set points, two with forehand winners, but double-faulted on a game point of his own before Dimitrov forced an error to wrap up the opener.

U.S. gymnastics Steph Curry tells fans to be team doctor Nassar respectful, civil when attempting pleads guilty to criminal #Currychallenge trick shot sexual conduct

NEW YORK -- Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry cautions people to keep it civil when attempting the #Currychallenge trick shot.

“I will just say be very mindful of the repercussions of messing with people’s stuff,” he told ESPN. “I do not condone violence. That is the only thing. I do not condone violence.”

The shot in question has a high degree of difficulty. Curry attempts it before most games, but on Nov. 6 before tipping off against the Miami Heat, he was successful and it immediately had the internet buzzing.

During the layup line, Curry received the ball, did a slow-motion Eurostep and then flipped the ball about 30 feet high.

It splashed in, barely tickling the net. The team celebrated. Curry and Draymond Green backbumped each other in the air and Kevin Durant started dancing.

Fans have gone to social media, posting videos trying to re-create that moment in their everyday lives. But one fan by the name of Samuel Grubbs, although a bit controversial, has taken the Curry challenge to another level.

A video shows him wearing a Curry jersey and dangling the mouthpiece in a grocery store while flipping an object in the air before it lands

Steph Curry in the grocery basket; then he’s screamed, “Hey, what are you in the parking lot tossing up a doing?” The boys promptly took cellphone that goes through an off running. Whoever was filming, open moonroof. sensing danger, said, “Oh snap.”

But the slightly dangerous Curry said he appreciates parts of the video are when he the comedic aspects of the video walks by a group of women sitting and appreciates everyone else at a table and tosses up a cup with who is performing their version an unknown liquid that splashes of the challenge, but he asks that on their table, startling them. It they refrain from impeding on an then shows him jump on the top individual’s space in doing so. of a car waiting at the stoplight; “It’s very creative,” Curry he Eurosteps on the roof before told ESPN regarding Grubbs’ video. throwing what looks like a Nerf “People are obviously having fun, ball into a toy hoop his friend was but please be respectful of other holding up. people’s property. I don’t want

The driver of the car anything to happen to anyone.” immediately jumped out and

Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor, pleaded guilty in a Michigan court on Wednesday to seven counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

In a press statement Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said Nassar had pleaded guilty in Michigan’s Ingham County court to felony criminal sexual conduct related to abuse under the guise of medical treatment

Nassar’s sentencing hearing has been set for January 12 when all of the 125 victims or their parents will be allowed to give victim impact statements.

Nassar was the team physician for the Michigan State University gymnastics and women’s crew teams as well as an associate professor at MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. He served as the USA Gymnastics physician through four Olympic Games.

Nassar had originally been charged with 22 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and 11 counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct at the state level but the Michigan Attorney General’s office agreed not to file additional charges after Wednesday’s plea.

The plea deal with prosecutors calls for a minimum prison sentence of 25 years but the judge could set the minimum as high as 40 years.

Nassar’s plea deal follows claims by two of the United States’ s most decorated gymnasts Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas that they had been sexually abused by the former USA Gymnastics team doctor.

Three-times Olympic gold medalist Douglas said on Tuesday she was sexually abused by Nassar while Raisman, also a three-times gold medalist, made similar allegations in an interview with CBS News program “60 Minutes” on Sunday.

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 47

WORLD SPORTS

LeBron James says Cavs ready to add Isaiah Thomas to rotation

All the while LeBron James spoke to reporters on Nov. 22 after shootaround at Cleveland Clinic Courts, Isaiah Thomas was on the floor, running and getting up shots.

The morning practice preceded the game later in the day between the red-hot Cavs and Brooklyn Nets at Quicken Loans Arena.

Thomas, the highscoring point guard who came to the Cavs on Aug. 30 in the mega-deal that saw Kyrie Irving move on to Boston, hasn’t yet played this season.

He’s still recovering from surgery for a torn labrum in the right hip that knocked him out of the playoff series against the Cavs in May.

The Cavs also obtained veteran forward Jae Crowder, rookie center-

forward Ante Zizic , a 2018 first-round draft pick and 2020 second-round pick.

Officially, neither the Cavs nor the two-time All-Star point guard who averaged 28.8 points and 5.9 assists per-game last season with the Celtics have said anything about the timetable for a return.

The initial estimates had Thomas being cleared to play in late December or early January. He has begun participating in five-on-zero offensive drills in practice but is not yet appearing in five-onfive practices.

However, based on the way he was moving while James talked to reporters, and the way his shot was falling from all points on the floor, it appears the 5-foot-9 guard may not be that far off from

making his debut with the Cavs.

James was asked how the Cavs, having finally righted their ship with five straight victories after a choppy, 5-7 start, would juggle a rotation that finally has coalesced to make room for Thomas.

James prefaced his answer by noting the schedule will dictate the circumstances of the 28-year-old Thomas’ return. It could be Thomas will do so with minimal practice.

“Sometimes that’s one of the best teachers, learning on the fly on the floor,” James said. “He’s a veteran and kind of knows what to expect.

Obviously, this has been another difficult challenge for him with this injury. We as the guys playing will have to figure out how to get him

Tiger ‘pain free’ and ready for return, says Day

14-times major champion, Tiger Woods

SYDNEY- Tiger Woods is waking up “pain free” for the first time in three years ahead of his return to golf at next week’s Hero World Challenge, his fellow former world number one Jason Day said.

Woods, who has not played competitive golf for 10 months as he recovers from a fourth operation on his back in three years, will be making his comeback next week at his own tournament in Albany, Bahamas.

“I did talk to him and he did say it’s the best he’s ever felt in three years, he doesn’t wake up with pain anymore, which is great,” Day said on Wednesday ahead of the Australian Open.

“I totally understand where he’s coming from because sometimes I wake up and it takes me about 10 minutes to get out of bed. For him to be in pain for three years is very frustrating.”

The winner of five tournaments in 2013, 41-year-old Woods has played just 19 events since.

The 14-times major champion made a previous comeback at the Hero World Challenge last year after

nearly 16 months on the sidelines, finishing 15th in a final field of 17.

He showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with accuracy.

Woods returned to the PGA Tour in January but missed the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open before shooting an opening-round 77 a week later at the European Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic and withdrawing.

In April, he said he had undergone a fourth operation on his back in three years.

Australian Day, now world number 12 after a lean spell of his own with no wins this year, said the Hero World Challenge was the perfect tournament for Woods to make his return.

“With regards to him playing next week, there’s no pressure,” Day added.

”It’s an 18-man field, there’s no cut ... it’s obviously a tournament that suits him, that he likes.

“He says he’s ready and I‘m hoping he is. From what he says, he’s been hitting it long and if he is hitting it long and straight, it’s going to be tough for us.”

Thomas, the high-scoring point guard, came to the Cavs on Aug. 30 acclimated as quickly as possible.”

James said he’d watched the two-part profile of Thomas on The Players Tribune, a website that gives professional athletes a form to express themselves. Thomas discussed the death of his sister earlier this year, the injury and his reaction to the trade.

“He had an opportunity to open up and tell his story about the transition that’s been going on the last

six or seven months,” James said. “You get an inside track on who the man is, who the husband is, who the father is and also his love for the game of basketball and his family.”

James was the founder of Uninterrupted, an online forum for athletes similar to The Players Tribune.

“I might get in his ear a little bit,” James said, smiling, when asked if Thomas would eventually appear on Uninterrupted.

Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas says doctor sexually abused her

Three-times Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas said on Tuesday she was sexually abused by former USA Gymnastics team physician Larry Nassar, the latest in a list of female athletes to accuse the doctor of misconduct.

Douglas, who last week was criticized for placing some of the onus on women to avoid sexual harassment, apologized again for her remarks while adding that she too was abused

by Nassar, who is in jail awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to federal child pornography charges.

In an Instagram post on Tuesday addressing last week’s comments that were viewed by some as victim shaming, Douglas wrote: ”It would be like saying that because of the leotards we wore, it was our fault that we were abused by Larry Nassar.

“I didn’t publicly share my experiences as well as many other things because for years we were conditioned to stay silent and honestly some things were extremely painful.”

Jeff Raymond, a publicist for Douglas, confirmed in an email that the gymnast was in fact “confirming that she too was a victim of Larry Nassar.”

Gabby Douglas

Nassar’s attorney, Matt Newburg, was not immediately available for comment but has previously said that due to a gag order imposed he had no comment.

Douglas is the third member of the ‘Fierce Five’ gymnastics team who won a team gold at the 2012 London Olympics to allege abuse

by Nassar, joining Aly Raisman and McKayla Maroney.

It was after Raisman’s allegations last week that Douglas wrote in a since-deleted post on Twitter that “it is our responsibility as women to dress modestly and be classy. Dressing in a provocative/ sexual way entices the wrong crowd.”

Murray splits with coach Lendl for second time

LONDON - Andy Murray has mutually agreed to end his relationship with coach Ivan Lendl for a second time, the British former world number one said on Friday.

Murray was coached by Lendl from 2011-14 before he rejoined his team in June last year, helping Murray capture his second Wimbledon title and his second Olympic gold in Rio.

Murray, 30, ended 2016 as world number one having triumphed in the ATP Finals but struggled with injury for much of this year, missing the U.S. Open and falling to 16th in the rankings.

“I‘m thankful to Ivan for all his help and guidance over the years, we’ve had great success and learned a lot as a team. My focus now is on getting ready for Australia with the team I have in place and getting back to competing,” Murray said on his website.

Czech-born Lendl won 94 singles titles during his 16-year professional playing career, including eight grand slam triumphs. He never won Wimbledon having reached the final twice, but coached Murray for his two successes at the All England Club.

Page 48

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

NOVEMBER 25TH, 2017 – DECEMBER 2ND, 2017

Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks and Caicos Islands | Tel:649 339 5879 | Fax: 649 941 3281